Author Archives: mcginnessalex

August Bubbly Club: Strandveld

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Strandveld-Skaamgesiggie-Pinot_noir-sparklingStrandveld Vineyards
Skaamgesiggie
Pinot Noir Brut 
South Africa

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The delicate Cap Classique is made in the traditional method from Pinot Noir grapes. It highlights notes of strawberry, cherry and oyster shell and has a fine, lingering mousse that delights the palate.

The wine is named after the very rare and beautiful Protea pudens, affectionately known as the Skaamgesiggie or in English the “Bashful Sugarbush”, because of its unique downward hanging flowers. This shy Protea is endemic to the Strandveld. It is endangered and is categorized as a ‘red data’ species.

Analysis: 11.23% alcohol / volume
Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir
Residual Sugar: 6.1 g/L
Total Acidity: 6.6 g/L
pH: 3.27
Appellation: Elim, Cape Agulhas, South Africa
Bottling: En tirage for second fermentation on August 3, 2018. Disgorged August 16, 2019.
Pairing Recommendations: Oysters, salads, sushi, salmon, trout, duck breast or a yogurt dessert (recommended recipe below).

VINTAGE:
Winter of 2017 was one of the driest in the Western Cape in the last century; fortunately, the winter rains were within average range. The winery received very late cold fronts with icy rain in mid-September. The storm did extreme damage to the young shoots, so while they received water for irrigation, the price paid was the loss of half of their potential crop almost overnight. In late November, they had a further blow with a hail storm that caused more vineyard damage – resulting in the final harvest crop being on average a very low 3.5 ton/ha. The conditions during the rest of the growing season were moderate with cool, dry weather and the small crop was handled with care to make the most of it. The result was a small, concentrated vintage, comparable to 2015.

VINIFICATION:
Specially selected Pinot Noir grapes were harvested at 65.3ºF, and were cooled to 35.6ºF before being loaded whole bunch into the press for 5 hours with skin contact. Only the first 550l of juice per ton obtained from gentle pressing was used. The clear juice was cold fermented with selected year strains. After fermentation, the base wine was matured in 500L French oak barrels for 7 months. The base wine was then reinoculated with yeast and a small amount of sugar, then bottled under crown cap for a second fermentation.

ABOUT STRANDVELD VINEYARDS:
Driven by a deep passion for premium, quality wines, and the spirit of discovery, Strandveld refers to the coastal belt of land which straddles the coastline around Africa’s southernmost tip at Cape Agulhas – where the vineyard proudly stands. This confluence of maritime climate, varying sites and soil types creates the diversity of terroir that distinguishes their unique and remarkably complex wines. Learn more about their history here.

Strandveld Vineyards

Terrior Standveld Vineyards

Strandveld Vineyards South Africa

Recipe Recommendation:

Yogurt,With,BerriesBAKED YOGURT WITH FRESH BERRIES:

  • Makes 6-8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 cups Fresh Cream
  • 2 cups Double Cream Greek Yogurt
  • 1 cup condensed milk
  • 3 granadillas (or fruit of your choice)
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries

DIRECTIONS:

  • Mix the cream, yogurt and condensed milk together and stir until smooth
  • Divide evenly among ramekins
  • Bake in a preheated over at 140ºC (284ºF for about 10 minutes)
  • Remove from the oven and leave to cool at room temperature (or refrigerate for later)
  • To serve, scoop out the pulp of half a granadilla onto each baked yogurt
  • Finish with a generous scoop of berries

© Information provided by Strandveld Vineyards.
© Recipe from Liezie Mulder’s Book “île de païn-anytime”

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August Sweet Club Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubQuinta de la RosaQuinta de La Rosa
Extra Dry White Port
Douro, Portugal

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This Extra Dry White Port is a first class aperitif wine with a beautiful amber/honey color. It showcases excellent fruit, as well as hints of pear drop, on the palate, all while maintaining the quintessential La Rosa long, dry finish.

