April Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubMorning Harvest_Cheese ClubMilton Creamery
Morning Harvest
Milton, Iowa

Morning Harvest is an American original cheese. Made with pasteurized cow’s milk, it is slightly sweet with a nice hint of caramel and almond to finish. This softer body cheese melts like a dream!

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Pair this cheese with a Bold Red Blend or a Bold Cabernet Sauvignon, such as our April Club Selection – the Rangel Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon. For beer, look for something Fruity & Spicy; all three of our April Beer Club Selections would pair beautifully with this cheese.

WINESTYLES: Bold
BEERSTYLES: Fruity & Spicy

ABOUT THE CREAMERY:
The Musser Family has solely owned and operated Milton Creamery since 2006.  Originally from Pennsylvania, Rufus and Jane Musser made the move to Southern Iowa for the opportunity to sell produce to dairy farming, which eventually led to their desire to make speciality cheeses. Today, Rufus III, his wife Jane, and their son Rufus IV “Junior” currently work with local Amish and Mennonite dairy farmers to create their award winning cheeses, while managing a team of nearly 30 people.  Learn more about their family creamery and history here. >

Information © Milton Creamery – All Rights Reserved.

Mitica Wild Lavender HoneyMitica
Wild Lavender Honey
Spain

This raw, wild lavender infused honey from Spain is smooth in texture with a beautiful amber color. It is light, floral, sweet and aromatic. 

Pairing: Serve on a cheese board paired with this month’s cheese club selection, drizzle over desserts and pastries, or even add to your favorite tea.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
This honey will marry beautifully with a Riesling, Pinot Gris, or a Sauvignon Blanc, such as this month’s Primary White Wine Selection – the Rangel Ranch Sauvignon Blanc. For beer, pair with any of our April Beer Club Selections.

WINESTYLES: Silky
BEERSTYLES: Fruity & Spicy

Information © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

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If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club!  Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >

April Beer Club: Iowa

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Reuss LabelBrouwerij Kerkom
(Bink de) Reuss
Belgium

Reuss was the name of the first beer brewed at Kerkom in 1878. It is produced for the Bink festival. It’s a Belgium style Blonde Ale blended with Lambic. Marc Limet blends the lambic with a less bitter version of Bink Blonde (which has 38 IBUs versus 52 IBUs). 

ABV: 6.5% alcohol / volume
Style: Lambic – Gueuze
Beer Style at WineStyles: Fruity & Spicy 

ABOUT BROUWERIJ KERKOM BREWERY:
Founded by Evarist Clerinx in 1878, the brewery has been passed down to trusting hands since it’s birth (with some time away when they were forced to close the brewery in 1968, like so many others). In 1988, the Jean Clerinx opened the brewery again, and it didn’t take long for the town and its surrounding areas to fall in love with their beers all over again. The farmhouse has become the road house of dreams from walkers, cyclists, beers lovers and more. Kerkom Brewery is 100% traditional and proud of it! From the hops to the Bink Beer, every step of the process is still done manually, one by one, made with love. Learn more about the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

Photos and information © Brouwerij Kerkom – All Rights Reserved.

Exaltée_NL_33_2018Brasserie Trois Dames
Exaltée
Switzerland

In this bière de coupage, the brewery used a blend composed of 75% fresh saison and 25% foudre aged mature sour beer. This allows the acidity, funkiness, and tropical flavors found in the aged portion to cut through the dry, bitter, young saison. The result is a bitter, dry, sour, and funky beer that is an instant classic.

ABV: 5.2% alcohol / volume
Style: Farmhouse Ale – Brett Saison
Beer Style at WineStyles: Fruity & Spicy 

Fiancee ChasselasBrasserie Trois Dames
Fiancée Chasselas
Switzerland

This beer is a marriage between dry saison and the Chasselas grapes found in the heart of Romandy (French-speaking area in Switzerland). For this hybrid beer, we used grapes from their friends, the 4th generation winemakers of Domaine de Boulaz in Bonvillars on the southwestern shore of Lake Neuchâtel. This beer is an invitation to gather with friends and family to share a good bottle. Naturally bottle conditioned, unfiltered, and unpasteurized. 

ABV: 5.9% alcohol / volume
Style: Dry Saison with Chasselas Grapes
Beer Style at WineStyles: Fruity & Spicy 

ABOUT BRASSERIE TROIS DAMES:
Founded in 2003, by Raphël Mettler, the brewery is named after three ladies at home, his wife and two daughters, thus the name “Trois Dames”. Raphaël and his team crafted beers made to surprise their consumers – both in terms of their audacity in taste and their appearance. This is a limited item beer club, as Brasserie Trois Dames decided to close their doors in September 2020. The brand is still linked to the family and will not be sold, so it can continue to be at the disposal of the three ladies for future collaborations or other projects that may come to life. Learn more about the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

Photos and information © Brasserie Trois Dames – All Rights Reserved.

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April Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine Clubpeach-wineRoscato
Peach Semi-Sweet
Lombardy, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Ripe and juicy, this wine stays on the sunny side of life. This wine highlights flavors of ripe stone fruit (think: peak-season peach and apricot).

Pairing: Buffalo wings, brunch favors, and hanging with friends on the patio.

tropical-wineRoscato
Tropical Semi-Sweet
Lombardy, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Exotic and tangy, this wine gives you “vacay” vibes all year round. It highlights notes of pineapple and mango with a juicy passionfruit finish.

Pairing: Fruit salad, shrimp cocktail and dips in the pool.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: These sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section will pair well with a soft cheese, such as a brie. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Frozen Tropical drink in wine glass

Roscato Frozen Tropical Blast

Frozen Tropical Blast Cocktail Recipe:

  • 6 oz Roscato Tropical (or Roscato Peach)
  • 3 oz coconut water
  • 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
  • 1/2 cup frozen peaches
  • 2 tbsp toasted flaked coconut

In a blender, combine Roscato, coconut water, pineapple and peaches; blend on high speed until smooth. Divide between two glasses, garnish with coconut.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Roscato is an irresistible range of high-quality wines from Northern Italy, near the Italian Alps and Lake Garda – the ideal climate for perfect wine-growing conditions. The winery combines traditional grape growing methods with modern winemaking techniques to produce their lively wines. Whether you are a fan of sweet, rich, bold or soft & silky wines, Roscato wines offer a perfect complement to any cuisine. Learn more here. >

Information © Roscato Wine – All Rights Reserved.

Sweet ClubLove the Sweet life?
“Wine” not try our Sweet Club! 

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April Bubbly Club Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubCremant-dAlsace-Lucien-Albrecht-Brut-WE_eLucien Albrecht
Crémant d’Alsace Brut
Orschwihr, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This Crémant presents a yellow pale disk with nice brilliance with fine & delicate bubbles and a regular mousse persistence. The nose reveals lots of floral & expressive aromas of fresh fruits (apple, peaches & apricots). On the palate, it develops a fruity lively feel, nice maturity & flavors of ripe fruit. 

Analysis: 12.07% alcohol / volume
Residual Sugar: 8.6 g/L
TA: 3.75 g/L
Vinification: 100% hand harvested, extended and soft pressed, 6-8 weeks controlled fermentation in stainless steel, then laid on racks for a minimum of 12 months.
Aging Potential: Enjoy it now or keep it up to 3 years
Serving Recommendation: Serve at 44.6-46.4ºF.
Food Pairing: Classic for every occasion
Awards:

  • Gold Medal Vinalies Internationales 2020
  • 91 pts. Wine Enthusiast 2020
  • 91 pts. Editor’s Choice Wine Enthusiast (Nov. 1, 2018)
  • #71 Top 100 Wines of 2018

VINTAGE:
Very mild temperatures in mid-April encouraged rapid budding and very strong vine growth. Mild and sunny flowering period produced grapes of a nice size – a good omen for the harvest conditions. An exceptionally sunny and hot summer followed. This vintage is characterized by structure and fullness and retained an astonishing freshness despite the hot August days.

