Recently in Cabernet Sauvignon Category

by Courtney Cochran

Like the always-chic little black dress, chocolate never goes out of style.  Whether prepared in a winter-perfect soufflé format, drizzled over ice cream during the summer months or tucked into a decadent truffle that's perfect any season, chocolate gets it right every time.  Read on for tips on pairing wine with this timeless treat, as well as insights on some of the best spots to try your hand at wine and chocolate pairing in person.  

Chef Eric C. Maczko
Winery Chef, Pine Ridge Winery

Prepared during a Creative Culinary Combinations Class held at the winery on Monday, January 30, 2006. The cooking seminars are $40 per person.

Braising is a great way to help chase away any lingering winter blahs. What is better than the great smell of a long, slow cooked meal - that was easy to prepare and serve? This uncomplicated technique transforms tougher cuts of meats into juicy, tender morsels with a sauce that melds the flavors of the meat and vegetables intricately.

Submitted by Chef Eric C. Maczko, Pine Ridge Winery

NAPA VALLEY, CA - Throw some new spice into your Thanksgiving menu. It may be time to trade in the usual bird for a savory roasted ribeye. Pine Ridge Winery plates up this Sage-Encrusted Rib Roast with Root Vegetable Ragout. Highlighting all the traditional flavors of fall, this roast will add a rich nuance to your holiday spread and be the perfect pairing for your cab-loving friends.

Ingredients

• 6-8 pound bone-in ribeye
• 1 bundle sage
• 2 ounces 2003 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
• 1 quart beef stock
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, separated
• 1 teaspoon flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 carrots, medium dice
• 2 parsnips, medium dice
• 2 turnips, medium dice
• 1 rutabaga, medium dice
• 1 head garlic, cloves peeled but whole
  

Grilled Hanger Steak with Potato Roesti, Charentais Carrots, and Cabernet Reduction

This recipe comes from our Executive Chef, Kelly McCown, to pair with the newly released 2002 Rubicon.  Like skirt steak, it is full of flavor but requires careful preparation to remain tender.   A Cabernet reduction provides a simple and elegant backdrop that will pair beautifully with the 2002 Rubicon.

Submitted by Topelo Winery

LOCALS website has great recipes and food pairing tips. This month, they are featuring Topel Winery from Mendocino Wine Country who submitted the recipe Braised Beef Short Ribs with Gremolata that pairs nicely with their 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon.