Author Archives: WineStyles Tasting Station

Live Webcast Stone Brewing Tasting October 13

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Stone Brew Webcast Tasting Event

SBC_LOGO_horz_KSPECIAL EVENT

Tuesday, October 13th
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

>> RSVP at your local WineStyles <<

Join us for a LIVE virtual beer tasting event with Stone Brewing’s craft beer guru, “Dr.” Bill Sysak.  In real-time, taste 6 Stone craft beers along side “Dr.” Bill and ask him your questions online.  Seating is limited – call your local WineStyles to RSVP.

“Dr.” Bill  Biography

Dr-Bill-Bio-BubbleBill Sysak, or as he’s more often referred to, “Dr. Bill,” is the Craft Beer Ambassador for Stone Brewing Co. “Dr.” Bill is a Certified Cicerone® and has proven expertise in selecting, acquiring and serving craft beers. He received his nickname through his work as a medic in the military Army National Guard, and the moniker has stuck with him throughout his career in the craft beer industry. At Stone, he’s responsible for setting the beverage standard and ensuring the beverage philosophy is followed at all Stone Brewing Co. venues. “Dr.” Bill is widely considered one of the foremost experts in 24carrotgolden_Bottle_Thumbthe field of pairing beer with food. He suggests the beer, wine and food pairings for the menus at our restaurants, and also coordinates and hosts many Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens events including: Beer & Cigar Dinners, Master Pairing events, Sour Fest, Oakquinox, Stone Pour it Black, and Rare Beer Breakfast. Sysak has been featured in such publications as New York Times, Draft magazine, Imbibe, Los Angeles Times, and Food & Wine.

He is on the San Diego State University “Business of Craft Beer” Advisory Board and is the instructor for the “Exploring Craft Beer” course.

“Dr.” Bill can also be found on the popular Internet podcasts, “New Brew Thursday” where he does a “Master Pairings” segment each week and “Expert Drinking,” where he educates his fans on the best of craft beers, cigars, fine wines, and spirits.  Learn more about “Dr.” Bill on Stone’s Blog here.

STONE BREWS TASTED:

  • Stone 24 Carrot Golden Ale
  • Stone Go To IPA
  • Stone Pale Ale
  • Stone Ruination Double IPA
  • Stone Coffee Milk Stout
  • Stone Smoked Porter

Stone-beers-tasted

LIMITED SEATING
Contact your participating local WineStyles to RSVP!

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Ridge Vineyards Tasting Event

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Ridge Vineyards Tasting EventOctober  Winery Spotlight
Tasting Event
>> RSVP at your local WineStyles <<

Ridge Vineyards, California

The history of Ridge Vineyards begins in 1885, when Osea Perrone, a doctor who became a prominent member of San Francisco’s Italian community, bought 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello Ridge. He terraced the slopes and planted vineyards; using native limestone, he constructed the Monte Bello Winery, producing the first vintage under that name in 1892. This unique cellar, built into the mountainside on three levels, is Ridge’s production facility. At 2600′, it is surrounded by the “upper vineyard.”

“We decided to farm organically because we believe it leads to better grapes and higher quality wines. This approach in the vineyard, plus our traditional approach to winemaking, will provide the finest possible wines for our customers.” –  Paul Draper, CEO/winemaker.

montebello

13zls-bottle-shotRidge-Vineyards-LogoLytton Springs, in Sonoma County, became part of the Ridge estate in 1991. A quarter century’s experience with this vineyard had convinced us that it was an exceptional piece of ground. Forty consecutive vintages of Geyserville attest to yet another stunning combination of location and varietals. Though born in the early sixties to the post-Prohibition world of modern California winemaking, Ridge relies on nature and tradition rather than technology. Our approach is straightforward: find intense, flavorful grapes; intrude upon the process only when necessary; draw the fruit’s distinctive character and richness into the wine.  While Ridge is by no means a large grower,  they are the largest grower of organically farmed grapes in Sonoma County, and in the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation.

Limited Seating Available – Reserve your seat ASAP!

Ridge-wines

Contact your local WineStyles

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Chateau Rouviere Wine Pairing Recipe

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Braised Beef & Carrots

braised-beefINGREDIENTS:
•  2 lbs (1 kg) stewing beef
•  2 onions
•  1 slice belly pork, diced
•  cooking fat
•  1 small can tomato purée
•  bay, thyme, sage
•  1 cube beef stock
•  2 garlic cloves
•  6 carrots, peeled and sliced
•  salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:
Cut the meat into equal pieces.  Heat the fat, and then sauté the meat in a cast iron casserole dish.

Once all of the meat pieces are browned on all sides, remove them from the casserole, and brown the chopped onions and diced belly pork.

Dissolve the beef stock cube in ¼ liter (2 cups) of water.

Put the meat back into the casserole, pour in the stock, tomato purée, peeled and sliced carrots, garlic and herbs.

Season with salt and pepper, stir and leave to stew for 90 minutes on low heat.   Serves: 6.   Recipe courtesy of Vinadeis Winery, France.

Chateau_Rouviere_SMmellowChateau Rouviere
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
Minervois, France

At Landure, in the cradle of Cathar history, Marielle and Luc Rouvière are perpetuating the family tradition. “We also unearthed fragments of Gallo-Roman amphorae which were used to transport wine by ship,” explains Luc Rouvière.   In 1649, the Abbey of Fontfroide sold the estate’s land to one of Luc’s ancestors.  More than two hundred years later, Luc’s great-great-grandfather founded the Château in 1870, during the region’s golden age of wine-making. The Minervois appellation was recognized in 1985 and Luc and Marielle moved to the estate in order to continue its conversion. In 1998, Val d’Orbieu selected the couple for their top quality wines matured in oak barrels, firmly establishing their reputation. This GSMC pairs well with red meats, game and cheeses.winemaker-Olivier-Dauga

“Lovely deep dark ruby color.  A subtle nose of blackberry, raspberry and garrigue aromas.  On the palate this wine is harmonious with soft tannins and spicy finish.” – Olivier Dauga, winemaker

Winemaker: Olivier Dauga
Appellation: Minervois, France
Varietal Blend:  40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, 10% Carignan
Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume, 3.5 pH, 6.3 g/l TA
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

 

Grenache Blanc Pairing Recipe

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Fish Lasagna
fish-lasganaINGREDIENTS:

•  Lasagne sheets
•  18 – 21 oz (500-600g) varied fish fillets (salmon, mackerel, Pollack, etc).
•  2 jars tomato sauce (home-made tomato sauce is best)
•  1 tub of soft cream cheese flavored with tomato
•  2 tablespoons crème fraiche (thick, heavy creme with buttermilk)
•  2 tablespoons mustard
•  grated Gruyère (or mozzarella)
•  salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS:
Cook the fish in a court-bouillon or steam it (or even microwave it).  Mix the flaked fish with cream cheese, mustard and crème fraiche, season with salt and pepper.

Start to assemble the lasagne; a layer of tomato sauce, a layer of fish mixture, a layer of lasagne sheets….and repeat the process.

Finish with a layer of tomato sauce and sprinkle over grated Gruyère or mozzarella.

Bake in the oven at 390°F (200°c) for around 35 minutes.  Serves 4. Recipe courtesy of Vinadeis of France.

Chx-Tour-de-Montredon_Blanc_SMSilky_StickerTour de Montredon
Grenache Blanc
Corbieres, France

The Montredon Cooperative Winery was established in 1938. It is situated in a splendid location of the Corbieres region amidst impressive surrounding hills. The vineyards cover 8 hectares near the Labade Hills. The parcels are sheltered from the wind; this enables the grapes to reach exceptional levels of maturity and concentration. The vines are grown on a mosaic of terroirs with many geological nuances – limestone, clay, shale and pebble.  Winemaker Dauga, can also be viewed as an artist and an author, expressing the terroir and producing real, authentic, well-made styles of wine. Enjoy this Grenance Blanc with fish, shellfish and seafood.

winemaker-Olivier-Dauga“A beautiful pale yellow color. The nose developed aromas of flowers and anise.  Fresh and fruity, this wine is long and rich on the palate”, winemaker Olivier Dauga.

