Spring food pairings with our Homeless Grapes Chardonnay
Spring is in the air, and there’s never been a better time to enjoy our very own Homeless Grapes Project Chardonnay 2018. This wine literally ticks all of the boxes...
Why, you ask?
Well, because 2020 happened, so it's all about doing what we can for others that don't have it quite as good (tick), as well as celebrating the smallest of pleasures (tick). Pens down.
Every cent from this Yarra Valley Chardonnay goes to St Mary’s House of Welcome, an amazing local charity who provide hot food, accommodation, support and essential services to those experiencing homelessness in Melbourne.
The wine is fine, fleshy and minerally all at once. Its fresh notes make the wine a perfect accompaniment to some truly delicious spring inspired recipes to enjoy at every occasion both in person, and virtually.
It's also a friendly wine with food, so Liz Rudenko from Coffees & Style has conjured up some epic food and wine pairings for Spring, whilst paying tribute to this coming together of grapes from Tarrawarra, De Bortoli and Rochford.
The "G'day Spring" lemon pasta
Spring is all about fresh zesty flavours that dance on the palate, just like the freshness of the chardonnay, this delicious lemon pasta recipe is a perfect way to welcome back those warm spring afternoons.
Ingredients:
Heavy cream (you can use light if you prefer)
1 lemon
4 tbsp butter
1 garlic clove
200 g spaghetti or linguini
2-3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
Salt
Parsley for garnish – you can also use basil if you prefer.
Okay, here's the recipe:
Boil the pasta until al dente
While the pasta is boiling - crush the garlic into a hot pan with the extra virgin olive oil.
Add the butter
Grate the zest of the lemon
Then juice the lemon into the mixture, and allow cook for a few seconds.
Mix in the cream and add a pinch of salt.
Drain the pasta and mix with a little pasta water it into the sauce – and enjoy!
‘Date night’ chili prawn pasta
Spice up your quiet night in with the perfect chilli prawn pasta – the rich notes of this dish go beautifully with the zest and freshness of the chardonnay, creating an absolute sunset of flavours.
Ingredients:
Pasta – linguini or spaghetti
Fresh prawns
2 tins of crushed tomatoes (paste is fine too)
2 onions
5 cloves of garlic
1 bunch of coriander (use can use any herb you like)
5 stems of basil
1 chilli
Olive oil
Salt/pepper for seasoning
Grated parmesan
Start with the sauce:
Heat pan, add oil, and add onions - cook until golden brown.
Once golden, add garlic.
Once cooked, add the rest of the ingredients and allow to simmer for 20-30 mins.
Set sauce aside:
Boil pasta (preferably fresh) - once ready set aside, make sure to leave a little pasta water.
Heat pan - add oil, and sizzle off the prawns.
Once cooked, stir through the sauce – and voila!
Serve with grated Parmesan and enjoy!
The ‘Sunday Zoom’ cheese board
There’s nothing quite like a catchup with friends over a glass of wine and a cheese. And while 2020 has made catch ups challenging at times, it hasn’t stopped our desire to see our friends, whether in person (when possible), or on zoom.
So, what’s the secret to the perfect cheese platter when It comes to matching it with this fresh and crisp chardonnay?
It’s all in the sectioning of the cheeses themselves!
Start with 3 rich cheeses like - triple-cream brie or camembert, blue cheese and vintage cheddar.
Incorporate fruits like pears, figs and grapes.
Place a selection of sweet and savoury crackers.
Add your favourite quince paste
Place a selection of nuts around the platter like almonds and walnuts
And you are set! You have a balanced platter that will go perfectly with your wine.
Want more info on the Homeless Grapes Project, Homeless Grapes Project Chardonnay 2018 or our other wines online? We've got you covered.