Raised by Wolves 777 Chardonnay

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Delicious,Fish,Cakes,With,Dill,Closeup,In,A,Pan,OnMaryland 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:

  1. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean-up.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

Rich WineStylesRaised-By-Wolves-777-Chardonnay-wine-bottleRaised 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

Raised by WolvesABOUT 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. 

 

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 More >

 

Raised by Wolves Old School Red Blend

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Pizza

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

Bold wine Style logoRaised by Wolves Cinsaut Cabernet SauvignonRaised 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

Raised by WolvesABOUT 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. 

 

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 More >

 
 
 

 

January Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Filet MignonPan-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-wine-bottleBold wine Style logoRaised 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
 
Raised by Wolves
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. 
 

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 >

 
 
 

 

December Cheese Club: Iowa

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cheese_club_logo-1240x1240pitchfork-cheddar-cheeseNeal’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:
gorwydd_caerphilly_location_map_e4fd8e5d

© Photo by Neal’s Yard Dairy

Historically, most West Country cheesemakers produced Cheddar before embarking on a cheese more commonly associated with their friends across the Welsh border: Caerphilly. Cheddar takes over a year to mature, while Caerphilly can be turned around in a month of less, so in leaner times, particularly between the first and second world wars, Caerphilly sales provided a steady flow of income while the Cheddar took its time to age. The Trethowans, however, have gone about this the other way around. While based in their home country of Wales, they made their name producing their signature Gorwydd Caerphilly, but when they moved across the border to a dairy farm just up the road from the Somerset market town of Cheddar, they felt compelled to begin producing a clothbound Cheddar alongside it. The milk comes from their herd of Holstein and Jersey cows, which graze on the farm’s organic pastures. The Cheddar is handmade in small batches to a traditional farmhouse recipe. – Neal’s Yard Dairy
lincolnshire-poacher-cheeseNeal’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:
lincolnshire_poacher_location_map_720x

© Photo from Neal’s Yard Dairy

Although the loamy or clay soils of Lincolnshire are usually ill-suited to dairy farming, the lush pastures of Simon Jones’s Ulceby Grange farm sit on chalky land – and it is this, combined with the mild climate, that has made Lincolnshire Poacher one of very few cheeses to be produced on the east coast of the country. Though the farm has been in the family since 1917, the Jones family didn’t start making cheese until the 1990s, when a young Simon returned from agricultural college. Eager to turn his hand toward cheesemaking, he enlisted the help of renowned Welsh cheesemaker Dougal Campbell to develop a recipe, and the result – which incorporates the hallmarks of a hard mountain cheese into a traditional West Country Cheddar – proved so popular that customers at the local cheese shop initially had to be rationed to quarter of a pound each. Simon’s brother Tim has since joined him on the farm, and in 1995 Simon employed a full-time cheesemaker, Richard Tagg. Today, it is Jon Collins whose job it is to transform milk from their 230-strong herd of Holstein Friesians into cheese on an almost daily basis. Once the curds have been moulded, salted and pressed for 36 hours, the resulting cheese truckles are matured on wooden boards and turned regularly to ensure even maturation. The brothers recently invested in a robot for turning the truckles, improving consistency still further. Though some Lincolnshire Poacher will be aged for up to 36 months, we believe the finest tasting truckles are between a year and 24 months old. – Neal’s Yard Dairy ABOUT NEAL’S YARD DAIRY: Founded in 1979 by Randolph Hodgson, Neal’s Yard Dairy started as a small shop tucked away in corner of London’s Covent Garden, selling and making Greek-style yogurt, crème fraîche and a couple other cheeses. It later became a popular shop for local farmhouse cheesemakers to sell their own product. Today, Neals’ Yard Dairy sells the very best British and Irish cheeses. They work with about 40 cheesemakers, all with different cheesemaking styles and techniques. Learn more about their story here.

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 >

December Beer Club: Iowa

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BeerClubLogofair-state-main-boss-imperial-stoutFair State Brewing Cooperative
Main Boss
Imperial Stout
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Made in collaboration with Pulpit Rock (IA), this stout is inspired by their love of rum cocktails. Infused with tons of coconut and the brewery’s take on Orgeat syrup (a classic cocktail ingredient with almonds and citrus), there is a subtle tropical twist in this gigantic winter stout. There are flavors of coconut, rum drinks, pithy orange, and nutty dark malts that are sweet, thick and intense.

