Great article featuring our friend Doug Frost, who holds both titles as Master Sommelier (MS) and Master of Wine (MW). Why Your Red Wine Tastes Green
A new generation of wine lovers are trading big, fruity wines for lighter wines with more herbaceous and savory flavors.
Doug Frost, MS and MV knows a thing or two about pyrazines. / Photo by Daria Marchenko
Happy Wine Wednesday!
Cheers!
Team WineStyles
Please join us, as we Taste, Learn and Enjoy these ‘rockin’ wines from Charles Smith. We’ll be tasting through several of his labels. Be sure to RSVP at your local WineStyles location or reserve tickets on Eventbrite.com
Located in Walla Walla, Charles Smith opened his first winery, K Vintners. His first release, K Syrah, initiated the style of winemaking that Charles continues today: small lots of single vineyard Syrahs and field blends of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Tempranillo, and Viognier, all of which are hand-picked, fermented with naturally occurring yeasts and basket pressed.
In 2008, his K Vintners was recognized by Wine & Spirits magazine as one of the “Best New Wineries of the Last Ten Years,” and as “Winery of the Year” in the annual wine buying guide. His wines continue to receive recognition from wine publications such as Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and Wine & Spirits with 98 scores of 95 points and above, and 386 scores of 90 points and above.
Winemaker Charles Smith is the only person to have received Winemaker of the Year distinctions by both Wine Enthusiast (2014) and Food & Wine (2009).
Growing up just outside of Sacramento, California, Charles Smith began craving worldly travel at a young age. In 1989 Charles decided to move to Denmark and spent nine years managing rock bands and concert tours throughout Europe. Wining and dining on the road ultimately triggered the career he has today.In 1999, he moved back to the States, landing in the Pacific Northwest. He opened up a wine shop on Bainbridge Island, just across the Puget Sound from downtown Seattle. On a road trip, he passed through the small town of Walla Walla and met a French winemaker. The two men discovered their common passion for great Syrah and Charles was convinced to move to Walla Walla and make his own juice. December 2001, Charles released his first wine, 330 cases of the 1999 K Syrah. The Walla Walla Valley was now his home.
ViNO CASASMITH: Italian inspired and locally produced, ViNO was created by Charles Smith in 2010 with the inaugural release of a 100% Pinot Grigio. This is in keeping with the vision of producing Italian varietals with the same integrity as they would be produced in Italy. Hand-made wines that are a great value and delicious to drink.
WINE FRANCHISE – 5 YEARS IN THE MAKING
Five years ago we sat down with Bryan McGinness (CEO) and Jeff McGinness (VP of Operations) who had recently purchased the Wine Styles franchise opportunity and were looking to expand their market. That was when there was just one location in the Des Moines Metro. Today there are three and there are now 15 Wine Styles Craft Beer and Retail Wine locations from Alaska to Virginia. Step back in time with us as we get into our Way-Back Machine and talk…wine and business.
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday – Friday starting at 5pm Central. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications.
Learn more about the team at WineStyles and their business opportunity at www.winefranchise.com
Bryan McGinness, CEO
Jeff McGinness, VP of Operations
INGREDIENTS:
• 6 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 cups dijon mustard
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
DIRECTIONS:
• Preheat oven to 350℉. Spray a medium sized casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
• In a small bowl mix mustard, vinegar, maple syrup, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper and all the paprika together, set aside.
• Clean chicken thighs, checking for bone pieces and cutting off excess fat. Lay chicken pieces in a single layer, not flat, into casserole dish. Season with leftover salt and pepper. Pour maple mustard mix over the chicken and bake uncovered for 35 minutes. Sauce should be bubbling, and chicken registering an internal temperature of 165℉.
