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Kristian Story Chardonnay and Grilled Lemon Shrimp

January 26, 2012 by WineChix
Chip Morton

By: Guest Wine Dude Chip Morton

Went to my first Mens Wine Council meeting last night. What a blast! Amazing wine, good food and really fun knowledgeable folks to share with. My wine pairing assignment was the 2010 Kristian Story Chardonnay, which I paired with a grilled lemon shrimp scampi . The six wines we tasted were 2010 Kristian Story Chardonnay, 2008 Ceja Pinot Noir, 2009 Gentleman Farmer Red, 2007 Kristian Story Soiree Meritage, 2009 Gentleman Farmer Cabernet, and 2007 Kristian Story Rhapsodie Cabernet. It was really hard to pick a winner out of this bunch since they all were pretty amazing, but I ended up with the 2007 Kristian Story Soiree Meritage at the top of the list!

Chip’s Grilled Lemon Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients

1/8 cup grape seed oil

1/8 cup coconut oil

1/4 cup lemon juice

3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon minced garlic

ground black pepper to taste

crushed red pepper flakes to taste (optional)

1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Directions
1. In a large, non-reactive bowl, stir together the oils, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, and black pepper. Season with crushed red pepper, if desired. Add shrimp, and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat grill for high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers, piercing once near the tail and once near the head. Discard any remaining marinade.
3. Lightly oil grill grate. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until opaque.
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Category Food, Wine, Wine Reviews | Tags: Chip Morton,Grilled Lemon Shrimp Scampi,Kristian Story Chardonnay,mens Wine Council | Comments Off
Smoking Loon Wines – I was Missing Out!

January 23, 2012 by WineChix
Smoking Loon Wines Review- I was Missing Out!
By Guest Wine Chix ~ Carmen Micheli

Guest Wine Chix ~ Carmen Micheli

Believe it or not, a wine does not have to be expensive to be enjoyable. I have seen Smoking Loon Wines in the grocery store several times and passed them over in fear that the “under $9” price point could be a possible sign of flaw. Oh man, was I missing out!

At our January Woman’s Wine Council (WWC) tasting, I had the opportunity to review five of Don Sebastiani & Sons “Smoking Loon Wines”: 2008 Chardonnay, 2009 Pinot Noir, 2009 Merlot, 2009 Cabernet, and a 2009 Old Vine Zin.

I was absolutely amazed at the beauty, balance, and versatility of the 2009 Pinot Noir. A very light garnet color with immediate notes of fresh red berries and pomegranate on the nose, this Pinot is definitely a show stopper. I loved it as an appetizer wine paired with Wiens Estate olives (made by Wiens winemaker with red wine, and Italian seasoning) and sage cheese, though I’m confident it would be killer with fellow WWC Judee Smith’s BBQ’d Ribs.

For me, the big winner of the lot belonged to the 2008 Chardonnay. The delicate scent of honey,lemon zest, and tropical papaya had my interest immediately. The subtle French Oak aging added just the right amount of complexity without being too overpowering on the palate. WWC member Sue Richter’s creamy Mushroom Risotto and Laura Plant’s Hominy, green chili casserole were both excellent companions for this unique Chardonnay. What a couple of exciting finds! And… they are available in most grocery stores for under $10!

Salut!
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Category Wine, Wine Reviews | Tags: Carmen Micheli. The Wine Chixs,Smooking Loon. Womens Wine Council | Comments Off
Wines to Drink with Indian food

by WineChix
Spicy Dal

Don’t be afraid to serve wine with Indian food. The right wine can enhance any meal, especially spicy Indian meals. The complex flavors — spicy, sweet, salty — and layered flavors in Indian dishes make food and wine pairing challenging. It’s not impossible however, just follow a few guidelines.

The Main Rule to remember is fiery dishes need a wine to balance the heat, not add to it. Stay away from anything too high in alcohol, because it intensifies the spice. Avoid highly tannic wines (like a bold Barolo or a heavy Cabernet Sauvignon), which can add a bitter taste to highly flavorful, pungent dishes.

If you’re just beginning your exploration, start with a Gewürztraminer with lychee and rose aromas that hint at a sweetness making it a natural fit. Another great pairing is a Kabinett-style Riesling from Germany. The slightest off-dry taste and tasty acidity works well.

Crios : A Torrontes from Argentina

When you’re ready for other options for searing-hot dishes a slightly heavier in texture wine comes to mind like a Muscadet from the Loire Valley in France or for the more adventurous wine drinker, the up-and-coming white varietal of Torrontes from Argentina. It has a gorgeous, aromatic nose, but doesn’t have a ton of complexity that get lost with a more subtle dish. Torrontes is a favorite of mine, and it is affordable. Check out www.BevMo.com for it.

A Pinot Gris from Oregon also makes a nice choice. If you have a salty or fried dish, cut through it with a highly acidic white wine based on Sauvignon Blanc grapes, such as a Pouilly-Fumé or Sancerre.

White wines aren’t the only choices for Indian meals. Meaty, gamey dishes like lamb that have intense, heavier flavors including chile and garlic sauces or smokiness can stand up to red where crisp, delicate white wines would wilt.

One of the least known but most worthy picks is a Chinon, a light-bodied, savory, earthy red wine composed of Cabernet Franc grapes with distinct violet aromas from the Loire Valley of France. Another great option is a Burgundian-style Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley, Oregon or New Zealand. Smokier flavors are complemented by medium-bodied spicy, flinty Shiraz.

You might also think about trying a Valpolicella from Italy or a slightly chilled Beaujolais Cru from France; both are perfect with pork dishes.

And finally, when in doubt, you can’t go wrong pairing Indian food with Champagne. Those fine bubbly nuances easily match the multi -layer flavors present in most Indian dishes. The edgy combination of Champagne and Indian street food makes for an engaging party theme whose sense of style won’t be lost on trend loving friends.

Enjoy the following recipe on a cool fall or winter day. I have confidence that you’ll choose just the right wine.

Spicy Dal

Indian style spinach lentil soup
Palak (spinach) Wali Dal (lentil)

Compliments of Alex Saenz – Sunset Limousine, Temecula, CA
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Category Food, Wine | Tags: Crios Wine,Dal,Easy Indian Recipes,Indian Food,Lentil Soup,Torrontes | Comments Off
Pan Seared Halibut with Cherry and Poblano Salsa and Cristom Pinot

December 15, 2011 by WineChix
Cristom Winery 2008 Pinot Noir

Foodies interested in chef’s who abide by the Farm to Fork / Buy Local mantra. will enjoy this wine and food pairing from a Washington State chef who sings that same song.

Long before it was fashionable to “go green”, Chef Lowell owner/chef of Russell’s Restaurant was and still remains a passionate advocate and long time supporter of Washington farms and wineries. He participates in local sorticulture events such as the Annual Snohomish County Focus on Farming, feeding 650 local farmers in support of their efforts to preserve Washington State’s farmland.

Try pairing Chef Russell’s Pan Seared Halibut with Cherry and Poblano Salsa with a Cristom Winery 2008 Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir ($50). The wine is a selection of the winemaker’s favorite barrels from an estate vineyard farmed entirely by organic methods. The wine is deep-ruby-colored. The bouquet of Eileen Vineyard is distinguished by aromas of mint, black licorice and chervil. This wine is savory on the palate, fruit forward , with a mouthwatering texture. It can be laid down and should become more complex over several years.

Enjoy this recipe and wine pairing from Chef Lowell. The restaurant is a rustic, yet elegant restaurant in the North Creek area of Bothell, WA. The ingredients can easily be found at your local supermarket or Farmers Market.

Recipe: http://www.examiner.com/chef-recipes-in-riverside/pan-seared-halibut-with-cherry-and-poblano-salsa
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Category Food, Wine, Wine Reviews | Tags: Cristom Pinot Noir,Halibut Recipe,Russell's Restaurant,wine reviews | Comments Off
Thornton Brut Reserve and Thai Curry Chicken

December 9, 2011 by WineChix
Thornton Winery 2004 Brut Reserve

I recently coordinated a Champagne tasting for Thornton Winery (Temecula California.) Presented as an opportunity to engage in a guided Sparkling Wine tasting with winemaker David Vergari, this social media outreach event provided an incredible opportunity for 10 press members to taste Thornton’s best Champagnes side by side, poured by one of the world’s most knowledgeable wine expert, and attended by owner John and Steve Thornton and nine other press people.

As we went over each sparkling wine, Executive Chef Steve Pickell also presented food pairings so exquisite we all became instant fans. We all blogged, Tweeted, or wrote on Facebook as we tasted each of the wines. The give and take of each writer’s opinions, the Thornton’s insightful comments, and Winemaker Vegari’s tutorial brought the tasting to a whole new level of interaction and exchange.

