Recently in Zinfandel 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.  

You can do this with just about any veggies that you happen to have and any type of cheese that melts. Try Fontina or Gruyère, you and your family will be begging for more.

Ingredients

• 4 medium (about 3 inches in diameter) portabella mushrooms, dark gills scooped out
• 1 red bell pepper, quartered lengthwise
• 1 yellow bell pepper, quartered lengthwise
  
• 4 slices medium to large zucchini, cut into rounds
• 4 slices medium eggplant, cut into rounds
• 4 slices fresh mozzarella
• Olive oil
  
• Salt (preferably kosher or sea salt) and freshly ground pepper
  
• 1 cup Roasted Tomato with Balsamic Savory Condiment
• 4 rosemary branches 4-5 inches in length, bottom two-thirds of leaves removed

Recipe developed for Amador Foothill Winery by
Matt Pinsonneult, Chef, Sierra Nevada Tap Room and Restaurant Chico, CA

Heady Zinfandels, like those of the Sierra Foothills, pair beautifully with late-winter meats and mushrooms. This recipe takes fresh spring lamb and marries it with a luscious Zinfandel sauce complemented by the earthiness of sage and morel mushrooms.