Taste Our Terrior 2017 Pairing Competition Results

LIVERMORE, CA - From Livermore Valley Wine Country: Judges Catherine Fallis of PlanetGrape.com, Carolyn Jung of FoodGal.com and Laura Levy Shatkin of Napa Sonoma Magazine tasted 20 gourmet food and wine pairings at Livermore Valley’s Taste Our Terroir event on July 20 and selected the following winners:

Best Classic Pairing: Nottingham Cellars and Sauced BBQ and Spirits

• 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Livermore Valley (Collin Cranor, winemaker)
• Smoked brisket French dip layered with horseradish cream, chipotle blackberry sauce atop a baguette (Brenden Scanlan, executive chef and owner)

Most Innovative Pairing: Longevity Wines and BackDoor Bistro

• 2016 Vintner’s Select Pinot Grigio, Livermore Valley (Phil Long, winemaker and owner)
• Seared pork belly with local stone fruit pico de gallo and green goddess sauce (Lindsey Chelini, head chef and owner)

Judges' Best Pairing: Dante Robere Vineyards and Sabio on Main

• 2014 Element 116 Bordeaux Blend, Livermore Valley (Dan Rosenberg and Bob Bossi, winemakers and owners)
• Duck confit taco in a duck fat tortilla with a plum and mint pico de gallo (Francis Hogan, executive chef)

The coveted People’s Choice Awards were given to:

Best White Wine Pairing: Occasio Winery and Forno Vecchio

• 2015 Chardonnay, Livermore Valley (Dave Hendrickson, winemaker)
• Seared scallops with candied bacon and cauliflower puree garnished with spicy citrus microgreens (Jason Landas, executive chef)

Best Red Wine Pairing: Wood Family Vineyards and First Street Alehouse

• 2014 El Loco Rojo (Rhonda Wood, winemaker and owner)
• Char siu taco with marinated pork wrapped in a tortilla and topped with a honey sriracha aioli and cilantro (David Cortes, executive chef)

Taste Our Terroir 2017 was produced by the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association and sponsored by Dublin Hyundai-Toyota-Volkswagon, Black Tie Transportation, City of Dublin, City of Livermore, Visit Tri-Valley, Amos Productions, Pinot’s Palette, Sysco, Whole Foods Dublin, BRIX Chocolate for Wine, Farm Fresh To You, Livermore Valley Florist, JVF Consulting and Imagesetters. Please visit us at www.LVwine.org.

Image via Unsplash, Photo by Milada Vigerova