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It never ceases to amaze me that I can visit countries worldwide and converse in real-time with friends and family or meet with wine producers through the wonders of technology. Not long ago, I traveled to northern Italy via a Zoom meeting with brothers Aldo and Paolo Rametta to learn about the Romagna wine region and their two estates and a tasting of several wines they produce.  Aldo and Paolo. Photo courtesy of Poggio della Dogana. The slopes of Romagna nestled in the eastern part of the Emilia-Romagna wine region in northern Italy are a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Romagna is a buffered zone between the Apennine mountains and the Adriatic Sea and is known for its rich and fertile terroir. The Emilia-Romagna region, with its proximity to Tuscany, Lombardy, Veneto, and the Adriatic Sea has a rich history of wine production dating back to the seventh century BC and is considered among the older Italian wine regions. It’s capital is Bologna.  Aldo and Paolo were born in Louisiana, and although they grew up in the United States and Switzerland, they spent most of their lives abroad. Their passion for the environment, traditional winemaking, and family roots and history led them to Romagna and the purchase of two very distinct wine estates. Their main goal is to produce “a gentle expression of high quality from single vineyards.” Poggio della Dogana is the first wine project begun by the Rametta brothers. They purchased the estate in 2017, located in Terra del Sole. It includes a vineyard that is more than twenty years old which was already in organic conversion at the time. The vineyards cover a total of 20 hectares on a hilly area between Castrocaro Terme and Brisighella, at an altitude between 180m and 300m, with different soil characteristics in each area. The focus of the estate is representative of the Romagna territory, which grows Sangiovese and Albana, a white grape. Aldo said, “Albana is a white wine but quite peculiar for a white variety. We joke that it is red wine dressed in white. Its thick skins release tannins and complexity.”  Photo courtesy of Poggio della Dogana. Ronchi di Castelluccio is in Modigliana, in the heart of the Sangiovese di Romagna lands. The Rametta brothers acquired this historic estate in 2020. There are approximately 30 hectares, with vineyards at an altitude between 250 and 500 meters above sea level. Biodiversity and sustainability are practiced in the single vineyards. “The historic vines have been restored, no plant has been torn down and the old growing systems have been introduced.” Except for Sauvignon Blanc, all the crus are 100% Sangiovese grapes.  Photo courtesy of Ronchi di Castelluccio. Here are four wines we tasted together (samples I received prior to the meeting.)  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Ronchi di Castelluccio Sottovento di Castelluccio IGT 2021 Produced from a single vineyard, this 100% Sauvignon Blanc was hand-harvested at an altitude of 390 meters. Soil is marl and calcareous sandstone. Fermentation took place in stainless steel and the wine was aged nine months in wood and a minimum of nine months in bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: White flowers, citrus, white stone fruit, saltiness. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with fresh and lively notes, and sapidity lingering on the finish. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $40 Poggio della Dogana Belladama Romagna DOCG Albana Secco 2022 This 100% organic Albana was hand-harvested from 20-year-old vineyards at 200m and 300m altitude. Fermentation took place in stainless steel vats, and was aged for ten months in concrete and a minimum of four months in bottle. The typical signature of this wine is its intense golden color, which becomes more intense as it ages.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: White flowers, citrus, peach, apricot, and herbs. Palate: Lively acidity, fresh, dry, good structure, and a touch of minerality. A trace of tropical fruit and citrus zest linger on the finish. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $30 Ronchi di Castelluccio Buco del Prete di Castellucio DOC Sangiovese Modigliana 2021 From the 300m alt. single vineyard of the same name, Buco del Prete, this 100% Sangiovese was hand-harvested and fermented in steel. Aging took place in large French oak barrels for 12 months and at least six months in bottle. This vineyard is the lowest altitude vineyard on the estate at Modigliana.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Dark fruit, forest floor, baking spice, and a hint of lavender. Palate: Rich dark fruit, dark berries, black cherry, fennel, lively acidity, smooth tannins, and a touch of spice on a long finish. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $40 Ronchi di Castelluccio Ronco della Simia DOC Sangiovese Modigliana 2020 The grapes for this 100% Sangiovese were sourced from Modigliana, in a vineyard restored in 2019 that was originally planted in 1975. It is a single vineyard with the highest elevation for a Sangiovese vineyard. (370 meters alt) Fermentation took place in steel and small oak vats and then was aged for ten months in Allier, Vosges, low-toasted tonneaux, and barriques. It then remained in bottle for a minimum of 14 months.  Nose: Violets, red fruit, earthy, and baking spice. Palate: Beautiful texture and mouthfeel. Sapidity is present. Juicy, meaty fruit, dark cherry, smooth tannins, sweet spice, and a long finish. Alcohol: 13.5 % SRP: $140 In addition to my palate being entertained, the Rametta brothers had lots of information and stories to share. Their passion, love, and respect for the environment and history were palpable. They have piqued my interest in visiting Romagna and immersing myself in the land, culture, and wine! “There is no future without respect for history: we will be brave and let ourselves be driven by dreams and emotions.” Aldo & Paolo Rametta  Photo courtesy of Ronchi di Castelluccio. Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Bastille Day is celebrated in France every July 14th, and in many French-speaking regions worldwide, including the USA. The French also refer to this day as “Le Quatorze Juillet” (the 14th of July) or “La Fête Nationale” (the National Day)  Image courtesy of National Geographic On July 14th, 1789. a group of revolutionaries stormed the Bastille prison in Paris, marking the start of the French Revolution. The Bastille was a symbol of the tyrannical rule of the Bourbon monarchy. Without going into a detailed history lesson, suffice it to say King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette were overthrown, ending the “Ancien Régime.” The Bastille prison was torn down by the order of France’s new revolutionary government, with the last stone removed in 1790. King Louis XVI was publicly beheaded on January 21st, 1793, making him the only French king to ever be executed. Marie Antoinette met the same fate at the guillotine on October 16th, 1793.  Image courtesy of National Endowment for the Humanities Although it was a violent time, Bastille Day is celebrated in France with parades, fireworks, food, wine, and dancing. And even though I never need a reason to pour a glass of wine, it’s a perfect time to open a bottle of French wine and toast Bastille Day! Here are three wines that will tickle your palate on Bastille Day or any day of the year!