I HAD my first experience of cooking pork belly last week, as my assumption was always that it would be quite a fatty cut. This belief was echoed by my lovely wife Laura and we have subsequently always avoided that particular section of the butcher’s shop. However, I found a delicious looking recipe for chilli that called for pork belly in one of my favourite cookbooks, Hawksmoor At Home, and I snuck 250g into the fridge. The chilli was nothing short of spectacular (if I do say so myself), and it will become a regular feature on our dinner table as a result. The key was the marinade, which seemed to include every ingredient in the larder. Oh boy, was it spicy.
One of my favourite wines to enjoy with pork is Cabernet Franc and you can find good and affordable bottles from the Loire, Bordeaux and occasionally from the New World. You’ll find examples from Chile and New Zealand from innovative producers, but bear in mind you get what you pay for.
It’s used in Bordeaux to boost the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes in the lighter vintages but is seldom seen as the primary grape. This is a shame as it can really shine in the hands of a talented winemaker. In this column two weeks ago, I mentioned the Chateau Croix Saint-Benoit 2011 (Inverarity One to One, £9.99) and until I find a better Cabernet Franc (blend) for under a tenner, I will continue to recommend this lovely bottle.
From the Loire valley, Cabernet Franc is lighter with more of a summery feel in the glass, and it actually benefits from being slightly chilled. You can have examples from Chinon, Saumur-Champigny and Bourgueil with meatier fish such as tuna and monkfish, but I think it comes into its own with a nice pork dish.
Croix de Chaintres Saumur-Champigny 2015 (Waitrose, £12.79). This is a classic Cabernet Franc with raspberries and dark cherry fruit and lovely herby notes on the palate. It’s very approachable and incredibly food-friendly.
Santa Rita 120 Cabernet Franc 2015 (Majestic, £6.99). This medium-bodied wee glugger is great value and can be enjoyed on its own or with food.
Crossroads Winemakers Collection Cabernet Franc 2014 (Inverarity One to One, £19.99). This is the wine we drank with the aforementioned spectacular chilli and it was absolutely luscious. It’s guaranteed to impress your friends and family, but I would suggest enjoying a bottle or two when you’re not entertaining (it will last a wee bit longer).
Pete Stewart is Glasgow director of Inverarity One to One, 185a Bath Street, Glasgow inverarity121.com
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