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Fort Ross Vineyard

Fort Ross
 
September 11, 2022 | Fort Ross

2019 Stagecoach Road Pinot Noir with Chicken and Roasted Figs

Fall 2022 selections: Chicken and Roasted Figs

This simple roasted chicken thighs recipe is great for any night of the week. A touch of sweetness from honey and carmelized figs accentures the ripe fruit of our 2019 Stagecoach Road Pinot Noir for a meal that will keep you warm on a chilly fall evening.

chicken_and_roasted_figs
Recipe by Adeena Sussman via Sunset Magazine

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons good-quality (cask-aged) red wine vinegar

 1 teaspoon cornstarch

 1/4 cup honey

 2 pounds (4 to 6) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

 3/4 teaspoon pepper, divided

 2 tablespoons olive oil

 3 large shallots, thinly sliced

 6 garlic cloves, chopped

 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano leaves, plus 2 tbsp. whole leaves

 8 to 10 figs, stems trimmed, halved (quartered if large)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup water, the vinegar, and cornstarch. Whisk in honey and set aside. Sprinkle chicken on both sides with 3/4 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper.

2. Heat a heavy 12- to 14-in. ovenproof frying pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add oil and swirl to coat, then add chicken skin side down and brown until skin is deep golden and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Turn over and brown other side, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Discard all but 2 tbsp. fat from frying pan, reduce heat to medium, and cook shallots until translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add cornstarch mixture, chopped oregano, and remaining 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper; cook until mixture bubbles and thickens, 1 to 2 minutes.

4. Set chicken skin side up in frying pan and add figs. Roast in oven until figs soften and caramelize slightly and meat is no longer pink at bone, about 15 minutes. Divide chicken, figs, and sauce among plates and top with whole oregano leaves.

Pair with 2019 Stagecoach Road Pinot Noir »

Why It Works 

Our 2019 Stagecoach Road Pinot Noir is on the fuller-bodied side of the spectrum for Pinot Noir, giving it enough tannin and body to stand up to the richness of dark-meat chicken thighs. With its ripe black fruit and underpinning of herbal notes, it mingles well with the sweet-and-savory flavors of the roasted chicken and figs.

Time Posted: Sep 11, 2022 at 10:00 AM Permalink to 2019 Stagecoach Road Pinot Noir with Chicken and Roasted Figs Permalink
Fort Ross
 
September 11, 2022 | Fort Ross

2020 Bicentennial Chardonnay & Poached Orange-Fennel Salmon with Dill Crème

Fall 2022 selections: Poached Orange-Fennel Salmon with Dill Crème

In this recipe, fennel and dill harmonize to evoke a toasty beginning of fall. The roundess of the poached salmon & crème is offset by the fresh citrus and spice of the radish, matching the body of our 2020 Bicentennial Chardonnay

poached_orange_fennel_salmon_with_dill_creme
Recipe by Kristen Murray via Sunset Magazine

Ingredients:

1 king salmon fillet with skin (2 to 2 1/2 lbs. and about 1 in. thick; cut from tail end), pin bones removed*

 Zest and juice of 1 large orange

 1 small shallot, thinly sliced crosswise, separated into rings

 1 small, tender fennel bulb, trimmed and very thinly sliced on a diagonal, a few feathery leaves reserved (or use torn carrot tops)

 1/4 to 1/2 cup dry white vermouth, such as Dolin

 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

 About 1 tsp. flake sea salt, such as Maldon, divided

 1 teaspoon white pepper

 1 teaspoon ground coriander

 5 juniper berries, crushed with fingers

 Paper-thin radish slices (2 or 3 radishes)

 Dill Crème

1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds

 1 large ripe avocado, pitted and peeled

 2 tablespoons lemon juice

 2 tablespoons roasted hazelnut oil*

 2 tablespoons dry white vermouth such as Dolin

 1 cup crème fraîche

 About 1 tsp. flake sea salt such as Maldon

 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°.

2. Prepare the dill crème:

2a. Pulse coriander in a food processor to break up. Add remaining ingredients except for salt and dill; whirl until smooth. Season to taste with salt. Scrape sauce into a bowl and fold in dill.

3. Cut a sheet of 18-in.-wide heavy-duty foil three times as long as salmon and center it on a rimmed baking sheet, letting ends hang over. Set salmon, skin side down, on foil. Sprinkle fish evenly with orange zest, shallot, and fennel bulb. Bring corners and sides of foil up around salmon to make a canoe with 2-in. sides.