Winemaker: Olivier Dauga
Appellation: Corbieres, France
Varietal Blend:  60% Grenache Blanc, 20% Roussanne, 20% Marsanne
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume, 3.1 pH, 6.9 g/l TA
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

 

September Wine Club pairing recipe

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Pork Chops with Dijon Sauce
pork-chops-dijonINGREDIENTS:
•  1 tbsp butter
•  1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 center-cut rib or loin pork chops, boneless or bone-in (whatever you prefer), about 1 ½ inch thick
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup chopped shallots or green onions
• 1 cup dry white wine
• ¾ cup chicken stock*
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
*For gluten-free, use homemade chicken-stock or gluten-free packaged stock

DIRECTIONS:
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Sprinkle salt and pepper all over them. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the butter. As soon as the butter has melted, add the pork chops to the pan and sear them, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Reduce the heat slightly if the chops brown too quickly.

Remove the pork chops from the pan and pour off most of the fat. Add the green onions or shallots and cook them on med-high heat until softened, about 1 minute. Add ¼ cup of the wine and bring to a boil, deglazing the pan by scraping the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the stock and return chops to the pan. Bring sauce to a simmer, reduce heat, cover and cook until chops  are cooked through (145°F internal temp), about 10 to 15 minutes.

Remove the pork chops to a warm platter; cover with foil to keep warm. Add the remaining half cup of wine. Increase the heat to high to boil the pan juices. Reduce the juices by half, about 3 minutes. Add the heavy cream and boil 3 minutes more,until sauce reduces and thickens, and scraping the pan with a wooden spoon leaves a trail. Remove from the heat and whisking the mustard and parsley. If you want, add more mustard to taste.  Place chops on a bed of sauce and serve. Serves 4.  Recipe courtesy of Simply Recipes.

Black-Réserve_JONQUIERESBold_stickerChateau de Jonquieres
Cuvee Eole Grand Reserve
Grenache Syrah
Corbieres, France

Located just outside Narbonne (ancient capital of a Gallo-Roman province), Château de Jonquières stands in the middle of the Mediterranean scrubland. The vineyard is classified as appellation Corbières, a land of gorges and wild hills, a landscape of contrasts with rocks sculpted by the wind. Château de Jonquières is the property of Val d’Orbieu. Olivier Dauga, winemaker, accompanies winegrowers and oenologists to create these exceptional cuvées to embody the values of character, dynamism, roots and generosity in these wines, a pure product of the viticulture of the Languedoc. We invite you to discover these black diamonds, the first in a long line of exceptional vintages from Val d’Orbieu. Pairs well with pork roasted herbs, steak au poivre, or rabbit with mustard.
winemaker-Olivier-Dauga“With a beautiful deep ruby color, this wine offers a fine, delicate nose with aromas of red berries and a hint of oak. Clean and elegant on the palate, it reveals classic fruit flavors and soft notes of spices and oak”, winemaker Olivia Dauga.

Winemaker: Olivier Dauga
Appellation: Corbieres, France
Varietal Blend:  59% Grenache, 41% Syrah
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume, 3.6 pH, 6.2 g/l TA
Critical Acclaim: 87 pts. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate 2014. Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

Silverado Tasting Event

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Silverado_Tasting_RoomSeptember Winery Spotlight
Tasting Event
>> RSVP at your local WineStyles <<

Silverado Vineyards
Napa, California

Silverado_Tasting_Wine

The winery’s name, Silverado, comes from an abandoned mining town at the top of Napa Valley.  A century later, the widow, daughter and son-in-law of Walt Disney began carefully laying the foundation of what would be come Silverado Vineyards in 1976. A few years later, they also acquired a vineyard in the Stags Leap District – known for the quality of it’s Cabernet Sauvignon. Silverado Vineyards now farms six distinctive, family owned vineyards in the Napa Valley and Carneros, three of which are historic sites from these proprietor owned vineyards. Please join us for a Winery Spotlight tasting, featuring Silverado wines. 

“The winegrowers . . . are perhaps the most fascinating aspect of terroir . . . Starting with a vision, they activate the links that connect Earth with vine and fruit, guide the transformation of fruit into wine, oversee its maturation, and only then present the liquid that completes the circle, connecting us with the Earth from which the wine arose.” –  Jonathan Swinchatt and David G. Howell,  The Winemaker’s Dance.

   Good wine is about people, from every hand that helps create Silverado’s Cabernet to every current and future friend who lifts a glass of  wine around the dinner table.   100% of the estate is sustainability farmed: 15% is farmed organically; 70% is Certified Napa Green; 50% is preserved in the Land Trust exclusively for open space and agriculture use. 50% of the winery is powered by solar panels. Proud of their accomplishments, Silverado is just getting started.  They also donate time, money and wine to over 70 organizations annually that need our help to keep their communities safe, healthy, learning and enjoying the pleasures of artistic endeavor.

For Silverado, sustainable is not simply a farming method. It is an approach to all of their activities. It is the driving force behind everything they do to ensure that this winery and estate are here for generation of customers and neighbors to enjoy.  Please join us for a special tasting event with Silverado.

Limited Seating Available – Reserve your seat ASAP!

Silverado_WinesContact your local WineStyles to RSVP!

What Really Goes On At A Hop Harvest

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Ever wonder how hops are harvested?

What Really Goes On At A Hop Harvest.

This Is How You Pick Farm Fresh Pumpkin Beer

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This Is How You Pick Farm Fresh Pumpkin Beer.

Spicy Italian Pork Cutlets

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spicy-italian-porkINGREDIENTS:
•  ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
•  4 boneless pork chops, pounded to ½ inch thick
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

DIRECTIONS: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper, and quickly sear on both sides. Remove from heat, and set aside.

Heat the remaining olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat, and saute the garlic about 30 seconds. Mix in the tomato, chicken broth, wine, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes.  Return the pork chops to the skillet, and continue cooking 5 to 10 minutes, to an internal temperature of 145℉ degrees(63℃).   Serve pork with the tomato and broth mixture from the skillet.  Makes 4 servings.

Silky_StickerLuca_Bosio_ArneisLuca Bosio Vineyards
Roero Arneis
Piedmont, Italy

The Arneis grapes for this wine are grown in the Canale Village of the Roero region of Piedmont.  This area is in the Southeastern section, close to Turin, in the foothills of the Alps at 200-400 ft. above sea level.  The average vine is 20 years and they are grown in sandy soil, at a density of 5,000 plants per hectare.  After harvesting, the grapes spend 24 hours at low temperature in contact with the skin to increase complexities of the aromas.  They are then pressed and the must is fermented in temperature controlled steel tanks.  The wine spends five months on the lees and a final three months ageing in the bottle before shipping. This wine is a perfect accompaniment to white meats like chicken and pork, as well as fish and savory vegetable dishes.

