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Fort Ross Vineyard

Fort Ross
 
January 10, 2023 | Fort Ross

2019 Chardonnay & Celeriac Soup with Cardamom and Crème Fraiche

Winter 2023 selections: Celeriac Soup with Cardamom & Crème Fraiche

It's soup season, and Chef John Vong has just the recipe for you. This creamy, seasonably appropriate soup is a delightful pairing with our 2019 Chardonnay - with it's subtle creaminess and balanced acidity, it's just the right accompaniment to your meal. 

celeriac_soup
Recipe by Fort Ross Estate Chef John Vong

Ingredients:

 1lb celery root, peeled and diced 1’’

1lb Yukon potato, peeled and diced 1’’

2 large shallots, small diced

1 cup white wine

2 sprigs fresh thyme

1 tablespoon celery seed

2 teaspoon whole cardamom

6 black peppercorns, whole

3 sprigs fresh flat leaf parsley

2 quarts vegetable stock

½ cup heavy cream

2 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 tablespoon olive oil

¼ cup crème fraiche

Celery leaves to garnish

Kosher salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Make a bouquet garni by tying up thyme, celery seed, cardamom, peppercorn, and parsley in a cheesecloth. Set aside.

2. Heat a 6-quart stock pot to medium heat. Add celery root, potatoes, shallots, and olive oil. Season lightly with kosher salt. Sweat vegetables for about 10 minutes, stirring often until shallots turn translucent. 

3. Add wine to deglaze. Reduce for a few minutes until wine reduces by half

4. Add vegetable stock and bouquet garni and bring to a simmer. Simmer for about 20 minutes until celery root is fork tender.

5. Remove bouquet garni. Put soup in a blender with the butter, and blend until smooth. Pour soup through a strainer into a clean stock pot. Bring to a simmer. Add cream and stir. Season with kosher salt.

6. Ladle soup into a bowl. Garnish with a dollop of crème fraiche and celery leaves.

Pair with our 2019 Chardonnay »

Why It Works 

The body of our 2019 Chardonnay is rich enough to match the creaminess of the soup, while fresh, balanced acidity prevent it from being too heavy. Touches of baking spice from the oak play up the cardamom note, and ripe notes of apple, peach, and pear complement the earthier flavors of the celeriac. 

Time Posted: Jan 10, 2023 at 10:00 AM Permalink to 2019 Chardonnay & Celeriac Soup with Cardamom and Crème Fraiche Permalink
Fort Ross
 
January 7, 2023 | Fort Ross

2018 The Terraces Pinot Noir & Chicken Adobo

Winter 2023 selections: Chicken Adobo

Add some variety to your cooking with this zingy recipe for chicken thighs. Open a bottle of the 2018 The Terraces Pinot Noir along with it and you're in for a great night! 

chicken_adobo
Recipe by Dan Goldberg via Sunset Magazine

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs

3 cloves garlic, minced

2/3 cup apple cider vinegar

1/3 cup soy sauce

1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a medium frying pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes, then turn over and cook an additional 5 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

2. Pour off all but 1 tbsp. of pan drippings and return pan to low heat. Add garlic and sauté until soft, about 1 minute. Add remaining ingredients and stir to incorporate. Return chicken to pan and cook, covered, for 20 minutes.

3. Uncover, increase heat to medium-low and cook 15 to 20 minutes more, occasionally spooning sauce over chicken, until sauce thickens a bit and chicken is tender and nicely glazed with sauce. Remove bay leaf before eating.

Pair with our 2018 The Terraces Pinot Noir »

Why It Works 

The wild berry and plum flavors from our 2018 The Terraces Pinot Noir energize the tanginess of the chicken thighs, making for a vibrant dining experience.

