(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento)
Not too long ago I was lucky to have won a wine gove contest in Instagram. Little did I know that I woud discover the majestic and delicate taste of the wines from France’s Loire Valley.
Classisfied as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, the Loire Valley, also known as the valley of kings, boasts a plethora of unique architectural sites including numerous renowned chateaus and of course wineries with breathtaking vineyards.
Introducing Domaine J. de Villebois...
(Courtesy of J. de Villebois)
Located in the Upper and Central Loire valley, Domaine J. de Villebois focuses mainly on growing Sauvignon Blanc grapes, in all of its Loire appellations that include: Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé and Menetou Salon, to name a few.
(Photo courtesy of Domaine J. de Villebois)
The pursuit of creating the best Sauvignon Blanc through experimentation and innovation while still respecting the spirit of the appellation is the uncompromising philosophy of Villebois.
The Villebois family states that ”being as close as possible to nature means being able to capture the soul of the land. Every bottle is a representation, telling a story about the land and the people who work it.”
(Photo courtesy of Domaine J. de Villebois)
Indeed. The alluring tale of the land, its people and the magical flavor of the terroir is elegantly captured in any bottle of Domaine J. de Villebois.
A truly one of a kind Sauvignon Blanc fitted for royalty but luckily for us, it is available for our own intimate indulgence.
Let‘s get cooking!
Menu: Mahi Mahi with Chili-Lime butter sauce and green beans.
Wine pairing: 2021 Domaine J. De Villebois Touraine Sauvignon Blanc
(Loire Valley, France)
Serves 4
Ingredients
Fish & sauce:
4 (1/2 pound each) filets of Mahi Mahi
4 tablespoons butter
2 small red chili peppers, seeded, deveined and finely chopped
4 small garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 shallot, finely minced
Juice of 1 and half lime
4-6 tablespoons of chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
Sea salt and cracked pepper to taste
Extra Virgin olive oil
Green beans:
1 to 2 pounds of fresh green beans, stem ends trimmed.
Sea salt & cracked pepper
Directions
Fish & sauce:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Lightly season both side of fish fillets with sea salt, cracked pepper and lightly drizzle with extra Virgin olive oil.
Place season filets on an oven proof deep dish and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes (or until fully cooked and flaky inside).
On a medium sized frying pan or skillet heat up 2-3 tablespoons of extra Virgin olive oil on medium heat. Add chopped chili peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Add shallots and garlic slices and cook for 3-5 minutes, carefully not to over cook (reduce heat if necessary).
Add stock, stir well and bring to a quick boil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Add lime juice and stir. Add butter, stir and reduce heat to low simmer. Keep warm until serving time.
Green beans:
Place trimmed beans inside a medium sized pot, add about 1 cup of water and bring to boil. Cook green beans for about 6 minutes.
Drain green beans and pace them in a mixing bowl, tossing them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside until serving time.
Serve it up!
Here is another dish that can be served either family style on platters or individually. Just make sure to generously spoon the chili-lime butter sauce over the fish fillets.
Bon appetit! Enjoy!
(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento)
(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento)
About the wine…
The recently created Vin de France appellation is a fantastic opportunity for J. de Villebois to work with multiple terroirs.
Made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown on the Atlantic Coast and in the Loire Valley, this wine is just stunning.
2021 Domaine J. De Villebois Touraine Sauvignon Blanc (Loire Valley, France)
(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento)
Tasting notes:
Green-yellow color with a bouquet of ripe fruit aromas on the nose. A big and smooth structure.
A harmonious blend reminiscent of the taste of ripe gooseberries and exotic fruits. Dry, crisp and totally elegant.
Grapes:
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Food pairing: Great with cold meats, seafood, and goat cheeses.
Thank you to J. de Villebois for providing this one of a kind Sauvignon Blanc wine. Merci!
For more information, visit:
—————————————————————
Decorative wine drip collar ring provided by:
(Special discount promo code: CFW15)
(Photo courtesy of Domaine J. de Villebois)