Buffalo Wings

12 whole chicken wings
3 ounces unsalted butter
1 small clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1. Place a 6-quart saucepan with a steamer basket and 1-inch of water in the bottom, over high heat, cover and bring to a boil.

2. Remove the tips of the wings and discard or save for making stock. Using kitchen shears, or a knife, separate the wings at the joint. Place the wings into the steamer basket, cover, reduce the heat to medium and steam for 10 minutes. Remove the wings from the basket and carefully pat dry. Lay the wings out on a cooling rack set in a half sheet pan lined with paper towels and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

3. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

4. Replace the paper towels with parchment paper. Roast on the middle rack of the oven for 20 minutes. Turn the wings over and cook another 20 minutes or until meat is cooked through and the skin is golden brown.

5. While the chicken is roasting, melt the butter in a small bowl along with the garlic. Pour this along with hot sauce and salt into a bowl large enough to hold all of the chicken and stir to combine.

6. Remove the wings from the oven and transfer to the bowl and toss with the sauce. Serve warm.

Arviza Crianza • 2001 • Rioja • 254655

Grape: Tempranillo

appearance - bright, clear

color : medium red, with slight garnet hue

aroma - subtle

flavors (smell + taste)

sweetness - dry

acidity - defined

oak - burnt wood, caramel

fruit - sour cherries

earth - black pepper

body - medium

tannins - moderate

additional notes - very well balanced, subtle, layered, nice acidity, food friendly

• The tempranillo is at the heart of Spain's greatest wines.

• Of all of the Spanish wine regions, Rioja carries the greatest prestige with Ribera del Duero close behind.

• Arviza Crianza is a great food friendly wine with just enough acidity to make it palate cleansing.

Related Podcasts:

1. September 26 - Rioja and Buffalo Wings
Click here to listen.