Category Archives: Recipes

Maison Ventenac Cuvée Marie

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Citrus Shrimp SaladCitrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pound medium pan-seared citrus shrimp (recipe here)
  • 8 cups greens (such as arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
  • fruity or lemon-flavored extra virgin olive oil
  • juice of ½ lemon or ½ orange
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 4 ounces sliced almonds, toasted
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Prepare your own pan-seared citrus shrimp or click here for recipe.
  2. Toss the prepared shrimp with the salad greens in a large bowl.
  3. Lightly drizzle with olive oil, and if desired, some of the sauce remaining from the shrimp with a generous squeeze of citrus, and toss lightly to coat.
  4. Add the avocado, shallots and sliced almonds and then season with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper and serve.

© Recipe and Photo courtesy of Foodie Crush. All rights reserved.

MARCH WINE CLUB:

Silky styleVentenac_Marie_wine_bottleMaison Ventenac
Marie.
Colombard
Pays d’Oc IGP, France

SILKY WINE STYLE

Fruity wine with primary aromas of grapefruit and lemon. A focus wine, well-balanced and fresh. Organic wine.

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 95% Colombard, 5% Roll
Appellation: Pays d’Oc IGP, France
Soil: Clay-limestone soil
Plots: Villeraze et Cantoaoussel
Yield: 75 hl/ha
Vine Density: 6500 vines/ha. Guyot single cane – 7 buds
Harvest: Nocturnal harvest. Carbonic snow at the parcel.
Sorting: Pneumatic press. Processing of first juices under inert gas (nitrogen) at 5°. Cold stabilization during 6 days and cold clarification.
Fermentation: At 15° in 300hl stainless steel tanks. No malolactic fermentation
Maturation: Aging on fine lees (2 months)

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
“To enjoy the Marie’s cuvée, you have to enjoy simple things. Direct and immediate things. This wine is mainly about fruit. Intense. Citrus generally, grapefruit specifically. Then it’s about tightness and freshness. Finally, it’s a bit of iodine, saline, sapidity. Everything you need to pour a bit of sunshine into your glass.” – Maison Ventenac, Stephanie et Olivier Ramé

Information & Photos © Maison Ventenac – All Rights Reserved.

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March Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Blue Cheese Stuffed MushroomsBlue Cheese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 large portabello mushroom caps
  • 2 ounces crumbled blue cheese
  • 2 teaspoons bread crumbs

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Remove any additional left behind stem from mushroom cap and discard.
  3. Place Portobello mushrooms, brown gill side up, on a baking sheet.
  4. Spoon 2 oz. of crumbled blue cheese into each mushroom cap.
  5. Top with 1 teaspoon each of bread crumbs on the blue cheese.
  6. Bake mushrooms in the oven for 20 minutes and serve immediately while creamy and hot.

© Recipe courtesy of Salty Side Dish.

MARCH WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoVentenac_Reserve_Jeanne_wine_bottleMaison Ventenac
Réserve de Jeanne.
Syrah, Cabernet Franc
Cabardès, France

MELLOW WINE STYLE

A fresh expression of its terroir: intense aromas of red fruits with spicy notes. A well-balanced structure and elegant tannins.

Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 60% Syrah, 40% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: AOP Cabardès, France
Soil: White limestone soil
Plots: Calbet le Haut, La Grande Garenne, Le Four à Chaux, Les Plos
Yield: 50 hl/ha
Vine Density: 6500 vines/ha. Guyot single cane – 7 buds
Harvest: Sorting, fully crushed. Pre-fermentation, cold maceration for 5 days at 6º. Fermentation at 28º in 300 hl stainless steel tanks. No sulfite vinification. Indigenous yeast. Daily pump-overs.
Vatting Length: 30 days. Malolactic fermentation. 
Maturation: 30% of the blend, 12 months in 225 oak barrels, 70% of the blend, cement vats with macro oxygenation.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“I don’t know whether Jeanne would have liked this wine but what’s certain is that she would have loved its name, and what it means for us: this wine is our uncompromising interpretation of a Cabardès, that is to say a fresh but tender wine, a correct but comfortable wine. Built around Cabernet Franc and oceanic Syrah, the Réserve de Jeanne veers away from the typicalities of the region.” – Maison Ventenac, Stephanie and Olivier Ramé (pictured below)

ABOUT MAISON VENTENAC:
The team at Maison Ventenac is deeply rooted in their terroir and firmly dedicated to it. The wines they create are ever more specialized: using alternative methods with no sulfites; with indigenous yeasts, more intense, and better-controlled punching-down. Their wines are matured with complete respect for the juice, to preserve the pure, fresh expression of Cabardès’ grapes. The result of these advances is presented in their ranges of characterful wines. Learn more here.

Ventenac Winery and owners picture

Information & Photos © Maison Ventenac – All Rights Reserved.

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High Camp Estate Reserve Bordeaux

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Braised,Short,Ribs,In,Red,Wine,With,PolentaChocolate and Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 3 lb. bone-in short ribs
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp. Ancho chili powder
  • 5 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1⁄4 cup tomato paste
  • 3 cups full-bodied red wine, such as nero d’avola
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tbsp. dark brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 3 tbsp. semi-sweet chocolate (I just used 3 tbsp. chocolate chips)
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat oven to 300°F. Heat oil in an 8-qt. Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season ribs with salt and pepper; rub with cocoa powder and chili powder.
  2. Working in batches, cook ribs, turning as needed, until browned, 8–10 minutes; transfer to a plate.
  3. Add garlic, celery and, onion to pan; cook until soft, 6–8 minutes. Add tomato paste; cook 3 minutes. Add wine; reduce by half, 4–6 minutes. Return ribs to pan and add stock, bay leaves, sugar, Worcestershire, vinegar and cayenne; bring to a boil. Cover and bake until beef is very tender, 2 to 2½ hours. Transfer ribs to a plate; discard bones. Slice ribs in half crosswise.
  4. Spoon fat from surface of sauce. Place pan over medium-high heat and add semi-sweet chocolate; simmer until liquid is reduced to about 2 cups, 10 – 15 minutes, then strain into a bowl. Stir in butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve short ribs and sauce over polenta, mashed potatoes, or any other creamy starch that will sop up the deliciousness.

© Recipe and Photo courtesy of Allons Eat. All rights reserved.

FEBRUARY WINE CLUB:

High-Camp-Estate-Reserve-bowBold wine Style logoHigh Camp
Estate Reserve
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This complex wine is Bordeaux inspired, with a touch of Sangiovese, adding fresh acidity and qualities of fruit forwardness. The tannic structure offers beautiful age ability. Bordeaux-forward aromatics, with bright acidity and fresh fruit notes. It highlights flavors of cherry, raspberry, blackberry, cassis, subtle smoke and spice.

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petite Sirah, 15% Petite Verdot, 5% Sangiovese
pH: 3.63
Vineyard: 100% Estate Fruit from San Miguel, Paso Robles, AVA
Aging: Aged in 40% new French oak to create strong, but refined and balanced tannins
Cases: 360

ADDITIONAL FOOD PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS:
Pairs well with braised short rib, duck confit, smoked sausage.

© Photo by High Camp and Jake Tovar
© Photo by High Camp

Information & Photos © High Camp – All Rights Reserved.