BeerStyles: Dark & Roasty
Style: Imperial Stout
ABV: 12% alcohol / volume

fair-state-spirit-foulFair State Brewing Cooperative
Spirit Foul
Double Dry-Hopped Hazy IPA
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Brewed in collaboration with San Diego’s Modern Times Beer, Spirit Foul is Fair State’s first ever hazy IPA. Super juicy, tropical, dank, and low bitterness, the breweries use the freshest Strata, Citra and Mosaic hops for its passion fruit aroma. The beer’s soft and signature haze is created using pilsner malt, pale wheat, flaked oats and flaked barley. 

BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter
Style: Double Dry-Hopped Hazy IPA
ABV: 6.3% 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.

WeldWerks Juicy Bits IPAWeldWerks Brewing Co.
Juicy Bits
IPA
Greeley, Colorado

WeldWerks flagship IPA with huge citrus and tropical fruit character from Mosaic, Citra and El Dorado hops.  Their New England-style IPA has a softer, fluffier mouthfeel with a hop haze.

BeerStyles: Hoppy and Bitter
Style: IPA
ABV: 6.7% alcohol / volume

extra extra juicy bits double IPAWeldWerks Brewing Co.
Extra Extra Juicy Bits
Imperial Double IPA
Greeley, Colorado

This hazy Double IPA is brewed with Citra, Mosaic and El Dorado hops. It is then Double dry hopped with Extra Extra Nelson Sauvin.

BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter
Style: Imperial Double IPA
ABV: 8.6% alcohol / volume

ABOUT WELDWERKS BREWING CO.:
Like many other great businesses do, WeldWerks started as a hobby in a garage. In 2009, Co-founder and head brewer, Neil Fisher, began home-brewing with his friends. Once a month, everyone would get together to brew, learn and enjoy each other’s company. By 2014, Neil had entered into the Big Beers, Belgians and Barleywines festival; prior to this competition, friend, and no-CEO and co-founder, Colin Jones, made an agreement with Neil, promising to consider opening a brewery if Neil were to bring back a medal. 11 months and two medals later, the first beers were poured at WeldWerks Brewing. Today, all of WeldWerks beers are produced in their downtown Greeley location on their 15 bbl 3-vessel steam brewhouse. They have produced 300+ unique beers in just four years across a nearly infinite range of styles. Learn more about the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.

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December Sweet Club Iowa

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Sweet Wine Clubpiquitos moscato sweet wine clubPiquitos
Moscato
D.O. Valencia, Spain

NECTAR WINE STYLE

A fizzy moscato dedicated to wine lovers without complexes looking for fun and to get a party started.

This Moscato is bright lemon-gold in color with a light pearliness in its appearance. The nose is clean and youthful with heavy floral and fruity notes of mandarin peel, honeysuckle and sweet orange blossom. The palate has a sweetness that coats the mouth, then refreshes itself with the airy bubbles. It is luscious and harmoniously balanced.

Analysis: 11% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Moscatel
TA: 5.47 g/L
pH: 3.23
RS: 51.2 g/L
V. Acidity: 0.15 g/L
Region: D.O. Valencia, Spain
Vineyard: Valley Valentino & Alto Turia in the heart of Valencia
Age of Vines: 15-20 year-old vines
Yield: 50 hl/ha
Altitude: 200-650 m.
Climate: Warm Mediterranean
Harvest: First fortnight of September
Vinification: Cold Maceration
Fermentation: 53.6-60.8ºF
Aging: Stainless Steel

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.

ABOUT THE WINERY: 
Piquitos is intended to mean “little kisses” in Spanish, as their wines are designed to share their love. Sourced from sunny Mediterranean Coast in Valencia, Spain, Piquitos is made by the team from Hammeken Cellars – an innovative producer and exporter of Spanish wines. Their philosophy is to gather the best local grapes and traditions in Spain and pair those with the “New World” winemaking techniques and styles to produce high quality, fruit forward and fresh wines. Learn more about their company here.

Tintero moscato wineCantine Elvio Tintero
Moscato d’Asti ‘Sori Gramella’
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Delightfully fizzy and slightly sweet, an irresistible combination.

The third generation Tintero family continues the traditions of winemaking in Gramella. “Sori” in Piedmontese indicates the south-facing slope of a hill, that pampers the grapes with 20% more sunshine. Cantine Elvio Tintero are the only producers to sustainable farm and commercially bottle from this striking single-vineyard, limestone amphitheater. Vines were planted in the late 1980’s. Grapes are harvested and pressed, then kept at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks to provide the freshest wine possible.