Cremant-dAlsace-Lucien-Albrecht-Brut-Rose_eLucien Albrecht
Crémant d’Alsace Rosé Brut
Orschwihr, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This Crémant Rosé, made of 100% Pinot Noir, combines roundness and body into one. In the glass, there are hints of pink reflections and salmon nuances supported by elegant effervescence. Delicate red fruit character on the palate completes this wine.

Analysis: 11.98% alcohol / volume
Residual Sugar: 9.8 g/L
TA: 3.18 g/L
Vinification: 100% hand harvested, extended and soft pressed, 6-8 weeks controlled fermentation in stainless steel, then laid on racks for a minimum of 12 months.
Aging Potential: Enjoy it now or up to 3 years.
Serving Recommendation: Serve at 44.6-46.4ºF.
Food Pairing: This sparkling wine is an invitation to festive occasions
Awards:

  • Silver Vinalies Internationales 2020
  • 90 pts. Wine Enthusiast 2020

VINTAGE:
Very mild temperatures in mid-April encouraged rapid budding and very strong vine growth. Mild and sunny flowering period produced grapes of a nice size – a good omen for the harvest conditions. An exceptionally sunny and hot summer followed. The wines of this vintage are characterized by structure and fullness and retained an astonishing freshness despite the hot August days.

ABOUT CRÉMANT D’ALSACE APPELLATION D’ORIGINE CONTRÔLÉE:
Crémant d’Alsace Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée was created in 1976 to distinguish the wines obtained by the sparkling champagne method. The term “crémant” comes from Champagne, where it had fallen out of use. It was used in the recognition of the efforts made by several Alsatian winemakers, including the Maison Lucien Albrecht.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The vineyards are mainly situated in Orschwihr, a wine-growing village in southern Alsace. From 728, Orschwihr was known under the name of Otalesvilare. From the 13th to 16th centuries, the village and its surroundings were controlled by nobility: the bishops of Strasbourg, Basel and Hapsburg in particular. Even in this era, there were strong ties to the vineyards and land as a precious asset to be cherished and glorified.

Map of Orschwihr, FranceThe Maison Lucien Albrecht’s origins can be traced back to 1698 when Balthazar Albrecht settled in Orschwihr, a small Alsatian village ideal for its growing conditions. Eight generations later, the family continues to work in these same unique terroirs creating world renowned wines. Passed down from father to son, each generation has adapted its wine-growing and wine-making methods gradually to get the very best out of the terroir, while still producing authentic wines, characteristic to Alsace. Learn more about the family history here.

Vineyards at Lucien Albrecht

Information © Crémant d’Alsace – All Rights Reserved

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Rangel Ranch Zinfandel

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Vanilla Cheesecake with Berries Vanilla Cheesecake with Berry Compote

INGREDIENTS:

  • For the Crust:
    • 2 package Bahlsen Waffeletten cookies
    • 2 cups crushed butter crackers (approx. 30)
    • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • For the Cheesecake:
    • ½ cup whole milk
    • 2 vanilla bean pods, cut half lengthwise
    • 2 pounds cream cheese, room temperature
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 4 large eggs
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    • 4 ounces white chocolate, chopped
  • For the Mixed Berry Compote:
    • 1 cup raspberries
    • 1 cup blueberries
    • 1 cup strawberries
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar

DIRECTIONS:

  1. For the Crust:
    1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
    2. Add the Bahlsen Waffeletten Cookies and crackers to your food processor and pulse until finely chopped; then slowly pour in the butter until well combined.
    3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a lightly buttered 8-inch springform pan; then bake for 5 minutes. Remove and allow to cool.
  2. For the Cheesecake:
    1. Add the milk to a small saucepan; then scrape off as much of the vanilla beans into the milk as you can using the back of a knife. Add the vanilla bean pods to the milk; then warm over medium heat. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
    2. Combine the cream cheese and sugar in your stand mixer until creamy; then add the eggs, vanilla and cooled milk.
    3. Mix until creamy; then stir in the white chocolate by hand and pour into the cooled crust.
    4. Place the cheesecake on a baking sheet and add 2 cups of water to the pan so that you create a water bath for the springform pan.
    5. Bake on the middle oven rack for approximately 50-60 minutes or until top is lightly brown and the top springs back when gently touched. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before refrigerating.
    6. Top with the mixed berry compote when ready to serve.
  3. For the Mixed Berry Compote:
    1. Add all ingredients to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

© Recipe courtesy of Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen.

