Pairing:  Chicken and Pork Galantine Served with Onion Confit, Asparagus, Cornichon, French Country Mustard, and a Crusty Loaf, Paired with a 2016 Domaine Faivel Mercurey (Red Burgundy)

Food: A galantine is not for the faint of heart — the preparation is a bit daunting. First, a whole chicken is relieved of its bones, while leaving the skin intact. If you have a real butcher, he/she might do that for you. Some of the meat is removed and added to chopped beef, herbs, pate de foie gras, and pistachios to form a filling. The remaining skin and the meat attached to it are laid flat, skin side down, and the stuffing is formed into a roll to place on top. The entire thing is rolled up to enclose the stuffing, tied with kitchen twine, then poached. After removing from the poaching broth, the rolled meat is roasted to brown and crisp the skin. At last, it can be sliced and served cold or hot.

Wine:  ‘Mercurey’ is not a mis-spelling of the first planet in our solar system. It is one of the many villages in Burgundy that have given their names to a wine. Located in la Cote Chalonnaise, this appellation produces white wines from Chardonnay grapes, and red wines from Pinot Noir. Domaine Faiveley is grown on south-facing slopes. When serving Mercurey, please note that the wine temperature is different from what you might think is correct. Recommended temperatures: 14 to 15°C for young wines, 15 to 16°C for older wines.

Tasting Notes:  A light garnet color. The nose of the Mercurey is reminiscent of a bowl of mixed fresh berries (blackberry, cherry, blueberry, service berry, strawberry). But, strawberry moves front and center to dominate the palate, accented with light, dry tannins. One could not find a better wine pairing for the Galantine.

Other Wines That Pair Well with Galantine: Pinot Noir (Oregon), Chardonnay (Australia), Beaujolais (France), Riesling (Germany)

Other Food That Pairs Well with Mercurey:  Rabbit, Mushrooms, Venison, Grilled or Roasted Salmon, a board of varying cheeses.

Maps and Views of the Mercurey Wine Region: Mercurey

A Source:  www. klwines.com