Varietal: Mainly Viosinho, Gouveia, Rabigato and Malvasia Fina
Analysis: 19.5% alcohol / volume
Total Acidity: 3.00 g/dm3
Residual Sugars: 20-30 g/dm
pH: 3.8
Aging: 2-3 years in large ‘tonels’ (large 550L pipes)
Production: Regularly

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Enjoy on its own as a chilled aperitif.  Or serve with roasted almonds and olives, terrines and pâtés. Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an aged cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

TERROIR:
Still largely unexplored, the terroir in the Douro offers incredible opportunities. La Rosa’s vines rise dramatically out of the river with the imposing Vale do Inferno vineyard, and climb majestically up to an altitude of 500m. The estate’s grapes are category A – the very best the Douro has to offer. The remarkable freshness and minerality that Quinta’s unique terroir provides, along with a steadfast desire to ensure their brandy is will integrated, means that all of Quinta de la Rosa’s Ports are made in drier ‘house style’ without any overpowering sweetness.

PRODUCTION:
The first pressings of the grapes are fun off and used in their white wines. When then pH starts to rise, the last approximately 10% of the juice is drawn off into stainless steel vats, to be made into white port, stopping the fermentation by adding brandy. The Extra Dry White Port is blended from stocks held at La Rosa and is aged in large “tunnels” for an average of 2-3 years.

Qunita De La Rosa White Port

ABOUT QUINTA DE LA ROSA:
Located along the river, a short distance from Pinhão, in the Cima Corgo subregion of the Douro, Quinta de la Rosa is a Single Quinta winery famed for its premium wines and ports. Having been family owned and run since 1906, La Rosa is committed to respectful innovation in its pursuit of excellence. All of the estate’s grapes are category A – the very best the Douro has to offer. La Rosa’s wines and ports continue to receive 95+ points and they have been invited to join the top 273 wineries in the world at Wine Spectator’s New York Wine Experience. Quinta de la Rosa has a commitment to sustainable farming and winemaking, as well as sustainable tourism, that shows in their efforts at their hotel and restaurant. Learn more about their story here.

© Information provided by Quinta de la Rosa

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July Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubBaby-Gouda-8oz-Wedge-emailSawatch Artisan Foods Baby Gouda Colorado Springs, Colorado

This Gouda is a satisfying cheese that everyone will love. It’s made by hand, brined and aged for 2-4 months on traditional Dutch pine planks. The result is a creamy bite and a mild flavor that makes this cheese an easy crowd favorite. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Pair with a light wine, such as a Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay or glass or Champagne/Sparkling White Wine. For beer, look for a light or pale lager or ale. WINESTYLES: Crisp BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean sawatch hh 1221-0215_ret

Unsalted-1lb-emailSawatch Artisan Foods European Style Butter – Unsalted Colorado Springs, Colorado

This European Style Butter isn’t your run-of-the-mill butter you would find in the grocery store. Containing a minimum butterfat content of 85%, this is butter that’s made the way it should be: with fresh, local cream, churned daily in small batches. The result becomes a satisfying, creamy, high quality butter that makes everything you put on it, or in it, that much better. sawatch hh 1221-359 Sawatch Artisan FoodsABOUT SAWATCH ARTISAN FOODS: We are so excited to showcase Sawatch products for our Cheese Club this month, it’s the first time they are sold outside of Colorado! This high-quality Colorado dairy produces handcrafted products with care, time and good taste. They believe in simple, wholesome ingredients… nothing else. They work in small batches with only the freshest local dairy and commit to a slow, artisan, handcrafted process, even though it takes more time. They aim to produce creative flavors, while also maintaining their high-quality staples. Learn more about their story here.

Cheese_springDon’t let your Wine Club go home alone! 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 >

July Premium Wine Club

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Bold wine Style logoPascual Toso Alta CabernetPascual Toso
Alta Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza, Argentina

BOLD WINE STYLE

Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced from 60 year old vines, Pascual Toso Alta has a nose and palate redolent of boysenberry and raspberry, with hints of vanilla, baking spices and chocolate. Complex and well-balanced, it is elegant in structure with gentle tannins and a lingering finish.

Analysis: 14.0% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Total Acidity: 6.07 g/L
Residual Sugar: 2.63 g/L
pH: 3.66
Appellation: Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina
Serving: Serve between 59°F and 62°F with red meats, pasta dishes or mature cheeses
Critical Acclaim: 93 pts JamesSuckling.com; 92 pts Decanter; 2022 Decanter World Wine Award Silver

WINEMAKER NOTES:
The grapes are 100% estate grown and hand-picked using small baskets. The vineyard is carefully managed to ensure the grapes reach optimum ripeness. Cold maceration takes place over 48 hours, prior to fermentation.  The winemaker process is carried out in stainless steel tanks and macerated from 15 to 20 days.  To obtain its maximum expression, the wine is softly filtered before being bottled.  Aged in new French oak barrels for 14 months, it then receives an extra six months aging in bottle prior to release.

ABOUT PASCUAL TOSO:
When in the mid 1880s Pascual Toso set out towards Argentina from its home town, Canale D’Alba, in Piamonte, Italy, he could not have imagined that he would become the founder of a winery, which is today one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in Argentina.

When he arrived in Argentina, he settled in Mendoza. As he had been closely involved in the development of his family wine business in Piedmont, he promptly saw the promising future for winemaking in the region and decided to use his expertise. Thus, in 1890, Pascual Toso established his first winery.

At the beginning of the 20th century, he decided to expand his business and acquired vineyards in Maipú. At his estate “Las Barrancas”, he built another winery, “Las Barrancas” (small Canyon) which is dedicated to producing and growing the finest grapes. Since 1890, Bodegas y Viñedos Pascual Toso has become one of the most exciting and promising Argentine wineries and remains faithful to its principles: Tradition, Authenticity, Innovation. Learn more >

Bold wine Style logoParticular_Cabernet_Franc_2019-wine-bottleBodegas Bianchi
Particular Cabernet Franc
Mendoza, Argentina

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Cabernet Franc is deep red in color with intense and lively purple hues. On the nose, there are aromas of black currant and cassis, combined with sweet spices, such as red peppers and black pepper, as well as vanilla and smokey aromas from the oak aging. It has a great structure and volume on the palate, with sweet tannins. It is elegant, with a balanced acidity and a persistent finish.

Analysis: 14.6% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 95% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec
Total Acidity: 5.7 g/L
Residual Sugar: 3.5 g/L
pH: 3.55
Region: Uco Valley, San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina
Serving: Room temperature as the perfect accompaniment to pork and beef, as well as salmon or other flavorful fish.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
The grapes come from the Uco Valley, or more precisely, from Los Chacayes, Tunuyan. This terroir is renowned for its great properties for producing high-end wines. There is a daily thermal range that brings this varietal to perfect ripeness, and a soil composition that contributes mineral notes. Together, they make this Cabernet Franc a structured and truly complex wine. The wine was aged for 12 months in French barrels; the wine was then transferred to stainless steel tanks for 10-15 days in order to allow the lees to precipitate. After stabilization, the unfiltered, final wine was bottle-aged an additional 8 months.

ABOUT BODEGAS BIANCHI:
Bodegas Bianchi is a family winery that values tradition, quality, prestige and innovation. The history and tradition of Bodegas Bianchi were made possible by owner, Valentín Bianchi. Born in Italy in 1887, Valentín was encouraged to travel to San Rafael at the young age of 23 where he began his new life on this side of the world. In 1928, Valentín achieved his life goal to have his own vineyard and open a winery, of which he named El Chiche, “the small winery of the great wines”. Determined to make the best wines, he imported European vines and adapted them to the climate and characteristics prevalent in the region of San Rafael. As a result, he gradually built a familiar winery whose name would be an authentic patrimony of Argentina: Bodegas Bianchi. Today, Bodegas Bianchi is a global brand present in more than 40 countries, continued by Valentín’s son, Don Enzo Bianchi. Learn more about their winery here.

Valentin Bianchi Winery

Bianchi Family Photo

Don Valentin Bianchi

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July Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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Collectors Wine ClubRobert-Craig_Stick_Blend_2017_bottle_imageRobert Craig Winery
2017 “The Stick” Red Blend
Candlestick Ridge Vineyard
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Cabernet Sauvignon blend is dense, powerful and beautifully concentrated. The nose is perfumed with luxurious  aromas of black currant, boysenberry, cedar box and Herbes de Provence. The intensely layered palate excites with cassis, plum, and graphite. It is rich and seductive with a velvety texture that finishes long and perfumed.

Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc
TA: 6.3 g/L
pH: 3.77
Maturation: 18 months in 70% new French oak
Appellation: Howell Mountain AVA, Napa Valley, California
Winemaker: Jason Price
Critical Acclaim: 93 pts. JamesSuckling.com

VINTAGE:
The 2017 harvest was the first in the area following a 5 year drought. The soils and water table had been replenished and the vines took off early in the season and weather patterns were about normal until late August. In early September, heat spikes hit the valley and set record or near record temperatures. With plenty of water available most vineyards were heavily irrigated and the temperatures cooled in mid-September to more normal levels. The quantity of grapes was quite low, but quality looked to be excellent. A huge wildfire at the end of harvest threatened vines that still had fruit, but luckily the vast majority of grapes were already safely in the winery for the year.

TERROIR:
Just down the road from the estate, Candlestick Ridge is the northernmost vineyard in the Howell Mountain AVA and is slightly warmer than the summit ridge where the Winery Estate vineyard lies. Candlestick is influenced by warm air from Pope Valley to the east and is protected from the constant wind that hits the ridge line. The big subsurface boulders were removed during the replanting, leaving thin tufa soil on top of a rocky volcanic bedrock.

Collectors Wine ClubRobert_Craig_Winery_Howell_Zinfandel_2018_bottle_imageRobert Craig Winery
2018 Howell Mountain Zinfandel
Black Sears Vineyard
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

True to the Howell Mountain, the 2018 vintage is beautifully clean and focused with boysenberry and bramble berry wrapped in a subtle pepper spice on the nose and palate. This Zinfandel is balanced and elegantly structured through the finish.

Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Zinfandel
TA: 6.3 g/L
pH: 3.57
Maturation: 18 months in 60% new French oak
Appellation: Howell Mountain AVA, Napa Valley, California
Winemaker: Jason Price

VINTAGE:
February saw abundant rains, followed by lots of filtered light in the spring and early summer. Both bud break and flowering occurred a bit late, but under ideal weather conditions, creating plentiful and even fruit set. Summer brought generous sun during the day and cooler marine influences, virtually uninterrupted by major heat spikes. The relatively mild summer followed by extended fall sunshine and moderate heat created near-ideal conditions for winemakers to allow their fruit to accumulate flavor complexity with gradual increases in sugar levels.

TERROIR:
Black Sears has “King of the Mountain” bragging rights on Howell Mountain – topping out at 2,400 feet, making it officially the highest vineyard on the mountain. The vineyard is located just past the gate of the Howell Mountain estate, and now the winery surrounds it – literally – having purchased the vineyard just on the other side of it as well. For 25 years, winemakers have clamored for the Zinfandel grown here: both biodynamic and organic, the site is dry farmed and the vines are pruned in the old world style with no trellising. Zinfandel thrives in the mountain’s well-drained, rocky, volcanic soils and moderate climate.

ROBERT CRAIG WINERY:
Bob Craig always had a passion for Napa Valley Mountain Cabernets, so naturally, he founded his eponymous winery on Howell Mountain with three of his friends from business school. In 2004, the team was joined by CEO Elton Slone, who later became a full partner in 2007.  After Bob’s retirement and departure from the wine business in 2012, Slone has continued to move the business forward with the other three founding partners. Today, the winery is still known for producing small-lot, site-expressive wines from high elevation vineyards. Robert Craig Winery consistently receives high scores and positive accolades from the wine press. Learn more about the winery here.


Hess Collection Allomi Cabernet SauvignonThe Hess Collection
2018 Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon
Allomi Vineyard
Napa Valley, California
375 ml (half bottle)

BOLD WINE STYLE

“The combination of steady heat and well-drained clay loam soils in our Allomi Vineyard allows fruit to ripen evenly, gaining welcomed complexity and layers of flavor. We consistently see beautiful yields from the Allomi Vineyard, and this vintage was no different. On the nose, this wine delivers delicious aromas of boysenberry, blackberry and elegant expressions of lavender alongside a touch of vanilla. Allomi Cabernet is concentrated upon entry with dense, but well-integrated tannins that provide a round, plush mouthfeel. Layers of juicy black fruit, notably black cherry and black plum, lead to elements of espresso supported by a subtle oak spice that adds to the personality of the wine and reminds us why this is one of our most popular Napa offerings.” – Dave Guffy, Director of Winemaking

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petite Sirah, 5% Malbec, 2% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot
TA: 0.58 gms/100ml
pH: 3.76
Harvested: October 8 – November 2, 2018
Maturation: 18 months in 27% new American oak
Appellation: Napa Valley, California
Winemaker: Dave Guffy
Food Pairing: Chocolate Lave Cookie Recipe >

 

VINTAGE:
Budbreak began on schedule at the end of February, and Spring brought moderate temperatures that progressed into a warm Summer without any disruptive heat spikes. Steady, consistent growing conditions provided the perfect environment for the fruit to mature and develop. As the moderate, even temperatures continued into the Fall, harvest started slightly later than normal, and in some areas, extended long into the first week of November. With such lengthy hang time, the fruit matured consistently and was picked when it was at its peak, promising exceptional flavor in bottle.