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High Camp Estate Grenache Rosé

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Marry,Me,Chicken.,Creamy,Garlic,Sun,Dried,Tomato,Chicken.,HealthyMarry Me Chicken

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, sliced lengthwise into thin cutlets
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon thyme
  • ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour and shake off any excess.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and melt the butter on medium heat. Swirl pan to coat with oil and butter evenly.
  3. Brown the chicken (do not overcrowd and work in batches if needed) for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer onto a plate, cover, and set aside.
  4. Saute the garlic for a minute or until it’s fragrant. Add the chicken stock, and deglaze the pan scraping any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
  5. Adjust the heat to medium-low, and add the heavy cream and the parmesan cheese to the skillet. Allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes, then season with chili flakes, thyme, and oregano.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, add the sundried tomatoes then put the chicken back in the sauce and let the sauce simmer and thicken for a few more minutes.
  7. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and serve warm over pasta or rice.

© Recipe and Photo courtesy of Little Sunny Kitchen. All rights reserved.

FEBRUARY WINE CLUB:

High-Camp-Wine-Grenache-Rose-bowHigh Camp
Estate Grenache Rosé
Paso Robles, California

FRUITY WINE STYLE

Very nice pale salmon in color with flavors of cherry, red candy, watermelon, strawberry, vanilla and hints of banana. It has a refreshing style with bright acidity, a soft finish that is equally dry and balanced.

Analysis: 14.1% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Grenache
pH: 3.25
Appellation: Paso Robles AVA, California
Vineyard: 100% Estate Fruit from High camp Estate and Vineyard. The block is located in the the northeast area of the vineyard with chalky, well-draining soils
Winemaking: Destemmed, lightly crushed and left on skins for 4 hours for color extraction
Aging: Fermented in stainless, aged in neutral, French Oak for 6 months
Cases: 370

ADDITIONAL FOOD PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS:
Pairs perfectly with bruschetta, charcuterie, seafood, and salads. It’s the perfect wine for a warm day.

© Photo: High Camp
© Photo: High Camp

ABOUT HIGH CAMP’S OWNERS – MEGAN & SPENCER:
Having both come from highly creative professions, the couple dove head first into renewing the brand to represent their welcoming, stylish and nature-loving personalities. And being no strangers to hard work, they immediately rolled up their sleeves and started learning winemaking. It is a homecoming, of sorts, for both Megan and Spencer. Megan is the newest generation in a storied multigenerational family of farmers and ranchers, and Spencer grew up on a farm himself. They bring renewed energy to their rustic property and its old vines, and can’t wait to share their new creations with their loyal wine club and adventurous wine lovers searching to discover their next favorite wines. Learn more about the duo here.

© Photo: High Camp and Jake Tovar
© Photo: High Camp

Information & Photos © High Camp – All Rights Reserved.

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February Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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heart shape pizza with wine glassesPizza Dough for Two

Just in time for Valentine’s Day… because who doesn’t love pizza?! Pour up a glass of the High Camp Estate Cab and get creative in the kitchen with your loved one. Shape the pizza dough into a heart and embellish it with your favorite toppings! Feel free to go the extra mile, even cutting pepperonis into heart shapes if you fancy – no judgment here.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 cup all purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
  • ¾ cup warm water

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Measure the water in a measuring cup then add the yeast and honey. Let it activate for 5 minutes.
  2. While the yeast is activating, measure out the flour and salt, add it to a stand mixer bowl. You can use a regular bowl and a wooden spoon if you don’t have a stand mixer. After the 5 minutes are up, add in the yeast water mixture and knead the dough for 5 minutes. The dough will be soft and a little sticky.
  3. Transfer the pizza dough to a well oiled bowl, making sure to rub the top of the pizza dough with some oil as well to keep it from forming a crust. Cover the pizza dough with a heavy towel, set it in a warm place and let it rest for 1 hour.
  4. Press the dough down, shape it into a ball again. Cover with heavy towels and let it rise again in a warm place for another 2 hours.
  5. When the dough is ready, preheat the oven to 450°F. Sprinkle some semolina on your baking sheet and spread the pizza dough onto the baking sheet using floured hands. Add your toppings and bake for 15 minutes making sure to rotate the pizza halfway through to ensure even baking. Enjoy!

© Recipe courtesy of Lifestyle of a Foodie.

