Ferguson Crest is the pet project of Fergie Duhamel, singer of the Black Eyed Peas, and her father, grower Pat Ferguson. Ferguson Crest vineyard is located in Solvang, in Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, California. Winemaker Joey Tensley turns the fruit grown by Pat Ferguson into wine, and Fergie and sister Dana join in at harvest every year.

Fergalicious is Ferguson Crest’s signature blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Grenache. I was asked to taste the 2012 vintage, Fergie’s favorite, then pairing it with a recipe of my creation. Here’s the recipe I paired with the delicious wine.

Bacon, Mushroom Pasta with Light Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp. each red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper
• 1 cup sliced Cremini mushrooms
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 10 fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• ½ pound dry penne pasta, cooked one minute less than recommended on the packaging
• 1 cup cubed, fresh Mozzarella
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked then roughly chopped
• ¼ cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Warm the oil in a deep, large skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add the spices to the oil and cook for 15 seconds.
2. Raise the heat to medium-high and add the Cremini and cook for 3-4 until softened.
3. Add the tomatoes to a food processor and pulse for 10 seconds until a chunky salsa is created (alternatively, chop the tomatoes to that consistency). Pour the tomato mixture into the hot oil and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the cooked pasta and the basil to the sauce and gently stir to coat. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes.
5. Add the Mozzarella to the pasta and stir to combine.  Cook an additional minute.
6. Add the cooked bacon, stir and serve with a dusting of Parmesan cheese.

Makes 2 servings.

2012 Ferguson Crest Fergalicious

Dark ruby in the glass, this red blend offers ripe blackberry aromas with a bit of pumpkin pie spices. The medium-bodied wine has flavors of jammy blueberry with traces of cherry cola and notes of black pepper on the short finish.

Pairings: Pasta with meaty sauce, duck, roasted mushrooms, burgers

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 56% Syrah, 25% Merlot, 13% Grenache, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Santa Barbara County, CA, USA

Price: $40

Cheers,

Veronique