Sandwich Supper: Brie Paired With Gris

Who says sandwiches can’t be sexy and sensational?  Getting a little creative with the basics plus pairing a delicious wine like Raptor Ridge Pinot Gris can change “sandwich night again?” to “WOW SANDWICH NIGHT AGAIN!”

 

The secret to a great sandwich is combining flavors you already know you love. We are suckers for brie cheese, topped with fruit, spread on crusty bread.  It works because the sweet fruit mellows the mineral, pungent flavors of the cheese and the bread creates a contrasting texture.

Photo courtesy of Raptor Ridge Winery

Often the secret to a great wine pairing is the same.  Think about adding wine to a meal like you would add an ingredient to a dish.  In this case we knew we loved fruit with brie cheese.  The Pinot gris from Raptor Ridge is full of fruity flavors – peach, apricot, a little tropical something something – and light floral notes.  It is rich enough for a creamy cheese like brie with enough acid to keep dinner lively.  Pairing this Pinot gris was like spooning tangy apricots all over our wedge of brie.

Because we added sweetness to our sandwich we did not want a wine that was bone dry like a Chablis or Sauvignon Blanc.  Remember sweet foods make wines taste drier and if paired incorrectly – bitter and thin.

Since we are Oregon newbies we are still discovering wineries.  New to us, Raptor Ridge Winery is celebrating their 20th Anniversary.  The winery sits high atop Chehalem Mountain with sweeping views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams – and on a clear day Mount St. Helens and a whisper of Mount Rainier. It earns its name from all the native birds who like to fly high.

If you are local and like yoga, or just want an excuse to stretch out on a tasting room floor after hours, check out their Yoga in the Vines series.  You can read about my expert wino/novice yogi experience here.

Our sandwich creation included bread from our favorite local bakery.  Shout out to Cascade Baking Company for making a rocking seeded country style baguette. Wine samples were provided by the winery and enjoyed by the wine writer.