(Photo by Carlos Sarmiento)
I'm excited to share this posting by introducing a new winery...Julia James, which hails from the Opici family (who in turn, are my partners from Opici Wines & Spirits).
About Opici...
For nearly a century, the Opici name on a bottle of wine has stood for high quality, consistency, and value. "We prided ourselves on a commitment to building relationships with our customers, suppliers, and employees based on trust and common purpose. Our mission is to continue to offer the highest quality wines at the best possible prices.” – Hubert Opici, Chairman
Their impressive portfolio of wine brands brings a diverse and eclectic menu of fine wines from all of the world.
This particular food and wine pairing features Opici's own line of California wines through Julia James wines.
About Julia James...
A wine named to honor the 5th generation of the Opic Family, Julia James is a classic representation of 2 noble varietals, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, grown in the heart of California.
Light and approachable, these wines are made to honor not only classic winemaking, but also family and tradition.
With grapes sourced from prestigious appellations, Julia James provides high-quality wines at an extraordinary value. A wine to be enjoyed with family and friends for any and all occasions.
Let‘s get cooking!
Menu: Cast iron pan spicy Argentinian red shrimp scampi.
Wine pairing: 2021 Julia James Chardonnay (California, USA)
Serves 2
Ingredients
16 ounces of Argentinian red Shrimp (seasoned with sea salt and cracked pepper)
2-3 tablespoons extra Virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves sliced
1/4 cup White wine
1 Lemon (zest & juice)
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
1 shallot finely minced
1 tablespoon of chopped rosemary
2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
Garnish/side:
1 small sprig rosemary
French bread
Directions
Heat up 2 tablespoons of extra Virgin olive oil ina large cast iron pan on medium high heat.
Add garlic and shallots and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add seasoned shrimp and cook for 2 1/2 minutes on each side.
Add white wine, lemon juice and zest. Stirring and cooking for additional 2 minutes.
Add white wine and simmer for 5 minutes until sauce gets reduced.
Add butter, stir and cook on low for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
Serve it up! This dish already has its own unique presentation in its cast iron pan. Be extra careful when handling the pan when it's hot (make sure to have gloves/towels and table pad).
Service directly from cast iron pan with a piece of rosemary for garnish into small bowls, accompanied by freshly sliced baguette bread (to dip into sauces).
*Optional: leftover pan sauce or entire scampi can be tossed with your favorite pasta.
Bon appetit!
(Photo by Carlos Sarmiento)
(Photo by Carlos Sarmiento)
(Photo by Carlos Sarmiento)
About the wine…
Julia James wines are sourced from well-established and respected appellations in California based off of long-term sourcing contracts with high-quality wine growers.
The Chardonnay grapes hail mostly from Green Valley in Solano County, which is a couple miles southeast of Napa Valley.
Established as an AVA in 1982, Green Valley is near San Pablo bay offering a maritime climate that is ideal for growing Chardonnay.
2021 Julia James Chardonnay
(California, USA)
(Photo by Carlos Sarmiento)
(Photo by Carlos Sarmiento)
Tasting notes:
Ripe lemon in color, this Chardonnay has golden highlights in the glass.
Offers a mix of fresh pear, apple, melon and citrus on the nose. There is a bright, juicy, almost racy personality to go with exotic flavors of tropical fruits, vanilla, nectarine, and a kiss of oak.
Continuing to open up nicely in the glass, it has a creamy mid-palate and a round, buttery finish which lingers on the palate.
Grapes:
100% Chardonnay
Alcohol:
13.5%
Food pairing: as an aperitif and with canapés, salads, roasted chicken, seafood and pasta with light sauces.
Thank you to Opici Wines & Spirits for providing this delightful Chardonnay.
For more information, visit:
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Decorative wine drip collar ring provided by:
(Special discount promo code: CFW15)
(Photo by Sebastian Banasiewcz)