Marco Barbanera, Super Tuscan wine and pasta pairing

Pasta Bolognese

INGREDIENTS:pasta-bolognese-wine-pairing

• 2 (28-ounce) cans whole tomatoes with juice or crushed tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 ounces pancetta or 6 slices bacon, finely chopped
• 1/4 pound ground pork (not lean)
• 1/4 pound ground beef chuck (not lean)
• 1/4 pound ground veal
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 carrot, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound small pasta such as orecchiette or rotini
• Garnish: Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

DIRECTIONS:

If using whole tomatoes, in blender or food processor, purée tomatoes with juice. Set aside.  In large, heavy pot over moderate heat, heat oil until hot but not smoking. Add pancetta and sauté until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes. Add beef, pork, and veal and sauté, breaking up meat with back of spoon, until browned, 7 to 8 minutes. Add onion and carrot and sauté until vegetables are tender, 5 to 6 minutes.

Stir in red wine and simmer, scraping up browned bits stuck to bottom of pan, until liquid is reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, cream, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to moderately low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened and brick-red in color, approximately 30 minutes. In large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until almost tender. Drain well and toss with sauce. Serve with grated cheese. Yields 6 servings. Recipe courtesy of Epicurious.com, Chef Joseph W. DiPerri, The Culinary Institute of America.

mellowBarbanera_Rosso Toscana SuperTuscanMarco Barbanera
Rosso Toscana IGT
Super Tuscan
Tuscany, Italy

Marco Barbanera’s winery is a supreme example of how traditional methods of winemaking have benefited from the careful introduction of modern techniques.  The experience and knowledge of many generations enable the Barbanera family to select the right vine for a particular vineyard with its particular microclimate.MARCO-BARBANERA-winemaker-Blog The work in the cellar demands a special degree of sensitivity and attention to detail. “It’s like composing a painting”, according to Marco Barbanera, “when it’s almost complete, with a last decisive brush stroke you can transform it into a masterpiece”. Pairs well with grilled or roasted red meat and spicy chicken dishes.

Winemaker: Marco Barbanera
Appellation: Tuscany, Italy
Varietal Blend:  Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 13% alc/vol

Broken Earth Estate Chardonnay pairing recipe

Creamy Chicken Pasta

creamychickenpastaINGREDIENTS:

• 8 ounces dry rigatoni pasta, uncooked
• No-stick cooking spray
• 1-1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 can (14.5 oz each) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (10-3/4 oz each) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
• 6 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt. Meanwhile, spray large non-stick skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Add chicken and onion; cook 5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in centers, stirring occasionally.

Stir in undrained tomatoes and soup; cook 5 minutes or until hot, stirring occasionally. Add peas; mix well.

Drain pasta; place in large serving bowl. Add chicken-tomato mixture; toss to coat. Sprinkle with cheese. Serves 6.

WC_Feb_2014_Broken_Chard_bottleRichBroken Earth
Estate Chardonnay
Paso Robles, CA

“Layer upon layer of flavor and complexity, suited to an array of foods as a result of the balancing acidity. This is a wonderful example of Paso Robles Chardonnay and a wine we know will reward our efforts.” – Chris Cameron, winemaker

Winemaker: Chris Cameron
Appellation: Paso Robles, California
Varietal Blend:  100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 14.5% alc/vol

Villa Barbi Orvieto Pairing Recipe

Pasta with Artichoke Hearts, Capers and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Chicken Florentine Artichoke BakeINGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound pasta of your choice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large clove of garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock
• 1/4 cup finely sliced sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil or dried are both fine)
• 1 (15 or 16 ounce) jar artichoke hearts, drained
• 1/4 cup drained capers
• Lots of freshly grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Put on water to boil in order to cook the pasta.

While the water is boiling, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly cook the garlic until very fragrant (don’t let the garlic burn or your sauce will be bitter). De-glaze the pan with the white wine. Add the chicken stock, and the sun-dried tomatoes. Let the mixture cook down until reduced by about half. Add the artichoke hearts and capers. Cook about a minute more (enough to warm up the newly added ingredients.) Set aside.

Cook the pasta, and when it is finished, drain it and add the sauce immediately. Toss the mixture together and serve. Garnish each serving very generously with lots of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.  Serves 4-6.

Villa_Barbi_Ovieto_BiancoVilla Barbi Orvieto Classico DOC
crispUmbria, Italy

A vibrant straw color.  Highly aromatic with white fruits, citrus and a hint of almonds. Round yet clean on the palate with bright acidity and a slight bitter almond note on the finish. This wine has excellent balance and beauty. Villa Barbi Bianco expresses the Orvieto tradition at its finest as upheld by Decugnano dei Barbi. It is a fresh wine, fine on the palate and harmonic.

Winemaker: Riccardo Cotarella
Appellation: Orvieto Classico Zone, Umbria, Italy
Varietal Blend:  Grechetto, Procanico, Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc
Analysis: 12.5% alc/vol