Vine Hill
Our Vine Hill Vineyard, in the heart of the Russian River Valley, with its nearly 300-ft. elevation change, allows each ridge, slope, and valley in the vineyard to contribute unique characteristics to the grapes. Combined with a variety of soils, clones and rootstocks that limit excessive vine growth, the vineyards provide a beautiful variety of elegant and balanced fruit. We chose the Dijon Chardonnay clone fruit with its tight meter-by-meter spacing to produce this vineyard designate Chardonnay.
BY CHEF JOHN ASH
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 Vine Hill Chardonnay.
INGREDIENTS
Maple Vinaigrette
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons finely chopped shallot
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
5 tablespoons walnut oil
Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 small tart-sweet apple, such as Fuji, Gala, or Cosmic Crisp, quartered, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch- thick slices
4 large handfuls mixed young salad greens, such as arugula, spinach, cress, mâche, frisée
1 cup salad sprouts such as sunflower or mustard (optional)
1 smoked trout about 10 ounces, skinned, boned, and broken into bite-size pieces
1/4 cup golden raisins or dried tart cherries
3 tablespoons toasted slivered blanched almonds
Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
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To make the vinaigrette, in a small saucepan, warm the maple syrup over low heat. Whisk in the vinegar, shallot, and Dijon mustard. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the walnut oil to form a light emulsion. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The vinaigrette can be made in advance, covered, and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
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In a large serving bowl, combine the apples slices with 2 or 3 tablespoons of the vinaigrette and toss gently to coat. Add all the remaining ingredients. Drizzle with some of the vinaigrette and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper and serve, passing any remaining vinaigrette at the table.
