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Carhartt Family Wines

Cocoa Beef Meatballs & Cherry | 2021 CFW Estate Graciano Pairing

This dish pairs beautifully with CFW 2021 Estate Graciano, using cocoa, spice, and cherry to mirror the wine’s depth, lift, and aromatic complexity.

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
 | 
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)

For the sauce:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
  • ½ cup chicken or beef stock
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the meatballs

 

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, cocoa powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs.

Mix gently until evenly incorporated, careful not to overwork the meat.

Form into 12–14 evenly sized meatballs.

2. Brown the meatballs

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Brown the meatballs on all sides until a deep golden crust forms, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

3. Prepare the sauce

In the same skillet, combine cherries, stock, thyme, balsamic vinegar, and honey.

Simmer gently 8–10 minutes until the cherries soften and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Finish the dish

Return the meatballs to the sauce and simmer an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

5. Serve

Plate 2–3 meatballs per guest, spooning sauce generously over. Garnish with a light sprinkle of fresh thyme.

Pairing note:
 Cocoa and spice echo Graciano’s mocha and sarsaparilla notes; cherry in the sauce highlights the wine’s aged cherry flavors, while thyme lifts floral and herbal aromatics.