• Remove from oven and serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy with a glass of dry Riesling. © Photo and recipe courtesy of Chateau Ste Michelle.
d’ArenbergIn 1992 d’Arenberg’s neighbors built a dam in which no water lay, as it was a dry winter. The next year it rained but the dam was jinxed and didn’t hold water. Some people mix the name around, calling the wine ‘The Dam Dry Riesling,’ which in some years is truer than others. For this vintage, small batches of grapes were crushed gently, chilled and then transferred to custom designed steel basket presses. Gentle juice extraction is critical early on to retain the delicate fruit flavors. The fermentation was long and cool, and was stopped before reaching total dryness to ensure that residual sugar remains to balance the high mineral acidity. It was an excellent year for Riesling in McLaren Vale. Enjoy the heady yet delicate personality of this wine in youth or confidently cellar it.
“Fresh and vibrant with a perfumed aroma of summer florals, green apples 
and limes. Citrusy acidity highlights an entertaining and energetic palate.” – Chester Osborn, winemaker
Winemaker: Chester Osborn
Appellation: McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Varietal Blend: 100% Riesling
Analysis: 10.8% alcohol / volume
Critical Acclaim: 90 pts Wine Enthusiast
d’Arenberg has been ranked as one of the Top 100 Wineries in the world by Wine & Spirits Magazine six times! Peak behind the scenes with winemaker, Chester Osborn:
Enjoy a glass of Chester’s amazing wines, join our January Wine Club!
d’ArenbergIn 1959, Francis d’Arenberg (d’Arry) Osborn began bottling d’Arenberg wines under the now famous Red Stripe label. Today, d’Arenberg is the keeper of nearly one-third of all of McLaren Vale’s mature Grenache bush vines and d’Arry has celebrated 67 consecutive vintages earning consistent critical acclaim for their coveted Grenache-based wines. Fourth generation winemaker, Chester Osborn, guides the small-batch Grenache parcels from the vintage through the gentle ‘Demoisy’ crusher, into open fermenters and then into the 19th century basket-presses. Natural minimal processing ensures maximum flavor which results in a harmless deposit in the bottle.
“When Grenache is good, you know it straight away. The nose is packed with fresh fruit characters of raspberry, cherry and pomegranate, with complex notes of sooty black earth and cracked fennel seed in support. With time, the palate evolves from initial fresh red fruit characters into a darker brooding blackberry and Kalamata olive skin spectrum. The wine maintains its focus and drive on a long lingering finish held by a tight rhubarb-like acid line. The fine line is further supported by structured, lively tannin.”. – Chester Osborn, winemaker
Winemaker: Chester Osborn
Appellation: McLaren Vale, South Australia
Varietal Blend: 100% Grenache
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
INGREDIENTS:
• 16 oz loose chorizo
• 1 cup diced onion
• 4 large garlic cloves, sliced
• 28 oz can tomatoes
• 1 pound Japanese eggplant (about 3)
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• 1 tsp fresh oregano
• ¼ cup basil
DIRECTIONS:
• Place the tomatoes in a blender and puree until smooth.
• Slice the eggplant into 2 inch pieces.
• Over medium heat cook the chorizo until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
• Add onion and garlic to pan and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the chorizo back to the pan with the wine. Cook for 1 minute. Pour in the tomato and bring to a boil. Add the eggplant and bring back to a boil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover the pan, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes add the thyme and oregano. Put cover back on and cook for 10 more minutes, or until eggplant is tender.
• Chop the basil and sprinkle over the top. 4 servings. Serve as main dish or side dish.
© Photo and recipe courtesy of Chateau Ste Michelle.
INGREDIENTS:
• 6 short ribs
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup carrot, chopped
• 1 ½ cup red wine (Shiraz, Merlot, or Cab)
• 1 ½ cup beef stock
• 2 tbsp tomato Paste
• 2 pints blackberries
DIRECTIONS:
• Using a pot with a lid that will fit all 6 short ribs comfortably, heat it over medium high heat.
• Preheat an oven to 375 ℉.
• When pot has properly heated, add a tsp of oil, and then sear off short ribs until they are brown and caramelized lightly, about 3 minutes. Remove ribs.
