Watermelon

A few nights ago as we settled into our bed my wife decided to read to me an article about the benefits of Watermelon. Apparently, it is quite the fruit. A very under appreciated fruit indeed.

Most people enjoy watermelon in the summer enjoying its cool high water content. Its hydrating and low number of calories. Watermelon has one of the lowest fruits in calories.

The melon is a very good source of vitamins and minerals needed by your body. They are high in Vitamine A, Vitamine C, B1,5 and 6. They are also a good source of potassium and Magnesium.

Studies show the watermelon helps prevent cancer and heart disease. 

After my wife finished reading her article  I simply said "you know where the store is"

It was not until the next afternoon as we sat by the water sipping wine that I wondered what wine goes best with watermelon.

According to an old Wife's Tale from Argentina red wine and watermelon spells death. That, of course, is not true. However, I still think the best choice would be a dry white wine. In doing the research  I actually came across some red wine and watermelon recipe, not to mention Watermelon Wine.

I myself would most likely choose a Riesling.  A Chenin Blanc would be good too. I know one writer that says there is only one wine that's right - Provencal Rose.

One winery owner suggests Venturi-Shulze Brandenburge #3 that is a desert wine. SO I may have to open my mind and try a sweeter wine next time I have watermelon.

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It's Summer

Summer-like weather has come to the lower mainland of British Columbia. It is only the first week of May and here we have temperatures in  20s and it will get even hotter. This gave Barbara and I the opportunity to enjoy the patio and the gifts of nature along with some delicious appies and fine wine.

Barbara brought the cheeses, cucumbers, snow peas, celery, avocado dip and other delights. I made the chose of wine. Today the wine would be Seaside Pearls Fraser Valley Gold Chardonnay. A most refreshing light wine. Abundant with citrus flavours that tantalized your taste buds.

There are many wines that can be referred to as patio wines. Two others that I really enjoy are Bacchus and Ortega. Rosés are also very popular.

As the evening cooled Barbara switched to a  Lake Breeze,  Lieutenant Governor’s Wine of the Year award for 2018 for our 2016 Pinot Noir.

A French dip sandwich, also known as a beef dip, is a hot sandwich consisting of thinly sliced roast beef on a "French roll" or baguette. It is usually served topped with Swiss Cheese, onions, and a side of beef juice from the cooking process. Beef broth or beef consommé is sometimes substituted.

The French Dip Sandwich did not originate from France but it’s originator, Philippe Mathieu, was French.  Phillipe owned a sandwich shop in Los AngelesPhilippe the Original that is still around today!   According to the story, Philippe was making a  sandwich for a policeman and accidentally dropped the sliced French roll into the drippings of a roasting pan.  Instead of getting new bread, Phillipe served dipped bread and the policeman loved it so much he returned the next day with friends requesting all of their sandwiches be dipped in the meat drippings – and that’s how The French Dip Sandwich was born.

The Now question is what wine goes best with this delicious sandwich. Now I prefer my dip to come almost plain butter on the bun and beef no onions no cheese. The last wine I had with my dip was from Italy a very smooth Pinot Grigio.  It complimented the beef and au juice nicely.

Others say if the sauce is intensely winey it again tends to suit full-bodied youthful reds like Syrah/Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon. If it's served with gravy you're better off with a more classic wine like a red Bordeaux or a Rioja.

The two main factors that would affect the taste of the wine would be horseradish which I do not use and a thick spicy sauce.

I have also tried Chardonnay and Petite Milo.