January Beer Club: Iowa
Fair State Brewing Cooperative
Mister Falcon
Hazy IPA
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Made in collaboration with Barrel Theory Brewing, who are well-known for making hazy IPAs, Mister Falcon is DDH Hazy IPA with Strata, Citra and Simcoe Cryo hops. A nice balance of fruity and dank, sweet but not overbearing, low bitterness.
BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter
Style: Hazy IPA
ABV: 7.3% alcohol / volume
ABOUT FAIR STATE BREWING COOPERATIVE:
Fair State Brewing Cooperative started on the rugby pitch, where founders Evan Sallee, Niko Tonks, and Matt Hauck first met while playing for rival teams. Later, they formed a friendship and took their love of home-brewing to a greater goal of founding a brewery. The friends believed there was too large of a gap between home-brewer and owning a brewery, and thus decided to build a co-op model to allow consumers to be more involved in operations. On September of 2014, First State Co-Op became the first cooperatively-owned brewery in Minnesota and the third in the country. Learn more about the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.
Ölōgy Brewing Co.
Power Hour
Hazy DIPA
Tallahassee, Florida
Power Hour is a Hazy Double IPA brewed in collaboration with Southern Wells Brewing Co. Ölōgy wanted to work with a new experimental curo hop blend along with “M” blend, named for its mango and tropical aroma and palate. Ölōgy blended this with Citra and a small amount of Sabro to give this IPA a huge flavor of tropical fruits and citrus.
BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter
Style: Hazy Double IPA
ABV: 8% alcohol / volume
ABOUT ÖLŌGY BREWING CO.:
Ölōgy Brewing Co. is a Micro Brewery located in the Midtown and Eastside areas of Tallahassee, Florida. They are taproom focused to keep a variety of unique and different beers on tap. Follow them on Untappd here.
Artisanal Brew Works
Multiple Infinities Peanut Butter
Stout
Saratoga Springs, New York
Luscious milk chocolate oatmeal Stout aged on freshly roasted cacao nibs, then finished to taste with peanut butter. This creamy Stout is a decadent treat with a galaxy of flavor.
BeerStyles: Dark & Roasty
Style: Stout
ABV: 9% alcohol / volume
ABOUT ARTISANAL BREW WORKS:
Artisanal Brew Works is an artisanal style beer microbrewery located in Saratoga Springs, New York, owned and operated by High School Teachers, Kurt Borchardt and Colin Quinn. Their goal is to produce a selection of beers that appeal to different segments of the market, while also creating for the most discerning craft beer enthusiasts. Learn more about the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.
Humble Forager
Mixing with Barrel Theory
Imperial Tiki Sour Ale
Madison, Wisconsin
Zombie cocktail inspired Imperial Tiki Sour Ale. Brewed with passionfruit and orange juice mixed with a tincture of almonds and a special blend of spices, sweetened by pomegranate, balanced by acidity and bitterness from Calamansi lime. Brewed in collaboration with Barrel Theory Brewing Company in St. Paul, Minnesota.
BeerStyles: Sour, Tart & Funky
Style: Imperial Tiki Sour Ale
ABV: 10% alcohol / volume
ABOUT HUMBLE FORAGER:
Located just outside of Madison, Wisconsin, Humble Forager Brewery is a distribution brewery created by their head brewer, Austin Jevne. Their mission is to produce thoughtfully crafted specialty beers developed for any adventure. They use high quality ingredients inspired from different parts of the world. Learn more about the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.
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January Sweet Club Iowa
Roscato
Bianco Dolce
Northern Italy
NECTAR WINE STYLE
Pale straw in color with fine, delicate bubbles, the Bianco Dolce has delicate aromas of peach, yellow apples and candied citrus. The palate is sweet, yet refreshing with a lingering finish.
Analysis: 8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Blend of native and international grape varieties
TA: 5.70 g/L
RS: 95 g/L
Region: Northern Italy
Appellation: Trevenezie IGT
Vinification: Each variety is harvested and vinified separately, allowing the grapes to reach perfect ripeness. Following de-stemming, the must is macerated with the skins allowing it to retain maximum fragrance. The must is kept at a low temperature until fermentation, at which point the varieties are blended together. When the wine has reached an alcohol content of 8%, fermentation is interrupted by lowering temperature to approximately 32°F leaving a high level of natural residual sugar.
Notable: Vegan, gluten free
Serving Suggestions: Highly versatile, the Bianco Dolce is a great aperitif and equally great with white meats, classic Italian dishes, and spicy foods. Enjoy well-chilled.
WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an aged cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.
Roscato
Moscato
Northern Italy
NECTAR WINE STYLE
This Moscato is straw-yellow in color with vivid greenish reflections. The nose has varied notes of candied citrus, ripe fruit and white flowers. The palate is sweet and fresh in taste with delicate bubbles, and a pleasant, fruity, persistent aftertaste.
Analysis: 7% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Moscato
TA: 5.50 g/L
RS: 100 g/L
Region: Trentino/Veneto
Appellation: Trevenezie IGT
Vinification: The grapes are harvested and vinified to reach perfect ripeness. Following de-stemming, the juice is kept on the skins for several days at low temperatures to extract the fruit’s aromas and retain maximum fragrance.
Notable: Vegan, gluten free
Serving Suggestions: Ideal as a dessert wine, but it also pairs well with delicate cheeses, spicy foods or barbecue dishes.
WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section also pair well with delicate cheeses. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.
ABOUT ROSCATO:
Roscato is an irresistible range of high-quality wines from Northern Italy, near the Italian Alps and Lake Garda – the ideal climate for perfect wine-growing conditions. The winery combines traditional grape growing methods with modern winemaking techniques to produce their lively wines. Whether you are a fan of sweet, rich, bold or soft & silky wines, Roscato wines offer a perfect complement to any cuisine. Learn more here.
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January Bubbly Club: Iowa
Laurent-Perrier
La Cuvée Brut Champagne
Champagne, France
BUBBLY WINE STYLE
This wine comes from the purest grape juice and allows Laurent‑Perrier to craft “La Cuvée”, a champagne of great finesse and a beautiful freshness obtained after a long ageing process in their cellars. Laurent-Perrier’s style and personality are defined by its very high proportion of Chardonnay. Purity, freshness and elegance – essential characteristics, expressed in this champagne which embodies the spirit of the House.
La Cuvée is pale, gold in color with fine bubbles that feed a persistent mousse. It has a delicate nose with hints of fresh citrus and white flowers, while on the palate the wine’s complexity is expressed with successive notes of vine peach and white fruit. There is a perfect balance between freshness and delicacy with fruity flavors that are very present on the finish.
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietal: La Cuvée is a blend made from over 100 Crus selected by Laurent-Perrier
- A majority of Chardonnay, over 50%
- Pinot Noir, between 30% and 35%
- Rounded out with Meunier, between 10% and 15%
- + Reserve wines between 15% and 30% to ensure perfect consistency in style
Vinification and Aging: For blending, only the musts of the Cuvée are used, so only 80% of the grape juice is extracted from pressing. The ideal aging is around 4 years in the cellar, and its balance and freshness are enhanced by a light dosage.
Serving Temperature: Serve between 46.4ºF – 50ºF
Food Pairing: Perfect as an aperitif or paired alongside poultry or the finest fish.
ABOUT LAURENT-PERRIER:
Laurent-Perrier is a Champagne house founded in 1812. Nestled in a Grand Cru village at the crossroads of three main winegrowing areas, Laurent-Perrier is the largest female-owned, family-run, fiercely independent estates focusing exclusively on champagne. Passed down from generation to generation, Laurent-Perrier continues to offer unique experiences for champagne lovers all over the world. Learn more about their story here.
© Photo by Laurent-Perrier
© Photo by Laurent-Perrier
© Photo by Laurent-Perrier
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January Premium Wine Club
Ruffino
Modus Toscana IGT
Tuscany, Italy
MELLOW WINE STYLE
Ruby red in color, and complex, fruity and intense on the nose. The initial aromas are of mature black fruits, such as cherries, plums, and small blackberries typical of Sangiovese. There are also floral notes that are complimented by hints of spiced cinnamon and cloves. On the palate, it is full-bodied and harmonious with modern Super Tuscan finesse and style. This wine is rich with soft tannins and flavors of mature blackberry fruit that lead to a persistent finish.
