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Fall Entertaining Guide

Host the ultimate dinner party, with wine pairings for every course.

In any good relationship, one makes the other better. It’s the same with a wine pairing! When a dish is paired with its perfect varietal, flavors are enhanced and the dining experience enriched.

This season’s harvest brings a bounty of fruits and vegetables that pair beautifully with our fall wine selections. Hosting a dinner party at home? Our three-course food and wine pairing is the perfect guide to fall entertaining.

Squash Soup

Marinated Pork Chops

Baked Apple Tart

Elevate the Appetizer

Squash Soup & Chardonnay

Begin your fall feast with soup and a Chardonnay. The rich and toasty notes of Ember Chardonnay this varietal complements the creamy, slightly sweet and nutty flavors of butternut squash soup. Raise your spoon (and a glass) to this delicious pairing.

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 1.5 tsp. kosher salt
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Sour cream, for topping

Directions

1. Heat 1 Tbsp. of oil to a large pot over medium heat and add onion. Cook until softened.

2. Add squash and 1 tsp. salt. Stir to coat.

3. Add chicken broth and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.

4. Reduce heat to medium and cover pot.

5. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. In small batches, pour mixture into a blender and purée. When complete, pour the purée into the pot.

7. Add heavy cream and 1/2 tsp. salt. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.

8. Serve with a dollop of sour cream.

Squash Soup & Chardonnay Pairings

Ember Chardonnay V19 750ML

Our 2019 Chardonnay is rich & toasty with hints of butter, complimented by layers of apple, spice & tropical notes.

Talbott Kali Hart Chardonnay V18 750ML

The 2018 Talbott Kali Hart Chardonnay is the most fruit-forward in our portfolio. Grown in cool climates, Kali Hart is an exceptionally refreshing Chardonnay. Notes of ripe stone fruit and juicy tropical notes meet aromas of Madagascar vanilla for a bright mouthfeel straight through to the finish. The 2018 growing season was consistently mild, allowing fruit to ripen gradually on the vine and develop complex flavor. August and September brought moderate weather more in line with previous harvests. October rain quenched the soil without slowing harvest. Wines from 2018 vintage are showing highly detailed flavors, balance and intensity. One of the first vineyards planted in the Santa Lucia Highlands, Talbott’s Sleepy Hollow Vineyard is comprised of 565 acres. Located on a picturesque benchland not far from Monterey Bay, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard is the second most northerly in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Here, the hillside vineyard features Arroyo Seco and Chualar gravelly loam soils that enable the vines to absorb subsoil minerals, creating rich, concentrated flavors. With a long, cool growing season, the grapes develop character, intensity and depth for which the vineyard has become famous. The Olson Vineyard resides in the southern region of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation along a stunning section of rolling hills and hillsides. This vineyard is composed of a selection of granite and limestone soils and enjoys warmer days to ripen Chardonnay to tropical fruit aromas with softer acidity and a rich mouthfeel.

William Hill North Coast Chardonnay V20 750ML

The 2020 William Hill North Coast Chardonnay is a decadent wine with aromas of a freshly baked apple crisp. Notes of warm apple, toasted caramel and just a tap of spice. Layers of green apple and lemon brighten the palate. The supple mouthfeel supports the midpalate, and the wine finishes with notes of brioche and toasted caramel. Sourcing grapes throughout the North Coast of California provides our winemaker with an ample array of vineyards from which to craft his blends. Warm summer days, cool fog-laden evenings and ample summer breezes ensure that the fruit gains a long hang-time to ripen slowly and evenly. Our 2020 North Coast Chardonnay was brought into the winery gently destemmed and then pressed into stainless steel tanks for a temperature controlled cool fermentation. Then, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation and aged on French oak for eight months sur lie, to impart a supple mouthfeel.

J Vineyards Russian River Valley Chardonnay V22 750ML

Our smooth and inviting Russian River Valley Chardonnay showcases the best of this classic cool-climate region. Appealing aromas of florals and citrus open at first pour, while the layered, flavorful palate adds notes of white peach, pear, pineapple and fresh-cut Meyer lemon. Subtle accents of toasted hazelnut, vanilla and gingersnap add rich complexity and depth, a hallmark of the wine’s French oak aging. Try this beautifully balanced, food-friendly Chardonnay with wild mushroom pasta in a light cream sauce or Dungeness crab cake in a candied ginger hollandaise, topped with fresh green herbs. A versatile wine for cheese pairings, enjoy this with any mild or alpine style cheese alongside apples or peaches.

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Edna Valley Central Coast Chardonnay V19 750ML

Our Edna Valley Vineyard Chardonnay opens with delicate aromas of crisp green apple, lemon zest and cream. On the refreshing palate, layers of white peach, ripe pineapple, melon and hints of apricot effortlessly blend with notes of baked apple and subtle hints of creamy toasted oak. A bright acidity and supple, generous mouthfeel create a beautifully balanced expression of Chardonnay from the Central Coast.

