Author Archives: WineStyles Tasting Station

LIVE webcast with Doug Frost – January 12

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Wine101SPECIAL EVENT:
TASTE LIKE A PRO with Doug Frost, MS, MW
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

W&B_BootCamp_logoJoin us for a LIVE webcast wine educational class with Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.  Attend our very first Wine & Beer Boot Camp educational series of 2016 and learn how to Taste Like a Pro!  Doug Frost will share his tips of the trade, making you look like a pro!  Seating is limited – call your local WineStyles Tasting Station store to RSVP.

DougFrostDoug Frost, Master Sommelier & Master of Wine

In 1991, Doug Frost passed the rigorous Master Sommelier examination and two years later became America’s eighth Master of Wine.  He was the second person in history to complete both exams and almost two decades later he is still one of only four people in the world to have achieved both these remarkable distinctions. According to USA Today, “Frost likely knows as much as anyone in the world about how to make, market, serve and identify wines.” The Wine Spectator has also bestowed the accolade of Master of Spirits on Mr. Frost, and he is one of the founders of BAR (Beverage Alcohol Resource), considered by most industry professionals to be the preeminent education and examining body for the spirits and cocktail industry. He continues to teach and examine for BAR and within the Master Sommelier and Master of Wine programs; currently he serves as President of the Institute of Masters of Wine North America.

Doug Frost also reviews, tastes and approves the monthly selection of Wine Club wines for WineStyles Tasting Station.

His first book, Uncorking Wine, is a staple for many restaurant and retail companies and their staff and management. Frost’s second book, On Wine, published by Rizzoli International, was released in 2001 and his most recent book, Far From Ordinary: The Spanish Wine Guide, the third edition released in 2011. Frost is a contributor to the Oxford Companion of Wine, Opus Vino, The World Atlas of Wine by Hugh Johnson and The Wine Report, an annual report edited by Tom Stevenson. He writes about wine and spirits for many publications including the San Francisco Chronicle, the Underground Wine Journal, Drinks International, Practical Winery & Vineyard, Wines & Vines, Wines & Spirits, Cheers Magazine, Sante Magazine, and Epicurious.com and is the beverage columnist for the James Beard award-winning food section of the Kansas City Star, as well as Hemispheres Magazine, Missouri Life and Fine Cooking. Frost is the host of Check Please!, an Emmy Award nominated weekly public TV show filmed in Kansas City. He also appears as a featured judge on Public Television’s The Winemakers, PBS’s first nationally broadcast reality show.

To learn more about Doug Frost, please visit his blog at DougFrost.com

LIMITED SEATING
Contact your participating local WineStyles to RSVP!

December Wine Club pairing recipe

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December Wine Club WineStyles

MACAY-bowChateau Macay
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Cotes de Bourg, France

The vineyard of Château Macay is situated in Samonac, in the heart of the Côtes de Bourg appellation, 30 km from Bordeaux, on the  right bank of Gironde estuary.  The name Macay comes from the patronymic of a Scottish officer’s surname, Mac Kay.  The castle Macay was founded by the Gagnernot family in 1740.  In 1850, this property was part of seven adjacent farms and a real wine village with a cellar on two floors, its cooper’s trade was surmounted by a tower.  The “Forge de Macay” was the central point of the property.  In 2012, Frédérique and Hervé Descourviéres became the proud new owners of Château Macay.

winemaker-Olivier-Dauga

“This wine has a very beautiful intense, clear garnet red color.  It offers a rich nose of aromatic blackberry fruits and grilled spicy notes.  Its palate is generous and aromatic, soft and fresh with excellent balance, elegant tannins and spicy notes on the finish.  Pairs perfectly with toasted lamb skewers or lamb chops” – Olivier Dauga, winemaker

Winemaker: Olivier Dauga
Appellation: Cotes de Bourg, France
Varietal Blend:  40% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Fran, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume, 3.7 pH
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

Lamb Curry with Basmati Rice

Lamb-curry-recipeINGREDIENTS:
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 lbs (900g) lamb fillet, cut into 1” cubes
•  6 large tomatoes, roughly chopped
•  2 onions, roughly chopped
•  3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
•  2 green chillies, finely chopped
•  1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
•  1 tbsp ground turmeric
•  1/2 tbsp ground cumin
•  1 tbsp chilli powder
•  1 tbsp plain flour
•  14 fl. oz. (400ml) coconut milk
•  1 pint (600ml) chicken stock
•  9 oz. (250g) baby spinach leaves
•  1 pomegranate, seeded
•  7 oz (200g) plain yogurt
•  salt and freshly ground black pepper
•  steamed basmati rice, to serve

