Uncork the Perfect Evening: Discover the Optimal Three-Course Meal to Pair with J. Lohr

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Welcome, wine and food enthusiasts! We all have our favorite bottles on the rack or stored in a wine cellar, and today we’re going to talk about three wines in particular – all delightfully complex and rich Cabernets from the acclaimed J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines. In this blog I’ll introduce you to a  meticulously curated three-course meal that’s been uniquely designed to enhance and synchronize perfectly with the distinct layers of these remarkable Cabernets. So, prepare your taste buds for a delectable journey of flavors, starting with light and delicate tastes, moving to rich and hearty, ending on a perfectly sweet note.

Exploring Cabernet Sauvignon Characteristics for Optimal Food Pairing

According to Wine Folly, “Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied, red wine with dark fruit flavors and savory tastes from black pepper to bell pepper.” Cabernet tends to have moderate to high levels of tannins and acidity, but also higher in alcohol than other red wines. This wine pairs beautifully with a variety of foods. When pairing Cabernet Sauvignon with food, it is important to take into account the wine’s medium to full body and its moderate to high levels of tannins and acidity. This means rich and flavorful foods like grilled steak, roasted lamb, game meats, and hard cheeses are ideal for this full-bodied wine. The tannins in the wine will help to cut through the fat of the food and the acidity will help to balance out the flavors.

The First Course

If you’re looking for the perfect pairing for your next three-course meal, look no further than the Cabernets from J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines.. Start your meal off with a classic five-ingredient charcuterie board and pair it with the J. Lohr Pure Paso® Proprietary Red Wine. Pure Paso is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Petite Sirah, 5% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 1% Merlot.  The main varietals in this wine being Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah wines happen to be two J. Lohr benchmark varieties in the central coast.

This five-ingredient charcuterie board is a great start to a 3-course meal.. Each of the ingredients pair well with the bold and robust flavors of the wine. When picking the five items I wanted to put on this charcuterie board, I considered the weights of the flavors of the cheeses and meats and avoided a wine that overpowered them. Picking meat, cheese, crackers or bread, honey and fruit as your ingredients for a simple board is the best way to start. Listed below is what I picked for this board and a few other choices that will help your board come to life.

Cheese: A classic option that complements the robust taste of the wine. I chose blue cheese for today's charcuterie board as a great option that brings out the herbal and tannic notes in the wine. Other options are aged cheddar, parmesan, gouda, and gruyere because they are all sharp, hard cheeses that pair well with the boldness of the cabernet. For a rich, indulgent pairing, try a triple-creme cheese such as Brie andCamembert.. For a truly unique pairing, try pairing with creamy, tangy aged goat cheese. Regardless of the cheese selection you make, you are guaranteed to relish a delightful pairing! Fruit: Plums, cherries, and an array of berries are all splendid choices to pair with Cabernet Sauvignon. The acidic nature of the wine works brilliantly in highlighting the fruit's inherent sweetness. For those who love a nice crunch, apples and pears work as a delightful complement to the texture spectrum here. On the other hand, the succulent juices packed in berries and grapes do more than just add to the dish. Their luxurious juices amplify the flavors of the wine, resulting in an unforgettable savory experience.

Crackers & Honey: Some great cracker options include rye crackers, sesame crackers, and whole wheat crackers. A lovely rosemary herb blend is perfect to add a hint of flavor without overdoing the pairing. Most importantly when selecting the crackers and honey, keep the cracker flavor simple. Crackers will just add a hint of crunchy texture and honey the perfect sweetness. They are beautiful options without adding too much flavor.

Meat: Pairing a high-alcohol wine with food that has a high salt content can make the wine come across as “hot.” You will want to avoid pepper-crusted salami or other meats with heavy spices. The subtle spice of the prosciutto is brought out in this bold and delicious red blend.

The Second Course

For the second or main course, we are going with a classic dish: Ribeye pan-grilled steaks and garlic mashed potatoes. For our wine pairing, we selected the J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon, a choice that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the ribeye and the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes. This exquisite wine enhances the dining experience, offering a harmonious blend of boldness and elegance to your meal.