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss C’EST LA VIE Pinot Noir-Syrah Pays d’Oc IGP 2020 This brand was created by Maison Albert Bichot. The Bichot family was established in Burgundy in 1350. Founded in 1831, Domaines Albert Bichot currently owns six estates throughout Burgundy. This wine is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Syrah, with grapes sourced from the Languedoc-Roussillon. It is vinified and finished in stainless steel.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral notes, red berries, and a hint of spice. Palate: Vibrant and smooth with strawberry, raspberry, ripe cherry, and a dollop of spice. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $13 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy on its own or with grilled fish, meat, cheese, and light bites. Slightly chilled on a hot day, this wine is quite refreshing. Trenel Beaujolais Cuvée Rochebonne AOP 2021 Maison Trenel was founded in 1928 by Henri Claudius Trénel and is in the heart of the South Burgundy and Beaujolais wine regions. The grapes for this 100% Gamay are sourced from the regional appellation “Beaujolais,” east of the “Pierres Dorées” area, on three parcels east-oriented and facing the Mont Blanc. The wine is aged for five months in cement tanks and is unfined and lightly filtered before bottling.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Fruity aromas, red berries, cherry, spice. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with crisp and juicy notes of strawberry, raspberry, cherry, and a touch of pepper lingering on the finish. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $21 Pairing suggestions: Soft cheese, cheese tarts, quiche, fish stew, seared tuna, and roasted chicken. La Perrière Mégalithe Sancere 2016 Saget La Perrière is a family-run company in the Loire Valley, France. With 890 acres of vines in the finest appellations and six estates, it carries on the tradition of nine generations dedicated to producing fine wines. The estate’s 106 acres of Sancerre vineyards (Sauvignon Blanc grapes) are in the Bannay, Verdigny, Saint-Satur, Crézancy, and Vinon districts. Megalithe is the icon wine of Saget La Perrière. The first vintage was produced in 1998. The goal of Megalithe is to showcase the beauty of aged Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes are hand-harvested, and “after a gentle pressing, 40% of the must is fermented in new 300-liter oak barrels from Allier. The wine stays in barrel for eight to nine months, and the lees are stirred regularly to give the wine weight and complexity. To preserve the character of Sauvignon, the other 60% of the must is vinified and matured with particular care in steel vats.”  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Elegant and complex aromas of honeysuckle, apples, apricots, stone fruit, vanilla, and a touch of flint. Palate: Rich texture with a beautiful balance of salinity and ripe fruit. This wine has so much character! Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $45 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or with lobster, seafood, goat cheese, and salads. Until next time…  Joyeux jour de la bastille!
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Honig Vineyard and Winery is a family-owned and operated winery situated in the picturesque town of Rutherford in Napa Valley, CA.  Honig Vineyard courtesy of Honig In 1964, Louis Honig purchased a 68-acre vineyard in Rutherford from the Wagners’, who are owners of the nearby Caymus vineyards. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc were the two varieties planted in the vineyard that they bought. The Honig family grew and sold these grapes to nearby wineries until 1980 when they decided to try producing their own Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. It was a great success! Realizing the potential of the grapes growing in their vineyards, they built a winery that was completed in 1982. Even though the wine they produced was good, they still struggled with sales and marketing. Michael Honig, grandson of Louis, saw great possibilities and stepped up to the plate in 1984 at the age of 22. Michael and his family slowly transformed their marketing approach. Sales grew, and today, their wines are sold in all 50 states and internationally.  Michael Honig Photo courtesy of Honig winery. Michael and his team are committed to the environment, practice sustainable wine growing, and use solar energy. They have California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and Fish Friendly Farming certifications.  Photo courtesy of Honig winery In addition to hawks and owls that keep the rodent population down, they use sheep (aka Wooly Weeders) as natural lawnmowers, eliminating chemical weed killers.  Photo courtesy of Honig winery By only focusing on the production of two varietals, they have achieved the “true expression of the vineyard.” Michael recently sent me a bottle of each varietal to taste. He said, “We specialize and only make Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. These two wines are the bottlings that we sell all over the world.”  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Honig 2023 Sauvignon This bottle is very eye-catching, with a beautiful view of the vineyard. It’s like looking through a window! The wine is 98% Sauvignon Blanc, 1% Semillon, and 1% Muscat. The grapes are sourced from Honig’s sustainably farmed vineyard in Rutherford (58%) and Lake County vineyards (42%.) Fermentation and aging take place in stainless steel tanks.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, white stone fruit, citrus, and a hint of tropical notes. Palate: Pear, grapefruit, honeysuckle, and a touch of key lime make for a lively whirl and a juicy finish. It is fresh and bright! Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $23.99 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with seafood, salads or sushi. Honig 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley The first vintage for the Cabernet Sauvignon was in 1987. The grapes for this wine are 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.3% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 2.4% Petit Verdot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, and 1.2% Petit Syrah. Grapes are sourced from the Rutherford vineyard and local Napa Valley vineyards. The wine was aged 18 months in French and American oak barrels (25% new American oak, 20% new French oak.)  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Dark berries, cherry, a hint of cranberry, and baking spice. Palate: Lush notes of dark cherry covered in mocha, dark berries, sweet spice, and minerality. It is a sweet and savory dance on the palate with a silky, long finish. Nicely balanced. Alcohol: 14.9% SRP: $46.95 - $56.00 Pairing suggestions: Grilled meat, hearty stews, seared tuna, and mushroom risotto. As the song says… A bottle of red, a bottle of whites Whatever kind of mood you're in tonight… Billy Joel’s “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant”  Photo courtesy of Honig winery Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] The shortest day of the year is finally behind us, but winter has officially begun. Although I enjoy the beauty of a winter wonderland, I’m not a fan of the slush, ice, and frigid weather accompanying it.  