October Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

Posted on September 27, 2022 by mcginnessalex

E. Pira e Figli
Barolo Via Nuova DOCG 2018
Nebbiolo
Piedmont, Italy

BOLD WINE STYLE

This classic Barolo blend combines structure with elegance and complexity, emphasizing the particularities of each vineyard site. Though a bit timid when first opened, some time in the glass (or decanter) will reveal Via Nuova’s alluring ethereal floral and fruit perfumes. This wine is clear and lively garnet red in color. It is dry, savory and harmonious; soft in flavor but full with a lasting persistence due to the tannin.

Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo, certified organic grapes
Region: Piedmont, Italy
Vineyard: Terlo and Liste in Barolo, Ravera and Mosconi in Monforte d’Alba, and Gabutti and Baudana in Serralunga d’Alba
Yield: 450 kg/ha
Aging: Aging for 24 months in lightly toasted 30% new French oak barriques
Average age of vines: 30 years
Acidity: 6.37 g/L
Production: 4,500 bottles
Soil: Calcareous clay, Sant’Agata marl (sandstone)
Average Altitude: 340 m (1,115 feet) above sea level
Vinification: Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature with daily punch downs and pump-overs
Harvest: Mid-October
Cellar: E. Pira Chiara Boschis, Barolo
Bottling: Aged an additional 1 year in bottle
Release: Spring, 3.5 years after harvest
Critical Acclaim:

James Suckling 94 pts. – 2018 vintage
Wine Advocate 94 pts. – 2018 vintage
Vinous Media 94 pts. – 2018 vintage
See previous vintage scores here.

Chiara_Boschis_E. Pira & Figli_Vineyard_and_winery

WINEMAKER NOTES:
Via Nuova (New Road) was the name of a small vineyard on the edge of the historical center of Barolo, the name coming from its proximity to the road (new at that time) connecting Barolo to Novello. All that remains today of the road is a small walking path through the vineyards. The wine was produced as a single-vineyard Barolo for many years until, in 2010, this small Cru was incorporated into the larger Terlo subzone. And so, as a sort of homage to tradition, Barolo Via Nuova is now produced as a blend of 6 different vineyards: Terlo and Liste in Barolo, Ravera e Mosconi in Monforte d’Alba and Gabutti and Baudana in Serralunga d’Alba. – E. Pira e Figli

E. Pira e Figli
Barolo Mosconi DOCG 2018
Nebbiolo
Piedmont, Italy

BOLD WINE STYLE

Garnet red in color, this wine is complimented by open perfumes of flowers and mature fruit with some spicy notes. This is a long-lasting wine of power and concentration with firm, velvety tannins.

Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo, certified organic grapes
Region: Piedmont, Italy
Vineyard: Mosconi (a single-vineyard property acquired in 2009) in Moforte d’Alba
Yield: 450 kg/ha
Aging: Aging for 24 months in lightly toasted 30% new French oak barriques
Average age of vines: 30 years
Acidity: 6.37 g/L
Production: 4,700 bottles
Soil: Calcareous clay marl soils from the tertiary period, with areas rich in calcium carbonate and iron
Average Altitude: 400 m (1,312 feet) above sea level
Vinification: Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature with daily punch downs and pump-overs
Harvest: Mid-October
Cellar: E. Pira Chiara Boschis, Barolo
Bottling: Aged an additional 1 year in bottle
Release: Spring, 3.5 years after harvest
Critical Acclaim:

Wine Advocate 96 pts. – 2018 vintage
James Suckling 94 pts. – 2018 vintage
Vinous Media 94 pts. – 2018 vintage
See previous vintage scores here.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
The most recently acquired parcel, the famous Mosconi Cru in Monforte d’Alba was purchased in 2009. The vineyard’s particular heavy clay soil (in some areas calcium carbonate and iron give the soil a reddish-gray color) lends considerable structure to this wine, making it a Barolo ideal for aging. – E. Pira e Figli

ABOUT E. PIRA E FIGLI WINERY:

E. Pira e Figli is a key player in the history of Barolo. The Pira family, whose members have been vignerons since the seventeenth century, started producing and bottling wines by the 19th century, and received immediate praise for their work.