APRIL WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoRangel-Ranch-North-Coast-Zinfandel-bottleRangel Ranch
Zinfandel
North Coast, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Zinfandel is medium-bodied with notes of dark cherry, raspberry and spice wrapped in gentle oak. 

Varietal: Zinfandel
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.51
TA: 0.57%
RS: 0.51%
Pairing: BBQ, smoked cheeses, salami, spicy cuisine, and cheesecake with berry compote

Winemaking:
Stainless steel fermentation at 90ºF; daily pump over, aged 18 months in American Oak barrels.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Rangel Ranch focuses on the traditions of their family making and enjoying food friendly wines. Their wines reflect their family history and heritage in every bottle of their Napa County and North Coast releases. Vintage to vintage, winemaker, Paul Scotto, focuses on wine profiles that have held wide appeal through the decades and remain true to the Rangel family traditions. The reds are oak accented with soft tannins and ready to enjoy right away; while the whites are unoaked, crisp and medium bodied.

ABOUT SCOTTO CELLARS:

The family’s vinous heritage and history dates back to 1883 when Salvatore Dominic Scotto, an officer in the Italian Navy, began making wine at his home on the Island of Ischia, just off the coast of Italy.  In addition to making wine for his family (a long-held custom in Italy), Salvatore also treated his friends and neighbors to the fruits of his labor. 

Great-great grandpa Salvatore passed his skills along to his son Dominic, who migrated to Brooklyn in 1903 and continued the family’s winemaking tradition in America. He carried on the Scotto heritage with his sons who sold their father’s homemade wine in five-gallon crocks from the family’s horse drawn cart. After Prohibition, Anthony Sr. and his older brother Sal created Villa Armando (nicknamed Rustico).  Rustico is still produced today and has filled 200,000,000 glasses since its inception, making it one of California’s oldest wine brands.

Today Scotto Cellars is a 5th-generation family-owned and managed wine producing company.  They take pride in treating team members not only as collaborators but also as family members who are encouraged to think creatively and live with a can-do attitude. For five generations the Scotto family has embraced the Old World traditions of sharing meals and celebrating meaningful moments with friends.  Wine has always been a centerpiece of these events and a reflection of Scotto’s Italian heritage they so proudly embrace.  Read more >

Scotto Cellars 5th Generation

Information © Rangel Ranch – All Rights Reserved.

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

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Rangel Ranch Sauvignon Blanc

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Thai, Shrimps, Green, Curry.Easy Thai Shrimp Curry

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 red pepper sliced
  • 3 tablespoons green onions (whites parts, coarsely chopped)
  • 4 ounces green curry paste
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
  • 1–15 ounce can coconut milk
  • 10 fresh basil leaves torn in pieces
  • salt to taste
  • 1 lime optional for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until it just starts to brown.
  2. Add the sliced red peppers and the white parts of the green onions and cook for 2 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
  3. Add the curry paste and fry, while stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds. 
  4. Add the fish sauce, coconut sugar and coconut milk and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes. 
  5. Add the shrimp, turn off the heat and cover. Let it sit for 10 minutes, until the shrimp has turned pink and is cooked through.
  6. Once the shrimp is cooked, stir in the basil leaves and add any additional salt to taste. Squeeze a touch of fresh lime juice over the top for an extra fresh burst of flavor. 

© Recipe courtesy of Went Here 8 This.

APRIL WINE CLUB:

Silky styleRangel-Ranch-Napa-County-Sauv-Blanc-bottleRangel Ranch
Sauvignon Blanc
Napa County, California

SILKY WINE STYLE

The nose is filled with lime, citrus and quince aromatics supported by fragrant floral and mineral notes with a subtle herbal accent.

Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Analysis: 13.7% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.13
TA: 0.63%
RS: 0.06%
Pairing: Thai cuisine, seafood dishes, charcuterie, grilled vegetables, and bright fruit desserts like lemon tarts

Winemaking:
Fermented in a combination of stainless steel tanks and custom coopered oak followed by 14 months in barrel; very dry, excellent balance.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Rangel Ranch focuses on the traditions of their family making and enjoying food friendly wines. Their wines reflect their family history and heritage in every bottle of their Napa County and North Coast releases. Vintage to vintage, winemaker, Paul Scotto, focuses on wine profiles that have held wide appeal through the decades and remain true to the Rangel family traditions. The reds are oak accented with soft tannins and ready to enjoy right away; while the whites are unoaked, crisp and medium bodied.

ABOUT SCOTTO CELLARS:

The family’s vinous heritage and history dates back to 1883 when Salvatore Dominic Scotto, an officer in the Italian Navy, began making wine at his home on the Island of Ischia, just off the coast of Italy.  In addition to making wine for his family (a long-held custom in Italy), Salvatore also treated his friends and neighbors to the fruits of his labor. 

Great-great grandpa Salvatore passed his skills along to his son Dominic, who migrated to Brooklyn in 1903 and continued the family’s winemaking tradition in America. He carried on the Scotto heritage with his sons who sold their father’s homemade wine in five-gallon crocks from the family’s horse drawn cart. After Prohibition, Anthony Sr. and his older brother Sal created Villa Armando (nicknamed Rustico).  Rustico is still produced today and has filled 200,000,000 glasses since its inception, making it one of California’s oldest wine brands.

Today Scotto Cellars is a 5th-generation family-owned and managed wine producing company.  They take pride in treating team members not only as collaborators but also as family members who are encouraged to think creatively and live with a can-do attitude. For five generations the Scotto family has embraced the Old World traditions of sharing meals and celebrating meaningful moments with friends.  Wine has always been a centerpiece of these events and a reflection of Scotto’s Italian heritage they so proudly embrace.  Read more >

Scotto Cellars 5th Generation

Information © Rangel Ranch – All Rights Reserved.

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >

 
 
 

 

April Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Stuffed Mushrooms

Classic Stuffed Mushrooms

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 ½ pounds white mushrooms cleaned, stems removed
  • stems from mushrooms finely diced
  • 1 sweet onion finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 8 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs*
  • 1 cup grated Romano cheese**
  • Kosher salt
  • pepper

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven 400°F.
  2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the stems and onions until the onions are softened and translucent. This should take about 10 minutes.
  3. Stir in garlic and sauté until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  4. Stir in breadcrumbs and Romano cheese. Season with salt and pepper. The cheese is salty, so make sure you taste first then salt.
  5. Stuff the mushrooms with the filling. Use a teaspoon to fill each cap, then pile more on top using the spoon to form a mound.
  6. Place on a parchment or foil lined baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the tops are golden.

© Recipe courtesy of The Genetic Chef.

APRIL WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoRangel-Ranch-North-Coast-Cabernet-Sauvignon-bottleRangel Ranch
Cabernet Sauvignon
North Coast, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon is medium to full-bodied with multi-layered flavors of dark plums and blackberries with gentle tannins.

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.59
Total Acidity: 0.52%
Residual Sugars: 0.30%
Pairing: Stuffed mushrooms, spaghetti with meatballs, prime rib or roasted potatoes

Winemaking:
Fermented 12 days on the skins at 90ºF. Pumped over 3-4 times daily. Aged 18 months in French and American Oak Barrels.

ABOUT RANGEL RANCH:
Rangel Ranch focuses on the traditions of their family making and enjoying food friendly wines. Their wines reflect their family history and heritage in every bottle of their Napa County and North Coast releases. Vintage to vintage, winemaker, Paul Scotto, focuses on wine profiles that have held wide appeal through the decades and remain true to the Rangel family traditions. The reds are oak accented with soft tannins and ready to enjoy right away; while the whites are unoaked, crisp and medium bodied.

ABOUT SCOTTO CELLARS:

The family’s vinous heritage and history dates back to 1883 when Salvatore Dominic Scotto, an officer in the Italian Navy, began making wine at his home on the Island of Ischia, just off the coast of Italy.  In addition to making wine for his family (a long-held custom in Italy), Salvatore also treated his friends and neighbors to the fruits of his labor. 

Great-great grandpa Salvatore passed his skills along to his son Dominic, who migrated to Brooklyn in 1903 and continued the family’s winemaking tradition in America. He carried on the Scotto heritage with his sons who sold their father’s homemade wine in five-gallon crocks from the family’s horse drawn cart. After Prohibition, Anthony Sr. and his older brother Sal created Villa Armando (nicknamed Rustico).  Rustico is still produced today and has filled 200,000,000 glasses since its inception, making it one of California’s oldest wine brands.

Today Scotto Cellars is a 5th-generation family-owned and managed wine producing company.  They take pride in treating team members not only as collaborators but also as family members who are encouraged to think creatively and live with a can-do attitude. For five generations the Scotto family has embraced the Old World traditions of sharing meals and celebrating meaningful moments with friends.  Wine has always been a centerpiece of these events and a reflection of Scotto’s Italian heritage they so proudly embrace.  Read more >

Scotto Cellars 5th Generation

Information © Rangel Ranch – All Rights Reserved.

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >

 
 
 

 

April Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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Collectors Wine ClubAudere wine bottleHertelendy Vineyards
Audēre Red Blend 2018
(glow-in-the-dark label)
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

In Latin, Audēre means to dare or to risk. This unique Bordeaux blend is a risk-taker as it defies conventional winemaking methods and boldly stands out. This blend hails from ultra premium, volcanic Napa areas, such as Pritchard Hill, Howell Mountain, Atlas Peak and Hertelendy’s very own Rockwell Ridge estate vineyard (planted in 1993 at 1365 feet, 35 feet below the Howell Mountain AVA). Enjoy a burst of flavor, serious tannins, and a full-bodied mouth feel… plus, the label glows in the dark! 

Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 39% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, 10% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc
Harvest Dates: September 26, 2018 – October 30, 2018
Release Date: October 10, 2022
Cooperage: 23 months in 90% French & Hungarian Oak
Growing Season: 2018 was an extraordinary year with the most predictable weather conditions and no heat spikes, which resulted in the longest hang-time on the vines. Vintner, Ralph Hertelendy believes it was the best vintage of the decade.
Cases Produced: 329
Winemakers: Ralph Hertelendy & Phillip Corallo-Titus

CRITIC’S REVIEWS:
“The 2018 ‘Audere’ is another fantastic wine from Hertelendy in this vintage and similar to last years release, this is the most accessible wine from this outstanding lineup. It begins with seductive aromas of ripe blackberries, black cherries currants which are joined by exotic spices, violets, wet gravel, tobacco and hints of earthy nuances all developing in the glass. On the palate this is full-bodied and well-structured with beautifully polished tannins. It displays outstanding concentration and overall balance with a long seamless finish leaving behind flavors of black fruits, tobacco, violets and spices all leave a lasting impression. This is already fantastic, however it also has the structure to take on additional bottle age and evolve gracefully for years to come.” — 95 Points, International Wine Report

2017_SMB_Bottle ImageHertelendy Vineyards
Signature Mountain Blend 2017
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Composed of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, this limited case production (6 barrels) is the closest wine in Hertelendy Vineyard’s program that could be called an “Estate Wine”, as most of the blend comes from their very own Rockwell Ridge Estate Vineyard (located 35 feet below the Howell Mountain AVA). It is a delectable representation of what their Estate Rockwell Ridge Vineyard (blended with Howell Mountain, Pritchard Hill & Atlas Peak fruit (can produce). 

