Valentine’s Day calls for a dish that feels thoughtful, comforting, and a little indulgent. This wild mushroom risotto delivers on all three, with earthy depth, creamy texture, and aromatic herbs that invite you to slow down and savor the moment. Paired with our 2021 Heirloom Carneros Pinot Noir, it becomes a meal that celebrates connection, craftsmanship, and the beauty of understated elegance.
Wild Mushroom Risotto with Crispy Sage
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 40 mins
Serves 2 as a main, 4 as a starter
Ingredients
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3 to 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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8 to 10 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini, shiitake, oyster, or a mix)
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1 small shallot, finely chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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3/4 cup Arborio or Carnaroli rice
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1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute extra stock plus 1 tsp lemon juice)
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6 to 8 fresh sage leaves
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1/3 to 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus more to finish
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1 tsp lemon zest, optional
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Salt and black pepper
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Optional garnishes: chopped parsley, crushed red pepper, or a drizzle of good olive oil
Directions
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Heat the stock in a small pot and keep it at a low simmer.
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In a wide pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium high heat. Add mushrooms and cook 6 to 8 minutes until browned and most moisture has cooked off. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a bowl.
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In the same pan, add 1 tbsp butter. Fry sage leaves for 20 to 30 seconds until crisp, watching closely. Remove and set aside on a paper towel.
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Reduce heat to medium and add remaining olive oil. Sauté shallot for 2 to 3 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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Stir in rice and cook 1 to 2 minutes until the edges appear slightly translucent.
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Pour in wine and stir until mostly absorbed.
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Add warm stock 1/2 cup at a time, stirring often and allowing it to absorb before adding more. Continue for 18 to 22 minutes until the rice is tender with a slight bite.
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Stir mushrooms back in, then remove from heat. Mix in remaining butter and Parmesan. Add lemon zest if using and season to taste.
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Finish with crispy sage, extra Parmesan, black pepper, and an optional drizzle of olive oil.
Why This Pairing Works
Mushrooms and Pinot Noir have long been a natural match, and this pairing highlights why. The savory umami character of the wild mushrooms mirrors the earthy undertones found in the 2021 Heirloom Pinot Noir, while the wine’s bright acidity and refined structure cut through the richness of the risotto.
The crispy sage adds an herbal lift that complements the wine’s aromatic profile, and a touch of lemon zest brings freshness that keeps each bite balanced. Together, the dish and the wine create a layered, harmonious experience that feels elevated without being fussy.
About the Wine
2021 Heirloom Carneros Pinot Noir
Sourced from a single reserve parcel at our Grace Benoist Ranch, the 2021 Heirloom Pinot Noir is a focused expression of Carneros terroir. The cool climate and volcanic soils lend the wine vibrant acidity, nuanced aromatics, and a graceful structure. Notes of red fruit, forest floor, and subtle spice make it an ideal partner for earthy, savory dishes like this risotto.
This is a Pinot Noir designed for the table, one that enhances food while still shining on its own.
A Thoughtful Way to Celebrate
Whether you are planning a quiet night in or cooking together as part of the celebration, this pairing is a reminder that the most memorable moments often come from simple, well chosen details. Pour a glass of 2021 Heirloom Pinot Noir, light a few candles, and let the evening unfold at its own pace.
Because some pairings are worth lingering over.
