Luxury: Day 17

Buena Vista Ribolla Gialla Russian River Valley 2023

The Buena Vista Ribolla Gialla Russian River Valley 2023 offers floral aromas of acacia and chamomile, accented by citrus and almond. On the palate, it is crisp and textured, with lemon peel and white peach flavors, leading to a refreshing, mineral finish.

Before there were vineyards in every valley north of San Francisco, before Napa and Sonoma were household names before there was a California wine world at all, there was Buena Vista. Founded in 1857, and spanning from Sonoma and into Napa, Buena Vista is California’s first premium winery, and its history is as colorful as it is proud. Today, the legend has been re-born under the vision of Jean-Charles Boisset.

Chamomile

White Peach

Food Pairing

Crispy Fried Calamari

Light, crispy calamari is the ultimate holiday appetizer, offering a delicate crunch and tender interior. The bright citrus and almond notes of Buena Vista Ribolla Gialla Russian River Valley 2023 enhance the seafood’s natural sweetness, while its crisp, mineral finish balances the richness of the fried batter, making this a festive and elegant pairing.

Ingredients:

1 lb cleaned calamari rings
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp paprika (optional)
Vegetable oil, for frying
Lemon wedges, for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Steps:

In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Dredge calamari rings in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp.
Remove calamari and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a glass of Buena Vista Ribolla Gialla.

Serves 4.

The ultimate holiday appetizer.