Winery Spotlight Series: April 2024

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Official-HFW-logoHope Family standing in vineyardsWinery Spotlight Wine Tasting
Hope Family Wines
Paso Robles, California

April 2024

We’re thrilled to introduce these wines to you! Last September, we had the opportunity to visit the Austin Hope Winery − part of Hope Family Wines − during our annual WineStyles conference in Paso Robles. We had the pleasure of sampling their fantastic range of wines. Now, we invite you to join us for the Hope Family Wines Winery Spotlight tasting event, where we’ll be showcasing five of their remarkable wines. Please join us!

Wines Tasted:

  1. Austin Chardonnay
  2. Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon
  3. Austin Cabernet Sauvignon
  4. Liberty School Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
  5. Troublemaker Blend 16

To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting, please contact your local participating WineStyles store, or reserve your tickets on Eventbrite.

Hope Family wines to be tasted

About Hope Family Wines:
In 1978, Austin Hope’s family settled in Paso Robles, establishing vineyards and apple orchards. Unaware of Paso Robles’ future as a premier wine growing region, they continued farming. Today, Hope Family Wines thrives with six distinct brands: Liberty School, Treana, Quest, Austin Hope, Troublemaker, and the newest addition, Austin. Recognitions include Austin Hope being named the 2019 “Wine Person of the Year” by Paso Robles, their 2017 Austin Hope label ranking #10 on Wine Enthusiast’s “Top 100 Enthusiast Wines of the World,” and their recent accolade as Wine Enthusiast’s American Winery of the Year in 2022. Learn more about their story here.

© Hope Family Wines

© Hope Family Wines

Sustainability:
Hope Family Wines is committed to sustainable growing practices that promote vine health, improve wine quality, and ensure that growers remain profitable. The number of tractor passes is kept to a minimum, protecting the integrity of the root structures and avoiding compacting the soil. Hope Family Wines works actively with the Central Coast Vineyard Team to promote best practices in the vineyards. They also use self-assessment tools put together by the Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers to gauge progress and identify areas for improvement over time. This multi-pronged approach to growing, from winter pruning through fall harvest, ensures we use only the finest grapes for each of our labels. 

SIP Certified:
Chuck and Austin Hope believe their stewardship of their estate vineyard reaches far beyond the vineyard rows to ensure the ecosystem thrives. They’ve created wildlife corridors so the native quail, deer and maybe a wild boar or two, can pass through the vineyard. Their estate vineyards are SIP Certified ensuring they focus on preservation and protection of natural and human resources.  Learn more about their sustainability efforts >

© Hope Family Wines

© Hope Family Wines

About Austin Hope – Winemaker & President:
Austin Hope began his journey in Paso Robles in 1978 when his family acquired a ranch. Assigned to work in the vineyards as punishment by his father, Chuck Hope, a young Austin surprised everyone by embracing the task at just eight years old. While studying Fruit Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in California, Austin’s family laid the groundwork for Treana Winery. When his uncle passed away in 1996, Chuck turned to Austin to lead the business. Teaming up with winemaker Chris Phelps, Austin ventured into producing red table wine from Paso Robles, then a lesser-known region. His boldness paid off; today, Austin continues to expand his wine portfolio, driven by his unwavering commitment to showcasing Paso Robles’ essence in every bottle.

Map of Hope Family vineyards

Photos and Information © Hope Family Wines – All Rights Reserved.

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting
Hope Family Wines
April 2024
Cheers!
WineStyles.com

April Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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Collectors Wine ClubPine-Ridge-Stags-Leap-District-bottlePine Ridge Vineyards
Stags Leap District
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This wine is a pure and exquisite expression of the world-famous Stags Leap District AVA. On first inspection, delightful notes of blonde roast coffee and cracked black pepper blend harmoniously with cherry cola and spiced blueberry jam. The wine’s texture is round, with classic Stags Leap District tannins surrounded by mouth-filling pomegranate juice and raspberry mocha flavors. These savory and sweet notes complement a generous serving of Gorgonzola Dolce on a crusty Pain au Levain boule. The wine’s fine grain tannins, balanced by refreshing acidity, create a lush and velvety back palate that brings forth black raspberry and toasted oak hints before gently fading away on the long finish.