“This wine is clean and bright with floral and tropical aromas.  The palate follows through with notes of pineapple, apricot and peach ending with a crisp and refreshing finish,” Luca Bosio, winemaker

Luca Bosio, winemaker

Luca Bosio, winemaker

Winemaker: Luca Bosio
Appellation: Roero, Piedmont, Italy
Varietal Blend:  100% Arneis
Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume

August Wine Club pairing recipe

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Hazelnut CakeTorta di Nocciole (Hazelnut Cake)

INGREDIENTS:
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; OR 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons hazelnut oil (see NOTES)
• 2 ¼ cups toasted, skinned hazelnuts, cooled (see NOTES)
• ¼ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 packet lievito pane degli angeli or 2 teaspoons baking powder (see NOTES)
• 4 eggs, separated
• 1 cup sugar
• Pinch of fine salt
• Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
• Warm heavy cream sweetened with sugar (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
• Heat the oven to 350℉. Coat a 9-inch cake pan with about 1 tablespoon of the melted butter. Place a round of parchment paper in the bottom of the pan and coat the parchment with butter. Set the remaining melted butter aside.
• Process the cooled toasted hazelnuts in a food processor fitted with the metal blade until they are finely ground. Take care not to let them get pasty. Transfer them to a bowl and stir in the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar. The mixture will be very thick and cling to the whisk. Drizzle in the remaining melted butter (or melted butter and hazelnut oil, if using), a little at a time, whisking until the butter has been fully incorporated.
• Using a sturdy silicone spatula, stir the hazelnut-flour mixture into the egg yolk-butter mixture. It will be as thick as nut paste. This is fine.
• In a clean, stainless steel bowl, beat the egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form. Scoop about ½ of the egg whites into the bowl with the nut paste mixture and begin stirring and folding it in with the spatula. This will help to loosen the batter a bit. Add half of the remaining egg whites, folding rather than stirring them into the batter to prevent them from deflating too much (the batter will still be thick and sticky). Finally, add the last of the whites and continue folding until they are incorporated into the batter. The batter will be thick but spreadable. Scrape it into the prepared pan and smooth out the top.
• Bake the cake for 40 – 45 minutes, until puffed and browned on top and the center is no longer jiggling (a cake tester inserted in the center should come out clean). Be careful not to jostle the cake when you’re checking for doneness.  Transfer the cake to a cooling rack,in the pan for 30 minutes. Invert the cake onto a plate and peel off the parchment. Re-invert and let cool completely. Serve dusted with confectioners’ sugar and with warm sweetened cream for drizzling.
NOTES:  Hazelnut oil is not cheap, but an optional splurge to enhance the nut flavor of the cake.  To toast and skin hazelnuts: Heat the oven to 350℉. Spread the shelled nuts on a rimmed baking sheet and bake 10 minutes, or until the skins have begun to crack. Wrap the hot nuts in a clean kitchen towel and let stand 1 minute. Roll the nuts back and forth in the towel to loosen and rub off the skins. Not all the skins will come off, which is fine. Let cool before processing. Lievito pane degli angeli is a vanilla-scented powdered leavening agent used in Italian baking. It’s sold in packets and found in most Italian groceries. You can substitute 2 teaspoons baking powder.

Luca_Bosio_Barbera_Alba_BottlemellowEgidio
Luca Bosio Vineyard
Barbera D’Alba
Piedmont, Italy

In the center of the Langhe, among the hills celebrated in Cesare Pavese’s poems, you can find Luca Bosio Vineyards winery, in a world where technology and rural tradition coexist. Egidio was the founder of the Bosio’s farm, father of the owner Valter, profound expert of the wines of that zone.  The grapes from this wine come from vineyards located in Santo Stefano Belbo and Alba Villages.  The average age of the vines is 40 years.  Grapes are pressed and the must is fermented in steel  tanks after a short period in contact with dry ice to increase complexity and aroma.  This wine is a perfect accompaniment to read meats, braised beef and pork, as well as an array of Italian cheeses, pastas and risotto.

Luca Bosio, winemaker

Luca Bosio, winemaker

“Ruby red in color, this Barbera exhibits aromas of red fruit chocolate and vanilla.  The aromas follow through the round and smooth palate. A well integrated wine with silky tannins leading to a smooth finish.” – Luca Bosio, winemaker

Winemaker: Luca Bosio
Appellation: Piedmont, Italy
Varietal Blend:  100% Barbera
Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume, 3.5 pH, 5.5 g/l TA
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine