Judith Henderson’s Wine & Country Living

New to downtown Dayton and beginning this April, Weinhard Hotel owners, Gary and Shellie McLeod, will be handling and selling 13 different regional wines by the bottle from the hotel's popular espresso bar and gift shop from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 235 East Main Street, Historic Dayton.

Speaking about regional wines, spring release weekend is approaching fast. This year, do not miss a tasting of the swishy tang in Cavu Cellars 2011 Barbera Rose. Winos each year look forward to Cavu's newest Rose. Winemaker Joel Waite is everyone's cockeyed optimist and approaches his wine making in a positive manner. The Cavu Barbera Rose is different than any other Rose you will ever taste. Gone is the sweet syrup most Roses are known for.

Instead, with nose buried deep in the glass, the smell of succulent muddled orange peels. With the first swirl and sip, the carnival comes to town, swooshing the cheeks in a brightly painted maceration of strawberry and plum fruit and as quickly as the circus arrives, this tasting ends in Waite's signature Barbera Rose tongue; ripped-clean, making ready for another spicy Thai bite! That's right, this is truly a spicy foods wine pairing.

Because your wine making is like a smooth stretch of highway; so comfortable in discovery, yours truly, Judith Henderson of Wine and Country Living, gives Cavu Cellars 2011 Barbera Rose, 98 points of wine perfection.

Congratulations Joel and team Cavu! 602 Piper Avenue 509-540-6350.

Readers, until next week, "Eat Art Drink Imagination!"

Sweet Red Chili Thai Sauce

1 cup each: water, rice wine vinegar, white sugar

2 tablespoons chopped red bell pepper

2 teaspoons each: ketchup, corn starch, minced

ginger

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Method:

In a food processor add all ingredients and blend to smooth. Pour ingredients into sauce pan and cook for 5 minutes, whisk until well blended and thickening, cool and serve as a fiery dip with fried foods or to drizzle with oriental vegetables, baked tofu and rice and pair with Cavu 2011 Barbera Rose.

Hear Judith's Food and Wine Commentary, wine pairing, recipe and photos: wwwchefjudithhenderson.com