Of #Texas and #Chateauneuf de Pape

Growing up in Texas I was surrounded by great cooks. They worked their magic with simple fresh foods.  My mother always had about an acre garden, bountiful with tomatoes, peas, corn, beans, melons.  We also raised chickens, calves and sheep.  Our neighbors also had large gardens and raised pigs, rabbits and dairy animals.  Neighbors shared their bounties.  We would get together, slaughter chickens or take a calf in to the butcher and split it up.  If one had an over abundance of something they would give away to others who would then offer up something of their own.  A true community. No one ever had enough money, but we never went hungry.
Now, in Texas everything is either well done or fried.  Fried okra, tomatoes, corn, squash.  Well done meat of whatever variety.  I grew up with the best combination, #chickenfried steak, usually smothered with gravy, a healthy side of fresh veggies to compliment it.  I was out of college and married before I had a steak that wasn't burnt and crisp.  I think the fresh veggies that came straight out of the garden are one reason my arteries are not completely clogged.  Summer time especially was filled with the most delicious and delightful flavors.   Every meal had all of the colors, greens, reds, yellows, sounds like an addicts candy jar, but better for you.
Sundays at our house consisted of the proverbial chicken dinner, fried okra, potatoes, tomatoes (sometimes fried too), and all the extras that went with it. My Aunt Gladys usually came out, she was the best baker ever. Cousins all around waiting for the homemade ice cream, fresh peaches to add to it.  And the added pleasure of the hot Texas summers, cooled off with sweet tea in the shade.
This meal combines some of my favorite childhood items and new favorites.

Roasted Chicken.
I like to roast the best on the bone, it seems to stay juicier and adds more flavor.  Simple salt, pepper, garlic and drizzled with olive oil. (Mom would have used butter). Roasted asparagus also with salt, pepper and olive oil.  Simple sliced tomatoes sprinkled with salt and pepper ahh blissful heaven.  A simple classic easy to make dinner. You would think this was enough to satisfy a simple Texas country kid.  Add a fabulous wine and woolah magic.

Domaine de la Presidente #ChateauneufdePape blanc 2011
Man did I strike it rich with this one.  The 2011 vintage may not have been as well received as 09 or 10, but this wine strives to prove them wrong. The bouquet offers the senses a full blast.  Ripe fruits with soft elegance of light flowers.  Not overpowering like a rose or violet, but soft like a spring daisy.  The mouth is lush and velvety, creamy, easy and soft.  A lingering finish that seems to build to a crescendo.  Lots of fruit, hinted with touches of citrus, peach and slight hints of melon.   This wine is aged in French oak which adds another depth to the flavors.  If you are looking for a white wine with body, texture and depth.  Try this wine, beautiful. One of the few white wines that can hold itself up to the Texas summer.

Enjoy.

The best roasted chicken

Great wines

#DomainedelaPresidente

#ChateauneufdePape