VINEYARD:
A pioneer by nature, Donald Hess was determined to defy convention and pursue winemaking in the far reaches of the Napa Valley. In 1995, he sought out the Allomi Vineyard with a vision to uncover its potential. Once a dormant beauty, the Allomi Vineyard now gives life to luxury Napa Valley wines. The estate vineyard is located in the gently rolling hills of northeastern Napa Valley. The 210-acre vineyard is focused into 35 unique growing blocks with six different Cabernet clones that add diversity of flavors and complexity to this wine.

THE HESS COLLECTION WINES:
Though just 30 miles long and a few miles wide, Napa Valley is home to diverse micro-climates and soils uniquely suited to wine grape growing. It is considered one of the premier wine regions in the world. The Hess Collection wines are family owned, sustainably farmed and dedicated to reflecting a true sense of place. There wines are recognizable for their elegant, rich and complex flavors and a tradition of excellence. Learn more about the Hess story here >

Chocolate Lava Cookie Recipe

Chocolate Lava Cookie Recipe – pairs with Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon

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July Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Tasty crispy fried wedges of potato with fresh rosemaryDuck Fat Potatoes

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3.5–4 lbs. potatoes, medium or large, Yukon Gold or Russet
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 2 tbsp semolina
  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 7 oz duck fat
  • 2 tsp rosemary, roughly chopped
  • sea salt flakes

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Peel the potatoes, then cut into 3 inch pieces.
  2. Preheat oven to 450°F.

Par Boiling & Roughing up:

  • Add 1 tbsp salt and then the potatoes to a large pot of boiling water. Boil for 10 minutes.
  • Drain potatoes well.
  • After draining the potatoes well, return to the empty pot on the turned off stove and allow to “steam dry” for a few minutes.
  • Add 1.5 tsp salt and the semolina. Place lid on, then shake the pot up and down vigorously 5 to 7 times to rough up the surface.

Roasting:

  • Pour duck fat into heavy based metal roasting pan (not glass or ceramic).
  • Heat in oven for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s shimmering and very hot with little wisps of smoke.
  • Working quickly and carefully, remove pan from oven.
  • Transfer potatoes into the roasting pan (be careful), and turn to coat in fat. Then, arrange the potatoes cut face down.
  • Roast for 25 minutes. Turn potatoes, roast for another 15 minutes. Turn again, then roast for a final 10 to 15 minutes, or until deep golden and super crunchy.
  • Transfer to a warm serving bowl. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes and rosemary, serve immediately.

© Recipe courtesy of Nagi at RecipeTin Eats.

JULY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoKillermans Run Cabernet SauvignonKilikanoon
Killerman’s Run Cabernet Sauvignon
Clare Valley, South Australia

BOLD WINE STYLE

The aromas of blackberry, mocha, sage and French oak combine sweetly on the nose.  The classic cassis and herbaceous notes carry through from the nose onto the palate, beautifully supported by fine grained tannins. Velvety texture finishing with black pepper and exotic spice.

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 14.0% alcohol / volume
Maturation: 16 months in new and seasoned French oak hogsheads
Winemaker: Peter Warr
Appellation: Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia
Pairing Recommendations: Slow Cooked Beef Brisket with a side of duck fat potatoes and greens
Critical Acclaim: 91 pts JamesSuckling.com; 90 pts Wine Spectator; 90 pts Robert Parker Wine Advocate

BACKGROUND:
Named after a legendary Clare Valley squatter, Killerman, who planted and tended vines on a paddock adjoining the Kilikanoon property. As legend has it, Killerman made his own wines in a galvanized iron lean-to.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes are sourced from the cool climate vineyards of the Clare Valley, South Australia. Hand-selected fruit parcels, maturation in new and older small French oak hogsheads for up to two years and attention to final blending has ensured a wine of great poise and balance.