FEBRUARY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoHigh-Camp-Wine-Cabernet-Sauvignon-bowHigh Camp
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Rich dark red color. Raspberry, blueberry, boysenberry with hints of leather, and black pepper.  Full-bodied, concentrated, lots of supple tannins with a round smooth finish, supported by blue fruit, vanilla, and cinnamon from the oak.

Analysis: 14.1% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, 5% Petite Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc
pH: 3.62
Vineyard: 100% Estate Fruit from San Miguel, Paso Robles AVA, California
Aging: Aged for seven months in 20% new French Oak, blended, then additional aging
Cases: 360

ADDITIONAL FOOD PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS:
Perfect pairing for homemade stews, steak, BBQ, pasta and pizza.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
The High Camp Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a complex blend of five separate blocks and four different varieties. Two blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon form the core blend. The upper block provides forward fruit, and the lower block brings complex mineral flavors to the wine. 15% Sangiovese from low yielding vines planted in sandy soils adds bold dark fruit, while 5% Petite Verdot from chalky soils on sloping hills adds dense dark fruit complexity to the blend. Rounding out the blend is 5% Cabernet Franc sourced from our highest elevation vineyard. The steep slope and chalky calcareous soils bring dense fruit and tannic structure to the final blend. Each variety was picked at optimal ripeness, destemmed, and fermented in the one ton open top bins for three weeks. Once fermentation was completed the wines were aged for seven months in 20% new French Oak. The final blend was assembled and the wine was returned to barrels for additional aging.

ABOUT HIGH CAMP:
High Camp sits perched atop the rolling hills of San Miguel, California. It was once dotted with roaming sheep and cattle, and today is part of the acclaimed Paso Robles AVA. Its deep, alluvial sandy loams and clay pushed up from terraces of ancient river bottoms to provide fertile soil for growing premium wine grapes of many varieties. This, combined with varying sun exposure all around the property, provides ideal conditions for growing world-class wines from ten different varietals that grow in the 75-acre vineyard. The family that purchased the property in September of 2020 comes from generations of farming and ranching in California, and has made it their dream to put their rustic hilltop sanctuary, and its new wines, on the map alongside other artisan wineries in the area. The couple, Megan and Spencer manage the property today. Their modern style and artistic spirits are infectious, and every conversation beams with the pride they take in providing a gathering place for family and friends to celebrate life together. Learn more here.

Megan-Spencer-High-Camp-Wines

© Photo of Megan and Spencer – High Camp Wines

Information & Photos © High Camp  – All Rights Reserved.

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Viña Torcida Tempranillo

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baked-fish-dishMediterranean Baked Fish with Tomatoes and Capers

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1/3 cup Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil 
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large tomatoes, diced (3 cups diced tomatoes. Use quality canned tomatoes, if you like)
  • 10 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 ½ tsp organic ground coriander
  • 1 tsp all-natural sweet Spanish paprika
  • 1 tsp organic ground cumin
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 ½ tbsp capers
  • salt and pepper
  • 1/3 cup golden raisins
  • 1 ½ lb white fish fillet such as cod fillet or halibut fillet (wild, if possible)
  • juice of ½ lemon or more to your liking
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • fresh parsley or mint for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Prepare the tomato and capers sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add onions, cook for 3 minutes until it begins to turn gold in color, tossing regularly. Add tomatoes, garlic, spices, pinch of salt (not too much) and pepper, capers, and raisins. Bring to a boil, then turn heat down to medium-low and let simmer for 15 minutes or so.
  2. Heat oven to 400°F.
  3. Pat fish dry and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
  4. Pour ½ of the cooked tomato sauce into the bottom of a 9 1/2″ x 13″ baking dish. Arrange the fish on top. Add lemon juice and lemon zest, then top with the remaining tomato sauce.
  5. Bake in 400°F heated-oven  for 15 to 18 minutes or until fish is cooked through and flakes easily (do not over-cook). Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or mint to your liking.
  6. Serve hot with Mediterranean grilled zucchini, Greek potatoes, or Lebanese rice. 

