Pairing: Linguini with Chanterelles and Artichokes Paired with a 2014 Quails’ Gate Okanagan Valley Pinot Noir

Food:  A few years back, I was doing some work with schools in Southern California. I found myself with a free Sunday and decided to take a drive into the hilly wine country east of Santa Barbara. I took a leisurely lunch at a charming little bistro set in a landscape of rolling vineyards stretching out in all directions. Their Special of the Day was this simple Linguini with Chanterelles and Artichokes served with a glass of locally sourced Pinot Noir. Mmmmm … delicious. Enjoyed it so much that I came up with my own version of it. Frozen artichokes (not canned) work best as preparing fresh ones is a bit time-consuming. Sauté the artichokes and mushrooms in some butter while the pasta cooks. Deglaze pan with some of the wine and a stock reduction. Toss in the almost cooked pasta with a little bit of the pasta water. And, a Pinot Noir is excellent with it.

Wine:  A first for me … first opportunity to sample a wine from the Okanagan Valley wine region of British Columbia. Wines from this region are becoming more and more available in the U.S. and elsewhere in Canada.The Okanagan Valley has become a significant wine producer in Canada, second only to the long-established Niagara wine region in Ontario. The Quails’ Gate Pinot Noir that we are drinking with today’s selected pasta meal is produced in the Kelowna sub-region of the Valley.

Tasting Notes:  A pretty, medium garnet red. Aromas of cherry and black currant on the nose. A satiny tannin core draped with fresh bing cherry flavors … a classically light and elegant Pinot Noir. Nicely balances the delicate taste of the chanterelles and artichokes.

Other Wines That Pair Well with Chanterelles/ Artichoke Pasta:  Côte du Rhône (France), Rully (Burgundy), Saumur-Champigny (Loire), Pinot Noir (California), Pinotage (South Africa)

Other Food That Pairs Well with Pinot Noir: Salmon, Baked Ham, Dishes made with Bacon, Roast Chicken or Duck (among many other dishes)

Take in the Beautiful Views: okanagan valley

A Source:  Prince Edward Island Liquor Agency Stores