In late 1980, the Pira lineage came to a tragic end with the death of the legendary, Luigi (Gigi) Pira (one of the last remaining winemakers to carry out the pressing on foot and the production without the support of any technical means). The estate was then sold to the Boschis family, who had deep family ties with the Pira family. By the end of the 1980’s, Chiara Boschis took the reins of the winery, becoming one of the first women producers in the Langhe. She quickly became a ‘Superwoman’ of the region with her daring and innovative decisions – garnering much acclaim from international publications.

Since 2010, Chiara has been joined by her brother, Giorgio, who shares her same great passion for work in the vineyard and in the cellar. Learn more about their story here.

Donatella Cinelli Colombini
Rosso di Montalcino
Sangiovese
Tuscany, Italy

BOLD WINE STYLE

This wine is “Brunello’s younger and smiley brother”. Obtained from the same Sangiovese grapes and the same Montalcino area, but designed to be consumed sooner. This young red wine is very intense and brilliant ruby red in color. The nose is fine, rich, and well expressed; there are notes of ripe small red berries, spices and dark flowers, such as violets. The palate is full, harmonious and pleasant. The tannins are silky and well balanced by the richness of the fruit. The persistence is pleasant and lengthy.

Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Sangiovese
Serving: Serve at a temperature between 60.8ºF-64.4ºF, in a balloon shapes wine goblet. Those who wish to open and drink immediately will find it useful to use a decanter.
Food Pairing: Versatile and perfect for the table. Opt for important first courses, roasts, tasty cheeses and cold cuts. This wine requires food that is intense in taste, but not too fatty or greasy.
Critical Acclaim: 90-91/100 from some of the most prestigious international wine magazines

ABOUT THE VINEYARDS:
The vineyards at Casato Prime Donne are cultivated following the organic regime and cover a total of 16 hectares, three of which are always designated to the production of Rosso di Montalcino. These vineyards are on the northern, and coolest, area of Montalcino, on a hill about 225 m. above sea level, where the soil is made up of clays and sea sands. Each vineyard is divided into 6 small parcels and contain about 5,000 vines per hectare. The grapes are cultivated with the spurred cordon method, and the average production is about 6 tons of grapes per hectare.

HARVEST AND VINIFICATION:
The grapes are harvested by hand between September 15th and October 10th (depending on the climate of the year). The clusters are chosen right in the vineyard and then the berries are selected on an automatic sorting table where two women work. Generally the grapes for Rosso di Montalcino arrive first and then those for the Brunello. To learn more about the vinification process, click here.

Donatella Cinelli Colombini_Women_Staff_Vineyard

AGING:
After the racking/separation of the wine from the lees, the Rosso di Montalcino begins its aging in oak barrels around February. The oak barrels are chosen according to the characteristics of the vintage – from 5 to 40 hl in size – with or without toasting. Duration of barrel aging also varies according to the wine, and can go for some months. As for home aging, aim for 3-4 years, and not much more. Keep the bottles lying down in a dark and cool place to keep the Rosso di Montalcino perfectly harmonious and pleasant, rich in taste with soft tannins and great finesse.

ABOUT DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI WINERY:

Donatella-Cinelli-Colombini-cantina-storica-Fattoria-del-Colle-640x640

Born in 1953 to a family of producers of Brunello di Montalcino, Donatella Cinelli Colombini founded her own estate in 1998 comprising of Fattoria del Colle in Trequanda and Casato Prime Donne in Montalcino.

Casato Prime Donne is about a 40 hectare property on the northern slope of Montalcino. This estate has belonged to the Colombini family at least since the end of the 16th century and was originally used by Donatella’s maternal forefathers for hunting and to host brides for their honeymoons.

The last three generations, the farm has been passed from mother to daughter – it belonged to grandmother Giuliana Tamanit, then mother Francesca Colombini, now Donatella Cinelli Colombini, who will give it to her daughter, Violante. Donatella has given this location a special meaning, as it is the first winery in Italy to be all female staffed, a flagship for women who work in wine. She has received countless awards and international success for her achievements within the industry. Learn more about their story here.

