Tag Archives: cooking with wine

Tuscan Roasted Chicken Breasts with Thyme and Potatoes

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shutterstock_203107033INGREDIENTS:
•  4 boneless chicken breasts
•  4 twigs of thyme
•  4 twigs of rosemary
•  2 cloves of garlic
•  3 medium sized potatoes
•  5 large carrots
•  Dash of salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS:
Rub the chicken with thyme, rosemary and garlic, then salt and pepper.

Coat a roasting pan with oil, place the largely cut potato pieces in the bottom and arrange the chicken on top of the pieces.  Place chicken in oven cooking at 375 °F for about 40 minutes.

Remove the chicken from the oven when it has browned and keep it warm.

Peel and slice the carrots and partially boil in salted water for 2 minutes.  Drain and add carrots to the pan, cooking them in the natural juices from the chicken.

Cut up the chicken once it has cooled a bit and serve warm with the potatoes and carrots.  Top it off with a drizzle of the chicken’s natural juices.  Serves four people.  Recipe adapted from Gallo Winery.

Bold_stickerCasadei_sardinia_2013Casadei
Sardinia Blend
Isola dei Nuraghi IGT, Italy

Made from the best selection of Bovale, Carignano and Cannonau, the most representative varietals of Sardinia, this wine of great complexity, power and elegance is the flagship of Casadei’s  estate in the middle of the Mediterranean sea.  The result is superb grapes which magnificently express their terrior.  Like an orchestra conductor, the most difficult task is to find the perfect melody, blending these “natural talents.”

Casadei-winemaker“It has very appealing and intense aromas with notes of blackberry, blueberry and chocolate. On the palate it is dry but silky and mouth-filling, with a very long and pleasant aftertaste with hints of toasted coffee beans.” – Stefano Casadei, winemaker

Winemaker: Stefano Casadei
Appellation: Isola dei Nuraghi IGT, Italy
Varietal Blend:  50% Bovale, 50% Carignano + Cannonau
Analysis: 14% alc/vol
Aging: 12 months in new French oak barrels

Roasted Pumpkin & Feta Frittata Pairing Recipe

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Roasted Pumpkin & Feta Frittata

pumpkin-frittataINGREDIENTS:
•  2 tablespoons vegetable oil
•  1 small onion, diced
•  6 oz. pumpkin (butternut squash), cut into 1/2 dices
•  6 medium eggs
•  1/2 cup milk
•  4 oz feta, crumbled
•  1 teaspoon dried oregano
•  1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
•  salt & pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oil in an ovenproof pan.  Add onion and pumpkin and cook for 2 minutes.  Place the pan in the oven and cook for 10 minutes.

Beat eggs and milk.  Stir in the cheese, herbs, salt & pepper.

Lift the pan from the oven and pour over the egg mixture. Cook for 4-5 minutes on stove top until eggs start to solidify.

Take the pan back to the oven to finish cooking, about 10-15 minutes.  Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before slicing to serve warm.  Recipe courtesy of Peter Howard and Gallo winery.

Olianas_Vermentino_NV_webcrispOlianas
Vermentino
Vermentino di Sardegna DOC, Italy

It was 2000, the dawn of a new millennium and dawn of Olianas in the heart of Sarcidano, north of Caglirair, Italy.  Olianas’ bio-integral philosophy involves the utmost respect for grapevines and soils.  The use of herbicides, chemical fertilizers and synthetic products for pest management of the plant is banned. The use of tracked or rubber-tired vehicles is limited, as they involve excessive soil compaction; instead they favor the use of animals, including horses. The harvest is strictly manual, with selection of the grapes in the field. The management of soil fertility is through organic fertilization and green manures.  A straw yellow color, this Vermentino has strong aromas and orange blossom floral notes. In the mouth it is fresh, fruity and elegant.

Casadei-winemaker“Intense and clean notes of grapefruit and citrus with hints of spice and bread crust.  On the palate is refreshing and quite round with a very pleasant finish.  Perfect as aperitif and with dishes based on fish.” – Stefano Casadei, winemaker

Winemaker: Stefano Casadei
Appellation: Vermentino di Sardegna DOC, Italy
Varietal:  Vermentino
Analysis: 13% alc/vol
Aging: Partially aged in small barrels for six months, the rest refined in stainless steel for same period.