The wide range of styles, blends, and bottle age produced thought-provoking comparisons that helped the learning along for all of us who have not spent nearly enough time experimenting and learning more about these Méthode Champenoise wines.

Here is a descriptive line up of the tasting, approximate prices and a fabulous recipe that pairs beautifully with the Thornton Brut Reserve. Click here for the recipe!

Thornton 2004 Brut Reserve ($38): Blended from the best individual vineyard lots of
Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir, this special Cuvée was assembled and
finished in 2010. It shows delicate apple and toasted yeast in the nose…and ohhh
those lovely fine stream of dancing bubbles certainly enhance the overall
tasting experience. Very food friendly.

Thornton Non-Vintage Blanc de Noirs ($24): This is a rich, complex sparkler made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes. Expect rich melon fruit and nutty yeast characteristics alongside citrus and apple notes.

Thornton 2005 Brut Rosé ($29): A light garnet hue sets the stage for delightful indulgence. I know you’ll enjoy the complex aromas that conjure up lilacs and wild cherries, ending with a creamy mousse-like finish. Perfect for the holidays, hostess gifts, or when you want to make a statement about your own exploration of fine Champagnes.

Thornton Non-Vintage Cuvée Rouge ($26): Grapes for the primary cuvée were
hand-picked and tank pressed as whole clusters. The term cuvée refers to a
blended batch of wines. In Champagne, the large houses create their traditional
(and very secret) house-style cuvées by blending various wines before creating
the final product via Méthode Champenoise. Unbelievably good with turkey, ham and lemon
desserts.

If you are interested in giving yourself a little education when it comes to Champagne, or if you’re educated already and simply want to soak yourself in a few bubbles, then head out to Thornton Winery for a Champagne Flight tasting. Cost ranges from $12-$17, and you can download a 2 for 1 tasting coupon (good Sunday – Fridays) at http://www.thorntonwine.com/specialoffers.html

Click here for the recipe!
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A Cup Cake Wars Wanta Be

December 1, 2011 by WineChix
Corie Maue

Attention Foodies! Ever want to be a star on the Food Network? Follow local Temecula stars Corie Maue and Andrea Maue as they share their engaging and energetic entry video and recipe for season 4 of Cupcake Wars. Do they make it? Do they win the big prize? Do they move to Hollywood and invite us for wine & cupcakes in their new mansion? Not sure yet… but in the meantime they’re sharing what they hope will be their award winning recipe. Wish them luck!

Read More

Andrea Maue
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Dunning 2009 Zin and Zin Cake

November 28, 2011 by WineChix
Dunning Vineyards 2009 Ridge Top Zin

If you’re a chocolate aficionado and a big rich Zine lover like I am, then I have JUST the right pairing for you! Dunning Vineyards located on the west side of Paso Robles, CA presents the perfect pairing for your next tasting or dinner: A no frosting dark chocolate cake paired with an ultra premium Paso Zin. Life doesn’t get much better or bigger than this!

Let’s start with the wine.

2009 Estate Zinfandel “Ridge Top” ($28) This rich and full-bodied wine is packed with
classic Paso Zinfandel flavors of raspberry & spice. Produced from dry
farmed vines from the top of the vineyard at 1400-foot elevations this wine
aged in French and American oak is kind to the palate featuring soft tannins
and rich concentrated flavors. 450 cases produced from a 2-acre block with a tiny production of 2 tons per acre. This wine makes friends easily, pairing well with most meat, hearyt pasta dishes, and of course big ‘ol chocolatey desserts.

Pair the Zin with this decadent no-frosting dark chocolate cake . Recipe compliments of Bob and JoAnn Dunning:

http://www.examiner.com/chef-recipes-in-riverside/zinfandel-no-frosting-dark-chocolate-cake

This is a winning combo for sure! Enjoy.
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Category Uncategorized, Wine, Wine Reviews | Tags: Chocolate Cake,Dunning Vineyards,Zin and chocolate cake pairing,Zinfandel,Zinfandel Cake | Comments Off
Paso Robles- Dunning Vineyards Wine Review

November 21, 2011 by WineChix
Carmen Micheli

Paso Robles- Dunning Vineyards Wine Review
By Guest Wine Chix: Carmen Micheli

All I can say is “Paso Robles- Dunning Vineyards”! Of the 4 wines Women’s Wine Council reviewed from this wonderful winery on November 15, 2011, I had a hard time picking my favorite. For the 1st time I was pretty much 50/50 between the 2009 Estate “Ridge Top” Zinfandel, and the 2009 Estate Chardonnay (which is crazy since I am a TOTAL Zin girl).

