Wine Review: Frank Family Vineyards 2010 Napa Valley Chardonnay

This wine is a straw color. The nose is filled with aromas of pear, citrus (honeysuckle), and pineapple notes along with lemon zest. The palate mirrors the nose with tropical fruit flavors, a richness ( buttery notes) along with herbal, and mineral notes on the palate. This wine has the fruit flavors found in Chardonnay and the herbal notes of Sauvignon Blanc, which makes it quite interesting. I think it allows for more exciting food pairings. Note:  This wine was a sample provided by Frank Family Vineyards http://www.frankfamilyvineyards.com SRP $32.50

I paired this wine with a bruschetta (lightly toasted sliced french bread rounds that were brushed with Ecco Extra Virgin Olive Oil)  http://www.rutherfordranch.com/products/product.php?productid=16154&cat=258&page=1 ), then topped with a thin spread of fig preserves, fresh goat cheese, a light drizzle of balsamic vinegar, red pepper flakes and topped with lightly fried prosciutto. To finish these appetizers, I placed them on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet, and placed them in a 350 degree pre-heated oven for about 5 minutes or so, to crisp the prosciutto and warm the fresh goat cheese. I love the flavors of the fig preserves, with the creaminess and slight tang of the fresh goat cheese, hint of heat from the red pepper flakes, the sweet and sour taste of the balsamic vinegar, and the saltiness of the prosciutto along with this wine. I hope you try this wine and suggested food pairing.

Try the suggested products as well, and let me know what you think! Note: The french bread rounds we sliced almost an half inch thick and baked in a pre-heated 350 degree oven. You get 12 appetizers with a half of a French bread. I used six slices of proscuitto and cut them in half to have 12 pieces to artfully top each appetizer.

Note: I used Bonne Maman Fig Preserves http://www.bonnemaman.us  in the preparation of the bruschetta. It is all natural and delicious. Note:  This was a sample provided by Bonne Maman. SRP $5.75