Enhance the Entrée

Marinated Pork Chops & Pinot Noir

Next up: the main course. Not only do we pair our Pinot Noir with pork chops, but we cook with it too! This beautifully balanced, fruit-forward red varietal enhances the subtle, savory flavors of a chop without overpowering them.

Ingredients

• 4 pork chops
• ¼ cup Pinot Noir
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 1 tsp. ginger, minced
• 1 tsp. garlic, minced
• 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tsp. honey

Directions

1. In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, Pinot Noir, sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer.

2. Mix these ingredients until the sugar dissolves, then allow to cool.

3. Next, whisk in olive oil. Pour this mixture over the pork chops and marinate for up to 12 hours.

5. Preheat the grill. Grill pork chops for 4-5 minutes on each side. Internal temperature should reach 150˚F. 6. Remove from grill and let chops rest for 5-10 minutes.

7. Serve with a side of roasted carrots or steamed asparagus.

Pork Chops & Pinot Noir Parings

MacMurray Estate Vineyards Central Coast Pinot Noir V19 750ML

The MacMurray Estate Vineyards Central Coast Pinot Noir is deep ruby in color with aromas of ripe red berries, cinnamon and toast on the nose. Nuances of ripe red cherry, pomegranate and raspberry on the forefront of the palate are accented by warm vanilla spice notes. Beautifully balanced, this silky, plush Pinot Noir delivers a layered wine with attractive depth before a long, lingering finish. This Pinot Noir was crafted from a selection of premier vineyards in the Central Coast. Each lot is fermented separately to finely curate our classic MacMurray Pinot Noir style. Selecting vineyards from Monterrey and San Luis Obispo counties gives us depth of flavor with nuanced layers of minerality, earth, and luscious fruit.

J Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir V19 750ML

Crafted from up to 40 individual small lots, our Russian River Valley Pinot Noir offers a classic example of this renowned region. Opening with rich, flavorful notes of dark cherry, plum and ripe raspberry, while hints of earth, cocoa and clove add depth and nuance to the smooth, layered palate. Elegant and balanced, soft tannins and lightly toasted oak give nice weight and structure to the wine. Pair this food -friendly wine alongside pork tenderloin stuffed with rosemary and spiced apple, topped with a plum reduction sauce. For a cheese pairing, try goat cheese with spiced cherry compote.

Ghost Pines Pinot Noir V18 750ML

This wine opens with Pinot Noir’s distinguishing bright plum and cherry notes, but then it takes a turn. The flavors are bold and more intense than the average Pinot Noir, with characteristics of summer blackberry, pomegranate and dried rose petals. Oak aging imparts hints of vanilla, baking spice and freshly roasted coffee beans. A hint of cocoa, plush tannins and a round mouthfeel lead to a satisfying finish.

Orin Swift Slander 750ML 2020

In the seventh iteration of our Pinot Noir, Slander is solidifying its style and defining its own voice. As we strive to always overdeliver with each wine, Slander has proven difficult because of the fickle nature of the varietal. In many respects, we treat Pinot Noir differently than the rest of our red varietals; we pick it earlier and typically utilize the punchdown over the pumpover. Gentle handling in the vineyard and cellar allows us to capture these delicate aromatics and the enchanting palate of Pinot Noir. Sourced from across California, this 2020 vintage includes fruit from Annapolis, Del Rio, Radian and Our Lady of Guadalupe vineyards. Pale ruby in the glass, the wine opens with no-fuss aromatics of bright strawberry, candied cherry, crushed gravel, wet brick, white pepper and brushed violet. Enveloping in a sophisticated, elegant manner, the palate has similar tones to the nose with some black cherry and a touch of minerality. Vibrant and energetic through the finish, the wine closes with a pleasant vein of acidity, capable of myriad pairings.

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Jermann Red Angel Pinot Nero V17 750ML

Crafted from 100% Pinot Noir, Red Angel has heady aromas filled with fruit and a slight herbaceous touch. This wine stands out for its elegant finesse with a delicate yet full-bodied palate. Superbly balanced, this silky wine has a touch of fruit sweetness, driven by notes of strawberry, cherry, cranberry and red currant. Soft tannins and structured acidity give the wine a lasting finish. 2017 was a challenging vintage, with periods of frost in spring and extreme temperatures in summer. Harvest saw more favorable conditions, but yield was cut to sustain quality.

Dominate Dessert

Baked Apple Tart & Sauvignon Blanc

Let’s go apple picking! Fall’s favorite activity is back and we’re ready to bake. For this recipe, we recommend Golden Delicious or Honeycrisp apples. The bright, citrus notes of Sauvignon Blanc complement the tart, sweet apples and provide the perfect palate cleanser to your fall feast.

