MRE Menu 3: Chicken with Noodles

There are certainly no strong flavors to contend with in this dish, which opens a wide range of possibilities.  A harmonious match in vino bianco can be found in arneis grown in the Roero, across the Tanaro River from the Albese zones of Barolo and Barbaresco.  While this area is better known for its nebbiolo-based reds, a few conscientious producers have resumed vinification of this native varietal so that you may enjoy its floral and pear notes with your meal.

On the red side, a Beaujolais from one of the ten cru appellations in the northern part of the region makes a great match, offering a wide range of aromas and delicious fruits, with a pleasant palate-refreshing acidity.  Each cru will offer its own unique expression of gamay, with varying degrees of backbone, and often at great value for the quality they represent.  Don’t confuse these with the light and fruity nouveau releases in November—in the hands of conscientious producers, these are serious wines that deserve several years of bottle age to truly show their best.

Complementary Pairing:  Roero Arneis, Piemonte, Italy

Try:  Deltetto Roero Arneis ‘San Michele’

[www.deltetto.com]  Approximately one third of the blend for this single-vineyard wine is fermented and aged in barrique, with the balance in cement and steel so as not to overpower the elegant aromas.  While this wine will harmonize nicely with the chicken and noodles, don’t hesitate to enjoy it as an apéritif as the MRE chemical heater is sputtering and smoking to bring your main course to a nice lukewarm temperature.

Contrasting Pairing:  Fleurie, Beaujolais, France

Try:  Coudert Fleurie Clos de la Roilette Cuvée Tardive

On the border with and formerly part of the Moulin-à-Vent appellation, you can experience the violet perfumes of Fleurie together with the structure of Moulin-à-Vent offered by these 80 year-old vines.