Winesday with The Wine Shop – Spring Fever
Dan and Ellen O’Connell at The Wine Shop in Koloa. Photo courtesy of The Wine Shop.
Tasting Kauai is happy to partner with the O’Connells for Winesday with The Wine Shop. Owners Dan and Ellen O’Connell are a delightful couple whose passion for wine is infectious, their knowledge is vast, and their service is friendly. Their beautiful store carries everything from wine and spirits to gourmet foods and sweet treats. Check in with Tasting Kauai every Wednesday to learn about their favorites. ¡Salud!
I don’t know about you, but in my early morning walks recently I’m feeling that spring has sprung. I feel a slight snap in the air, then a warmth that evolves into a beautiful spring day. With that feeling of “spring fever,” the idea of barbecues, beach parties and picnics are soon to follow. Our menus will, of course, include wines. What shall we pair with our barbecue and picnics?
I happen to be preparing for a cowboy paniolo barbecue that includes pulled pork, beef brisket with barbecue sauce, huli huli chicken and grilled fresh fish with chipotle aioli. You might think to yourself, “How would you pair wines with this much variety on the menu?” Let me break it down for you! I’ve paired the pulled pork and beef brisket with a full-bodied Pinot Noir that features a peppery flavor. It also hosts a number of natural flavors including a little bit of cranberry, blackberries and blueberries that are an amazing compliment to the meat.
For the huli huli chicken, which is one of my favorite local specialties, I have chosen a beautiful, light cabernet from Paso Robles. It has that remarkable Paso Robles flavor, which is reminiscent of dried cranberries and raisins. I chose two white wines that each complement the fish nicely. The first being a Semillon from Washington State. Although the front palate is a little bigger with fruit, the finish is so delightfully light. Tangerine with lemon and a bit of minerality in the finish makes this an excellent wine for the grilled fish. For Chardonnay lovers, I have chosen a wine from Edna Valley. This central coast wine has some soft tropical fruit notes such as passion fruit, papaya, pineapple and lilikoi, which makes this Chardonnay blend perfectly with the chipotle aioli.
Hopefully I’ve got you thinking about your next beach barbeque or family outing. We hope to see you at the shop soon and we can complete your event with the perfect wine or beverage.
Dano and Ellen O’Connell
The Wine Shop is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. On the first Saturday of each month from 4 to 7 p.m., they host monthly wine tastings. For more information call 808-742-7305 or visit www.thewineshopkauai.com. The shop is located just across the street from the Koloa Post Office.