Ingredients

• 4-6 sliced apples, peeled
• 1.5 cups flour
• 1 Tbsp. flour 
• 12 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup cold water
• 3.5 Tbsp. sugar
• Salt

Directions

1. Pulse 1.5 cups flour with a pinch of salt in a blender or food processor.

2. Add cut butter and pulse for another 5 seconds.

3. Sprinkle water over the mix and pulse an additional 5 seconds.

4. Kneed dough on floured surface.

5. Roll out dough to 16 inches round and approx. 1/4-inch thick.

6. Line a large, rimless baking sheet with parchment paper. Place dough on paper.

7. Combine 2 Tbsp. sugar with 1 Tbsp. flour and sprinkle over the dough.

8. Place apple slices in concentric circles atop the dough.

9. Brush apples with melted butter and sprinkle with 1.5 Tbsp. sugar.

10. Refrigerate tart for approx. 10 minutes before baking.

11. Preheat the oven to 400°, then bake tart for 1 hour.

12. Cool slightly before serving with a dollop of whipped cream.

Baked Apple Tart & Sauvignon Blanc Pairings

Starborough Sauvignon Blanc V21 750ML

Our 2021 Starborough Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is generous, balanced and bright. Aromas of lime zest, ripe peach and white florals unveil with every swirl. Crisp and smooth on the palate, appealing notes of tropical passionfruit, guava and kiwi blend with subtle suggestions of fresh-cut green herbs and lemongrass. The long finish is marked by palate-refreshing hints of citrusy grapefruit and Meyer lemon. Enjoy alongside creamy goat cheese, prosciutto-wrapped melon or grilled chicken. Viticulture Notes A cool start to vintage 2021 was followed by Marlborough’s classic long, warm, sun-drenched days and cool nights. These ideal conditions allowed for ideal flavor development coupled with the region’s signature crisp structure. Harvest was early, with clean, bright, flavorful fruit coming into the cellar. Winemaking Notes Sauvignon Blanc grapes were de-stemmed and lightly membrane pressed, not crushed, to avoid extracting bitter notes from the skins and seeds. The juice was fermented in upright stainless-steel tanks at low temperatures for 21 days to preserve the bright fruit characteristics, then left on light lees during maturation. The wine was then filtered prior to bottling.

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Locations New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc 750ML

The base of our blend is comprised of fruit from vineyards in the heart of the Wairau Valley, with its traditional passionfruit and crisp grassy flavors. This component is complemented by the second wave of plantings in the ever expanding Awatere Valley, which is noted for the minerality and elegant characteristics the fruit gains from the region's proximity to the Pacific Ocean. For the balance of this wine, we have sought out fruit from the southern valley of Waihopai, where the gravel soils, and later, cooler ripening climate produce Sauvignon Blanc characteristics that provide the final layer of complexity and brings balance to our inaugural release of NZ. In the glass, a brilliant pale yellow reminiscent of white currants; the wine opens with an intense bouquet of gooseberries, feijoas, and ripe tropical fruits. The bright entry of fresh cut grass and preserved lemon lead to passionfruit pot de creme showcasing a long finish of fresh herbs and clean minerality.

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Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc V21 750ML

Our 2021 Sauvignon Blanc offers an elegant, crisp and beautifully balanced expression of Marlborough, capturing the quintessential nuances, layers and textures of the celebrated region. Classic aromas of ripe pink grapefruit, lime zest and tropical fruits are complemented by suggestions of lemongrass, green pepper and tomato leaf. The palate is crisp and vibrant, lifted by bright, generous citrus notes layered with white peach, guava and passion fruit. Hints of wet river stone, fresh green herbs and mouthwatering acidity add structure and support. Brilliantly concentrated and textured, subtle suggestions of sea spray add to the stylish, lingering finish. A perfect pairing to creamy goat cheese, summer salads, fresh seafood or grilled herbed chicken.

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Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough V21 750ML

Our Origin Series Sauvignon Blanc is sourced entirely from the unique Dillons Point area of Marlborough, giving the wine its focused, fruit-driven flavor profile and hints of minerality. The crisp personality of Origin Series greets you with generous aromas of passion fruit and guava. These exotic tropical fruit characters come through on the rich palate, mingling with notes of grapefruit, lemon and peach layered with herbaceous notes of fresh-cut grass. Refreshingly crisp on the finish, with a lingering sense of sea spray and minerality. The 2021 vintage is being celebrated as exceptional though yields were down significantly (down 19% across New Zealand) due to some late-season frosts and overall cooler weather in the spring.

Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc V21 750ML

Representing the finest of New Zealand, Nobilo’s classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc showcases the diverse qualities of our Marlborough vineyards. This wine opens with bright aromas of pink grapefruit and white florals. On the palate, our Sauvignon Blanc adds crisp, expressive tropical fruit characteristics, like ripe passionfruit and guava, complemented with hints of lemon and fresh-cut green herbs. With appealing intensely on the nose and palate, this mouthwatering wine finishes with generous fruit notes. Try this wine alongside lemon-herb roasted chicken, grilled seafood dishes or fresh green salads.

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Fall Entertaining Guide

Elevate the Appetizer

Ingredients

Directions

Squash Soup & Chardonnay Pairings

Enhance the Entrée

Ingredients

Directions

Pork Chops & Pinot Noir Parings

Dominate Dessert

Ingredients

Directions

Baked Apple Tart & Sauvignon Blanc Pairings