September 6, 2019

CHORIZO, MELON AND MINT SKEWERS

Savouring the Last of Summer with Chorizo, Melon, and Mint Skewers

As the summer season draws to a close, it is time to enjoy the last of the season’s flavors. For the final melon of the season, why not try a fresh and delicious skewer recipe with chorizo and mint?

The Sweet and Juicy Charentais (or Cavaillon) Melon

When it comes to selecting the perfect melon for this recipe, the Charentais variety (or Cavaillon) is a great choice. Known for its sweet and juicy hint, this melon pairs perfectly with the spicy chorizo and refreshing mint. The Charentais melon is a French heirloom variety that has been cultivated since the 1920s. With its orange flesh and green-striped rind, the Charentais melon is a true delight for the senses.

A History of Skewers

The use of skewers for cooking dates to ancient times. In the Middle East, skewers were used to cook meat over an open flame. The Greeks and Romans also used skewers to cook meat, fish, and vegetables as well as in Japan. Skewers have remained a popular cooking method throughout the world, and are still used today in a variety of cuisines.

Discovering Languedoc Pézenas, A Red Wine from the Rich History of Languedoc-Roussillon

To complement the spicy and sweet hint of these skewers, I recommend pairing it with a Red Languedoc Pézenas from my beautiful Languedoc-Roussillon region!

This wine is unique in that the Pézenas title is reserved exclusively for red wines made from a specific blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes.

The Luscious Blends of Languedoc’s AOC Wines

The AOC wines of Languedoc are predominantly red blends made with Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault. The flavour profile of these wines is dominated by the lusciousness of red fruits, and is best enjoyed with meals that complement the wine’s full-bodied character.

The Fragrant Bouquet of Languedoc Pézenas

The Languedoc Pézenas is noted for its medium-deep ruby colour and a sweet, floral nose. The palate is smooth and fruity, with just the right balance of tannins and acidity to create a well-rounded profile.

A Rich History of Wine in Languedoc

The history of wine in the Languedoc region dates to the 5th century BC when the Greeks introduced viticultural methods to the area. Since then, wine production has been a significant part of the region’s cultural and economic heritage. Wine was being produced around Pézenas as far back as the V11 century BCE, and there was considerable production judging by the Oppidum of Saint-Siméon in the Peyne valley.

Exploring the AOP Languedoc Pézenas

The AOP Languedoc Pézenas covers a small wine-growing area located north of Pézenas, a town of art and history. The wine produced in this region is a testament to the terroir of Languedoc, a blend of the region’s unique soil, climate, and winemaking techniques. Enjoying a glass of Languedoc Pézenas is not just a delight for the senses but a journey through the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.

And with a delicious Chorizo, Melon, and Mint Skewer, you can toast to a summer season well-spent…