Food, Wine & Family

What does it mean to share and enjoy food and wine with family? It is a question I ask myself often, as I come from an Italian family, and food and wine are never far out of reach at any gathering.

I had a recent opportunity to reflect on this idea when my mother-in-law came into town to stay the night with my husband and I. An avid Chardonnay-lover, my mother-in-law will never turn down a glass when the three of us are together. And as an amateur chef, I’m excited by the opportunity to whip up something delectable for us to feast on.

Upon arriving home from work, we popped open an approachable bottle of Rosé to start the evening. Crafted by Château Minuty, and zesty and full of life on the nose, this crisp Rosé brings together citrus and under-ripe strawberries on the palate. It’s got zip and zest wrapped up in a medium body, and is certainly a quaffable bottle that disappears before you know it!

As my husband finished up some work, my mother-in-law and I sat across from each other at the dining room table. Snacking on hummus and crostinis, while sipping our Rosé, we chatted about life. Everything from her recent visits with friends to what it means to be an American. We shared smiles and laughs, moments of reflection and connection. It had been a while since the two of us have had time to simply enjoy each other’s company over a glass of wine.

Roasted chicken was in the oven for dinner and we opened a second bottle. By this time, the kitchen smelled amazing and my husband had joined us at the table. The second bottle we opened was Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards‘ 2013 Chardonnay—perfect for pairing with the roasted chicken. Very aromatic with perfumed notes of ripe fruit, the 2013 Chardonnay was certainly not shy. Notes of pear, green apple, honeydew melon and lemon zest grace the crisp palate, which is full of zesty acidity balanced by a gentle, round mouthfeel.

Discussion continued and the three of us mused on my husband’s recent teaching experiences, my mother-in-law’s exciting former life in France, and my recent wine discoveries and stories. With each tender bite of roasted chicken and vegetables, and each sip of lovely Chardonnay, life felt complete in that moment of being together—connected through food and wine.

*Originally published on Feast it Forward.

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