(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento) This summer has proven to be quite an exciting season with several new collaborations with that have yielded (and continue to bring) fresh and bold recipes, along with exciting wine pairings.
It gives me great pleasure to announce that one of these collaborations are with CK Mondavi & Family and Flat Top Hills Wines.
A family business since Italian immigrants Cesare and Rosa Mondavi established the winery in the 1940s, CK Mondavi and Family remains faithful to their dream of producing fine wines everyone can enjoy.
(Cesare & Rosa Mondavi, courtesy of CK Mondavi & Family)
Built on a foundation of family values, hard work and European winemaking traditions, the winery offers a portfolio of wines for special occasions and everyday gatherings of family and friends.
Today, CK Mondavi and Family is led by Marc Mondavi, son of legendary Napa Valley wine icon Peter Mondavi, Sr.
Flat Top Hills is a premium collection driven by uncompromising quality from the “G4,” the fourth generation of winemaking leadership of the C. Mondavi family.
(Marc Mondavi & Family, courtesy CK Mondavi & Family)
Flat Top Hills’ modern and innovative approach to wine showcases a fruit-forward style with full body and soft structure. Head winemaker Randy Herron draws on decades of experience to craft the smooth, full-bodied wines, stylized with plenty of fruit and structure.
He collaborated closely with consulting winemaker Angelina Mondavi, part of the G4, which conceived of the wines as their contribution to the family’s long tradition of winemaking excellence. This is the first time a member of the G4 has made wine under the family banner.
(Randy Herron & Angelina Mondavi, courtesy Flat Top Hills Wines)
Together, Randy and Angelina developed a collection of fresh wines that invoke a carefree feeling inspired by family gatherings in the vineyards.
The portfolio includes five wines that pair with a life well-lived: crisp Sauvignon Blanc, lush Chardonnay, supple Rosé, mouth-watering Red Blend and rich Cabernet Sauvignon. Carefully cultivated and diligently nurtured, the fruit-forward wines offer full body and soft structure.
(Photo: courtesy of Flat Top Hills Wines)
In a way, this special collaboration comes full circle for me, because not only have I forged a direct and unique connection with winemaker Angelina Mondavi, but also because the very first winery I have ever visited was, Mondavi.
Let‘s get cooking!
Menu: Grilled chicken breast bites with Chardonnay-Rosemary cream sauce and green peas.
Wine pairing: 2018 Flat Top Hills - Chardonnay (California)
Serves 2
Ingredients
Chicken skewers:
1 pound of chicken breast, cut in 1 inch thick cubes
1 medium yellow or red onion, cut in 1 inch long squares
Ground coriander
Sea salt & pepper
Extra Virgin olive oil
2-3 metal skewers
Sauce:
2 tablespoons of butter
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1/4 cup white wine (Chardonnay)
1/4 cup heavy cream
Green peas:
1 cup of frozen green peas
Directions
Sauce:
In a medium sauce pan, melt butter on medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook for 3 minutes.
Add rosemary and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add white wine and cook until wine is almost evaporating.
Add cream, stir and reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Peas:
In a small sauce pan add 2 cups of water and heat to a boil. Add peas and cook for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, drsin and set aside.
Chicken skewers:
Pre-heat grill to medium heat.
Oil up the skewer with some olive oil and arrange in alternating order chicken cubes and onions.
Season with ground coriander, sea salt, pepper and finish with a light drizzle of olive oil.
Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side of skewer or until chicken is cooked through.
Remove skewers from heat and separate chicken and onions evenly on two serving plates (remove from skewers), cover with foil to keep warm until ready to serve.
Serve it up!
Though this might be a simple dish, I promise you it is not only flavorful, but also filling. It truly is a perfect light summer meal.
On each of the serving plates (should already have even portions of chicken and onions) give the chicken and onions a generous pour of the cream sauce on top.
Add green peas on top and around chicken, serve it up.
*You might want to have some baguette bread around to scoop of the sauce from the plate.
Bon appetit! Enjoy!
(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento)
(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento)
About the wine...
Deepest gratitude to Flat Top Hills Wines/CK Mondavi & Family for their collaborative partnership with Carlos’ Food & Wine.
Made with meticulous care and attention to detail, Flat Top Hills wines highlight the best characters of the vineyards and the grape varietals. Gentle handling and natural winemaking allow the quality of the vineyards to shine, showcasing the essence of the fruit and true varietal expression. 2018 Flat Top Hills - Chardonnay (California)
(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento)
Tasting notes: Rich, elegant and a bit refined. Flat Top Hills medium-bodied chardonnay is a bright, fruit-forward wine with tropical fruit, lime and pear essence; complete with balanced acidity. A well-structured quaff with flavors of green apple, a touch of vanilla and toasted oak on the finish.
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay. Primary growing regions: Yolo County, Dunnigan Hills, Monterey, Monterey Coast, Central Coast - California.
Food pairing: Flat Top Hills Chardonnay pairs nicely with mild, buttery or creamy dishes, meaty fish like halibut and cod, shellfish and subtly flavored, simply seasoned poultry and pork dishes.
For more information, visit: https://www.flattopwines.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Flat-Top-Tech-Sheet-CH.pdf &
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Decorative wine drip collar by: https://dripstosips.com
(Special discount promo code: CFW15)
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More summer fun, savory recipes and wine pairing ideas coming soon…featuring these fantastic wines from Flat Top Hills Wines & CK Mondavi & Family!
(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento)
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