Costero Bay Chardonnay

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DOVER SOLE WITH BROWNED CAPER BUTTER

INGREDIENTS:Dover-sole-recipe
•  4 Dover Sole Fillets
•  1 Cup Flour
•  2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
•  1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
•  3 Tablespoons Butter, unsalted
•  White Wine
•  1 Lemon, juiced
•  2 Tablespoons Capers
•  2 Tablespoons Parsley Leaves, chopped
• Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350° F.  Mix flour, salt and pepper in a pie pan. Lightly dredge Dover sole filets in seasoned flour. Heat olive oil in an oven proof skillet. Sauté sole 1 to 2 minutes per side. Place skillet in oven for 4 minutes.  Meanwhile, heat butter in a small pan until butter gets brown. Add lemon, capers, parsley, salt and pepper. Pour over fillets before serving.  Recipe courtesy of Costero Bay.

Costero_Bay_Chardonnay_2013Silky_StickerCostero Bay
Chardonnay
Monterey, California

Above the rugged coast of Monterey are fertile vineyards, ideal for growing premium chardonnay.  Nestled between the pacific ocean and the Santa Lucia mountains, the vineyards enjoy warm days and cool nights.  This vintage especially enjoyed a very mild, warm spring and a sun-drenched, consistent summer. This lead to one of the longest growing seasons in over a decade and allowed grapes to reach full maturity before harvest.  With a brilliant balance of acid and natural sweetness, this vintage is rich with developed fruit flavors. With a nose of ripe apricot and Asian pear leading to a creamy mid-palate, this Chardonnay has flavors of crisp pink lady apple and toasted vanilla bean pod that linger on the finish.

winemaker-Douglas“Golden Delicious apple, pineapple and apricots fill the nose.  Medium-bodied with creamy mid-palate, this  wine offers flavors  of peach and hints of toasty vanilla spice” – Douglas Danielak, winemaker

Winemaker: Douglas Danielak
Appellation: Monterey, California
Varietal Blend:  100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 13.5% alc/vol
Aging: 35% French Oak, 65% temperature controlled, insulated stainless steel tanks

Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon Pairing Recipe

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Beef-stew-red-potatoesBEEF STEW with MUSHROOMS and RED POTATOES

INGREDIENTS:
• 3 pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 pound medium-size mushrooms
• 1 pound small (1 to 1 1/2-inch) red potatoes, scrubbed
• 2 1/2 cups canned beef broth
• 18 shallots

DIRECTIONS:
Place beef in large bowl. Sprinkle with flour, thyme, allspice and generous amounts of salt and pepper; toss to coat. Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add beef and sauté until brown, about 6 minutes. Transfer beef to large dish after each batch; reserve any flour in bowl. Add mushrooms and potatoes to drippings in pot. Stir 2 minutes. Return beef, any collected juices, and reserved flour mixture to pot. Add beef broth and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until beef is almost tender, about 45  minutes.

Drop shallots into pot of boiling water; cook 1 minute. Drain and peel shallots. Add to stew and simmer, uncovered, until beef and vegetables are tender and sauce thickens, about 30 minutes. Recipe courtesy of Cambridge Cellars. 

Bold_stickerLimited_Cabernet_2013Limited Cambridge Cellars
Cabernet Sauvignon
Central Coast, California

Cambridge California Cellars was founded by Kim and Bruce Cunningham – two Aussies who were drawn to northern California people and place. They have been intertwined with California’s wine industry for 20+ years.  It is here where they fell in love with the community and moved to Novato, CA. Limited by Cambridge Cellars represents premium, small parcel wines from the finest California appellations. This Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the Central Coast region of California.  Here, valleys run from west to east, drawing on fog and wind into the vineyards just off the Pacific Ocean.  These grapes soak up afternoon sun and are then cooled by evening fog.

winemaker-Douglas“This wine exhibits rich layers of cherry and black currant fruit, framed by nicely integrated oak.  It’s a soft, friendly Cabernet Sauvignon.” – Douglas Danielak, winemaker

Winemaker: Douglas Danielak
Appellation: Contra Coast County, California
Varietal Blend:  100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 13.6% alc/vol
Aging: 75% American Oak, 25% French Oak, aged 14 month

Gold rated wine paired with Grilled Filet Mignon

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filet-mignonGRILLED FILET MIGNON WITH GORGONZOLA BUTTER

INGREDIENTS:
•  4 filet mignons, each 1-1/2 inches thick
• 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
• Vegetable oil cooking spray
• 1 to 2 teaspoons coarse salt
• 4 tablespoons Gorgonzola butter

GORGONZOLA BUTTER:
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup chopped scallions
• 1 teaspoon coarsely ground fresh black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

DIRECTIONS GORGONZOLA BUTTER:
Using a hand-held mixer or a mini food processor, blend the butter and Gorgonzola until smooth. Add the scallions, pepper, and vinegar and blend for about 1 minute longer until fully incorporated. Alternatively, mix the ingredients by hand.

Lay a piece of plastic wrap on the counter top. Scrape the butter onto the plastic and, using the plastic wrap as a guide, form the butter into a log. Fold the ends closed and refrigerate until ready to use.

