Category Archives: Sweet Wine Club

February Sweet Club: Iowa

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Heart-Castello-del-Poggio-Sweet-Red-bottleCastello del PoggioSweet Wine Club
The Secret Garden Collection
Sweet Red
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Tasteful and complex, with notes of rose petals, cheery and red berries. Perfectly ripe grapes highlight the soft fruit expression of this delightful Sweet Red blend, beloved for its notes of rose petals, cherry and red berries that lead to a smooth finish.

Analysis: 7% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Piedmontese Bonarda
Appellation/Region: Northern Italy
Winemaking: Stainless steel tanks
Serving Suggestion: Enjoy with spicy fare, grilled meats, cheeses and chocolate desserts

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Try this wine with an Aged Gouda, its nutty and caramel-like flavors will pair well with the wine’s sweet profile. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cacao Raspberry Collins Cocktail Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 oz. Castello del Poggio Sweet Red
  • ½ oz Tempus Frugit Cacao
  • ½ oz raspberry liqueur
  • ¾ oz lemon juice
  • fill to top club soda
  • garnish with raspberries

DIRECTIONS:

Add all the ingredients except the club soda into a shaker, add ice and shake. Strain into a highball, top with a club soda, gentle stir and garnish.  Or try their cocktail recipe for Sweet Coupe DeVille, with a few dashes of chocolate bitters.

About the Winery:
Castello del Poggio, located in the heart of Piedmont, Italy, has a winemaking heritage dating back to 1699. With a focus on crafting approachable and elegant wines, the estate blends tradition with modern expertise to highlight the unique terroir of its vineyards. Renowned for its signature Sweet Collection, including the popular Sweet Red, Castello del Poggio embraces a philosophy of creating wines that bring people together and celebrate life’s simple pleasures. From vine to glass, the estate is dedicated to sustainability, quality, and the joy of sharing exceptional wines with the world. Learn more about the winery here.

Photo and Information courtesy of © Castello del Poggio – All Rights Reserved

Heart-yalumba-antique-tawny-bottleYalumba
Museum Antique Tawny
South Australia, Australia

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Amber tawny in color with an olive green hue, exhibiting aromas of rich toffee and caramels, sweet figs, chocolate, caramel and licorice spices with elegant brandy spirit and hints of nutty wood aged complexity. The palate is richly flavored featuring caramel crème brûlée with fine spirit characters and lingering flavors of dried fruits and nuts. The texture is sweet and smooth with roundness from the wood maturation and brandy spirit filling out the middle palate, providing the firm, drying finish. This is an outstanding dessert wine.

Analysis: 19% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.5
Residual sugar: 198 g/L
Acidity: 6.4 g/L
Appellation/Region: South Australia, Australia
Fermentation: Stainless steel tanks
Malolactic fermentation: N/A
Type of Aging Container: Barriques and Hogsheads
Length of aging before bottling: 12 years
Pre-fermentation technique: Cold soak
Estate Owned by: Robert Hill-Smith
Winemaker: Louisa Rose
Total Acreage Under Vine: 650
Food Pairing: Serve with stilton or hard cheddar; baked figs and pistachio ice cream; or ginger flavored pudding

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Pair with wine with a stilton or hard cheddar. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Winery’s Notes:
This velvety wine is blended from antique barrels of Yulmba’s very best tawny, and laid down in their historic cellars over many years. The aging process evaporates a tiny angel’s share every year leaving a rich, concentrated wine with a nutty character. Made over five decades ago, the original wines were blended from old-vine varieties such as Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Muscadelle.

Since 1985, the use of Portuguese fortified varieties Touriga, Tinta Cao and Tinta Molle have added complexity to the blend, bringing finesse and elegance to this wine. The grapes are crushed and fermented on skins for several days to extract the fruit flavors and to build palate texture. After draining and pressing off skins, the fermentation is arrested by fortification with brandy spirit. The vintage wines are then put aside into small oak barrels to mature over time, developing the classic tawny characters of chocolate, caramel and wood aged nuttiness. After many years of maturation, a selection of older and younger wines are judiciously blended to produce wines of complexity, balance of fruit and aged characteristics.

About the Winery:
Founded in 1849, Yalumba is Australia’s most historic family-owned winery, crafting exceptional wines in the Barossa Valley for six generations. The journey began at the Angaston winery, where the production of fortified wines became a key part of its history. Today, Yalumba upholds its reputation for premium fortified wines by releasing small parcels of show reserve stocks. With a deep commitment to sustainability, innovation, and tradition, Yalumba continues to produce a diverse range of wines that celebrate the region’s unique terroir and winemaking artistry. Learn more about the winery here.

Photo and Information courtesy of © Yalumba – All Rights Reserved

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January Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubEvolution-Riesling-bottleSokol Blosser
Evolution Riesling
Columbia Valley, Oregon

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Take in a nose-full of bright tropical fruit, citrus, and a hint of floral. This wine is bursting with mouth watering notes of lychee, lime, pineapple and peach.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Reisling
Appellation: Columbia Valley, Oregon
Winemaking: Stainless Steel Tanks
Serving Suggestion: Pair with pad see ew with prawns, chicken tikka masala, lobster with lots of butter, jambalaya and even kettle corn
Critical Acclaim:

  • 89 Points & BEST BUY – Wine Enthusiast, 2021
  • 95 Points & Best in Class – Savor NW

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Pair with a stinky blue cheese to complement the fruity notes of this wine. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Wine: With the touch of Sokol Blosser’s winemaking team and their adoration for food-loving wine, this Evolution Riesling is so zingy and bright that it will wake up your taste buds and brighten your day. They crafted a wine that will stand up to spicy curries and stinky cheeses. It’s not your grandma’s Riesling. It’s the wine for the daring wine lover. For the wine lover who likes to buck the norm and ignore the stereotypes. Like a stealthy wolf in sheep’s clothing, this Riesling is slightly sweet on the outside yet packs a punch. It has a core of acidity that grabs your attention and makes it food’s best friend.

About the Winery:
For over 50 years, the Sokol Blosser family has been putting passion into bottles at their winery in Oregon. Family owned since 1971, their story began when Susan Sokol and Bill Blosser first planted vines in the now-famous Dundee Hills of Oregon’s Willamette Valley.  As second-generation winegrowers, Alex and Alison Sokol Blosser are passionately committed to their family’s legacy of creating world-class wines.  In 1998, they poured their love for wine into Evolution – exceptionally food-friendly wines for exceptional people. Its fan base gives meaning to the word “loyal” and is spread all over North America, Europe and Asia. At the time, there were very few white blends on the market, and Evolution tapped into the niche that would become an important segment of the wine business. As word spread and Evolution made the rounds, it enjoyed extraordinary popularity. Learn more about the winery here.

Photo and Information courtesy of © Evolution by Sokol Blosser – All Rights Reserved

oreillys-salted-caramel-irishO’Reilly’s Country Cream
Salted Caramel Irish Cream
Ireland

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This wine-based salted caramel Irish Cream is made with real Irish dairy cream from Abbeyleix, the heartland of Ireland. Enjoy rich caramel and creamy toffee notes rounded off with a hint of sea salt.

Analysis: 13.9% alcohol / volume

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Pair with a young or aged Gouda cheese. A young Gouda will bring out a mild sweetness, while aged Gouda offers nutty, caramelized flavors that mirror the Irish cream. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Photo and Information courtesy of © Prestige Beverage Group and Point Wine & Spirits – All Rights Reserved

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December Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubSchloss-Vollrads_QbA_Riesling-BottleShot-bowSchloss Vollrads Estate
Qualitätswein Rheingau
Riesling
Oestrich-Winkel, Germany

NECTAR WINE STYLE

It doesn’t always have to be dry! This Riesling captivates the palate with its full fruit aroma of yellow apples, vineyard peach and white blossoms. With its well-balanced sweetness and acidity, this wine is a real pleasure to drink. Tastes great solo or with spicy, hot dishes.

Varietal: Reisling
Analysis: 9% alcohol / volume
Residual Sugar: 40.7 g/L
Total Acidity: 8.8 g/L
Quality Level: Qualitätswein b.A.
Region: Rheingau, Germany
Winemaker: Ralf Bengel and team
Vinification: 100% Stainless Steel Vinification
Serving Suggestion: A suitable complement to Spicy Asian dishes (soup meat or stir-fry). Well chilled, it also makes an excellent aperitif.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Pair with a mild blue cheese to complement the fruity notes of this wine. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Terroir: The soil is a mixture of Taunus quartzite, argillaceous shale and calcareous loess soil. Their vineyard slopes are all south facing, allowing them to capture the best sunshine. The Taunus mountain range offers protection from the northern winds with its forests and creates the ideal conditions for their vines.

Vintage/Winemakers Notes: A great comeback of classic Rheingau Riesling. Schloss Vollrads were able to harvest twice in 2021, once in February and once in October. Sounds unusual but it was not due to climate change. It was due to the fact that they were able to conclude the 2020 vintage with an ice wine harvest on February 10, 2021, a chilly day with -9° C, the Riesling ice wine 2020 was harvested with a good must weight of 189 degree Oechsle. As the year progressed, the weather in 2021 turned out to be very capricious and unpredictable. After three exceptionally hot and dry years, it was finally humid and cooler in 2021. As a result, they had a long winter and a cool spring, which led to a late bud break in the end of April. Humid weather, frequent rain and only a few bright sunny days summed up the weather in summer. Vineyard employees were challenged, and through their enormous effort, they had ensured that losses due to mildew could be avoided. Due to the late bud break, ripening also began later than in previous years, in the last days of August. The grapes had taken their time and the harvest did not begin until October.  Which is a convenient time, because the ripening phase at cooler temperatures allows the Riesling grapes to develop a finely fruity aroma, and the wines can develop into the typical Riesling elegance and filigree.   With a hard-working harvest, the grape quality had developed to the ideal level of Kabinett and Spätlese. With a selective harvest technique, they were able to harvest the vineyards at the right time. The grapes from their prestige sites could be characterized with abundant and mesmerizing aromas, it was then, again with experienced harvest hands, the grapes were carefully selected and picked.

Photo and Information courtesy of © Schloss Vollrads Estate – All Rights Reserved

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November Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubRicco-Dolce-Semi-Sweet-Red-bottleCandoni
Ricco Dolce Semi-Sweet Red
Moscato
Veneto, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Ricco Dolce, meaning rich and sweet in Italian, is a blend of red grapes with fresh red berry flavors and soft rounded characteristics. The finish is seductively fruity, with balanced acidity, and a creamy mouthfeel with fresh flavors of cherry and strawberry. Serve slightly chilled.

Varietal: Estate grown Moscato
Analysis: 6.5% alcohol / volume
Type: Still
Farming: Sustainable

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Try the Ricco Dolce Semi-Sweet red wine with a creamy Brie. Its buttery, yet mild flavors complement the wine’s sweet, fruit flavors without overpowering it. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Ricco-Blueberry_bottleCandoni
Ricco Blueberry Semi-Sweet Red
Moscato
Veneto, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Ricco Blueberry is a sweet red, made from selected grapes. It is full of flavor, yet soft and deliciously sweet with an all-natural blueberry taste.

Varietal: Estate grown Moscato
Analysis: 6.5% alcohol / volume
Type: Still
Farming: Sustainable
Vinification: Stemmed grapes are placed in stainless steel tanks, where they are macerated oon the skins at 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which extracts the delicate aromas and color. The grape must is then separated and stored at 32 degrees Fahrenheit until bottling. Just prior to bottling, the must is allowed to warm, and the natural blueberry aromas are added. Once the desired alcohol and pressure level is reached, fermentation is halted, and the wine is filtered and bottled.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: For the Ricco Blueberry Semi-Sweet red wine, try pairing it with a Gorgonzola. The bold, tangy, and slightly salty notes from the Gorgonzola will be a beautiful contrast to the sweet, blueberry notes of this wine. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

About Candoni Winery:
The Candoni De Zan family has a wine-making legacy that spans over 150 years, continuing today with Armando De Zan and Elviana Candoni, who emphasize quality in their wines. Both families, deeply rooted in winemaking since the late 1800s, gradually expanded their vineyards, including the Tenuta Polvaro Estate in Veneto, Italy. Elviana, daughter of Luigi Candoni, a celebrated avant-garde artist and dramatist, brings an artistic touch to the brand’s packaging. Armando and Elviana’s daughters, Barbara and Caterina, certified Sommeliers, now help lead the business, focusing on international sales. Candoni produces both conventional and certified organic wines, with a commitment to sustainability through a long-standing partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, planting over 40,000 trees in the U.S. In 2021, the family launched Ricco Wines, a vegan and gluten-free collection of sweet, fruit-infused wines made from estate-grown Moscato grapes, perfect for enjoying alone or in cocktails. 

