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Robert Biale Vineyards
Petite Sirah Bratwurst and Wild Mushroom Risotto |
| Robert Biale Vineyards Winemaker Al Perry |
Robert Biale Vineyards is largely known for its amazing Zinfandels—and rightly so (the Biale family has been growing Zinfandel grapes in Napa since the 1930s). Having been a longtime fan, I was excited to find its winemaker, Al Perry, at San Francisco’s 2006 Family Winemakers event. When I approached, I saw he’d brought a Syrah and a Petite Sirah to pour, so I decided (with great enthusiasm) to give them a try. And wow, of all the wines I tasted that day, these were absolute standouts. So naturally, when I opted to cover Petite Sirah this month, I contacted Al so see if he had a recipe too. And he did! Paired here with the 2004 Royal Punishers Napa Valley Petite Sirah is a bratwurst and wild mushroom risotto that has the bold character necessary to match this big, deep, sexy and wonderful wine.
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| Bratwurst and Wild Mushroom Risotto
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| 1/4 cup Robert Biale Vineyards Petite Sirah 4 cups boiled water 1 cup Arborio rice 1 small yellow onion diced very small 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary 1/8 cup chopped thyme, rosemary, oregano (equal parts) 1 small shallot diced very small 3 tablespoons olive oil |
4 ounces dry or 1 pound fresh wild mushrooms (any type: lobster, porcini, chanterelle, etc.) 4 cups vegetable stock (If using dried mushrooms, save the stock when you reconstitute) 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 ounce Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese 1 1/2 pounds smoked buffalo bratwurst, about 4 to 5 (available through meat suppliers) Several sprigs fresh rosemary
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| Preparation:
In a 6-quart stockpot, pour the boiled water over the dried mushrooms and let stand for 15 minutes. In a 2-quart stockpot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and the onion together over medium high heat, stirring until the onion is soft (around 5 minutes). Add the Arborio rice, stirring often, and sauté until it starts to darken but not burn. Add the Petite Sirah and reduce until liquid is almost gone. Add enough stock to cover the mixture and stir often. Serves 4 |
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