 This wine is an excellent option because it can handle strong flavors while also enhancing delicate ones, such as the smoky char from the steak, which pairs harmoniously with the wine's robust tannins. Another pairing option is braised lamb shanks or for something a bit lighter, try a roasted pork tenderloin for a delicious and versatile dish. Juicy pork cuisines are perfect for the deep, dark fruit flavors of the Cabernet Sauvignon. Roasted duck is another great option if you are feeling adventurous, as the robust juicy flavor of the duck is complemented by the complexity of Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Third Course

For dessert, you can’t go wrong with a classic chocolate mousse with raspberries and almond slivers. This decadent dessert will be perfectly complemented by the sweet and smooth flavors of the 2021 J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon. Other great choices to pair with this wine are delectable treats such as dark chocolate cake, coffee ice cream, berries in dark chocolate sauce, and pies filled with blackberries, raspberries or boysenberries. Each of these yummy dessert options will bring out the ripe fruit aromas of black cherry and currant  accented by notes of toasted pastry, hazelnut, and vanilla from J. Lohr’s extensive barrel aging program. When in doubt, dark chocolate is always a classic pairing. The richness of the chocolate will balance out the boldness of this Cab perfectly.

Each course of this incredible meal will be perfectly complemented by the various J. Lohr Cabernets. They all contribute to a delightful evening and are the ideal accompaniment for a dinner with guests or date night. With J. Lohr Cabernets from Paso Robles, you can embark on a distinctive and delectable culinary journey that is certain to impress your guests.

Planning the Perfect Romantic Picnic with J. Lohr Wines

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Are you looking for the perfect way to spend a lovely afternoon with your special someone and show them just how much you care? Why not plan a romantic picnic with the help of some delicious J. Lohr wine? J. Lohr is well known for its award-winning wines, so you can be sure that with their help you're putting together the most memorable picnic with an amazing selection of wines to sip. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to successfully pack the perfect romantic picnic date with the help of J. Lohr and their delicious Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon. I'll help you with everything for this lovely picnic, from choosing the right food and wine pairings to creating a beautiful aesthetic atmosphere. With these tips, you're sure to have a romantic, unforgettable picnic with your loved one and forget about all your worries!

To start, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of seating. Pack a large blanket or beach towels for enough space for the two of you to comfortably sit on. Plates, cutlery, and napkins are also essentials for any successful picnic. Don’t forget to bring a cooler filled with ice to keep all of your food and drinks cold. Most importantly, don't forget the delicious J Lohr wine. Be sure to pick up a bottle of your favorite vintage to share with your special someone. Along with the wine, obviously, bring a picnic basket with plenty of snacks and light refreshments for your picnic. A good pro tip is to make sure you bring a wireless Bluetooth speaker to play some romantic playlists to properly set the mood. You can also bring a few games to pass the time and keep the good times rollin’! Card games, board games, charades, or any other favorite game you two enjoy will help to pass the time as you slowly finish your delicious wine. Sunscreen and bug spray are must-haves for any outdoor picnic as well. Also, don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the moment. Lastly, don’t forget a romantic gesture like a bouquet of flowers, a unique special gift personable to the two of you, or goodies such as chocolates.

With a little bit of planning, you can make your Summer picnic even more special with delicious J. Lohr wines. Let's further break down some ideas to pack up and plan the perfect romantic picnic this Summer.

Something to Carry Your Picnic Goodies

Start with the ideal way to carry your supplies. A classic picnic basket is a great way to pack all the goodies for a romantic picnic for two. For a longer hike or outdoor adventure, a roomy backpack is the perfect solution for room and comfort. Insulated totes are also great for keeping food and drinks at the perfect temperature for hours. If you plan on bringing J. Lohr wines on your romantic picnic, a specialized wine carrier will make sure your bottles stay safe and secure. Don’t forget a cooler. It’s an absolute must for any romantic picnic, especially if you plan on packing perishable items or beverages that need to stay cold.

Something Comfortable to Sit on

When planning a romantic picnic, the setting is key. For the perfect picnic experience, find a scenic spot most likely in the shade to lay down the blanket. To make your setting even more cozy, add an extra layer of comfort by bringing a blanket to snuggle up in if the temperature drops or the cold wind kicks up. For a special decorative touch, get creative and bring a blanket that matches the colors of the picnic items or the surrounding nature. To take comfort of seating to the next level, consider adding folding chairs for a more comfortable and elevated seating arrangement. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to add a unique element to your romantic picnic, maybe opt for an inflatable seat. This luxurious experience will surely make your romantic picnic unforgettable.

