Barossa Valley Estate 'Spires' Chardonnay

Attributes:
Producer:

Barossa Valley Estate
Region:

Barossa Valley, Australia/New Zealand
Varietal:

Chardonnay
Bottle Size:

750 ML

2004: WineEnthusiast Rating: 86
Aromas:

floral
Flavors:

earthy, pineapple, spice

2003: WineSpectator Rating: 84
Acidity:

fresh
Flavors:

pineapple, spice

2003: WineEnthusiast Rating: 83
Acidity:

tart
Body:

light
Fruit:

ripe

2003: WineEnthusiast Rating: 84
Acidity:

tart
Body:

medium-weight
Flavors:

citrus

2002: WineSpectator Rating: 88
Acidity:

soft
Flavors:

almond, peach, pear, spice

2002: WineEnthusiast Rating: 86
Texture:

round

Food Matches:
Cheese: Blue Cheese, Brie, Goat Cheese, Gouda, Swiss
Fish or Shellfish: Catfish, Dover Sole, Red Snapper, Tilapia, Walleye, Garlic Shrimp, Grouper / Swordfish, Monkfish, Lobster Salad, Salmon / Trout, Bluefish and Mackerel, Shellfish (scallops, clams, crab, lobster, shrimp, etc...), Smoked Salmon
Herbs & Spices: Anise, Fennel Seed, Tarragon, Basil, Curry, Ginger, Nutmeg, Mace, Allspice, Rosemary, Saffron, Thyme
Poultry & Eggs: Chicken or Turkey, Glazed Duck, Goose, Roast Game Hen, Roast Turkey
Red Meat: Pork, Veal
Sauces: White Wine Sauce
Vegetables: Avocado

Barossa Valley:

North of Adelaide, this relatively warm region of South Australia is home to Australia’s largest winery. It is famous for its robust Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as rich Sémillon and Riesling (both of which are grown in the cooler hills).


Chardonnay:

(shar dohn nay)—This noble grape’s reputation was established in France, particularly in the Burgundy region, and the highly prized Chardonnay wines from Chablis, Mâcon, Mersault, and Pouilly-Fuissé are imitated by winemakers around the world. Generally an oaked wine (whether from expensive oak barrels or a quick soak in oak chips), its fruity aromas and flavors range from apple in the cooler regions to tropical fruits such a pineapple in the warmer regions. It can also display subtle earthy aromas, such as mushroom or minerals. It has a medium to high acidity and is generally full-bodied. Classical Chardonnay wines are dry. Chardonnay is also an important grape in the Champagne district where it's picked before fully ripe and while it still has high acid and understated fruit flavors—the perfect combination for champagne. California has adopted this grape with a fervor and there are some 200 wineries producing Chardonnay wines in other parts of the United States. Chardonnay has also seen a tremendous planting surge in Australia, and new vineyards are being planted in Italy, Lebanon, New Zealand, Spain, and South Africa.

Yering Station 'Nell' Chardonnay

Attributes:
Producer:

Yering Station
Region:

Victoria, Australia/New Zealand
Varietal:

Chardonnay
Bottle Size:

750 ML

2006: WineSpectator Rating: 86
Body:

light

Food Matches:
Cheese: Blue Cheese, Brie, Goat Cheese, Gouda, Swiss
Fish or Shellfish: Catfish, Dover Sole, Red Snapper, Tilapia, Walleye, Garlic Shrimp, Grouper / Swordfish, Monkfish, Lobster Salad, Salmon / Trout, Bluefish and Mackerel, Shellfish (scallops, clams, crab, lobster, shrimp, etc...), Smoked Salmon
Herbs & Spices: Anise, Fennel Seed, Tarragon, Basil, Curry, Ginger, Nutmeg, Mace, Allspice, Rosemary, Saffron, Thyme
Poultry & Eggs: Chicken or Turkey, Glazed Duck, Goose, Roast Game Hen, Roast Turkey
Red Meat: Pork, Veal
Sauces: White Wine Sauce
Vegetables: Avocado

Chardonnay:

(shar dohn nay)—This noble grape’s reputation was established in France, particularly in the Burgundy region, and the highly prized Chardonnay wines from Chablis, Mâcon, Mersault, and Pouilly-Fuissé are imitated by winemakers around the world. Generally an oaked wine (whether from expensive oak barrels or a quick soak in oak chips), its fruity aromas and flavors range from apple in the cooler regions to tropical fruits such a pineapple in the warmer regions. It can also display subtle earthy aromas, such as mushroom or minerals. It has a medium to high acidity and is generally full-bodied. Classical Chardonnay wines are dry. Chardonnay is also an important grape in the Champagne district where it's picked before fully ripe and while it still has high acid and understated fruit flavors—the perfect combination for champagne. California has adopted this grape with a fervor and there are some 200 wineries producing Chardonnay wines in other parts of the United States. Chardonnay has also seen a tremendous planting surge in Australia, and new vineyards are being planted in Italy, Lebanon, New Zealand, Spain, and South Africa.


Victoria:

Victoria is a one of the most important wine producing regions in Australia. The wine industry was jump started by the discovery of gold in the area, but as the gold ran out the area would rely more on the wine as a source of revenue. Victoria is the smallest and southernmost region in Australia excluding Tasmania. Near the coast (Yarra Valley) the climate is cooler where Victoria is known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. As you move further in land, the sun beats down creating better conditions for Victoria's Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. In the Northeast corner of Victoria are grown enticingly sweet Muscat and Tokays, which are a specialty to Victoria.

Leacock's 5-Yr 'Malmsey' Madeira

Attributes:
Producer:

Leacock's
Region:

Portugal, Other
Varietal:

Madeira
Bottle Size:

750 ML

Food Matches:
Desserts: Bread Pudding, Cakes, Chocolate, Chocolate Cake, Pecan Pie
Fruits & Nuts: Plums, Walnuts

Portugal:

Well known for its Port and Vinho Verde wines, Portugal is one of Europe’s leading wine producing countries. It competes closely with Germany for the position of fourth largest wine producer in Europe. Portugal is also the worlds leading producer of cork. Single-handedly it accounts for nearly 70 percent of the worlds commercially traded cork supply.

Smoked Chicken Salad With Fruit

Rated

Ingredients

1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp honey
1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp grated lime zest
1/2 large ripe papaya, peeled and sliced (12 ounces)
2 medium plums, sliced very thin
2 plum tomatoes, sliced
2 scallions, chopped
1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
8 cups Boston lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
1 large bunch watercress, tough stems removed
6 oz skinless smoked chicken breast, cut into julienne strips
2 tbsp sliced natural almonds, toasted

Preparation

1. To make the dressing, in a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of the lime juice, the oil, honey, red pepper flakes and lime zest.

2. In a large bowl, combine the papaya, plums, plum tomatoes, scallions, ginger and remaining 1 tbsp lime juice.

3. Add the lettuce and watercress to the fruit mixture, along with 3 tablespoons of the dressing, and toss to coat.

4. Add the smoked chicken to the remaining dressing and toss to coat. Divide the greens and fruit mixture among 4 plates. Top with the smoked chicken and sprinkle with the almonds.

Yield

Serves 4

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition information is provided as a resource. Values will vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Serving Size: 1
Number of Servings: Serves 4
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 160 Calories from Fat: 59
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*  
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*  
Total Fat 6.6g
10%  
Carbohydrates 14.61g
4%  
Dietary Fiber 3.44g
13%  
Saturated Fat < 1g
4%  
Calories 160.45kcal
8%  
Cholesterol 24.66mg
8%  
Protein 12.85g
21%  
Sodium 38.44mg
1%  
Calcium
1%  
Iron
3%  
Vitamin A
93%  
Vitamin C
100%  
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.