Virginia wines enhance cooking from entree to dessert.
While vintners from Napa Valley and Bordaeux are among the world's most renowned, Virginia's vineyards have remained a Southern secret. Numerous wineries populate the Old Dominion and offer up a champion array of whites and reds --- from dynamic Malbecs and Merlots to Pinot Grigios and Pinot Noirs. Although every celebration deserves a bubbly bubbly or perfectly balanced red, Virginia wines are for more than just drinking.
Instructions
1. Wine-based sauce
Pair wine-based sauces with filet mignon or New York strip. Breaux Vineyards' 2004 Merlot or Tarara Winery's Bordeuax blend are perfect varietals for this simple sauce:
You'll need: 4 tbsp. butter, 1 large onion, 2 carrots, 2 large shallots, 3 garlic cloves, 14 oz. beef broth; 1 ¼ cups red wine
Saute the vegetables with 3 tbsp. butter over medium-high heat until the vegetables are softened. Add broth and a cup of the wine. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has been reduced by half. Separate the solids from the liquid and return the liquid to the pan. Add the last of the wine and butter. Simmer for another twenty minutes and serve over grilled beef.
2. Wine marinade
Add an eye-popping burst of flavor to your grilled favorites using these quick and savory marinades:
Chicken: Prepare 2 lb. of chicken breasts or thighs with ½ cup of Chrysalis Vineyards' 2009 Albarino, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp, chopped parsley and salt and pepper. Pour the marinade over the chicken and let it rest, refrigerated, in a large plastic bag for at least two hours.
Beef: Immerse flank steak or tougher cuts of beef in 1 cup of Horton Vineyards' 2003 Vintage port, ½ cup lemon juice, 3/4 cup orange juice, ½ cup olive oil and 6 sliced garlic cloves. Refrigerate the meat and marinade in a large plastic bag overnight.
3. Sorbetto, gelato and vino
Serve ½ cup raspberry or peach sorbet in a martini glass with 3 oz. of Afton Mountain Vineyards' Tete de Cuvee. Top with a sprig of mint for an effortlessly clean and sophisticated desert.
Sweet tooths will love vanilla or cinnamon gelato with fresh berries and Keswick Vineyards' Norton wine chocolate sauce.
Tags: garlic cloves, large plastic, tbsp butter, Virginia wines