Party Like a President and Eat Like a King... King Crab
The Brut
2013 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs Brut
This Brut is produced at the Schramsberg estate in Napa Valley’s famed Diamond Mountain AVA. The sparkling wines are produced Traditionelle Method, (the process used in making Champagne) after the wines are blended they are aged for two to seven years in Schramsberg’s hillside caves, providing optimal conditions for the development of exceptional aromas flavors and textures.
The 2013 vintage Blanc de Blanc, is made from 100% Chardonnay and it has bright and fresh aromas of grapefruit, mango, apricot, lemon, and white peach. The fruitful fragrance intermingles with hints of fresh bread, vanilla cream pie, and rose petals. Freshly sliced apples, zesty citrus, and bright pineapple flavors present to the palate. This wine is classic is a great alternative to Champagne at a much lower cost $36.99.
Here are just a few reviews of the “unofficial” sparkling wine of the White House. KM The Wine bible 95 points, I love the freshness of this wine it’s like drinking cold mountain air early in the morning. The flavors are delicious and pure (iced pear sorbet), the bubbles are crisp, firm, and lively, A thousand points of lightness, in your mouth.92 Points- Editors' Choice WE, Delicious lemon-meringue aromas make a great start for this medium-bodied Chardonnay-based wine. Flavors are lively, lemony, with baking-spice accents.
A buttery, creamy element carries into the lingering, tangy finish. 92 points Connoisseurs Guide, with a defined mineral streak enhancing the lightly lemony aromas, it’s crisp, effervescent, and balanced by yeasty richness. Wonderful to be sipped on its own, it will make first-rate pairing with some fresh oysters, and crab.
The Pairing
King Crab
What you will need:
1.5 of king crab pounds per person
1/3 stick melted butter per person
1/2 lemon per person
How to prepare it:
King Crab Legs are already cooked when you purchase them, because of this, King Crab only needs to be adequately heated before serving. If your king crab is frozen you should cover it and thaw overnight in your refrigerator, in a colander and a bowl to catch any liquid.
Thawed crab legs can be maintained in the refrigerator for two days, but they should really be cooked as soon as possible.
Steam Preparation:
Let the water in the bottom of the steamer pot come to a boil, add the crab legs in the steamer and cover. The crab will be heated through when you can smell it about 5 to 7 minutes I also pick one up with a tong and touch the meaty part just to be sure that it is indeed warm. The best way to get at the meat is to use scissors.
I use the kitchen shears that come with knife sets. Just break the crab apart at the obvious places and then cut down the middle. I also have, but is not necessary, a glove in case the crab is really hot or if it is very spiny.
The king crab is sweet and rich and I eat it straight but melted butter and or clarified butter and lemon are nice accompaniments. Serve with crusty fresh baked bread and a fresh green salad with heat of palm avocado and good tomatoes for a decedent treat.
Recipe adapted from whatscookingamerica.net
A Happy & Healthy New Years!
The Wine Guys