Photo and Information courtesy of © Candoni – All Rights Reserved.

Astoria-Extra-Dry-Rose-bottleAstoria
Extra Dry Sparkling Rosé
Veneto, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Astoria Sparkling Rosé showcases a delicate pink hue with fine, continuous bubbles. It offers fresh aromas of raspberry and strawberry, complemented by subtle white floral notes. Full-bodied and extra dry, this Rosé delivers a well-balanced finish, making it an excellent match for pasta, pizza, or grilled fish.

Analysis: 11% alcohol / volume

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: A wonderful cheese pairing for this Sparkling Rosé would be a goat cheese, such as a Chèvre. Its tangy, creamy texture would harmonize beautifully with the crisp Rosé, enhancing its strawberry and floral notes. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

About Astoria Wines:
Astoria Wines, founded in 1987 by the Polegato family, is a leading producer of Prosecco, renowned for its commitment to quality and sustainability. Located in the picturesque Prosecco Hills, which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019, Astoria manages 40 hectares of vineyards at the Val de Brun Estate. The winery emphasizes environmentally friendly practices, having adopted the Vignes Fleuries protocol and earning the Italian National Integrated Crop Management Quality System (SQNPI) certification. Astoria is celebrated for its innovative approach, exemplified by its award-winning 9.5 Cold Wine, and actively engages in social issues, supporting sports initiatives and promoting equity through partnerships with organizations like Venezia Pride. With a focus on blending tradition with modernity, Astoria continues to create exceptional wines that resonate globally. Learn more here.

Photo and Information courtesy of © Astoria Wines & Luekens Wine & Spirits – All Rights Reserved

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October Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubRaimund-essence-riesling-2021-bottleRaimund Prüm
Essence
Riesling
Mosel, Germany

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Pale gold in color. On the nose, aromatic, with scents of apricot, green apple and peach. On the palate, fresh fruit flavors of pineapple and apricot are perfectly balanced by a racy acidity and mineral character.

Analysis: 10.5% alcohol / volume
Variety: 100% Riesling
Appellation: Qualitatswein, Germany
RS: 21.3 g/L
TA: 5.7 g/L
Serve: Enjoy on its own or with a range of light appetizers, seafood dishes, BBQ, perfect with Asian cuisine and all styles of spicy food.
Accolades: 91 point review Wine Spectator 2021

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: This wine, with its bright acidity and floral notes, pairs wonderfully with aged Gouda. The nutty and caramel flavors of the Gouda complement the wine’s fruitiness and balance its acidity beautifully. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Winemaking: Grapes are hand harvested in mid-October and undergo a gentle crush. The juice is fermented for four weeks in stainless steel tanks then bottled under Stelvin closure to preserve its character.

About Raimund Prüm:
The Prüm family’s roots in the Mosel region of Germany date back as far as 1156, making it one the country’s preeminent winemaking dynasties. Their incredible Riesling portfolio reflects traditional winemaking practices with exceptional single vineyard designated wines in every style. Family-owned S.A. Prüm, founded in 1911 by Sebastian Alois Prüm, has been in the hands of Raimund Prüm, head winemaker and Sebastian’s grandson, since 1971. Under Raimund’s leadership the property has earned a reputation as one of the most successful wineries in Germany’s celebrated Mosel wine region.

Photo and Information courtesy of © Wine Quest – All Rights Reserved.

Luccio-moscato-italy-bottleLuccio®
Special Collection Moscato
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Fresh, fragrant, and frizzante with bright, floral aromas that give way to flavors of ripe stone fruit, tangerines, and honey.

