Celebrating California Red Wines

Wine Pairing Dinner – Celebrating California Red Wines – 25 May 2012

Ah, California Red Wines. The wine industry in California is a huge, very influential industry. The wines produced there compete well with wines produced all over the world.

During our discussion, we talked about the Phylloxera might that caused so much damage to the world vineyards. The insect originated from California and eventually, so did the solution. Using native grape root stock and grafting European wine plants onto them made them resistant to the Phylloxera might. It is a system used all over the world, including in the USA.

California red wines can be light and fruity, like the Shug Pinot Noir we sampled or hearty and robust like the Geyser Peak Cabernet Sauvignon. We sampled several blended wines. These wines show the art of the vintner in creating just the right blend. Starting with one varetial then adding just the right amout of this or that grape, fine tuning the blend until it is just so.

Again, Chef James and Chef Rene presented some fabulous food creations to go with our nine very interesting California Red Wines. Everything was yummy and the guests had a great time. Join us some time, won’t you?

Apple Baked Brie
granola, port wine reduction
paired with Handcraft Petit Sirah (2009)

Land & Sea Pizza
smoked salmon, hard boiled egg, barbeque glaze
paired with Newton Claret (2009)

Black Angus Rib Eye
bleu cheese barley risotto, bing cherry demiglace
paired with Trintas Old Vine Matero (2005)

~~~ palatte cleanser – watermelon cooler ~~~

Smoked Tomato Soup
Panko Crumbs & Equinox Cheese
paired with Geyser Peak Cabernet Sauvignon (2007)

Red Wine Bloody Mary Mussels
tapenade sourdough crust
paired with Three, Field Blend (2009)

Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Dusted Pork Tenderloin
smashed potatoes, pencil asparagus, coffee cream sauce
paired with Artesea Elements Red Wine (2006)

~~~ palatte cleanser – lemon sorbet ~~~

Tempura Fried Soft Shell Crab
strawberry patch spinach salad, red onion, black pepper, avocado,
balsmic glaze, olive oil
paired with Shug Pinot Noir ( 2009)

Smoked Trout & Cucumber Salad
saffron cream cheese, chili spiced chips
paired with Gnarley Head Authentic Red (2010)

Cinnamon Scented Waffles
vanilla macerated berries, crushed hazelnuts, whipped cream
paired with Cameron Hughes Lot 251, Blend (2009)