Analysis: 15.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petite Sirah, 2% Petit Verdot & 1% Malbec
pH: 3.77
TA: 5.7 g/L
Region: Stags Leap District
Pairing: Homemade Shepherd’s Pie

VINTAGE NOTES:
The 2021 growing season was a prime example of why Napa Valley is such a great place to grow grapes. The winter heading into the 2021 growing season was colder than average with a drier than average spring. There were four total heat events over the growing season with the May and September heat events being outside the typical range for that time of year. The rainfall for the year was below average for the fourth straight year, presenting a challenge for the grower due to irrigation ponds and wells being at levels that have not been seen since 2017. The summer growing conditions were exceptionally good, making for ideal berry development. Both bloom and veraison, which typically last two to three weeks each, were each over in about a week! The start of harvest was early due to September being very warm. This was good, because in October California experienced a series of atmospheric rivers that dumped 9.5” of rain that month. The yields for the year were below average, but from a quality standpoint, it was a vintage year!

VINEYARD:
Their steep, densely planted Stags Leap District Estate has been the heart of the winery since Pine Ridge Vineyards was founded in the farmhouse in 1978.

VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING:
The 2021 vintage was harvested from September 15th to October 19th. The grapes were hand-harvested at night when temperatures often dip to 50°F to capture vibrant acidity and fruit expression in the wine.

First, the must (crushed grapes) was cold-soaked for gentle extraction and then fermented in stainless steel, concrete and oak barrel fermenters at 88°F. Rigorous pump-overs, increasing during the peak of the fermentation, developed deep color, rich varietal character, and fine tannins in the wine. The wine was aged in 50% new French oak barrels to meld the bright fruit expression with oak spice nuances. After three months of aging, we blended the vineyard components allowing them to marry for a total of 20 months of barrel élevage. This wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered to present the attributes of the vineyard in the purest form possible, from the dirt to the glass.

ABOUT PINE RIDGE VINEYARDS:
Pine Ridge Vineyards, nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, embodies a legacy of excellence in winemaking since its establishment in 1978. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Pine Ridge crafts wines that reflect the unique terroir of their estate vineyards. From the iconic Cabernet Sauvignon to the elegant Chardonnay and beyond, each bottle showcases the artistry and dedication of their skilled winemaking team. With a blend of tradition and contemporary techniques, Pine Ridge Vineyards continues to produce wines of exceptional quality that captivate wine enthusiasts around the world. Learn more about their story and team here.

Photos and information © Pine Ridge Vineyards – All Rights Reserved.

Bold wine Style logoBelle-Glos-taylor-laneBelle Glos
Taylor Lane
2014 Pinot Noir 1.5L
West Sonoma Coast, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Once on the palate, the acidity sparks a fire of smoked caramel and cinnamon spiked cranberry sauce. The silky-smooth texture gives way to a long and balanced finish that leaves your senses wanting more.

“Oak spice aromas, powerful black-fruit flavors and a firm structure of acid and moderate tannins give this wine a nice heft to help it pair with rich foods. Having aged extra long at the winery, it still should develop more complexity starting from 2025” – 93 pts. Wine Enthusiast

Analysis: 14.4% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Bottle size:  1.5 L
Region: West Sonoma Coast AVA, California
Critical Acclaim: 93 pts. Wine Enthusiast
Pair: Pairs well with duck, goose and game birds

VINEYARD DESCRIPTION:
The Taylor Lane Vineyard is located on the furthest western ridge of the coastal range, sitting just over the Pacific, looking out over the Faralon Islands. However beautiful as Taylor Lane may be, it was unlike any vineyard site the Belle Glos team had ever farmed along the California coast. The ruthless and challenging Pacific weather required years of farming innovation to get it right. The key was the similarity to Burgundy in the heat accumulation patterns. They consulted with a Burgundian winemaker to apply some of their traditional, old world techniques to make Taylor Lane a traditionally steeped, yet California Coastal Pinot Noir coming out of the true Sonoma Coast.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
Belle Glos’ first wine under the newly minted West Sonoma Coast AVA and a cellared release, this majestic vineyard brings plum with a slight burnt edge in the glass and boasts aromas of freshly tilled land, a rich oak forest in Autumn, and Crème de Cassis.  “At age 15, Taylor Lane was my first vineyard project. I invite you to celebrate with our Taylor Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir. A wine that’s close to the coast, my family, and my heart.” – Joseph Wagner, Owner & Winemaker

