Wine, the timeless drink that cures anything. The date of the official origin of wine is unknown, but old wine jugs have been found in countries all over the world dating back thousands and thousands of years. As the Greek historian Thucydides wrote in the fifth century B.C., “The peoples of the Mediterranean began to emerge from barbarism when they learned to cultivate the olive and the vine.” Wine was used to celebrate victories in ancient Greek, involved in numerous biblical stories, and continues to be used in bringing people together.
Wine is also particularly helpful when trying to influence others such as business partners, friends, or members of the opposite sex. Do you have a special lady in your life that you’re trying to impress? Tell her you have your next date covered and she just needs to show up. Most women will not turn down fine wine and a home-cooked meal by their man. You’re bound to get instant bonus points.
The date
You’ll be preparing a wine and food tasting for this date. Pairing the right wine and food can really bring flavors out in each one, making your meal experience all the more savory. A full-bodied red wine like a Bordeaux goes perfectly with the acidic tomato sauce in pastas. All your senses will be engaged with this combination. It’s the perfect idea for an inexpensive night in.
For the wine, you’ll be purchasing a bottle of red Château Bellevue Bordeaux 2013 from your local wine store. At around $15 a bottle, this wine is more than affordable. For the meal, you’ll be making a pasta with red sauce. Try to stick to a pasta sauce that isn’t too spicy to prevent from taking away from the full-flavored wine. Feel free to use any type of pasta, or add a protein like chicken or meatballs.
The wine
The Château Bellevue Bordeaux comes from St. Emillion in the Bordeaux region of France. This region is so well-known for its vineyards that the Romans used it to make their wine during ancient times. Château Bellevue has been around since the 17th century, and has been making wine ever since. While it’s changed owners over the decades, the wine continues to have an outstanding reputation.
The grapes that compose it are 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc. It’s a deep ruby color with aromas of blueberries and strawberries. The full-bodied wine has a sweet fruit and savory mineral finish.
Health benefits
There are health benefits in both tomato sauce and red wine. Tomato sauce is full of antioxidants that can reduce your chance of heart disease. It also contains vitamin C, which helps maintain a healthy immune system and a regular functioning brain.
Red wine is abundant in healthy properties as well. It can prevent heart disease and stroke due to resveratrol, a substance found in the wine. It’s also said to slow down the aging process, which anyone can appreciate. Both of these can be a healthy part of your daily diet when consumed in moderation.
The meal
Start by cooking the pasta until tender, drain, and add your choice of tomato sauce. Let it cool for a few minutes. Next, pour the wine. Make sure to take your time swirling the wine, noticing the fruity aroma of berries and spices that come from it. Take a small sip, and observe the flavors while it coats your mouth. Hints of blueberries can be detected with each sip.
Now move on to the pasta. Take a bite of the pasta covered in rich tomato sauce, and notice how beautifully it pairs with the wine. The red sauce works well to even out the full-bodied wine. Each time take a small sip of the wine, followed by a small bite of pasta. It’s a combination you’ll want to try over and over.
The great thing about the Château Bellevue Bordeaux is that it pairs well with more than just pasta. Save the bottle to create your own pairings in the future. Chocolate and cheese go well with the wine for a lovely tasting. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to have a dinner party with friends, plus everyone will be impressed with your newfound knowledge.
Hopefully by this time you’ve discovered a new love for Bordeaux and found the different ways it can be paired with a meal. You should also have a happy lady at your side beaming at how creative her man is. The only problem is the pressure you now have to plan another perfect date!