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 37% Sangiovese, 32% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape Sourcing: Ruffino’s Poggio Casciano Estate
Soil: Hilly land with clay, limestone, and a small percentage of silt
Micro-climate: Variable with good diurnal temperature swings, especially during summer
Growing System: Cordon trained
Vine density: 12,000 per acre
Age of vineyards: Recently planted
First Year of Production: 1997
Food Pairings: Wonderful on its own, or serve with bold dishes such as duck with olives and pancetta, beef-stuffed manicotti with Bolognese sauce, or aged cheeses such as Taleggio, Pecorino and/or Gouda.
VINIFICATION AND AGING:
Harvest: Only the best grapes are selected in the vineyards to ensure optimal ripeness when picked. They are again sorted prior to pressing. Due to a warm and dry growing season, the harvest began earlier than usual, as the high summer temperatures led to beautiful fruit maturation.
Fermentation: Each varietal was vinified independently, fermenting in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats at an average temperature of 82ºF for 10 days. The wine was then allowed to macerate on the skins for another 2 weeks.
Aging: After completing malolactic fermentation, the 3 varietals were blended and aged for 12 months in French oak barrels of first and second use.
Ruffino
Riserva Ducale
Chianti Classico Riserva
Tuscany, Italy
MELLOW WINE STYLE
Ruby red in color, the nose has an elegant bouquet characterized by violet, cherries, wild berries and plums. There are hints of tobacco, clove and eucalyptus. On the palate, the Riserva Ducale is balance and constant with delicate tannins. The vibrant acidity characterizes this wine, which is typical of Sangiovese’s grapes. The finish is persistent and a good structure completes the entire taste sensation.
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 80% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape Sourcing: The Riserva Ducale grapes came from owned vineyards and selected growers vineyards located in the traditional Chianti Classico production area, stretching over the provinces of Siena and Florence. Ruffino traditionally works with a small stable of hand-selected growers, chosen as carefully as the Ruffino vineyards.
Soil: Typical of the Chianti Classico area; a mix of clay and limestone with an abundant presence of “Galestro” rock.
Altitude: Variable from 951 to 1,476 feet above sea level
Growing System: Cordon trained
Vine density: about 12,350 vines/acre
Bottle Aging: A minimum of 3 months
First Year of Production: 1927
Food Pairings: Enjoy this timeless Tuscan gem with Italian favorites such as prosciutto and other antipasti, mushroom risotto, pasta Bolognese, and chicken cacciatore. Or, pair it with simple grilled meats and roasted vegetables for a classic Tuscan meal.
VINIFICATION AND AGING:
Harvest: The vintage was characterized by a very hot season with a good maturation of the grapes, which led to a slightly early harvest.
Fermentation: Alcoholic fermentation and maceration were aided by pumping over, which took place in thermo-controlled stainless-steel vats for approximately 16 days.
Aging: The Riserva Ducale aged for 24 months, 12 in big oak casks and the rest in concrete vats.
Ruffino
Riserva Ducale Oro
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG
Tuscany, Italy
MELLOW WINE STYLE
The Riserva Ducale Oro is also Ruby Red in color with hues of garnet. It is powerfully aromatic with cherry, plum, and violet with notes of eucalyptus, chocolate and spicy black pepper. The complexity is an authentic expression of Sangioveses and Classic Chiantis. The wine is full-bodied and powerfully fruity with elegant tannins, perfectly supported by a good acidity. The finish is characterized by pleasantly sweet tobacco, plums, and balsamic herbs. This Riserva Ducale Oro will age gracefully for decades.
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 83% Sangiovese, 12% Merlot, 5% Colorino
Grape Sourcing: Selected from Ruffino’s Gretole and Santedame estates, located in the heart of Castellina in Chianti.
Soil: Hilly land with poor, rocky, ‘galestro’ soils of mixed clay and sand
Microclimate: Characterized by hot, dry summers with high diurnal temperature swings, which allow for optimal grape maturation.
Altitude: 820-1,300 feet above sea level
Sun Exposure: Predominantly south, southwest, and southeast
Growing System: Cordon-trained
Vine density: 10,000 per acre
Age of Vineyards:
Vine yield: 12 tons per acre
First Year of Production: 1947
Food Pairings: Traditional Italian dishes pair exquisitely with this wine. Try with a pasta Bolognese, wild boar ragu, or eggplant Parmesan. It also pairs beautifully with American dishes such as grilled rib-eye and roasted vegetables.