DIRECTIONS GRILLED FILET MIGNON:
First of all, rub the steaks with olive oil and pepper. Set aside for 20 to 30 minutes until ready to grill. Prepare a charcoal or gas grill. Lightly spray the grill rack with vegetable oil cooking spray. The coals should be moderately hot to hot.

Rub the salt into both sides of the steaks. Grill for 5 to 6 minutes on each side for rare meat or for 6-7 minutes for medium-rare meat. Brush a little more olive oil on the steaks after they are turned. Place a pat of the compound butter on top of each filet mignon as soon as it comes off the grill so that the butter begins to melt on top of the meat. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving.

Mr-Riggs---2012-Three-Corner-JackBold_stickerMr.Riggs
Three Corner Jack
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
McLaren Vale, Australia

DougFrost“If there is one simple attribute that Australian red wines are supposed to embody it’s “jam”: an intense and nearly confectionary kind of fruitiness that makes you just want to grin and drink more. One of the country’s top winemakers, Ben Riggs, has tossed Cabernet, Shiraz and Merlot together for this fun brew, but he has always been adept at crafting rich and exuberant reds.” – GOLD RATING

Winemaker: Ben Riggs
Appellation: McLaren, Vale, Australia
Varietal Blend:  40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Shiraz, 20% Merlot
Analysis: 14.5% alc/vol
Critical Acclaim: GOLD rating – Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine
“Best New Wines” from Australia – Josh Raynolds – IWC 2013; 90 points 2011 vintage

Piebald Gully vineyard 1In South Australia, where the beloved McLaren Vale region is located, ‘Three Corner Jack’ is the name given to a three-spiked prickle which sticks to you and is hard to ignore! Perfect name for a wine that combines three of McLaren Vale’s finest grape varieties from three of their very best vineyards.  A tried and tested area for growing full-flavored Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, McLaren Vale has almost the perfect climate for grape growing: warm summers, low humidity, good winter rain and long autumns to ensure that grapes achieve ripeness, flavor, acid and balance.

 

Grilled Flank Steak with Shallot and Red Wine Sauce

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flank-steakINGREDIENTS:
•  4 shallots, sliced in thin rings
•  4 tablespoons olive oil
•  1 cup red wine
•  1 cup beef broth
•  Salt and freshly ground black pepper
•  1 (1 1/2 pound) piece flank steak
•  1 tablespoon cold butter, in small chunks

DIRECTIONS:
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, saute the shallots in 2 tablespoons of the olive oil until lightly caramelized, about 5 to 7 minutes. Raise the heat to high and add the red wine and reduce by half. Add the broth and reduce by half. Check for seasoning, and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Keep warm on low heat.

Brush the flank steak on both sides with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and season with the salt and pepper. Place on the center of grill and sear 5 to 8 minutes per side for rare to medium rare, testing by pressing the meat with a finger: The spongier the meat feels, the rarer it is cooked. Remove from the grill and allow to rest, very loosely tented with aluminum foil, 5 to 10 minutes, to allow the juices to reabsorb into the meat.

Slice the flank steak on the diagonal and place on a large platter. Finish the sauce by swirling in the chunks of cold butter, then top the steak with some of the sauce and serve the rest on the side.  Recipe courtesy of Bodega Bouza

Bodega_Bouza_TannatBodega BouzaBold_sticker
Tannat A8
Canelones, Uruguay

Juan and Elisa established Bodega Bouza in 2000 by restoring a historic winery first built in 1942 by Numa Pesquera.  Since then the winery has established itself as Uruguay’s most critically acclaimed producer.  Grapes are sourced from Bouza’s two estate vineyards in the Canelones region.  This temperate, Atlantic-influenced climate sees four distinct seasons and temperatures rarely exceed 93 degrees. While Bouza is receiving worldwide attention for their Tannat bottlings, the winery is also responsible some of the most interesting Tempranillo, Merlot, Chardonnay and Albarino in South America.

Winemaker: Dr. Eduardo Boido
Appellation: Canelones, Uruguay
Varietal Blend:  100% Tannat A8
Analysis: 15.5% alc/vol

Syrah-braised Lamb Shoulder

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syrah-braised-lamb-shoulderINGREDIENTS:
•  2 tablespoons ground cumin
•  3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
•  Salt and freshly ground pepper
•  One 5-pound boneless lamb shoulder roast, tied
• 1 bottle Alberti El Necio Syrah
• 4 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
• 12 thyme sprigs, tied with string

DIRECTIONS: Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a small bowl, mix the cumin with 2 tablespoons of the oil and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the lamb.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy casserole or Dutch oven. Add the lamb shoulder and brown it well over moderately high heat, about 15 minutes. Transfer the lamb to a large plate. Wipe out the casserole.

