One of my least favorite activities is figuring out what to make for dinner! With three children involved in several after school activities, a husband who worked constantly, my own job, and other diversions, contemplating dinners that appealed to all (yet didn’t take a great deal of time to prep and cook) led to a limited menu “back in the day.” Now that life has settled down to a slower pace, it’s still difficult to shake the “what should I make for dinner?” question.
Fortunately, my husband and I have a plethora of wines from which to choose for sipping with meals. Plus, I have more time to cook! Just recently, I was sent two glorious wines, Sequoia Grove 2023 Chardonnay and St. Francis 2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley as samples. Each I paired with a recipe suggested by my friends at Discover California Wines, a deliciously useful website that I highly recommend. What’s for dinner? Problem solved!
Our first wine was Sequoia Grove Chardonnay Napa Valley 2023 ($38) that I paired with savory gougeres with pimento cheese. This pairing may be my new favorite duo to serve as welcome treats when guests arrive; the elegant Chardonnay can of course lean into dinner, too. Bookmark this recipe!
On the nose of the Chardonnay, I found notes of citrus, vanilla, herbs, yellow florals, lemon and orange peel. Fresh flavors of more citrus, honeysuckle, and spice were ever so balanced with a creamy texture and a brilliant finish. Its softness and vibrant acidity were a luscious match to the texture of the gougeres and snappy flavors of the cheese. Snag more than one bottle of this wonderful wine and consider it a staple in the cellar. For more about the story of Sequoia Grove Winery, click HERE.
Photo Credit: Discover California Wines
Burger night was suddenly elevated with St. Francis Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2021 (about $55) in the glass. But this was not any old burger enjoyed with the impressive wine, though. That night, our main dish was a grass fed burger topped with avocado, chipotle mayonnaise, and a few sprigs of cilantro. You can find the mouthwatering recipe here.
The wine boasted a dark plum color in the glass and I was smitten by its aromas of chocolate, spice, dark plums, and earth. Rich and creamy on the palate, I found dark red and black fruits, black cherries, more chocolate, and vanilla on a foundation of bright acidity and just-right tannic structure. In essence, the taste sensations were impeccable and the wine’s soft, lengthy finish was on point. For more about St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, click HERE.
Photo Credit: Discover California Wines
Enjoy dinner tonight!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
