I was having a couple of friends over for dinner recently and wanted a flavorful, satisfying first course to precede a simple roasted chicken and veggies. I had my eye on a shiitake mushroom terrine recipe, but an unexpected afternoon work snafu didn’t leave me enough time. So I improvised what turned out to be a rather delicious risotto.

Simply make risotto however you usually do (or just follow the directions on a box of arborio rice), and then stir in a generous amount of sauteed shiitake mushrooms. Top with a crumbling of Boucheron or other lightly-aged goat’s milk cheese and serve.

I paired it with the Kunde 2007 Viognier Sonoma Valley ($24), which brought an exotic, marmalade-like contrast to the earthy risotto that worked beautifully! Floral aromas accent full-bodied apricot and peach flavors that are ripe and fleshy, with an appealing spicy character that weaves through the lingering finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.