Category Archives: Recipes

Spicy Salmon with Asparagus

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WC-March-2015

spicy-salmonINGREDIENTS:
•  2 Salmon fillets, about 1.5 pounds
•  ¼ pound Asparagus
•  ¼ pound red potatoes
•  2 tablespoons olive oil
•  ¼ teaspoon Paprika
•  Salt and Pepper to taste
•  2 garlic cloves chopped

DIRECTIONS:
Marinate the salmon fillets in a bowl with a tablespoon of olive oil, piri piri (or hot sauce), chopped garlic, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.  Cover it and let it marinate in the fridge for about 2 hours.

Take out of the fridge and place the salmon on a greased baking sheet, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Slice the red potatoes into quarters and season them with salt and pepper to taste and the other tablespoon of olive oil and place on the baking sheet. Chop the asparagus in halves and add them to the baking sheet.

Once ready, place the baking sheet in the oven and let it cook for about 23-25 minutes, or until the salmon is well done and the potatoes have browned a bit.
Serve on a plate and enjoy!

QuintaGarridaReserva_redQuinta da Garrida
Reserva Red
Dao, Portugal

Bold_stickerBacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal, S.A., one of the biggest and most innovative wine-making companies in Portugal, has developed a range of wines throughout the years that has ensured a solid reputation and the preference of national and international wine lovers. A family controlled company dating back to the 1920s, they produce wine in the same way we enjoy it: for friends and amongst friends, in our daily lives and in special occasions.  The single estate of Quinta da Garrida in Dão is located in Vila Nova de Tazém, with granitic, light and poor soils, typical from the region, this land allows Bacalhôa to create wines with very specific characteristics.   Ideally pairs well with traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Francisco-Antunes“Deep ruby color. Exuberant nose with light floral and ripe fruit nuances.  It also shows some toastiness from the wood where it aged.  Elegant palate with notes of ripe fruit. Full-bodied and persistent aftertaste,” winemaker, Francisco Antunes.

Winemaker: Francisco Antunes
Appellation: Dao, Portugal
Varietal Blend:  70% Touriga Nacional, 30% Tinta Roriz
Analysis: 13.5% alc/vol
Critical Acclaim: Bronze Medal International Wine Challenge 2013

 

Portuguese Fish Supper

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portugese-fish-supperINGREDIENTS:
•  1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
•  1/3 pound Spanish style chorizo, casing removed and diced or crumbled
•  1 medium onion, chopped
•  2 large cloves garlic, chopped
•  1 small bundle black or dinosaur kale, thinly sliced
•  A few grates nutmeg
•  Salt and freshly ground black pepper
•  1 cup chicken stock
•  1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes or fire roasted diced tomatoes
•  1 (15 oz) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
•  A couple sprigs fresh thyme, leaves chopped
•  4 (6 to 8 oz) thick pieces cod or haddock fillets
•  Seafood seasoning or sweet paprika (recommended: Old Bay)
•  Chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish
•  Crusty bread or Portuguese rolls, for mopping

DIRECTIONS:
Heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat in a high-sided skillet or Dutch oven. Add the chorizo and render for a couple of minutes, then add the onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the kale and toss to wilt, then season with a few grates of nutmeg and salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in the stock, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, garbanzo beans and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Cool and store for a make-ahead meal.

Reheat sauce, covered, in high-sided skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sauce is hot and bubbly, about 10 to 15 minutes.  Season the fish with seafood seasoning or paprika and salt and pepper, to taste. Add the fish to the sauce and cover. Cook until the fish is opaque and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Ladle into shallow bowls garnished with parsley. Serve with crusty bread for mopping.

Recipe courtesy of Food Network, Rachel Rayhttp://www.foodnetwork.com/reciperachael-ray/portuguese-fish-supper-recipe.html

Silky_StickerQuintaDaGarrida_white_bottleQuinta da Garrida
Encruzado
Dao, Portugal

Quinta da Garrida was bought by Aliança Vinhos de Portugal in 1998.  Situated in the foothills of the Serra da Estrela  mountain range in the Dão Region, Quinta da Garrida distinguishes itself for the diversity of wines it may offer.  Due to the vineyards being divided in separate parcels, the Quinta da Garrida wines are vinified separately preserving the authenticity and character of each vineyard.   Quinta da Garrida white is made from the Encruzado grape variety, typical and unique to the Dão region. Forty percent of the wine is fermented in French oak barrels and suffers battonage (less stirring to increase taste of the wine) during 3 months.  The Encruzado varietal combines very well with light meals, fat fishes and seafood salads.

