When summer arrives, my lifestyle immediately shifts from a hurried pace to one that is slower, easier. “Relax” is something I attempt to do as much as possible. I’m guessing that you have plenty of ideas for living stress-free during the hot, summer days arriving soon. One of mine is to plan a meal around a recipe that is uncomplicated while still being delicious. I would much rather spend quality time with my guests or family on the back porch than wrangling with a multi-step, involved dish.
Just this week, I found a perfect recipe from a recent edition of Southern Living Magazine. Mediterranean Medley met my requirements for an effortless yet delectable dinner that everyone loved. The entire meal was able to be prepped long before my guests arrived, the actual cooking time was reasonable (just pour another glass of wine while it’s in the oven), the ingredients were healthy, the dish was flavorful, and clean up was a snap. I also knew that it would complement the wine I had already chosen, 50 Harvests 2013, a sophisticated blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot from Napa.
50 Harvests 2013
50 Harvests 2013 is an homage to fifty consecutive California harvests for the Scotto family. Since 1883, five generations have produced wine. In 1963, the family relocated from New York to California where their winemaking expertise continued and flourished. This wine was created at the family’s Napa Valley winery, Steele Canyon Cellars. Its grapes were sourced from vineyards on the Silverado Trail in the glorious Oak Knoll District of the Napa Valley.
Wafting from the glass were mesmerizing aromas of lavender flowers, deep red fruit, and vanilla spice, all notes that enhanced the herbal aromas of our entree, Mediterranean Medley. On the palate, flavors of dark plums, more rich red fruit, black pepper, and spice were woven with bright acidity and soft tannins, leading to a long, satin-like finish. With each sip of the 50 Harvests 2013, I found an elegant wine that was delicately complex and powerful. Cost is $50.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
Linda
Cindy Rynning