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WEEKEND WINE PAIRING

For the weekend of October 3rd, 2015 
 

Speaking as a chef, this is one of my favorite times of the year. The last vestiges of sunshine and summer produce as we move into autumn and heartier fair. Today, I have a little dish that is an end of summer tradition for me- Corn Chowder with Dungeness Crab - fresh and light for a sunny weekend like this and robust enough for the cooler nights. 

This chowder is at once rich and fresh and sweet and savory, you'll need a wine that is all of those things. An absolutely perfect pairing for this chowder is a classic California Chardonnay. The combination of creamy corn and crab sing when conveyed by this luscious grape. I can think of few better pairings than this one.
2013 Freemark Abbey Chardonnay Napa Valley $26.99
This Chardonnay expresses classic fruit of pear and  melon, lightly touched with toasty oak. The oak aging adds complexity and a touch of baking spices. The wine has great viscosity and depth with an interesting finish. 
 
"Longtime winemaker Ted Edwards has fashioned a beautiful 2013 Chardonnay, an 11,000-case, non-malolactic, 70% barrel-fermented cuvée from multiple sources throughout Napa. One-third new French oak was used. Notes of delicate pear, apple blossom and tropical fruits emerge from this classic Chardonnay. Medium to full-bodied with a greenish hue to its color, it exhibits impressive layers and minerality. Enjoy it over the next 4-5 years." 
92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Dungeness Crab and Corn Chowder

1 medium yellow or white onion
1 stalk celery
1 tablespoon butter
4 ounce bacon
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups chicken broth or clam juice
2 cups water
2 red or Yukon gold potatoes
1 clove garlic, chopped fine
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
4 ears fresh sweet corn or 4 cups frozen corn (fresh is better)
½ cup Cream
Salt to taste
Parsley to garnish
16 oz Dungeness crab meat

Printable Instructions and Recipe

We hope you enjoy the recipe and find time to share some good food and wine with some friends and loved ones.

 
Thanks for your time and consideration,   
Leonard Rede, European Wine Specialist
Esquin Wine & Spirits
206 682-7374

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2 pm to 5 pm

Wines from The South of France
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