Francisco-Antunes“Very pale yellow color. Intense but delicate aroma with white pulp fruits and soft toasted hints. Balanced and with long and intense mouth end.  Good acidity, refined and elegant,” winemaker, Francisco Antunes.

Winemaker: Francisco Antunes
Appellation: Dao, Portugal
Varietal Blend:  100% Encruzado
Analysis: 13.5% alc/vol

 

Spaghetti Carbonara

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WC-March-2015-3clubINGREDIENTS:
spaghetti-carbonara• 1 pound spaghetti
• 8 ounces (8 slices)bacon, cut 1” thick crosswise
• Course salt and freshly ground pepper
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• ¼ cup half-and-half

DIRECTIONS:
Set a large pot of water for boil (for pasta).  In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 8 to 12 minutes; transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate.
Salt boiling water generously; add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan, and half-and-half.  Set aside.
Drain pasta, leaving some water clinging to it.  Working quickly, add hot pasta to egg mixture.  Add bacon; season with salt and pepper, and toss all to combine (heat from pasta will cook eggs).  Serve immediately, sprinkled with additional Parmesan.  Recipe courtesy of Casa Agricola Alexandre Relvas.

Merino-Old-vinesHerdade Sao Miguel
Merino Old Vines
Alentejano, Portugal

Situated in the municipality of Redondo, Herdade encompasses 175 hectares of which 35 are planted vines in loam soil and 97 hectares contain cork trees that were planted between 1998 -1999.   Herdade was acquired by Alexandre Relvas in 1997, who dedicates his efforts to the breeding and conservation of local species in extinction throughout the vineyard’s territory.   The Aragonez is one the most well known grape varieties in the Iberian Peninsula. It originates in Spain, where it is named Tempranillo.  The Aragonez grape develops wines containing a high degree of alcohol, low acidity and greatly aromatic with red fresh fruit.

winemakers“A juicy, medium-bodied red, showing dark plum and red currant flavors, with accents of black licorice.  Milk chocolate notes emerge on the spicy finish. Pairs nicely with pasta, poultry and soft cheeses“, winemaker Alexandre Relva.

Winemaker: Alexandre Relva
Appellation: Alentejano, Portugal
Varietal Blend:  50% Aragonez, 30% Syrah, 20% Alicante Bouschet
Analysis: 13.0% alc/vol

Merino_winery

Coffee Rubbed Skirt Steak

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Fire up the Grill!
Great recipe to pair with the Big Game and Chapter Three Shiraz!

Coffee-Skirt-SteakINGREDIENTS:
•  2 lbs. skirt steak
•  2 tablespoons ground coffee beans
•  2 tablespoons ground black pepper
•  1 ¼ tablespoon sea salt
•  1 tablespoon smoked paprika
•  ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

DIRECTIONS:
Mixed all dry ingredients and rub Steak both sides.   Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

Prepare grill (preferable charcoal) and grill steaks two-three minutes per side on high heat.

Let rest 5 minutes.  Cut across grain and serve with a glass of Chapter Three Shiraz.  Serves 4
Recipe compliments of Epic Wines.

Bold_stickerChapter-3-ShirazMcPherson
Chapter Three Shiraz
Central Victoria, Australia

This is the third range to be released into the McPherson portfolio and has been created with the finest attention paid to viticultural practices and winemaking techniques to achieve wines of perfect harmony, great style and superb quality.  Fruit was harvested from 15-year-old vines in exceptional vineyard sites on top of the Strathbogie Ranges.The vineyards are situated on granitic sand and rock, which give the wine notable terroir.  Smooth, complex and elegant, this medium bodied, cool climate red evolves with stunning aromas of ripe sweet berries coupled with a floral, violet – like perfume and smoky, chocolate suggestions. The perfect accompaniment to fillet steak or venison – or for something a little different try it with some chocolate cake.

