Monthly Archives: August 2013

Wine Country Recipe: Ferrari-Carano’s Prosciutto, Peach & Arugula Crostini

August 29th, 2013

Sweet, juicy peaches have been spotted at farmer’s markets across the country, and are the stars of this elegant yet simple appetizer, courtesy of Ferrari-Carano Winery. With just a few ingredients and virtually no time at all, you’ll impress your friends and family with this beautiful, seasonal crostini. Paired with a bottle of 2012 Ferrari-Carano Bella Luce, it’s the perfect beginning to any meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, cut crosswise into 1/4 –inch slices

• 1 tbsp. olive oil

Toppings

• 2 ripe fresh peaches, peeled and sliced thin

• 1 tbsp. fresh basil, finely julienned

• 2 tbsp. orange juice

• 6 oz. goat cheese

• ½ cup toasted almonds

• 12- 15 prosciutto slices, sliced paper thin

• 1 cup fresh arugula leaves

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Arrange baguette slices on a cookie sheet and brush with extra virgin olive oil. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until bread is crisp and slightly golden.

In small bowl, gently toss peach slices with orange juice and fresh basil. Set aside.

Spread softened goat cheese on each crostini slice, sprinkle with toasted almonds, add peaches, top with prosciutto and arugula leaves.

Featured Winery: Zichichi Family Vineyard

August 24th, 2013

About:

Zichichi Family Vineyard is a family owned and operated winery located in the heart of Dry Creek Valley. The property, formerly known as Bartolozzi Ranch, was purchased in 2000 by New Orleans physician Steve Zichichi and wife Kristen, who dreamed of raising a family in wine country. After selling their grapes (zinfandel and petite sirah) to other wineries for several years, the Zichichis built their own winery, completing its construction in 2006.

Wines:

Zinfandel and Petite Sirah vines were originally planted on St. George rootstock in 1920. Using traditional winemaking techniques and 100% hand-picked grapes, the wines are aged 20 months in French and American oak resulting in big, full-bodied Old Vine Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Zinfandel and Petite Sirah.

Visit:

Wine taste at the gorgeous, redwood bar inside Zichichi’s rustic, Tuscan-style tasting room or enjoy a picnic on the deck overlooking the vineyards and mountains. Visitors are also invited to take a behind-the-scenes tour, where they can sample wine directly from the barrel inside the Barrel Room.

The tasting room is open to the public, seven days a week, 11:00am-4:30pm.

Winery Spotlight: Mill Creek Vineyards & Winery

August 8th, 2013

About:

Family owned-and-operated Mill Creek Vineyards and Winery is located in the southern end of Dry Creek Valley and has been growing grapes since 1965 and producing wine in the region since 1973. Since then, three generations of the Kreck family have been involved in multiple aspects of the business from growing to bottling to selling.

Proprietors Yvonne and Bill Kreck first met as young children in a combined first/second grade class of just 12 students at the Alexander Valley School; they later went to the same high school and university before marrying in 1971. With deep family roots in Sonoma County, the Krecks raised their three sons in Yvonne’s childhood home. Their middle son, Jeremy, is Mill Creek’s winemaker, keeping it all in the family.

A few wines to try:

2012 Sauvignon Blanc: Made with fruit from the estate property in Southern Dry Creek Valley, this vibrant white wine is bursting with aromas of guava, honeysuckle and peach and flavors of grapefruit, lime, with a touch of minerality.

2011 Chardonnay, Estate Unoaked: 100% unoaked, the firm acidity of this wine provides a long, spicy, crisp finish.

2009 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley: The flavors in this wine are layered and rich with mixed dark fruits and a substantial structure. Ideal food pairings include braised meats, BBQ, hearty pasta dishes and flavorful cheeses.

Visit:

The tasting room at Mill Creek Vineyards & Winery is open from 10:00am to 5:00pm seven days a week; tours are available by appointment between May and November. For groups larger than eight, please email bruc[email protected] or call 707-431-2121 for more information.

A picnic area is located just behind the tasting room, adjacent to the millpond, and is equipped with glass-topped picnic tables sized for four, and shade umbrellas. It’s the perfect spot for a wine-picnic, so bring some sandwiches, purchase a bottle (or two) and enjoy lunch al fresco!