ABOUT BELLE GLOS:
Belle Glos showcases award winning Pinot Noirs from California’s most noteworthy coastal wine-growing regions, produced by fifth-generation winemaker Joseph Wagner. Joseph chose the name Belle Glos (pronounced “BELL GLOSS”) to honor his grandmother, Lorna Belle Glos Wagner. Lorna was a co-founder of Caymus Vineyards, an inspirational figure to Joseph and an avid lover of Pinot Noir. Although each vineyard location lies near the Pacific Ocean, the climate differences are significant for each. Learn more here.

Photos and information © Belle Glos – All Rights Reserved.

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April Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubStella-Rosa-Royale-Bottle ImageStella Rosa
Stella Royale Rosso
Veneto, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

With its higher alcohol content, yet still smooth finish, Stella Rosa Royale retains that delicious semi-sweet nature with its fresh natural flavors of raspberries, strawberries and other red berries. This is the perfect wine to pair with any food, just remember to serve it chilled.

Analysis: 8% alcohol / volume
Primary Grape Varietal: Barbera, Brachetto, Nebbiolo

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: A creamy, yet tangy, blue cheese like Gorgonzola or Roquefort can provide a bold flavor contrast to the sweetness of the wine. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

About the Winery:
It all started in 1917, when the Riboli family founded Los Angeles’ historic San Antonio Winery. Back then, Los Angeles was the prime location for wine growing in all of California. For some time, the wine industry reigned as one of Southern California’s most economically significant and popular industries of that time. After surviving Prohibition and about a century later, the Riboli family has continued its artisan winemaking tradition through four generations. Within the tasting rooms of San Antonio Winery, customers repeatedly requested a sweeter, light, refreshing wine. The Riboli family took this unique opportunity to create a new semi-sweet, semi-sparkling wine style, which today, they are the leader. And so, Stella Rosa was born. Learn more here.

Wine Cocktail: Berry Regal
Try this delicious wine cocktail at your next brunch:

  • 2 oz Stella Rosa Royale
  • 1 oz Grand Marnier
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1 cup frozen raspberries
  • 1 cup frozen blackberries
  • agave (to taste)
  • Add Grand Marnier, frozen fruits, and agave to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glass and stir in Stella Rosa® Royale.

Photo and Information © Stella Rosa and San Antonio Winery – All Rights Reserved

Moscato-Asti_Bottle ImageVietti
Moscato d’Asti DOCG
Castiglione Falletto, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Bright straw-yellow in color with slightly shimmering hints of gold. This wine has intense aromas of ripe yellow fruit (peach and apricot), floral notes (rose petals and acacia flowers) and ginger. Sweet and delicate on the palate, with the modest acidity, good balance and complexity. Hints of fresh apricot on the finish.

Analysis: 8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Moscato

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: The nutty and salty flavors of Parmigiano-Reggiano can provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the wine. Its firm texture and complex flavor profile make it an excellent pairing option. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Winemaking:
The grapes are sourced from small vineyards in Castiglione Tinella, with 4,500 plants per hectare. The vines, cultivated with the Guyot-system have an average age of 40 years. Limestone and clay-rich soil.

The grapes are harvested by hand in and around late August/early September. The vinification begins with a gentle pressing of the grapes and natural cold decanting. The must is stored at a very low temperature in stainless-steel tanks to avoid spontaneous fermentation. Throughout the year, individual portions of the must are put in an autoclave at a temperature of 12-14 degrees to initiate alcohol fermentation. When 5.5% alcohol by volume is reached, the temperature is quickly reduced to stop the fermentation. The wine, which is only partially fermented, is then filtered. The wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation and is bottled using sterile filtration, to maintain its natural freshness, aromas and fine bubbles.