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October Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on September 27, 2022 by mcginnessalex

Tomme Saint Georges Midi-Pyrenees, France

Named after the town where it is made, in the Midi-Pyrenees region of France, this washed rind, pasteurized, sheep’s milk cheese is a cross between a traditional tomme and a sheep’s milk alpine cheese. The paste is moist and creamy, and the flavor starts with notes of toasted bread and finishes richly with notes of sweet cream, chives and leeks. The flavors are complex and exciting. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Pair with any of the wines from our October Wine Club Selections. For beer, look for a light or pale ale or lager. WINESTYLES: Bold BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean

Romero Fino-Buenalba Toledo, Spain

Made from raw sheep’s milk and aged for a minimum of 4 months, this cheese sets itself apart from other cheeses, as it has rosemary in the paste of the cheese (while most others only have the rosemary on the rind). The flavor is more subtle and less astringent, the rosemary perfumes the cheese beautifully. It is creamy in texture with a slight sweetness and a smooth lingering finish. Try some shaved on a ham sandwich, then warm in a sandwich press. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Pair with any of the wines from our October Wine Club Selections. For beer, pair with a dark ale or porter. WINESTYLES: Silky or Bold BEERSTYLES: Malty or Fuity & Spicy Information © zuerchercheese.com – All Rights Reserved.

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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 >

Casal Da Coelheira Terraços Do Tejo Red

Posted on September 26, 2022 by mcginnessalex

MOLHA DE CARNE (Azores Beef Stew with Potatoes)

INGREDIENTS:

3.5 lbs sirloin tip roast cut into large pieces (about double or triple the size of regular stewing meat)
1 cup white wine
1 cup beer
1 small can of tomato paste (5.5 fl oz)
2 tsp salt
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground allspice
3 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
4 cloves garlic minced
1 medium onion diced
1 cup water
6 white potatoes chopped into large pieces

DIRECTIONS:

Cut the beef into large chunks.
In a large bowl add the white wine, beer, tomato paste, salt, paprika, allspice and whisk until well combined. Add the bay leaves and cinnamon stick.
Add the meat to the bowl and mix well to cover all the meat pieces. Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap or put place the entire contents into a ziplock. Store in the fridge for at least two hours or even over night.
Place a large pot on the stove and add the meat contents to the pot. Add the onions and garlic and bring to a slow boil for 30 minutes covered.
Remove the lid, add the water and cover again. Simmer for 2 hours.
Uncover, add the potatoes, mix well, cover and continue to simmer for 30 minutes.

OCTOBER WINE CLUB:

Casal da Coelheira
Terraços do Tejo Red
Tejo, Portugal

BOLD WINE STYLE

Deep red in color, this wine has a lively aroma with ripe fruit. On the palate, despite its youthfulness, the tannins are presented but well rounded and accompanied by a good structure. It makes for a very tasty wine, easy for daily consumption but with lots of personality.

Varietal: Aragonês, Syrah, Castelão
Region: Tejo, Portugal
Analysis: 13.6% alcohol / volume
Total Acidity: 6.10 g/L
pH: 3.64
Total Sugar: 0.9 g/L
Soil Type: Sandy
European Vegetarian Union: Vegan
Serving Temperature: 60ºF-64ºF
Pairing: Pasta and white or red meat
Longevity: Drink now or keep it until the end of 2025
Winemaker: Nuno Falcão Rodrigues

WINEMAKING NOTES:
Destemming, maceration and fermentation with temperature control, malolactic fermentation and filtration.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Located at parallel 39 North, Casal da Coelheira Estate has been benefiting from the Mediterranean climate for over three generations. For years, they have been committed to producing the best and most innovative wines within the Tagus River wine region. While the winery has seen many upgrades to their production and winemaking technology over the years, the facade at Tramagal remains the same – showcasing a traditional Portuguese facility with timeless architecture and impressive white and yellow walls. Learn more about the winery here.

