Ridgeback Cabernet Franc
Food pairing: Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Cabernet Franc is a varietal that doesn't really get the attention it deserves. Although it is one of the grapes that help create Cabernet Sauvignon, it just doesn’t share in the spotlight that Cabernet Sauvignon gets. Yet, it’s such a beautiful wine! Elegant, sophisticated, delicious! This Ridgeback Cabernet Franc is really special, it has a nice full body (just how I like ‘em!) but balanced with high acidity and juicy black fruits. Cabernet Franc typically has a green bell pepper note but this one is different and shows a green peppercorn note instead. Intriguing!
I paired this wine with massive portobello mushrooms. Not many red wines work well with an umami taste like mushroom but with this, it’s magic! Try it!!
Buy the Ridgeback Cabernet Franc here
Recipe Summary
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 6 mins
Total: 25 mins
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
4 large portobello mushrooms stems and gills removed, wiped clean
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, plus additional to taste. If cayenne pepper is not for you, try smoked paprika!
Canola or vegetable oil for grilling
Instructions
In a shallow flat dish, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, soy sauce, rosemary, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne. Taste and adjust seasonings if you like.
Add the mushrooms and turn to coat. Let sit for 5 minutes on one side, then flip and let sit 5 additional minutes. You can let them sit for up to 30 minutes, so feel free to take your time—the longer they sit, the more intense the flavor will be.
Heat a grill or a large skillet over medium heat. Brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking. Remove the mushrooms from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Reserve the marinade for basting.
Cook on each side for 3-4 minutes, or until caramelized and deep golden brown. Brush the remaining marinade over the mushrooms several times as they cook.
This pairing is absolutely fantastic, let me know what you thought in the comments below!
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