Today’s winery recipe is provided by Ferrari - Carano Vineyards & Winery, located in Healdsburg, California.  Ferrari-Carano vineyard practices are customized for the particular characteristics of each grape which has resulted in a consistency of style, vintage after vintage, since 1985.

That style pairs perfectly with the elegance of "Pumpkin and Pear Risotto".  Nothing is better on a cold winter night than comfort food.  Top it off with a wonderful pairing of Tre Terre Chardonnay and serve with Caramelized seared scallops, turkey, or pork.  Or simply serve the risotto on its own with a salad and you have a wonderful meal.

Pumpkin and Pear Risotto

Serves 4

• 1 cup Sugar Pumpkin, Kobucha or butter, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 5 ½ cup chicken broth
• 1/3 cup finely minced shallots
• 2 tbsp. Butter
• 1 tbsp. Olive oil
• 1 ½ Arborio rice
• ½ cup white wine
• 1 Bosc pear, diced into ¼ inch pieces
• 1 tbsp. Butter
• ¼ cup Fontina or parmesan cheese

Roast pumpkin, ahead of time, with a little olive oil, salt and pepper and a hint of nutmeg in a 375 degree oven.  When tender and starting to turn brown, remove from pan, puree and set aside. Note: This can be made ahead of time.

Heat broth to a steady simmer in a large pot.  Heat butter and oil in a heavy medium-size wide pot, add shallots and sauté.  Add rice and stir with a wooden spoon, making sure all grains are coated with oil.  Add wine and stir until completely absorbed. Once absorbed, start adding broth, a ladle at a time, stirring frequently, after each addition.  After 20 minutes, of repeating this same process, the risotto will be tender, but firm.  Add pumpkin, pear, butter and cheese and stir again to combine to a creamy texture.  Serve immediately with Ferrari-Carano 2004 Tre Terre Chardonnay.

About  Ferrari-Carano 2004 Tre Terre Chardonnay

The 2004 Ferrari-Carano Russian River Valley Chardonnay (Wine Spectator - 90 Points) has a fruit-forward style, presenting peach, pear and apricot characteristics with bright acidity. A combination of new and older French oak barrels lends a bit of toast and brown spice, adding elegance and depth.  The Tre Terre Chardonnay’s significant fruit component complements most mild vinegar salads, mildly spiced vegetarian dishes and richer fish dishes. It also works well with veal, poultry, pasta and rice.

About Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery

Since 1985, Ferrari-Carano has been a leading producer of world class, nationally acclaimed wines. Don and Rhonda Carano's uncompromising commitment to quality and excellence is a reflection of their desire to produce memorable wines that enhance the pleasures of gracious entertaining.