One of the most spectacular Wine Country events of the year, A Wine and Food Affair, showcasing the many distinguished winemakers and chefs of Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley, and Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County, California, celebrated its 13th anniversary this year.World-renowned wineries, big and small, put their best pinots, cabs and zins forward, reinforced by some inspired culinary creations. Here’s to the chefs who like to cook with wine, and especially those who sometimes add it to the food!
Kendall-Jackson Wine Center paired its Jackson Hills Cabernet Sauvignon with cabernet-braised oxtail in heirloom tomato and okra sauce. Stone-ground grits rounded up the perfect match of tender falling off the bone meat and piquant sauce.
Old World Winery presented its star wine to be released in spring 2012 – the 2009 Abourious – the 100% Abouriou from the only Abouriou vineyard in the new world.
For food, Helena’s Kitchen prepared duck sandwiches made of leg meat basted with the mixture of espresso, wine, orange juice, tomato paste, honey and spices.
The very merry and friendly Merriam Vineyards paired their Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with a short rib recipe from Chef Josh Silvers.
The ribs, slowly braised in port and cab, and porcini mushroom powder, and served over perfectly mashed potatoes, were about as perfect as it gets in terms of cold weather and body- and soul-warming cuisine.
Mill Creek Winery complimented its rich Zinfandel with grilled lamb skewers from Catelli’s Restaurant.
Not only the meat was skillfully medium-rare, but the house-made herbed pesto with pine nuts, garlic and Parmesan added a magic touch creating a well-balanced food-and-wine pairing of star quality.
Twomey Cellars poured their equally enticing Merlot and Pinot Noir to be consumed with Chef Dominic Orsini’s plump Sicilian lamb meatballs with vin cotto.
The house-made “cooked wine” was just an icing on the cake of the most elaborate meatballs prepared with sautéed shallots, preserved lemon, pistachios and olives.The coveted annual cookbook, Tasting Along the Wine Road, Volume 13, accompanied the event, featuring wine and food recipes from 105 participating wineries.
The upcoming annual events are: Winter Wineland in January 2012 and Barrel Tasting in March 2012. Find out more at: www.wineroad.com.
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