06/15/07 Ready for the Weekend

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. I love the weekend, but I hate grocery shopping on the weekend. So - I try to get it all done on Friday. Today we're going to talk about planning ahead for weekend wining and dining. Articles about wine, are featured in the Wednesday, lifestyle section of my local newspaper. I never fail to read something that inspires me to try a new wine or revisit an old favorite. These articles also offer me ideas for shopping for wines for the weekend. Lately there has been some resurgence in the interest of Cabernet Franc. This week my wine writer featured several wines made from it. Being one of the five major Bordeaux grapes Cabernet Franc was traditionally been blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. Although it is a grape, that when left on its own, tends to produce wines that have fruitier aroma and are lighter and less tannic than Cabernet Sauvignon. This makes them a perfect candidate for summer dining. Since most of our summertime faire comes off the grill Cabernet Franc seemed a perfect choice for this weekend. Milder meats seem to go well with Cabernet Franc so think about grilling some lamb kabobs that have been marinated in a simple oil and vinegar dressing. A grilled filet mignon would certainly fill the bill with your Cabernet Franc as well. If you are in the mood for fish; Ahi tuna tenderloin charred rare and thinly sliced would be a good match to this wine as well. Ask your wine merchant for recommendations of a nice Cabernet Franc and remember to shop on Friday in order to enjoy Saturday and Sunday and thanks for tuning in for today's Vine to Wine.