SOURCE: Vin de Pays d'Oc Wines

 

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - September 17, 2007) - Ever wonder which Vin de Pays d'Oc wine would go best with grandma's good old-fashioned southern fried chicken? That's right, French wine and fried chicken! Although instinct would probably say to grab a frosty beer, why not be daring and try one of the hundreds of Vin de Pays d'Oc wines from the South of France.

Unlike other regions in France, Vin de Pays d'Oc wines are labeled by the varietal. So, it's simple to distinguish a Merlot from a Pinot. And, with so many varietals to choose from at unbeatable prices, there's a Vin de Pays d'Oc to match any classic comfort food craving. Next time a sudden urge for the classics takes over, use this pairing menu as a guide:

Craving: Southern Fried Chicken and Biscuits
Wine: Fat Bastard, Chardonnay, Vin de Pays d'Oc, $9.99
Why: The lush texture of this big, beefy Chardonnay cuts right through the
greasy, crispy, saltiness of the chicken.

Craving:  Chicago Deep Dish Pizza
Wine:  Gerard Bertrand, Merlot, Vin de Pays d'Oc, $11.99
Why:  Tomato sauce, gobs of stringy cheese and a thick crunchy crust demand
a high-caliber wine to be heard over the savory gustatory symphony. The
peppery-spice of the wine gives a little extra kick to the tomato sauce.

Craving:  Barbeque Baby Back Ribs
Wine: Mas Carlot, Rosé, Vin de Pays d'Oc, $10.99
Why: This dry, chilled-out rosé rescues the mouth from a hot and sticky
barbeque sauce meltdown.

Craving:  Burgers with Blue Cheese Crumble Topping
Wine: Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vin de Pays d'Oc,
$7.99
Why: Meat, bun and tangy cheese come together with French fries to satisfy
the deepest carnivorous craving.  This Cabernet brings out the savory
flavors in the meat for an even bigger four-flavors-in-one chomp.

Craving: Louisiana Seafood Gumbo
Wine: La Poule Blanche, Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc/Viognier, Vin de Pays
d'Oc, $7.99
Why: The clean, crisp Sauvignon cools down the heat of this spicy, bayou-
inspired Creole and Cajun seasoned specialty.

Craving:  T-Bone Steak and Mashed Potatoes
Wine: Domaine Paul Mas, Arrogant Frog, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vin de Pays
d'Oc, $9.99
Why: Order the steak medium or medium rare -- the juicy meat and the mighty
wine team up well for a full flavor showdown.

Craving: Mississippi Mud Pie
Wine: French Rabbit Minis, Pinot Noir, Vin de Pays d'Oc, $9.99/4-pack
Why: The cherry and dark red berry flavors in the Pinot add a bursting
fruit sensation in the mouth, which chases the lush richness of the 5-inch
thick chocolaty goodness.

Craving: Twinkies
Wine: Domaine Miquel, Viognier, Vin de Pays d'Oc, $15.99
Why: The sweet sponge cake with a gooey white filling brings back blissful
schoolyard memories. A subtle tasting Viognier paired with this all-
American masterpiece makes it the perfect snack for grown-ups.

Stick with these Vin de Pays d'Oc picks or test out some others and pair them with family favorites. It's as easy as pie... and, it's not always bad to be easy! For more information on Vin de Pays d'Oc wines, please log on to www.winesfromoc.com.