Quinoa Salad and Mas Carlot Tradition Blanc

 Olive and Tomato Quinoa salad.  Doesn't sound terribly exciting, but it's amazing and fresh, and so simple to make.  It's the perfect salad to serve as a side, bring to a pot luck, and to have left overs all week in the fridge.

salad:
one cup of mixed pitted olives (more or less depending on how you feel about olives)
one pint of roasted mini tomatoes
three quarters of a red onion, caramelized
half cup of feta cheese (or more, depending on how you feel about cheese!)
quarter cup of chopped parsley
grated rind of one lemon
two cups of cooled, cooked quinoa (cooked according to directions on the bag)
dressing:
half cup of olive oil
the juice from one lemon
little less than quarter cup of balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper

cook quinoa and then place in the fridge until cool.  chop and prepare all ingredients.  mix and serve!

the vino.

The wine pairing for our super salad today is a beautiful value white from the South of France.  Hailing from Costiere de Nimes, a sub region that lies in between the Rhone and Languedoc, just a few kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea.

The 2011 Mas Carlot, Costiere de Nimes Tradition Blanc is made from Marsanne and Roussanne grapes.  The wine is aged on its lies in tank after fermentation; which adds to its complexity, body and weight.  It reveals abundant aromas of apricots, peach, minerals, orange blossom, pineapple and citrus fruits in a medium-bodied, fresh, lively style. It is dry and refreshing and will work well with many dishes at your table.  A very versatile food wine.

Mas Carlot is such a great little producer with a great story.  In the old Provençal dialect, “Mas” means farm.  The farm was constructed around the seventeenth century, located in the heart of the appellation’s cailloux (stone)-based soils.  Nathalie Blanc-Marès is the second-generation owner and is managing this 75 hectares farm with the aid of her husband Cyril Marès, owner of the neighboring property Mas des Bressades (yes, she married the boy-next-door) and, yes… we featured his rose a few weeks ago.  They are a great Provençal family - young and energetic with great vision and talent. Another perfect pair.

Enjoy.

The amazing 2011 Mas Carlot Tradition Blanc AOC Costiere de Nimes ($15.95) is available for purchase on Private order in cases of 12 btls, delivered to your home for $15.95 +HST through Nicholas (416) 918-6425. Grab a case and share it with your friends.

dinner is served.

bon appetit.