About the Winery:
Almost 150 years have passed since its foundation. It was the end of 1800 when Carlo Vietti started the Vietti winery, right in the heart of the Langhe, on the highest point of the medieval village of Castiglione Falletto. In the very same place where it is located today. Vietti is renowned for its commitment to crafting exceptional wines that express the unique terroir of Piedmont. From their iconic Barolo to elegant Barbera and beyond, each bottle reflects a harmonious balance of tradition and innovation. Embracing sustainable practices, Vietti’s vineyards yield grapes of unparalleled quality, resulting in wines that captivate enthusiasts worldwide. Passion, heritage, and a deep connection to the land define Vietti, making it a cherished gem of Italian winemaking. Learn more here.

Photo and Information © Vietti – All Rights Reserved

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April Bubbly Club Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubVOL_RoseSaignee_Bottle ImageVollereaux
Rosé De Saignée Brut NV
Champagne, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Intense raspberry in color with consistent fine bubbles. The nose has initial aromas of red berries and crushed strawberry; after aeration, the nose reveals notes of fresh pastries and vanilla. The palate is full bodied and round with subtle notes of red berries and a long finish. 

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
TA: 3.8
pH: 3.18
RS: 9.2 g/L
Winemaker: Franck Vollereaux
Serving Suggestions: Delightful on its own, or perfect with macaroons.
Vinification: Pinot Noir grapes are macerated via the traditional saignée’ method, or “bleeding” off a portion of pink juice during red wine production. The juice spends three years on lees, more than twice the time required by appellation rules.
Critical Acclaim: 93 pts. – Wine Enthusiast, December 2020

About the Winery:
Champagne Vollereaux was established in 1805 by Paul Emile Vollereaux.  For six generations, the Vollereaux family’s attention to detail has been reflected in each bottle, leaving a finished product that delivers a fresh, light, elegant and fruity profile. What was once enjoyed by a small group of friends and family is now available worldwide. With its casual-chic style, Champagne Vollereaux creates the occasion and elevates any moment. Vollereaux is one of the very few champagne wineries to use the traditional saigne method of maceration for its Rosé Champagne, which involves bleeding off a portion of pink juice during red wine production (as opposed to blending red and white wine together). This process occurs after a short contact with the grape skins and seeds.

Today, the winery is owned and operated by brother-sister team Franck and Hélène Vollereaux. Franck is the winemaker and director while Hélène handles the domestic business and winery hospitality. Together, they carry the spirit of continuously strengthening and improving on the success achieved by their forebears. 

Photo and Information © Palm Bay International – All Rights Reserved

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Tenuta Talamonti Sangiovese Terre di Chieti IGP

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Vegetarian AntipastiVegetarian Antipasti

INGREDIENTS:

Vegetables:

  • 1 eggplant
  • 1 zucchini
  • 3 bell peppers (yellow, red, and orange)
  • 9 oz button mushrooms
  • 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, needles removed and roughly chopped
  • 4 sprigs of fresh thyme,  leaves pulled off the stem

For the Marinade:

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • sea salt, to taste
  • red pepper flakes (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Make the marinade: combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir well. 
  2. Slice the vegetables. Cut the eggplant and the zucchini into rounds, the bell pepper into slices, and the mushrooms into halves. 
  3. Then place the veggies in a large bowl, and add the fresh rosemary, and the marinade. Stir carefully so all of the vegetables are covered with the marinade. 
  4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the vegetables on the prepared baking sheet. Spread out evenly.
  5. Bake for 40 minutes. Stir once after 20 minutes. 

© Recipe and Photo courtesy of Vegan Heaven. All rights reserved.

APRIL WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoMagnolia_Sangiovese-flowerTenuta Talamonti
Magnolia 
Sangiovese Terre di Chieti IGP
Abruzzo, Italy

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Intense bouquet of ripe red fruit. Dominated by fruit with subtle notes of vanilla and sweet basil. Brilliant ruby-red color.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Sangiovese
Appellation: Abruzzo IGP, Italy
Residual sugar: 4 g/L
Recommended Pairings: Eggplant Parmesan, thin crust pizza, vegetarian antipasti

PRODUCTION METHOD:
The brief 3-month aging in neutral oak barrels ensures a soft, fresh, and juicy wine from the Italian grapes.