• Add carrots and onions to pot and cook until just starting to caramelize, about 10 minutes. Put in tomato paste and cook 1 minute longer. Pour in wine and stock and bring mixture to a boil. Put in ribs and 1 pint of blackberries, cover and place in the preheated oven. Cook until ribs are tender. This will take between 2 and 3 hours, depending on thickness of ribs. Check liquid level periodically to ensure it doesn’t all evaporate. If more liquid is needed add more stock and wine, or just water.
• When ribs are done cooking, remove from pan and keep warm. Strain out liquid from pot. Add other pint of blackberries and simmer sauce for 10 more minutes. Season to your taste with salt and pepper.
• When serving make sure to include some blackberries with each piece of rib.
© Photo and recipe courtesy of Chateau Ste Michelle.
d’ArenbergOne of the undisputed kings of Australian Shiraz and Rhone varietals, d’Arenberg has managed to turn individuality into an art form by doing a whole lot of little things differently. In 1912, the original vineyards were established and a century later d’Arenberg has more than 345 acres managed by 4th generation winemaker, Chester Osborn. d’Arenberg has been ranked as one of the Top 100 Wineries in the world by Wine & Spirits Magazine six times! A wild grass, the Love Grass, often grows in the vineyards surrounding the d’Arenberg winery. During vintage, the sticky, Velcro-like, long stemmed flowers of the Love Grass affectionately attach themselves to the vineyard workers’ socks. This Shiraz will also linger with you and, as such, the family thought it fitting to name this wine ‘The Love Grass’.
“Quite a lifted nose, with intense aromas of mulberry, plum and graphite. The round and deliciously balanced palate mirrors the nose. The wine finishes long with moderate acidity and heaps of fine, spicy tannins.”. – Chester Osborn, winemaker
Winemaker: Chester Osborn
Appellation: McLaren Vale, South Australia
Varietal Blend: 90% Shiraz, and 9 other varietals (10%)
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
INGREDIENTS:
• ½ lb lean ground beef
• ½ lb ground veal
• ½ lb ground pork
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Tbsp oregano
• 1 28-oz can whole tomatoes, drained
• 1 28-oz can whole tomatoes with juice
• 2 eggs
• 16 oz cottage cheese
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 19-oz package no boiling required lasagna noodles
DIRECTIONS:
• Preheat oven to 350℉.
• In a large skillet, brown ground beef, veal and pork. Add minced garlic and oregano and stir.
• Place canned tomatoes in food processor and pulse until tomatoes are thoroughly chopped; reserve 2 cups, place remainder in skillet with the meat and stir. Remove from heat and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, beat eggs. Stir in cottage, ricotta and parmesan cheeses. Set aside.
• Spread 1 cup of reserved tomatoes in the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan. Layer 4 uncooked lasagna noodles, ½ cottage cheese mixture, ½ meat sauce, and 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering finishing with a layer of noodles. Add the remaining 1 cup of tomatoes. Cover pan with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover, and top with remaining cup of mozzarella cheese. Bake for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and let stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Serves 8-12
•Enjoy with a glass of Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Barbera. Recipe compliments of Jacuzzi Family Vineyards.
DECEMBER WINE CLUBThe Barbera varietal comes from the hills of northern Italy’s Piedmonte region, where it has been grown since the 13th century. During the 1800s and 1900s, Italian immigrants introduced the varietal to the Americas, most notably in Argentina and California. The grapes are known for their deep color and softer tannins. The fruit for this Barbera comes from Rancho Victoria nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in the northern part of Amador County. The soils here are sandy clay loam derived from decomposed granite. This provides abundant nutrients and water retention for healthy, strong vines. The grapes were handpicked and destemmed without crushing the berries. This gentle approach minimizes the pick-up of bitter components from the skins and seeds. The wine was racked to oak, and aged for 12 months on 35% new French medium toasted oak.
“This Barbera has freshness and clarity. Bright cherry and raspberry fruit dominate with an underlying savoriness which compliments the elegant palate and clean finish.”. – Charlie Tsegeletos, winemaker
Winemaker: Charlie Tsegeletos
Appellation: Amador County, California
Varietal Blend: 90% Barbera, 10% Alicante Bouschet
Analysis: 14.0% alcohol / volume
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine
Jacuzzi Family VineyardsThe grapes for the Bianco di Sei Sorelle come from the Diamond Pile Ranch in the Petaluma Gap. This ranch grows low yielding grapevines planted in deep clay soils with a westward facing slope. This limits vigor while providing excellent conditions for sunshine and ripening. The cool fog and wind barrages the vineyard, slowing the ripening and retaining lively acidity while allowing flavors to develop slowly to a crescendo at harvest. The grapes were handpicked in the early morning to retain their vibrancy and natural flavor. At the winery, the grapes were destemmed and gently pressed into a tank ready for fermentation. Fermentation began naturally and completed at a very cool temperature to retain acidity and fruitiness. The lees were stirred regularly to further enhance the richness.
“The Bianco di Sei Sorelle has delightful aromas of citrus, green apple, pineapple, almond and grapefruit. It has great weight and texture with balanced acidity that keeps the palate fresh and gives it excellent length. It would be an ideal wine with light pasta dishes, chicken or seafood.” – Charlie Tsegeletos, winemaker.
Winemaker: Charlie Tsegeletos
Appellation: Sonoma Coast, California
Varietal Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume, 3.74 pH
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine
CROUTONS INGREDIENTS:
• 4 cups, ½ inch cubes Italian bread
• 2 Tbsps extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ tsp salt
VINAIGRETTE INGREDIENTS:
• ¼ cup seasoned rice wine vinegar
• 2 tsps Dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsps finely chopped shallot
• 1 tsp sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
SALAD INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups coarsely shredded rotisserie-cooked chicken
• 1 cup small bocconcini mozzarella
• 2 hearts of romaine, torn into bite-size pieces
• ½ cup chopped fennel
• 8 oz roasted red peppers, rinsed, drained and cut lengthwise into ¼ inch wide strips
• 1 cup assorted marinated pitted olives
DIRECTIONS:
• Bake croutons – Preheat oven to 400℉. Toss bread cubes with oil and salt in a large shallow baking pan and spread in one layer. Bake, turning over once, until golden and crisp, about 8 minutes. Cool in pan on rack.
• Make Vinaigrette – Whisk together all ingredients except oil in small bowl. Add oil in a slow stream, whisking until emulsified.
• Toss chicken and bocconcini together with ¼ cup vinaigrette in a bowl and let stand for 10 minutes.
• Make salad – Toss together romaine, fennel, red peppers, olives, chicken mixture, croutons and remaining dressing in a large bowl until combined.
• Serve with a glass of Bianco di Sei Sorelle. Recipe courtesy of Epicurious at Yummly.com
A club member favorite, we’re proud to share the Jacuzzi Family wines with your family this holiday season. The perfect pairing for your holiday dinners and celebrations. If you’re not a Wine Club member yet, please join us! We’ll have a $20 Bonus Card waiting for you when you join for 3 months or more! Or give a gift a membership and keep the $20 Bonus Card for yourself! > Click to learn more
Wild Mushroom RisottoINGREDIENTS:
• ½ oz dried porcini
• 4 Tbsps butter
• 5 oz wild mushrooms (such as Morels, Chanterelles, Black Trumpets)
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup minced onion
• 1 ½ cup Carniroli or Arborio rice
• ½ cup white wine
• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
DIRECTIONS:
• Place the porcini in a small bowl and cover with boiling water, let stand for 20 minutes. Strain, coarsely chop and set aside.
• In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons butter. When butter foams, add wild mushrooms and stir until soft and liquid from mushrooms is almost completely evaporated. Add porcini to pan. Cook for about 2 minutes. Add cream and simmer until thick and slightly reduced. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
• In a saucepan, bring broth to a steady simmer.
• In a heavy 4-quart pot, heat 2 tablespoons butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft, do not brown. Add rice and stir so that kernels are well coated. Add wine and stir until completely absorbed. Begin to add simmering broth ½ cup at a time, stirring frequently, when liquid is almost absorbed, add another ½ cup until absorbed and continue process until all broth is added. When rice is tender but firm, add mushroom mixture, Parmesan cheese and parsley. Stir to combine. Serve immediately and with a glass of Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Nebbiolo. Recipe adapted: More than 100 Dishes for the Classic Rice Dish of Northern Italy, by Judith Barrett and Norma Wasserman.
Jacuzzi Family VineyardsPrimarily grown in the Piedmonte region of Italy, Nebbiolo is famous in wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco. Grapes for this wine come from Jacuzzi’s Carneros estate and Sonoma Coast vineyards. The Carneros estate grapes are planted on an east facing slope and get great morning sunshine and even temperatures to ripen slowly and evenly. Nebbiolo planted in the Petaluma Gap region of Sonoma gets cool mornings and hot afternoons that help retain acidity and bright flavors. They are some of the last grapes to be picked for the season. Grapes were handpicked and sorted in the vineyard, ensuring only the best grapes made it to the tanks. They were gently pressed and transferred to barrels for 2 years aging, enabling tannins to soften and mellow into a full and rich wine. Aged in 38% American oak to enhance and embolden the natural flavors.
“As of 2011, only 186 acres of this rare grape existed in California. Our Nebbiolo displays generous notes of cherry, plum and pomegranate with big berry and spice flavors and distinct earthiness.” – Charlie Tsegeletos
Winemaker: Charlie Tsegeletos
Appellation: Sonoma County, California
Varietal Blend: 90% Nebbiolo, 10% Alicante Bouschet
Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume, 3.73 pH
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine
The team at WineStyles in Cedar Rapids, Iowa reviews our wine club this month, along with Beer Club and our holiday offer – Bottle Bucks Bonus cards! If you’ve been on the fence to join our Wine Club, now is the time! Get a $20 Bonus Card and enjoy this delicious Pumpkin Ravioli pairing recipe and Chardonnay from Martellotto Winery in Santa Barbara, California! Happy Thanksgiving! Cheers!
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 lb. piece pumpkin, calabaza or butternut squash, seeds and strings removed
• 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
• 2 tbsp grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano cheese, plus extra for serving
• ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• ¼ tsp fine sea salt
• 1 to 2 tbsp dried bread crumbs
• 1 ¼ lb. fresh egg pasta, try this recipe, https://nyti.ms/2PkzZtp
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter, clarified
• 2 tbsp kosher salt
DIRECTIONS:
In a large frying pan, melt butter. Add apple wedges and cook on high 3 to 5 minutes stirring frequently until apples soften.
Reduce heat and add sugar, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg and water. Simmer uncovered over low heat stirring frequently 10 to 12 minutes until sauce becomes thick. Remove heat and serve warm.
Martellotto WineryThe fanciful name “Melodeon” is the name given to foot-pumped organs used in the 19th century. Just imagine an old west saloon with gunslingers and whisky, with a melodeon organ music in the background. Melodeon was also commonly referred to as an accordion played while draped over a musician’s thigh. As such, the music of the time played in saloons of the Barbary Coast was referred to as melodeon. This black label “Melodeon” Chardonnay is as smooth, genuine, and lyrical as its name. This melodious Chardonnay’s low alcohol is the result of picking the fruit earlier, leading to a lovely natural acidity. After 10 months in oak with limited sulfur additions, the wine was minimally filtered and bottled.
“Notes of buttered toast, baked pecans, oak and vanilla carry through into the flavors of Melodeon. Creamy and buttery with a tension and nerve like makes the lips pucker.” – Greg Martellotto, winemaker
Winemaker: Greg Martellotto
Appellation: Sierra Madre, Santa Barbara, California
Varietal Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 13.9% alcohol / volume, 3.36 pH
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine
