Our Top Five Sophisticated Appetizers
There are times when a special dinner party merits a first course that wows the guests. Whether it’s a classic with extra homemade touches, a decadent dip or an impressively complex dish, sophisticated appetizers set the tone for a meal. We’ve curated five of our favorite, elegant appetizer recipes that are wine-friendly and crowd-pleasing. For best results, start with the best, freshest ingredients you can find plus quality wine like Jordan Chardonnay, Cabernet or Jordan Cuvée by Champagne AR Lenoble.
Our Top Five Sophisticated Appetizers
Beef Nigiri with Wild Mushrooms and Grilled New York Steak
While the name might sound rich, this is actually a light and refined beef sushi recipe. We’ve created our own rendition of this classic Japanese dish with beef instead of fish, and trust us, we’ve found the ideal beef sushi for cabernet lovers. Sure, you can start a meal with red wine, and this sophisticated appetizer will most definitely impress. By using grilled New York strip steak, we arrive at the ideal texture for nigiri since its fatty texture softens the tannins in an elegant red wine. Also, using less acidic vinegars in the sushi rice, such as apple or sherry, better complements the acidity in wines like Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon. It uses easy-to-find ingredients like savory wild mushrooms and comes together fairly quickly.
View recipe >>
Wild Mushroom Crostini with Chèvre
In the spring, we forage wild mushrooms in the High Sierra, part of the inland Sierra Nevada mountain range. The deliciously meaty porcini mushroom is heavy for its size, and emerges from beneath the forest floor after spending most of its time growing underground. This low-acid, wild porcini mushroom crostini is refreshingly bright, and combined with the tart creaminess of goat cheese, presents an intriguing, wine-friendly pairing for Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon. Impressive to pass around before a meal or as a plated, first course. Garnish this elegant, vegetarian appetizer recipe with the first elements of spring—pea shoots and pea blossoms—and our local Humboldt Fog chèvre.
View recipe >>
Buckwheat Blini with Caviar
Adapted from San Francisco Chef Gary Danko’s famous blini recipe, these buckwheat blinis are easy to make at home for a luxurious hors d’oeuvre. The complex flavor and natural rise, combined with the additional of egg whites and butter, further elevates the classic pairing of caviar and Champagne. Try our own Chef’s Reserve Caviar, produced in partnership with California’s Tsar Nicoulai, with Jordan’s AR Lenoble Champagne.
View recipe >>
Cucumber Salad with Asian Inspired Vinaigrette
This flavorful, fresh cucumber salad is ideal for summer parties and the unique flavors elevate a simple appetizer. Subtle umami notes from the Asian-inspired vinaigrette coat the delicate cucumber, corn and edible flowers ever so slightly to offer a sophisticated as well as delicious plated appetizer. The vinaigrette can be prepared ahead and stored for up to one week, so you can toss it all together in a bowl and serve with Jordan Chardonnay or Jordan AR Lenoble Champagne.
View recipe >>
Authentic Hummus
If you haven’t made hummus from scratch, then you haven’t experienced this classic Mediterranean dish at its finest. Hands-on treatment elevates a normally humble dip to an elegant appetizer. Our rendition of authentic hummus includes elephant garlic and Jordan’s high-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil, but also the surprising addition of a few teaspoons of baking soda — the secret of an ultra-smooth hummus. The ingredient list is short – only seven — but the shorter the list, the more important each component becomes. Pairs beautifully with Jordan Russian River Valley Chardonnay.
View recipe >>
Want unique idea son how to decorate your dinner table? So many ideas in our Entertain section.