VINIFICATION AND AGING:
Harvest: Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is produced with grapes meticulously selected during harvest. The picking started the third week of September and ended the first week of October. The vintage 2015 shows a vivid fruity notes, with spicy hints of great elegance.
Fermentation: Aided by racking and délestage, fermentation took place in thermo-controlled stainless-steel vats at an average temperature of 82ºF for 21 days. Post-fermentation maceration on the skins continued for an additional 10 days. The wine was transferred to concrete vats for malolactic fermentation.
Aging: A total of 36 months: the first 12 months in concrete vats, followed by 12 months in Slavonian oak barrels (about 925-2,000 gallons), and finally 12 months in barriques that are four or more years old.
ABOUT RUFFINO WINERY:
In 1877, cousins, Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino, embraced their passion for winemaking by establishing a small winery in the town of Pontassieve, near Florence. Natives to Tuscany, they knew this region already had century-old traditions of growing exceptional wine grapes, but cousins felt that much of the area’s greatness had yet to be revealed. Word eventually grew about the quality wine the Ruffino cousin’s were producing and the winery began to flourish. Ruffino became known for clean, balanced wines. They became nationally and internationally known when their Chianti won Gold Medals and other prizes in 1881, 1884 and 1885 Wine Exhibitions. In 1890, the Duke of Aosta became intrigued by the winery’s reputation, and after trying it for himself, he appointed Ruffino as the official supplier to the Italian Royal family. In 1927, the winery released their first vintage of Riserva Ducale – named after the Duke of Aosta to acknowledge his esteemed patronage.
Today, Ruffino has a collection of estates in Tuscany’s most important wine appellations. They continue to take a traditional approach when making their wines to allow their wines to reveal themselves without manipulation. Ruffino has established itself as a leader in Chianti, as they have become a global ambassador of Tuscan wines around the world. Learn more here.
Frescobaldi
Castello Nipozzano
Nipozzano Riserva
Tuscany, Italy
MELLOW WINE STYLE
The Nipozzano 2017 conveys the intense, harmonious character of the vintage with personality, translating the heat of the season into the glass. The ruby-red color is bright and intense. The usual notes of red fruits and citrus are expressed in a seductive combination of elegance and intensity. Tertiary notes due to aging, such as spices and vanilla, enhance the aromas and balance the tasting experience. The palate is rich, dense and balanced, with a great expression of maturity, polyphenolic elegance and final persistence.
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Sangiovese and complementary varieties
Critical Acclaim:
- James Suckling: 92 Points
- Gambero Rosso: 3 Glasses
- Luca Maroni: 90 Points
VINIFICATION AND AGING:
Harvest: The winter was mild and dry. In the spring, the early sprouting of the vines brought the growing season forward. During spring, the arrival of sporadic rains restored the vineyards’ water table, guaranteeing a good blooming, still ahead of time with respect to the previous season. The harvest began at the end of August/first few days of September, after a hot, dry summer that led to the harvesting of well-ripened grapes, qualitatively rich in body and color. As soon as the grapes were harvested, they were taken to the cellar.
Fermentation: Once de-stemmed, the natural fermentation process began in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats. The wine remained in the vats to complete maceration. After racking, malolactic fermentation took place in steel as well.
Aging: At the end of the year, the wine was transferred into barriques, where it was aged for further months. A further period in the bottle brought Nipozzano to its full expression as a wine with exceptional balance.
ABOUT FRESCOBALDI WINERY:
Beginning in the early 1300s, the Frescobaldi family has been producing wine in Tuscany for over seven hundred years. That family history is filled with illustrious ancestors, from literary figures, explorers, and musicians, to financiers, bishops, and statesmen. Over the years, the Frescobaldi family had established commercial contracts and relationships, and had the opportunity to share their wine with numerous historical names and courts such as the Court of England, the Papal Court in Rome, Donatello, Michelozzo, Michelozzi, and Filippo Brunelleschi.
The winery has been passed down in the family from generation to generation, building many different sub-family estates over the years. Today, the President, Lamberto Frescobaldi, aims to strengthen the uniqueness of the wines of each family estate. The Frescobaldi family believes each family estate, and their vineyards, should express the diversity and individuality of their Tuscan terroir while always respecting their nature and authenticity. Learn more about the family history here.