Analysis: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Variety: 100% Moscato Bianco di Canelli
Region: Asti, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy
Critical Acclaim: 

  • Double Gold – San Francisco International Wine Competition | 2022
  • Highly Recommended, Best Buy – Beverage Testing Institute | 2021
  • Highly Recommended, Best Buy – Beverage Testing Institute | 2020

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: This sweet and bubbly Moscato goes well with fresh goat cheese. The creamy texture and tangy flavor of the goat cheese enhance the fruity and floral notes of the wine, creating a delightful contrast. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

About Luccio Wines:
Luccio® wines are made and imported from the finest winemaking regions in Italy. Since 1994, Luccio has represented Italian passion in a bottle with offerings ranging from semi-sweet Moscato’s to a full-bodied Chianti. Learn more here.

Photo and Information courtesy of © Prestige Beverage Group – All Rights Reserved

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September Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubBlue-Riesling-Auslese-bottleSchmitt Söhne
Riesling Auslese
Mosel, Germany

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This Auslese (selected harvest) Riesling is produced from grapes that remain on the vine until extremely late in the year.  Individually selected overripe grapes result in a full-bodied, luscious wine with hints of apricot, nectarine and honey. It has intense flavors and a lingering finish.

Analysis: 8.5-9% alcohol / volume
Variety: Riesling
Appellation: Mosel, Germany
RS: 52-56 g/L
TA: 8-9 g/L
Pairing Recommendation: Enjoy with cheeses, fruits, richly seasoned foods and desserts. Or enjoy as a wine cocktail or sipping after a memorable dinner.
Serve: Chilled

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: A perfect cheese pairing for this wine would be Gorgonzola Dolce. Gorgonzola Dolce is a creamy, slightly sweet blue cheese that balances the wine’s sweetness with its mild tang, while the creaminess complements the wine’s rich texture. The fruitiness of the Riesling will also contrast beautifully with the savory elements of the cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Winemaking: Auslese is picked at ultimate ripeness, sometimes two months after harvest season has started. This allows the fruit flavors to develop and ripen.  During picking, the grapes are handled very carefully to avoid bruising, letting the natural sweetness shine through. Harvested in the cool early morning, the grapes are brought quickly to the winery, destemmed and placed in stainless steel tanks that help retain the Riesling’s crisp acidity. The wine is kept cool, between 50-65 ºF, during fermentation.

Vineyards:
Schmitt Söhne Auslese Riesling hails from select vineyards along the Mosel River in Germany. Mosel is regarded as the oldest wine-growing region in Germany, believed to have been established by the Romans around 50 AD. It is one of the most northernly wine regions in world. Mosel vineyards are famous for their steep south-facing slopes and blue slate soil, reflected in the balanced minerality of Schmitt Söhne’s Auslese Riesling.

About Schmitt Söhne Wines:
Family-owned and operated, over 200 years ago the Schmitt ancestors settled in the small village of Longuich, along the Mosel River, and began managing vineyards and producing wine. Now in the fifth generation, Schmitt Söhne is one of Germany’s largest and most successful wine exporters around the world. While they have continued to develop their winemaking techniques and technologies, the family has never lost sight of their traditions. Learn more here.

Photo and Information courtesy of © Schmitt Söhne– All Rights Reserved.

Pacific-Rim-Sweet-Riesling-bottlePacific Rim
Sweet Riesling
Columbia Valley, Washington

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This wine is wonderfully aromatic with notes of honey, pear and orange blossom. On the palate, it is sweet, with bright acidity, pineapple and white peach.

Analysis: 8% alcohol / volume
Variety: 100% Riesling
Appellation: Columbia Valley, Washington
RS: 73.3 g/L
TA: 7.2 g/L
Pairing Recommendation: Ideal with fiery fare – especially Thai, Szechwan, Mexican, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean cuisine. Or enjoy with one of their suggested recipes >

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese, such as a gorgonzola. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

PRODUCTION:
The winery picks their Riesling grapes early (20-21 Brix). Using only native yeasts and fermenting at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks – there is no use of oak barrels or malolactic fermentation. They stop the fermentation at about 7% residual sugar, and clean the wine rapidly to retain as much freshness and fruitiness as possible. They leave a fair amount of natural carbon dioxide in the wine to create a lively mouth feel. 

