I think if I wasn't married and didn't have any kids or a mortgage, then I'd own a sandwich shop. Of course I do have all of those things and I'm glad that I do – really, really I am – but I still like to make a tasty sandwich.
I think my love for sandwiches comes from the way I like to eat; I love to eat everything together at the same time. The sandwich is perfect for this – shove a bunch of stuff between some awesome bread and lift-stuff-chew-repeat.
One of the wines I received was a 2010 Vintners Reserve Pinot Noir. Described as having cherry, strawberry and raspberry fruit flavors along with an accent of cola and mild spices.
I decided to make a grilled cheese steak panini sandwich which is a perfect pairing for the wine. I marinated the steak in cola and balsamic glaze for 24 hours and after grilling it quickly over a high heat I prepared it for the panini press.
I laid the steak on some rye bread and topped it with fontina cheese, finally adding some caramelized onions. The sandwich was crunchy on the outside and moist with a bounty of flavor on the inside.
It paired fantastically with the Pinot and made for an awesome lunch.