What Time Is It? It’s Wine O’clock! / Wine Tasting and Food Pairing at Nono’s

I would not say I am a foodie – because I am no expert in food, but I am someone who loves eating, exploring and expanding my palette, so I gladly went when I got invited by Nono’s to join a Wine Pairing and Food Tasting. I don’t really drink a lot of alcohol, but among beers, cocktails, and all the different kinds of booze – wine is the one I appreciate the best. Prior to this event, I knew very little about wine, let alone what to pair it with. Prosecco and Moscato are old time friends, their Red Cousins not so much. But I am happy I got to experience new tastes and flavors – along with Nono’s signature dishes, over discussions with old and new friends!

Beef Burgundy (P455)

Slow-braised beef stew with red wine sauce, carrots, potatoes, garbanzos, and chickpeas, served with garlic rice

Penne with Stracciatella (P375)

Penne with creamy and buttery stracciatella cheese, tomato-herb sauce, and cherry tomatoes sprinkled with parmesan

Interiors. Really loved those light fixtures!

Burrata Cheese Platter (P455)

Ball of Burrata served with fresh tomatoes, grilled sourdough, and walnuts

Pizza Pull Apart (P355)

Freshly baked panini with chorizo, tomato-herb sauce, and melted mozarella

They also had this contest where they asked us to post a flatlay of whatever food and wine they served that night. This was the photo that won first place. The owner told me he chose this because it shows how wine was supposed to be enjoyed. Over good food and good friends. What did I get for  a prize, you ask? Well, I got to take home…you guessed it, a bottle of wine! Haha! It’s still unopened up to this day. I’m just waiting for the perfect time to uncork it – but then again, who knows. It’s always wine o’clock somewhere!

On the menu:

1. Beringer Main and Vine Chardonnay 2016 (USA)

A wonderfully approchable and refreshing wine, full of lush fruit flavors and aromas, with an enticing blend of ripe stone fruits and vivid citrus flavors.

2. Chateau Gantonnet Bordeaux Blanc 2017 (France)

As opposed to the first white, the Blanc had a fairly subdued pineapple-ly and citrus flavor. High in acidity but still one I enjoyed!

3. Bringer Main and Vine Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (USA)

The jammy black fruit flavors and sweet vanilla richness make this a wine that is very  easy to drink. Probably one of the easiest wines to pair with a variety of occasions.

4. Chateau Gantonnet Bordeaux Rouge 2015 (France)

A little similar to the Cabernet but with a denser fruit flavor and silkier texture. This was the one that got me blushing rouge – very appropriate name to say the least! Haha!

I am still a white wine kind of girl after tasting both red and white, but I’m happy to say that I developed a  new found appreciation for the reds. It’s making me think that I probably just tasted some bad reds in the past?

Sole and Chips (P475)

Fried beer-battered sole and Nono’s fries, served with sour cream and tarragon dip.

There is something to look forward to for tomorrow, and something special to celebrate everyday! Cheers to a good life! I wish you the best!

Photos: Krizia Catapang and I