last minute matching query

Ginger, garlic, red peppers, plum sauce... I'd suggest a younger, richer Spatlese - probably something from 05 or 06. Maybe a Schmitt- Wagner Longuicher Maximiner Herrenberg?

DaleW wrote in news:b75bf1c4-34e7-40da-a2aa-5aca164f5aa6 @z72g2000hsb.googlegroups.com:

FWIW I would go with the Chenin, probably too many flaovors for a Gewurtztraminer, Southern Rhone white perhaps?

Dale, more whole grains, less meat. I read your posts everyday and your dinners sound great.But check this out: And you can still keep drinking wine!

Dale, I'd guess that the key to success with plum sauce will be high acidity and medium body. I'd not be averse to a pretty bone-dry wine, but off-dry would be fine, too. Riesling, Chenin or even a Champagne would be my choices.

Mark Lipton

See how much plum sauce is called for in the recipe - it might not be a wine killer - if it is just a tablespoon or less I wouldn't worry too much - done well, the plum sauce should integrate and just balance with the other flavors, not stand out as it does in a dipping sauce.

I would be inclined to go for a dry Alsatian Grand Cru or good lieu-dit Gewurztraminer but for once I recommend if not infanticide at least selecting one which does not have vast bottle age so that you are drinking it before it has dried out to the point where I normally like such wine best.

Tim Hartley

Thanks all. I went with the Riesling, did an '02 Christoffel Spatlese (notes later). Pretty decent match. The recipe called for 1/4 cup plum sauce (to 6 oz soba, 12 oz chicken, 2 cups peas, etc). It was tasty, but if I did over I'd cut the plum sauce in half, a bit too sweet for my tastes. But liked recipe overall

Fairly similar to Sonoma Diet. More whole grains, beans, less red meat, Concentration on some "power foods" - almonds, blueberries, peppers, broccoli, spinach, etc. Food is good, but only Betsy watches portions. My problem is I've too satisfied. When I was single I stayed right around 195-200. Now I'm 225, and not motivated to do more. I need either pressure from Betsy, or my doctor (I do get a lot of exercise, so still have solid bp, heart tests, etc). Only illness or lack of love can motivate me!

Well, having seen both you and Betsy fairly recently, I can see that both of you looked in fine shape to me. No, it isn't good to be overweight, but it's far more important to get exercise and eat healthily. I lead far too sedentary a life at the moment, but I'm buoyed by a recent study showing that moderate alcohol consumption was just as helpful to cardiovascular fitness as moderate exercise (of course, the combined effects of both moderate alcohol consumption and moderate exercise was best)

Yeah, but there is more of me than there was when we first met 5 or 6 years ago! Betsy is fairly constant, but always wants to drop 5 when opera season ends (pit is different from evening dress on stage for chamber). I'm lucky that while part of my job is on phone, computer, or speaking engagements, there is some heavy lifting and my vans are parked 3 blocks away up a steep hill. Of course, the dog helps. Get Andrew a puppy- you'll find yourself taking walks all the time!