Analysis: 14.7% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 49% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec, 1% Petite Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc
Harvest Dates: September 7, 2017 – October 7, 2017
Release Date: February 22, 2021
Cooperage: 23 months in 90% new French & Hungarian Oak
Growing Season: 2017 was a great vintage overall where record-setting winter rains ended their five year drought. A lengthy, moderately warm summer created idyllic conditions for density, ripeness, and concentration. However, the winery lost 50% of their total yield to the fires.
Cases Produced: 150 (6 barrels)
Winemakers: Ralph Hertelendy & Phillip Corallo-Titus

CRITIC’S REVIEWS:

  • 96 Points & Double Gold Medal in the Sunset International Wine Competition
  • “The 2017 Signature Mountain Blend is another stellar wine from Hertelendy in this vintage. This instantly begins to impress as it displays wonderful purity and freshness, releasing gorgeous nuances of ripe cassis, dark cherries and blueberries, which are followed by exotic spices, dark florals, licorice, fresh sage and underlying hints of espresso all taking shape. On the palate this is full-bodied and impeccably balanced, with outstanding concentration and a layered mouthfeel that continues seamlessly through the finish. This is a simply sensational wine that is drinking incredibly well now, but should also hold up beautifully for decades and become even more compelling over time. “— 95 Points, International Wine Report
  • “Coming from the estate property on Howell Mountain, the Bordeaux blend 2017 Signature Mountain Blend has a perfumed, floral, incense, vanilla, and violets tinged bouquet that’s supported by plenty of blue fruits. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it has good acidity, a firm, tight, compact feel on the palate, ripe tannins, and outstanding length.” — 93 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Hertelendy Vineyards is a luxurious, boutique winery that specializes in producing Bordeaux blends from the most ultra premium terroirs that Napa Valley has to offer. Their ancestors have been making wines in Hungary since the 1700’s, and mountainous, volcanic terroir has always been a Hertelendy winemaking tradition. In 2013, Hertelendy Vineyards was founded by Ralph Hertelendy, who acquired this 4 acre vineyard on the slopes of Howell Mountain. Today, Ralph, and Winemaking Consultant, Phillip Corallo-Titus continuously work together to create wines that meet in the middle of their styles – creating beautiful, compromising expressions that otherwise wouldn’t have been made. Learn more about their story here.

Photos, video and information © Hertelendy– All Rights Reserved.

Collectors Wine ClubLove to collect amazing wines?
Learn more about our quarterly Collectors Club > click here

 

 

 

Winery Spotlight Series: April 11, 2023

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Clos LaChance Vineyards logo
Styles wine bottles with winemaker Steve Driscoll

STYLES Wine Tasting with Clos LaChance Vineyards and Guest Speaker, Steve Driscoll
San Martin, California

Tuesday, April 11, 2023
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

California Certified Sustainable logoJoin us for an exclusive tasting featuring our STYLES wines, created in collaboration with Clos LaChance winery – a family-owned and certified sustainable winery in California. Steve Drsicoll, Winemaker at Clos LaChance, will be our guest speaker and tasting us through our six Style Wines on the big screen at the store. Discover your favorite wine STYLE with Steve!
 
STYLE Wines Tasted (for tasting notes, click on each style):
  1. CRISP
  2. SILKY
  3. RICH
  4. FRUITY
  5. MELLOW
  6. BOLD

To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please contact your local participating WineStyles store. Or, if you prefer to attend remotely, pre-order a wine tasting kit to-go from your local participating store and watch/taste along with us on Zoom.

