Author Archives: WineStyles Tasting Station

Zingy Turkey Soup

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Perfect pairing for leftover Thanksgiving turkey and Les Florieres Pinot Noir

112137255INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 3 garlic cloves, diced
• 2 large bay leaves
• 2 cups diced roasted turkey
• 1 cup white rice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 quart chicken broth
• Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

In a large pot, stir together olive oil, onion, celery, carrots and garlic and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.  Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes.  Remove the bay leaves and serve.  Makes 8 servings.  Recipe courtesy of Italia Magazine.

WC_Nov_2013_Label_PinotNoirLes Florieres
Pinot Noir
Burgundy, France

mellow

This Pinot Noir displays shiny ruby red colors with a sense of clarity. Subtle aromas of red and black fruits (raspberry & black current) with notes of warm spices. Wine is medium bodied with notes of wild strawberries and liquorice and finishes with a bright fresh acidity.

Winemaker: Gregoire Pissot
Appellation: Maconnais, Burgundy, France
Varietal:  100% Pinot Noir
Analysis: 12.5% alc/vol
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed & approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

Reserve Your Seat Early!

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Caymus Vineyards Portfolio Tasting Event

portfolio

Call your participating WineStyles to RSVP, limited seating available!

Please join us to taste amazing wines from Caymus Vineyards, Napa Valley California.  The Wagners produced their first vintage in 1972, consisting of 240 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon. Since then, Caymus has focused their efforts in the production of quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Today’s production is 65,000 cases and still family owned.

CAYMUS VINEYARDS:
In 1971 Charles F. (Charlie) Wagner and his wife Lorna Belle Glos Wagner asked their son Charles J. (Chuck) Wagner, who had just graduated from high school, if he would be interested in joining them in starting up a winery. If Chuck declined the offer, Charlie and Lorna were planning to sell out of their ranch in Napa Valley and move to Australia. Chuck accepted his parents’ offer to launch the winery, Caymus Vineyards. The Wagners took the name Caymus from the Mexican land grant known as Rancho Caymus, given to George Yount in 1836, which encompassed what eventually became the town of Rutherford and much of the surrounding area.

portfolioCaymus Vineyards remains 100% family-owned by the Wagners. Charlie, Lorna Belle, and Chuck worked together as a remarkable team for over 30 years building Caymus Cabernet. Today, Chuck, his two sons, Charlie and Joe, and one daughter, Jenny, have joined the family team. Farming grapes remain the priority with the family, farming about 350 acres of choice Napa Valley land.

Reserve your Seat Early!

Our national tasting event in November will sell out fast!
Contact your participating WineStyles for local details and reservations!

Fontanafredda Food Pairing

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177409170Veal Tonnato

As the centerpiece of an elegant buffet table this classic Piedmontese dish will never fail to impress.

INGREDIENTS:
• 2 1/2 lbs veal tenderloin
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 carrot peeled
• 1 medium onion quartered
• 4 sprigs parsley
• 1 bay leaf

SAUCE:
• 1 seven oz can tuna packed in oil
• 6 anchovy fillets
• 3 Tbs capers, drained if in vinegar
• 3 Tbs lemon juice
• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise

DIRECTIONS:

Place veal, celery, carrot, onion, parsley and bay leaf in a large pot and add water to cover. Then remove veal and set aside. Cover pot, bring contents to boil; then add veal. When water returns to a boil, cover pot, reduce heat and simmer gently for 1 1/2 hours. Remove from heat and leave meat to cool in its own broth.

Drain tuna and place in food processor with anchovies, capers and lemon juice. Blend to a smooth, creamy consistency. Remove mixture from processor and fold in
mayonnaise. Taste for salt.

When veal is cold, retrieve from broth and cut evenly into thin slices. Smear the bottom of a serving platter with some of the tuna sauce. Spread over it a layer of the veal slices and sauce until veal is used up. Leave enough sauce to blanket final layer.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. Before serving, bring to room temperature, smooth off top with spatula and garnish with some or all
suggested garnish ingredients (thin slices of lemon, sprigs of fresh parsley or pitted black olives cut into wedges).  Serves 8 , prepare a day ahead of serving.

Fontanafredda_BarberaFontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera
FruityPiedmont DOC, Italy

The Briccotondo Barbera has sweet, soft tannins that come together in a closely-woven texture that combines with great fruit character and crisp freshness, culminating in a long, tasty finish. A perfect match for starters, cured meats and a variety of fresh and mature cheeses.

Winemaker: Danilo Drocco
Appellation: Piedmont DOC, Italy
Varietal:  100% Barbera
Analysis: 13.5% alc/vol

Villa Barbi Orvieto Pairing Recipe

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Pasta with Artichoke Hearts, Capers and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Chicken Florentine Artichoke BakeINGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound pasta of your choice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large clove of garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock
• 1/4 cup finely sliced sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil or dried are both fine)
• 1 (15 or 16 ounce) jar artichoke hearts, drained
• 1/4 cup drained capers
• Lots of freshly grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Put on water to boil in order to cook the pasta.

While the water is boiling, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly cook the garlic until very fragrant (don’t let the garlic burn or your sauce will be bitter). De-glaze the pan with the white wine. Add the chicken stock, and the sun-dried tomatoes. Let the mixture cook down until reduced by about half. Add the artichoke hearts and capers. Cook about a minute more (enough to warm up the newly added ingredients.) Set aside.

Cook the pasta, and when it is finished, drain it and add the sauce immediately. Toss the mixture together and serve. Garnish each serving very generously with lots of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.  Serves 4-6.

Villa_Barbi_Ovieto_BiancoVilla Barbi Orvieto Classico DOC
crispUmbria, Italy

A vibrant straw color.  Highly aromatic with white fruits, citrus and a hint of almonds. Round yet clean on the palate with bright acidity and a slight bitter almond note on the finish. This wine has excellent balance and beauty. Villa Barbi Bianco expresses the Orvieto tradition at its finest as upheld by Decugnano dei Barbi. It is a fresh wine, fine on the palate and harmonic.

Winemaker: Riccardo Cotarella
Appellation: Orvieto Classico Zone, Umbria, Italy
Varietal Blend:  Grechetto, Procanico, Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc
Analysis: 12.5% alc/vol

Villa Barbi Umbria Rosso Pairing Recipe

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84466114Eggplant Parmesan

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 eggplants, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 4 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 6 cups spaghetti sauce, divided
• 1 (16 ounce) package mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 °F .

Dip eggplant slices in egg, then in bread crumbs. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes on each side.

In a 9 x 13 inch baking dish spread spaghetti sauce to cover the bottom. Place a layer of eggplant slices in the sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with remaining ingredients, ending with the cheeses. Sprinkle basil on top.

Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until golden brown.   8-10 servings

Villa_Barbi_RossoVilla Barbi Umbria Rosso
Umbria IGT, Italymellow

A vibrant garnet with purple hues. On the nose red and black fruits combine with hints of spice and saddle wood. The rich flavors of blackberry, cherry, and currants are moderated by soft and supple tannins. The well-balanced body is soft and full. The aromas and flavors carry through on the long finish.

Winemaker: Riccardo Cotarella
Appellation: Umbria IGT, Italy
Varietal:  40% Sangiovese, 40% Syrah, 20% Montepulciano
Analysis: 13.5% alc/vol
Critical Acclaim: SILVER STAR, Doug Frost, MS, MW

Oktoberfest Beer Picks

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Fall is in the air and with the change of season brings new combinations of entertaining options, seasonal ingredients and fall flavor combinations.  As the summer heat begins to recede into cooler fall temperatures, the cooler weather generally allows our taste preferences to transition into more EARTHY craft beers that highlight the seasonal fall flavors.  Here’s a few picks for pairing with grilled kielbasa, bratwurst or pork chops:

AutumnBeerPicks

Smashed_PumpkinShipyard Brewing Co. Smashed Pumpkin (Maine)

Smashed_Pumpkin_labelA big-bodied beer with aromas of pumpkin and nutmeg. The Pale Ale, Wheat and Light Munich malts combine with the natural tannin in pumpkin and the delicate spiciness of hops to balance the sweetness of fruit.