DIRECTIONS:
•  Heat a large saucepan and add one tablespoon of the vegetable oil and then the lamb.  Cook over a high heat for 3-4 minutes, or until the lamb is golden brown all over, then remove and set aside.
•  Reduce the heat and add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.  Add the onions, garlic, chillies and ginger and fry for 2-3 minutes, until golden and softened.  Add all the turmeric, garam masala, cumin and chili powder and fry, stirring well, for one minute. Add the flour and cook for a further minute.  Add the tomatoes and coconut milk and heat to bring to a simmer. Add the lamb and enough chicken stock to just cover the lamb. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and release any residue at the bottom of the pan.
•  Heat the mixture until simmering, then cover and cook on a low heat for about one hour, or until the lamb is tender and cooked through.  Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the sauce, then add the spinach and pomegranate. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the spinach has wilted.  Add the yogurt, season to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper and stir well.  Serve on warmed plates with steamed basmati rice on side.    Recipe courtesy of Vinadeis.

November Wine Club pairing recipe

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Spanish Turkey Meatball Stew

spanish turkey meatballINGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
•  1 large onion, chopped
•  5 cloves garlic, minced
•  Kosher salt
•  1 teaspoon smoked paprika
•  1 cup sliced small carrots
• 2 (14 oz) cans low-sodium diced fire-roasted tomatoes
•  2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
•  1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
•  1 ½ pounds lean ground turkey
•  ¾ cup loosely packed fresh parsley (about 1 bunch), chopped, plus more for topping
•  Freshly ground pepper

DIRECTIONS:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Transfer half of the mixture to a large bowl.

Add the paprika and carrots to the remaining onion mixture in the skillet and cook 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, chicken broth and chickpeas; bring to a rapid simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 6 minutes.

Meanwhile, add the ground turkey, parsley, 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper to the bowl with the reserved onion mixture and mix with your hands. Form the turkey mixture into 20 meatballs. Place the meatballs in the skillet with the sauce and simmer, turning once, until cooked through, about 7 minutes. Serve with more pepper and parsley. Recipe courtesy of Food Network Magazine.

Bold_stickerCorona_ReservaCorona de Aragon
Reserva
Carinena DO, Spain

Corona de Aragon was one of the biggest kingdoms of the Mediterranean in the late Middle Ages, spanning from the east of Spain to the south of Greece, an area with a rich wine-producing history and tradition. These territories were under the jurisdiction of the King of Aragon from 1164 to 1707.  The winery and its vineyards are located in the heart of the Cariñena DO, one of Spain’s most traditional wine-producing regions. The origin of the Aragonese vineyards comes from a region where the inhabitants were known to drink wine mixed with honey as far back as the 3rd Century BC. The DO was established in 1932 and since Aragon has been a pioneer in the wine growing industry of Spain. Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon are the dominant grapes in this Reserva, which offer a modern take on the traditional Spanish wine.

“Garnacha adds a fruity freshness, while Cariñena offers great acidity and a beautiful boost of dark color.  Toasted vanilla, cocoa and a subtle nutty character open on the nose and carry through on the palate, complementing the plentiful bold fruit character until the very last sip“,  Marcelo Morales winemaker.

Winemaker: Marcelo Morales
Appellation: Carinena DO, Spain
Varietal Blend:  Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

What Craft Beer Drinkers Need To Know About Terroir

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What’s terroir all about? It’s about the origin and quality of the beer you’re drinking right now.

Source: What Craft Beer Drinkers Need To Know About Terroir

Lamb Chops with Balsamic Reduction

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lamb-chopsINGREDIENTS:
•  ¾ teaspoon dried rosemary
•  ½ teaspoon dried basil
•  ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
•  salt and pepper to taste
•  4 lamb chops (¾ inch thick)
•  1 tablespoon olive oil
•  ½ cup minced shallots
•  1/3 cup aged balsamic vinegar
•  ¾ cup chicken broth
•  1 tablespoon butter

DIRECTIONS:
In a small bowl or cup, mix together the rosemary, basil, thyme, salt and pepper. Rub this mixture onto the lamb chops on both sides. Place them on a plate, cover and set aside for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place lamb chops in the skillet, and cook for about 3 1/2 minutes per side for medium rare, or continue to cook to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet, and keep warm on a serving platter.

Add shallots to the skillet, and cook for a few minutes, just until browned. Stir in vinegar, scraping any bits of lamb from the bottom of the skillet, then stir in the chicken broth. Continue to cook and stir over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, until the sauce has reduced by half. If you don’t, the sauce will be runny and not good. Remove from heat, and stir in the butter. Pour over the lamb chops, and serve.