Return the lamb to the casserole.  Add the wine, chicken stock and thyme sprigs and bring to a boil. Cover with a tight- fitting lid and transfer the casserole to the oven. Braise the lamb for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, turning the meat occasionally, until tender.Transfer the lamb to a large platter and cover with foil.  Discard the thyme sprigs. Boil the braising liquid until reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 40 minutes.

Remove the strings from the roast. Slice the lamb, transfer to plates or a platter and spoon the sauce on top.  Recipe compliments of Bodega Calle

mellowElNecio_SyrahBodega Calle
Alberti 154 El Necio
Reserva Syrah
Mendoza, Argentina

Located in the prestigious wine region of Luján de Cuyo, Bodega Calle produces high quality wines in a sustainable way.   2012 marks their  sixth Syrah vintage.  Access to a superb vineyard in Argrelo allows Bodega Calle to make a small quantity of concentrated, memorable wine via organic farming.  Bright purple in the glass, with roasted aromas of dark cherry, ripe blackberry, bacon fat and vanilla.  Cocoa and licorice notes saturate the palate and wine finishes round and direct.

Winemaker: Matteo Viana
Appellation: Alto Agrelo, Argentina
Varietal Blend:  100% Syrah
Analysis: 15.0% alc/volume

Pork Medallions with Cherries

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pork-cherriesINGREDIENTS:
•  1 lb. pork loin cut into ½ inch medallions
•  Salt to season
•  1 sprig fresh rosemary
•  2 cloves garlic, minced
•  2 Tbsp Olive Oil
•  1 cup Sera Fina Barbera wine
•  ½ cup beef broth
•  3 tsp brown sugar
•  1 Tbsp honey
•  ¼ cup dried tart cherries

DIRECTIONS:
Lightly season medallions with salt, rosemary, and garlic. In a skillet, heat olive oil on high; when hot, add medallions. Cook 3-5 min each side until browned. Remove meat from pan; set aside. Add Barbera to skillet on high heat, scrapping bits from bottom of the pan. Reduce to medium high heat for 10 minutes. Stir in beef broth, sugar, honey and cherries. Continue to reduce for 10 more minutes. Add medallions and serve.

Sera_Fina_Barbera_WinemellowSera Fina Cellars
Barbera
Amador County, CA

The vineyards of Amador County range from 800 feet to over 1800 feet in elevation. Since they lie in the Sierra Foothills, cool air falling from higher elevations mitigates the warm daytime with much lower morning and evening temperatures. The soils are mainly decomposed granite and are relatively infertile. Therefore, the wines develop lushness, depth and character. Serafina Cellars is headquartered in Plymouth. In the gold rush years of the 1850’s, Plymouth was called Pokerville and was probably a wild town for miners.  Paul Scotto is both the winemaker and the owner of Serafina cellars.

Winemaker: Paul Scotto
Appellation: Amador County, California
Varietal Blend:  100% Barbera
Analysis: 14.25% alc/vol

Semillon Chicken

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semillon-chickenINGREDIENTS:
•  4 chicken breasts (boneless, with or without skin)
•  1 lemon
•  2 cloves garlic
•  Black pepper
•  2+ cups Steele Canyon Cellars Semillon

DIRECTIONS:Rinse chicken breasts and place in a plastic container.  Add garlic cloves, pepper to taste, juice from 1/2 lemon and enough wine to cover.  Cover tightly and marinate in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.

Remove, drain the chicken, sprinkle lightly with lemon juice and grill over a medium fire until done; can also be baked at 375°F in the oven.  Serve warm with Steele Canyon Semillon as an entrée or sandwich filling.  Recipe compliments of Steele Canyon Cellars.

 

Canyon_Cellars_Steele_SemillonSteele Canyon Cellars
Silky_StickerSemillon
Napa Valley, CA

Steele Canyon Cellars is located in the rolling, heavily wooded hills of eastern Napa, just south of Lake Berryessa.   This 2012 release is Steele Canyon Cellar’s first Napa Valley Semillon.  It was hand harvested in small baskets from the Silverado Trail vineyard on October 23, 2013 at 23.7 brix.  The fruit was rushed to the winery to start a long, cool fermentation using QA 23 yeast.  After fermentation, the wine was divided into two parts, one aged in stainless steel and the other in second vintage French oak barrels in Steele Canyon Cellar’s aging cave.  This is an appealing white wine alternative to pour before meals, or serve with baked chicken or roasted turkey.

 

Winemaker: Paul Scotto
Appellation: Silverado Trail, Napa Valley, CA
Varietal Blend:  100% Semillon
Analysis: 13.5% alc/volume