2010 Cellar No. 8 Chardonnay

From the winemaker – “This Chardonnay shows characteristics of tropical and citrus fruit flavors, lemon, pineapple and sweet white peach. These flavors continue on a lush, juicy palate dominated by clean citrus flavors. Some aging in French oak gives the wine additional depth of flavor and a creamy, refreshing mouthfeel.”

Corn Chowder with Seasonal Mushrooms and Crab Garnish

Ingredients

1 cup (about 5 ounces) pancetta, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups onion, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups leeks, finely chopped
3/4 cup celery, finely chopped
3/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 3/4 pounds new or red-skinned potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
4 cups good-quality chicken stock
3 cups half and half or whole milk
3 cups corn kernels
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 pound seasonal mushrooms (chanterelles, morels, or crimini) thickly sliced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon thyme
1/2 pound crabmeat
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Directions

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add pancetta and sauté until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel and allow to drain.
Pour off all but 3 tablespoons of the pan drippings. Add onion, leeks, celery, and fennel seeds to pot. Sauté until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in potatoes. Add cream and stock and simmer-stirring occasionally-about 10 minutes, until potatoes are almost tender. Add corn and simmer another 5 minutes or so, until potatoes become tender.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in vinegar and thyme. Add this mixture to the chowder. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Sauté crabmeat in mushroom skillet over medium heat until heated through, about 3 minutes.
Place a heaping tablespoon of pancetta at bottom of each serving bowl and ladle chowder over. Garnish with crabmeat and parsley. Serve immediately.

Rating:

This wine has not been rated.

Availability:

2010 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $10.99 a bottle, on sale for $9.99 a bottle 01/01/2013 to 12/31/2014. SKU#23628