This month the French Winophiles group didn't a have a set theme for their virtual gathering. Since we had looked at Springtime in Paris and Summer in Provençe, I tossed out the theme of Fall Around France.
On such short notice, here's the line-up of the dedicated #Winophiles and their offerings...
Fall Flavors Inspired by France’s Loire: Muscadet and Savennieres Paired with Grilled Oysters, Baked Brie, Roasted Figs by Wine Predator.... Gwendolyn Alley
Fall is in the Air by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Les Petits Farcis Niçois + Two California Chenin Blancs by Culinary Cam (you're here)
Mushroom and Herb Omelet with Truffle Salt with Côte des Roses Sauvignon Blanc for Dinner by Our Good Life
September in France is Rentrée by Food Wine Click!
In my preview I offered up a hint for pairing white wines with Fall dishes...
Pick a white wine that has been aged on the lees to match Fall dishes!
Two California Chenin Blancs
A couple of months ago, I daytripped to Paso Robles to meet up with two of my wine writing colleagues: Wendy of A Day in the Life on the Farm and Lori of Exploring the Wine Glass. Lori also owns Dracaena Wines, so we converged in her newly-opened tasting room. Wendy brought a charcuterie platter; I tossed together a salad; and Lori poured her beautiful, delicious wines.
Though I left with several bottles, I squirreled away the 2020 Chenin Blanc and the 2022 Chenin Blanc for a side-by-side comparison. I wasn't sure what I was waiting for. It turns out - this was it!
Chenin Blanc is a white wine grape variety that hails from France's Loire Valley. Dracaena Wines sources their Chenin from the Wilson Vineyards in California's Clarksburg AVA. Even though the vineyard isn't certified, it is farmed using organic and sustainable practices.
I already mentioned that I poured both the Dracaena 2020 and the 2022. I am going to focus on the 2022 because it is unfiltered and that, in my estimation, made it the perfect Fall wine.
This is a single varietal, made of 100% Chenin grapes. They harvested on August 20, 2022 before being aged in both stainless steel and neutral oak barrels. They bottled on March 2, 2023.
While Chenin Blanc is often known for its notes of honey and straw, this bottle captivated me with its complexity. This was simultaneously creamy and floral, like a fine cheese. There was a perceptible minerality and a tinge of tannins that you find in quince. But it was the roundness from being aged on the lees that took this wine over the edge to deliciously decadent and a perfect match for a Fall meal.
Les Petits Farcis Niçois
When I was trying to figure out a good Fall dish from France, I landed on Les Petits Farcis Niçois, they seemed a perfect collision of Summer into Fall. Traditionally, they are made with summer garden vegetables such as tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers. Looking towards Fall, I also stuffed a honeynut squash and a portabello mushroom.
Vegetables
tomatoes
zucchini
sweet peppers
portabello mushrooms
honeynut squash
Stuffing
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, peeled and finely diced
3 to 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 pound ground pork (or you can use beef)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup grated parmesan
Vegetables
Prep the veggies...
Cut the tops off of the tomatoes and peppers. Scoop out the insides. Chop the insides and set aside to sue in the filling.
Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise. Spoon out enough of the insides to form a 'boat.' Chop insides and save for stuffing.
Slice the honeynut squash in half lengthwise. Spoon out the seeds and drizzle the cut-side with olive oil. Place the squash on a baking sheet and roast in a 350 degree Fahrenheit for 25 minutes.
Stuffing
Place breadcrumbs in a medium mixing bowl. Pour in the milk. Mix in the egg, ground meat, onion, garlic, and herbs.
Stuff all the vegetables with the meat mixture, sprinkle with parmesan, and bake in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for 30 minutes, or until tops are lightly browned. Cover with foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes longer.
Serve hot. These are also delicious cold as leftovers, if you fancy a Fall picnic.
The group will be back next month looking at Cru Bourgeois with Susannah at Avvinare leading the discussion. Stay tuned!