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January Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa
Laurent-Perrier
Harmony
Demi-Sec NV
Champagne, France
BUBBLY WINE STYLE
Demi-Sec was the most popular style of Champagne in the 18th century. Laurent-Perrier continues to make this authentic style with the same pride and care as the rest of their Laurent-Perrier wines.
The Harmony Demi-Sec wine is rich, golden-yellow in color. The nose is robust and expressive, it opens with aromas of candied fruit, almonds and hazelnuts, followed by notes of fresh brioche. Rich on the palate, this Demi-Sec is full-bodied and generous with an elegant, clean finish.
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 45% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier. More than 55 crus with an average ration of 94% are used in the Demi-Sec base wine blend. Between 10-20% of reserve wines are used to ensure perfect consistency.
Vinification and Aging: Following a minimum of three years of cellar aging, Demi-Sec receives a dosage of 45 grams of sugar per liter dissolved in wine from the same cuvée. The dosage level results in a Demi-Sec that is pleasantly sweet without being cloying.
Serving Temperature: Serve between 43ºF and 46ºF
Food Pairing: Rich desserts, especially cakes and tarts
Critical Acclaim:
- Wine & Spirits – 91 Points
Laurent-Perrier
Grand Siecle
Itération Nº24
Champagne, France
BUBBLY WINE STYLE
Launched in 1959 by Bernard de Nonancourt, Grand Siècle is Laurent-Perrier’s prestige cuvée and the epitome of the art of blending. Grand Siècle’s elegant bottle was inspired by the work of early 18th century master glassmakers. This cuvée namesake means “Great Century” from the illustrious period of French history during the reign of King Louis XIV, called the Sun King. At that time, art de vivre reached its pinnacle and French gastronomy was born, ushering in the concept of vins de terroir and the first effervescent wines from Champagne.
The Grand Siècle is bright pale, gold in color with a very fine effervescence, persistent sparkle and stead stream of fine bubbles. The nose is fresh, intense and complex with notes of candied citrus developing into aromas of fresh pastry and toasted almonds, with subtle hints of honey and gingerbread. The palate is complex, marrying structure to finesse, resulting in a perfect balance between power and delicacy. This textured wine continues to develop on the palate and in the glass, showing notes of honey, hazelnut, and toasted brioche.
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 55% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir:
- Grand Siècle Iteration Nº24 is made exclusively with 100% grand cru grapes from eleven of the most outstanding villages. These grapes are from exclusively hand-picked plots, selected from exceptional years and chosen for their complementary traits to provide structure, freshness and finesse in perfect harmony; Chardonnay always being the majority, with the balance being Pinot Noir:
- Chardonnay Grands Crus: Avize, Cramant, Chouilly, Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.
- Pinot Noir Grands Crus: Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzy, Verzenay, Tours-sur-Marne and Mailly
- Grand Siècle Iteration Nº24 is always a blend of three complementary years, which have been declared vintages by Laurent-Perrier: 2007 (60%), 2006 (20%), and 2004 (20%) vintages:
- 2007: noted for its freshness, the Chardonnays are complex with aromas of white fruits and citrus and the Pinots Noirs open and fruity with a dominance of yellow fruit
- 2006: noted for its finesse with rich, complex Chardonnays and Pinots Noirs with red fruit aromas
- 2004: noted for its freshness and structure with fine, balanced Chardonnays and high quality Pinots Noirs
Vinification and Aging: The best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines are kept in reserve tanks in the dedicated Grand Siècle cuverie at Laurent-Perrier. After the base blend is crafted, it is put into bottles that will mature for up to 11 years on the lees in the cellar before disgorging.
Serving Temperature: Serve between 50ºF – 53.6ºF
Food Pairing: The creaminess and complexity of Grand Siècle perfectly complements refined dishes such as noble fish and lobster, or any dish with truffles or mushrooms.
Critical Acclaim:
- James Suckling – 97 Points
ABOUT LAURENT-PERRIER:
Laurent-Perrier is the largest independent, family-owned, woman-owned House in Champagne. Passed down from generation to generation, the house is now managed by Alexandra Pereyre de Nonancourt and Stéphanie Meneux de Nonancourt, daughters of the emblematic Bernard de Nonancourt. In 2014, Stéphane Dalyac joined the daughters as Chairman of the Management Board, and in 2019, Alexandra’s daughter, Lucie Pereye de Nonancourt joined the team representing Grand Siècle in France and worldwide. This successful hand-over between generations has given the winery the ability to craft traditional and elegant champagnes for over two centuries. Laurent-Perrier suits every occasion and offers a unique experience for all senses through their innovative and comprehensive range of champagnes. Learn more about their history here.
© Photo by Laurent-Perrier
Chef de Caves, Michel Fauconnet: © Photo by Laurent-Perrier
© Photo by Laurent-Perrier
Stephanie & Alexandra de Nonancourt © Photo by Laurent-Perrier
© Photo by Laurent-Perrier
© Photo by Laurent-Perrier
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Raised by Wolves 777 Chardonnay
Maryland Crab Cakes with Tartar Sauce
INGREDIENTS:
- For the Crab Cakes:
- 2 large eggs
- 2-1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise, best quality such as Hellmann’s or Duke’s
- 1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup finely diced celery, from one stalk
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 pound lump crab meat (see note below)
- 1/2 cup panko
- Vegetable or canola oil, for cooking
- For the Quick Tartar Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise, best quality such as Hellmann’s or Duke’s
- 1-1/2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon minced red onion
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice, to taste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS:
For the Crab Cakes:
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean-up.
- Combine the eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, Old Bay, salt, celery, and parsley in a large bowl and mix well. Add the crab meat (be sure to check the meat for any hard and sharp cartilage) and panko; using a rubber spatula, gently fold the mixture together until just combined, being careful not to shred the crab meat. Shape into 6 cakes (each about ½ cup) and place on the prepared baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps them set.
- Preheat a large nonstick pan over medium heat and coat with oil. When the oil is hot, place the crab cakes in the pan and cook until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Be careful as oil may splatter. Serve the crab cakes warm with the tartar sauce.
For the Quick Tartar Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, relish, mustard, onion, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
Make-Ahead Instructions: The crab cakes can be formed, covered, and refrigerated a day ahead of time before cooking. The tartar sauce can be made and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance.
Note: If you can only find jumbo lump crab meat, you may need to break the pieces up a bit. If the clumps are too large, the crab cakes won’t hold together well.
© Recipe courtesy of Jenn Segal of Once Upon a Chef.
JANUARY WINE CLUB:
Raised by Wolves
777 Chardonnay
Piekenierskloof, South Africa
RICH WINE STYLE
The Cape is generally regarded as a hot viticultural region. Fortunately, there are some cool mesoclimates to be found close to the ocean or at higher altitudes. With high altitude generally comes a more continental climate, and so it is with this Piekenierskloof Chardonnay, grown between 700 and 800 meters above sea level on the Sandveld plateau bordering the Olifants river.
The 777 Chardonnay is whole bunch pressed, settled overnight without the use of enzymes, and then racked straight to barrel for uninoculated fermentation.
After maturing for 9 months in 228L Burgundian pieces, the Chardonnay was cleanly racked and bottled.
Appellation: Western Cape, Citrusdal Mountain, Olifants River Valley, Piekenierskloof Ward
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 13.69% alcohol / volume
Residual Sugar: 2.1 g/L
VA: 0.54 g/L
pH: 3.33
TA: 5.3 g/L
SO₂: 13/72 ppm
Bottled: 8/10/2018
Grower: Shelley Sandell
ABOUT RAISED BY WOLVES:
Raised by Wolves is a project by Adam Mason, leading Wine Industry Specialist. Adam’s wines are produced in limited quantities, and are made from a selection of unique vineyards from his travels around the cape. He has showcased how interesting and rare the Cape’s vineyards can be; these small batch, experimental wines have transformed the Cape into one of the more dynamic regions in the world.
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Raised by Wolves Old School Red Blend
Photo Credit: Copyright Anson Smart
Pizza Vesuvio with the Works
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/2 cup frozen artichoke hearts, thawed, sliced
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 pound pizza dough, thawed if frozen
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
- 1/2 cup fresh ricotta (4 ounces)
- 3/4 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 ounces thinly sliced baked ham, cut into 1-inch strips
- 2 ounces salami, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons marinara sauce
- 2 large cremini mushrooms, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 4 pitted olives, sliced 1/4 inch thick
DIRECTIONS:
- Set a pizza stone in the oven and preheat the oven to 500°. Let the stone heat for 30 minutes. In a bowl, lightly drizzle the artichoke hearts with oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- On a floured work surface, roll or stretch the pizza dough out to a 12-inch round, about 1/8 inch thick. Roll the edge on half of the pizza 1/16 inch thick. Generously flour a pizza peel. Transfer the dough to the peel and lightly brush with oil. Top the thinner side of the dough with half of the artichokes, mozzarella, ricotta, ham and salami, 3 inches from the edge. Sprinkle with half of the oregano and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the marinara. Lift the 3-inch edge of dough over the filling and press to seal in the center of the round.
- Spread the remaining 1/4 cup of marinara over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Arrange the remaining artichoke hearts, mozzarella, ham and salami over the marinara. Spoon small dollops of ricotta over the toppings, then scatter the mushrooms and olives on top. Sprinkle with the remaining oregano.
- Slide the pizza onto the hot stone and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until crisp and bubbling. Cut into wedges and serve.
© Recipe courtesy of Francis Ford Coppola from Food & Wine.
JANUARY WINE CLUB:
Raised by Wolves
Old School
Cinsaut Cabernet Sauvignon
Stellenbosch, South Africa
BOLD WINE STYLE
Having enjoyed many old South African Cabernet Sauvignons from the 1960’s and 1970’s, Adam Mason was enthralled to discover that many of these old gems contained far greater percentages of Cinsaut than Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting the actual plantings of both varieties at the time. Using possibly the oldest producing Cinsaut vineyard in Stellenbosch (planted in 1965) and Bonniemile Cabernet planted in the 1980’s, Adam attempted to pay homage to this uniquely South African story. Vinification of both varieties was carried out in separate concrete ‘kuipe’ before transferring to barrels for 18 months maturation.
Appellation: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Varietal: 2/3 Rustenhof Cinsaut, 1/3 Bonniemile Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 12.81% alcohol / volume
Residual Sugar: 1.8 g/L
VA: 0.79 g/L
pH: 3.66
TA: 5.3 g/L
SO₂: 5/65 ppm
Bottled: 10/18/2019
Growers:
- Rustenhof: Pieter Bredell
- Bonniemile: Deon Joubert
ABOUT RAISED BY WOLVES:
Raised by Wolves offers exceptional wines with excellent values. Made as a project by Wine Industry Specialist, Adam Mason, Adam says the name is a parody of the constant one-upmanship between winemakers. He mocks other winemakers’ statements of ‘my wine is single vineyard!’, or ‘Yeah, well my wine is naturally fermented…’, and ‘Oh yeah, well my wine is hand sorted by berry.’, by saying “My wines are all of the above, and I was raised by wolves.” – Adam Mason. Adam’s wines are produced in limited quantities, and are made from a selection of unique vineyards from his travels around the Cape, showcasing how interesting and rare the Cape’s vineyards can be.
Join our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!
January Wine Club Pairing Recipe
Pan-Seared Filet Mignon
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 (10 ounce) thick tenderloin beef fillets (roughly 2 inches thick)
- 2–3 tablespoons butter
- salt and pepper to taste
- Garlic & Herb Butter
- ½ stick of butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic
DIRECTIONS:
- FOR THE HERB BUTTER:
- Soften the butter in a microwave safe bowl until malleable, 10-15 seconds. Stir in herbs and garlic until fully mixed. Spoon the butter onto tin foil doing your best to reshape it to resemble a stick of butter. Place in refrigerator for about 10 minutes and remove 5 minutes before adding to the filet.
- FOR THE FILLETS:
- Preheat the oven to 415° F. Remove steak from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking, this is to bring the steak to room temperature and ensure your cooking times are more accurate. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Add the plain butter to an oven safe cast iron skillet and turn up high, allow the skillet to become scorching hot first. Place the fillets face down and sear undisturbed for 2 minutes. Flip the fillets and sear for an additional 2 minutes. This will give your fillets a nice seared edge.
- Transfer your skillet directly to the oven. [WARNING] skillet may be hot, handle with oven mitts. For rare, bake for 4 minutes. Medium rare, 5-6 minutes. Medium, 6-7 minutes. Medium well, 8-9 minutes. Remember, depending on the size of the steak, the more or less time it will take. This recipe is ideal for a 8-10 ounce portion, roughly 2-3 inches thick. Remove fillets from the skillet and set on a plate, lightly cover with tin foil and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. This is important to bring your steak to its final serving temperature. Top with a slice of garlic and herb butter and serve.
© Recipe courtesy of Shawn Williams from Kitchen Swagger.
JANUARY WINE CLUB:
Raised by Wolves
Bonniemile Cabernet Sauvignon
Stellenbosch, South Africa
BOLD WINE STYLE
The Bonniemile road provides access to agricultural smallholdings just south of Stellenbosch off the Polkadraai road. Established in 1986, this block of Cabernet Sauvignon occupies 0.89 hectares of land, and is planted to just 3100 vines.
The soil is typical of the area, being rich in ironstone laterites overlaying a heavy clay bank. It’s great terrain for Cabernet Sauvignon.
Vinified in traditional open-topped concrete fermentation tanks and left on skins for 14 days before pressing off, it then matured in neutral 300L hogsheads for 18 months before bottling.
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 13.09% alcohol / volume
Residual Sugar: 1.7 g/L
VA: 0.64 g/L
pH: 3.74
TA: 5.3 g/L
SO₂: 6/49 ppm
Bottled: 10/19/2018
Grower: Deon Joubert
Analysis: 13.09% alcohol / volume
Residual Sugar: 1.7 g/L
VA: 0.64 g/L
pH: 3.74
TA: 5.3 g/L
SO₂: 6/49 ppm
Bottled: 10/19/2018
Grower: Deon Joubert
ABOUT RAISED BY WOLVES:
Raised by Wolves is a project by Wine Industry Specialist, Adam Mason. Adam says the name came to mock the one-upmanship between winemakers, explaining his wines are all naturally fermented, single vineyard, and hand sorted but yet he was “raised by wolves”. His wines are produced in limited quantities, and are made from a selection of unique vineyards from his travels around the cape, showcasing how interesting and rare the Cape’s vineyards can be. Adam’s work with small batch, experimental wines has transformed the Cape into one of the more dynamic regions in the world.
Join our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!
December Cheese Club: Iowa
Neal’s Yard Dairy
Pitchfork Cheddar
Somerset, England
The Pitchfork Cheddar is a full-bodied, dense and nutty cheddar from Trethowan’s Dairy in Somerset. It has a juicy bite and creamy texture that coats the mouth. The name, Pitchfork, references the old Cheddar-making tools used to toss the curd while mixing in the salt. This practice is something that Neal’s Yard Dairy continues today.
Milk Type: Cow
Milk Source: Produced on-site
Average Age: 12 months
Cheesemakers: Maugan & Todd Trethowan
Serving Suggestion: Fold grated Pitchfork Cheddar into scrambled eggs towards the end of the cooking process to get deeper, more savory eggs.
WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
The Pitchfork Cheddar pairs well with a light red wine such as a Pinot Noir, or a Silky White Wine, like a Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc. For beer, reach for a Cider or English Ale.
WINESTYLES: Fruity or Silky
BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean
BACKGROUND:
© Photo by Neal’s Yard Dairy
Neal’s Yard Dairy
Lincolnshire Poacher
Alford, Lincolnshire, England
West Country Cheddar meets Comté in this cheese. It is smooth and densely creamy in texture with flavors ranging from rich and savory to long, sweet and somewhat pineapple-like. Lincolnshire Poacher is one of the very few cheeses to be produced on the east coast of the country, where the clay soils are usually improper for dairy farming.
Milk Type: Cow
Milk Source: Own herd
Average Age: 18-24 Months
Cheesemakers: Simon Jones and Richard Tagg
Serving Suggestion: Melt on top of buttered crumpets or toast.
WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Similarly, the Lincolnshire Poacher pairs well with light red Pinot Noirs, Gamays or a Sangioveses. If you prefer white wine, reach for a Silky White, like a Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc. Ciders or English Ales will pair best with this cheese.
WINESTYLES: Fruity or Silky
BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean
BACKGROUND:
© Photo from Neal’s Yard Dairy
WineStyles Tasting Station 