Koshu (Japanese Wine)

I have just discovered Koshu wine from Japan there are many wineries in Japan that supply it.

They range from Koshu(white), Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Muscat Bailey A. (Red) a few other choice whites and reds.

Koshu is paired very nicely with seafood also dumplings and nice light meals taste well with the acidity levels with these types of wines.

Found only in Japan, Koshu is a hybrid of vitis vinifera, and there are no stores in the U.S. that carry this wine as of yet, but a few resturants are showing Koshu on the menu. Prices for Koshu wines vary:

2007 Millesimes Koshu, 10 percent alcohol -- $12
Bone dry with sake-like aromas. Bitter lemon with minerals.

2007 Millesimes Cuvee Denis Dubourdieu, 10 percent alcohol -- $20
Bone dry with a slight salinity. Celery with a hint of green herbs. A favorite of the panel.

2009 Diamond Winery Chanter Y.A. Amarillo, 12 percent alcohol
Lemon blossom aromas with lemon-lime fruit flavors. A favorite.

2009 Diamond Winery Sai-Sai, 12.5 percent alcohol
Extremely light with citrus peel aromas and flavors. Bitter.

2009 Katsunuma Jyozo Aruga Branca Clareza sur lie, 12 percent alcohol -- $45
Mineral flavors. Pleasing texture and weight. A favorite.

2009 Katsunuma Jyozo Aruga Branca, Issehara Vineyard, 12 percent alcohol -- $70
Sauvignon blanc-like green grass aromas and tastes. Bitter melon finish. A favorite.

Visit http://www.zesterdaily.com/drinking/689-tasting-japanese-koshu-wine for more information

Pineapple Wine (Lagrima Del Sol)

While Living in Okinawa, Japan I have discovered quite a few interesting drinks and foods here, but one delicious surprise is Okinawa's First Pineapple Wine (Lagrima Del Sol) produced by Nago Pineapple Winery.

Here you pay a small fee in Yen of course to tour the Winery and taste various wines dry and sweet.

My favorite is the Dry Pineapple wine, just personal preference but they also have a Sweet Pineapple wine for those who may prefer sweeter taste, fruity wine.

The average cost for a bottle is about 1800 Yen or around $21 USD for a 720 ml bottle and they offer personalized photo wine bottles as well something fun to commemorate your visit.

A nice dessert pairing with pineapple wine surprisingly is pineapple sponge cake, you would think that you would go into pineapple shock but it taste quite delicious, this pineapple sponge cake can be paired with any dry red wine, in my opinion! Try the pineapple cookies and pie too!!

This is a very nice sweet surprise in Nago City, Okinawa eat all of the pineapple you can stand and sample as much wine as possible included in the entry cost of 500 Yen or about $6.00 USD.

A nice Sweet surprise in Nago about 45minutes away from Naha City Okinawa !

http://www.nagopain.com/english/wine/index.html

Food & The Vine

Ok Hello All

To start I am not a wine expert or pairing expert but I have had a passion for both Food & Wine for many years now. It has been an great experience to truly find out about various regions where wines can be found and the type of grapes, to the way to truly enjoy the both food & wine. I wanted to express two of my passions one being Food (which I eat every two hours..hey don't judge me) and wine which I drink maybe just as much....okay not as often as every two hours but ohhhh my passion for the Vine LOL...but my passion will be on hold for at least 9 months because I am preggars! So what way to make it through being able to partake in my passion of wine better than talking about it!!

So I wanted to not only to create a blog to discuss pairings but to give tips on wines that I discover in my travels around the world, being a photographer and locally in the U.S. . I know personally that nothing is more sexier than a great meal, a glass of delicious wine and knowing that your wine was inexpensive....how great is that! There are plenty of great wines that are great for the wallet or purse where you don't have to sacrifice your taste buds.

Kampai !!