Antonella Di Tonno and Rodrigo Redmont in the barrel room pouring wine

Antonella Di Tonno and Rodrigo Redmont

ABOUT TENUTA TALAMONTI:
Talamonti was founded in 2001 by the Redmont – Di Tonno family, in a magnificent, unspoiled part of the Abruzzi.  With a rich heritage dating back generations, this family-owned estate cultivates premium grapes in the pristine Teramo hills, producing exquisite wines celebrated worldwide. Meticulously crafted using sustainable practices, each bottle reflects a harmonious blend of innovation and respect for the land. From their renowned Montepulciano d’Abruzzo to elegant Trebbiano and beyond, Tenuta Talamonti wines embody the terroir’s unique character, offering aficionados an unforgettable journey through the flavors and aromas of Italy’s vibrant viticultural landscape. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Tenuta Talamonti – All Rights Reserved.

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Tenuta Talamonti Pecorino Abruzzo DOC

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Stuffed MusselsCozze Gratinate (baked stuffed mussels)

INGREDIENTS:

For the Mussels:

  • 1 kg mussels – scrubbed and debearded
  • 1 clove garlic – peeled and lightly smashed
  • ¼ cup water
  • parsley stalks – a couple, cut into large pieces

For the Stuffing:

  • 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
  • 1 clove garlic – minced
  • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley – finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon red chilli pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest – finely grated
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • lemon wedges – to serve, optional

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat your oven to 430ºF.
  2. Rinse and drain the mussels. Discard any that have cracked or damaged shells. Scrub the shells if necessary. Remove the hairy beard from the mussel by pinching it with your fingers and dragging it toward the closed side of the shell.
  3. In a large frying pan with a lid, add the parsley stalks, water, garlic and mussels. Turn the heat onto high and shake the pan. As the mussels start to open, take the lid off, and using tongs, remove the opened mussels from the pot and place them on a sheet pan or tray. Allow them to cool slightly.
  4. While the mussels are cooling, prepare your breadcrumb stuffing. Add all of the ingredients for the stuffing to a bowl and mix until well combined.
  5. Once the mussels are cool enough to hold, open the shells, and discard the half that doesn’t have the meat.
  6. Place the shells with the mussel meat into a baking dish or tray – you’ll want one that will snuggly fit all of the mussels so they don’t wobble around too much.
  7. Top each mussel with the stuffing – depending on the size, I start with about 1-2 teaspoon of mixture, and then add any leftover to the top.
  8. Place the baking dish into the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

© Recipe and Photo courtesy of It’s Not Complicated. All rights reserved.

APRIL WINE CLUB:

Silky styleMagnolia_Pecorino-Abruzzo-DOC-flowerTenuta Talamonti
Magnolia
Pecorino Abruzzo DOC
Abruzzo, Italy

SILKY WINE STYLE

Explosive flowers of ripe pear, Ginestra flowers and Jasmine accompanied by a gentle and refreshing acidity. Mouth-watering.

Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Pecorino
Appellation: Abruzzo DOC, Italy
Residual sugar: 3 g/L
Recommended Pairings: Stuffed mussels, wild mushroom risotto, Uramaki and Nigiri

PRODUCTION METHOD:
An overnight cold maceration of the free-run juice greatly enhances the body of this wine, creating an aromatic, explosive, white.

 

Talamonti landscape of the surrounding mountainsABOUT TENUTA TALAMONTI:
Nestled in the picturesque Abruzzo region of Italy, Tenuta Talamonti Winery epitomizes the essence of Italian winemaking tradition. With a rich heritage dating back generations, this family-owned estate cultivates premium grapes in the pristine Teramo hills, producing exquisite wines celebrated worldwide. Meticulously crafted using sustainable practices, each bottle reflects a harmonious blend of innovation and respect for the land. From their renowned Montepulciano d’Abruzzo to elegant Trebbiano and beyond, Tenuta Talamonti wines embody the terroir’s unique character, offering aficionados an unforgettable journey through the flavors and aromas of Italy’s vibrant viticultural landscape. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Tenuta Talamonti – All Rights Reserved.