4. Pour orange juice into a glass measuring cup and add vermouth to make 3/4 cup. Microwave until steaming (about 170°) and pour evenly over fish. Drizzle with 1 tbsp. oil and sprinkle evenly with 1/2 tsp. salt, the pepper, coriander, and juniper berries. Tightly roll ends and sides of foil together to create a pouch.

5. Bake salmon until cooked through three-quarters of the way from edge to center of thickest part (which will still look wet; open foil and cut fish to check), 12 to 25 minutes, depending on thickness.

6. Slide two long metal spatulas under fish and carefully transfer to a long platter (Murray likes to use a madeleine pan), leaving poaching liquid behind. Sprinkle radishes, about 1/2 tsp. salt, and remaining 1 tbsp. oil over fish. Scatter torn fennel fronds on top. Serve with Dill Crème

Pair with 2020 Bicentennial Chardonnay »

Why It Works 

As noted above, the body of our 2020 Bicentennial Chardonnay is just right for the weight of this dish. The oak signature is light on this Chardonnay, and therefore the purity of the fruit flavors mingle with the orange while the minerality complements the green spices of the dish.

Time Posted: Sep 11, 2022 at 10:00 AM Permalink to 2020 Bicentennial Chardonnay & Poached Orange-Fennel Salmon with Dill Crème Permalink
Fort Ross
 
April 5, 2022 | Fort Ross

Spring 2022 Releases & Food Pairings

Head to your favorite local markets and shops to pick up all the ingredients for these tasty spring recipes - you will want all of the supplies on hand for when your next club shipment arrives! Enjoy this guide to some suggested pairings.

2019 Mother of Pearl Chardonnay & Veal Stew with Spring Greens

seared_scallops_with_fennel_lemon_relish

We would understand if you have an initial skepticism of pairing veal with our 2019 Mother of Pearl Chardonnay, but between the tenderness of the veal and the creamy, lemony flavors of the greens, we are sure you will change your mind.

Recipe here.

2019 Bicentennial Pinot Noir & Bucatini with Mushroom Ragu, Dandelion Greens, and Taragon

carnitas_jackfruit_tacos

Enjoy this tasty pasta dish vegetarian or add leftover grilled chicken for more protein. In any case, pour a glass of our 2019 Bicentennial Pinot Noir alongside it. 

Recipe here.

2019 Top of Land Pinot Noir & Braised Sausage with Fennel and Toasted Spices 

spicy_lemon_rosemary_pork_tenderloin

Savory, spicy, and full of flavor, this recipe for braised sausage is the type of dinner you want to enjoy out on the deck on a beautiful night. Of course, with a glass of our 2019 Top of Land Pinot Noir by its side.

Recipe here. 

Time Posted: Apr 5, 2022 at 9:05 AM Permalink to Spring 2022 Releases & Food Pairings Permalink
Fort Ross
 
April 5, 2022 | Fort Ross

2019 Top of Land Pinot Noir & Braised Sausage with Fennel and Toasted Spices

Spring 2022 selections:  Braised Sausage with Fennel and Toasted Spices

Savory, spicy, and full of flavor, this recipe for braised sausage is the type of dinner you want to enjoy out on the deck on a beautiful night. Of course, with a glass of our 2019 Top of Land Pinot Noir by its side.

veal_stew_spring_greens
Recipe by Kelsey Youngman via Food & Wine Magazine

Ingredients:

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided

6 hot Italian sausage links, pricked with a fork

2 large (13-ounce) fennel bulbs, cut in half lengthwise, cores removed, bulbs cut into 1-inch wedges, fronds reserved

2 tablespoons fennel seeds

4 teaspoons pink peppercorns

2 cups chicken stock or lower-sodium chicken broth

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup hummus

Lemon zest and lemon wedges, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a straight-sided 14-inch skillet over medium-high. Add sausages; cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer sausages to a plate. Add fennel wedges, cut sides down, to skillet; cook until browned on both sides, about 2 minutes and 30 seconds per side. Transfer to plate with sausages.

2. Add fennel seeds, peppercorns, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil to skillet; cook over medium-high, stirring constantly, until toasted and fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove half of the spice mixture from skillet, and reserve for garnish.

3. Add stock to skillet, stirring and scraping bottom of skillet to loosen browned bits. Bring to a simmer over medium-high. Return sausages and fennel wedges to skillet; cover and reduce heat to low. Cook until fennel wedges are tender, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with salt.

4. Spread hummus smoothly on a platter. Top with sausages and fennel wedges; spoon sauce from skillet over platter. Garnish with lemon zest, lemon wedges, reserved fennel fronds, and reserved spice mixture.