Join 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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Casal da Coelheira White

Posted on September 26, 2022 by mcginnessalex

GAMBAS AL AJILLO (Garlic Shrimp)

INGREDIENTS:

10 frozen shrimp 16/20 count, heads on
1 teaspoon table salt for shrimp brine
2 teaspoons corn starch
8 cloves of garlic
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup dry white wine
½ teaspoon Spanish smoked paprika (pimenton)
4 parsley sprigs + leaves for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Defrost shrimp by soaking them in cold tap water for 30 minutes.
Twist the heads off of the shrimp.
Using kitchen shears, peel the shrimp by cutting along the backs. Devein them.
Sprinkle the shrimp with the cornstarch and mix thoroughly. Wash the cornstarch off of the shrimp.
Pour 1 cup of water in a small bowl. Add the salt and stir thoroughly. Add the shrimp and let stand for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, peel and coarsely mince the garlic.
Finely mince the chili pepper.
Chop the parsley – medium coarse.
Heat a 10″ pan over medium high heat.
Once the pan is heated, add olive oil.
Once the olive oil is heated (it should be shimmering), add garlic and chili pepper
Once the garlic is brown, add white wine.
Once the white wine evaporates and the mixture thickens, add smoked paprika.
Add shrimp. Cook about 1 ½ minutes on both sides until shrimp are opaque and firm.
Add parsley and stir.
Serve in a medium bowl. Garnish with parsley leaves.
Enjoy with a beverage of your choice. (hint hint)

OCTOBER WINE CLUB:

Casal da Coelheira
White
Tejo, Portugal

CRISP WINE STYLE

The nose is very fresh with notes of kiwi, lemon and lightly smoked. The palate continues to show a fresh profile, with a well balanced acidity and a persistent taste.

Varietal: Verdelho, Fernão Pires and Arinto
Region: Tejo, Portugal
Analysis: 13.1% alcohol / volume
Total Acidity: 6.59 g/L
pH: 3.21
Total Sugar: 0.6 g/L
Soil Type: Sandy
European Vegetarian Union: Vegan
Serving Temperature: 48ºF-50ºF
Pairing: Fish or Seafood
Longevity: Drink now or keep it until the end of 2025
Winemaker: Nuno Falcão Rodrigues

WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Destemming, pneumatic pressing, cold settling, fermentation temperature control, cold stabilization and filtration.

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October Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Posted on September 26, 2022 by mcginnessalex

PORTUGUESE STYLE SARDINE SPAGHETTI

INGREDIENTS:

- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ red pepper finely sliced
- 1 medium red onion, finely sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- ½ cup of olives, sliced
- 1 cup (18 small) cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ red chili pepper without excessive seeds, sliced
- 1 tin of sardines
- basil leaves, to taste
- 200 grams of dried spaghetti
- black pepper
- lemon zest
- ½ cup of white wine/lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:

- Place a big frying pan over a medium heat, add the olive oil and a drizzle of the sardine oil. When hot, add the bell pepper and cook until slightly soft.
- Add the red onion and garlic and sauté for a further 2-3 minutes.
- Add the olives and let everything slowly fry until it reaches a softer texture.
- Move the ingredients to one side of the frying pan and if necessary add another splash of olive oil and lightly fry your cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.
- Once the skin of the tomatoes start wrinkling, combine it with the rest of the pan, and add our chili pepper and the sardines, breaking it into smaller pieces.
- Add zests of one lemon and a splash of white wine or lemon juice to deglaze the pan and bring all those flavors together. Let it sizzle for another couple of minutes.
- While you wait, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Once the pasta water is boiling, begin cooking your spaghetti. Following the recommended instructions. For “al dente” pasta, remove from the water a minute early to taste.
- Add the tomato paste and half of a cup of the pasta water into your sauce. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes. The starch from the pasta water will help the sauce to bond with the spaghetti. Try the sauce and check if you need to adjust the salt or add another splash of pasta water. As some of the ingredients already contain salt, extra salt may not be needed.
- Drain the pasta and add it immediately into the saucepan and gently combine everything.
- Serve the finished sardine pasta into two pasta bowls and add some freshly grated black pepper and Parmesan cheese on top (we know that this goes against the rules but as cheese lovers we think that cheese goes well with everything. Who invented this silly rule anyway?).