ABOUT KILIKANOON:
Kilikanoon is a boutique Clare Valley winery founded in 1997 by Kevin Mitchell; it is known for producing regionally expressive, terroir-driven wines. The Kilikanoon property, featuring a circa 1860s stone cottage housing Kilikanoon’s tasting room, was originally settled by early English migrants who named it after a historic old mansion in Cornwall. When purchasing the historic property in 1997, the mature vineyards of Shiraz, Cabernet, Grenache and Riesling that had been planted by Kevin’s father, Mort in the 1960s, became a part of Kilikanoon, and now form the heart of the estate vineyards. Learn more here.

© Photo by Kilikanoon Wines
© Photo by Kilikanoon Wines
© Photo by Kilikanoon Wines

© Information provided by Old Bridge Cellars.

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Kilikanoon Killerman’s Run Shiraz

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grilled chicken wings on a wooden board

Lampe’s Chicken Wings with Sweet-and-Spicy Pantry Sauce

INGREDIENTS:

  • 16 chicken wings, with the two joints attached, tips removed
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup hot sauce
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Make a slash on the inside of the chicken wing joints without cutting through the bone and in a few other places. In a large, shallow baking dish, combine the ketchup with the mustard, hot sauce, soy sauce and brown sugar. Add the chicken wings and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  2. Light a grill. Remove the chicken wings from the marinade (pantry sauce), leaving some of it on them, and reserve the remaining marinade. Grill the wings over a medium-hot fire, turning and basting them with the reserved marinade, until nicely charred and cooked through, about 30 minutes. Stop basting during the last 5 minutes of grilling and discard any remaining marinade. Serve the wings hot or at room temperature.

© Recipe courtesy of Ray Lampe on Food & Wine.

JULY WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoKillermans-Run-Shiraz-bottle-webKilikanoon
Killerman’s Run Shiraz
Clare Valley, South Australia

MELLOW WINE STYLE

There are pronounced aromatics of dark fruits, sweet spices, and forest floor. The palate is welcoming with generous flavors of black cherry, dusted chocolate and plum. It evolves beautifully in the glass, a wonderfully textured wine that finishes on a savory note.

Varietal: Shiraz
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Maturation: 15 months in new and seasoned French oak barriques
Winemaker: Peter Warr
Appellation: Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia
Pairing Recommendations: Marinated pork spare ribs, BBQ chicken wings or pizza
Critical Acclaim: 91 pts. Wine Spectator; 90 pts. Wine Enthusiast

BACKGROUND:
Named after a legendary Clare Valley squatter, Killerman, who planted and tended vines on a paddock adjoining the Kilikanoon property. As legend has it, Killerman made his own wines in a galvanized iron lean-to.

WINEMAKING:
The Killerman’s Run Shiraz uses low yielding grapes from premium vineyards, hand-selected from exclusively Clare Valley vineyards. The grapes are then vinified by traditional winemaking methods and matured in small French barriques before careful blending and unfiltered bottling.

ABOUT KILIKANOON:
Kilikanoon is a boutique Clare Valley winery founded in 1997 by Kevin Mitchell; it is known for producing regionally expressive, terroir-driven wines. The Kilikanoon property, featuring a circa 1860s stone cottage housing Kilikanoon’s tasting room, was orginally settled by early English migrants who named it after a historic old mansion in Cornwall. When purchasing the historic property in 1997, Kevin Mitchell inherited 30 year old Shiraz, Cabernet, Grenache and Riesling vineyards− many of which were planted by his father, Mort, in the 1960’s. Learn more here.

© Photo by Kilikanoon Wines
© Photo by Kilikanoon Wines

© Information provided by Old Bridge Cellars.

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Kilikanoon Killerman’s Run Riesling

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Caesar salad on the tableCaesar Salad Supreme

INGREDIENTS:

  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled, divided
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 5 anchovies or anchovy fillets, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 4 cups day-old bread, cubed
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces.

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Mince 3 cloves of garlic and place in a small bowl. Add mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, anchovies, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard; mix well to combine. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice remaining 3 cloves of garlic into quarters and add to hot oil. Cook and stir until brown, then remove garlic from pan. Cook bread cubes in hot flavored oil, turning frequently, until lightly browned; transfer onto a plate and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Place lettuce in a large bowl. Add dressing, remaining Parmesan cheese, and seasoned bread cubes; toss well to coat.

