3 Steves Wines
Gourmet Cabernet Franc Dinner With Exquisite Dishes & Wines
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Last evening was our annual dinner featuring winning wines from the Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition and gourmet dishes prepared by Executive Chef Jaime Alderete at Verona18. The dinner was held at the Copper Valley Golf Course in Copperopolis. We met with Jaime and Edwarda, Director of Food & Beverage, in January to discuss food choices and which wines to go with each dish. It was a wonderful exercise for 2 ½ hours discussing and tasting which wines paired best with each dish and agreed to the following menu.
To start off the evening everyone was served a Bloody Mary shot glass with a large shrimp. Then the first course was Butter Lettuce with Blue Cheese crumbles, pistachios, radishes, white balsamic vinaigrette. This was paired with 3 Steves Wines Rosé a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Pfeffer and Cabernet Sauvignon. This was so delicious and an excellent food pairing. The wine won a Gold Medal for the Specialty Cabernet Franc Division in March at the Competition. It was so enjoyable, I forgot to take a picture of the food.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Next dish served was the Mushroom Raviolo (seasoned ricotta cheese, egg yok and spinach) this was served with Shale Canyon Cabernet Franc from Arroyo Seco. This was a rich dry farmed Cabernet Franc with layers of enjoyment.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We halted the food and wine tasting with an Intermezzo of a beautifully prepared light and airy Strawberry Sorbetto.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The main entrée for the night was beyond delicious, and extremely tender Chateaubriand comprised of two beef tenderloins, Beaujolais sauce, chateau potatoes, asparagus and garnished with greens. This was paired with the Culmination Cabernet Franc from Wood Family Vineyards. This meat was so tender you could cut it with your fork! Another excellent food and wine pairing with a heavenly sauce. This wine won a Gold Medal at the Competition this year.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
After such a hearty main dish, dessert was kept “simple” with a prepared plate called Cheese Sensation made with cheesecake, goat cheese, triple brie, Fontina cheese and assorted berries. This was paired with Cuda Ridge Wines Cabernet Franc from Livermore, California. Cuda Ridge Wines recently received a Gold Medal from the SF Chronicle Wine Competition.
The crowd of thirty thoroughly enjoyed the meal and wines. All the wines were available for sale both during and after the event with many purchasing wines.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
3 Steves Winery, Three Cabs Rosé, Blend
The Cabernet Franc was harvested at a lower brix and pressed immediately creating the base and the Sauvignon & Pfeffer portions were saigneed as each varietal was harvested for red wine production. Multiple picks and fermentation methods were used to achieve this final result with even more Cab Franc than the previous year. Aromatic and bursting with tropical and red fruit flavors, this one-of-a-kind wine is quickly becoming a winery staple! Done in 100% Stainless Steel. The wine consists of 86% Cabernet Franc, 12% Cabernet Pfeffer and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. https://3steveswinery.com/
Shale Canyon Wines, Cabernet Franc
This wine reveals an inviting bouquet that opens with aromas of pomegranate, dark fruit, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, this complex wine presents a harmonious blend of dark cherry and luscious dark berry flavors, interwoven with enticing hints of cassis and a subtle spiciness from white pepper. As it evolves, layers of flavor unfold, showcasing the its depth and character. The finish is elegant and persistent, marked by rich cocoa undertones complemented by a whisper of leather, which adds a rustic charm. With medium-firm tannins providing structure, the wine balances richness and finesse beautifully. Only 181 cases produced making it a rare gem that reflects the unique terroir of Arroyo Seco. https://shalecanyonwines.com/
Culmination by Wood Family Vineyards, Cabernet Franc
100% Cabernet Franc. An enticing dark color with a lighter purple on the edge. On the nose, violets and dark fruits waft into the senses. On the palate, dark fruit of blackberries and black cherries, with a tinge of blueberries and vanilla. Initially soft and rounded tannins caress the palate, but then develop into robust tannins that highlight the true depth of this wine. AGING: 36% New French Oak, 19 Months; Alcohol: 13/7%; Cases Produced: 150 cases https://woodfamilyvineyards.com/
Cuda Ridge Wines Cabernet Franc
Enticing red fruit, cedar, cola and vanilla aromas. The palate is refreshing with light fruit and balanced acid to make this a perfect wine, served slightly chilled, on a hot summer day. Soft fruit of cherry and raspberry on the mid-palate with white pepper on the finish. Robust tannins with a lasting finish to round out this wine. https://cudaridgewines.com
A great evening and this event concludes the 7th Annual International Cabernet Franc Celebration of the Wine Competition, The Cabernet Franc Wine Stroll and Gourmet Food Pairing.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly