It was suggested to us to try the 2006 Atwater Cabernet Franc with grilled portobello mushrooms. So…we did!
I find portobellos to be a light, healthy, yet extremely flavorful, substitute for beef. They only take a few minutes for each side on the grill….coated lightly in olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill a few small peppers at the same time. Slice them on a platter when done and throw on some blue cheese, letting it melt. Plate over a bed of arugula blend and thinly sliced red onion. Top with balsamic vinaigrette and you have a satisfying, healthy meal.
New York State doesn’t get a whole lot of credit for its red wines. The Atwater Cabernet Franc is one of the best ones I have had, so I think we’ll have to explore a few more. We thought the wine would pair well with almost anything grilled (including our mushrooms), not to mention the strong, earthy cheese. Its light tannins, blend of red fruit flavors, and slight earthiness made it very drinkable and a food-friendly wine.
It was a fabulous treat all around, and a great selection for a nice warm spring evening.
2006 Atwater Cabernet Franc.
Grilled portobello mushrooms over arugula blend. (click for bigger fungi)
2eat2drink 
Yum, looks and sounds delish! Thanks for the review 🙂
Here’s a little joke for between sips and bites:
Mushroom walks into a bar, bartender says “hey, you can’t come in here” ….
mushroom says, “why not? I’m a FUN GUY”!
:oP
Thanks and your welcome! Love “fungi” jokes! 🙂
I’ll have to seek this red out when I’m up this summer. I don’t have many cab francs. Great looking mushrooms.
Atwater is right up the East side of Seneca Lake. Very close to Watkins Glen. Definitely look them up. Thanks!!
Rufus’-Atwater looks forward to your visit. We are onto our 2007 Cabernet Franc right now which was an amazing year for reds in the Finger Lakes. I hope you like it when you are here.
2eat2drink-Thanks for the write up. I’m glad you enjoyed!