OCTOBER WINE CLUB:

Casal da Coelheira
Red
Tejo,Portugal

BOLD WINE STYLE

Intense color, resulting from a skin maceration prior to fermentation. The aromas are intense with berry notes and red fruits – strawberry and raspberry – combined with a slight floral note as violet. In the mouth it is with great elegance revealing a very gastronomic wine with good body, fruit and a well balanced acidity.

Varietals: Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouchet, Touriga Franca
Region: Tejo, Portugal
Analysis: 13.0% alcohol / volume
Total Acidity: 7.8 g/L
pH: 3.20
Total Sugar: 0.6 g/L
Soil Type: Sandy
European Vegetarian Union: Vegan
Serving Temperature: 46ºF-50ºF
Pairing: Drink as a starter, or pair with salads, pasta, fish or seafood
Longevity: Drink now or keep it until the end of 2024
Winemaker: Nuno Falcão Rodrigues

WINEMAKING NOTES:
Destemming, crushing, maceration and fermentation with temperature control, malolactic fermentation, partly matured in American oak, filtration.

Join 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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September Beer Club: Iowa

Posted on August 26, 2022 by mcginnessalex

Samuel Smith‘s
Variety Six Pack with Glass
Yorkshire, UK

This month, our Beer Club members will enjoy six of Samuel Smith’s flagship, style-defining 12 oz. beers, plus a Samuel Smith’s branded glass.

Included in Variety Pack:

Organic Pale Ale
Nut Brown Ale
The Famous Taddy Porter
Oatmeal Stout
Imperial Stout
Organic Chocolate Stout
Samuel Smith’s Glass

Samuel Smith’s
Organic Pale Ale
Yorkshire, UK

Brewed with well water (the original well at the Old Brewery, sunk in 1758, is still in use, with the hard well water being drawn from 85 feet underground), the best barley malt, yeast and aromatic hops; fermented in ‘stone Yorkshire squares’ to create a full, rounded flavor and after-taste.

ABV: 5% alcohol / volume
Serving Temperature: Around 51ºF
Style: Pale Ale

Samuel Smith’s
Nut Brown Ale
Yorkshire, UK

Brewed with well water (from the original well at the Old Brewery) and the best barley malt, yeast and aromatic hops. Fermented in ‘stone Yorkshire squares’ to create a relatively dry ale with rich nutty color and palate of beech nuts, almonds and walnuts.

ABV: 5% alcohol / volume
Serving Temperature: Around 55ºF
Style: Ale

Samuel Smith’s
The Famous Taddy Porter
Yorkshire, UK

Brewed with well water (the original well at the Old Brewery, sunk in 1758), the best barley malt, yeast and aromatic hops. It too is fermented in ‘stone Yorkshire squares’.

ABV: 5% alcohol / volume
Serving Temperature: Around 55ºF
Style: Stout

Samuel Smith’s
Oatmeal Stout
Yorkshire, UK

Brewed with well water (the original well at the Old Brewery); fermented in ‘stone Yorkshire squares’ to create an almost opaque, wonderfully silky and smooth textured ale with a complex medium dry palate and bittersweet finish.

ABV: 5% alcohol / volume
Serving Temperature: Around 55ºF
Style: Stout

Samuel Smith’s
Imperial Stout
Yorkshire, UK

Originally brewed to withstand the abuses of shipping in bad weather to Imperial Russia, this beer was a favorite of Russian nobility whose taste for the finest food and drink was world famous. This Imperial Stout is a rich, flavorful brew. Deep chocolate in color with a roasted barley nose and flavor that has a complexity of malt hops, alcohol and yeast. It is fermented in ‘stone Yorkshire squares’.

ABV: 7% alcohol / volume
Serving Temperature: Around 55ºF
Style: Stout

Samuel Smith’s
Organic Chocolate Stout
Yorkshire, UK

Brewed with well water (from the original well sunk in 1758), then gently roasted organic chocolate malt and organic cocoa are added to impart a delicious, smooth and creamy character. This beer has inviting deep flavors and a delightful finish – making the perfect marriage of a satisfying stout and luxurious chocolate.

ABV: 5% alcohol / volume
Serving Temperature: Around 51ºF
Style: Stout

Samuel Smith - Variety Pack

ABOUT SAMUEL SMITH’S BREWERY:
Yorkshire’s oldest brewery, established in 1758, Samuel Smith’s brews a wide range of high quality beer, solely from authentic natural ingredients. The brewery still uses ‘stone Yorkshire squares’ made of solid blocks of slate, to ferment all its ales and stouts and the same yeast strain since the 1800s. They also use oak casks for all their naturally conditioned ales. Innovators in Certified Organic beers, Samuel Smith’s began to ship the first organic beers to the United States in the mid-1990s. Learn more here.

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September Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on August 26, 2022 by mcginnessalex

Shopshire Blue Blue Cheese Leicestershire, UK

Made of pasteurized cow’s milk, this semi-firm blue cheese is described as a cross between Stilton and Cheshire. Within 10-12 weeks, it forms an orange-brown, natural rind and smooth texture. It has a sharp, strong flavor and a bit of a tangy aroma, with a fat content of 48%. This cheese is vegetarian friendly and has won many medals including silver at the 2014 World Cheese Awards. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: For wine, pair with a Port Noir or a Riesling. For beer, pair with any of our stouts or ales featured in our September Beer Club. WINESTYLES: Silky or Mellow BEERSTYLES: Malty & Sweet or Fruity & Spicy

Red Dragon Cheese Cheddar Wales, UK

Made from pasteurized cow’s milk, this smooth, firm, tasty cheddar is made with Welsh brown ale and mustard seeds making it a buttery and spicy cheese with plenty of bite, but without being too hot. The mustard seeds give the cheddar marvelous flavor and texture, while the brown ale makes the cheese moist and tangy. This vegetarian cheese is aged for three months. Serve as a table cheese or melted on toast. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Pair with a Shiraz or a Sauvignon Blanc blend, such as our September Wine Club Selection. For beer, pair with a dark ale, such as those featured in our September Beer Club. WINESTYLES: Silky or Bold BEERSTYLES: Malty or Fruity & Spicy Information © cheese.com and igourmet.com – All Rights Reserved.

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September Premium Wine Club

Posted on August 26, 2022 by mcginnessalex

The Ahrens Family Winery
Bendewijn
Syrah
Paarl, South Africa

BOLD WINE STYLE

This medium to full bodied Syrah is grown on old bush-vines in a shale dominant soil on the northern side of the Paarl district. Bright red spicy fruit is complemented with a silky soft tannin.

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Syrah
Total Acidity: 5.4 g/L
pH: 3.56
Residual Sugar: 2.7 g/L
VA: 0.52 g/L
Total Production: 721 bottles

The Ahrens Family Winery
Bendewijn
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault
Wellington, South Africa

BOLD WINE STYLE

This medium bodied small batch red wine was grown on a complex coffee-stone gravel/quartz combination soil, giving the wine both weight and mineral elegance. The bold Cabernet tannins are rounded into a silky smooth texture with the addition of Cinsault, also enhancing the fruit.

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Cinsault
Total Acidity: 5.0 g/L
pH: 3.73
Residual Sugar: 2.0 g/L
VA: 0.59 g/L
Total Production: 994 bottles

ABOUT ALBERT AHRENS’ BENDEWIJN LABEL:

Bendewijn is passion project for Winemaker, Albert Ahren of The Ahrens Family Winery. Bendewijn was intended to be a group united by wine. Albert writes:

“A ‘bende’ directly translated is a gang, and “wijn” translated is wine… Hence Bendewijn is a wine-gang, more specifically, a wine-following. Bendewijn is not a wine club! So… Let me explain… Firstly, I’m a grape-scout & winemaker, annually producing our address specific Ahrens Family Wines. As the years go by, I constantly find myself inspired to explore other regions and wine styles. Occasionally I stumble across an intriguing vineyard, in most cases an older vineyard, usually located on the slopes of one of our many mountains located in the Western Cape. I’m obviously keen to have a go at it and produce a barrel or two. After every harvest, the end result is a couple of interesting new wines. These wines could be once-off or made again… no rules. Bendewijn is my space of freedom of expression. The aim is for a group of winelovers to join my “wine-gang” and follow me on my exploration. Bendewijn is sent out in a mixed case of six bottles, once every few months and if there is enough wine – no rules!”. – Albert Ahren

