If you are looking for a delicious summer food and wine pairing, then light the grill because thanks to Pedroncelli Winery I have a great recipe for you!

The Wine:

2017 Pedroncelli Winery Sauvignon Blanc East Side Vineyards Dry Creek Valley Sonoma USA ($17): A bright and lovely wine that is quintessentially Sauvignon Blanc; notes of stone fruit, tropical fruit, citrus and fresh cut grass fill the glass; it is crisp and refreshing on the palate with high acidity. Visit Pedroncelli to purchase.

2016 Pedroncelli Winery Sonoma Classico Red Blend Dry Creek Valley Sonoma USA ($19): A proprietary blend of Merlot, Zinfandel Petite Sirah, and Syrah; it is a welcoming and easy drinking wine that calls all to gather around the table; notes of fresh black and red wild berries, baking spice, dried herbs, roses, and cedar and a palate that is round with balanced acidity and tannins make this wine highly approachable and delicious. Visit Pedroncelli to purchase.

2016 Pedroncelli Winery Zinfandel Bushnell Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Sonoma USA ($26): This wine pours an inky purple in the glass; bold notes of baked red and black berries mingle with baking spice, dried violets, cocoa, licorice, black pepper, and toasted walnuts. It is rich and round on the palate, full-bodied with balanced high, silky tannins and high acidity with a finish that lasts for days. Visit Pedroncelli to purchase.

The Food: I received the wines, along with a pairing recipe, as part of a quarterly #tasteup I participate in with Pedroncelli. By now you know how much I look forward to these tastings because the wines are always outstanding and the recipe delicious.

My Choice: The recipe sent to pair with these wines is Grilled Italian Sausage with Cauliflower, Fennel, Red Onion and Basil Gremolada. I will confess upon receiving the recipe for this #tasteup I was hesitant to make it. For some reason it just did not sound appealing to me. I like all the ingredients and gremolada, I questioned how it would all come together.

The Results: My hesitation was unwarranted – the recipe turned out delicious. In fact, it was so good I look forward to making it again. I substituted spicy Italian chicken sausage for the pork, but I made the rest of the recipe as directed. I did not have a BBQ tray for the vegetables so I cooked them in a caste iron skillet on the grill, creating a nicely charred crust on the vegetables. Not only was the meal delicious but it was so easy. I prefer to cook an entire dinner on the grill during the summer so the oven does not heat up the kitchen. This recipe allows for that. I  like to use quality extra virgin olive oil when making making sauces and dips. I chose Ravida Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil because I wanted the Gremolada to taste as good as possible.

Regarding the wines, I paired the Sauvignon Blanc with the cooking process, enjoying a glass while I was making the meal. It was so refreshing. I paired the two red wines with the dinner. They were both great pairings – my favor leaned toward the Sonoma Classico for this meal. The Bushnell Vineyard Zinfandel paired well the next night with grilled lamb chops, and will also pair well with BBQ, burgers, and steak.

If I have said it once I have said it a dozen times, Pedroncelli crafts outstanding wines that are priced well below their value. Many of you have purchased wines from them online and told me how much you enjoy the wines. I encourage each of you to try these wines. Gather some friends, order a case, and share the shipping costs. You will be glad you did. Cheers!