Union-Made Wines for Valentine’s Day
How are you and your Valentine celebrating this February 14th? The United Farm Workers (UFW), United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), and International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) suggest toasting your Valentine with a union-crafted wine. Here are some popular union-made wines paired with foods for the perfect dinner match.
Cook’s champagne (UFCW) - Nothing says “I love you†like popping a bottle of bubbly champagne created in California by fellow union workers. Champagne’s carbonation is a nice palate cleanser and also pairs well with rich, creamy foods. Show solidarity as you enjoy Cook’s champagne with cheeses, fish, seafood, creamy pastas and risottos. Avoid serving with tomato based sauces because of the high acidity.
C.K Mondavi Pinot Grigio (UFW, UFCW) – Pinot Grigio is the white wine most widely recognized by Americans, and C.K Mondavi’s union workers are proud theirs provides a crisp blend of palate-priming flavors– wildflowers, peaches and pears. Serve this medium-bodied, union-crafted wine with salads, light pasta, poultry, ham and light seafood. Tip: Avoid serving with rich sauces, red meats and heavy flavored seafood such as salmon and tuna.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Pinot Noir (UFW, IBT) – Pinot Noir, a light to medium-bodied red wine, is a big favorite because of its versatility. Chateau Ste. Michelle offers many Pinot Noirs such as its Chateau Tour de l’Ange Bourgogne Pinot Noir or the Chateau de Chamirey Mercurey Rouge 1er Cru Les Ruelles. You’ll enjoy the blend of blackberry, strawberry, cherry and raspberry flavors. Show your solidarity as you enjoy these wines with flavorful seafood, red meats and savory vegetables. The Pinot Noir’s smokiness also pairs nicely with duck, bacon, braised pork and BBQ.
Gallo of Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon (UFW) – Cabernet Sauvignon is a medium to full-bodied red wine with bold flavor. Discover the rich fruit flavors of plum, blueberry and cherry along with a hint of vanilla and warm spice. Gallo of Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon has an especially high level of tannins from months of oak aging. Pair it with strong cheeses, hearty pastas, red meats and anything chocolate. (Many Hershey products, Ghiradelli Chocolates, and See’s Candies are union-made in the USA.)
Turning Leaf Chardonnay (UFCW) – Chardonnay, a dry to medium-dry wine, is the number one selling white wine in America. Fans enjoy Chardonnay’s blend of apple, orange, and pear flavors, laced with pineapple, melon and banana. In addition, Turning Leaf Chardonnay offers an unexpected hint of butterscotch. Poultry, pork, seafood and heavy cream dishes work well with this union-crafted wine.
For more union-made wines, check these out:
http://www.lalabor411.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=158&Itemid=78
http://www.ufw.org/_page.php?inc=orga_label.html&menu=organizing