Wolf Blass Yellow Label Sparkling Brut

Grower: Wolf Blass
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir / Chardonnay
Style: Mineral and Vibrant
Country: Australia
Appellation: South East
Vintage: NV
Closure: CORK
Alcohol: 11% ABV
Bottle Size: 75cl

Chilled Peach Soup with Fresh Goat Cheese

Cooking Time: 01 hrs 20 mins (approx.)
Number of Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS

3 cups sliced peeled peaches (about 4 peaches)
1/4 cup finely diced peeled seedless cucumber, plus thin slices for garnish
1/4 cup finely diced yellow bell pepper, plus thin slices for garnish
1/4 cup diced dried apricots
2 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons crumbled fresh goat cheese, plus more for garnish
1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar, plus more for seasoning
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Kosher salt
1 large garlic clove
2 cups diced baguette (1/2 inch)
Basil leaves, for garnish
Freshly ground black pepper

1. In a bowl, toss the peaches, diced cucumber, yellow pepper and apricots.
2. Add the honey, 3 tablespoons of goat cheese, 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Add the garlic. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. Discard the garlic. Transfer the contents of the bowl to a blender and puree. Add 1/4 cup of water and puree until very smooth and creamy; add more water if the soup seems too thick.
4. Season with salt and vinegar. Refrigerate the soup until very cold, about 1 hour.
5. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil. Add the diced bread and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until golden and crisp, about 2 minutes.
6. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the croutons to paper towels and season with salt.
7. Pour the peach soup into shallow bowls and garnish with the sliced cucumber, sliced bell pepper, goat cheese, croutons and basil.
8. Drizzle lightly with olive oil, season with black pepper and serve.