© Recipe courtesy of All Recipes.

JULY WINE CLUB:

Silky styleKillermans Run RieslingKilikanoon
Killerman’s Run Riesling
Clare Valley, South Australia

SILKY WINE STYLE

The nose of this Riesling is intensely aromatic with notes of lemon, lime, orange blossom, and the classic Riesling minerality. The palate is fresh and mouth watering with bright citrus, orange rind and crisp green apple. It has a tangy, dry finish making it a real pleasure to drink.

Varietal: Riesling
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Maturation: Stainless Steel
Winemaker: Peter Warr
Appellation: Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia
Pairing Recommendations: Fresh seafood such as oysters, scallops and shrimp; or, try with a fresh Caesar Salad.
Critical Acclaim: 93 pts. JamesSuckling.com

BACKGROUND:
Named after a legendary Clare Valley squatter, Killerman, who planted and tended vines on a paddock adjoining the Kilikanoon property. As legend has it, Killerman made his own wines in a galvanized iron lean-to.

WINEMAKING:
The Killerman’s Run Riesling is fermented at cool temperatures for 3 weeks with an aromatic yeast strain. The ferment was stopped prior to complete dryness to give the wine a hint of additional texture and roundness while still being nicely balanced by naturally retained, crisp acidity. This Riesling was made in a classic Clare Valley regional style primarily from carefully selected vineyards in the Watervale sub region.

ABOUT KILIKANOON:
Kilikanoon is a boutique Clare Valley winery founded in 1997 by Kevin Mitchell; it is known for producing regionally expressive, terroir-driven wines. The Kilikanoon property, featuring a circa 1860s stone cottage housing Kilikanoon’s tasting room, was orginally settled by early English migrants who named it after a historic old mansion in Cornwall. When purchasing the historic property in 1997, the mature vineyards of Shiraz, Cabernet, Grenache and Riesling that had been planted by Kevin’s father, Mort in the 1960s, became a part of Kilikanoon, and now form the heart of the estate vineyards. Peter Warr joined the winery in late 2018 after traveling the world honing his craft. He is now responsible for carrying on Mort and Kevin’s legacy at this treasured and award winning estate. Kilikanoon is rated by US and Australian critics as one of Clare Valley’s outstanding wineries, producing bracingly intense and long-lived Rieslings, along with powerful, yet balanced Shiraz, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. Learn more here.

© Photo by Kilikanoon Wines
© Photo by Kilikanoon Wines

© Information provided by Old Bridge Cellars.

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June Beer Club: Iowa

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BeerClubLogoBlack_Stack_Fugazi_beerBlackStack Brewery
Fugazi
Italian-Style Pilsner
St. Paul, Minnesota

This Italian-Style Pilsner is dry-hopped adoringly with Czech Kazbek making it the real deal. A lively carb with soft lemon and heavy snap vibes.

Beer Style: Crisp & Clean
Style: Italian Style Pilsner
ABV: 4.8% alcohol / volume

It's Legal ThereBlackStack Brewery
It’s Legal There
Double IPA
St. Paul, Minnesota

No fruit was harmed in the making of this extremely fruit forward beer. Made with the “stickiest/ickiest” Michigan Chinook & Michigan Copper from Hop Heads Farms on a clean base of Briess Pils Malt. The name came with the saying, “Can you smell that? I’ve heard it’s legal here.”

Beer Style: Hoppy
Style: Double IPA
ABV: 8.0% alcohol / volume

working-titleBlackStack Brewery
Working Title
Wheat Ale
St. Paul, Minnesota

This beer has gone many monikers since being one of the four beers on tap when BlackStack first opened. It is brewed with a touch of coriander & orange peel; and this time around it is fermented in a French Oak Foeder.