Pair with 2019 Top of Land Pinot Noir »

Why It Works 

We decided on a "sweet & spicy" type of pairing here - the spiciness of the sausage is complemented by the juicy red fruit of our 2019 Top of Land Pinot Noir. Though the wine is dry, the brightness of the fruit shines against the savory, spicy sausage. Notes of spice in the Pinot also work well with the sausage and fennel.

Time Posted: Apr 5, 2022 at 8:50 AM Permalink to 2019 Top of Land Pinot Noir & Braised Sausage with Fennel and Toasted Spices Permalink
Fort Ross
 
January 17, 2022 | Fort Ross

2018 Mother of Pearl Chardonnay & Black Cod with Miso

Winter 2022 selections: Black Cod with Miso

This preparation of marinated black cod from Food & Wine is simple, yet incredibly rich on flavor. This protein-packed fish also contains over 1,000mg of omega-3's! Add on a seaweed salad to complete the meal - this combination of seaweed & kale is incredibly rich in iron. Best enjoyed with a glass of our 2018 Mother of Pearl Chardonnay

black_cod_with_miso
Credit: Nobu Matsuhisa via Food & Wine Magazine

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons mirin

3 tablespoons sake

1/2 cup white miso paste

1/3 cup sugar

Six 6- to 7-ounce skinless black cod fillets, about 1 1/2 inches thick

Vegetable oil, for grilling

Pickled ginger, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, bring the mirin and sake to a boil. Whisk in the miso until dissolved. Add the sugar and cook over moderate heat, whisking, just until dissolved. Transfer the marinade to a large baking dish and let cool. Add the fish and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

2. Preheat the oven to 400°. Heat a grill pan and oil it. Scrape the marinade off the fish. Add the fish and cook over high heat until browned, about 2 minutes. Flip the fish onto a heavy rimmed baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes, until flaky. Transfer to plates and serve with pickled ginger.

Pair with 2018 Mother of Pearl Chardonnay »

Why It Works 

Miso is a wonderful, versatile ingredient, adding saltiness and a whole lot of umami. This richness matches the weight of our 2018 Mother of Pearl Chardonnay perfectly. The sweet vanilla and spice notes from oak aging sing alongside the subtle sweetness of the marinade and spiciness of pickled ginger. It's a healthy yet decadent meal that's easy to make. 

Time Posted: Jan 17, 2022 at 8:30 AM Permalink to 2018 Mother of Pearl Chardonnay & Black Cod with Miso Permalink
Fort Ross
 
January 10, 2022 | Fort Ross

2018 "FRV" Pinot Noir & Spicy Lemon-Rosemary Pork Tenderloin

Winter 2022 selections: Spicy Lemon-Rosemary Pork Tenderloin

This simple-yet-elegant preparation of a pork tenderloin from Food & Wine is a warm, comforting dish to enjoy any day of the week. The so-called "other white meat," this particular cut of pork is quite lean, and, as the name suggests, tender. A 3oz serving contains just 3g of fat and 62mg of cholesterol, while delivering 22g of protein. We recommend pairing it with our 2018 "FRV" Pinot Noir

spicy_lemon_rosemary_pork_tenderloin
Credit: Jimmy Bradley via Food & Wine Magazine

Ingredients:

6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

3/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup rosemary leaves

2 tablespoons crushed red pepper

6 garlic cloves, chopped

Four 1-pound pork tenderloins

Salt and freshly ground pepper
 

Instructions:

1. In a large, resealable plastic bag, combine the oil, lemon juice, rosemary, red pepper, garlic and pork. Press out any air in the bag, seal and refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours.

2. Let the pork stand at room temperature for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 400° and preheat a griddle or a very large skillet. Remove the pork from the marinade. Scrape off most of the garlic and rosemary and season the tenderloins with salt and pepper. Set them on the griddle and cook over high heat until browned all over, about 6 minutes. Transfer the tenderloins to a large rimmed baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 14 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 130°. Cover the tenderloins loosely with foil and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pair with 2018 "FRV" Pinot Noir »

Why It Works 

Our 2018 "FRV" Pinot Noir is medium bodied and showcases a range of bright, ripe red fruit alongisde spicy oak notes. As a leaner cut of pork, the tenderloin carries the same weight as the Pinot. The juiciness of the wine complements every bite, while the fruit notes pleasantly contrast the rosemary. 

