Challenging Wine Pairing: Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich



By LaGayle ~ May 8th, 2013.

It’s always fun planning a challenging wine pairing dinner. I especially enjoy the “challenge” of determining a good wine pairing for a meal in which wine would probably not be the first beverage that comes to mind. This time, I decided to make Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, a Wine Peeps’ family favorite. Along with the sandwiches, we had sweet potato fries and a green salad mixed with peaches and grapes and tossed with Serrano honey balsamic vinegar.

Once again, I referred to my favorite guide, What to Drink with What You Eat, for pairing recommendations and decided to try a Merlot and a Syrah. We selected the 2009 Fidelitas Merlot and the 2010 Owen Roe Ex Umbris Syrah, both from the Columbia Valley. While both wines were very good in their own right, the unanimous choice for this meal on this night was the Merlot.

What would you have paired with a Philly cheesesteak sandwich? And, as always, we welcome your suggestions for future challenging wine pairings.

Bon Appétit!

2009 Fidelitas Merlot (Columbia Valley, Washington): Deep, dark purple. Nice nose with earth and black fruit aromas. Pencil lead, black fruit, and earth come through on the palate. Full-bodied with crisp acidity and high, dry tannins. Well-balanced with a very long finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $25; Available elsewhere, $25 to $40

2010 Owen Roe Ex Umbris Syrah (Columbia Valley, Washington): Deep, dark purple. Aromatic with red fruit and vegetal notes on both the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity and medium to high tannins.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 4 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Full Pull Wines (Seattle, Washington), $25.99; Available elsewhere, $23 to $32


Filed under: American Wine, Challenging Wine Pairing, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Food & Wine, Merlot, Red Wine, Shiraz/Syrah, Washington State Wine, Wines Over $25

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