So, let’s chase the winter blues away with some white wines and dream of tropical beaches and warmer weather! Trenel Mâcon Villages AOP 2021 Maison Trenel was founded in 1928 by Henri Claudius Trénel and is in the heart of the South Burgundy and Beaujolais wine regions. The grapes for this 100% Chardonnay are sourced from vineyards in Mâcon and 26 villages in the area. The Mâcon Villages Trénel is produced on parcels facing south and southeast in Charnay-lès-Mâcon and Viré. This blend of different clayey soils with variable limestone ratio bestows the right balance on the wine, rich and subtle at the same time.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: White flowers, citrus, and apple. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with a rich mouthfeel, crisp acidity, and a refreshing finish of lingering citrus notes. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $28.99 Feudi di San Gregorio Greco di Tufo, DOCG 2020 Feudi di San Gregorio was established in 1986 by the Capaldo family and is one of Campania’s premier wine estates, located in southern Italy, near Mount Vesuvius in the tiny village of Sorbo Serpico within the Irpinia DOC. This wine is made with 100% Greco, a white grape variety grown mainly in Campania. The grapes for this wine are sourced from the chalky soils of Tufo, contributing to the wine’s minerality, freshness, and persistence.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Beautiful floral notes, melon, citrus, and herbs. Palate: Lush notes of pink grapefruit, juicy pear, and lively acidity, with a touch of mint and balsamic mingling with the fruit on the finish. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $28 Oberon Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Oberon Wines is part of the Michael Mondavi Family portfolio. Tony Coltrin is the winemaker for Oberon Wines and is celebrating 50-plus harvests. Having the advantage of being a lifelong resident of Napa, Tony knows every expression of the valley and, specifically, which sub-zones produce Bordeaux grapes that are exceptional. His lifelong relationships with growers throughout Napa Valley are the very essence of Oberon’s quality and consistency. Tony selects top-quality fruit year after year from the finest wine-growing regions throughout Napa. This wine is a blend of 81% Sauvignon Blanc and 19% Sauvignon Musqué. The grapes are sourced from the warm Pope Valley and cool Carneros appellations. Both cold tank fermentation and 14% barrel fermentation are used to maximize the overall fruit expression. “The cold-fermentation in-tank helps us maintain the pureness of fruit and aromatics, and barrel fermentation adds a subtle creaminess and length.”  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Notes of tropical fruit, apple, minerality, and herbs. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with white stone fruit, honeydew, and nice acidity. Minerality and citrus linger on the finish. Alcohol: 13.7% SRP: $20 Mandrarossa Urra Di Mare, DOC 2021 Mandrarossa is a brand created by Cantine Settesoli, located in Menfi, Sicily, on the island’s southwestern side. Cantine Settesoli was founded in 1958, and it is the largest winery in Sicily and a source of ongoing research and innovative ideas. Mandrarossa is Settesoli’s top brand, which emerged in 1999. This wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc sourced from vineyards that stretch along south and southwest-facing hills with clay and limestone soils, “a wine created from sea breezes.” 2010 was the first vintage for this wine.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, citrus, white stone fruit, and a hint of herbs. Palate: This refreshing wine is layered with citrus, apricot, peach, herbal notes, crisp acidity, sapidity, and minerality. Apricots linger on a long finish. Alcohol: 11.5% SRP: $19.99 Pairing Suggestions Enjoy the above wines as an aperitif or serve with raw fish, grilled fish, salads, sushi, white meats, light pasta dishes, and cheese platters. These white wines will drink beautifully all year long. And, if you’re missing warmer weather during the winter months, a glass of white wine and a little imagination can transport you anywhere!  Photo credit: Nataliya Melnych Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] This time of year brings unpredictable weather. In the northeast, we’ve gone from bone-chilling days to sweltering heat the next. Add heavy rain, flooding, and wind, and one can call it a very mercurial start to fall. Within a 24-hour period I changed from wearing shorts and a tee-shirt to a sweater and leggings and had to turn on the heat! So, to keep up with this craziness, I always keep a variety of wine styles on hand to “pair” with the weather and my mood! This past week, I received two wine samples from LUKE, a Sauvignon Blanc and a Red Blend, both a welcome addition to my autumn collection.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss LUKE is located in the Wahluke Slope AVA in the Columbia Valley wine region in southeast Washington state. The Wahluke Slope AVA is around 81,000 acres, and approximately 8,932 acres are planted to vines.. The Columbia River borders the AVA to the west and south and the Saddle Mountains to the north. It is one of the warmest and driest climates of all the appellations in the state and is dominated by red grape varieties.  Kristin and Thomas Vogele are co-founders and owners of LUKE, launched in 2012. Thomas is the winemaker, and they run LUKE Wines operations from their home while production is done at a private facility in Mattawa, Washington  Kristin & Thomas Vogele Photo courtesy of LUKE. LUKE partners with vineyards that grow the highest quality wine grapes in the most socially, economically, and environmentally responsible manner possible. It’s all about sustainability. Their website says, “Regular soil analysis, natural composting, integrated pest management, biodiversity ,and integrated farming are always prioritized. Investment in special machinery reduces water usage, and all wastewater from winemaking is collected, treated, and reused in vineyard irrigation. In addition, all grape pomace is collected after pressing and sent to local dairies for use in feed and soil compost programs. The resulting biodiverse soil is added back into the vineyards. Label paper is 30% Post Consumer Waste and FSC Certified. 100% of label waste is recycled and used to create gigafuel powering vehicles and is also used in decking material. LUKE bottles are finished with 100% natural and biodegradable cork closures without a foil wrap, generating zero waste.”  Photo courtesy of LUKE. LUKE Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley Wahluke Slope AVA, 2022 This 100% Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from Evergreen and Rosebud Vineyards, two of Washington’s premier white wine vineyards. This wine is unoaked.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Citrus, a hint of floral, minerality, and white stone fruit. Palate: Honeydew melon, lime, green apple, and white peach with fresh and vibrant acidity and minerality. Alcohol: 13.2% SRP: $20 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or with salads, seafood, spicy cuisine, and grilled chicken. LUKE “The Companion” Red Blend, Columbia Valley 2020 This wine is a beautiful blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 14% Syrah, 3% Petite Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec. The grapes are sourced from seven different vineyards throughout Columbia Valley. It was aged in French and American oak.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Forest berries, plum, baking spice, and a hint of cherry.