“Harmoniously balanced with brooding fruits and carefully integrated French oak, this wine offers intense blackberries and dark plums with a lingering spicy finish. Possessing an eternal palate of richness and spice, it is irresistible now, and will richly reward those who offer it time.”- Jo Nash, winemaker

Jo-Nash

Jo Nash, winemaker

Winemaker: Jo Nash
Appellation: Central Victoria, Australia
Varietal Blend:  95% Shiraz, 5% Viognier
Analysis: 14.0% alc/vol
Critical Acclaim: 5 Stars Central & Western Victoria Wine State National 2014; Gold Medal Decanter World Wine Awards UK 2013; Gold Medal Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit 2013

Chicken and Dumplings with Mushrooms

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chicken-dumplings-chardonnayCHICKEN STEW INGREDIENTS:
•  6 oz slab bacon, cut into ½ pieces
•  ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 chicken legs (drumsticks with thighs; about 2 lbs.)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
•  1 ¼ pound mixed mushrooms
•  1 medium onion, chopped
•  6 cloves garlic crushed
•  ½ cup dry white wine
•  6 sprigs thyme
•  2 bay leaves
•  8 cups low-sodium chicken broth

DIRECTIONS: Crisp bacon in large Dutch oven over medium heat; transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.  Place flour in a shallow bowl.   Season chicken with salt and pepper and dredge in flour.  Working in batches, cook chicken, skin side down, in the same pot over medium heat until deep golden brown and crisp (do not turn), 12-15 minutes. Transfer to plate.

Working in two batches, cook mushrooms in the same pot, seasoning with salt and pepper and stirring occasionally, until brown, 5-8 minutes.  Transfer to a bowl. Add onion and garlic to pot: cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft and translucent, 5-8 minutes.

Add wine to pot; simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.  Add chicken, bacon, thyme, bay leaves and broth; season with salt and pepper. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and gently simmer, partially covered, skimming occasionally, until chicken falls off the bone, 2 -2 ¼ hours.  Add mushrooms and simmer until flavors meld, 10-15 minutes; season with salt and pepper.

DUMPLING INGREDIENTS:
•  ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more
•  1 cup all-purpose flour
•  ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
•  1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
•  2 large eggs
•  ½ cup whole milk

DUMPLING & ASSEMBLY:
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.  Whisk flour, baking powder, nutmeg, pepper, and ¾ tsp. salt in a medium bowl.  Whisk in eggs and milk (batter will be slightly lumpy). Reduce heat until water is a strong simmer. Drop teaspoonfuls of batter into water; cook until dumplings are cooked through and doubled in size, about 5 minutes.  Remove with slotted spoon; add to stew just before serving. Servings: 6

Stew (without dumplings) can be made 3 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.  Recipe courtesy of Bon Appẻtit, February 2014 issue.

Basilisk-ChardonnaySilky_StickerMcPherson
Basilisk Chardonnay
Central Victoria, Australia

The fruit for the Basilisk Chardonnay was sourced from the Goulburn Valley on the vineyards neighboring the winery. This region has long, warm sunny days and mild evening temperatures which are perfect for the growing of good quality Chardonnay. The grapes were harvested during the cool of the night to maintain fruit freshness and gently pressed to minimise phenolic characters. A rich and textual wine displaying lovely aromas of tropical fruits with a hint of apple and spice. The palate is mouth-filling and generous with excellent length and harmony carrying the fruit to a full clean finish. A marvellous wine match with any meal and is best served slightly chilled to allow the full texture of the wine to flourish.

Jo-Nash

Jo Nash, winemaker

“A rich, full bodied Chardonnay that is best enjoyed with foods such as roast chicken, rich seafood or roasted duck. This wine is great all-round and will complement most styles of cuisine.” – Jo Nash, winemaker

Winemaker: Jo Nash
Appellation: Central Victoria, Australia
Varietal:  100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 13.0% alc/vol
Critical Acclaim: 89 pts James Halliday’s Wine Companion 2015

Moroccan Spiced Lamb Shank

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Moroccan-spiced-lambINGREDIENTS:
•  3-4 lbs. lamb shanks
•  1 tsp salt
•  1 tsp black pepper
•  1 tsp cumin
•  1 tsp cinnamon
•  1 tsp paprika
•  1 pound carrots (chopped into pieces)
•  2 garlic cloves
•  bunch cilantro
•  ¼  cup dried cherries

DIRECTIONS:
Mix spices together and rub on shanks (salt, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, paprika).

