Rosenblum 'Monte Rosso' Reserve Zinfandel

Attributes:

Producer:

Rosenblum Cellars

Region:

Sonoma Valley, United States

Varietal:

Zinfandel

Bottle Size:

750 ML

2005: CGCW Rating: 85

Acidity:

soft, tangy

Complexity:

deep

Flavors:

sour

Fruit:

sweet

Food Matches:

Cheese: Aged Cheddar, Feta, Goat Cheese, Smoked Gouda, Soft Pungent Cheese
Fruits & Nuts: Citrus Fruits
Herbs & Spices: Anise, Fennel Seed, Tarragon, Bay Leaf, Cinnamon, Clove, Mint, Oregano, Pepper (black, white, green)
Pasta & Grains: Lasagna, Pasta with Peppery Mushroom Sauce
Poultry & Eggs: Coq Au Vin, Game Birds, Herb Marinated Chicken, Roast Chicken with Herbs, Roast Turkey, Spicy Chicken Dishes
Red Meat: Barbeque Pulled-Pork or Ribs, Beef Stew, Game, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Ham, Hamburgers, Lamb Stew, Minestrone, Sausage, Wild Game - Elk, Caribou, Moose, Venison
Sauces: Red Wine Sauce
Spicy Food: Beef Stir Fry
Vegetables: Lentils, Tomato

Sonoma:

Like its neighbor Napa, Sonoma is a small area filled with independent wineries and characterized by microclimates that vary according to the topography. The coolest parts of Sonoma are the fog-filled south, where the grape varieties are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Northwards up the valley the climate warms and provides a good base for Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. In general Sonoma wines are less dramatically flavorful than those of Napa. Cabernet Sauvignon is relatively soft, with blackcurrant fruit, minty and eucalyptus perfume, and some soft buttery oak. Zinfandel ranges from soft and gulpable to massive bramble and pepper styles. Chardonnay is rich and juicy, especially from the Russian River, and Sauvignon Blanc can be zingy and grassy. Most Sonoma wines have a freshness and a soft edge which makes them very suitable for drinking on their own, however they partner well with strongly flavored fish and meat dishes. The old-style Zinfandels are delicious with spicy cuisine.


Zinfandel:

One of California’s oldest varietals, this grape actually hails from Croatia. Red Zinfandel makes rich dark wines that are high in alcohol and medium to high in tannin. The can have a blackberry or raspberry aroma, a spicy character and even a jammy flavor. Some Zinfandels are relatively light-bodied and meant to be enjoyed young, while others benefit from aging.

Corbett Canyon Pinot Noir South Coast

Attributes:

Producer:

Corbett Canyon

Region:

South Coast, United States

Varietal:

Pinot Noir

Bottle Size:

3 L

1990: WineSpectator Rating: 71

Body:

light

Food Matches:

Cheese: Brie, Feta, Goat Cheese, Gouda, Sharp Cheddar, Swiss
Fish or Shellfish: Seared Ahi Tuna
Herbs & Spices: Anise, Fennel Seed, Tarragon, Basil, Cinnamon, Mint, Pepper (black, white, green), Rosemary
Pasta & Grains: (Grilled) Tofu, Pasta with Creamy Mushroom Sauces, Pasta with Truffles
Poultry & Eggs: Roast Chicken with Herbs, Roast Duck, Roast Turkey
Red Meat: Curried Beef, Curried Lamb, Curried Pork, Grilled Flank Steak, Hamburgers, Pork w/Fruit Sauce, Roast Pork Tenderloin w/Sage, Sausage
Sauces: Red Wine Sauce
Vegetables: Beans, White, Beets, Mushrooms, Tomato, Vegetable Gratin or Stew

Pinot Noir:

(pee noh nwahr)—A tricky grape to grow, Pinot Noir makes some of the best wines in the world. The prototype wine is red Burgundy from France but Oregon, California, New Zealand, and parts of Australia also produce good Pinot Noir. The wine is lighter in color than Cabernet or Merlot with relatively high alcohol, medium-to-high acidity, and medium-to-low tannin. Its flavors and aromas can be very fruity or earthy and woodsy, depending on how it is grown. It is rarely blended with other grapes.

Bouchard Pere & Fils Vigne de L'Enfant Jesus

Attributes:

Producer:

Bouchard Pere et Fils

Region:

Cote de Nuits, France

Varietal:

Pinot Noir

Bottle Size:

750 ML

2006: Tanzer Rating: 90-93

Complexity:

complex, deep, suave

Flavors:

cherry, flowers, graphite, licorice, oak, raspberry, slightly medicinal, spices, tobacco

Fruit:

sweet

2005: Tanzer Rating: 92

Flavors:

black cherry, licorice, medicinal, menthol, mineral, minerals

2005: Tanzer Rating: 90-93

Fruit:

austere, juicy

2004: Tanzer Rating: 90

Complexity:

deep

Flavors:

blackberry, herbs, licorice, oak, pepper, spice, spicy

Fruit:

sweet

2004: Tanzer Rating: 92

Texture:

strong, velvety

2003: Tanzer Rating: 91

Acidity:

bright

Complexity:

complex, suave

Flavors:

bitter, black cherry, chocolate, mocha, plum

2003: Tanzer Rating: 90

Fruit:

sweet

2002: WineEnthusiast Rating: 92

Complexity:

opulent

Fruit:

concentrated, ripe

Food Matches:

Cheese: Brie, Goat Cheese, Sharp Cheddar
Fish or Shellfish: Grilled Ahi Tuna, Grilled Salmon
Herbs & Spices: Anise, Fennel Seed, Tarragon, Basil, Cinnamon, Mint, Mustard, Pepper (black, white, green), Rosemary
Poultry & Eggs: Coq Au Vin, Roast Goose, Roast Turkey
Red Meat: Beef Stew, Pork Chops, Veal w/Fruit Sauce
Sauces: Red Wine Sauce
Vegetables: Beets, Mushrooms, Roasted Asparagus

Pinot Noir:

(pee noh nwahr)—A tricky grape to grow, Pinot Noir makes some of the best wines in the world. The prototype wine is red Burgundy from France but Oregon, California, New Zealand, and parts of Australia also produce good Pinot Noir. The wine is lighter in color than Cabernet or Merlot with relatively high alcohol, medium-to-high acidity, and medium-to-low tannin. Its flavors and aromas can be very fruity or earthy and woodsy, depending on how it is grown. It is rarely blended with other grapes.

Warm French Bread Pudding

Rated

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
1 cup superfine sugar
6 eggs
1-3/4 cups milk
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
6 cups cubed sourdough French bread
1 1/2 cups dried fruit, cubed
1/2 cup maple syrup

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 2-quart baking dish.

Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon. The mixture will look grainy.

Add the bread cubes and the fruit to the mixture, toss, and let stand for 10 minutes.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes.

Remove the pudding from the oven and drizzle with the maple syrup. Serve hot or warm.

Yield

Serves 8

Cook Time

Prep Time: 30 mins.
Cook Time: 50 mins.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition information is provided as a resource. Values will vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Serving Size: 1
Number of Servings: Serves 8
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 495 Calories from Fat: 126

Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*  
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*  
Total Fat 14.05g
21%  
Carbohydrates 85.33g
28%  
Dietary Fiber 2.92g
11%  
Saturated Fat 7.91g
39%  
Calories 494.59kcal
24%  
Cholesterol 31.25mg
10%  
Protein 7.65g
12%  
Sodium 468.56mg
19%  
Calcium
1%  
Iron
3%  
Vitamin A
9%  
Vitamin C
36%  
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.