Food & Wine Pairings

When packing the perfect romantic picnic with J. Lohr, you’ll want to make sure you have all of your bases covered. Start off with a few bottles of J. Lohr wines. Whether you prefer red, white, or a sweet dessert wine, J. Lohr has something great for everyone. For the perfect pairing, grab some delicious cheeses and crackers to enjoy with your wine.

J. Lohr offers a wide variety of wines to choose from, and for this picnic, I chose the Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon. The pairing of this wine with my garlic aioli steak sandwiches creates a delicious and memorable meal. I have the full recipe for these steak sandwiches -here- for you to create when picnicking.

When selecting cheese to pair with this Cabernet Sauvignon, aged Gouda, aged sharp cheddar, and Gorgonzola are some of the best options. Each cheese variety has a high-fat content, which helps to cut through the tannins in the wine and bring out its tasting notes. The cheese can enhance the different flavors that you’ll find in the wine, which leads to a better overall tasting experience. Sharp, Aged, Cheddar gives a higher fat content that will help in taking some of the bite out of the high tannin levels while the aged aspect will help bring out some of the fruity/berry notes in the wine. Gouda is also a great cheese option for pairing with cabernet sauvignon. Its high-fat content will help cut through the tannins just like the cheddar cheese does, and it will cut down on the dryness of the wine. Looking for a creamier cheese? Gorgonzola is a great option, blue cheese can be tricky with cabernets, but this milder form is ideal because the flavors skew creamier and nuttier rather than sharp.

In addition to the cheeses, a few other charcuterie style/ finger foods pairings are; rosemary crackers, dried cherries, fresh strawberries, walnuts and chocolate. These tasty treats all provide a balanced flavor and texture for the perfect pairing with the J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon.

Finally, it is important to remember to bring the right practical essentials for your romantic picnic. Complete your packing with safe, shatterproof glasses, plates, and a wine bottle opener or corkscrew to make it an easy and enjoyable and romantic experience.

More About J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon

When you’re planning a romantic picnic, choosing the right wine is an important part of setting the scene for a special day. J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon is a benchmark Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon that displays elegant layers of blackberry, currant, and toasted pastry. This complex and refined red wine is made up of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Enjoy juicy layers of black and red currants leading to a bright finish, accented by pastry notes from extended barrel aging.

If you’re new to wine, J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon is a great option since it’s a more middle-of-the-road varietal. It’s not light, but it’s not overly robust, making it enjoyable with many dishes. Rich, savory, and subtle nutty or earthy flavors are the perfect accompaniment to a romantic picnic. Pack a bottle of J. Lohr wine and you’ll have the perfect date night at home or on any picnic. With the structure to age gracefully for 10-15 years when properly cellared, this wine is sure to set the mood for any romantic outing. If you are staying in and enjoying this wine I recommend pairing it with beef, lamb and again a hard cheese. A delicious well-balanced dinner would be a rosemary-seasoned ribeye and garlic-roasted potatoes with parsnips and fennel.

Decorate Your Picnic with Pretty Flowers

When it comes to packing the perfect romantic picnic, adding beautiful flowers to your picnic basket will make all the difference. Some great classic decorative choices are roses, gardenias, lilies, orchids, tulips, and daisies. These flowers will help add a romantic atmosphere to your picnic, making it all the more special and memorable. Whether you choose the classic roses, the fragrant gardenias, or the delicate daisies, you can’t go wrong with these romantic blooms. I absolutely love the way flowers make me feel and love decorating with fresh flowers for any occasion.

Not only do these varieties of flowers look beautiful, but they also smell amazing. The fragrance of these romantic flowers will fill the air with love, and create an unforgettable atmosphere for your picnic.

With these fun and simple tips, you're sure to have the perfect romantic picnic with J. Lohr. wine and your loved one. Enjoy, and Cheers!