Chop tomatoes, garlic and cilantro stems.  In a 2 quart Dutch Oven, add carrots, garlic, cilantro, dried cherries and shanks.  Add ½ cup water and bring to a boil.   Cover and reduce heat to a simmer.  Cook for 2 to 2 ½ hours.

Garnish with Cilantro leaves and serve with Cous Cous.  Recipe compliments of Epic Wines.

Basilisk-Shiraz-MourvedreBold_stickerMcPherson Basilisk
Shiraz Mourvedre
Central Victoria, Australia

An enchanting combination of serpent and rooster, the Basilisk is a creature of folklore whose name and legend have inspired the creation of our premium wine range.  This enigmatic blend of two creatures’ parallels McPherson’s concept of uniquely styled wines, each individually crafted by combining exceptional parcels of fruit with passionately applied winemaking techniques to create a wine true to its variety and regional origin.   Rich, with elegant and supple tannins, this Rhone inspired wine is an enigmatic blend of cool-climate spicy Shiraz combined with mild climate full-bodied Shiraz, finely tempered by the savory tannins of Mourvedre.  The Basilisk Shiraz Mourvedre is a wonderful partner to rich red meat dishes and pastas, and for those who are a little more daring why not try it with dark chocolate.

“This delicious, exciting and harmonious wine exhibits aromas and flavors of blackberry, pepper and spice combined with the elegant integration of French oak.  Rich dark berry fruit flavors are abundant on the palate with underlying savory notes such as leather and spice.” – Jo Nash, winemaker

Jo-Nash

Jo Nash, winemaker

Winemaker: Jo Nash
Appellation: Central Victoria, Australia
Varietal Blend:  95% Shiraz, 5% Mourvedre
Analysis: 14.5% alc/vol
Critical Acclaim:
89 pts James Halliday’s Wine Companion 2015
Silver Medal Royal Sydney Wine Show 2014
Silver Medal Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit 2013
85 pts eRobertParker.com 2013

New York Strip with Miso Butter and Roasted Asparagus

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Cabernet and steak are almost synonymous with one another. This Paso Robles Cabernet has a nice freshness to it and the layered fruit and spice will make it a good accompaniment to a little Asian flare.

NewYork-strip-steak-recipeINGREDIENTS:

•  2  (12 ounce) New York Strip steaks
•  5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
•  5 sprigs green onion
•  2 tablespoons red miso paste
•  2 tablespoons minced ginger
•  1 tablespoon soy sauce    (or to taste)
•  2 teaspoons sesame oil
•  2 tablespoons white wine or   sake
•  1 bunch asparagus
•  Salt & pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Pre-heat oven to 375̊°F degrees.   In a mixing bowl, lightly mix butter, about 3 sprigs chopped green onion, ginger, miso paste, and soy sauce. Place miso butter aside.

Place asparagus in baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle salt & pepper to taste. Roast in the oven until desired doneness.

Sprinkle both sides of the New York Strip with salt and pepper to taste. Heat sesame oil over high heat in a skillet, cook to desired temperature. Transfer steak to plate. Add miso butter to the skillet and add in sake or white wine, let the mixture reduce and thicken (about 2 minutes). Let it stand for 5 minutes before plating over asparagus and top with a sprig of green onion.   Recipe courtesy of Wine Trees.

CosteroBay_BottleShotBold_stickerCOSTERO BAY
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
PASO ROBLES, CA

Costero translates to coastal, a perfect name for a wine sourced just off the central coast of California.  Costero Bay pays homage to the distinguished wine regions that line the coastline of California, areas like Paso Robles and Monterey. Cabernet Sauvignon has become widely planted in this area as it thrives in growing conditions that allow for cool mornings and evenings and long warm, sometimes even hot days.  Paso Robles is the largest AVA in San Luis Obispo county. Soils feature a mixture of both calcerous and siliceous rocky soils, creating structured, dense styles of Cabernet Sauvignon. The growing season was long and dry, producing small berries amply concentrated with juice.  A warm September allowed for grapes to fully ripen and winemakers were blessed with fairly perfect conditions for harvest.

 Douglas-Danielak-winemakerDOUGLAS DANIELAK, WINEMAKER

“A robust, plush style of Cab with notes of macerate blackberry, plum and currant.  A soft finish with ample fruit and subtle hints of spice make for a great accompaniment to roasts, hearty stews and aged cheeses.”