Pumpkinhead_AleShipyard Brewing Co. Pumpkinhead Ale (Maine)

Pumpkinhead_Ale_labelA crisp and refreshing wheat ale with delightful aromatics and subtle spiced flavor.

Ayinger Oktober Fest-Märzen (Germany)

Ayinger_OktoberAyinger is one of Germany’s most famous and historic brewery’s. The  Oktober Fest Märzen has a deep golden color tinted with amber. It is lightly sweet with a malty nose balanced with floral hops. Its medium to big body and alcohol is not overpowering.

WeihenstepFestbierhan Festbier (Germany)Weihenstephan_label

A full rich bodied, hoppy, seasonal lager. Especially brewed for the Festbier season. This beer truly represents the Bavarian way of celebrating. Deep gold color, great mouthfeel and lots of flavor. Prost!

Autumn Entertaining

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Fall is in the air and with the change of season brings new combinations of entertaining options, seasonal ingredients and fall flavor combinations.  As the summer heat begins to recede into cooler fall temperatures, the cooler weather generally allows our taste preferences to transition into more SILKY or MELLOW wines that highlight the seasonal fall flavors.

AutumnWinePicks

RED WINE

FOOTBALL TAILGATING:OldSoul

Old Soul Petite Sirah (California)
 We like to think of Petite Sirah as a gentle giant, robust and powerful, but soft in tannin and mild in spice with enough acidity to keep the wines balanced for tailgating favorites such as burgers, brats and chili.

EbeiaJAMBALAYA:

Ebeia Tempranillo (Spain)
Tempranillo Dense red currant and raspberries with a  hint of roasted almonds and mint on the finish makes a great pairing for the spicy and hearty flavors of jambalaya.

DievoleMUSHROOMS & WILD RICE:

Dievole Rinscimento (Italy)
Delicious old world flavors of dried raspberry and cherry with a subtle earth notes make this a great pairing for savory flavors or mushroom and wild rice.

AveryLaneCRANBERRY & FIGS:

Avery Lane Merlot (Washington)
This easy to drink Merlot is soft, juicy and plush. Bright aromatics of black cherry, blackberry, clove and nutmeg swirl in the glass.  The soft tannins make it an ideal pairing for fall dishes featuring cranberry and figs.

WHITE WINE:

JovinoBUTTERNUT SQUASH:

Jovino Pinot Gris (Oregon)
The silky texture, orchard fruit aromas and flavors of Oregon Pinot Gris present a lovely pairing option for butternut squash, with enough acidity to cut the richness of the squash and enough fruit flavors to balance the sweetness.

NiroPUMPKIN:

Niro Pecorino (Italy)
This unique white wine is a great pairing with fresh pumpkin flavors. The silky texture combines with ripe tropical fruit aromas and flavors that finish with a hint of sage and floral notes.

Reserve Your Glass!

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Duckhorn Portfolio Tasting Event

Duckhorn WinesCall your local WineStyles to RSVP, limited seating available!

Please join us to taste amazing wines from Duckhorn Wine Company.  Founded in 1976, Duckhorn Vineyards has been crafting classic Napa Valley wines for nearly 40 years.  This winemaking tradition has grown to include 7 meticulously farmed Estate vineyards, located throughout the various micro-climates of the Napa Valley.

DUCKHORN FAMILY:
Founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976, their family of wines include Duckhorn Vineyards, Paraduxx, Goldeneye, Migration and Decoy.   With grapes selected from the finest estate vineyards, as well as a variety of sought-after vineyard sites, each winery is presented with a canvas of lots from which blend its wines.  Focused on optimal grape selection, innovative winemaking techniques and a premium barrel-aging program, Duckhorn Wine Company is founded on an unwavering commitment to quality.