 

ABOUT THE WINERY:
First released by Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon Vineyard in 1992, Pacific Rim Dry Riesling quickly gained a loyal following among Riesling lovers. Known for its fresh and bright characteristics, the wine was a welcome alternative to over-oaked, one-dimensional white wines. As the American palate evolved in recent years toward wines with greater complexity and crisper acidity, the popularity of Pacific Rim Dry Riesling grew. Demand and enthusiasm for Pacific Rim Dry Riesling continued to gain momentum — and the excitement around the wine inspired a radical idea… the creation a winery exclusively dedicated to Riesling. In August of 2006, a small band of Bonny Doon expats moved to the Northwest from California with a common desire to craft the best Riesling in America… thus, Pacific Rim became its own winery. Learn more about the winery here.

Photo and Information courtesy of © Pacific Rim – All Rights Reserved

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August Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubLolli_Sweet-red-bottleLolli Sweet Drinks
Sweet Red
California

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Lolli’s Sweet Red is a smooth, sweet red blend with a fruity finish. It is the base wine used to make the other two Lolli Sweet Drinks selected for our July Sweet Club. The Sweet Red has juicy layers of blackberry jam, blueberry, plum and vanilla. Perfect for nights in, dinners and cookouts.

Analysis: 8.5% alcohol / volume
Serving Suggestions: Serve over ice, in any glass.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Pair this wine with a Gorgonzola. The rich, creamy blue cheese will complement the sweetness of the red wine, balances its bold flavors. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Photo and Information courtesy of © Lolli Sweet Drinks – All Rights Reserved

Joia_HeroShotANDCocktail_VarietyPack
Joia Spirit
Sparkling Cocktail Variety Six Pack
Mendota Heights, Minnesota

This month, our Sweet Club members will enjoy a Joia Spirit Sparkling Cocktail Variety Six Pack with three of their top canned cocktails! Included in this Variety Pack will be:

  • (2) Cans of Greyhound
  • (2) Cans of Margarita
  • (2) Cans of Cosmo

Joia-Spirit-Cocktails-GreyhoundJoia Spirit
Greyhound
Mendota Heights, Minnesota

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Chamomile and cardamom add a hint of warmth to tangy grapefruit and clear, crisp vodka. Best served seaside, but your living room is just as good. 

Analysis: 6% alcohol / volume
Key Ingredients: Vodka, Grapefruit, Chamomile, and Cardamom
Accolades: Gold Medal, 93 Pts – Beverage Testing Institute, 2022

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Reach for a Manchego. This Spanish cheese has a nutty, tangy flavor that pairs well with the tartness of the grapefruit in this cocktail. Learn more about our cheese pairings here.

Joia-Spirit-Cocktails-MargaritaJoia Spirit
Margarita
Mendota Heights, Minnesota

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This canned Margarita is as bright as a day at the beach. Smooth tequila combined with tart lime and sweet orange bring this classic to a new level. 

Analysis: 6% alcohol / volume
Key Ingredients: Tequila, Lime, and Orange
Accolades: Gold Medal – Canned Challenge, 2022

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Opt for a dish with Queso Fresco; a mild, crumbly Mexican cheese that echoes the flavors of the Margarita and provides a fresh contrast to its tangy, lime notes. Learn more about our cheese pairings here.

Joia-Spirit-Cocktails-CosmoJoia Spirit
Cosmo
Mendota Heights, Minnesota

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Everything a Cosmo should be and more: pink, fruity, and fun rounded out with a pop of pear in the convenience of a can. 

Analysis: 7% alcohol / volume
Key Ingredients: Vodka, Cranberry, Pear, and Lime
Accolades:  Gold Medal, 93 Pts – Beverage Testing Institute, 2022; Double Gold – The Fifty Best, 2021

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Try this Cosmo with a Brie. The creamy, buttery texture of Brie will pair nicely with the sophisticated cranberry and citrus notes in this Cosmo, playing into the overall tasting experience. Learn more about our cheese pairings here.

About Joia Spirit:
Driven by the art of mixology and inspired by cozy dinner chats with friends, Joia made its mark on the beverage world with a flair for innovation. It all started with with Joia Sparkling, their award-winning all-natural fruit, herb, and spice craft sodas, created by renowned mixologist Dan Oskey from Tattersall Distilling in Minneapolis. Joia Sparkling quickly became a favorite mixer for home cocktails, leading to the development of Joia Spirit craft cocktails — offering genuine spirits and true refreshment. Learn more here.

