laura's blog

It is a rainy day, perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Our pick for tonight - Ina Garten's Coq au Vin with a little rice pilaf and sauteed broccoli. We are going to shake things up a bit and pair this earthy, comforting meal with an earthy, balanced Cotes du Rhone from Cuvee Kermit Lynch (http://www.lux-wines.com/products/wine/cotes-du-rhone-rouge). Bon Appetit!

Are you planning your Superbowl party? We are! Tonight's menu would be perfect to serve for the Superbowl. We are Saints fans, so it's the perfect time for some New Orleans gumbo. Try Emeril's Chicken and Smoked Sausage Gumbo (www.foodnetwork.com). The secret is in the roux. It takes a lot of patience to stir the roux to the point of being chocolate colored, but it is well worth the wait. The perfect wine pairing for this spicy gumbo is Dunham Cellars Four Legged White (https://www.lux-wines.com/products/wine/four-legged-white). The pineapple and pear notes are a great balance for the spice of the cayenne and paprika in the gumbo. This recipe and wine pairing are sure to impress. Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez! Go Saints!

Today marks the start of our food and wine pairings blog! Deciding what to cook for dinner can be challenging enough, and figuring out what wines to pair with your menu can be very time consuming. We are here to help. We will be posting recipe suggestions that we have selected from our favorite chefs and we will pair the recipes with fantastic wines that you can buy on our site with one click. I will personally be preparing all of these menus and pairings. Sometimes it will be a 3 course menu, and sometimes it will be a simple one dish meal. I look forward to reading your comments and to sharing mine.

Tonight we are making Emeril Lagasse's Oven Roasted Salmon with Veggie Lentils (the recipe can be found on www.foodnetwork.com) and a tossed green salad with cabernet vinegar (http://www.lux-wines.com/products/br-cohn-cabernet-vinegar-200-ml) and olive oil (http://www.lux-wines.com/products/br-cohn-extra-virgin-olive-oil-200-ml). The perfect pairing for salmon really depends on the spices or sauce accompanying the salmon. This recipe has a little spice and savory flavors from the vegetables and tomatoes. So, we are pairing the salmon with Lemelson Vineyards 2006 Cuvee X Pinot Noir - https://www.lux-wines.com/products/wine/cuvee-x-pinot-noir. The soft tannins and juicy acidity will balance the flavors of the salmon perfectly.

Cheers and Buon Appetito!

Wedding bells are ringing, wine glasses are clinking! Are you looking for a unique gift registry for your wedding? Register for your favorite wines, and watch your wine cellar grow. Portland based Lux Wines (www.lux-wines.com) offers a bridal gift registry and will walk you through the whole process. Here are some tips for incorporating special wines into your special day.

Tip #1 – Keep an Open Palate

Check out our Wines of the Week! All of these wines are great picks from France and new to our inventory. Shop now before they sell out! (http://www.lux-wines.com/featured-wines)

Game 7 tonight! Who will earn a first class ticket to Cleveland? I'll be toasting to the Celtics with this 2006 Benton-Lane First Class Pinot Noir.
(www.lux-wines.com/products/wine/first-class-pinot-noir)

Get ready for Memorial Weekend wine tasting in the Willamette Valley. Try the great Oregon wines featured as our Wines of the Week and then go visit the wineries next weekend. I know, homework is hard! (www.lux-wines.com/featured-wines)

Celtics vs. Bulls - Ray Allen was amazing in game 6. Can he lead the champs to victory over the Bulls tonight? Try the Raymond Vineyards 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - better make it two bottles to get you through OT!
(https://www.lux-wines.com/content/raymond-vineyard-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley-reserve)

Capitals vs. Penguins - Big rivalry in this series. Will Alex Ovechkin overtake Sidney Crosby in Game 1? We recommend the Alex Gambal 2005 Bourgogne Chardonnay.
(https://www.lux-wines.com/products/wine/bourgogne-chardonnay)

Canucks vs. Blackhawks - Can the Hawks soar to even up this series? Maybe they can channel the spirit of this wine - Elena Walch 2005 "Beyond the Clouds".
(https://www.lux-wines.com/content/beyond-clouds-alto-adige)

It's time for the Kentucky Derby. I love a good Mint Julep, but if bourbon is not your thing we've got a great wine for you. This Iron Horse Blanc de Blancs is "the most distinctive & elegant of the Iron Horse Sparkling wines." This one is a sure thing!
(https://www.lux-wines.com/products/wine/blanc-de-blancs)