Veal Piccata

1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 veal scallops, about 3/4 pound, pounded to a thickness of 1/8-inch
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
5 tablespoons butter
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup chicken stock
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 lemon, juiced, or more to taste, (about 2 tablespoons)
2 tablespoon capers, drained
1 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves, optional, plus sprigs for garnish

1. In a shallow bowl or plate combine the flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt and pepper and stir to combine thoroughly. Quickly dredge the veal scallops in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking to remove any excess flour.

2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot but not smoking. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of the butter and, working quickly and in batches if necessary, cook the veal until golden brown on both sides, about 1 minute per side.

3. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Deglaze the pan with wine and bring to a boil, scraping to remove any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. When the wine has reduced by half, add the chicken stock, chopped garlic, lemon juice and capers and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

4. Whisk in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, remaining 3 1/2 tablespoons of butter and the chopped parsley. When the butter has melted, return the veal scallops to the pan and cook until heated through and the sauce has thickened, about 1 minute.

5. Garnish with parsley sprigs and serve immediately.

Mas de Bazan • Bobal • 2004 • Utiel-Requena, Spain • 3336364

Grape: Bobal

appearance - bright, clear

color : deep purple

aroma - moderate

flavors (smell + taste)

sweetness - dry, slight sweetness

acidity - round

oak - burnt wood, cedar

fruit - blackberries

earth - green peppers

body - medium-full

alcohol - 14.5%

tannins - moderate

additional notes - decant and allow one hour before serving.

• The best of the Spanish Bobal wines comes from the area around Valencia. The vast majority of the grapes planted there are white, right now, however, the world is demanding red. So many vineyards are in a state of transition as the winemakers switch to the red varieties. Bobal is most often found blended with Tempranillo producing a medium bodied wine that should be consumed young.