WineByJoe-RojomellowWine by Joe
Joe Rojo Red Blend
Applegate, Oregon

Nature, Nurture and Artistry… Joe is passionate about bringing forth the natural characteristics of the grapes and letting the flavors and aromas tell the story of their quality upbringing. He fervently believes that the quality of wine starts in the vineyard; therefore, so does he. From early spring until harvest, Joe scrutinizes the vines, selecting the best sites and clones, as well as crop loads with the objective to produce wines true to their varietal character with as much depth, elegance, opulence and balance of flavor possible. His wines are beautifully fruited, rich with aromas and often have a faint impression of sweetness on the palate due to ripe tannins and fruit. Creating his dreams through pure drive and an insatiable passion for his art,  Joe will continue to produce excellence and value through each of his distinct labels.

JoeDobbes“Aging in neutral oak barrels keeps this wine focused on fruit. Ripe, dark berried fruits with complex earth and spice undertones. A warm growing season has resulted in this easy drinking, full-bodied red wine.” – Joe Dobbes, winemaker

Winemaker: Joe Dobbes
Appellation: Applegate, Oregon
Varietal Blend:  40% Tempranillo, 30% Zinfandel, 30% Merlot
Analysis: 14.3% alcohol / volume, 3.92 pH
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

 

Oregon Salmon Patties

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Salmon-pattiesINGREDIENTS:
•  1 (14.75 oz) can salmon
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 onion, medium, chopped
• 2/3 cup cracker crumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 3 tablespoons shortening

DIRECTIONS:
Drain the salmon, reserving ¾ cup of the liquid. Flake the meat. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, and cook until tender.

In a medium bowl, combine the onions with the reserved salmon liquid, 1/3 of the cracker crumbs, eggs, parsley, mustard and salmon. Mix until well blended, then shape into six patties. Coat patties in remaining cracker crumbs.

Melt shortening in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook patties until browned, then carefully turn and brown on the other side.  Recipe courtesy of Allrecipes.com

wbj_viognierSilky_StickerWine by Joe
Dobbes Viognier
Applegate Valley, Oregon

Dobbes’ objective when making Wine By Joe is to produce approachable wines that are true to their varietal character and accurate representations of the Oregon terroir. Far more effort is expended on site selection, with the singular focus of sourcing fruit that expresses true varietal character while promising depth, elegance and balance. This all takes place at Dobbes Family Estate in Dundee, Oregon’s first LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) certified winery. Nature, Nurture and Artistry…Joe is passionate about bringing forth the natural characteristics of the grapes and letting the flavors and aromas tell the story of their quality upbringing.

JoeDobbes“Stone fruit aromas and flavors of ripe peach, apricot, golden raspberries and candied orange mingle with notes of honeysuckle and Daphne blossoms. Lovely floral complexity. The wine finishes with medium length balanced by bright acidity.” – Joe Dobbes, winemaker

Winemaker: Joe Dobbes
Appellation: Applegate Valley, Oregon
Varietal Blend:  100% Viognier
Analysis: 13.1% alcohol / volume, 3.7 pH
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

 

October Wine Club pairing recipe

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JoeDobbes-header

Granny Smith Apple Chutney

apple-chutneyINGREDIENTS:
• 3 Granny Smith apples sliced into 1 inch wedges
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup raisins or dried cranberries
•  ¼ cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg

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.

wbj_syrahBold_stickerWine by Joe
Dobbes Syrah
Willamette Valley, Oregon

Though a small-town boy raised in Willamette Valley, Joe Dobbes’ wine calling originated far from his home country. Stints in the Nahe and Burgundy regions in France provided Joe with a solid foundation in the Old World of winemaking, before returning to the U.S. and eventually beginning Joe Dobbes Wines in 2002. Today, he has succeeded in building one of the most well-established wine companies in Oregon. The estate vineyards cover some 214 acres in Willamette Valley and, in addition, Joe works closely with a number of elite Oregon vineyards to release single-vineyard wines and masterful cuvées under three labels – Dobbes Family Estate, Jovino and Wine By Joe, the last of which was named the #1 Hot Small Brand of 2011 by Wine Business Monthly.

JoeDobbes“20 months in neutral barrels has refined the tannins and created a full mid-palate with a smooth finish. This fruit driven Syrah expresses a full spectrum of bright red to dark berry fruits.  Floral and earth driven accents keep this food friendly wine alluring” – Joe Dobbes, winemaker

Winemaker: Joe Dobbes
Appellation: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal Blend:  100% Syrah
Analysis: 13.7% alcohol / volume, 3.7 pH
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

 

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!

billcard

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

Ridge-Vineyards-Logo

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