A lot is written, in magazines and on blogs, this time of year about food and wine pairing. I personally find that some folks get a little obsessive about finding the perfect pairing with certain seasonal fare, and frankly it can all get a little boring. There are indeed some foods that when paired with a particular wine will make your taste buds perform a happy dance. The most obvious pairing, that springs to mind, is of course pâté de foie gras and Sauternes. (I don't normally like to give the French credit for anything but they got me on this one.)Our friends, the Wisconsin Winos, send Vinomaker and me a much appreciated gift of Usinger's meats and cheeses every Christmas. It is an annual event much anticipated by me as it heralds the approach of Christmas. Packed by the Usinger Elves, this festive carton includes such delicacies as summer sausage, beerwurst, bologna, mortadella, pastrami, and yachtwurst to name but a few (the only things missing are the cheese curds.) The entire box is a positive bachanalia of carnivorous delights. But, what to pair with such a gastronomic tour de force? Wine of course, lots of each and every varietal...washed down with beer!