Duckhorn_wines

Reserve your Seat Early!

Our national tasting event in October will sell out fast!  Contact your local WineStyles for details and reservations!

Scotto Family Wines Zinfandel Pairing Recipe

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THREE BEAN and BEEF CHILI

chiliINGREDIENTS:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced (1 cup)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (1 cup)
  • 2 carrots, diced (1/2 cup)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 pound extra-lean ground beef (90 percent lean)
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, seeded and minced
  • 2 teaspoons adobo sauce from the can of chipotles
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15.5-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15.5-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

DIRECTIONS:

Heat the oil in large pot or Dutch oven over moderate heat. Add the onion, bell pepper and carrots, cover and cook, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Add the cumin and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the ground beef; raise the heat to high and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the meat is no longer pink. Stir in the tomatoes, water, chipotle and adobo sauce, oregano and salt and pepper.

Simmer, partially covered, stirring from time to time, for 30 minutes. Stir in the beans and cook, partially covered, 20 minutes longer. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.  Prep time 15 minutes; cook time 70 minutes; serves eight (10 cups)

Scotto_OldZinFruity

SCOTTO FAMILY WINES
OLD VINE ZINFANDEL
LODI, CALIFORNIA

Scotto Cellars are 5th generation winemakers and vineyard owners whose 2013 harvest marks their family’s 50th in California. Situated in Napa Valley, Lodi and Amador County each facility has its own winemaker, vineyard sources and production facilities. This wine is 100% Zinfandel, blended from 3 vineyards to maximize the Zinfandel character, which is so highly prized in Lodi Zinfandel. 

Winemaker: Scotto Family
Appellation: Lodi, California
Varietal: 100% Zinfandel
Analysis: 14.5% alc/vol, 3.51 pH, .57 TA

Yalumba Chardonnay Pairing Recipe

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TofuCoconut Crusted Tofu with Mango Macadamia Nut Salsa

MARINADE:

  • 1/2 cup filtered water
  • 2 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons tahina
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice, fresh squeezed
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • Pinch cayenne pepper

CRUST:

  • 1 cup dried coconut, toasted
  • 2 tablespoons blue or yellow corn meal
  • 1 teaspoon coriander, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder, optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Sea salt and fresh black pepper, ground to taste

MANGO MACADAMIA SALSA:

  • 2 cups mango (2 medium), ripe & firm, chopped into  1/2” cubes (may replace with papayas, peaches or banana)
  • 1/2 cup macadamia nuts, roasted unsalted, chopped small (may replace with pine nuts or other nuts of your choosing)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons Coriander, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon jalapeño, seeded & minced (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder, optional
  • Pinch cayenne pepper
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, ground to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place marinade ingredients in a 9” x 13” casserole dish, whisk well, add tofu cutlets and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Flip tofu and let sit for another 15 minutes. Make sure tofu cutlet is well coated with the marinade. Cutlets may also be marinated the day before.

While tofu is marinating, prepare salsa by placing all ingredients in a large bowl &mix well. This may also be prepared the day before.

Place tofu and marinade in oven and bake for 10 minutes. While tofu is baking, place crust ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.

Remove tofu from oven, cover liberally with crust mixture, return to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Remove from oven, place on plate with topping of salsa.   Serves 3, one cutlet per person.  40 minute prep time / 20 minute cooking

NOTE: Not all tofu is created equal. Please use an organic firm or extra firm variety that is packed in water and offered in the refrigerator section of all natural foods stores. The silken variety in the aseptic packaging will not work for this recipe.

yalumba-chardonnay

Silky_Sticker
YALUMBA
ORGANICALLY GROWN CHARDONNAY
SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Pale straw in color with green hues, the Yalumba Organically Grown Chardonnay has aromas of peach, melon and ripe stone fruits, which are complemented by a touch of funk from the wild yeast fermented characters.

Winemaker: Heather Fraser
Appellation: South Australia, Australia
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 13.5% alc/vol, 3.39 pH, 5.5 g/L TA