I have to admit sometimes I miss catering……not enough to go back into the restaurant business mind you, but I sometimes get the urge to whip something up for the masses. Working at a Winery occasionally gives me the chance to tap into my love for food. I had that chance today trying to pair some light fare to go with a Norton Wine our Wine Maker released today. The limited supply gave cause for a small reception for our Wine Club members to taste and buy. This particular Wine was interesting to me and has become a prime example of how aging of a Wine can totally transform and enhance its flavor. It is a 2011 vintage which may not really be that old but let me tell you what a difference in taste from the first time I tried it. Over the past year we have sampled it at Tasting Trials and all I could think was “This tastes like dirt” to put it nicely……Wanting to be more diplomatic I changed my description to “Earthy“….much more acceptable. This Native American Earthy Red has grown on me, after tasting it today I am a true fan!!! The Norton Grape has a interesting story to tell if you get the chance check out it’s origin…..great story.
This is our Wine Maker, William Layton Layton’s Chance Winery
This Norton Wine proved to be a bit of a challenge to pair: I went with Pulled Bison, Brie with Honey Walnut Sauce, Garlic Herb Bread with Unfiltered Olive Oil, Caprese Bites, Smoked Summer Sausage, Hard Salami, Smoked Almonds……and yes Red Velvet Truffle Brownies from a Pinterest Recipe. If you are looking for a Valentine’s dessert these are scrumptious and look quite dramatic.
http://pizzazzerie.com/recipes/valentines-day-red-velvet-oreo-truffle-brownie-bars/
Cheers!
Pam
Glad you made my red velvet oreo truffle bars 🙂 Thanks for the link!
Thank You Courtney!! Great Recipe!!
269 Norton wineries in 25 states and out of the 121 Norton wines we’ve tasted so far, only two could be considered ‘drink now wines’ (Westphalia and Texas’ Stone House Claros). For the most part, all Norton wines we have encountered benefited by putting them away for a minimum of five-to-seven years. In Georgia, some of the newly released Norton wines are almost unpalatable, but five years later they compare to the best of what Missouri and Virginia have to offer. Patience is one attribute Norton wines demand.
Thanks for your input, I am saving the 2 bottles I have now. There really was a huge difference from when I first tasted the Norton at tasting trials and now, I will say ours has been very well received.