VARIETAL: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
APPELLATION: Paso Robles, California
ANALYSIS: 13.9% alc/vol

FEATURED WINE CLUB WINE: January 2015

Crab Cakes with Curry Aioli

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Sauvignon Blanc is a great pairing for seafood, but because it is still cold outside, we wanted something comforting that could easily be whipped up during the work week. The curry aioli adds a nice heat element to this dish and highlights the brightness of this wine.

crab-cakes-recipeINGREDIENTS:

• 1 teaspoon Madras curry powder
•  ¾ cup mayonnaise
•  2 tablespoons crème fraiche
•  2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
•  1 tablespoon snipped chives
•  1 tablespoon minced parsley
•  1 tablespoon minced tarragon
•  1 cup panko bread crumbs
•  1 pound lump crab
•  ½ cup canola oil
•  1 tablespoon Champagne vinegar
•  Salt & pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

In a bowl, whisk ½ cup of the mayonnaise with ¼ teaspoon Madras curry powder. Let chill.

In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining mayonnaise with crème fraiche, lemon juice, chives, parsley, and tarragon. Season with salt and pepper. Fold in the crab, form into 4 patties and coat with the panko. Transfer crab cakes to a lightly oiled baking sheet and let chill.

Preheat the broiler and position a rack 8 inches from the heat. Drizzle the crab cakes with 2 tablespoons of oil and broil for about 12 minutes or until golden and crisp (ok to turn once). Transfer to plates and drizzle with curry aioli.  Add a lightly dressed arugula salad if desired.   Recipe courtesy of Food & Wine magazine.

Limited_SB13_BottleshotSilky_StickerLIMITED CAMBRIDGE CELLARS
SAUVIGNON BLANC
DRY CREEK VALLEY, CA

Cambridge Cellars strives to produce wines that embody the designations from where they are grown. Their  “LIMITED” wines represent those rare, exception lots from distinguished appellations throughout California’s wine country.  Dry Creek Valley is anchored in by two distinct areas of water – Lake Sonoma to the north and the Russian River to the south.  Sauvignon Blanc is the standout white varietal as it thrives in moderate conditions that are neither too cool nor too warm. Dry Creek is blessed with a steady fog in the morning coming in from the San Francisco Bay and by afternoon temperatures are warm and dry, allowing the Sauvignon Blanc grape to reach maximum potential.

Douglas-Danielak-winemakerDOUGLAS DANIELAK, WINEMAKER

“Our Limited is a beautiful example of crisp, ripe and fresh Sauvignon Blanc. Bright fruit notes of pink grapefruit, peach and apple open on the palate, with vibrant acidity and a rich mouth-feel through the finish. ”

 VARIETAL: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
APPELLATION: Dry Creek Valley, California
ANALYSIS: 13.2% alc/volume

FEATURED WINE CLUB WINE: January 2015

Orange and Spiced Glazed Pork Belly

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We like to keep the holiday spirit going well into winter. This recipe is comforting, warm and rich in spices and flavor. Napa Valley Syrah is dense, bold and full of character and it requires a dish with power to stand up to the complexity and strength. We like this recipe because it makes for a great shared Sunday dinner with family and friends.

glazed-pork-bellyINGREDIENTS:

•  2 tablespoons cumin seeds, toasted and ground
•  1 tablespoon black pepper
•  ½ cup coarse salt
•  ½ light brown sugar
•  1 (3 pound) pork belly
•  Zest 1 orange
•  1 ¼ cups fresh squeezed orange    juice
•  2 sticks cinnamon
•  1/3 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
•  2 cups chicken stock

DIRECTIONS:

In a small skillet over medium heat, toast cumin seeds. Remove from skillet and finely grind. Transfer to mixing bowl and add black pepper, salt and sugar. Remove two tablespoons of the mixture and set aside for the glaze.

Rub remaining spice mixture all over the pork belly. Cover and refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours.

In a small sauce pan, combine the reserve spice mix, orange zest, ¼ cup OJ, cinnamon sticks and maple syrup. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, cook until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside (takes about 5 min).

Preheat oven to 300°F. Remove pork belly from refrigerator and rinse off spice mixture; pat dry with paper towels. Add remaining  1 cup  OJ and chicken stock to roasting pan. Place over medium-high heat and cook until liquid comes to a simmer. Add pork, fat side up, to roasting pan. Transfer to the oven and cook until meat is tender (about 2-2 ½ hours).

