Entertain/Food, Videos / October 2, 2012

Wine Sisterhood TV talks “Haute” Dogs

Hello Sisters of Wine, it’s mid-month and time for a new Wine Chat TV video. In this month’s vid, our very own personal sommelier Erin Sullivan has gone to the dogs. Gourmet hot dogs, that is. Erin discusses this traditional summer fave. And, she pairs them with wines matched to their toppings and cooking methods.

Erin makes a good point that it’s not only the flavor combinations, such as sauce or toppings, that you need to consider, but also the method of preparation. For example, boiling or steaming adds little to no additional flavors, but grilling or pan-frying adds plenty of flavor of a smoky, more robust character. This can influence your choice of wine.

BTW, If you are interested in making any of the sides shown in our mouthwatering summer time table-scape, we’ve collected the original recipes from, Napa Valley Chef and Wine Sister Brenda Bosetti and posted them in our 4th of July blog.

Bon Appetit Magazine has also explored the idea and we really can’t think of any way to “top” these creations. To add our own Wine Sisterhood twist, we’ve paired them with some of our wines, or you can use your favorites which fall into the same style/variety category.

No need to stick to beer when you’re having one of these “Haute” Dogs!

 Garlic Mojo Hot Dogs

Mojo is a Cuban sauce made from the juice of sour oranges (or, in this case, a mix of orange juice and lime juice). This topping is mildly spicy with quite a bit of acid from the citrus. Pair with a no-or-lightly oaked wine such as Middle Sister Wicked White.

Beer-Braised Hot Dogs with Braised Sauerkraut

This German-inspired rendition would be amazing with the classic German variety, Riesling. Try our White Haute Riesling, or one from Germany or the Alsace region of France. That’ll make you get up and polka!

 Harissa-Onion Dogs with Preserved Lemon-Relish

This exotic dog features flavors of North Africa. Try a white blend with lemony notes to mirror the flavors in the lemon relish, such as PromisQous, a crisp and spicy blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Gewuztraminer.

Hot Dogs with Dal and Red Onion Raita

This savory dog could be paired with a lightly-oaked, fruity red red white such as Middle Sister Goodie Two Shoes Pinot Noir or Red Haute Pinot Noir. If you prefer a slightly sweeter red, check out our newest Middle Sister Sweetie Pie. She’s made primarily from Merlot but has a touch of residual sugar, making her an ideal companion to flavorful ethnic cuisine.

Cheddar Dogs with Cider-Braised Leeks and Apples

When you say apples, we say Chardonnay. The apple flavors of these topping will match beautifully with Monogamy or Middle Sister Smarty Pants Chardonnay.

Hot Dogs with Poblanos, Pepper Jack and Tomatillos

Ingredients with heat such as chiles tend to make tannic, oaky big red wines taste a bit off. When your flavors are hot and spicy, look for a no-or-lightly oaked white wine with a hint of sweetness, such as Middle Sister Sweet & Sassy Moscato or for a drier choice Middle Sister Drama Queen Pinot Grigio. We think this hearty dog would also make a statement paired with a super-fruity, fresh red, such as PromisQous Red, a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

 Manchego Cheese and Garlic Dogs

A roasted garlic and red pepper relish replaces the usual pickle in this Spanish take on hot dogs. Wine? This dog will go both ways—a light and fruity red—for slighlty richer white. Because the dogs are grilled, which adds extra smoky flavor, we’re thinking Zinfandel such as Deep Purple Zin from Lodi, California. It’s lower in alcohol than many Zinfandels and full of juicy, jammy fruit which won’t bite you back when you bite into one of these luscious guys.

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