A TALE OF TWO CRISP WHITES
DARK HORSE WINES
What luck, spring is right around the corner and we’ve got just the two crisp winners to go with it: Dark Horse Pinot Grigio and Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc.
In case you’re not an expert on the nuances between these two popular varietals, we’ve made this helpful Pinot Grigio vs. Sauvignon Blanc side-by-side so you can bring home the right kind of refreshing to pair with whatever you’ve got cooking.
And speaking of cooking, have we got the white wine food pairings of the spring—two mouthwatering Irish pub delicacies to celebrate a savory St. Patrick’s Day. Leave the luck to the leprechauns and lock in your weeknight win with these perfect pairings.
MEET OUR PINOT GRIGIO
Pinot Grigio is one of the most sensitive grapes, especially impressionable and expressive of terroir. Our winemaker, Beth Liston, unlocks a dry, balanced, and crisp expression of California with delicate notes of apple and citrus from premium Pinot Grigio grapes picked at peak ripeness.
The palate-cleansing brightness and acidity of our crowd-pleasing Pinot Grigio makes it best matched to rich, salty, savory appetizers like this uber-indulgent Irish pub nachos recipe.
Irish Pub Potato Nachos
Like nachos, only on crispy fried potato slices.
INGREDIENTS:
• Large Russet potatoes
• Olive oil
• Onion powder
• Thyme
• Cajun seasoning
• Shredded cheddar jack cheese
• Bacon
• Green onion
• Sour cream
INSTRUCTIONS:
• Wash potatoes and cut into ¼ inch slices before soaking for 30-45 minutes
• Preheat oven to 400°F
• Cook bacon to crispy and set aside
• Grease a large baking pan
• Dry potato slices then add to a large bowl with olive oil, spices then toss to combine
• Spread them out on banking pan in a single layer
• Bake potatoes for 20 minutes
• Flip slices over and bake for an additional 20 minutes
• Remove potatoes from oven and set oven to broil
• Transfer first layer of potato slices into a large cast iron skillet, or any oven-safe pan
• Smother first layer with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and green onions
• Add second layer of potatoes then smother with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and green onions
• Broil in the oven for a 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted and crisped
• Remove from oven and serve with sour cream
• Enjoy with Dark Horse Pinot Grigio for a pure taste of victory
MEET OUR SAUVIGNON BLANC
Literally translating to “wild white,” the Sauvignon Blanc grape requires especially gentle care to preserve its bright acidity and delicate fruit flavors. Our winemaker, Beth Liston, meets the challenge masterfully, selecting only the most premium grapes and using gentle techniques to highlight their brightness and unleash their full refreshing, crisp, and citrusy complexities.
Our outrageously herbaceous and zesty Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc makes for a perfect St. Paddy’s day pour that cuts right through the rich flavors of these fan favorite Irish Boxtys.
Irish Boxtys
Garlic mashed potatoes rolled in seasoned breadcrumbs then flash fried and fast devoured.
INGREDIENTS:
• 16 oz garlic mashed potatoes (any recipe of your choosing)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Guac, salsa, horseradish sauce
INSTRUCTIONS:
• Using an ice cream scoop, scoop out mashed potatoes balls onto a large plate
• Freeze for 30 minutes
• Fill small saucepan ¾ of the way with oil and heat to medium high
• Place beaten egg in one bowl and seasoned breadcrumbs in another
• Dip potatoes in egg, followed by breadcrumbs, then place in hot oil
• Fry each ball for 30-60 seconds—until crispy brown
• Remove from oil and transfer to a paper towel-covered plate
• Serve with salsa, guacamole, horseradish cream or any other dip you desire
• Cleanse your palate between bites with the bright Dark Horse Sauvignon Blanc