Join our PREMIUM WINE CLUB, enjoy amazing wines every other month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn more about our Premium Club >

September Bubbly Club Iowa

Posted on August 24, 2022 by mcginnessalex

Gran Passione
Prosecco DOC Rosé (NV)
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Prosecco DOC Rosé has a fine, bright perlage and is light rose in color. The nose has a delicate and complex bouquet with fruity notes and hints of peach, green apple and lemon. There are also hints of floral notes of acacia and rose on the nose. It is fresh and light on the palate, with balanced acidity and body. This wine has a round and full-bodied structure; it is intriguing on the palate, dry and soft, with a pleasantly long finish.

Varieties: Glera, Pinot Nero
Analysis: 11% alcohol / volume
Region: Veneto, Italy
Soil: Clay
Serving Temperature: 46.4ºF-50ºF
Pairing Recommendations: Enjoy as an aperitif or with fish soups, grilled fish, and courses based on mushrooms.

VINIFICATION:
After a team of oenologists select the best wines for the sparkling winemaking process, the wine is filtered in steel tanks, with the addition of must and selected yeasts, for the second fermentation (Martinotti-Charmat method) at a controlled temperature of 57.2ºF-59ºF. Once the wine has reached the required pressure levels, alcohol and sugar content, it is refrigerated, cold stabilized (28.4ºF-26.6ºF), filtered and controlled before bottling.

VENETO REGION:
This climate is temperate. Mitigated by the sea, the chain of the Alps protects the region from the northern winds. Winters are cold and humid, and summers are hot and muggy with medium temperature variations.

ABOUT GRAN PASSIONE:
“Gran Passione”, meaning “great passion” creates wines that express the hard work and traditions of the land and combines those with a cosmopolitan vision to celebrate life, beauty and happiness. Their wines come from Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia – two of the most (arguably) important Italian regions for viticulture and excellent wines. Learn more about their concept here.

BiancaVigna
Spumante Rosa (Brut Rosé)
NV Cuveé 1931
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Salmon pink in color, this sparkling wine is an intriguing blend of the typical Prosecco variety Glera and Pinot Nero. A very fine and persistent perlage opens to ethereal perfumes of spring flowers, orchard fruit and distinctive notes of red berries, enhanced by a delicate hint of aromatic herbs. The fresh and silky palate reveals rich fruit (white peach, cherry) to conclude in a refined finish with bright acidity.

Varieties: 95% Glera, 5% Pinot Noir
Analysis: 11.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.3
Acidity: 6.8 g/L
Residual Sugar: 10 g/L
Region: Veneto, Italy
Vineyard: Soglio, Veneto
Soil: Clay
Yield: 60 hl/ha
Harvest: Hand harvest in Mid-September
Aging: In stainless steel tanks on lees
Vinification: Secondary fermentation for 45 days in stainless steel tanks, with the addition of yeast and sugar
Cellar: San Pietro di Feletto
Production: 2,000 cs
Critical Acclaim: 91 pts. Wine Enthusiast “Editor’s Choice”; 90 pts. Vinous Media

BiancaVigna
Prosecco Brut NV DOC
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This Prosecco DOC is a well-balanced, fresh and bright wine, whose medium-body and clean finish make it a refreshing summer beverage or ideal choice for an aperitif. Aromas and flavors of sliced green apples and pears are complimented by a more mineral note of slate.