© Recipe and Photo courtesy of The Mediterranean Dish. All rights reserved.

JANUARY WINE CLUB:

Conde-Valdemar-Vina-Torcida-Tempranillo_bottleBodegas Valdemar
Viña Torcida Tempranillo
Rioja, Spain

FRUITY WINE STYLE

Attractive red cherry color with violet hues. Clean and bright. Intense fruity aromas dominating blackberry, raspberry and blueberry. Subtle floral aromas of violets. Smooth, round, tasty, fresh with a pleasant mouthfeel and a long finish with hints of black fruit. 

Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Tempranillo
Appellation: Valdemar vineyards in Rioja Alavesa, Spain
Winemaking: Hand harvested and fermented in stainless steel tanks with temperature control for 12 days
Serving Temperature: 56.3ºF

ADDITIONAL FOOD PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS:
This fruity wine is suited for a variety of dishes: cured or soft cheese platters, charcuterie, stewed legumes, grilled meats, oven-baked fish and pasta. At a slightly lower temperature than usual, it is a particularly pleasant wine to enjoy in summer with rice dishes, paellas and meat or fish brochettes.

Information & Photos © Bodegas Valdemar – All Rights Reserved.

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Conde Valdemar Blanco

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coconut-curry-vegetables-dishCoconut Curry

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 onion
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 peppers, sliced
  • 1 cup vegetables of choice, such as green beans, snow peas, chopped broccoli, or diced sweet potato
  • 1 can coconut milk (13.5oz)
  • 1 tbsp sweetener of choice
  • 1 tsp minced ginger, or ¼ tsp powdered
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp ground turmeric
  • (Optional) protein of choice, such as cubed tofu or black beans
  • (Optional) 1-2 tbsp green or red curry paste
  • (Optional) handful Thai basil
  • (Optional) ½ cup chopped pineapple
  • (Optional) 2-4 tbsp peanut butter or handful of cashews

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Stovetop Recipe: Combine all ingredients in a pot or skillet. If desired, you can brown the onion in a little oil first. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the coconut sauce has thickened and the carrots are tender. Add water or milk of choice to thin down sauce as needed.
  2. Crock Pot Coconut Curry Recipe: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker or crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or until vegetables are soft.

© Recipe and Photo courtesy of Chocolate Covered Katie. All rights reserved.

JANUARY WINE CLUB:

Silky styleConde-Valdemar-Blanco-bottleBodegas Valdemar
Conde Valdemar Blanco
Rioja, Spain

SILKY WINE STYLE

Pale yellow in color with greenish highlights. This clean and bright wine has intense and fresh aromas with white fruits such as pear and citrus notes. There are fine nuances of aromatic herbs, boxwood and white flowers. It’s tasty, with a vibrant entry and a persistent, long finish.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 80% Viura, 15% Malvasía, 5% Tempranillo Blanco
Appellation: Selected vineyards from Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta, Spain
Winemaking: Fermentation in stainless steel tanks with temperature control at 60.8ºF for 15 days, followed by fine lees aging.
Serving Temperature: 42.8ºF-46.4ºF

ADDITIONAL FOOD PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS:
Ideal match for grilled fish, salads and vegetables, as well as pasta dishes and shellfish. A good choice for smoked food and creams.

Information & Photos © Bodegas Valdemar – All Rights Reserved.

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

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January Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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beef-vegetable-soupInstant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pound diced beef (package will often say stew meat)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (to season the beef – omit if using leftover pot roast)
  • ½ medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • cooking spray or olive oil
  • 4 ½ cups beef broth/ stock (OR water, plus 1 tablespoon Better Than Bullion beef base)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups frozen corn kernels
  • 1 cup frozen green beans
  • 2 cups diced potatoes
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained (14.5 ounces)
  • 1 bay leaf (remove after cooking is complete)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Preheat the Instant Pot, and spray the pot with cooking spray (or olive oil, if preferred).
  • Add the meat to the pot with garlic powder; salt and pepper generously, and brown for about 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Add the onions, celery and carrots, and cook another 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Turn off the pot, and add all other ingredients.
  • Put on the lid, lock it and set to manual high pressure for 8 minutes. (It will take a while to come to pressure with such a full pot, FYI. Mine took 22 minutes.).
  • After the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally (without using the quick release lever). Mine took about 25 minutes, FYI. If your pot is still pressurized at 25 minutes, go ahead and quick release any remaining pressure.
  • Remove bay leaf, and serve. 

© Recipe courtesy of A Pinch of Healthy.

JANUARY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoConde-Valdemar-Vina-Torcida-Reserva_bottleBodegas Valdemar
Viña Torcida Reserva
Rioja, Spain

BOLD WINE STYLE

This wine has an intense red cherry color that is clean and bright. It is very complex in nuances due to the oak and bottle aging. It has balsamic aromas and rich ripe fruit and spices on the nose with well-integrated spicy tones, black pepper, clove and vanilla. This wine is rounded, tasty, well-structured with a long and persistent aftertaste.

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 87% Tempranillo, 8% Mazuelo, and 5% Garnacha
Region: DOCa Rioja, Spain
Vineyards: Valdemar vineyards in Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta and Rioja Baja
Aging: 27 months in American oak barrels
Serving Temperature: 60.8ºF-64.4ºF

ADDITIONAL FOOD PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS:
Perfect pairing for homemade stews, roast, and grilled meat. It also goes well with red meats, game, and Iberian-pork cold meats.

ABOUT BODEGAS VALDEMAR:
Bodegas Valdemar, with a history spanning over 130 years, originated in a small stone cellar in Oyón, Spain.  Jesús Martinez Bujanda (fourth generation), founded the winery with his father in the 1980s. Today, Valdemar stands as a highly esteemed global brand, proudly representing the Rioja region on all five continents. Valdemar wines showcase exquisite grapes from various family estates, embodying a rich tradition. Their commitment to sustainability allows nature to interact with the vineyards, thus enriching them and turning vineyards into wine agroecosystems. They have recently been awarded the international “Wineries for Climate Protection” certification. Bodegas Valdemar is a family of pioneers that never ceases to learn and innovate in order to take the art of winemaking to the next level. Learn more here.

Information & Photo © Bodegas Valdemar – All Rights Reserved.

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >

 
 
 

 

 

Calyptra Vivendo Cabernet Sauvignon

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Short-Rib-Crostini-7

© Photo by Platings + Pairings

Short Rib Crostini with Cambozola Cheese and Cherry Jam

INGREDIENTS:

SHORT RIBS:

  • 1 lb. bone-in beef short ribs trimmed of excess fat
  • ½ tsp. sweet paprika
  • 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic peeled and crushed
  • 1 medium carrot cut into large chunks
  • 1 stalk celery cut into large chunks
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • ½ cup dry red wine
  • 1 tbsp. honey
  • 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • salt and pepper

CROSTINI:

DIRECTIONS:

SHORT RIBS:

  • Sprinkle short ribs with paprika and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add short ribs and brown on all sides. Remove from pot and set aside.
  • Add garlic, carrot, celery and thyme to the pot and allow to brown for approximately 2 minutes. Return the meat to the pan, add wine, and increase heat to boil. Allow wine to reduce for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the honey, vinegar, and enough water to submerge the ribs halfway. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover and cook for approximately 2 hours, until the meat is tender. Remove meat to a plate and shred with two forks.
  • Remove the vegetables and thyme from the pot and discard. Increase heat to high and reduce the liquids to a thin glaze, approximately 5 minutes. Return the shredded meat to the pan and toss to coat. Keep warm.