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April Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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ArrosticiniArrosticini (skewers)

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1.5 lbs. diced lamb
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 4 rosemary sprigs
  • sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Combine the lamb, oil and seasoning and rosemary in a bowl, turning over with your hands. Leave to marinate for 1 hour.
  2. Thread the lamb onto skewers (if using wood skewers soak them in water first, 10-30 minutes, so not to catch fire), and grill on the barbecue for about 5–10 mins until cooked and browned.

© Recipe courtesy of The Nosey Chef.

APRIL WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoMagnolia_Montepulciano-flowerTenuta Talamonti
Magnolia
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC
Abruzzo, Italy

BOLD WINE STYLE

This classic wine has an intense bouquet of ripe black fruit. Rich in fruit, lively, finely framed by oak spices. Ruby-red with violet undertones.

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Montepulciano
Appellation: Abruzzo DOC, Italy
Residual sugar: 4 g/L
Recommended Pairings: Arrosticini, Porchetta, Hamburgers

PRODUCTION METHOD:
The 6-month aging in large French oak barrels ensures soft tannins and elegance to create a plush classic red that Italians enjoy.

ABOUT TENUTA TALAMONTI:
Nestled in the picturesque Abruzzo region of Italy, Tenuta Talamonti Winery epitomizes the essence of Italian winemaking tradition. With a rich heritage dating back generations, this family-owned estate cultivates premium grapes in the pristine Teramo hills, producing exquisite wines celebrated worldwide. Meticulously crafted using sustainable practices, each bottle reflects a harmonious blend of innovation and respect for the land. From their renowned Montepulciano d’Abruzzo to elegant Trebbiano and beyond, Tenuta Talamonti wines embody the terroir’s unique character, offering aficionados an unforgettable journey through the flavors and aromas of Italy’s vibrant viticultural landscape. Learn more here.

Information, Video & Photos © Tenuta Talamonti – 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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March Cheese Club: Iowa City / Cedar Rapids

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Cheese Clubbarbers-1833-cheddarBarber’s Farmhouse
1833 Vintage Reserve Cheddar
England

With a creamy texture and smooth finish, 1833 contains naturally-occurring crystals that give it a distinctive crunch. Refined sweet notes balance out its tangy sharpness. 

Barber’s 1833 is made using traditional starter cultures and the finest West Country milk. Aged for at least 24 months, only when one of the Barber family judges it to be outstanding does it leave the farm as 1833. A cheese with unrivaled complexity and depth, savor it as part of a cheeseboard with apples, pickled walnuts and a tankard of Somerset cider.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon makes an excellent companion to this aged cheddar, reach for one of our March Wine Club Wines. For beer, grab an English cider.

WINESTYLES: Bold
BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean or Fruity & Spicy

ABOUT BARBER’S FARMHOUSE:
The Barber Family started making cheese on their Somerset Farm in 1833 and are now the oldest surviving cheddar-makers in the world. They are proud to work with more than 100 local farming families who supply them with quality milk to make their award-winning cheddar. Learn more here.

Information and photo © Barber’s Farmhouse – All Rights Reserved.

white-watermelon-mostardaCasa Forcello
White Watermelon Mostarda
Lombardia, Italy

Hand-cut pieces of candied white watermelon come alive with a hint of potent mustard extract. Mostarda is a traditional condiment that balances sweetness and heat. Unlike many whole mustard fruits on the market, these are extraordinarily fresh, flavorful and chunky.

ABOUT CASA FORCELLO:
Casa Forcello® mostarda is handmade in Mantova, Italy, in the heart of the northern region of Lombardia. Former pharmacist, Paola Calciolari, followed her true calling in creating her line of mostardas using local flavors and recipes handed down by her grandmother. She makes her exceptional mostardas by sourcing locally harvested fruit, slicing and candying them in their juices, and then adding drops of a very concentrated, spicy mustard extract; it is a highly labor intensive process. They are a delightful pairing with cheese, charcuterie, or roasted meats. 