Time Posted: Jan 7, 2023 at 4:55 AM Permalink to 2018 The Terraces Pinot Noir & Chicken Adobo Permalink
Fort Ross
 
January 7, 2023 | Fort Ross

2019 Mother of Pearl Chardonnay & Coconut, Cashew, and Squash Curry

Winter 2023 selections: Coconut, Cahsew, and Squash Curry

This easy, vegetarian curry is packed with flavor. Our 2019 Mother of Pearl Chardonnay, with it's superb creaminess, matches well with the rich nuttiness from the coconut and cashews. 

coconut_cashew_and_squash_curry
Recipe by Elaine Johnson via Sunset Magazine

Ingredients:

1 1/2 qts. peeled, 1 1/2-in. chunks kabocha* or other orange-fleshed winter squash (from a 3-lb. squash)

 About 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided

 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

 1 onion, halved and cut into half-moons

 1 or 2 red or green serrano chiles, minced

 1 cinnamon stick (2 1/2 in.)

 20 fresh curry leaves* or 6 dried bay leaves

 1 teaspoon turmeric

 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

 1 can (14.5 oz.) coconut milk

 1 cup salted roasted cashews

 1 tablespoon lemon juice

 Steamed basmati rice

Instructions:

1. Sprinkle squash with 1/2 tsp. salt. Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Brown half the squash in oil, turning once, 6 to 8 minutes; reduce heat if squash starts getting dark. Transfer to a bowl and repeat with 1 tbsp. oil and remaining squash.

2. Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tbsp. oil in another large frying pan over medium heat. Cook onion, stirring occasionally, until deep golden, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer half to the nonstick frying pan and reserve other half in a bowl.

3. Add chiles, cinnamon, and curry leaves to onion in pan. Cook, stirring often, until curry leaves are very fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add turmeric, cumin, and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and cook, stirring, until spices are fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Return squash to nonstick frying pan (with onion) and add coconut milk. Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer until squash is tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in cashews and lemon juice, and add more salt to taste. Top curry with reserved onion and serve with rice.

*Kabocha peels are edible. Find curry leaves in Indian markets.

Pair with our 2019 Mother of Pearl Chardonnay »

Why It Works 

This mild, slightly sweet curry harmonizes with the fruit flavors of our 2019 Mother of Pearl Chardonnay, while the creamy, nutty notes of coconut and cashew are amplified by the subtle oaky roundness of the wine.

Time Posted: Jan 7, 2023 at 3:35 AM Permalink to 2019 Mother of Pearl Chardonnay & Coconut, Cashew, and Squash Curry Permalink
Fort Ross
 
January 7, 2023 | Fort Ross

Winter 2023 Releases & Food Pairings

Stay warm and cozy this winter with hearty meals paired with our latest releases!

2019 Chardonnay & Celeriac Soup with Cardamom and Crème Fraiche

celeriac_soup

t's soup season, and Chef John Vong has just the recipe for you. This creamy, seasonably appropriate soup is a delightful pairing with our 2019 Chardonnay.

Recipe here.

2019 "FRV" Pinot Noir & Gnocchi with Roast Chicken, Bacon, and Kale

gnocchi_with_roast_chicken_bacon_and_kale

This recipe is an easy go-to for a weeknight. Paired with our 2019 "FRV" Pinot Noir, it's a lovely way to enjoy a cozy night in. 

Recipe here.

2018 The Terraces Pinot Noir & Chicken Adobo

chicken_adobo

Add some variety to your cooking with this zingy recipe for chicken thighs. Open a bottle of the 2018 The Terraces Pinot Noir along with it and you're in for a great night! 

Recipe here. 

Time Posted: Jan 7, 2023 at 3:25 AM Permalink to Winter 2023 Releases & Food Pairings 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
 
January 14, 2021 | Fort Ross

Al's Oxtail

This hearty dish is a great comfort on fall & winter evenings. Pour a glass of Pinotage, and enjoy.

 

Ingredients:

6lbs oxtail

1 large purple onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, crushed

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 cup dates, pitted & chopped

4 tsp cinnamon

1 1/2 tsp oregano

1 tsp curry powder

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp dried ginger

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Brown oxtail thoroughly on high heat in olive oil. Salt well.

2. Sautée onion on low heat until soft. Add salt to this is well.

3. Add garlic to pan, then add herbs.

4. Add onion mix to the oxtail & cover with water.

5. Bring oxtail to a boil. Add dates & bell pepper.

6. Cook covered on low heat for 2 1/2 hours, or until meat falls off the bone.

7. Add salt & pepper to taste. 

Time Posted: Jan 14, 2021 at 10:49 AM Permalink to Al's Oxtail Permalink