by Frank Mangio
This column treats wine and food as equal partners in the total culinary experience. Chefs who are in the know, craft their menus to romance the great wines of the world. A new restaurant that takes this preparation to a new dimension is Meritage, the just-opened rustic dining arm of Callaway Vineyard and Winery in Temecula’s Wine Country.
The word Meritage is generally known as a blending of France’s Bordeaux district varietals, usually Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cab Franc. The first part, “merit” means something of superior quality or worth. The second part, “heritage” is something that is passed down from preceding generations…a tradition. So it can be said for the hand-prepared food, with the “home” wines of Meritage at Callaway.
Executive Chef Michael Henry, shown in the accompanying photo, has designed a Tapas style menu with a Mediterranean emphasis. It’s the “small plate” concept, just enough to satisfy, but not too much to get bloated or request a “doggy bag.”
An example would be: grilled scallop, crispy Proscuitto, caper and green beans.
The menu suggests the ’05 Viognier in either a glass or taste, a choice of wine content unfortunately not found in many restaurants. I had the veal and ricotta Meatball Sliders on house-baked Focaccia. The wine pairing was the ’04 Winemakers Reserve Cabernet. Delicious! Entrees are also available. Meritage at Callaway is open for lunch and dinner plus a Sunday Brunch. Check hours and exact location at 951-676-4001 or access www.callawaywinery.com
Temecula wines, as I have reported time and again, are increasingly great wines that are showing up big in international competition. The recent Pacific Rim International Competition in San Bernardino brought in 33 medals including 11 gold. Wineries that captured gold included: Hart for a Rhone Blend; South Coast for its Gewurtztraminer, Merlot Blanc and Chardonnay; Maurice Carrie for its Muscat Canelli and Sara Bella Blush; Falkner’s Viognier; La Ceraza’s Viognier and Wiens for its Chardonnay. Congratulations to all the winners.
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