Jan19_Styles_wines_email-header

About Clos LaChance:

Clos LaChance winery is a multi-generational family-owned and operated winery.  Located within the Central Coast American Viticultural Area (AVA), tucked into the beautiful Hayes Valley in San Martin, California.  Being good stewards of land and resources, the Clos LaChance Winery and Estate Vineyard is proud to be Certified Sustainable by the California Sustainable Wine Growing Alliance.  Owners Bill and Brenda Murphy are especially vested in the sustainability of the vineyard and winery—creating a legacy for their children, grandchildren and generations to come.

Sustainability is an ever-evolving practice. As a member of the Central Coast Vineyard Team, Clos LaChance has also actively participated in the Wine Institute Sustainability Self-Assessment Program, identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement. They are proud of current achievements to create an environmentally, economically and socially sound business, and will continue working towards more sustainable practices.

In early 2009, Clos LaChance’s 150-acre Estate vineyard was one of seventeen California vineyards to be Sustainably Certified via the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. The production facility was certified shortly thereafter.  Learn more about their winery here.

Clos LaChance Winery

© Clos LaChance Wines

About Steve Driscoll, Winemaker:

Steve Driscoll

© Steve Driscoll

Steve graduated with a degree in Wine and Viticulture from the University of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and spent 2 years roaming the cellar of Edna Valley Vineyards, in which he helped produce fine Pinot Noir and Chardonnays. Afterwards he became Cellar Master for Ruby Hill Winery, one of the oldest wineries in the Livermore Valley, producing great California Zinfandels and Petite Sirahs. In 2009 Steve set off for New Zealand to expand his knowledge of winemaking and new world wines. He worked for a large custom crush facility producing well known staples of the industry, like Kim Crawford and Little Penguin. After traveling the world, Steve came back to the Central Coast California to join the Clos LaChance team. His knowledge of the cellar and his passion for producing fine wines is unrivaled, and possibly only matched, by his passion for Metallica and Def Leppard. Learn more about Steve and the Clos LaChance team here.

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Photos and Information © Clos LaChance – All Rights Reserved.

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
STYLES Wine Tasting with Clos LaChance Vineyards
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST
Cheers!
WineStyles.com
 

March Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubIrishCheddarPorterCladdagh Bó
Irish Cheddar Cheese with Porter Beer
Limerick, Ireland

Made by the O’Doherty family at their award-winning Old Irish Creamery located in County Limerick on the west coast of Ireland. Their Irish Cheddar with Porter is a creamy pasteurized cow’s milk Irish Cheddar that is covered in original Irish Porter, giving both a deep flavor and beautiful marbled look to this stunning cheese. With superb taste and texture, this new Claddaugh Bó line represents the very best of the cheesemaking traditions from the Emerald Isle.

Pairing: Add this stunning cheese to your charcuterie board and wow your guests.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
This cheese pairs beautifully with a Zinfandel wine. For beer, look for a Porter or a Stout (keep the flavors from the cheese going).

WINESTYLES: Mellow
BEERSTYLES: Dark & Roasty

Information © Somerdale International and Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Aged-Red_Leicester-cheeseLong Clawson Dairy
Rutland Red
Leicestershire, England

This clothbound Red Leicester cheese is produced by Long Clawson Dairy in Leicestershire, England. Made using traditional recipes using pasteurized cow’s milk, this cheese is buttered, cloth-bound and matured for six months to produce a flaky, open texture cheese with a slightly sweet, caramelized flavor and rich golden orange color from the addition of annatto seeds. Its flavors are mellow and toasty with lingering caramel notes. This Rutland Red is an award winning cheese – three gold medals at the Global Cheese Awards,  four gold medals at the Tesco Red Leiscester Trophy and the International Cheese Awards. 

Pairing: Serve on a cheese board with pickles and rustic bread, or enjoy grated on top of biscuits, mashed potatoes, stews and Shepard’s Pie.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
This cheese suits a full bodied white wine such as an oaked Chardonnay. If you’re wanting a red wine, partner this cheese with a medium bodied Rioja. For craft beer, look for a Brown Ale.

WINESTYLES: Bold and Rich
BEERSTYLES: Fruity & Spicy

Information © Long Clawson Dairy and Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club!  Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >