M by Martellotto Chardonnay

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Tagliatelle with Spring Peas_Bella Cucina

© Photo by Bella Cucina

TAGLIATELLE WITH SPRING PEAS AND PRESERVED LEMON CREAM

INGREDIENTS:

NOTE: Bella Cucina products available at select WineStyles locations

DIRECTIONS:

  1. In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl mix together the lemon cream, mascarpone cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. When the pasta is cooked, drain and add to the bowl with the lemon cream mixture.
  4. Toss with peas and serve, topped with Parmigiano-Reggiano shavings.

© Recipe courtesy of Bella Cucina.

JUNE WINE CLUB:

Rich WineStylesM by Martellotto Chardonnay wine bottleM by Martellotto
Chardonnay
Santa Rita Hills, California

RICH WINE STYLE

“If you love baked apples, you’ll love this wine. I followed the Burgundian tradition to capture the youthful vivacity and acidity in the wine. The focus here is a purity of Chardonnay fruit expression. There is a moderately low alcohol, light oak influence and a pure fruity flavor of pineapple, Granny Smith Apples, and Honey Crisp Apples. The wine is just a delight to drink and share. Drink now and through 2027.” – Winemaker, Greg Mortellotto

Varietal: Chardonnay
Vineyard: Spear Vineyard
Fermentation: 100% barrel fermented
Aging: 100% French oak barrels for 6 months, with monthly lees stirring – oak barrels were mainly second and third use, allowing only a small amount of oak, toast and vanilla flavoring on this wine.
Production: Only 350 cases produced.

Winemaker, Greg Martellotto

Winemaker, Greg Martellotto

ABOUT MARTELLOTTO WINERY:
The Martellotto family roots trace back to a 17th century winery in Alberobello in Puglia, Italy. Over four centuries later, winemaker Greg Martellotto continues his family’s viticultural legacy, by making enticing, vibrant wines that speak to his own viticultural passion. From his ancestors’ traditional winemaking in Southern Italy, to his grandfather’s homemade wine during Prohibition, to production in an innovative warehouse facility shared with Barbieri Wine Co. and Lo-Fi wines, Martellotto Winery produces remarkable wines of consequence, consistency, value, and varietal expression. With each bottle, it is the Martellotto family’s desire to share extraordinary, artisanal wines. Learn more about the winery here.

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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June Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Eggplant Caponata Pasta Sauce_Bella Cucina

© Photo by Bella Cucina

EGGPLANT CAPONATA PASTA SAUCE

INGREDIENTS:

NOTE: Bella Cucina products available at select WineStyles locations

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Cut eggplant into small dice. Sprinkle with kosher salt and let drain in a colander for 10 minutes. Squeeze out any excess moisture and blot dry with a towel. ⁠
  2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil. Add the eggplant with the salt. Cook over medium high heat, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is cooked and lightly browned, almost crisped but not burned. Add the pasta sauce and pesto. Continue to cook, covered, over low heat for an additional 10-15 minutes. ⁠
  3. ⁠Toss with pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves and toasted pine nuts. ⁠

© Recipe courtesy of Bella Cucina.

JUNE WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoM-by-Martellotto-Grenache_bottleM by Martellotto
Grenache
Portico Hills Vineyard
Santa Barbara County, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Grenache is fresh and brilliant with dark blackberries and crushed black cherry fruit. It is exceptionally natural, but has a medium acidity and a fruit-focused approach that makes this wine “lip-smacking delicious”.  The wine is concentrated, but light on the mouth with an appealing finish that ultimately, leads to easy drinking.

Varietal: Grenache
Vineyard: Portico Hills Vineyard
Fermentation: Stainless steel tanks
Aging: Rested in mostly neutral French Oak for 15 months
Production: Only 525 cases produced

Greg Martellotto

Winemaker, Greg Martellotto

ABOUT THE WINEMAKER:
Greg Martellotto has been making wine since 2005. His path led him to winemaking experiences in Mexico, Italy, Napa Valley, Paso Robles, and Santa Barbara. He holds a degree in Biological Sciences from Stanford University and a Masters degree from the University of Texas. His global wine experience has provided opportunity to travel to most of the major winemaking regions of the world as both a buyers and a consumer, which informs his style. Equally important and unique among most winemakers, Greg’s experience as an importer and wine buyer provides insider’s access to the greatest wines and wineries in the world. In this capacity, he regularly tastes more than 400 wines per month— it’s safe to say, he knows great wine!

ABOUT MARTELLOTTO WINERY:
The Martellotto family roots trace back to 17th century winery in Alberobello in Puglia, Italy. Over four centuries later, winemaker Greg Martellotto continues his family’s viticultural legacy, by making enticing, vibrant wines what speak to his own viticultural passion. Since 2005, Martellotto Winery has produced unique and exciting wines designed to surprise and ignite discerning palates of wine lovers everywhere— Greg strays away from mass produced wines that are squeaky clean, uniform and less interesting. Greg starts with healthful and sustainably farmed grapes. Then, by combining creative fermentation techniques with artistic blending techniques before bottling, the Martellotto Winery is able to produce distinctive and delicious wines. Learn more here.

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

Learn about our Memberships >

 
 
 

 

May Beer Club: Cedar Rapids and Coralville Iowa

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BeerClubLogolake-time-brewery-imperial-porterLake Time Brewery
Imperial Peanut Butter Porter
Clear Lake, Iowa

Lake Time Brewery went nuts creating a beer that resembles the delicious, confectionery peanut butter cups we have enjoyed for years. This Imperial Peanut Butter Porter is an amped up version of their regular Peanut Butter Porter. It combines a malty robust porter with creamy chocolate peanut butter flavor (using real peanuts)!

Beer Style: Dark & Roasty
Style: Porter – Imperial / Double
ABV: 9.5% alcohol / volume
IBU: 50
Ingredients:

  • Hops: Northern Brewer
  • Malts: 2 Row, Maris Otter, Caramel, Dextrine, Chocolate, Midnight Wheat, White Wheat, Flaked Oats, and Flaked Wheat
  • The Good Stuff: Lactose, Brown Sugar, Powered Peanut Butter

**Food Allergy Warning: This Beer Contains Peanuts**

Anchors-Aweigh-orange-peel-canLake Time Brewery
Anchors Aweigh
Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial
Clear Lake, Iowa

This Imperial Stout pours nearly black in color. Roasted malts and dark chocolate accent this brewery’s flagship stout with its plum and date fruit complexity.  Brewers then age it for over a year in Buffalo Trace Bourbon barrels before adding just the right amount of Valencia orange flavor – for that hint of sweetness you want with your bourbon.

Beer Style: Dark & Roasty
Style: Imperial Stout
ABV: 10% alcohol / volume
IBU: 43
Ingredients:

  • Hops: Chinook, Centennial
  • Malts: 2-Row, Carmel 110, Chocolate, Roasted Barley, Black Patten, Flaked Rye, Flaked Oats, Flaked Wheat
  • The Good Stuff: Valencia oranges, Buffalo Trace Bourbon Barrel Aged

ABOUT LAKE TIME BREWERY:
Established in 2012, Lake Time Brewery was born from a vision to cherish the simple things in life – time with friends and family around a campfire, fishing, sun-tanning on the beach, and floating around the lake on a pontoon. This state of mind has translated into great craft beer that can be enjoyed anywhere… not just on “Lake Time”. Today, Lake Time Brewery has expanded its production facility and is now distributed throughout Iowa. They have been featured in a number of industry publications including Brewery Magazine, Brew Your Own and Perfect Pour. Learn more about the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

Zipline-Triples-is-best-IPA-beer-canZipline Brewing Co.
Triples is Best IPA
Lincoln, Nebraska

This Imperial IPA is brewed with Columbus, Centennial, Amarillo, and Simcoe Hops. Created under the “Black Label Series” unleashed by the full creative power of their brewing team. This line of beers push the boundaries like never before with the most “over-the-top, flavor packed, premium beers” Zipline Brewing Co. has ever made.

Beer Style: Hoppy 
Style: Imperial IPA
ABV: 11% alcohol / volume
IBU: 88

ABOUT ZIPLINE BREWING CO.:
Zipline Brewing Co. was created from the founders’ inherent sense of adventure and their desire to connect with the thrill-seeking spirit in all craft beer fans. They create artisan ales and lagers with a clean, simple and direct approach to allow the drinker to focus their energy on enjoying ‘Brave New Brews’. Learn more about the team behind the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

KCBC-The CodFather-Beer-ImageKings County Brewers Collective
The Codfather Double IPA
Brooklyn, New York

This Double Dry Hopped, Double India Pale Ale is made with Citra, Strata, Mosaic, Nelson Sauvin and Motueka Hops. It contains barley, oats & wheat, creating a murky, burnished haze in the glass. There are notes of freshly squeezed grapefruit, crushed blueberries, Sicilian lemon and pineapple gelato. The mouthfeel is smooth and soft, with just a touch of sweet revenge. 

Beer Style: Hoppy
Style: Double IPA
ABV: 8.5% alcohol / volume

ABOUT KINGS COUNTY BREWERS CO.:
Located in a 5,000 square foot warehouse in Bushwick, Brooklyn, Kings County Brewers Collective is the first brick-and-mortar brewery to operate in the neighborhood for more than 40 years following the New York State hop blight and Prohibition. Today, they are a proud production brewery and taproom dedicated to bring unique and collaborative craft beers to New York City and beyond. Learn more about the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

Allerton-Brewing-Marshall-Ds-beer-canAllerton Brewing Company
Marshall D’s
Independence, Iowa

Although it is a little darker than your typical Hefeweizen, Marshal D’s is a German style beer that is light, refreshing and perfect for warm weather. It has balanced notes of banana and clove with a grainy-sweet malt character.

Beer Style: Fruity & Spicy
Style: Wheat Beer – Hefeweizen
ABV: 5.6% alcohol / volume
IBU: 12
SRM: 7
Fermentables: Pilsner Malt, Wheat Malt, Crystal 40L
Hops: Saaz

ABOUT ALLERTON BREWING CO.:
It all started has a hobby for Lucas in his college apartment at Iowa State University – little did Brenna (his now wife) know at the time, this hoppy would grow into a full blown obsession. After graduating Iowa State, Lucas and Brenna moved to Oconomowoc, Wisconsin where Lucas attended Barley to Barrel – a program specifically catered to aspiring brewery owners. Lucas says his biggest takeaway was that he needed a partner. Shortly there after, the couple moved to Independence, Iowa where Lucas teamed up with Brandon Miken and Pete Gaumer to create Allerton Brewing Company. Today, the brewery is fully owned and operated by Pete and Lucas. Learn more about the their story here, and follow them on Untappd.

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May Beer Club: WDM, Ankeny, and Johnston Iowa

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BeerClubLogolake-time-brewery-imperial-porterLake Time Brewery
Imperial Peanut Butter Porter
Clear Lake, Iowa

Lake Time Brewery went nuts creating a beer that resembles the delicious, confectionery peanut butter cups we have enjoyed for years. This Imperial Peanut Butter Porter is an amped up version of their regular Peanut Butter Porter. It combines a malty robust porter with creamy chocolate peanut butter flavor (using real peanuts)!

Beer Style: Dark & Roasty
Style: Porter – Imperial / Double
ABV: 9.5% alcohol / volume
IBU: 50
Ingredients:

  • Hops: Northern Brewer
  • Malts: 2 Row, Maris Otter, Caramel, Dextrine, Chocolate, Midnight Wheat, White Wheat, Flaked Oats, and Flaked Wheat
  • The Good Stuff: Lactose, Brown Sugar, Powered Peanut Butter

**Food Allergy Warning: This Beer Contains Peanuts**

Anchors-Aweigh-orange-peel-canLake Time Brewery
Anchors Aweigh
Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial
Clear Lake, Iowa

This Imperial Stout pours nearly black in color. Roasted malts and dark chocolate accent this brewery’s flagship stout with its plum and date fruit complexity.  Brewers then age it for over a year in Buffalo Trace Bourbon barrels before adding just the right amount of Valencia orange flavor – for that hint of sweetness you want with your bourbon.

Beer Style: Dark & Roasty
Style: Imperial Stout
ABV: 10% alcohol / volume
IBU: 43
Ingredients:

  • Hops: Chinook, Centennial
  • Malts: 2-Row, Carmel 110, Chocolate, Roasted Barley, Black Patten, Flaked Rye, Flaked Oats, Flaked Wheat
  • The Good Stuff: Valencia oranges, Buffalo Trace Bourbon Barrel Aged

ABOUT LAKE TIME BREWERY:
Established in 2012, Lake Time Brewery was born from a vision to cherish the simple things in life – time with friends and family around a campfire, fishing, sun-tanning on the beach, and floating around the lake on a pontoon. This state of mind has translated into great craft beer that can be enjoyed anywhere… not just on “Lake Time”. Today, Lake Time Brewery has expanded its production facility and is now distributed throughout Iowa. They have been featured in a number of industry publications including Brewery Magazine, Brew Your Own and Perfect Pour. Learn more about the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

Zipline-Triples-is-best-IPA-beer-canZipline Brewing Co.
Triples is Best IPA
Lincoln, Nebraska

This Imperial IPA is brewed with Columbus, Centennial, Amarillo, and Simcoe Hops. Created under the “Black Label Series” unleashed by the full creative power of their brewing team. This line of beers push the boundaries like never before with the most “over-the-top, flavor packed, premium beers” Zipline Brewing Co. has ever made.

Beer Style: Hoppy 
Style: Imperial IPA
ABV: 11% alcohol / volume
IBU: 88

ABOUT ZIPLINE BREWING CO.:
Zipline Brewing Co. was created from the founders’ inherent sense of adventure and their desire to connect with the thrill-seeking spirit in all craft beer fans. They create artisan ales and lagers with a clean, simple and direct approach to allow the drinker to focus their energy on enjoying ‘Brave New Brews’. Learn more about the team behind the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

KCBC-The CodFather-Beer-ImageKings County Brewers Collective
The Codfather Double IPA
Brooklyn, New York

This Double Dry Hopped, Double India Pale Ale is made with Citra, Strata, Mosaic, Nelson Sauvin and Motueka Hops. It contains barley, oats & wheat, creating a murky, burnished haze in the glass. There are notes of freshly squeezed grapefruit, crushed blueberries, Sicilian lemon and pineapple gelato. The mouthfeel is smooth and soft, with just a touch of sweet revenge. 

Beer Style: Hoppy
Style: Double IPA
ABV: 8.5% alcohol / volume

ABOUT KINGS COUNTY BREWERS CO.:
Located in a 5,000 square foot warehouse in Bushwick, Brooklyn, Kings County Brewers Collective is the first brick-and-mortar brewery to operate in the neighborhood for more than 40 years following the New York State hop blight and Prohibition. Today, they are a proud production brewery and taproom dedicated to bring unique and collaborative craft beers to New York City and beyond. Learn more about the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

Contrary-brewing-blueberry-lemonadeContrary Brewing Co.
Blueberry Lemonade Avalanche
Muscatine, Iowa

The Blueberry Lemonade Avalanche is gorgeous blueberry in color. It drinks light and easy with notes of blueberries and lemons dancing on your palate.

Beer Style: Sour
Style: Fruit Beer/Shandy
ABV: 5.3% alcohol / volume
IBU: 7

ABOUT CONTRARY BREWING CO.:
This is a small town brewery with big time flavor. As Muscatine’s only Craft Brewery, you can find adventure right along the Mississippi. Learn more about the their brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

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Don’t forget to follow your local WineStyles on the Untappd app and tag us when enjoying your Brew!

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR BEER CLUB >

 

May Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubHay-there-walnut-cheeseArtikaas  Hay There Raw Milk Gouda with Walnut & Hazelnut Holland

Artikaas has been a family run cheesemaker in Holland for over six generations. They make Gouda as they always have — meticulously, without shortcuts, with respect for nature, and using only the best milk from family farms. The ‘Hay There’ raw milk Gouda with walnut and hazelnut has the creaminess and earthiness of a traditional, raw milk Gouda with the addictive crunch of the walnuts and hazelnuts. This nut-flecked cheese is beautiful to look at and a real treat for your senses – combining smooth and crunch, with nutty and sweet. Flavor Profile: Aged for 60 days – creamy, earthy and nutty Serving Recommendation: Perfect for snacking, on a cheese board, or on a dessert cheese plate WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Pairs well with a fruity red wine or a silky white wine, such as our May Primary White Wine Club wine, Casas del Toqui Barrel Series Semillón. For beer, look for something crisp, such as a Pilsner. WINESTYLES: Fruity and Silky BEERSTYLES: Crisp and Clean

honey-bee-goat-cheeseHoney Bee Goat Cheese Holland

The Honey Bee Goat Milk Gouda is made by drizzling a bit of honey into pure goat milk. This creates a cashew-like, nutty flavor with a hint of caramel and a sweet warmth to lock in those sticky undertones.  Flavor Profile: Aged for 6 months – slightly sweet, not too strong or salty Serving Recommendation: Slice, grate or cube. Wonderful in salads or as a snack with fruit. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Serve with a crisp white wine or for beer, grab a crisp and clean pilsner or lager. WINESTYLES: Crisp BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean

Cheese_springDon’t let your Wine Club go home alone! Join our Cheese Club and bring home a 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 >

May Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubPrisoner-Sparkling_wine-bottleThe Prisoner Wine Company
Unshackled Sparkling
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This brut-style California wine has a mineral profile, driven by floral notes on the nose. On the palate, there are big, bright notes of green and Fuji apples with Asian pears. Each sip features a vibrant acidity, with a crisp, clean finish.

Varietal: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Aging: 36 months en tirage to ensure the highest quality
Serving Suggestion: For optimal flavor, refrigerate for at least three hours and serve chilled
Pairing: Serve this fruity wine with shrimp ceviche, fresh oysters, or a supreme pizza.

Prisoner-Sparkling-Rose_wine-bottleThe Prisoner Wine Company
Unshackled Sparkling Rosé
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This brut-style California wine features a fresh, fruit-forward aroma tempered by a touch of minerality. It offers lively, bright flavors of apricot and yellow peach on the palate. Each sip features a vibrant acidity and a crisp, clean finish.

Varietal: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Aging: 36 months en tirage to ensure the highest quality
Serving Suggestion: For optimal flavor, refrigerate for at least three hours and serve chilled

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Unshackled is a brand from The Prisoner Wine Company, and recently the official wine of Coachella VIP. It’s made for those who are looking to “break free from convention, stereotypes, and perception”. When their first wine, The Prisoner, was released about two decades ago, it swiftly changed the perception of what a red blend wine could be. Since then, the winery has grown to include a range of rule-bending blends with provocative label designs to become one of the most bold and innovative wine brands in the market. Today, their Director of Winemaking, Chrissy Wittmann and her team of over 100 growers in northern California bring together exceptional fruit to produce a family of unique wines unrestricted by tradition. Learn more about their story here or follow their Instagram @unshackledwines.

Unshackled sparkling wines

Bubbly Wine ClubLearn more about our Bubbly Club >

 

 

May Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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© Photo by Jess Larson

PERFECT GRILLED SAUSAGE

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pound (raw) fresh sausage links or brats of choice
  • For serving, as desired: toasted brat buns or brioche buns, grilled peppers & onions, sauerkraut, mustard or Dijonnaise, ketchup, etc.
  • For a Latin American flare, turn your grilled sausage into a Choripán by topping with a Chimichurri Sauce on a Crusty Baguette. Follow Hilah Johnson’s recipe here.

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat the grill: Prepare your grill for indirect cooking, creating a zone of direct high heat & a second zone of indirect heat.
  2. Grill the sausage: Once the grill is hot, place the sausage directly on the indirect head side of the grill, arranging the sausage as close to the direct heat as possible without being directly over the flame. Close the lid & cook for 4-5 minutes. The heat from the direct heat side of the grill will circulate around the sausage, cooking them with really gentle indirect heat. After 4-5 minutes, flip the sausage, and cook over indirect heat for another 4-5 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of the sausage registers a temperature of 150 degrees F.
  3. Chargrill the sausage: Transfer the sausage to the direct heat. Grill 2-3 minutes per side, until charred as desired & the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. Transfer to a plate to rest & cool slightly before serving
  4. Serve the grilled sausage on a toasted bun with all of your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

© Recipe courtesy of Jess Larson at Plays well with Butter.

MAY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoCasas del Toqui Cabernet Sauvignon Alto Cahapoal ChileCasas del Toqui
Terroir Selection Alto Cachapoal
Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
Cachapoal Valley D.O., Chile

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon is ruby red in color with aromas of cassis, spices, black fruits and notes of toffee and caramel. On the palate, the wine has good structure with a long and pleasant finish.

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 14.0% alcohol / volume
Region: Cachapoal D.O., Chile
Viticulture: Vertical espalier
Vinification: Fermentation at 80.6ºF-84.2ºF, post fermentation maceration and aged in oak barrels for 12 months
Closure: Natural Cork
Serving Suggestion: Serve between 60.8ºF-64.4ºF
Food Pairing: Serve with red meat, pork loins or sausage

ABOUT CASAS DEL TOQUI:
In 1994, Château Larose Trintaudon, a major French wine producer from the Bordeaux region, partnered with traditional wine producers from the Cachapoal region in Chile and together they founded Casas del Toqui. In 2010, the Court family recaptured their legacy, adding their own distinct and unique touch to this already elegant winery. Learn more here.

Casas-del-toqui-barrel-cellar

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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Casas del Toqui Barrel Series Merlot

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Polenta (boiled cornmeal) with meat-based sauce - ragù alla bolognese.PARMESAN POLENTA WITH SAUSAGE RAGU

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 lb. Italian sausages, casings removed
  • 1 red onion, minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
  • 1 1⁄2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • 1⁄4 cup finely chopped basil leaves
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp. fine sea salt
  • 1 1⁄4 cups polenta (not quick-cooking)
  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 1⁄2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat 2 tbsp. oil in a 4-qt. saucepan over medium-high; add sausage and cook, breaking it into small (almost meatball-like)pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned, 5 minutes. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add tomatoes and boil; simmer until thick, 30-40 minutes. Add basil, vinegar, kosher salt, and pepper; keep warm.
  2. When sauce is nearly ready, bring sea salt and 5 cups water to a boil in a 4-qt. saucepan; slowly add polenta and cook, stirring constantly, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy, 8 minutes. Remove from heat and add butter, 1⁄2 cup Parmesan cheese, and kosher salt. Divide between bowls and top with ragù; garnish with more Parmesan cheese.

© Recipe courtesy of Pedroncelli.

MAY WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoToqui-Barrel-Series-Merlot-wine-bottleCasas del Toqui
Barrel Series Merlot
Cachapoal Valley D.O., Chile

MELLOW WINE STYLE

This Barrel Series Merlot has an intense ruby red color with hints of violet. The nose is complex and intense with notes of tobacco, chocolate and spices. It has nice tannins on the palate with interesting volume and good persistence.

Varietal: 100% Merlot
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Region: Cachapoal Valley D.O., Chile
Viticulture: Vertical espalier
Vinification: Fermentation at 80.6ºF-84.2ºF, post fermentation maceration and aged in oak barrels for 8 months.
Closure: Natural Cork
Serving Suggestion: Serve between 60.8ºF-64.4ºF
Food Pairing: Serve with game meats and casseroles.

ABOUT CASAS DEL TOQUI:
Casas del Toqui Winery was created with the intention to develop and produce high quality fine wines, to be shared both domestically and internationally. They are committed to excellence by continuously managing their quality, labor safety and environmental sustainability; allowing them to be a role model for the Chilean wine industry. Their philosophy is to achieve maximum balance, quality and identity to each of their wines, to ensure they are a direct reflection of their terroirs. Learn more about the winery here.

Casas-del-toqui-barrel-cellar

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Casas del Toqui Barrel Series Semillón

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Fried-Empanadas-Chilean-Shrimp-and-cheeseCHILEAN SHRIMP AND CHEESE EMPANADAS

INGREDIENTS:

  • 6 empanadas dough thawed (on Latin supermarket, on the frozen aisle)
  • 1 cup raw shrimp, peeled and cleaned, without the tail
  • 5 washed and finely chopped scallions white and green parts(green onions)
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder or Merquén
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 cup of cheese coarsely grated, Havarti or Monterrey Jack are good choices
  • oil for frying

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Make the filling: In a medium skillet, heat one tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-low heat, add the green onions and sauté until lightly browned and tender, about 3 minutes, add salt, pepper, and Merquén, stir well and add the shrimp and cook until they are getting pink. Remove from heat and let cool, add the cheese, and mix.
  2. Once the dough is thawed, separate carefully. Place two teaspoons of filling of shrimp and cheese. Close the empanadas, slightly wet the edge with water, and then crush with a fork to seal the border. You can also make small folds after sealing the edge, my favorite way.
  3. Heat oil in a deep pot to avoid splashing, test the oil with a piece of dough leftover, get out to the surface, and brown quickly in about 1 minute per side, or  400F. Place the empanadas to be fried, 2 or 3 at a time. Allow to brown on both sides, remove to a plate with an absorbent paper towel and let drain 1 minute, serve and eat hot.

© Recipe courtesy of Pilar Hernandez at Chilean Food & Garden.

MAY WINE CLUB:

Silky styleToqui-Barrel-Series-SEMILLON-wine-bottleCasas del Toqui
Barrel Series Semillón
Cachapoal Valley, Chile

SILKY WINE STYLE

This Barrel Series Semillón is wheat yellow in color. There are notes of citric fruits, white pear and honey on the nose. The palate is light, nice and fresh.

Varietal: 100% Semillón
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Region: Cachapoal Valley, Chile
Viticulture: Vertical espalier
Vinification: Fermentation at 80.6ºF-84.2ºF, post fermentation maceration and aged in third use oak barrel for two months
Closure: Screw cap
Serving Suggestion: Serve between 50ºF-53.6ºF
Food Pairing: Serve with fresh cheeses and seasoned shrimps

Casas del Toqui Vineyards with bicycles

ABOUT CASAS DEL TOQUI:
The Cachapoal Valley is renowned worldwide for its Mediterranean weather, where the Coastal Range and the Andes create one of the best soils in the region to produce high quality wines. The terroir of Casas del Toqui includes a wide range of soil types. Each plot of land is handled individually according to the unique characteristics of the terroir, which through a coordinated harvest, vinification and barrel management allows Casas del Toqui to keep individual lots to show the purest expression of each varietal. Learn more about the winery here.

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

Learn about our Memberships >

 
 
 

 

May Premium Wine Club

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Bold wine Style logoEL-Toqui-PRIVATE-COLLECTION-Cabernet-SauvignonEl Toqui
Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon
Cachapoal Valley D.O., Chile

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon is deep red in color with hues of ruby. On the nose, there are notes of ripe cassis, black cherry, black pepper, roasted coffee bean and dark chocolate. The palate is firm, with sweet and ripe tannins and a long, elegant aftertaste. 

Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Cachapoal Valley D.O., Chile
Viticulture: Vertical espalier
Vinification: Fermentation at 80.6ºF-84.2ºF, post fermentation maceration and aged in oak barrels for 14 months
Closure: Natural Cork
Producer: Casas del Toqui S.A.
Serving: Serve between 60.8ºF-64.4ºF
Food Pairing: Serve with grilled meats and game meats

 

Bold wine Style logoEL-TOQUI-PRIVATE-COLLECTION-CarmenereEl Toqui
Private Collection Carmenere
Cachapoal Valley D.O., Chile

BOLD WINE STYLE

The Private Collection Carmenere wine is deep red in color with shades of violet. It has very complex aromas of black fruits, plum, orange peel, cherry and spice dressing that carry accents of dark chocolate and vanilla. The palate is soft with a generous volume. There are tannins that are present, but are soft with a very balanced acidity.  It is long and complex, delivering flavors very similar to those on the nose.

Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Carmenere
Appellation: Cachapoal Valley D.O., Chile
Viticulture: Vertical espalier
Vinification: Fermentation at 80.6ºF-84.2ºF, post fermentation maceration and aged in oak barrels for 14 months
Closure: Natural Cork
Producer: Casas del Toqui S.A.
Serving: Serve between 60.8ºF-64.4ºF
Food Pairing: Serve with lamb chops and rosemary, pork ribs, pasta and cheeses.

Casas-del-toqui-barrel-cellar

ABOUT CASAS DEL TOQUI WINERY:
In 1994, Château Larose Trintaudon, a major French wine producer from the Bordeaux region, partnered with traditional wine producers from the Cachapoal region in Chile and together they founded Casas del Toqui. Recently, their legacy was recaptured by a Chilean family with a great passion for wine, contributing with their own unique and distinctive mark.

One of the country’s most famous valleys, the Colchagua Valley is set at the heart of the central valley and the icon of wine production in Chile. It’s a fairly new wine-producing region, but quickly gaining reputation as Chile’s ‘Napa Valley’. Sandwiched between the Andes Mountains and the Coastal Mountain range, the Colchagua Valley’s volcanic and granite soils merge with a Mediterranean climate. The vineyards are situated in the hills of a sub-region that combines the freshness of the Pacific with the vibrant minerality of the quartz and granite soils.. Learn more about their winery here. 

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