Varieties: 100% Glera
Analysis: 11.5% alcohol / volume
Acidity: 6.8 g/L
Residual Sugar: 12 g/L
Region: Veneto, Italy
Vineyard: Monticella and San Pietro di Feletto (Conegliano/Valdobbiadene)
Soil: Chalky
Age of Vines: 11 years (Monticella), 25 years (San Pietro di Feletto)
Average Altitude: 300-490 feet above sea level
Yield: 60 hl/ha
Harvest: Mid-September
Aging: Stainless steel vats
Vinification: Secondary fermentation with selected yeasts, in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks (cuvée close) for a minimum of 60 days followed by tartaric stabilization at low temperature in stainless steel tanks on lees
Bottling: Isobaric bottling after sterile filtration
Cellar: San Pietro di Feletto
Release: December
Production: 8,333 cases per year
First Vintage: 2007
Critical Acclaim: 91 pts. Vinous Media; 90 pts. – Vinous Media (2020); 90 pts. – James Suckling; 90 pts. – Falstaff Magazine; 90 pts. Wine Enthusiast

ABOUT BIANCAVIGNA:
The Moschetta family has a history of grape growing, dating back over a century cultivating grapes from the historic vineyards in the prestigious San Galla area. The family had always sold their grapes to the local cooperative and various wineries in the area. It wasn’t until 2004, Elena Moschetta (sister) and Enrico Moschetta (brother) team decided to combine Elena’s extensive business and managerial experience with Enrico’s 20+ years of expertise and familiarity with the vineyards and Prosecco wines, founding the BiancaVigna winery. Learn more about their history here.

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September Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Posted on August 24, 2022 by mcginnessalex

Pulled Pork Sandwich

INGREDIENTS:

- 1 ea boneless pork butt (5 to 7 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup salt
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp fennel seeds, toasted and ground
- 1 tbsp black pepper, toasted and ground

DIRECTIONS:

- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine all of the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix evenly. Rub the mixture into the meat.
- Place the entire pork butt onto a foil lined baking pan with 2 cups of water and cover for 2 hours. After the two hours, reduce heat to 300 degrees and continue to cook for 4 to 5 more hours basting the meat every hour with the cooking liquid. Be prepared that there will be steam when you peel back the foil.
- Carefully remove the meat from the oven. To test whether the meat is done, stick a fork into the meatiest side (versus the top) of the pork butt and the fork should easily twist. If there is a lot of resistance, continue to cook covered for an additional hour. Once the meat is fully cooked, allow to rest for about 30 to 45 minutes in it’s cooking liquid. Then shred the meat.
- A portion of the meat can be mixed with a small amount of cooking liquid- cooking liquid may be salty therefore add sparingly!
- Serve the shredded pulled pork on your favorite roll or baguette with a fresh cabbage slaw or favorite condiments such as mustard, BBQ sauce, pickles and/or butter.

SEPTEMBER WINE CLUB:

Reguta
Altropasso
Friuli, Italy

MELLOW WINE STYLE

This wine is ruby red in color with purple nuances tending to garnet with aging. The nose and the palate are very elegant. It contains fruity flavors like blueberry and blackberry with vanilla and toasted high quality notes. It is soft, full-bodied and persistent on the palate.

Varietals: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot
Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Denomination: IGP Trevenezie
Serving Temperature: 64.4ºF
Food Pairing: This wine is perfect for roast meat, especially pork, lamb, goat or game.

WINERY NOTES:
A champion, characterized by vibrant violet hues, with a clear and persistent smell which is added by the balsamic fragrance from the oak. Captivating and creamy notes of Blackberry dominate the palate. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot expresses itself wonderfully with its strong texture. It charms with spectacular flavors from various types of jam. – Reguta winery

ABOUT REGUTA:
Located in the province of Udine, near the Friulian Riviera, the Reguta Winery has been owned and operated by the same family since 1928. Founded by Ettore Anselmi, the winery has since been passed down to his sons, Giuseppe and Luigi – who are teaching the same principles to their own sons today. Giuseppe and Luigi are constantly looking to improve their wines. With their years of experience and great traditions coupled with their outlook for the future, they are able to adopt the most advanced production technologies to ensure their wines are the best quality, while enhancing the uniqueness of their land. Learn more about Reguta’s history here.

Join 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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WineStyles Tasting Station

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October Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

E. Pira e Figli
Barolo Via Nuova DOCG 2018
Nebbiolo
Piedmont, Italy

E. Pira e Figli
Barolo Mosconi DOCG 2018
Nebbiolo
Piedmont, Italy

Donatella Cinelli Colombini
Rosso di Montalcino
Sangiovese
Tuscany, Italy

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