Analysis: 7% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Moscato
Appellation: Moscato d’Asti, Langhe
RS: 110 g/L
Vine Age: Average 30 years
Soil Type: Clay, limestone with rocks
Vineyard Area: 25 hectares
Producer: Marco Tintero
Founded: 1900
Annual Production: 41,000 cases
Farming: Sustainable

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

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The winery’s legacy began in 1900 when a Frenchman named Pierre Tintero set out to Piedmont in search of work. Here, he found a job helping a widow, Rosina Cortese with her small estate, and just a few years later the couple fell in love, married and continued to grow their estate. Passed down from generation to generation, the family eventually took over the adjacent vineyard plots and began growing a small production of Moscato. It wasn’t until 1980, when grandson, Elvio, began experimenting with frizzante wine production, allowing the family to take advantage of the grape’s special affinity to the local terroir. Today, Elvio help’s his son and daughter-in-law run the estate producing fresh, easy and fun wines to drink with friends. Learn more about their story here.

Sweet ClubLove the Sweet life?
“Wine” not try our Sweet Club! 

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December Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine Clubraptor ridge winery rose 2015 anniversaryRaptor Ridge Winery
Brut Rosé Méthode Champenoise
Anniversary Estate Cuvée Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley, Oregon

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Since 1996, when the Shull’s planted Harbinger Vineyard high in the Chehalem Mountains, the site produces a lean expression of Pinot Noir in all but the warmest vintages. With over 2400 vines per acre, this single-guyot trellised site is densely planted by Oregon Standards. The top of the vineyard is about 800 feet above sea level, providing cool nights and slow ripening of the 100% Pinot Noir plantings. In the particularly cool vintage of 2011, a switch went on in Scott Shull’s brain…sparkle it! Henceforth, their approach to this 21-year old vineyard has been to focus on classic Méthode Champenoise. In 2015 Raptor Ridge Winery decided to increase the production by adding Tuscowallame Estate Pinot Noir, which comes from their highest block and contains a mixture of clones. Both vineyards are farmed identically. The base wine ferments and rests en tirage for about three years, before disgorgement and dosage to complete the wine for final bottling.

Appellation: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
TA: 7.5 
pH: 3.37
Brix: 20.8
Case Production: 360
De-stem: 100%
Cold Soak: 96 hours

ABOUT THE RAPTOR RIDGE WINERY:
Owned and operated by Scott and Annie Shull, the duo have been nurturing Raptor Ridge for 26 years – from a “garage” winery, to the clearing of their vineyard in 2000 and the opening of their tasting room in 2010. The Shull’s winegrowing focuses on quality, consistency and intrigue. Their wines express simplicity, while also having layers of sensory complexity on the palate and mind. Learn more about their journey here.

gaspard bulles sparkling rose

Gaspard
Bulles Sparkling Rosé
Loire Valley, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

“Bulles”, meaning “bubbles” in French, is the perfect name for this wine. This sparkling, fruity Rosé is full of red berries. It makes for a perfect aperitif wine, great for any celebration, or while snacking on other nibbles.

Grapes: Pineau d’aunis
Vineyard: Clay and Limestone
Vines: 80 year-old vines, sustainable growing practices

WINEMAKING:
The grapes are handpicked, pressed. The first fermentation occurs with natural yeast in tanks. The wine is then filtered and bottled with liqueur de tirage to start the second fermentation in bottles. The wine is disgorged and topped up with more wine, zero sugar added. Total time in cellar is 36 months.

ABOUT THE GASPARD:
Gaspard is one of Jenny & François‘ house labels, these wines come from their exclusive cooperation with carefully selected winemakers in France and beyond. The growers they are partnered with work sustainably and organically to produce the purest wine. These Loire Valley wines focus on the nature of the wine, while also staying in a friendly budget to their consumers. All wines are made with tradition and use the most popular varieties of their regions. Learn more about their story here.

Bubbly Wine ClubLearn more about our Bubbly Club >

 

 

Maison Louis Latour Pinot Noir Les Pierres Dorées

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Rack of LambGarlic-Crusted Roast Rack of Lamb

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 head of garlic (cloves peeled)
  • ¼ cup rosemary leaves
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 racks of lamb, frenched (2 pounds each)
  • salt and freshly ground pepper

DIRECTIONS:

  1. In a mini food processor, combine the garlic, rosemary and olive oil and process until the garlic is finely chopped. Season the lamb racks with salt and pepper and rub the garlic-rosemary oil all over them. Set the racks fat side up on a large rimmed baking sheet and let stand for 1 hour.
  2. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Roast the lamb in the upper third of the oven for 15 minutes. Turn the racks and roast for 10 minutes longer for medium-rare meat. Transfer the racks to a carving board, stand them upright and let rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Carve the racks in between the rib bones and transfer to plates. Serve right away.

