Feature | 28 Excellent Value Daily Wines (1) Michiko Kondo's 7 Picks from Enoteca
Let's toast with our favorite sparkling wine to start the week! Even simple ginger pork becomes a perfect wine pairing when the sauce is enhanced with Shaoxing wine and honey, then finished with balsamic glaze. The sharp bite of ginger and the sweet-tartness of balsamic are a perfect match for this wine. It's a sparkling wine that will recharge your energy for the week ahead. We call it 'Silver-chan' at home.
Clos Montblanc
"Projecto Quatre Caves NV"
1,890 yen
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http://ow.ly/eP8SH
On these clear autumn nights, with the gentle evening breeze, I crave a German wine with its transparent, subtly sweet character. My current favorite pairing for home drinking is shrimp with mayonnaise. The mayonnaise sauce, made with gin and condensed milk, is delicious not just with shrimp but also perfect with sesame-based dressings like Bang Bang Chicken.
Schloss Vollrads
"Vollrads 1573 2010"
1,890 yen
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http://ow.ly/eP8HJ
My husband is often away on business trips or out with friends, so once a week I enjoy a solo dinner at home. On those nights, I'll pick up some yakitori from the supermarket just before closing and pair it with this fantastic Burgundy wine, available for under 1,000 yen. It turns a half-price yakitori into a truly satisfying meal. I actually look forward to these solitary evenings.
Henri
"Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2010"
1,890 yen
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http://ow.ly/eP9rW
Mushrooms are particularly delicious this time of year, so I often make a cream stew with added meat or fish. Instead of heavy cream, my secret is using evaporated milk (unsweetened condensed milk), common in Chinese cuisine. It's one-third the calories and cost of fresh cream, yet provides a rich, milky body that pairs beautifully with this Chardonnay, which has creamy notes of vanilla and butter.
Montes
"Montes Classic Chardonnay 2011"
1,659 yen
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http://ow.ly/eP9sf
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When I work late, I often make Genghis Khan (lamb barbecue) with lamb I've bought in bulk. I pair it with Mouton Cadet, a Bordeaux wine with a sheep on the label, known as the world's most beloved wine (*). When pairing red wine with dishes like Genghis Khan or yakiniku, temperature is key. Served at room temperature, it can feel heavy, so it's best to choose a red wine that's also delicious slightly chilled.
Baron Philippe de Rothschild
"Mouton Cadet Rouge Commemorative Label 2010"
1,890 yen
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http://ow.ly/eP9sG
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We love takoyaki and monjayaki at home, so on weekends, we often bring out the griddle for some DIY fun. The key to both dishes is the dashi broth. On these occasions, I take care to prepare the dashi meticulously. To complement these umami-rich dishes, I indulge in my favorite Champagne – a weekly treat for myself.
Nomine-Renard
"Nomine-Renard Brut NV"
3,990 yen
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http://ow.ly/eP9t1
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On holidays, I have the leisure to cook, so I make homemade pasta and pizza from scratch. I enjoy creating our own Italian feasts with various sauces and toppings. For these occasions, I like to drink an Italian wine that's easy to enjoy. Its mellow flavor makes it so drinkable that a bottle disappears in no time.
Frescobaldi
"Remole 2010"
1,995 yen
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http://ow.ly/eP9u4
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