Time Posted: Jan 10, 2022 at 2:40 PM Permalink to 2018 Permalink
Fort Ross
 
January 10, 2022 | Fort Ross

2019 The Terraces Pinot Noir & Carnitas Jackfruit Tacos

Winter 2022 selections: Carnitas Jackfruit Tacos

This Food & Wine recipe provides a healthy, delcious, plant-based alternative to traditional carnitas. The savory jackfruit reduces the amount of fat and cholesterol in your dish. In fact, jackfruit may actually help lower cholesterol. Combined with its high potassium content, it's a great heart-healthy food choice. We recommend pairing it with our 2019 The Terraces Pinot Noir

carnitas_jackfruit_tacos
Credit: Jocelyn Ramirez via Food & Wine Magazine

Ingredients:

Avocado Salsa
3 medium tomatillos, husks removed
1 medium jalapeño, stemmed (seeded, if desired)
1 medium Hass avocado, pitted
1 cup packed fresh cilantro stems and leaves
3 to 6 tablespoons water, as needed
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
⅛ teaspoon ground cumin

Jackfruit "carnitas"
3 (20-ounce) cans young green jackfruit in water, drained, rinsed, and squeezed dry
¾ cup neutral cooking oil (such as grapeseed), plus more as needed
5 tablespoons fresh orange juice, divided
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper

Other Ingredients
10 (4- to 6-inch) corn tortillas, warmed
Pico de gallo, fresh cilantro leaves, and lemon wedges, for serving
 

Instructions:

Make the avocado salsa

1. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium. Add tomatillos and jalapeño; cook, turning occasionally, until charred on all sides, 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool 20 minutes.

2. Place tomatillos, jalapeño, avocado, cilantro, 3 tablespoons water, lemon juice, salt, and cumin in a blender. Process until smooth, about 45 seconds, adding up to remaining 3 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon at a time, as needed until a pourable consistency is reached. Season with additional salt to taste. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Make the jackfruit "carnitas"

3. Using a knife, remove non-shreddable core from shreddable outer parts of jackfruit pieces; set aside. Remove any seedpods from shreddable parts, and add seedpods to pile of cores. Place shreddable jackfruit in a medium bowl, and shred with your hands into small pieces. Finely chop cores and seedpods until they are a similar texture to the shredded jackfruit; add to shredded jackfruit in bowl. Add oil, 21/2 tablespoons orange juice, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper; toss to evenly combine. 

4. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium. Add jackfruit mixture; using a spatula, press into an even layer. Cook, turning and pressing occasionally, until seared and golden brown, 25 to 35 minutes, adding oil as needed. Remove from heat, and stir in remaining 2 1/2 tablespoons orange juice. Season with additional salt to taste.

5. Place about 1/4 cup jackfruit mixture on each tortilla. Top with pico de gallo and cilantro. Serve with avocado salsa and lemon wedges. 

Pair with 2019 The Terraces Pinot Noir »

*Tip from Fort Ross Vineyard: save time by looking for pre-seasoned jackfruit products in the refridgerated section of the grocery store - typically next to the tofu & other meat substitute products!

Why It Works 

Layers of ripe fruit from our 2019 The Terraces Pinot Noir combine with the spices of the jackfruit "carnitas" to create a fun sort of "sweet-and-spicy," play on the palate. This juicy wine matches the succulent, juicy texture of this substitute of pulled-pork. 

Time Posted: Jan 10, 2022 at 12:40 PM Permalink to 2019 The Terraces Pinot Noir & Carnitas Jackfruit Tacos Permalink
Fort Ross
 
January 10, 2022 | Fort Ross

2019 Bicentennial Chardonnay & Seared Scallops with Fennel & Lemon Relish

Winter 2022 selections: Seared Scallops with Fennel & Lemon Relish

This Food & Wine recipe is a great way to start off 2022. Scallops are a highly nutrition seafood that are low in fat. In fact, a 3oz serving of scallops has less than 1g of fat and 17g of protein, plus a healthy dose of potassium, iron, and vitamin B6. We recommend pairing it with our 2019 Bicentennial Chardonnay

seared_scallops_with_fennel_lemon_relish
Credit: Joanne Weir via Food & Wine Magazine

Ingredients:

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest

1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley

1 small shallot, very finely chopped

1/4 cup diced fennel bulb

Large pinch of ground fennel

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1 pound large sea scallops

1 bunch arugula, tough stems discarded

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons of the olive oil with the lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, shallot, diced fennel bulb and ground fennel. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet. Season the scallops with salt and pepper and cook over moderately high heat until golden brown and opaque throughout, about 3 minutes per side.

3. Mound the arugula on plates and top with the scallops. Spoon the fennel and lemon relish on the scallops and serve with lemon wedges. 

