A Great Cava Pairing for A Great Holiday
Rosh Hashanah Holiday
Wine and food are important traditions in the celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year where, Jewish families along with their friends take time for reflection, pray and changes for the New Year.
The Wine
Taanug Brut Cava (Kosher)
From Catalunya Spain Teaanug Brut Cava is made from Macabeo, Xarel·lo and Parellada grapes that are fermented separately then blended for secondary bottle fermentation for more than 12 months. The whole winemaking process, from vineyard to bottling is overseen by a Rabbi, assuring the highest standards and creating a wine that is light dry and refreshing. Light golden in color this wine has fine small bubbles that bring a bouquet of golden apple and a touch of melon aromas to the nose. The effervescence of this wine keeps the pallet light. Fresh flavors of apple and light stone fruit with a touch of minerality leads you to a crisp clean finish, which lingers just enough before you take another sip, and ring in the New Year.
The Pairing
This dish has three ingredients that celebrate traditional cuisine for a Rosh Hashanah, apples, honey, and pomegranates. It is a great first course perfect to pair with some bubbly to celebrate the New Year.
Butter Lettuce with Apples, Walnuts and Pomegranate seed
What you will need for the Vinaigrette:
2 tablespoons cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot, 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1/3 cup olive oil, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
What you will need for the salad:
2 heads of butter lettuce leaves, gently torn, 1 1/2 cups store-bought glazed walnuts, 1 Honeycrisp or Fuji apple, quartered, cored, thinly sliced, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, 1 cup pomegranate seeds,1/4 cup tarragon leaves,1/2 cup crumbled Stilton or Maytag blue cheese (about 2 ounces)
How to make it:
Whisk first 4 ingredients in a medium bowl. Gradually whisking in oil, season vinaigrette to taste with salt and pepper and set aside. Place lettuce in a large bowl. Add vinaigrette, walnuts, and apple; toss to coat, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with pomegranate seeds, tarragon, and cheese. If you feel like making this a main course add some roasted chicken and a little more vinaigrette (recipe adapted from epicurious)
Shanah Tovah,
The Wine Guys