Pairing Our Alexander Valley Cabernet with Smoked Barbecue Makes for Boldilicious Memories
If you’re into smoked barbecue as a personal journey, you understand the time and commitment it takes to not only prepare a single meal it’s the learning of the craft itself. Luckily, there are those so committed to the art they take the seemingly crazy jump and open BBQ joints to share their passion with others. This is when smoked barbecue becomes the ultimate slow food fast!
Before we go any further, let’s raise a glass of Prescription Vineyards to all the dedicated Pit Masters across this great country. These dedicated people are up before dawn prepping fish, poultry, and meats to serve to the disciples of the tender and smokey. Think about all the hours creating marinades, rubs, and sauces, and reducing hardwoods to embers so that they have the pit at the perfect temperature, even heat and smoke.
And then there is us, those who pull into the parking lot of the BBQ joint to pick up our order of smoked salmon or chicken or brisket – or all of the above for the family. Within minutes we’re feasting on a meal that has been in the works for days. Again, a toast to all the Pit Masters and their pit crews for taking on all the heat and smoke for our pleasure. Thank you!
For our ongoing Slow Food Fast Series, we’re singling out Lombardi’s Deli & Gourmet BBQ in Petaluma, California because it’s a local favorite for those on the go. Just an hour north of San Francisco, Petaluma is set in Sonoma County and is famous for its agriculture, including wine, dairy, eggs, meats, and poultry. Of course, it’s also famous as a set for Hollywood, noted for films such as American Graffiti, Basic Instinct, Cujo, and Peggy Sue Got Married.
On a recent Sunday drive back from the breathtaking Sonoma Coast, we picked up a full-rack of baby back ribs, Lombardi’s Small-Batch Hickory BBQ Sauce, and classic barbecue sides for dinner. The ribs were tender, with a perfect ‘slight tug’ off the bone. We paired our Prescription Vineyards 2018 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, which layered in a dark berry component to the excellent sauce while cleansing the palate between mouthwatering bites of rib. Napkins, please!
When you’re thinking about a meal days after the experience, you feel pretty good about your money being well-spent. Barbecue isn’t cheap and rightfully so. Considering we have fans all over the United States, and the myriad of regional barbecue-styles below is a link to some of America’s greatest joints to indulge in as suggested by Thrillist!