© Recipe courtesy of Kenny Rochford from Food & Wine.

DECEMBER WINE CLUB:

pinot noir les pierres dorees
Louis Latour
Pinot Noir Les Pierres Dorées
Burgundy, France

MELLOW WINE STYLE

The Les Pierres Dorées Pinot Noir has an intense, bright red color with red-garnet hues. On the nose, there are notes of flowers, red berries and soft spices. On the palate, it is round and full-bodied. It has a great deal of freshness with long under notes of black fruits.

Varietal: Pinot Noir
Analysis: 13-13.2% alcohol / volume
Region: Beaujolais, France
Village: Les Pierres Dorées
Appellation: Burgundy
Average Vine Age: 7 years
Soil: Clay and limestone with Iron-oxide
Harvest: Mechanical
Fermentation: Traditional in open vats
Aging: 10 to 12 months aging in stainless steel vats and oak barrels
Barrels: Louis Latour cooperage, French oak, medium toasted
Cellaring Potential: 5-7 years
Serving Temperature: 57.2-60.8ºF
Food Pairing: Rack of lamb, quail with grapes, red tuna tartare, sea bass, goat cheese, red fruit soup
Critical Acclaim: James Suckling 2018, 89 pts

WINERY NOTES:
Maison Louis Latour once again exports its Burgundian know-how outside of the Côte d’Or. After the great successes of Ardèche and Var, they decided to repeat the experience in the heart of Beaujolais with the planting of 20 hectares of Pinot Noir. The calcareous soil rich in iron oxide gives a very particular ochre color, and the high altitude contribute to produce a surprising wine which associates richness and freshness with a beautiful aromatic complexity. This region offers beautiful argilo-calcareous soils, the plots selected by Maison Louis Latour form two islands and are situated on the villages of Morancé and Theizé. With a continental moderate climate, vineyards benefit from an ideal period of sunshine but the temperatures are relatively fresh due to an elevation between 280 and 400 meters.

ABOUT MAISON LOUIS LATOUR:
Founded in 1797, Maison Louis Latour has been apart of Burgundian history for more than two centuries. Authentic and independent, the winery is now run by the 11th generation of the founding family. The family is determined to preserve the winery’s unique heritage. Today, the Latour’s family Domaine spreads over 50 hectares of exceptional vineyards. Learn more about their history here.

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December Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Skillet Cranberry Roasted Chicken and Potatoes

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 skin-on chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • zest + juice of 1/2 lemon
  • kosher salt and pepper
  • 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
  • 3 carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup white wine or chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic

DIRECTIONS:

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  • Rub the chicken with 2 tablespoons olive oil, the thyme, rosemary, garlic and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat a large oven safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken, skin side down, and sear until golden, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook 5 minutes more. Remove the chicken from the skillet. Add 2 tablespoons butter, the potatoes, carrots, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Pour in the wine, deglazing the pan and scraping up any browned bits off the bottom. Simmer the wine for 5 minutes or until reduced slightly. Remove from the heat and nestle the chicken into the potatoes. Add the lemon juice.
  • In a small bowl, toss together the cranberries, brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle the cranberries over the chicken. Transfer to the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. Plate the chicken and potatoes and drizzle with the sauce left in the pan. EAT!

© Recipe courtesy of Tieghan Gerard from Half Baked Harvest.

DECEMBER WINE CLUB:

fleurie chateau des dorees wine bottleHenry Fessy
Fleurie Château des Labourons
Burgundy, France

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Ruby red in color with light hints of purple, the nose has intense flavors of blackberry and blackcurrant. On the palate, the Fleurie “Château des Labourons” is concentrated, with supple and silky tannins. It has a beautiful finish with slightly peppery and violet notes.
 
Château des Labourons dominates the beautiful hillsides of the Fleurie appellation. It is located three kilometers further up the hill from the hamlet of Les Labourons. The combination of the altitude, slope, exposure and quality of the soil have created a promising terroir in the heart of the Fleurie Cru. Château des Labourons’ current architecture dates from the 19th century. It was rebuilt from ashes after a devastating fire, but still retains some of its original architectural character. This Château has a long history, over five generations of the “de Lescure” family, and it was already producing wine by the 18th century.
 
Varietal: 100% Gamay
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Beaujolais, France
Soil Composition: Igneous rock – mainly pale pink granite that breaks down into coarse “blockfields”
Harvest: Manual
Average Vine Age: 40 Years
Pruning: Gobelet
Density of Vines: 10,000 vines/ha
Critical Acclaim: 
  • James Suckling – February 2017 – 92 pts
  • Wine Spectator – July 2017 – 88 pts
  • Wine Enthusiast – May 2017 – 88 pts
  • Jancis Robinson – UK – January 2017 – 16.5 pts
  • Guide Bettane & Desseauve – Septembre 2016 – 14 pts
  • Concours Général Agricole – Février 2016 – Médaille d’Or
Suggested Food Pairings: Roasted chicken, grilled meats and cheese
Serving Temperature: 57.2-59°F
Winemaking: The château selects the best grapes, then carries out non-carbonic vinification in open vats. Afterwards, the grapes go through pneumatic pressing and fermentation, the wine is matured in old oak tuns before bottling.
 
ABOUT HENRY FESSY:
The Fessy Family has been based in the heart of the Brouilly appellation since 1888. They have purchased parcels of vineyards in most of the Crus and Beaujolais-Villages over the years, creating an enviable domaine of nearly 70 hectares of vineyards. Their philosophy is to work with sensitivity and intelligence to produce highly characterful wines with little to no intervention. Learn more about the winery here.
 
© Photo by Henry Fessy
© Photo by Henry Fessy
© Photo by Henry Fessy
© Photo by Henry Fessy

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Maison Simonnet-Febvre Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons

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GougèresGougères

INGREDIENTS:

  • 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • pinch of nutmeg
  • 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 6 ounces (1½ cups) grated Comté cheese or Gruyère
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large egg yolk

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring butter, salt, nutmeg, and 1 cup water to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring until butter is melted. Remove from heat, add flour, and stir to combine.
  2. Cook mixture over medium heat, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon, until mixture pulls away from sides of pan and forms a ball, about 2 minutes. Continue to cook, stirring vigorously, until a dry film forms on bottom and sides of pan and dough is no longer sticky, about 2 minutes longer. Remove pan from heat and let dough cool slightly, about 2 minutes. Mix in whole eggs one at a time, incorporating fully between additions. Mix in cheese and pepper.
  3. Scrape dough into a piping bag fitted with a ½” round tip (alternatively, use a plastic bag with a ½” opening cut diagonally from 1 corner). Pipe 1” rounds about 2” apart onto 2 parchment-lined baking sheets. Whisk egg yolk and 1 tsp. water in a small bowl; brush rounds with egg wash.
  4. Bake gougères until puffed and golden and dry in the center (they should sound hollow when tapped), 20–25 minutes.
  5. NOTE: Dough can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover and chill. Gougères can be baked 2 hours ahead; reheat before serving.

© Recipe courtesy of Mimi Thorisson of Bon Appétit.

DECEMBER WINE CLUB:

chablis premier cru vaillonsMaison Simonnet-Febvre
Chablis Premier Cru “Vaillons”
Burgundy, France

SILKY WINE STYLE

The Chablis Premier Cru “Vaillons” has notes of citrus and white flowers. The mouth is long and complex with a pronounced, lingering mineral finish.

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Premier Cru
Soil: Kimmeridgian marl & limestone
Vinification: Stainless steel tanks between 62.6-69.8°F
Aging: 12 months in stainless steel, on lees; then 4-5 years
Average Age of the Vines: 35 years
Yield: 58 hl/ha
Serving Temperature: 50-53.6°F

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
This vineyard is situated on the left bank of the Serein river, and has an ideal southwesterly aspect. The soils of the left bank are less clay-like than those of the right bank. This wine is one of the most highly-rated left-bank Chablis from Maison Simonnet-Febvre.

ABOUT MAISON SIMONNET-FEBVRE:
Founded in 1840, Maison Simonnet-Febvre has become one of the oldest traditional Chablis wineries in the area. Originally named Febvre-Forgeot, after founder, Jean Febvre, married the daughter of a broker named Forgeot. In 1894, after the death of Jean Febvre, his daughter Melanie took over the company with her husband, Amedee Simonnet, and so, the company changed to benefit the person who would take the reins. Over the years, the winery continued to grow as it has been passed down from generation to generation. Learn more about their family winery here.

© Photo Simonnet-Febvre
© Photo Simonnet-Febvre
© Photo Simonnet-Febvre
© Photo Simonnet-Febvre

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