Napa Valley wines are among the most highly regarded in the world. And we know that in The 305, no one settles for anything but the best. So what makes Miamians love wines from Napa Valley?
1. Napa Valley wines pair perfectly with Cuban food.
You may be thinking people tend to gravitate towards beer when it comes to picking a beverage to pair with Cuban cuisine. However, wine is truly a perfect companion for the feisty flavors of the northern Caribbean. Pairing wine with spicy foods might seem daunting due to the many complex layers of flavors and ingredients, but we've made it easy for you.
When you're searching for a wine to pair with a traditional Arroz con Pollo, for example, we suggest trying a Napa Valley Pinot Noir or Barbera. Both wines have low tannin and high acidity, making them an ideal pairing for this Miami staple. With fruit flavors of cherry and aromas of vanilla, Pinot Noir and Barbera complement the savory flavors of the dish with ease.
Cubanos and wine? A match made in foodie heaven. This classic sandwich of ham, roasted pork, swiss cheese, pickles and mustard calls for an off-dry, medium sweet Napa Valley Riesling. The high acidity of the Riesling accentuates the tang and saltiness of the mustard and pickles, while the fruitiness of the wine (think apricot, nectar, peach) balances the the salty elements and highlights the sweetness of the ham.
2. And seafood.
Napa Valley wines pair with a variety of different types of cuisines - seafood being one of the top on the list. From delectable stone crab claws to freshly grilled fish, you have a plethora of choices to compliment your favorite treat from the sea.
Try an unoaked Napa Valley Chardonnay, with fruit flavors of lemon, apple, pear, pineapple and passionfruit. The acidity in an unoaked Chardonnay is medium to high, helping it to brighten up the flavors of any seafood dish.
Another great pairing for seafood is Napa Valley Viognier. Its delicate floral notes and medium acidity make it the ideal wine for foods that aren't too bold (think chilled shellfish platters and white, flaky halibut and seabass).
3. And warm weather.
The heat is on in Miami! And what better way to cool off than with a cold, refreshing glass of wine? A hot South Beach day is practically begging for a glass of crisp Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Fruit flavors of lime, green apple, Asian pear, kiwi, passionfruit and guava paired with aromas of basil, lemongrass and tarragon make this variety your new best friend on a warm day or night. The herbal notes in Sauvignon Blanc give it it's unique taste and set it apart from other white wines, while it's lighter finish makes it perfect for the perpetual summer-like weather of Miami. Serve this wine cold (46-48 degrees).
4. Napa Valley wines are beautiful & luxurious, just like the people of Miami.
Miamians are renowned for surrounding themselves with beauty and luxury, appreciating careful attention to detail and world-class craftsmanship for the finer things in life. So it's no surprise they appreciate the exceptional wines from Napa Valley. Wines from Napa Valley are like the Aston Martin of the wine world. Careful attention to detail and world class craftsmanship go into each and every bottle that comes from the region. It's no wonder high-profile celebrities, athletes, models and business moguls alike are huge fans of Napa Valley wines.
5. Napa Valley wines make every day a party.
Think pool parties, yachts and nightclubs - Miamians know how to have fun. In Miami, every day is a party and no party is complete without a little bubbly. Napa Valley is home to some of the finest sparkling wine producers in the country.
Drawing on knowledge gained from Old World Champagne makers as well as the methode champenoise (where the last stage of fermentation happens in the bottle), Napa Valley's grower-producers create the kind of quality sparkling wines fit for celebration, Miami-style.
What makes Napa Valley wines so uniquely exceptional? It's the multitude of different microclimates and soils uniquely suited to the cultivation of so many grapes used in fine wines. This makes wines from Napa Valley perfect for any occasion - a day at the beach or a night out on the town. Curious to learn more about how the wine is cultivated? Read more about how each year, California's Napa Valley comes alive as summer comes to an end and harvest season begins.