Other Wine-Related Blog Posts You Will Enjoy:

The Bloggers Guide to Merlot

The Perfect Pair: Chicken Picatta and J. Lohr Wine

The Perfect Pair: Chicken Picatta and J. Lohr Wine

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If you're looking for a delicious dinner option that pairs perfectly with a great bottle of wine, look no further than this Chicken Piccata recipe paired with the J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay. This traditional Italian dish includes chicken breasts, butter, garlic, and white wine. It is served with a smooth, light lemon, caper, and butter sauce. The accompaniment of a glass of Riverstone Chardonnay makes for the perfect pairing, offering a unique flavor and aroma that will enhance the flavors of the dish. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking to create a delicious dinner for two, this Chicken Piccata paired with the J. Lohr Wines Riverstone Chardonnay is sure to please!


Tips for Pairing Wine with Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata is a favorite dish of mine that combines butter, capers, and very subtle hints of lemon that creates a flavorful and acidic sauce, which pairs perfectly with a creamy white wine such as Chardonnay. For a classic pairing, I recommend enjoying a glass of the J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay with this meal. With its light acidity and hints of lemon, you'll find that this wine perfectly complements the acidic and buttery sauce of the Chicken Piccata. As you will see in the recipe below, I don't add extra lemon juice or zest like many other traditional Chicken Piccata dishes because of the selected wine pairing. With this wine having a hint of ripe Meyer lemon in its flavor profile, I didn't want an overly lemony sauce to pair with it. If opting to exclude the extra lemon juice, you can substitute with some vegetable broth. This recipe, just like the wine, can be very versatile to suit your taste buds.

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines produces some of the world's most popular and well-regarded Chardonnays, which they call REAL Chardonnay. What is REAL Chardonnay? It’s when the wine comes from perfectly sited, cool-climate, and sustainably farmed vineyards in Monterey's Arroyo Seco AVA. It's also using 10 different Chardonnay clones and aging using only the finest oak barrels. The range of flavors, from light and crisp to full-bodied and complex, makes each of J. Lohr's three Chardonnays the perfect accompaniment to this classic Italian dish.

The J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay has aromas of orange, white peach, a little pear, and sweet oak with baking spices on the long finish, giving it a delicious flavor. The wine is medium-bodied, with a smooth and creamy finish. These flavors work perfectly with the lemon and caper sauce in Chicken Piccata, as the richness of the wine helps to balance the acidic nature of the sauce. The fruit flavors of the wine help to enhance the delicate flavors of the chicken. The medium body of the wine also helps to bring out the subtle flavors of the dish without overpowering it.

So, if you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal to pair with a bottle of J. Lohr wine, Chicken Piccata is a perfect choice. The combination of the wine's rich and fruity flavors and the dish's tangy and delicate flavors will create a unique culinary experience that your guests are sure to love. Other pairings for the J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay are seafood risotto, mussels in white wine sauce, roast chicken with apples, and holiday ham and turkey.

My Chicken Piccata Recipe

Serves 6

Ingredients

3 large chicken breasts, cut in half and pounded

Salt & Pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Flour (for dredging)

6 tablespoons butter, divided

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 shallot, diced

1/4 cup chicken broth 

Splash of white wine

1 lemon, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon brined capers, drained

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Freshly grated parmesan cheese

 

Instructions

1. Slice chicken breasts in half to make 6 smaller chicken pieces. Pound until thin. Season chicken generously with salt

and pepper. Place flour on a plate, add garlic powder and mix. Coat the chicken in your flour mixture.

2. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Once the pan is hot, cook the chicken pieces for about 7-8 minutes per side or until golden.

4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate layered with paper towels.

5. Take the pan and add a splash of white wine to help pick up the brown bits and add flavor. Once brown bits come up, add 2 tablespoons of butter and the shallots. Let shallots cook until they are transparent.

6. Add the chicken broth, the last 2 tablespoons of butter, and capers to the skillet. Stir until the butter is melted and turn off the heat. Stir in the cream. (If you want to make this recipe without cream, increase the chicken broth to 3/4 cup.) Mix and add lemon slices. 

7. Add the chicken to the pan and garnish with parmesan cheese. 

 To learn more about J. Lohr: REAL Chardonnay click -here-

Looking for other articles on wine?

The Bloggers Guide to Merlot for more on this wine & other J. Lohr wines click -here-