18 MAY 11, 2017 RIDGEWOOD TIMES WWW.QNS.COM The Perfect Pairing: Amarone Wine and Prime Strip Steak (StatePoint) A good steak and glass of red wine off er a delightful traditional pairing. A way to elevate this experience is to choose an Amarone della Valpolicella, a traditional red wine from Italy, to accompany a perfect cut of steak with high marbling content for more fl avor. WHY AN AMARONE? Considered the gentle giant of Italian red wines, Amarone has bold yet subtle characteristics, which pair nicely with a nice cut of NY strip steak. Produced with indigenous grape varieties (Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara) of the Venetian regions, Amarone wines are full-bodied, rich, well-balanced red wines. Since Roman times, winemakers have been using a specialized technique called the Appassimento method, which consists of drying the grapes on straw mats during the winter months to concentrate the fruit’s aromas and fl avors. An iconic 200-year old Amarone producer, Masi Agricola, known around the world for the quality of their wines produced over seven generations, has revolutionized the Appassimento technique. The winery has blended historic winemaking methods with modern research and technology: making their own selection of proprietary yeast, replacing straw mats with bamboo racks and drying the grapes in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment, (c) Africa Studio - Fotolia.com and conducting a double fermentation process. The result is an off ering of fi ve Amarone wines rich in history and personality. One of the acclaimed wines of the portfolio is the 2011 Masi Agricola Costasera Amarone della Valpolicella, with a suggested retail price of $63.99. This deep ruby-red wine has powerful, complex aromas of dried plums, fl avors of baked cherries, chocolate and cinnamon. It tastes dry on the palate, with a soft and bright acidity; the delicate, structured tannins precede a long fi nish. CHOOSE THE RIGHT CUT Select a rich cut with visible marbling, which will have a higher fat content to pair with bold red wine. A good option would be a New York or Kansas City strip steak. This cut is aff ordable, has texture and is fl avorful. Purchase a strip steak with a thickness of 1 inch. Season with salt and pepper then grill on high for 2-4 minutes. Decrease heat to medium temperature until desired degree of doneness is achieved, such as medium rare or well done. Pair your strip steak with an Amarone wine. It is full-bodied with balanced tannins, that will stand up beautifully to this fl avorful cut. The high tannins will also act as a palate cleanser during the meal. Serving a beautiful steak and glass of high-quality Amarone will bring your experience to the next level. MOTHER'S DAY Lamb chops are a perfect course for a Mother’s Day dinner party At your next dinner party, enjoy a glass of rich red wine and a tempting yet easy-to-prepare meal to match. If you are looking for a delicious wine pairing for an upcoming occasion, consider a classic red variety like Cabernet Sauvignon. Bold and spicy with luscious black fruits and a full body, Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect choice for your dinner party. In particular, Cabernet Sauvignons from the Rutherford section of Napa Valley are known for their exquisite power, balance, and concentration of fruit, and pair beautifully with all manner of foods. A great option is 2014 2014 Sequoia Grove Winery Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP $39.99), which features aromas of black cherries and blackberry, followed by cinnamon, and a touch of black pepper. Firm tannins and deep dark berry flavors provide an elegant accompaniment to meals featuring sharp cheeses, vegetables and such grilled meats as this preparation of lamb chops. INGREDIENTS: (Serves 4 people) • 1 lb. lamb chops • 3 tablespoons of olive oil • 1 sprig of rosemary • Squeeze of lemon • Salt and pepper to taste METHOD: • Prepare the chops, eliminating any excess fat and beat with a meat tenderizer. Lay the chops in a pan, salt and pepper to taste on both sides. Drizzle with olive oil, squeeze of lemon and flavor with chopped garlic and fresh rosemary. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the chops to marinate. • Heat a cast iron plate and cook the chops over a fl ame for around four minutes on each side. When cooked, serve piping hot with sides and a glass of Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon. Celebrate your next gathering with elegance by inviting family and friends to share a delicious food and wine pairing experience. Courtesy StatePoint
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