Pedroncelli Tasting 3 Wines + 1 Recipe Must Be #Tasteup3 #ThirstyThursday

*Samples Received*

If it's Thursday and we are tasting wine with a recipe then yes Pedroncelli is in the house. Ed, Julie and the gang at the winery were leading the discussion with a select group of winos/foodies from around the country. The wines this evening were the 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, the 2016 Sonoma Classico and the 2017 Bushnell Vineyard Zinfandel along with a beautiful Grilled Italian Sausage and Cauliflower, Fennel, Red Onion & Basil Gremolada. Amazing pairing this evening.

I had to improvise and cook inside due to the torrential rains but it might be a blessing in disguise. The house was filled with aromas of spicy sausage, intense licorice from the fennel, red onion and then toss the basil gremolada when complete and it's heaven in the house. Naturally when cooking you must taste the wine so in the glass was the 2017 Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is always a favorite and shows nicely on the nose with tropical notes of pineapple, melon, lemon lime and a kiss of honey. The mouth has a beautiful citrus character and so easy to drink. Love the tropical fruit and the splash of lime and lemon citrus which lingers long into the taste. Every party should start with this wine.

Now it's time to eat and taste the sausage dish with the 2016 Classico. I told Ed every time I taste this wine I break out singing Dean Martin When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie That's amore! My description "Sonoma Classico As if you are in Italy....red clusters of delicious with intermingled dark fruit and spice and a kiss of a rose". An excellent red blend of Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Syrah and Syrah. Works so well with the dish. The red and dark fruit pair with the spicy sausage and pull the spice from the dish but deep into the wine everything calms and there is a soft finish. I'm betting on the pecorino Romano cheese shaved over the dish along with plum and blueberry in the wine. My favorite wine and new favorite dish!

Final wine which I also paired with the dish was the Bushnell Vineyards Zinfandel. Big wine on the nose and in the mouth. Dark intense fruit on the nose with a pepper spice and toasted vanilla and oak. The mouth rich jammy dark fruit with a hint of red fruit, dark chocolate and a peppery spice finish. With the dish the wine cut through the spicy sausage, fennel and onion and showcased the dark fruit. Highly recommend this Zin and a steal for under $30.

Tasteup3 is in the books. Another outstanding event with great wine, food and friends. Ed and Julie thanks for spoiling me. Beautiful wines, beautiful people..... drink and celebrate Pedroncelli!

Cheers
Dan