Wine Wednesday: Earthquake by Michael-David Winery

It is once again Wine Wednesday! #WW Today we raise a glass full of Earthquake Cabernet Sauvignon by Michael-David Winery.  This is technically a blend, a Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of Petite Sirah in the mix. And it packs a punch, so get ready. This is a "huge cab" in every sense of the word.

All wines under the Earthquake label are Michael David’s reserve level wines.  These wines posses major flavor and only a limited production is offered each year. 

Made  from select lots, the Earthquake wines have  great depth, intensity, and tannin structure.  In other words, they over-deliver in every way. If your'e wondering if I made the recipe on the cookbook page to pair with this, the answer is no. But I did, in fact, cook!

 

The recipe I paired this wine with is super easy. Combining fresh garlic and brown sugar brings a lot of strong flavor, which makes it a savory/sweet dish that can stand up to this intense wine.  The tomato-caper relish is easy and adds color to the plate - otherwise, it would probably look like "50 Shades of Beige."

Garlic & Brown Sugar Chicken

Served with Quinoa, Tomato-Caper Relish and Mushrooms (Serves 4)

 
To make the chicken/mushrooms: 

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 
• Mix 4 cloves of finely chopped garlic and 2 tbsp. brown sugar in a small bowl
• Coat this mixture over 4 chicken breasts. 
• Bake at 400 degrees for 20 mins.
•  While the chicken is baking:
•  Cook 1 cup of whatever type of quinoa you like, according to package directions.
• In the last 5 minutes the chicken is baking, sautee a cup of mushrooms in a pan and finish with sea salt and pepper to taste.

To make the relish: 

• Combine 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 tbsp. capers, 1 tbsp red  wine vinegar, 1tsp. sugar in a small bowl. 
• Microwave for one minute.  (Yep, I said microwave.)

Of course, this is just a pairing suggestion, you can enjoy Earthquake cab with any meal you choose -- just be sure to pair it with a dish that can handle this intense wine. Cheers, and happy Wine Wednesday! #WW