Photo and Information courtesy of © Joia Spirit – All Rights Reserved

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July Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubLolli_Sweet_Spiked_bottleLolli Sweet Drinks
Sweet Spiked
California

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Bold sweet red blend wine cocktail with rich notes of dark cherry, caramelized orange, toffee and vanilla. Perfect for nights out and cocktail parties.

Analysis: 17% alcohol / volume
Serving Suggestions: Serve over ice, with a brandied cherry garnish, in any glass

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Pair this wine with an aged cheddar. The sharpness of cheddar can stand up to the rich, dark cherry notes, offering a complex flavor combination. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Lolli_Sweet_Twist_bottleLolli Sweet Drinks
Sweet Twist
California

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Luscious sweet red wine blend with bright notes of strawberry, blueberry, blackberry and plum with a little heat. Vibrant finish. Perfect for happy hours and house parties! 

Analysis: 17% alcohol / volume
Serving Suggestions: Serve over ice, with a citrus garnish, in any glass

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Reach for a fresh goat cheese with a tangy flavor that can balance the sweetness of the wine. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Mix Things Up – Wine Cocktails!

Lolli_Tropical_Tango-CocktailLolli Tropical Tango:

  • 2.5 oz. Lolli Sweet Twist
  • .5 oz. tequila
  • .2 oz. grapefruit soda
  • squeeze of lime

Directions:

  • Pour Lolli Sweet Twist over ice, top with tequila, grapefruit soda and a squeeze of lime. Stir and garnish with a lime. Enjoy!

Photo, Information and Recipe courtesy of © Lolli Sweet Drinks – All Rights Reserved

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June Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine Clubmoscato-dasti-bottle-imageRisata
Moscato d’Asti
Moscato Bianco di Canelli
Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Risata Moscato d’Asti is seductively sweet, boasting juicy stone fruit, tart citrus and floral honey flavors. It’s a fresh and fragrant wine.

Analysis: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Moscato Bianco di Canelli
Perfect Pairings: Appetizers, tiramisu or a kid-free staycation

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Reach for a soft cheese such as a brie. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Risata_Post_CosmoPunchMix Things Up – Wine Cocktails!

Risata Cosmo Punch:

  • 2 parts Risata Moscato d’Asti
  • 2 parts ginger ale
  • 1 part vodka
  • 1 part frozen pink lemonade
  • 1 part cranberry juice
  • .5 part Triple Sec

Directions:

  • In a large pitcher or a large punch bowl, combine all ingredients. Serve drinks over ice and enjoy as yummy summer sipper!

Risata Peach wine bottleRisata
Peach
Moscato
Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Savor the lusciousness of Risata Peach, a semi-sweet wine, bursting with flavors of ripe, juicy peaches and a hint of apricot. Light-bodied and crisp on the finish, this refreshing wine is best served chilled.

Analysis: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Moscato
Perfect Pairings: Salads, cake or a night of “me time”

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Pair this fruity, semi-sweet wine with a rich, nutty hard cheese such as Parmigiano Reggiano. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Mix Things Up – Wine Cocktails!

Rista Peach Sangria drink recipePeach Sangria:
(Makes 4-5 servings)

  • 1 part Risata Peach Wine
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 peach, sliced
  • 1 cup berries
  • 1/3 cup orange liqueur
  • 1 cup club soda
  • garnish: edible flowers

Directions:

  • Add fruit and orange liqueur to a pitcher and gently muddle with a wooden spoon. Add Risata Peach wine, club soda, and ice, then stir. Divide into glasses and serve with edible flowers, if desired. Credit: The Social Sipper.

Risata_Blueberry-bottle-imageRisata
Blueberry
Brachetto
Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Relish in the wild and fresh flavor of Risata Blueberry, a refreshing semi-sweet wine, with intense flavors of fresh blueberry and a soft hint of cherry. Serve lightly chilled.

Analysis: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Brachetto
Perfect Pairings: Fresh fruit, grilled meats, or a little late night retail therapy.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: For a savory cheese pairing, reach for a feta cheese. The saltiness of this cheese can enhance the sweetness of the blueberries and create an interesting savory contrast. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Mix Things Up – Wine Cocktails!

