Minty fresh

Hand harvested mint from the garden

Happy Spring!

Fresh herbs are a sign of spring and mint is easy to come by in many gardens. It grows like a weed, so it needs to be planted in a container- perfect for small and large herb gardens alike. There are many types of mint, each with a unique flavor. I like to use peppermint, bergamot, and lemon balm. I find spearmint to be a bit overpowering with wine. 

3 ways to use more mint #inspired by wine

I've been adding mint to classic spring mix, topped with my herbed goat cheese medallions and a simple balsamic dressing.  For this, I love a beautiful clean Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir from very cool climates often has a menthol characteristic and is complemented by the touch of mint in the salad.

I also enjoy using mint in place of basil for pesto.  I add a touch of dijon mustard to the mint pesto for a perfect accompaniment to lamb. For mint and lamb pairings, I like a Grenache based Rhone blend. Grenache comes alive with the bright mint flavors.

When I use lemon balm on fresh fish steamed on the grill, I enjoy a Roussanne or Roussanne blend. The lemon balm character in the wine is accentuated in this pairing. Add a squeeze of lemon and season with salt and pepper.

Plant some mint in your wine garden and experiment. You'll love it in water or tea for spring days.

Cheers!