Palate: Lush cherry notes with dark berries, plum, a hint of herbs, smooth tannins, and notes of chocolate and roasted coffee beans on a long finish. Alcohol: 13.8% SRP: $25 Pairing suggestions: Roasted or grilled meats, fowl, stews, seared tuna, or chocolate dessert! So, I’m all set for the next change in weather, are you? Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Whether at the beach, poolside, or inside with the air conditioner blasting during the sweltering and relentless heat of August, I have a few wines to entertain your palate and cool you off a bit. However, I must stress how important it is to stay hydrated with WATER during these hot days, especially if you are consuming alcohol. It’s all about balance!  Photo credit: Sabri Tuzcu Masciarelli Rosato IGT Colline Teatine 2022 Masciarelli Tenute Agricole is a family-owned winery founded in 1981. They have 350 hectares of vineyards located in all four provinces of Abruzzo, Italy, and are committed to sustainability in the vineyards and the winery. Masciarelli has 22 labels and seven product lines. This rosé is part of their Classic line (Line Classica). It is made with 100% Montepulciano grapes, and fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral and fruity. Palate: Delicate notes of fresh red berries, cherry, and nicely balanced. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $14 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with appetizers, light pasta, salads, pizza, and seafood. Carpineto Dogajolo Toscano Bianco IGT 2022 Carpineto, a Tuscan winery founded in 1967, is the producer of Carpineto and Dogajolo wines. This year marks a 30-year milestone for the production of Dogajolo Super Tuscans, specifically Toscano Rosso, launched in 1993. In 2009, Toscano Bianco was added to the Dogajolo line, followed by Toscano Rosato in 2011. They have 1,200 acres of sustainably farmed land spread amongst five carbon-neutral estates in the appellations of Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Maremma, and Alto Valdarno. The grapes for this wine are a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 30% Sauvignon Blanc, and 30% Grechetto. It is produced from estate-grown fruit from the Montepulciano estate, with each varietal vinified separately in stainless steel tanks.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Lovely white floral, citrus, notes of tropical fruit. Palate: Pear, sweet apple, lively acidity, honeysuckle, and green melon. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $14.99 Pairing suggestions: Perfect for an aperitif or with salads, pasta, seafood, grilled white meat, or Asian cuisine. Emmolo Sauvignon Banc 2022 Jenny Wagner is the owner and winemaker of Emmolo, located in Napa Valley, CA. Emmolo is named for her maternal grandmother, who came to Napa from Sicily in 1923 and founded a rootstock nursery, supplying many local growers. On her paternal side, roots can be traced back to 1857 when her great, great, great grandfather made his way to Napa, kicking off a long history of farming and winemaking. And Jenny’s father, Chuck Wagner, and his parents founded Caymus Vineyards! This wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc sourced from Napa and Solano counties.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Citrus, melon, and white flowers Palate: Crisp, clean, and refreshing wine that is minerality-driven with white stone fruit, grapefruit, and green apple. Alcohol: 12.8% SRP: $22 Pairing suggestions: A great aperitif sipper or serve with grilled fish, seafood, salads, mushroom risotto, or sushi. Mer Soleil Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands 2021 Established in 1988, Mer Soleil is a California wine estate in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA in Monterey County. It was founded by the Wagner family, owner of Caymus Vineyards. This wine is 100% Chardonnay sourced from hillside vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands. The intense sunlight ripens the grapes, and the cooling breezes from Monterey Bay lead to a longer growing season, both contributing complexity to the wines. This wine is fermented and aged in new and used French oak barrels for approximately 11 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Honeysuckle, citrus, stone fruit, and toast. Palate: Fresh notes of lemon/lime, green apple, pear, and vibrant acidity. Creamy mouthfeel with a long citrusy finish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $24 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with baked cod, creamy pasta, grilled white meat, or salads. Ettore Pure Chardonnay 2019 Ettore Winery is a certified organic winery in Mendocino, CA. Ettore Biraghi, founder and noted European winemaker, realized a dream of producing world-class fine wines in the Sanel Valley. He released his first organic and terroir-driven range of Chardonnay and Merlot wines from Mendocino. This wine is 100% Chardonnay organic grapes, estate grown in their Sanel Valley Vineyards in Hopland, the southernmost town in Mendocino County. The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: White flowers, tropical fruit, white stone fruit, and citrus. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with grapefruit and honeydew. It is unoaked, but there is a trace of butteriness…a complex and delicious wine. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $28 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or with salads, seafood, grilled fish, chicken, mushroom risotto, or crab cakes. Stay cool and enjoy these wines, chilled, of course!  Photo credit: Anna Demianenko Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Daffodils, crocus, and hyacinth are in bloom, with leaves on the trees about to burst open. Spring is finally making an entrance!  Spring also brings Passover and Easter this coming week. Unfortunately, since I’ve been working on a time-consuming project, I’ve had little time to pound the keyboard lately. So, I am reposting an article from last year that includes timeless wines and classic recipes to grace the table and please your palate. Easter  Photo credit: Sebastian Staines Jean-Luc Colombo Cornas “Terres Brûlées” 2018 Jean-Luc Colombo winery is located in the northern appellation of Cornas in the Rhône Valley, France. Cornas is the smallest appellation in the Rhône Valley, consisting of approximately 325 acres, and is dedicated to producing only red wine from the Syrah grape. The Mediterranean climate and decomposed granite soils contribute to the richness and character of these wines. Terres Brûlées means “burnt earth,” which refers to the long hot days balanced by the cool nights. Grapes for this 100% Syrah are hand-harvested from 30+ -year-old vines. The wine is aged 21 months in oak barrels (10% new, 90% one-to-five-year-old barrels).  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Dark cherry, dark berries, plum, and baking spice. Palate: Rich with blackberry, plum, and black cherry, reminiscent of exotic jam. Notes of vanilla, cocoa, spice, and a trace of minerality linger on a long finish. An exceptional wine! Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $63.99 Pairings: Roasted white meat, game, lamb, seared tuna, and hearty stews. At the age of seven, I tasted lamb for the first time. And after that, I insisted that my mother make lamb chops for me at least once a week. Seven years later, our family was invited to a traditional Greek Easter meal where I feasted on leg of lamb for the first time. I was hooked forever! Roasted Leg Of Lamb With Vegetables (serves 8 to 10)  The beauty of this recipe is that you can add any vegetables you like to the pan. My favorites are small potatoes, baby carrots, and onions. Ingredients: One 5 to 6-pound trimmed bone-in leg of lamb 4 to 5 garlic cloves minced One tablespoon of olive oil Chopped fresh parsley, thyme, & rosemary (a tablespoon of each) One tablespoon of Dijon mustard Kosher salt and pepper to taste. Cut up veggies such as new potatoes, carrots, zucchini, and onions. Directions: Line a large roasting pan with aluminum foil and preheat the oven to 350℉. Pat lamb dry, and using a sharp knife, score the top side of the lamb, making shallow cuts all over. Combine the rest of the ingredients in a small bowl. Place lamb fat side up on a rack in the prepared roasting pan. Spread the garlic mixture evenly over the lamb, making sure to rub it into the scored cuts. (I like to use my hands to rub the mixture into the lamb.) Add a small amount of dry white wine to the bottom of the pan, and then add cut-up vegetables of your choice. Place pan in preheated oven and roast until it reaches an internal temperature of 135℉ or until desired doneness. Occasionally baste the vegetables and add more liquid to the pan if necessary. Let rest for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing. Note: Consult a chart for roasting time per pound to achieve doneness as to rare, medium-rare, etc. Passover  Having sat through many family seders growing up, I endured the wine that was always served. It was a sickeningly sweet wine that insulted my palate even in my early youth. There had to be a better kosher wine! And over time, wine producers began making quality kosher wine. Alavida Malbec Organic and Kosher 2021 This 100% Argentine reserve-level Malbec was released in 2021 from Origins Organic Imports, owned by Anne Bousquet and her husband, Labid al Ameri. who also own Domaine Bousquet. They have been producing certified organic wines since 1997. This wine is USDA-certified organic and kosher, a first from Argentina. “Alavida” is a riff on “to life” in Spanish - itself a riff on the traditional Hebrew toast “L’chaim!”. Grapes for this wine are sourced from vineyards in the Andean foothills at 4000+ feet. 90% of the wine is aged in used oak and 10% in new oak.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Dark cherry, dark berries, baking spice, earthy mushrooms, and floral. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with vibrant fruit, plum, smooth tannins, and a hint of fennel. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $19 Pairings: Charcuterie board, grilled or roasted meat, fowl, pasta, or veggie casseroles. Savory Passover Noodle Kugel (Serves 6 to 8) courtesy of 1,000 Jewish Recipes by Faye Levy  This is a delicious kugel, unlike the sweet kugels you might be accustomed to. Ingredients: 8 oz. Passover noodles 4 to 5 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 large onions, chopped Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1 teaspoon paprika, plus a little more for sprinkling 2 large eggs, beaten Directions: Preheat the oven to 350℉. Cook noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water for about 3 minutes until almost tender. Drain, rinse with cold water, and then drain again. Transfer to a large bowl. Heat 3 to 4 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and sauté for 15 minutes or until very tender and light brown. Add salt, pepper, and one teaspoon paprika, and sauté for about 5 minutes or until well browned. Cool slightly. Stir onion mixture into noodles. Adjust seasoning; the mixture should be seasoned generously. Add eggs and mix well. Oil a 2-quart baking dish and add noodle mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of oil, then dust with paprika. Bake uncovered for one hour or until set. Serve from the baking dish. Note: For a heartier kugel, add sautéed mushrooms and broccoli. Just Because!  Photo credit: Boris Smokrov Saget La Perrière Blanc Fumé De Pouilly 2018 Saget La Perrière is a family-run company in the Loire Valley, France. With 890 acres of vines in the finest appellations and six estates, it carries on the tradition of nine generations dedicated to producing the best wines. More commonly known as “Pouilly Fumé,” the “Blanc Fumé de Pouilly” appellation is the original name of this 100% Sauvignon Blanc wine. Its classification is one of the oldest in France and goes back to 1937. The term “Blanc Fumé” (smoky white) refers to the thin smoke-colored layer covering the grapes at the time of harvest and the unique aromas of gunflint famous in the wines of Pouilly sur Loire. This wine is aged on fine lees for six months, then bottled and aged for six to eight months in the cellar.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, citrus, minerality, and a hint of herbal. Palate: Floral notes continue with ripe fruit, grapefruit, flint, minerality, and lemon zest on the finish. It is fresh and lively! Alcohol: 13% SRP: $34.99 Pairings: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with seafood, grilled chicken, goat cheese, or light appetizers. Scallops with Cannellini Bean Purée (serves two) Double or triple the recipe to make more servings.  This recipe is done in three stages but is worth the time and effort.
1) Bean Purée Ingredients: 1/2 cup canned cannellini beans, rinsed and well-drained. 1 teaspoon unsalted butter Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Directions: Place drained beans and butter into a food processor fitted with a metal blade and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and process again for 30 seconds. 2) Coulis Ingredients: 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 clove garlic, finely chopped (about 1/2 teaspoon) Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Directions: Combine diced pepper, olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a food processor. Blend until liquefied. 3) Scallops Ingredients: 2 tablespoons coriander 2 tablespoons mustard seed 2 tablespoons black peppercorns 2 tablespoons pink peppercorns 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 dry sea scallops 1/2 cup of baby greens Directions: Preheat the oven to 400℉ Combine all spices in a spice or coffee grinder and grind to a powder. Pour into a shallow bowl. Heat olive oil in a nonstick ovenproof skillet over high heat until it sizzles. Dip both sides of the scallops in the spice blend and place them into the skillet in a single layer. Sear for about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the oven and heat for 5 minutes. Divide and scoop the white bean puree into the center of each dish, and arrange two scallops on top of each mound. Drizzle with red pepper coulis and garnish each plate with greens. Of course, one can enjoy these wines and recipes all year round! Until next time… Cheers and bon appétit! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Clif Family Winery, owned by husband and wife team Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford, is located in Napa Valley, California. It is a small-production estate committed to paying its respects to the land and environment and honoring the planet.  Photo courtesy of Clif Family Winery All their 90 acres of estate vineyards and farms are certified organic and certified Napa Green, a “soil-to-bottle” sustainability program.  Gary and Kit Photo courtesy of Clif Family Winery Clif Family Winery recently sent me three wines to taste, and I must say, they are good!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Rosé of Cabernet Franc 2021  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The grapes for this 100% Cabernet Franc are hand harvested from their new CCOF-certified Valle Di Sotto vineyard in the heart of the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. 25% of the wine is aged in neutral French oak barrels and 75% in stainless steel for four months. Nose: Beautiful floral notes, white stone fruit, and strawberries. Palate: Delicious notes of berries, a hint of nectarine, citrus, and pear. A touch of creaminess with crisp acidity adds character to this refreshing wine. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $34 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with light appetizers, seafood, shellfish, salads, and light pasta dishes. Oak Knoll District Sauvignon Blanc 2021  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The grapes for this 100% Sauvignon Blanc are also hand harvested and sourced from the Clif Family’s new CCOF-certified Valle Di Sotto vineyard in the heart of the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. 88% of the wine is aged for four months in neutral French oak barrels and 12% in new French oak. Nose: Aromas of floral, citrus, white stone fruit, and a slight hint of baking spice and pineapple. Palate: Complex, fresh, juicy, and balanced with lively acidity. Aromas come together on the palate with notes of lemon zest and a long fruit finish. Alcohol: 13.6% SRP: $38 Pairing suggestions: A great aperitif, or serve with salads, fish, white meat, and savory dishes. Estate Zinfandel 2019  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This wine is 100% Zinfandel. Grapes are hand harvested and sourced from the estate’s Home Vineyard at the Clif Family Farm. The elevation is 1170 ft on the north side of Howell Mountain. They named the site “Le Colline,” which means “the hills” in Italian. The wine is aged 15 months in 20% new French oak barrels.
Nose: Cherry, berries, earthy, and a hint of cedar. Palate: Well-balanced wine with juicy notes of cherry, red berries, smooth tannins, and a shot of pepper. Subtle baking spice and fennel linger on a long finish. Lip-smacking good! Alcohol: 14.9% SRP: $65 Pairing suggestions: Smoked cheese, barbecue, white meat, grilled game, seared tuna, or mushroom risotto. Enjoy these wines all year round! No special occasion is needed! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Summer may bring with it beach and pool time, vacations, and lazing in the hammock, but heat waves and unbearable humidity can also accompany it.  One often hears the phrase “dog days of summer.” The origin of this phrase is related to the stars, not dogs wilting in the summer heat! Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky and part of the constellation Canis Majoris—the “Greater Dog.” The ancient Romans and Greeks believed that when the Dog Star, Sirius, appeared in the sky and occupied the same region as the sun, it created the hottest days of the year. The Romans called it “dies caniculares” or “days of the dog star.” For the ancient Romans, the dog days of summer occurred from about July 24 to around August 24. Over time, the constellations drifted, and the “dog days” dates have changed. This year it occurs between July 3 and August 11. However, it seems the heat and humidity are here to stay for a bit longer despite where Sirius is in the sky.  As promised last month, I’m back with a few more refreshing wines to sip this summer. But remember, alcohol and heat dehydrate us, so staying hydrated with water is essential, especially if you’re planning to consume alcohol.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Pazo De Lusco 2021 D.O. (Spain)
Adega Pazos De Lusco is a 12-acre estate located in the heart of the D.O. Rias Baixas region of Spain, where the grapes for this 100% Albariño are sourced. The wine is aged for about four months on lees adding to a smooth mouthfeel. Nose: Floral, ripe tropical fruit, apples, and pear Palate: Fresh and lively with grapefruit, melon, and minerality, and it is beautifully balanced between alcohol and acidity. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $24.99 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with seafood, shellfish, salads, and light pasta. Darom White By Yatir 2021 (Israel) Yatir Winery has launched a new brand focusing on wines from the Israeli desert, the Negev wine region. This 100% Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from the southern desert region. The wine was fermented in stainless steel vats and matured for four months in concrete vats. Nose: Floral, fruity, citrus, and a hint of herbs. Palate: Dry, with juicy white stone fruit, pear, and citrus. It is refreshing with a nice note of lemon zest on the finish. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $25.99 Pairing suggestions: Serve as an aperitif or with fish, salad, grilled chicken, and Asian cuisine. Anarchist Wine Co (California) Anarchist Wine Co is a creative project launched by the family-owned Napa winery, “The Wine Foundry.” Its premise is “winemakers gone rogue,” breaking the rules, “going a bit wild,” and offering a fresh take on winemaking. Here are two wines for your consideration. The Anarchist 2021 White Blend Winemaker Patrick Saboe got very creative with this six-grape blend, of which 55% is Gewürztraminer (a favorite grape variety of Patrick’s.) The other grapes include Viognier, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. Nose: Beautiful floral notes, minerality, citrus, and herbal. Palate: Fresh and lively with red ruby grapefruit, pear, melon, vibrant acidity, minerality, and a touch of lemon zest on the finish. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $26 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or with grilled swordfish, oysters, salads, and light pasta. The Anarchist “The Skeptic” 2021 This is 100% Gewürztraminer, a white wine grape fermented on its skins to create an orange hue and extract the grapes’ rich flavors and aromas. Nose: Intoxicating floral aromas, orange peel, spice, and melon. Palate: White stone fruit, ginger, citrus notes, and exotic spices. A lovely and complex wine nicely balanced with subtle acidity and savory notes on the finish. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $32 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy it with grilled meat, seared tuna, spicy cuisine, and fowl. Ventisquero Grey Single Block Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Chile) Founded in 1998, Ventisquero was first established in the Maipo Valley, one of Chile’s most important wine-producing regions. Since then, Ventisquero has expanded and diversified its holdings to include vineyards in Casablanca, Colchagua, and Leyda Valleys, and the Atacama Desert. This 100% Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from the Atacama Desert in northern Chile and is only around 20 kilometers from the sea. Ancient, stony soils from the Huasco river have very special qualities: a little clay and a lot of calcareous soil, lime, calcium carbonate, and white soils that contribute to the character of this wine. Nose: Citrus, peppers, saline notes, and a hint of tropical fruit. Palate: Citrus, vegetal, and herbal notes combined with spicy pepper and saline. It is beautifully balanced with crisp acidity and minerality. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $25 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or with seafood, shellfish, mushroom risotto, salads, and grilled chicken. Pagos Del Galir A Malosa Godello D.O. 2020 (Spain) Bodegas Virgen de Galir Winery, founded in 2002, owns vineyards located in Galicia, northern Spain, and is part of the Valdeorras DO. Godello is a white grape variety thought to originate in Galicia. The grapes for this wine are sourced from the winery’s premier cru vineyard. The wine aged for six months on its fine lees in stainless steel tanks, foudre, and 500-liter barrels. Nose: Floral, citrus, apple, pear, herbs, minerality, spice, and a hint of toast. Palate: A creamy palate with grapefruit, lemon, pear, salinity, and minerality, It finishes with floral notes and zesty acidity. Mouthwatering! Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $21 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with seafood, grilled chicken, stews, crab cakes, and grilled vegetables. Remember, stay hydrated! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Whether celebrating Easter, Passover, or a “just because” moment, I have a few wines and recipes to grace your table and please your palate. Easter Jean-Luc Colombo Cornas “Terres Brûlées” 2018  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Jean-Luc Colombo winery is located in the northern appellation of Cornas in the Rhône Valley, France. Cornas is the smallest appellation in the Rhône Valley, consisting of approximately 325 acres, and is dedicated to producing only red wine from the Syrah grape. The Mediterranean climate and decomposed granite soils contribute to the richness and character of these wines. Terres Brûlées means “burnt earth,” which refers to the long hot days balanced by the cool nights. Grapes for this 100% Syrah are hand-harvested from 30+ -year-old vines. The wine is aged 21 months in oak barrels (10% new, 90% one-to-five-year old barrels). Nose: Dark cherry, dark berries, plum, and baking spice. Palate: Rich with blackberry, plum, and black cherry, reminiscent of exotic jam. Notes of vanilla, cocoa, spice and a trace of minerality linger on a long finish. An exceptional wine! Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $63.99 Pairings: Roasted white meat, game, lamb, seared tuna, and hearty stews. I was seven years old the first time I tasted lamb and after that I insisted that my mother make lamb chops for me at least once a week. Seven years later, our family was invited to a traditional Greek Easter meal where I feasted on leg of lamb for the first time. I was hooked! Roasted Leg Of Lamb With Vegetables (serves 8 to 10)  The beauty of this recipe is that you can add any vegetables you like to the pan. My favorites are small potatoes, baby carrots, and onions. Ingredients: One 5 to 6 pound trimmed bone-in leg of lamb 4 to 5 garlic cloves minced One tablespoon of olive oil Chopped fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary (a tablespoon of each) One tablespoon of Dijon mustard Kosher salt and pepper to taste. Cut up veggies such as new potatoes, carrots, zucchini, and onions. Directions: Line a large roasting pan with aluminum foil and preheat the oven to 350℉. Pat lamb dry and using a sharp knife, score the top side of the lamb, making shallow cuts all over. Combine the rest of the ingredients in a small bowl. Place lamb fat side up on a rack in the prepared roasting pan. Spread the garlic mixture evenly over the lamb, making sure to rub it into the scored cuts. (I like to use my hands to rub the mixture into the lamb.) Add a small amount of dry white wine to the bottom of the pan, and then add cut-up vegetables of your choice. Place pan in preheated oven and roast until it reaches an internal temperature of 135℉ or until desired doneness. Occasionally baste the vegetables and add more liquid to the pan if necessary. Let rest 15 to 20 minutes before slicing. Note: Consult a chart for roasting time per pound to achieve doneness as to rare, medium-rare, etc. Passover Having sat through many family seders growing up, I endured the wine that was always served. It was a sickeningly sweet wine that managed to insult my palate even in my early youth. There had to be a better kosher wine! And over time, wine producers began making quality kosher wine. Alavida Malbec Organic and Kosher 2021  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This 100% Argentine reserve-level Malbec is the latest release from Origins Organic Imports, owned by Anne Bousquet and her husband, Labid al Ameri. who also own Domaine Bousquet. They have been producing certified organic wines since 1997. This wine is USDA-certified organic and kosher, a first from Argentina. “Alavida” is a riff on “to life” in Spanish - itself a riff on the traditional Hebrew toast “L’chaim!”. Grapes for this wine are sourced from vineyards in the Andean foothills at 4000+ feet. 90% of the wine is aged in used oak and 10% in new oak. Nose: Dark cherry, dark berries, baking spice, earthy mushrooms, and floral. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with vibrant fruit, plum, smooth tannins, and a hint of fennel. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $19 Pairings: Charcuterie board, grilled or roasted meat, fowl, pasta, or veggie casseroles. Savory Passover Noodle Kugel (Serves 6 to 8) courtesy of 1,000 Jewish Recipes by Faye Levy  This is a delicious kugel, unlike the sweet kugels you might be accustomed to. Ingredients: 8 oz. Passover noodles 4 to 5 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 large onions, chopped Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1 teaspoon paprika, plus a little more for sprinkling 2 large eggs, beaten Directions: Preheat the oven to 350℉. Cook noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water for about 3 minutes until almost tender. Drain, rinse with cold water, and then drain again. Transfer to a large bowl. Heat 3 to 4 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and sauté for 15 minutes or until very tender and light brown. Add salt, pepper, one teaspoon paprika, and sauté for about 5 minutes or until well browned. Cool slightly. Stir onion mixture into noodles. Adjust seasoning; mixture should be seasoned generously. Add eggs and mix well. Oil a 2-quart baking dish and add noodle mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of oil, then dust with paprika. Bake uncovered for one hour or until set. Serve from the baking dish. Note: For a heartier kugel add sautéed mushrooms and/or broccoli. Just Because! Saget La Perrière Blanc Fumé De Pouilly 2018  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Saget La Perrière is a family-run company located in the Loire Valley, France. With 890 acres of vines in the finest appellations and six estates, it carries on the tradition of nine generations dedicated to producing the best wines. More commonly known as “Pouilly Fumé,” the “Blanc Fumé de Pouilly” appellation is the original name of this 100% Sauvignon Blanc wine. Its classification is one of the oldest in France and goes back to 1937. The term “Blanc Fumé” (smoky white) refers to the thin smoke-colored layer covering the grapes at the time of harvest and the unique aromas of gunflint famous in the wines of Pouilly sur Loire. This wine is aged on fine lees for six months, then bottled and aged for six to eight months in the cellar. Nose: Floral, citrus, minerality, and a hint of herbal. Palate: Floral notes continue with ripe fruit, grapefruit, flint, minerality, and lemon zest on the finish. It is fresh and lively! Alcohol: 13% SRP: $34.99 Pairings: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with seafood, grilled chicken, goat cheese, or light appetizers. Scallops with Cannellini Bean Purée (serves two) Double or triple the recipe to make more servings.  This recipe is done in three stages but is worth the time and effort.
1) Bean Purée Ingredients: 1/2 cup canned cannellini beans, rinsed and well-drained. 1 teaspoon unsalted butter Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Directions: Place drained beans and butter into a food processor fitted with a metal blade and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and process again for 30 seconds. 2) Coulis Ingredients: 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 clove garlic, finely chopped (about 1/2 teaspoon) Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Directions: Combine diced pepper, olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a food processor. Blend until liquefied. 3) Scallops Ingredients: 2 tablespoons coriander 2 tablespoons mustard seed 2 tablespoons black peppercorns 2 tablespoons pink peppercorns 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 dry sea scallops 1/2 cup of baby greens Directions: Preheat the oven to 400℉ Combine all spices in a spice or coffee grinder and grind to a powder. Pour into a shallow bowl. Heat olive oil in a nonstick ovenproof skillet over high heat until it sizzles. Dip both sides of the scallops in the spice blend and place them into the skillet in a single layer. Sear for about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the oven and heat for 5 minutes. Divide and scoop the white bean puree into the center of each dish, and arrange two scallops on top of each mound. Drizzle with red pepper coulis and garnish each plate with greens. Of course, one can enjoy these wines and recipes all year round! Until next time… Cheers and bon appétit! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] |
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