Wine of the Month - February 2009

We are creating a new post for Wine of the Month
We will be posting a new wine each month. Courtsey of www.winemonthclub.com

Wine of the Month February 2009

Pedroncelli Dry Creek Valley Family Vineyards Petite Sirah 2005 – USA
Lovingly made, Pedroncelli wines are known for their consistent quality from vintage to vintage: they always exhibit rich fruit flavors, layered balance, and a readiness to drink upon release. Above enjoying the quality of their wines, however, partaking in a glass of Pedroncelli wine is like becoming a member of the family and sharing in their love of wine.
Red grape varietals predominate at Pedroncelli. Merlot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel are just a few of Pedroncelli's finest Sonoma County offerings. Sauvignon Blanc is a real success at Pedroncelli, too, and it remains one of the winery's fairer claims to fame.

Accompaniments: Petite Sirah is the perfect potion with all kinds of flavorful foods. Grilled rib eye steaks served with garlic mashed potatoes; wood grilled double cut lamb chops brushed with extra virgin olive oil and seasoned with fresh mint and rosemary; grilled spicy Italian sausages, peppers, and onions; and just about any other meat or vegetable suitable for the grill will match up nicely with Pedroncelli's Petite Sirah. Spicy rubs and barbecue sauces won't phase this charming, hedonistic wine, either. Classic Italian favorites pair nicely with this Petite Sirah, too. Brick-oven-cooked pizzas and calzones; Pasta Fresca with fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil, vine ripe tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs; and Chicken Marsala constitute some of our favorite offerings with this wine. Moreover, complex Northern Italian specialties that rely more on rice, mushrooms, truffles, and complex sauces provide other excellent complements to Pedroncelli's masterful Petite Sirah. Enjoy!
 
For the Love of Cheese: Petite Sirah is a cheese lover's dream. It offers the ideal accompaniment to most cow, goat, and sheep's milk cheeses. Consequently, the 2005 Pedroncelli Family Vineyards Petite Sirah pairs equally well with Cheddar and Edam as it does with Chèvre and Pecorino Ardent cheese aficionados may even want to match this delicious Petite Sirah with traditional crusted French cheeses such as Brie and Camembert. For more information about gourmet cheeses and cheese pairings, we invite you to consult our In Pursuit of Cheese website at www.cheesemonthclub.com