Miner Family Sangiovese Wins 1st Annual TasteTV-The Press Club Taste Off

The August 11, 2010 TasteTV at The Press Club's 1st Annual Wine & Food Pairing Taste-Off was a great success!At the Taste-Off, attendees sampled six food & wine combinations, and helped the Press Club decide the best new pairing to put on their lounge menu. Attendees judged seasonal plates paired with four reds and two whites from their six, Northern California partnered wineries: Miner Family Vinyards, Fritz, Saintsbury, Mount Eden Vinyards, Hanna, and Chateau Montelena. 

The food pairings already had two vegetarian options, and I asked Chef Bill if he could make all my pairings vegetarian or vegan. His colleagues graciously created special food pairings.

Here were the Veggie Pairings (these can be veganized with some creativity):

1. Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, Napa 2008
Savory Zucchini Cakes topped with an Arugula Pesto Cream, Fried Shallot Garni

2. HANNA Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River 2009
Lettuce Cups with Summer Grilled Peach Salsa

3. Mount Eden Domain Eden Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains 2008
Organic Spinach and Mushroom Blintz with Truffled Chevre, Chive Oil Drizzle

4. Miner Family Sangiovese, Gibson Ranch 2007
Creamy Three Cheese Crostini with Heiroom Tomato, Basil Chiffonade

5. Fritz Reserve Zinfandel, Dry Creek 2007
Tostadas with Artisan White Cheddar, Cilantro Cream

6. Saintsbury Toyon Farm Pinot Noir, 2007
Crispy Taro Root, Island Slaw Garnish

Miner Family Sangiovese, Gibson Ranch 2007 was the Event Winner!!
Congratulations!