Pair with 2019 Bicentennial Chardonnay »

Why It Works 

Searing scallops on high heat gives the edges a beautiful, crispy crust while leaving the insides tender & rich. This rich texture combined with the slightly sweet flavor of the fish matches the weight & subtle vanilla note of our 2019 Bicentennial Chardonnay. The addition of lemon & fennel are complemented by the citrus & mineral flavors in the wine.

Time Posted: Jan 10, 2022 at 12:16 PM Permalink to 2019 Bicentennial Chardonnay & Seared Scallops with Fennel & Lemon Relish Permalink
Fort Ross
 
January 10, 2022 | Fort Ross

Winter 2022 Releases & Food Pairings

Our latest releases are out to kick off 2022! To start the new year off right, we've selected some recipe pairings that are low on calories, but huge on flavor. 

2019 Bicentennial Chardonnay & Seared Scallops with Fennel & Lemon Relish

seared_scallops_with_fennel_lemon_relish

Scallops are a highly nutrition seafood that are low in fat. In fact, a 3oz serving of scallops has less than 1g of fat and 17g of protein, plus a healthy dose of potassium, iron, and vitamin B6. The rich, slightly sweet flavor of seared scallops is matched in weight by our 2019 Bicentennial Chardonnay. The lemon & fennel notes bring out the citrus & mineral flavors of the wine as well.

Recipe here.

2019 The Terraces Road Pinot Noir & Carnitas Jackfruit Tacos

carnitas_jackfruit_tacos

"For her jackfruit tacos recipe, Jocelyn Ramirez, cookbook author and chef at Todo Verde in Los Angeles, uses cumin, chile flakes, and salt to capitalize on the pulled-pork texture of jackfruit, transforming it into a plant-based taco filling that tastes like carnitas." - Food & Wine Magazine

The savory jackfruit is used as a plant-based substitute in a variety of classic dishes, reducing the amount of fat and cholesterol in your dish. In fact, jackfruit may actually help lower cholesterol. Combined with its high potassium content, it's a great heart-healthy food choice. When paired with our 2019 The Terraces Pinot Noir, the succulent "pork" flavor is complemented by bright red fruit notes that create a sort of "sweet-and-spicy" play. 

Recipe here.

2018 "FRV" Pinot Noir & Spicy Lemon Rosemary Pork Tenderloin 

spicy_lemon_rosemary_pork_tenderloin

The so-called "other white meat," this particular cut of pork is quite lean, and, as the name suggests, tender. A 3oz serving contains just 3g of fat and 62mg of cholesterol, while delivering 22g of protein. Enjoy this warm, hearty dish all winter long with our 2018 "FRV" Pinot Noir. Ripe layers of fruit will contrast with the herbal notes of rosemary and bring out the juiciness of the tenderloin.

Recipe here. 

Time Posted: Jan 10, 2022 at 11:20 AM Permalink to Winter 2022 Releases & Food Pairings Permalink
Fort Ross
 
September 9, 2021 | Fort Ross

2016 Sea Stars Blanc de Noirs & Smoked Trout and Caper Cream Cheese Toasts

Fall 2021 selections: Salmon with Lentil-Beet Salad

This Food & Wine recipe is best paired with our 2016 Sea Stars Blanc de Noirs

smoked_trout_caper_cream_cheese_toast
Credit: Michael Turek via Food & Wine Magazine

Ingredients:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 small shallot, minced

1 tablespoon chopped chives, plus 1-inch lengths, for garnish

1 tablespoon chopped drained capers

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Salt and freshly ground pepper

5 English muffins—split, toasted and buttered

1/2 pound skinless smoked trout fillet, coarsely chopped

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, shallot, chopped chives, capers and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Spread the English muffins with the caper cream cheese. Top with the smoked trout, garnish with the chive pieces and serve.

Pair with 2016 Sea Stars Blanc de Noirs »

Why It Works 

"Sparkling wine is a good choice for smoked fish like salmon, or the trout on these creamy toasts. Choose a wine with some richness to it." - Food & Wine Magazine

Our 2016 Sea Stars Blanc de Noirs is dry & crisp featuring citrus, ripe apple, and a subtle strawberry note. These fruit flavors serve as a beautiful contrast against the savory-smoky flavor of the trout, while the acidity cuts the creaminess of the spread.

Time Posted: Sep 9, 2021 at 5:00 AM Permalink to 2016 Sea Stars Blanc de Noirs & Smoked Trout and Caper Cream Cheese Toasts Permalink