Increase oven temperate to 425°F.  Cook pork belly until skin is brown and crisp. Baste with reserve glaze every 10 minutes.    Remove pork from roasting pan and transfer to cutting board; let it stand for 10 min before slicing.   Recipe inspired by Martha Stewart.

TierraYMar_BottleBold_stickerTierra y Mar Syrah
Page-Nord Vineyard
Napa Valley, California

Tierra y Mar translates to Earth and Sea, a nod to the special relationship between land and water.  At Tierra y Mar, they produce wines that are the ultimate expression of nature’s balance and harmony, allowing the wines to speak for themselves as they are the unique creation of the grape, soil, water and climate of where they are grown.

This Syrah is produced from vineyards in select parts of Napa Valley. Soils are predominately gravelly silt loams, which generally contain more nutrients and moisture that allows for better infiltration of water.  Napa Valley is also blessed with a cool morning fog that rolls in from the San Francisco Bay, keeping temperatures moderate and afternoons warm and dry.  A long, steady growing season with ample sun and moderate temperatures gave winemakers the gift of picking what they wanted at complete ripeness.

Douglas-Danielak-winemakerDouglas Danielak, Winemaker

“This Syrah is indicative of that, with classic aromas of plum, raspberry, blueberry and clove on the palate.  A bold mouth-feel exhibiting grippy tannins, with juicy red and dark fruit balancing the spice notes and  deep texture of this wine.”

VARIETAL: 100% Syrah
APPELLATION: Napa Valley, California
ANALYSIS: 14.4% alc/vol

 FEATURED WINE CLUB WINE: JANUARY 2015

Entrecote a la Bordelaise Bordeaux Pairing Recipe

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Entrecote Bordelaise is a classic French meat dish that marries well with a good bottle of Marquis de Lalande, Bordeaux Rouge.  Serve with sautéd potatoes or fries and green beans.

french-steakINGREDIENTS:
• 2  New York Sirloin cut steaks
• 7  tablespoons of butter
•  2 shallots, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup of red wine
• 1 cup of beef stock
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• salt / black pepper

DIRECTIONS:
Season the steaks with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the pan to smoking point and add half the butter. Place the steak in the pan and brown it on both sides – give it about two to three minutes on each side to sear it first, and then let the meat cook through to your taste. Prepare both steaks in this way and then set them aside.

In the same pan, (drain excess butter if needed), cook the shallots. Put them in the pan and stir from time to time until they are soft and starting to turn golden.   When the shallots are done, add the red wine to the pan and give it a good stir to deglaze the pan.

Now, add the beef stock to the pan and stir until everything is blended. Let it to simmer for 5 minutes or until reduced.  Cut the remaining butter into small pieces and add them to the sauce one at a time, mixing so that they melt into the mixture: this will give the sauce a rich flavor and give it an appetizing glossy finish.

Cut the meat across the grain into thick slices and arrange them on a plate.  Add some chopped parsley to the sauce, and then pour little of the sauce over each steak.  Serve the rest of the sauce in a gravy boat.   Serve with sautéd potatoes, fries and some green beans. Recipe courtesy of Food.com

Marquis-de-Lalande-Bordeaux-RougeMarquis de Lalande
Bordeaux
Bordeaux, France

Armand Lalande, great economist, member of the Medoc and Consulate of Austria-Hungary, founded the house wine trade “A.LALANDE & CIE” in 1840.  As one of the jewels of Bordeaux located in the historic district Chartrons, House A. Lalande & Co. specializes in the breeding and trading of Bordeaux wines worldwide. This Bordeaux rouge is made from select Merlot grapes; a blend of young wines providing fruit and richness, and older wines accounting for depth, complexity, and a beautiful structure. After bottling, the blend is cellared for several months in order to achieve a fine balance.  Beautiful, brilliant, rich, cherry-red color, that already displays slight bricking on the rim. Starts out full-bodied and rich on the palate, going on to reveal an elegant tannic structure and spicy red fruit flavors.

DougFrost“This vintage in Bordeaux is a newbie and the best examples show black cherry fruits allied with minty, savory notes; combining fruit and herbs to create classic Bordeaux complexity.” – Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

Appellation: Bordeaux Controlee, France
Varietal Blend:  100% Merlot
Analysis: 12.5% alc/vol