Author Archives: WineStyles Tasting Station

Anne de Joyeuse Orchis Chardonnay

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Butternut Squash GratinButternut Squash Gratin

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter plus more for the baking dish
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 1 garlic clove thinly sliced
  • 1 ½ pounds (about 1 large) butternut squash peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, and thinly sliced between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick
  • ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup fresh bread crumbs
  • ¾ cup grated Comté cheese
  • few chives finely chopped (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter a 10-inch (25-centimeter) baking dish.
  2. In a large sauté pan or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened and translucent, 4 minutes.
  3. Add the butternut squash slices and nutmeg and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Transfer the squash mixture to the baking dish. Smother with the cream, sprinkle with the bread crumbs, scatter the cheese on top, and dot with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, cut into pieces.
  5. Bake until the surface is golden and bubbly and the butternut squash is tender, 30 to 40 minutes. Serve immediately, sprinkled with the chives, if desired.

© Recipe courtesy of Leite’s Culinaria.

NOVEMBER WISCONSIN WINE CLUB:

Silky styleAnne de Joyeuse ChardonnayAnne de Joyeuse
Orchis
Chardonnay Pays D’OC
Languedoc, France

SILKY WINE STYLE

Produced in the Languedoc-Roussillion region in France, by Cave Anne de Joyeuse, this Chardonnay comes from the Vin de Pays D’OC appellation. Bright pale gold in color with scents of white flowers on the nose, evolving on the palate towards notes of white fruit and a fresh, citrus finish.  Fine and well balanced, it will accompany all sorts of fish dishes and will also be ideal as an aperitif. 

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume

WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Grapes were pressed directly on their arrival at the cellar, then vinified traditionally and fined at cold temperatures. They are then fermented under controlled temperatures.

ABOUT ANNE DE JOYEUSE:
The Anne de Joyeuse cooperative is named after a well-known 16th-centruy figure, the Duke of Joyeuse, who was bestowed the lordship of Limoux by Henry III.  The cooperative includes 350 winegrowing families and 3000 hectares under vine.  The producers of the Anne de Joyeuse company have constantly worked on the evolution of their vineyard since 1929. The wines are created in their state-of-art cellar with genuine passion, reflecting their love the terroir and desire to produce the best value possible.  For the last 25 years, Anne de Joyeuse has focused on the environment, reinforced in 2007 by the creation of their sustainable development charter, Protect Planet, helping cooperative producers implement sustainable winegrowing techniques.  Their vineyards are at the crossroads of four major climate zones and seven types of soil. This exceptional location shapes the quality and uniqueness of their wines. Learn more >

© Information and Photos provided by Anne de Joyeuse.

Map of vineyards

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Jan Harmsgat Chardonnay

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Butternut Squash GratinButternut Squash Gratin

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter plus more for the baking dish
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 1 garlic clove thinly sliced
  • 1 ½ pounds (about 1 large) butternut squash peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, and thinly sliced between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick
  • ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup fresh bread crumbs
  • ¾ cup grated Comté cheese
  • few chives finely chopped (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter a 10-inch (25-centimeter) baking dish.
  2. In a large sauté pan or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened and translucent, 4 minutes.
  3. Add the butternut squash slices and nutmeg and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Transfer the squash mixture to the baking dish. Smother with the cream, sprinkle with the bread crumbs, scatter the cheese on top, and dot with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, cut into pieces.
  5. Bake until the surface is golden and bubbly and the butternut squash is tender, 30 to 40 minutes. Serve immediately, sprinkled with the chives, if desired.

© Recipe courtesy of Leite’s Culinaria.

 

NOVEMBER WINE CLUB:

Rich WineStylesJan-Harmsgat_ChardonnayJan Harmsgat
Chardonnay
South Africa

RICH WINE STYLE

This Chardonnay is fruit driven with integrated wood notes that is barely noticeable. On the nose, there are notes of citrus, stone fruit and pineapple; while the palate is rich, yet elegant with a round mouth feel.

Varietal: Chardonnay
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.46
TA: 6.14
RS: 4.43 g/L
Production: 5,000 Bottles
Maturation: 10 Months, 225L French Oak Casks, 4th fill.
Critical Acclaim: 91 pts. Gilbert & Gaillard – 2021 International Challenge

WINEMAKER’S NOTES
A Chardonnay with gentle yet enticing roasted hazelnuts, whipped butter and a lick of oak with aromatic complexity. It is rounded, with good density and an energizing fresh core, the palate has great texture.

ABOUT JAN HARMSGAT:
Founded in 1723, the Jan Harmsgat Farm (JHG) is situated on the most southern tip of the Robertson Wine valley, along the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains in the Western Cape of South Africa. This area is locally known as the “valley of wine and roses”. JHG’s philosophy is to create delicious single-block wines — the smallest production unit for vineyards that may not exceed six hectares per cultivar. Their unique position borders with dry conditions of the Karoo (semi-desert region), along with cool sea breezes from the Coastal Regions. Learn more about the winery’s history here.

© Information and Photos provided by Jan Harmsgat.

Jan Harmsgat Farm Winery

Jan Harmsgat Farm

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Jan Harmsgat Pinot Noir

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Creamy Leftover Turkey SoupCreamy Leftover Turkey Soup

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • 4 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms
  • 1 clove garlic crushed
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 6 cups turkey broth OR chicken, OR vegetable
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • ½ pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered
  • ½ cup wild rice blend
  • 1 cup half & half
  • 4 cups cooked Turkey meat, shredded
  • ½ cup corn
  • salt & pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Cook aromatics: Heat butter and oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened, 4-5 minutes.
  2. Cook mushrooms: Stir in mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until mushrooms have softened. Stir through garlic and cook for one more minute.
  3. Season: Reduce heat to medium-low. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and flour evenly over mushroom mixture, stir well for 1 minute.
  4. Add broth: Gradually pour in broth, stirring constantly, to keep any lumps from forming.
  5. Simmer: Stir in carrots, potatoes and rice. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook, covered, until rice is nearly done (about 20-25 minutes for parboiled rice, about 35 minutes for regular).
  6. Finish soup: Once rice is nearly ready, open lid and stir soup well. Add half and half, cooked turkey meat and corn. Stir well, then simmer over medium heat, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until heated through.
  7. Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

© Recipe courtesy of Nora from Savory Nothings.

 

NOVEMBER WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoJan-Harmsgat_Pinot-NoirJan Harmsgat
Pinot Noir
South Africa

MELLOW WINE STYLE

This Pinot Noir is light and soft in style. On the nose, there are notes of dark cherries and strawberries with a slight earthiness. The palate has a soft tannic structure and smooth texture.

Varietal: Pinot Noir
Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.75
VA: 0.64
VS02: 26 mg/L
TS02: 62 mg/L
RS: 2.23 g/L
Wood Maturation: 3 Months, 225L French Oak, 4th fill.

WINEMAKER’S NOTES
The newest addition to the JHG boutique wine collection is the Pinot Noir. The very first attempt at making this wine, JHG won the trophy for the best Pinot Noir in the Robertson Wine Valley at the Young Wine Awards.

ABOUT JAN HARMSGAT:
Founded in 1723, the Jan Harmsgat Farm (JHG) is situated on the most southern tip of the Robertson wine valley, along the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains in the Western Cape of South Africa. This area is locally known as the “valley of wine and roses”. JHG’s philosophy is to create delicious single-block wines — the smallest production unit for vineyards that may not exceed six hectares per cultivar. Their unique position borders with dry conditions of the Karoo (semi-desert region), along with cool sea breezes from the coastal regions. Learn more about the winery’s history here.

© Information and Photos provided by Jan Harmsgat.

Jan Harmsgat Winery South Africa

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Jan Harmsgat Shiraz

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Stuffed Mushrooms, BreadcrumbsStuffing-Stuffed Mushrooms

INGREDIENTS:

    • 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing pan
    • 24 large Cremini mushrooms (about 1¼ pounds), each about 2 inches wide
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
    • kosher salt and black pepper
    • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 2 small stalks celery, finely chopped (about ⅔ cup), plus 1 tablespoon minced celery leaves
    • 2 sarge shallots, minced
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
    • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
    • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
    • 6 ounces cornbread, crumbled into small pieces (about 2 loose cups)
    • 1 to 1½ cups grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese
    • 4 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
    • 2 large eggs

DIRECTIONS:

    1. Heat the oven to 400°F and lightly brush a large rimmed sheet pan with olive oil.
    2. Using barely moist paper towels, wipe the mushroom stems and caps clean. Carefully tear off the mushroom stems, setting them aside in a medium bowl. Set each mushroom cap on its side and slice off the excess mushroom cap that curls over the gills. The goal here is to create a flatter surface area so the mushrooms caramelize instead of steam, and so you can pile more stuffing on top. Transfer the mushroom scraps to the bowl with the mushroom stems, then transfer the trimmed mushroom caps to the sheet pan, cut-side up.
    3. Brush the tops of the trimmed mushrooms with 3 tablespoons oil. In a small bowl, stir together the garlic powder, onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper; sprinkle the mixture over the tops of the mushrooms. Flip the mushrooms so they are cut-side down, and roast until they have released their liquid and are starting to caramelize, about 15 minutes. Remove sheet pan from heat, and set aside.
    4. While the mushrooms roast, prepare the filling: Finely chop the mushroom stems and scraps or transfer them to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped (about 2 cups).
    5. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped celery, shallots, garlic, rosemary, poultry seasoning and celery seeds. Season generously with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped mushrooms, season with salt and pepper and cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer vegetable mixture to a large bowl to cool, at least 15 minutes.
    6. Once the vegetable mixture has cooled, stir in the cornbread, cheese, celery leaves and 3 tablespoons chopped parsley. Season generously with salt and pepper. Whisk the eggs together in a small bowl, then stir into the cornbread filling until combined (makes about 4 cups).
    7. Wipe the sheet pan clean, then brush again with olive oil to coat. Mound about 1 to 2 tablespoons filling into each mushroom cap, patting them gently without packing them tightly, then transfer to the sheet pan, spacing them evenly apart. Bake until mixture on top is warmed through, 10 to 15 minutes. Broil until browned in spots, 2 to 4 minutes. Let cool a few minutes, then transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon minced parsley to serve.

© Recipe courtesy of Alexa Weibel of NY Times Cooking.

NOVEMBER WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoJan-Harmsgat_ShirazJan Harmsgat
Shiraz
South Africa

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Shiraz is spicy and fruit driven. The nose and the palate are equally spicy with notes of white peppers and dark fruit.

Varietal: Shiraz
Analysis: 15.0% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.77
RS: 2.1 g/L
Production: 5,000 Bottles
Wood Maturation: Spicy, white peppers, dark fruit

WINEMAKER’S NOTES
For a red wine so young, this Shiraz is remarkably drinkable with plenty of dark soft berries and spice. The flavors are rich and mouth-filling, while comfortably fresh tannins ensure there’s no heaviness. This wine should give pleasure of the next year or two.

ABOUT JAN HARMSGAT:
Founded in 1723, the Jan Harmsgat Farm (JHG) is situated on the most southern tip of the Robertson Wine valley, along the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains in the Western Cape of South Africa. This area is locally known as the “valley of wine and roses”. JHG’s philosophy is to create delicious single-block wines — the smallest production unit for vineyards that may not exceed six hectares per cultivar. Their unique position borders with dry conditions of the Karoo (semi-desert region), along with cool sea breezes from the coastal regions. Learn more about the winery’s history here.

© Photo by Jan Harmsgat
© Photo by Jan Harmsgat
© Photo by Jan Harmsgat

© Information provided by Jan Harmsgat

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Arendsig Chardonnay Blok A15

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Butternut Squash GratinButternut Squash Gratin

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter plus more for the baking dish
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 1 garlic clove thinly sliced
  • 1 ½ pounds (about 1 large) butternut squash peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, and thinly sliced between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick
  • ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup fresh bread crumbs
  • ¾ cup grated Comté cheese
  • few chives finely chopped (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter a 10-inch (25-centimeter) baking dish.
  2. In a large sauté pan or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened and translucent, 4 minutes.
  3. Add the butternut squash slices and nutmeg and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Transfer the squash mixture to the baking dish. Smother with the cream, sprinkle with the bread crumbs, scatter the cheese on top, and dot with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, cut into pieces.
  5. Bake until the surface is golden and bubbly and the butternut squash is tender, 30 to 40 minutes. Serve immediately, sprinkled with the chives, if desired.

© Recipe courtesy of Leite’s Culinaria.

 

NOVEMBER VIRGINIA WINE CLUB:

Crisp Wine StyleArendsig Chardonnay wine bottleArendsig
Single Vineyard
Chardonnay Blok A15
South Africa

CRISP WINE STYLE

On the nose, green and yellow citrus, Granny Smith apple, with tropical fruit notes.  Zesty and crisp on the palate with a lingering mouthfeel. Spontaneously fermented and matured in concrete tanks and neutral French oak barrels for 10 months.

Varietal: Chardonnay
Analysis: 13.79% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.18
TA: 7.1
RS: 2.8 g/L
Production: 12,546 Bottles
Maturation: 10 Months, concrete tanks and neutral French oak barrels
Critical Acclaim: 4 stars, Platters Diners Club Entertainment 2022

WINEMAKER’S NOTES
“My philosophy is to create great single vineyard wines from unique soil, climate and location. It’s the soil with all the microbes, cycle of elements and the help of living organisms that creates the heartbeat for my vines. The location towards the sun, wind and holistic climate conditions reflects the uniqueness of each vineyard. Spontaneous fermentation, no added yeast, is used with no enzymes. Maturation takes place in neutral vessels to bring through the unique vineyard characteristics which is specific to the site.” – Lourens Van Der Westhuizen

ABOUT ARENDSIG:
Arendsig’s single vineyard wines are made with minimal interference throughout the vinification. During fermentation natural yeasts are used with no enzymes.  Maturation takes place in neutral vessels to bring through the unique vineyard characteristics, that’s specific to the site. The handcrafted approach helps add to the final balance of the wines.  The vineyards are blessed with diversity, located in the Southern Robertson valley, Bonnievale. Learn more at Arendsig.co.za

© Information and Photos provided by Arendsig.

Lourens Van Der Westhuizen

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July Sweet Club Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubConfetti Sweet pink Rose wine bottleConfetti!
Sweet Pink Rosé
Trentino, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Bright rose color with aromas of fresh strawberries. Deliciously sweet with a lively frizzante and flavors of red berries and watermelon. Light bubble is perfect as an aperitif or pairing with summer picnics and sweet celebrations!

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an aged cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

 

 

confetti-sweet-red-wine-bottleConfetti!
Sweet Red
Trentino, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Ruby red color with aromas of blackberries and plums.  Flavors of sweet, ripe blackberries and plums with a delicate frizzante. Nicely balanced with sweetness and the dryness of the tannins.  Trentino, located in Northern Italy, has a long tradition of cultivating and producing quality wines.

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with a fresh, young, soft cheese – such as a Brie. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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July Beer Club: Iowa

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BeerClubLogoRomilly Cidre Rose Cider FranceRomilly Cidre
Rosé Cider (Cidre)
Normandy, France
375 ml bottle

The Romilly Farm is a thousand year old farm in Normandy, France, close to Omaha Beach.  All the ciders (cidres) are made exclusively with apples produced on the 90 acre farm.  This Rosé cider is fully natural with berries and beets providing a pleasing pink color. Big, French apple flavors with a mild barnyard funk that adds complexity. The cider presents rose petals and wildflower notes with herbs.  Moderately sweet, easy to drink, great for celebrations and feasts.

Beer Style: Fruity and Spicy
Style: Cider
ABV: 4.4% alcohol / volume

Romilly Brut CiderRomilly Cidre
Brut Cider (Cidre)
Normandy, France
375 ml bottle

Slightly dry, presenting a bit of sweetness to draw out the flavors of the eight Norman apples that go into this complex cider. Romilly’s master cidermakers offer up a bouquet of apples, with aromas of old-world barn, hay, and leather with a restrained dryness on the palate that is balanced and refreshing. The finish is long and clean with hints of olives. Winner of World Cider Championships (record high of 95 points). Pair with a baguette, cheese, roasted meat and vegetables.

Beer Style: Fruity and Spicy
Style: Cider
ABV: 4.9 % alcohol / volume

 

Romilly Cidre logoABOUT ROMILLY CIDRE: World Cider Championship Winners

A unique line of aged, natural French ciders of unmatched quality. Romilly Cidres invite exciting food pairing adventures. Elegant and delicious on their own, they inspire new cocktail inventions and trending demands for natural products and low ABV. They are of unsurpassed craftsmanship made only from the 32 varieties of heirloom apples produced on the Romilly Farm and champagne yeasts. Benjamin Renaud, the twenty-nine year old master cidremaker, adds no water, no sugar, adhering to standards of excellence found in the finest wineries and cidreries in France. Unsurpassed quality, limited production at an affordable price is a rarity indeed.

The Romilly Farm is a thousand year old farm in Isigny-Sur-Mer, Normandy, France, close to Omaha Beach. All the ciders are made exclusively with apples produced on the 90 acre farm. Each variety (Sweet, Half-dry, Dry, Extra Dry and Rosé) uses eight different Norman heritage apple varieties which are bio-dynamically grown. They have set records in major competitions and been adopted enthusiastically by Chef Thomas Keller, Chef Michael Solomonov, Gramercy Tavern, The Embassy of France and the United Nations Headquarters.

Romilly heirloom apples

Romilly Heirloom Apples

Romilly cider maker

Romilly Farm Normandy France

Romilly Farm, Normandy France

Photos and information © 2022 Romilly Cidre – All Rights Reserved.

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July Bubbly Club: Chateau Ste. Michelle

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Chateau Ste Michelle Luxe Brut ChardonnayChateau Ste. Michelle
Luxe Brut Chardonnay
Columbia Valley, Washington

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

“With delicate flavors of sweet citrus, orange peel, lemon, and herbs, this lively Chateau Ste. Michelle Lux Brut is the perfect accompaniment for a wide array of foods and gatherings.” – Paula Eakin, winemaker

Analysis: 11.5% alcohol / volume
Varieties: Chardonnay
Total Acidity: 0.62 g/100ml
pH: 3.14
Residual Sugar: 1.63 g/100ml
Vintage: Non-vintage
Appellation: Columbia Valley, Washington
Winemaker: Paula Eakin

VINEYARD NOTES:
Premium grapes were sourced from  Washington State’s Columbia Valley.  Like France’s renowned Champagne district, Columbia Valley vineyard sit at a northerly latitude.  Ample sunshine and cool evenings create ideal conditions in developing superior flavor and crisp acids.

WINEMAKING NOTES:
Winemaker, Paula Eakin samples several lots of base wine to create this unique cuvée based on ideal aroma and flavor profiles.  The Chardonnay based blend is created from a consistent house style and aged sur lie for extended time to add texture and depth.  A sweet liquid dosage is added to the bottle balancing the delicate, natural high fruit acids and viscocity, giving Brut its unique style.

Chateau Ste Michelle Lux Brut Rose bottleChateau Ste. Michelle
Luxe Brut Rosé
Columbia Valley, Washington

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

“This beautiful blush hued Chateau Ste. Michelle Sparkling Rosé with delicate flavors of strawberries, sweet orange and berry jam is the perfect combination of crisp acidity and lovely fine bubbles that pairs with almost everything. Enjoy!” – Paula Eakin, Winemaker

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varieties: Mix of red varietals from more than one vintage are selected to create a consistent style
Total Acidity: 0.62 g/100ml
pH: 3.15
Residual Sugar: 1.61 g/100ml
Vintage: Non-vintage
Appellation: Columbia Valley, Washington
Winemaker: Paula Eakin

VINEYARD NOTES:
Premium grapes were sourced from  Washington State’s Columbia Valley.  Like France’s renowned Champagne district, Columbia Valley vineyard sit at a northerly latitude.  Ample sunshine and cool evenings create ideal conditions in developing superior flavor and crisp acids.

WINEMAKING NOTES:
Winemaker, Paula Eakin samples several lots of base wine to create this unique cuvée based on ideal aroma and flavor profiles.  The based blend is created from a consistent house style.  A sweet liquid dosage is added to the bottle balancing the delicate, natural high fruit acids and viscocity, giving Rosé its unique style.

CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE:
Celebrating more than 50 years of winemaking Chateau Ste. Michelle combines Old World winemaking traditions with New World innovations. Built on the 1912 estate owned by a Seattle lumber baron, the winery’s roots date back to the Repeal of Prohibition.  In 1967 under legendary winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff, a new line of premium vinifera wines was introduced called Ste. Michelle Vintners.  In 1972, the first vines were planted at Cold Creek Vineyard in Eastern Washington. Four years later, Ste. Michelle Vintners built a French style winery Chateau in Woodinville, and changed its name to Chateau Ste. Michelle.  Did you know Chateau Ste. Michelle is one of the few premium wineries in the world with two state-of-the-art wineries, one for red and one for white.  The whites are made at the Chateau in Woodinville, Washington, while the reds are made at their Canoe Ridge Estate winery in Eastern Washington. Learn more >

Chateau Ste Michelle gate entrance

© Chateau Ste. Michelle

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September Premium Wine Club

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Brew Cru Black Label Pinot NoirBREW CRU
Black Label Pinot Noir, Single Vineyard
Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, South Africa

Bold wine Style logoBOLD WINE STYLE

Hemel-en-Aarde, a region known for producing world class cool climate wines, is synonymous with outstanding South African Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.   Influenced by a maritime climate it enjoys cool daytime temperatures that are even lower overnight, particularly during the growing season resulting in this medium bodied wine with classic elegance that exhibits both grace and power. 

This elegant wine shows prominent aromas of black cherries and raspberries with undertones of violets. It has a finely textured palate with silky tannins, strawberry and plum making way for slight savory notes by a fresh and vibrant finish.

Winemaker Bertus Fourie“In my 21 years of making wine, this is without a doubt the wine that best expresses typical Pinot Noir and the precision I’m after when it comes to fruity purity, fine tannins, overall balance and grace.  A non-forgiving and challenging grape to work with, but when the stars align it all comes together in the form of our maiden ‘Black Label’ release.” –  Bertus Fourie, Winemaker

Winemaking: Grapes were handpicked and only individually selected bunches were harvest at maximum flavor intensity. After both bunch and berry sorting on arrival at the winery, the grapes underwent a four-day pre-fermentation cold soak allowing for maximum fruit and color extraction. Four micro fermentations using a combination of whole bunch and whole berries fermentations were done to give depth and a full palate of aromas.  Alcoholic fermentation lasted approximately eight days after which it was pressed, settled, and transferred to barrel for malolactic fermentation. The wine was not racked from barrel only once over the 12-month maturation period, as preserving the freshness and fruit was key for the styles the team was looking to produce.

Appellation: Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, South Africa
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Analysis: 14.3% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.49
TA: 5.51 g/l
Residual Sugar: 2.7 g/l
Aging: k
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed & approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

 

Benguela Cove Vinography Cabernet Franc bottleBenguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate
Vinography Cabernet Franc
Estate Grown
Walker Bay, South Africa

Bold wine Style logoBOLD WINE STYLE

Vineyards: Walker Bay is making great inroad with Bordeaux varieties.  Nudged by the Bot River lagoon with vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, the vineyards enjoy cool daytime temperatures that drop even more at night.  A beneficial diurnal range aids in even ripening and complexity, ushering the development of delicate fruit notes, fine tannin structure and a bright acidity.  Cabernet Franc enjoys the nuances of the climate, resulting in small, concentrated berries. 

Character: At the outset, this Cabernet Franc appears to be reserved. Decanting is advised to enjoy the full flavor spectrum. Varietal characteristics like black cherry, salted licorice, cinnamon, dark chocolate and hints of potpourri is framed with cooler notes of Greek Oregano, graphite and cedar.  An earthiness prevails as bold fruit envelopes your whole mouth.  Mad with focus, clarity and the intention to age.

Johann Fourie Winemaker

Winemaker Johann Fourie

Personality: This wine is the quintessential balancing act of fruit, tannin and acidity with absolute persistence. Commanding yet sophisticated, this Cabernet Franc fulfills the aim of producing a cool-climate wine that was picked at the proper ripeness level and still portrays that old world benchmarks finesse and elegance.

In the Cellar: Grapes were handpicked at optimal ripeness, followed by bunch and berry sorting. A four day cold soak allowed for maximum flavor and extraction and another seven days post fermentation maceration added even more depth of color.  The juice was inoculated, followed by gentle punch downs twice a day. After alcoholic fermentation, it was pressed, settled and transferred to barrel for malolactic fermentation where it was kept until prior to bottling.

Pairing: Braised lamb shoulder, beef bourguignon, or Puttanesca pasta.

Appellation: Walker Bay, South Africa
Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Analysis: 14.34% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.49
TA: 5.83 g/l
Residual Sugar: 2.77 g/l
Maturation: 22 months in 40% new French oak barrels
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed & approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

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Brew Cru Chardonnay

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Asparagus and Bok-Choy Frittata

Asparagus and Bok-choy Frittata

© FoodandWine.com

South Africa is one of the so-called New World wine countries, along with Australia, New Zealand, and the Americas, but its wines best reflect the balance of the European tradition. A South African chardonnay will make a marvelous partner for this Italian-inspired dish.  When making an Italian frittata, don’t limit yourself to traditional ingredients. The Asian flavors that fill this version offer a real change of pace. Cook the eggs on top of the stove or in the oven —but be sure to use moderate heat so they don’t turn rubbery.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 3 scallions including green tops, sliced thin
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 small head bok-choy (about 3/4 pound), cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3/4 pound asparagus, tough ends snapped off and discarded, spears cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 9 eggs, beaten to mix
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil

DIRECTIONS:

  • Heat the oven to 325°F. In a medium cast-iron or ovenproof nonstick frying pan, heat the cooking oil over moderate heat. Add the scallions, ginger, and garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the bok-choy and cook, stirring, until the leaves wilt, about 2 minutes. Add the asparagus and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are almost tender, about 3 minutes more.
  • Evenly distribute the vegetables in the pan and then add the eggs, pepper, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook the frittata, without stirring, until the edges start to set, about 2 minutes. Put the frittata in the oven and bake until firm, about 25 minutes. Drizzle the sesame oil over the top. Serves 4.
  • © Photo and recipe courtesy of FoodandWine.com 

SEPTEMBER WINE CLUB:

Brew Cru ChardonnaySilky styleBREW CRU
Chardonnay
Hemel-en-aarde Ridge, South Africa

SILKY WINE STYLE

Walker Bay, a region known for producing world-class, cool climate wines, is rapidly becoming synonymous with outstanding South African Chardonnay. Its close proximity to the ocean is ideal for the development of lovely lime notes, austere structure and lively acidity. 

This well-balanced wine displays the true characteristics of a cool-climate Chardonnay.  On the nose there is beautiful orange blossom, peach and mandarin with tones of raw almonds. The palate shows great finesses and has subtle hints nougat and toasty notes with a refreshing, lasting and creamy finish.

Appellation: Hemel-en-aarde Ridge, Walker Bay, South Africa
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 13.9% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.2
TA: 6.6 g/l
Residual Sugar: 2.6 g/l
Aging: 9 months French oak
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed & approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

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