Are you wondering what to make for this evening’s dinner (that’s actually creative)? How many times have you opened the fridge or pantry doors and promptly announced that it will be take-out sushi night? To be honest, the mealtime conundrum is almost a daily occurrence in my world.
A few days ago, I decided to revisit a classic dish, roasted salmon, that I have on a weekly rotation. To switch up the usual recipe, though, I made a surprisingly simple and tasty béarnaise sauce to spoon over the cooked salmon. Just wow! The sauce, with tarragon, vinegar and shallots blended with rich, creamy butter and egg yolks, was just what the roasted salmon needed all along! (Find the béarnaise sauce recipe HERE.)
For pairing, I chose 2021 Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay (sent as a sample), a perfect choice thanks to its complexity, palate profile and luscious finish. Dinner. Solved.
2021 Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay, a Cool Climate Example of a Classic Variety from Napa Valley
The 2021 Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay ($40) was a complex and textured wine; it completely elevated the classic dish of roasted salmon with béarnaise sauce. So much so that this pairing will be made for guests soon! From grapes grown in the unique cool climate of Napa’s Carneros AVA, Winemaker and President Chris Kajani is known for “showcasing the best of Carneros through Bouchaine Vineyards’ flagship Chardonnay bottling.”
There’s more. “Kajani’s winemaking philosophy showcases a deep commitment to sustainable farming, rooted in the belief that environmentally friendly practices best allow the terroir to shine. In the vineyard, she oversees the use of cover crops to prevent soil erosion and adds beneficial organic matter along with the establishment of natural waterways and deficit irrigation for intensely flavored fruit. Cisco Industrial Asset Vision sensors are utilized throughout the vineyard to track temperature, light, humidity, wind and soil moisture to allow for precision viticultural practices and reduced water usage. These techniques, which are just a selection from Kajani’s extensive repertoire, create a healthy ecosystem which yields grapes that are distinctive to Bouchaine estate vineyard.” Bouchaine Vineyards
Aromas of stone fruit, sweet herbs, spice and plenty of floral notes were enticing. On the palate, full bodied and broad, 2021 Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay offered zesty acidity and refreshing minerality that lifted flavors of ripe peaches, golden apple, baking spice and toasted brioche. Honestly, the wine could have been sipped without food, but with the roasted salmon and sauce, it sang.
Kajani used 50% malolactic fermentation along with 18% French new oak “to complement the naturally bright characteristics of the variety.” Thanks to extreme diurnal shifts of temperature in the region, Kajani is able to maintain acidity and create structure that add layers of texture and vibrancy to this glorious wine.
Dinner tonight? It’s time for roasted salmon with béarnaise sauce and 2021 Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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