The Chardonnay was amazing! The use of “50% new French Oak with a very tight grain” produced a perfect Chardonnay in my book. The aroma of nutmeg and pear was beautiful and subtle. While the citrus, vanilla, and pear flavors rounded out the oak quite nicely. Paired divinely with Judee Jachim Smith’s Artichoke and Parmesan Dip with Wasabi crackers!

And drumroll……the 2009 Estate “Ridge Top” Zinfandel is now my new favorite Zin. Produced
from dry farmed vines with tiny production of 2 tons per acre, this wine is meant to be coveted. So yummy it can be sipped on it’s own. But, my super rich Midnight Espresso Cookies with Salted Caramel drizzle paired quite nicely as did Corie Maue’s prosciutto wrapped persimmon drizzled with Temecula Olive Oil Companies Balsamic Vinegar.

With the holiday’s coming up fast, both of these wines would be perfect as gifts, or with your holiday dinner. Dunning Wines are available at the winery, from select retailers, via direct shipment, or at a
number of fine Paso Robles area restaurants. Visit their website at www.dunningvineyards.com
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Category Wine, Wine Reviews | Tags: Carmen Micheli,Dunning Vineyards,Womens Wine Counicl | Comments Off
Food Drive and 2 for 1 Tasting at Thornton Winery

November 18, 2011 by WineChix
Wine Tasting at Thornton Winery

Non Perishable Food Drive at Thornton Winery benefits everyone!

November 21 – December 23

Starting Monday November 21st through Sunday, December 23rd, guests who bring in a minimum of 3 non perishable food items SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY will receive two tastings for the price of one.

The food will be donated to the Assistance League of Temecula to help families in need. OFFER IS NOT GOOD ON SATURDAYS.

List of recommended items:

Elbow Macaroni 1 lb

Spaghetti Noodles 1lb.

Spaghetti Sauce

Top Ramen (chicken or Beef)

Stew

Sloppy Joe sauce

Raviolis

Pork and beans

Spam

Corned Beef

Chili

Refried beans

Diced tomatoes

Tomato Sauce

Green Beans

Corn

Soups-all varieties

Sugar

Long grained rice

Salt and Pepper

Chicken or Beef bouillon
(granules)

Garlic Powder

Bottled Water

Coffee

Kool-Aid

Peanut butter

Jam or jelly
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Dunning Vineyards Wine Review

November 17, 2011 by WineChix
Dunning Vineyards Wine Review – Womens Wine Council – November 15th, 2011
By Guest Writer: Judee Smith

Wine Chix Linda Kissam (Back) & Guest Wine Chix Judee Smith (Front)

Dunning Vineyards Chardonnay

I enjoyed another lovely evening with the ladies of the Womens Wine Council. Our wine selections were from Dunning Vineyards in Paso Robles. We sampled a Chardonnay and three very nice reds. I thought all were very good but, as usual, the opinions of rankings from the ladies varied. That is what is so wonderful about wine. All of our pallets are different which causes such interesting conversations in our group. It is so much better to share your wine and compare your comments.

Being a Chardonnay drinker, I had to choose Dunning’s 2009 Estate Chardonnay as my favorite. All the ladies enjoyed this one. Aged in 50% French Oak, it fit the description of the buttery oak flavor that I look for in a Chardonnay. This wine is full-bodied and it easily stood up to most of the foods that I sampled with it. From the fontina pizza to the persimmon wrapped in prosciutto with a touch of balsamic vinegar drizzled on it, this wine was complimentary.

My second choice was Dunning’s 2008 Estate Vin De Casa, a blend of 45% Cabernet Franc, 35% Zinfandal and 20% Syrah. I found the intermingling of these varietals to be very successful. The combination brings berry, dark current and spice flavors to this wine with just a touch of oak. It is a bit heavier than I usually enjoy but its flavor and smoothness won me over. It was excellent with a delicious turkey lasagna we sampled. I also enjoyed it with the strong flavor of the Gorgonzola cheese with roasted hazelnuts and cranberries. This would be an outstanding choice for any pasta dish.
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Category Wine, Wine Reviews | Tags: Chardonnay,Dunning Vineyards,Judee Smith,wine reviews | Comments Off

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