Chicken and Mushrooms Paired with Pinot Noir

When I went to interview Jeff Hansen the winemaker for Lula Cellars at the tasting room in Mendocino, California, he wasn’t there. Lula Cellars is a small production, premium label located in the “Deep End” of Mendocino County’s famed Anderson Valley. Winemaker Jeff Hansen, a thirty-year wine industry veteran, produces world class Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Dry Gewurztraminer, Rosato and Sauvignon Blanc wines, made entirely with grapes grown in vineyards from Mendocino County, California.

I was told in advance that Jeff was a hands-on type who works closely with the crew in the cellar and keeps a watchful eye on the development of the grapes in the vineyard. He’s the guy responsible for all wine making as well as overseeing the 20 acres of vineyards that Lula Cellars farms. Meanwhile where was he? While I waited for him to turn up, I chatted with the friendly guy minding the tasting room while he poured me a few tastes.

Jeff has been making wine for 28 years, the last 5 at Lula Cellars in Mendocino. He has worked with both European and American winemakers, so his preference is to marry classic old-world style with modern wine making techniques. Many years ago he left a career in commercial photography in Los Angeles to pursue a career in the wine industry in Napa Valley. The brand “ Lula” named after his grandmother, is very new. Since launching in 2010, Lula Cellars has built a reputation for crafting award-winning wines by keeping true to their goal of  producing high quality, eminently drinkable wines at prices that are reasonable, by selling directly to consumers. Lula Cellars produces 3,000 cases per year, and sells them winery-direct to consumers.

I had just tasted a lovely Pinot Noir when the phone rang. It was Jeff. “I’m here, where are you?” I asked. “Bottling emergency,” he yelled into the phone over the sound of machinery. “Sorry. I will be tied up all day but why don’t you grab a bottle to take with you and taste what I do?” That‘s the best interview I’ve done so far. Here with a recipe from Lula, Jeff recommends his Pinot Noir. Taste for yourself with a bottle available from the winery.

Lula Cellars’ Chicken and Mushrooms Paired with Pinot Noir

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Diet: Omnivore

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Description

Creamy mushroom sauce coats tender chicken breasts in this elegant yet simple dish. Pairs perfectly with a crisp Pinot Noir.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless (skinless chicken breasts)
• 1 lbs (454 g) cremini mushrooms
• 2-3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cups (118 ml) brandy
• 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) heavy cream
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme

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Instructions

1. Chop cleaned, dried mushrooms into quarters and set aside.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Coat the bottom of a large sauté pan with olive oil and bring to medium heat.
4. Add the chicken and cook, turning once, until just brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
5. Remove chicken to a platter and cover; finish cooking it later.
6. Add more olive oil to the pan and reduce heat to medium-low.
7. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.
8. Add the mushrooms, stir to coat with oil, and season with salt and pepper.
9. Increase heat to medium and cook until tender, 5 to 8 minutes.
10. Add the brandy, increase heat to medium-high, and cook until the liquid is fully absorbed.
11. Taste the mushrooms and add seasoning as needed.
12. Add the heavy cream and thyme bundle to the pan and reduce heat to medium.
13. Return the chicken breast with any accumulated juices to the pan.
14. Cook on medium-high for 5 minutes, then turn chicken and reduce heat to low.
15. Simmer for 5-6 more minutes until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through.
16. Discard thyme and serve chicken and mushroom sauce over your favorite cooked pasta or rice.

Notes

• For richer flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• If you don’t have brandy, substitute with an equal amount of dry white wine or chicken broth.
• To prevent the sauce from becoming too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes after adding the cream to allow excess liquid to evaporate.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: French-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5
• Sodium: 400
• Fat: 25
• Saturated Fat: 15
• Unsaturated Fat: 8
• Carbohydrates: 20
• Fiber: 2
• Protein: 35
• Cholesterol: 150

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