Risata-Berry-Wine-SlushieBlueberry Wine Slushie:
(Makes 4 servings)

  • 2 cups Risata Blueberry wine
  • 3 cups frozen mixed berries
  • ¼ cup elderflower liqueur
  • 1 cup ice
  • garnish: berries, edible flowers

Directions:

  • Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Divide into glasses and garnish with frozen berries and edible flowers, if desired. Enjoy immediately. Credit: The Social Sipper.

About the Winery:
The word ‘Risata’ means ‘laughter’ in Italian. The team behind Risata thought it would be fitting for a line of delightfully sweet and bubbly wines made to be enjoyed on nearly any occasion. Sourced from the finest vineyards in Italy, Risata wines are premium quality wines that are designed to elevate any moment. Their Moscato d’Asta was introduced to the U.S. in 2006 and has grown to be the most sought after Moscato d’Asti in the country. These wines are delicious on their own or mixed into a tantalizing cocktail! Learn more here.

Photo and Information © Risata – All Rights Reserved

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Sweet Wine ClubCarl-Sittman-Riesling-BottleCarl Sittmann
Riesling
Mosel, Germany

NECTAR WINE STYLE

The Carl Sittmann Riesling features notes of green apples, pears, and apricots on the nose. Its sweet peach and apple flavors are delicately offset by crisp acidity, ensuring the wine remains elegantly refreshing and not overly sweet.

Analysis: 9.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Riesling
Region: Mosel, Germany

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Reach for a tangy goat’s milk cheese to complement the wine’s acidity and fruity notes. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Photo and Information © Carl Sittmann – All Rights Reserved

tdo-moscato-bottle-imageTerra d’Oro
Moscato
Amador County, California

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Inviting aromas of honey, white peach, honeysuckle, pineapple and lemon zest lead into vibrant flavors of Meyer lemon, pineapple and a hint of anise. The wine has a pleasing viscosity on the palate and finishes with fresh acidity. This makes the Terra d’Oro Moscato extremely versatile and enjoyable with a meal as well as after it. Try it with spicy Asian cuisine, or a fruit tart.

Analysis: 9.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Moscato
Acidity: 0.63 g/100mL
pH: 3.27

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: If you’re looking for a dessert pairing, mascarpone cheese topped with some tart fruit jam is a fantastic choice. Its creamy texture and mild flavor with a punch from the jam will pair well with the sweetness of Moscato, making it suitable for desserts or as a simple, luxurious treat. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Vineyard Notes:
Moscato, also called Muscat, is grown in nearly every wine-producing region in the world, resulting in an array of styles. It is believed the name derived from the French word “Musque”, meaning “perfumed”— a fitting moniker for this intensely aromatic variety. Grapes were sourced from several select vineyards to create a wine with that perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. 

Winemaker Notes:
When making the Moscato, the goal was to craft a wine that is full of flavor with perceptible sweetness, yet is still light on the palate. The Terra d’Oro Moscato is crafted in a different manner than their other varietals. Grapes are destemmed and crushed in stainless steel tanks and left overnight before pressing. This “cap and drain” method keeps the grapes in contact with their skins for an extended period, delivering greater varietal intensity. After gentle pressing, 70% of the juice is inoculated with yeast. The remaining unfermented juice is kept at a very low temperature and then added back into the blend after fermentation to create a lightly sweet and refreshing wine with a lower alcohol. 

About the Winery:
Amador’s first winery established after Prohibition was founded in 1970 by renowned winemaker Cary Gott, and he released the first wines under the Terra d’Oro label in 1973. Terra d’Oro’s early success with Amador Zinfandel and other wines, in particular Italian varietals, were key in helping re-establish the region’s reputation for fine wine. In 1988, the Trinchero family, which had been purchasing grapes from the Amador region for 20 years, purchased the winery and 240-acre vineyard. Over the years, the family invested in subsequent vineyards, and in early 2000, completed construction of a new, state-of-the-art winery at the site of the original winery, designed to unlock the potential of each acre of Terra d’Oro’s vineyards. Today, Terra d’Oro farms produces award-winning wines from its 800+ acres of sustainably farmed vines in Amador County and the Clarksburg AVA. Learn more about their sustainable practices here.

Photo and Information © Terra d’Oro Winery – All Rights Reserved

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