Haze in Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Last spring we wrote an article, “A Winemaker’s Dilemma”, wherein we commented on some of the decisions facing a winemaker; and how achieving clarity and stability often means sacrificing some aspect of quality in the process. We spoke specifically about this year’s Sauvignon Blanc, and how there was a slight chance that a protein haze would develop. Well, the chickens have come home to roost. Lately, we have observed that on occasion there is a very fine haze in some of the bottles of Sauvignon Blanc 2013. The haze appears as a very light “fog” that is suspended in the wine, and it usually appears in bottles that have been exposed to heat for a period
Gazpacho
Suggested Wines Dry Riesling (Dry White) Edelzwicker (Off-Dry White) Gazpacho is a cold, refreshing, tomato based soup. This is a combination of many recipes we have tried throughout the years. It makes a lot and is quite versatile. Enjoy it on a warm evening with a crisp white wine, such as Dry Riesling. Ingredients 1 cucumber, cut into chunks 4 cups tomato juice (such as V8) 1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into chunks 1 cup beef or vegetable broth 1 stalk celery, without leaves, cut into chunks 1 carrot, peeled and cut into chunks 1 onion, cut into chunks 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/3 cup red wine vinegar 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce 1.5 teaspoons
Sweet Summer Marinade
Suggested Wines Riesling (Semi-Dry White) Cabaret Rose (Dry Rose) This marinade is great for chicken. We like to use boneless, skinless thighs, cutting them smaller and using them on a skewer for kabobs. It is a very versatile recipe. If you like lots of garlic, add more. If you don’t care for ginger, add less or omit it completely. If you want a sweeter marinade, add more pineapple juice. Have fun and enjoy! Ingredients 1/2 cup Fenn Valley Lakeshore Demi-Sec 1/4 cup pineapple juice 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup sliced green onions 2 gloves garlic, minced Juice of 1 lime Directions Mix all ingredients together EXCEPT the lime juice Add meat and allow to marinate
Sausage and Pasta Skillet
Suggested Wines Dry Riesling (Dry White) Riesling (Semi-Dry White) This is a great recipe for a quick mid-week meal. The ingredients are simply suggestions; feel free to experiment. As written, this is great paired with one of our Rieslings. Ingredients 8 oz hot, cooked whole wheat penne pasta 1 clove garlic, minced 3/4 cup sliced fresh mushrooms 2 tablespoons white wine 6 oz fully cooked turkey sausage links, cut in half and sliced into half moons 2 cups fresh spinach, coarsely chopped Salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup feta cheese Directions Spray a non-stick skillet with cooking spray. Heat over med-high heat; cook garlic and mushrooms about 5 minutes,
Tuscan Chicken and Beans
Suggested Wines Pinot Grigio (Dry White) Pinot Noir (Dry Red) This is a hearty meal to serve in the fall or winter. The smells in the house are simply intoxicating. The use of chicken thighs adds a lot of extra flavor. And thighs are often much cheaper than other parts of the chicken. Ingredients 8 chicken thighs 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 3 slices apple wood smoked bacon 1 cup chopped onion 2 garlic gloves, minced 2 cups torn spinach leaves 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped 2 cans Great Northern Beans, rinsed and drained 3 tomatoes, diced 3 tablespoons white wine, such as Pinot Grigio Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F Season chicken with
Stuffed Mushrooms
Suggested Wines Sparkling Riesling (Semi-dry Sparkling) Edelzwicker (Off-dry White) These are great for your next cocktail party! Mushrooms form a perfect earthy base that compliments Michigan wine. These can also be made ahead of time, making them the perfect appetizer for your next impromptu gathering. Ingredients 24 fresh mushrooms (baby bellas are perfect) 1/4 cup chopped red onion 1-2 cloves garlic, minced 2 Tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup dry Italian seasoned bread crumbs 1/4 cup each grated Parmesan cheese and shredded cheddar 1 turkey sausage Italian link 2 Tablespoons dry white wine (e.g. True Chardonnay) Directions Remove stems from mushrooms, chop stems to measure 1 cup. Set aside. Place caps , stem sides down on a
White Turkey Chili
Suggested Wines Edelzwicker (Off-Dry White) Dry Riesling (Dry White) This is a great way to use up your leftover Thanksgiving turkey! It is hardy and delicious and pairs up nicely with crisp white wine. Ingredients 1 tablespoon butter 2 medium onions, chopped 1/2 cup chopped celery 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped (red peppers add great color) 1 tablespoon jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped 2 14.5 oz Great Northern beans, drained, divided 3 cups chicken broth (or turkey stock if you have any) 1/4 cup dry white wine (e.g. Fenn Valley Dry Riesling) 1 small can chopped green chilies 1 can corn or hominy, drained 1.5 teaspoons cumin
Vine Wine’d Marriage Proposal
Putting on a new event is always full of surprises. The Vine Wine’d was no exception. Hosting a trail run for 700 people followed by a huge party was almost like cramming two events into one day. But in the end it was totally worth it. The Vine Wine’d is here to stay. Just when we thought the surprises were done for the day a resourceful and creative runner provided one more…and what a pleasant surprise it was! Drew Holloway decided to use the inaugural 5K as the backdrop for what would turn out to be one of the most important days of his life. You see just after the finish line Drew dropped down on
Sunflowers in the Vineyards
If you had an opportunity to visit Fenn Valley this August, you saw acres and acres of sunflowers. Mixed in the forest of sunflower stalks was another thigh high plant covered with white blooms - buckwheat. This buckwheat/sunflower mix is a part of our effort to prepare 15 acres of ground for future vineyard plantings. The goal is that this crop mix will crowd out the weeds and grasses that would compete with the young vineyards when we plant them in the next few years. Like the Sudan Grass that we planted on these sites last year, the buckwheat and sunflowers will be plowed into the ground at the end of August to add organic humus
Pesto Artichoke Spread
Suggested Wines Sauvignon Blanc (Dry White) Premier Cuvee (Dry Sparkling) With all of the fresh basil in the garden during the summer, we make a lot of pesto. This spread is a great addition to your next Happy Hour. Serve with fresh veggies and crackers. Ingredients 1 8oz package of cream cheese (low-fat is fine), softened 2 tablespoons prepared pesto 2 cloves garlic, minced 2-3 quartered artichoke hearts, chopped Salt and pepper to taste Directions Place all ingredients in a mixer and mix until well blended. Refrigerate at least 1 hour to allow flavors to blend. Serve with fresh vegetables and crackers.
The History of Fenn Valley
June 8, 2013 marks the 40th anniversary of Fenn Valley Vineyards. It was on that day that the Welsch family arrived on the farm and took possession of the land now known as Fenn Valley Vineyards. What was the dream of the founder, Bill Welsch, was about to become a reality. This issue of the newsletter is dedicated to the anniversary of this beginning and the fact that “The American Dream” is very much alive and well. Bill Welsch was bored with running a lumberyard in the suburbs of Chicago, and wanted to try his hand at farming. He had three grapevines in the backyard and had been making some pretty bad wine in the basement
Beef, Barley and Wine Soup
Suggested Wines Merlot (Dry Red) Lakeshore Red (Dry Red) This recipe was a guest favorite at our 2013 Wine & Food Pairing Weekends. The use of red wine in the broth helps marry the flavors between the soup and a nice dry red wine such as Merlot. Ingredients 1 tablespoon butter 1 cup chopped onion 1 clove garlic, minced 3 cups carrots, sliced 1.5 cups parsley, chopped 2 10.5oz cans condensed beef broth 2 cups dry red wine 2 cups tomato juice 1 cup pearl barley 2 cups diced cook roasted beef Salt and pepper to taste Directions Roast beef until cooked through (at least 140F in center). Allow to cool to room temperature. In a