Beer Style: Fruity & Spicy
Style: Wheat Ale
ABV: 5.1% alcohol / volume

ABOUT BLACKSTACK BREWERY:
A family owned and operated brewery, the Johnston family have had a long love affair with great beer. In the 1990’s, Scott Johnson, the patriarch of the family, owned of All Saints Brands, Inc., a distribution company bringing European classic beers into Minnesota. Finally, in 2017, the entire family was able to launch BlackStack Brewing. Learn more about the their brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

Laser RaptorsAslin Beer Co.
Laser Raptors
Double IPA
Alexandria, Virginia

“When exploring the French alps, we came across something we did not know exists. While hiking, Joel screamed “That’s a Laser Raptor! I thought they went extinct thousands of years ago!”  Little did we know, this Raptor was friendly. He had been outcast decades ago and started his own brewery in Switzerland. After a few beers with this Raptor, we decided to do a collaboration and dedicate this beer after him! If you are wondering his name, it’s Jeff or El Jefe after a few beers.”  – Aslin Beer Co.

This Double IPA is brewed with Chinook, Simcoe and Mosaic hops.

Beer Style: Hoppy
Style: Double IPA
ABV: 8.3% alcohol / volume

ABOUT ASLIN BEER CO.:
Founded in 2015 by Andrew Kelley and Kai Leszkowicz, Aslin Beer Co. comes from the family name, Aslin, the family that connected Andrew and Kai through marriage (they each married a daughter from the Aslin Family). Andrew had a background in finance, while Kai worked in public service. They bonded over a mutual interest of craft beer and home brewing. Learn more about their brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

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June Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Zeit Pet NatZeit
Pet-Nat
Gelber Muskateller / Riesling
Austria

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The lush aromatics of the Gelber Muskateller (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains) grapes are supported by the acidic backbone of the Riesling grapes and the vivacious fizz, making for a highly drinkable final product.  

Varietal: 50% Gelber Muskateller, 50% Riesling
Vineyard: Loess. Estate-owned, bio-dynamically grown vines
Production: Grapes are hand-harvested and macerated on skins for 5 hours, then pressed and spontaneously fermented in tanks. While the fermentation is still going, the wine is bottled under crown caps to finish as pet-nat. It is released after 5 months on its fine lees, without fining or filtration. There is no sulfur added.

ABOUT ZEIT WINES:
Zeit (meaning “Time” in German) was inspired by the slowly passing of time in the unusual year of 2020 and the Bauhaus-inspired label was designed by Toni Silver, an Austrian artist.  Zeit is an Austrian winery owned and operated by Karl Fritsch and Weingut Fritsch made exclusively under the Jenny & Francois label. Located in the Wagram area, about 40 miles west of Vienna, Karl turned the historical family estate bio-dynamic in 2006 to preserve and respect the terroir. The winery is a founding member of Respekt Biodyn, an association of leading Austrian and German growers who share the biodynamic cultivation philosophy. Karl believes his role as a winemaker is to create a positive influence on the vines so that he can continue to showcase the beautiful and natural gifts these old sites provide. Karl states, “Continuing to improve these conditions has a direct effect on the terroir and therefore the taste and character of the wine.”  Learn more about their history here.

sekt-sparkling-rose-300x1000Huber Winery
Sparkling Rosé NV
Zweigelt / Pinot Noir
Austria

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This Sparkling Rosé is light salmon in color with reddish-gold play of light. It has a fine, persistent mousseux, with a delicate, fresh and very animated nose. On the palate, there are notes of fruit and spice with hints of fresh cherries, forest berries and a sophisticated note of citrus. It is dry, fruit-driven, yet creamy on the palate. The wine is finely woven with elegant acidity and mineral extract, making for a very harmonious structure.

Varietal: Zweigelt and Pinot Noir
Analysis: 12.0% alcohol / volume
Acidity: 6.5 g/L
Residual Sugar: 17 g/L, dry
Vineyard: Harvested from single vineyards in the Traisental Region
Vinification: Crushed, 6 hours skin contact; temperature controlled fermentation at 66.2ºF; and 4 months of lees contact.
Serving Suggestion: Serve cool (48.2ºF-50ºF). Pairs well with white meat, such as chicken, turkey and grilled fish

Markus Huber_Huber Winery

© Winemaker, Markus Huber

ABOUT HUBER WINERY:
The family-run winery of Markus Huber showcasing premium wines from Austria. The family’s highest priority is to work without compromising the vineyards. The vineyards are cultivated according to organic guidelines and the entire winery is certified according to the “Sustainable Austria” criteria. Markus’ distinctive, top-quality wines are full of character, clear in style and site-related minerality to serve as an example of the very best of the Traisental Valley. As a young winemaker, Markus has already won numerous national and international awards. Learn more about his story here.

 

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