CROSTINI:

  • Preheat oven to 400º F. Arrange the baguette slices on a cookie sheet in a single layer, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toast until lightly browned, 4-5 minutes.
  • Alternatively, place the crostini on a grill preheated to medium-high, and toast until lightly browned.

ASSEMBLY:

  • Top each crostini with jam, cheese, short rib mixture and chopped chives.
© Recipe and Photo courtesy of Platings and Pairings. All rights reserved.

DECEMBER WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoCalyptra Vivendo Cabernet Sauvignon wine bottle with bowCalyptra Vineyards & Winery
Vivendo Cabernet Sauvignon
Alto Cachapoal, Chile

BOLD WINE STYLE

Ruby color. The nose reveals notes of black cherries, fresh plums, blueberries, along with a floral hint. The palate is dominated by cassis, black plums and fresh cherries. Smooth tannins and juicy acidity lend the wine a fine texture and a long, fresh finish. 

Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Alto Cachapoal, Chile
Winemaker: Emiliano Dominguez Battocchia

WINEMAKING DETAILS:
Made with their own grapes grown in a ravine in the Andean foothills of the Cachapoal Valley, the grapes were hand-harvested into 12 kg. boxes. Following cluster selection, the grapes were destemmed and fell directly into the stainless steel tanks without the use of pumps. A cold pre-fermentation maceration for 3 days then followed by the alcoholic fermentation at 71.6ºF-75.2ºF for 8-10 days, and a post-fermentation maceration for 10 days.  Next, the wine was tank-aged for 12 months and then bottle-aged for a least 12 months before being released for sale.

Information & Photos © Calyptra Vineyards & Winery – All Rights Reserved.

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Calyptra Vivendo Chardonnay

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potato leek soup dishPotato Leek Soup

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 large leeks, white and light green parts only, roughly chopped (about 5 cups)
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped into ½-inch pieces
  • 7 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • chives, finely chopped, for serving

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Melt the butter over medium heat in a large soup pot. Add the leeks and garlic and cook, stirring regularly, until soft and wilted, about 10 minutes. Adjust the heat as necessary so as not to brown.
  2. Add the potatoes, broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt and pepper to pot and bring to a boil. Cover and turn the heat down to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are very soft.
  3. Fish out the thyme sprig and bay leaves, then purée the soup with a hand-held immersion blender until smooth. (Alternatively, use a standard blender to purée the soup in batches; see note.) Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If soup is too thin, simmer until thickened. If it’s too thick, add water or stock to thin it out. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

© Recipe and Photo courtesy of Once Upon a Chef. All rights reserved.

DECEMBER WINE CLUB:

Silky styleCalyptra Vivendo Chardonnay wine bottle with bowCalyptra Vineyards & Winery
Vivendo Chardonnay
Alto Cachapoal, Chile

SILKY WINE STYLE

Straw-colored with green hues, the nose displays aromas of fresh tropical fruit like mango and pineapple, together with hints of white blossom and honey. In the mouth, this is a fresh and fruity wine with good volume and delicious acidity that adds a sensation of juiciness. The finish is long and well-balanced with a floral aftertaste. A fresh, powerful and vibrant Chardonnay.

Analysis: 13.4% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Alto Cachapoal, Chile
Winemaker: Emiliano Dominguez Battocchia

WINEMAKING DETAILS:
Made with their own grapes grown in a ravine in the Andean Foothills of the Cachapoal Valley, the grapes were hand-harvested into 12 kg boxes. Following the cluster selection, they were destemmed and gently pressed to release the must. The must was fermented in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures for around 20 days, avoiding malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged over its lees in stainless steel tanks for 6 months. It was then filtered and bottle-aged for at least 6 months prior to being released for sale.

Information & Photos © Calyptra Vineyards & Winery – All Rights Reserved.

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