Polenta taragna, made with buckwheat, is a typical dish from Valtellina. The name comes from the word tarai, the stick used to constantly stir the polenta to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Historically the polenta cooking in poor families’ kitchens was black because it was made exclusively with buckwheat flour. The result was a very nutritious dish, but with a very strong taste. Those who could afford it added a little cornmeal to soften the impact on the palate, thus creating the recipe as we know it today. Excellent with the 2021 Owsley Pinot Noir.

The history of risotto is rife with conflicting theories about its origins, however, it is certain that rice was first introduced to Italy by the Arabs during the Middle Ages.  Saffron traditionally flavors risotto.  You can add it if you like but this version depends on bacon and sweet corn to match it to the rich 2022 Vine Hill Pinot Noir.

Here we are creating a compound butter which is a classic French accompaniment to meats and vegetables. Miso paste makes a great butter. It brings that “umami” flavor to the meat. You’ve no doubt heard chefs talking about umami. It roughly translates to “deliciousness”. This would go great with the equally delicious 2022 Vine Hill Pinot Noir.

A filling and complex blend of sablefish, coconut milk, curry paste, and rice noodles. Finned fish such as salmon or halibut or shellfish such as shrimp and scallops could be used in place of the sablefish. Look for fresh lime leaves, coconut milk, and Thai curry pastes in Asian markets; my favorite brand for coconut milk and curry paste is Mae Ploy. Try this with the multi-dimensional 2015 Les Pierres Chardonnay.

This is a classic French preparation usually made with a tender steak cooked with a coating of freshly cracked black peppercorns.  It’s pronounced “oh pwa-vruh”.  It is also a delicious preparation for fresh tuna.  The Owsley 2022 Pinot Noir would be delicious with this simple dish.

Smoked trout are available packaged and refrigerated in many supermarkets. The maple vinaigrette and dried fruit are a sweet complement to the smoky trout. Hot-smoked salmon or smoked mackerel can be substituted for the trout.  This is terrific with the 2023 Vine Hill Chardonnay.