Vegetarian Mushroom & Goat Cheese Meatballs! These delectable, meatless bites make a fantastic appetizer for cocktail parties as a complement to merlot wine, or are a great way to add plant-based goodness to a weekday meal.
Thank you Decoy for sponsoring this post.
Did you know that October is “Merlot Month”? This lush, yet approachable, wine may not be the first you think of when you’re looking for a tasty pour, but winemakers around the globe are encouraging wine lovers to “celebrate the grape” this October! Whether you’re enjoying a glass of merlot with a relaxing dinner at home or adding it to the lineup for holiday cocktail hours, it’s worth picking up a few bottles and appreciating this easy-to-drink wine.
Decoy Wine
Decoy Wine has been producing quality, affordable Sonoma County wines since 1985! An important member of the popular Duckhorn Wines portfolio, Decoy has done an amazing job of establishing its own following in their 35 years of producing “everyday wines for the well-informed.”
What began as a single red blend under the Decoy name has now expanded to include five distinctive red wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Pinot Noir, as well as two white wines — Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Merlot Flavor Profile
Merlot is back. Not that it ever really left… merlot wine has always been a very enticing, delicious pick for easy drinking. In fact, it’s my husband’s favorite type of wine! After a little hiatus from popular culture, it seems that more and more folks are hopping back on the merlot bandwagon and, after a sip, it’s not hard to see why.
With lush and appealing notes of dark berries like black cherry and blueberry, deep plum notes and dark chocolate undertones, it’s easy to “fall” for merlot, especially during this time of year! Featuring a balanced acidity, silky tannins and concentrated fruity finish, it’s a perfect choice for anytime you’re craving a delectable drink.
Merlot Food Pairings
When paired properly, food and wine can strike a harmonious balance that brings out the best elements of both!
In general, you’ll often find red wines paired with meats, and merlot is no different. Hearty, robust dishes like beef bourguignon, spiced duck, roasted turkey, lamb and pork are all elevated by the deep, fruity flavors of merlot wine. It’s a great wine to consider for Thanksgiving and the holidays, especially if you’re serving up “meat and potatoes” style dishes that could use some brightening.
While meat may be the obvious pairing pick, don’t discount the veggies! Merlot makes a fantastic complement to heartier vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes and tomato sauces, and mushrooms.
In the cheese department, your best bets are medium-intensity cheeses such as gouda, cheddar, camembert and even goat and sheep’s milk cheeses.
Vegetarian Mushroom & Goat Cheese Meatballs
Now that we know a little more about merlot and the pairings that go best with its flavor profile, let’s get cooking with a recipe that complements the wine! My Vegetarian Mushroom & Goat Cheese Meatballs are an excellent choice when you’re looking for something to serve alongside merlot throughout the holiday season and beyond.
Made with just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be surprised at the satisfying “meaty” texture created with earthy mushrooms and quinoa! These meatless “meatballs” are great for serving as a cocktail appetizer or can be used as a vegetarian replacement for classic spaghetti and meatballs. Goat cheese adds a tangy punch to these savory bites!
Will you be celebrating “Merlot Month”? Snap a pic of yourself enjoying this delicious wine and check out the hashtag #MerlotMe to see how others are celebrating all month long!
Vegetarian Mushroom & Goat Cheese Meatballs