Information and Photo © Casa Forcello/Forever Cheese & Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!Match Made in Heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club!  Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >

March Cheese Club: Des Moines Area

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Cheese Clubbarbers-1833-cheddarBarber’s Farmhouse
1833 Vintage Reserve Cheddar
England

With a creamy texture and smooth finish, 1833 contains naturally-occurring crystals that give it a distinctive crunch. Refined sweet notes balance out its tangy sharpness. 

Barber’s 1833 is made using traditional starter cultures and the finest West Country milk. Aged for at least 24 months, only when one of the Barber family judges it to be outstanding does it leave the farm as 1833. A cheese with unrivaled complexity and depth, savor it as part of a cheeseboard with apples, pickled walnuts and a tankard of Somerset cider.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon makes an excellent companion to this aged cheddar, reach for one of our March Wine Club Wines. For beer, grab an English cider.

WINESTYLES: Bold
BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean or Fruity & Spicy

ABOUT BARBER’S FARMHOUSE:
The Barber Family started making cheese on their Somerset Farm in 1833 and are now the oldest surviving cheddar-makers in the world. They are proud to work with more than 100 local farming families who supply them with quality milk to make their award-winning cheddar. Learn more here.

Information and photo © Barber’s Farmhouse – All Rights Reserved.

Pear-MostardaCasa Forcello
Pear Mostarda
Lombardia, Italy

Hand-cut pieces of candied pears come alive with a hint of potent mustard extract. Mostarda is a traditional condiment that balances sweetness and heat. Unlike many whole mustard fruits on the market, these are extraordinarily fresh, flavorful and chunky.

ABOUT CASA FORCELLO:
Casa Forcello® mostarda is handmade in Mantova, Italy, in the heart of the northern region of Lombardia. Former pharmacist, Paola Calciolari, followed her true calling in creating her line of mostardas using local flavors and recipes handed down by her grandmother. She makes her exceptional mostardas by sourcing locally harvested fruit, slicing and candying them in their juices, and then adding drops of a very concentrated, spicy mustard extract; it is a highly labor intensive process. They are a delightful pairing with cheese, charcuterie, or roasted meats. 

Information and Photo © Casa Forcello/Forever Cheese & Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!Match Made in Heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club!  Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >

March Beer Club: Iowa

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omnipollo-even more biancaOmnipollo
Even More Bianca Raspberry Maple Pancake Royal Treatment
Sour – Smoothie / Pastry
Sweden

Made in collaboration with Evil Twin Brewing. This collab is perhaps the most expensive beer ever brewed. Imagine the super delicious Import Biancas from Omnipollo Sweden, touched up with some ETNYC magic. Raspberry Maple Pancake Lassi Gose brewed with raspberries, milk sugar, maple syrup and marshmallow.

ABV: 7% alcohol / volume
Style: Sour – Smoothie / Pastry
Beer Style: Sour, Tart & Funky

Omnipollo_can_Ice_Creamy_White_Chocolate_Strawberry_1_1160xOmnipollo
Ice Creamy White Chocolate Strawberry
Double IPA – Imperial / Milkshake
Sweden

Triple India Pale Ale with cocoa nibs, white chocolate, strawberry and lactose sugar.

ABV: 10% alcohol / volume
Style: Double IPA – Imperial / Milkshake
Beer Style: Hoppy
Brewed: At 12 Percent Beer Project in the USA
Artwork By: Tobias Lund

ABOUT THE BREWERY:
Omnipollo® is a beer production company founded by brewer Henok Fentie and artist Karl Grandin in 2010 with a shared vision of changing the perception of beer — forever. They brew a plethora of styles to explore what beer has and can become. As a joint and equal partnership between a brewer and a graphic artist, their creative process has come to resemble the workshop of other pop cultural expressions such as music. Omnipollo® beers are always a collaborative effort and are brewed at breweries in all corners of the world. This approach means they stay curious, grounded and tuned in. Learn more here, and follow them on Untappd.

Photos, Video and information © Omnipollo – All Rights Reserved.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR BEER CLUB >