August Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine Clubpitars-prosecco-millesimato-extra-dry-docPitars
Prosecco Millesimato Extra Dry
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Pitars Prosecco Millesimato Extra Dry wine is effervescent with a fine and persistent perlage. It is pale, straw yellow in color with hints of green tones. On the nose, there is a rich range of fruit with aromas of wisteria, acacia flowers, unripe apples, lemons and grapefruits. The wine is full-bodied and has a pleasant acidity that is both fresh and dry. 

Soil: Gravely of alluvial foothill origin, typical of the land named “Grave del Friuli”
Grapes: Pure Glera grape
Growing System: Guyot
Harvest: First two weeks of September
Vinification: White vinification. First fermentation occurs in steel vats at controlled temperature, where selected yeasts are added. Bubbles are created inside low-temperature pressure tanks – Martinotti-Charmat method.
Fining: In bottle
Serving Temperature: 46.4ºF-50ºF
Food Pairings: Versatile with any occasion, pairs well with hors d’oeuvres
Awards: Gilber & Gaillard, Gold Medal

pitars-rose-spumante-dryPitars
Rosé Dry Sparkling Wine
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Pitars Rosé has elegant and persistent bubbles. It is a very fresh and lightly aromatic wine. Brilliant pale pink in color; the nose is delicate, floral and fruity, with notes of strawberry, raspberry and rose. 

Analysis: 11.5% alcohol / volume
TA: 5.6 g/l
Sugar: 18.5 g/l
Pressure: 4.5 bar
Soil: Gravely of alluvial foothill origin
Growing System: Guyot
Harvest: First week of September, manual harvest
Vinification: White vinification. First fermentation takes place is steel vats at controlled temperatures – this is where the selected yeasts are added. The wine becomes bubbly inside these low-temperature pressure takes, known as the Charmat method.
Aging: Six months in bottle
Serving Temperature: 45ºF-50ºF
Food Pairings: Versatile with any occasion, or ideal as an aperitif
Awards: James Suckling, 90 pts. | Bibenda, 3 Bunches

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Winemaking has been in the Pittaro family for many centuries – dating back to 1644. In 1880 Romano Pittaro, imported Merlot vines from France into Friuli, Italy. His son, Angelo Pittaro, built the first modern winery called the Cantina San Martino – later changing the name to Pitars to honor the family name. Today, the winery is still in the family’s hands, passed down from generation to generation. They continue to honor their family tradition in the craft of making excellent wine. Learn more about their family business here.

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Pomar Junction Brooster

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Asian Steak Skewers

© Photo by the Recipe Critic

Grilled Asian Garlic Steak Skewers

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 1/2 pounds top sirloin steak
  • 1 red onion
  • 2/3 cup soy sauce
  • 6 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/4 cup sesame oil
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon grated ginger
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • sliced green onions for garnish
  • skewers

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Cut steak into one inch cubes. Cut the red onion into large chunks and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl whisk together soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, vegetable oil, sugar, ginger and sesame seeds. Add the steak and toss to coat in marinade. Marinate for 3 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the meat and the red onion onto the skewers. Grill for 8-10 minutes until the meat is done to desired liking.

© Recipe courtesy of Alyssa Rivers of The Recipe Critic.

AUGUST WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoPomarJunction_2018BroosterPomar Junction
Brooster Fighting Red
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The “Brooster Fighting Red” Blend is an approachable red wine that is medium-bodied with spicy accents. It highlights flavors of red cherry, plum, berries, caramel and black pepper with hints of spice and oak. This wine is excellent on its own or paired with a casual meal.

Varietal: 30% Zinfandel, 25% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Grenache Noir, 6% Mourvèdre, 2% Petit Verdot
Analysis: 14.7% alcohol / volume
PH: 3.48
TA: 6.1 g/L
Production: 1715 cases
Aging: 18 Months, Neutral Oak
Winemaker: Jim Shumate

 

 

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“In homage to historic and traditional Paso Robles table wines, it is approachable with domesticated red cherry and plum flavors with just a hint of oak. This style of wine is reminiscent of Zinfandel blends commonly produced before the days of “over the top” ripeness and high alcohol levels. Caramel, black pepper, and a hint of minerality add complexity to this affordable red wine. It is accessible via the convenient Stelvin screw-cap and its bright, colorful package is a big hit in restaurants. It goes with many lighter foods that heavier red wines might overwhelm. It is sure to give you something to crow about!” – Jim Shumate, winemaker

ABOUT POMAR JUNCTION VINEYARD & WINERY:
Located in the El Pomar District in the heart of the Paso Robles AVA, Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery is family owned and operated by the Merrill Family. Here, they grow premium grapes, focusing on small lot, food friendly wines with sustainable vineyard management techniques. The winemaking experience is further enhanced by their Head Winemaker and Cal Poly SLO Enology Professor, Jim Shumate. Learn more about the Merrill Family and Jim Shumate here.

© Photo by Pomar Junction
© Photo by Pomar Junction – (Left to Right) Matt Merrill, Dana Merrill, and Jim Shumate
© Photo by Pomar Junction

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Pomar Junction Sidetrack White

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Peach Chicken Ricotta Pizza

© Photo by Liz Andrew / Styling by Erin McDowell

Grilled Peach, Chicken and Ricotta Pizza

INGREDIENTS:

  • two 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 peaches, halved
  • 1 red onion, peeled
  • extra-virgin olive oil, as needed
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • one 8-ounce ball of store-bought pizza dough
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese
  • fresh basil leaves, for serving

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Brush the chicken breasts, peaches and onion with olive oil; season with salt and pepper. 
  2. Grill the peaches and onion until they are charred and tender, 7 to 9 minutes. Grill the chicken until it is cooked through, 9 to 11 minutes.
  3. Preheat the oven to 475°F. Thinly slice the peaches, onion and chicken; set aside.
  4. Using a rolling pin, roll out the pizza dough until it is ½-inch thick. Place the dough on a baking sheet and top with the ricotta, peaches, onion, chicken and Parmesan.
  5. Bake until the crust is golden and crisp, 15 to 17 minutes. Cool 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves. 

© Recipe courtesy of Erin McDowell from Pure Wow.

AUGUST WINE CLUB:

Silky styleSide Track White wine bottlePomar Junction
Sidetrack White
Paso Robles, California

SILKY WINE STYLE

The Sidetrack White is a blend of Rhône grapes grown in the El Pomar District of Paso Robles, California. On the nose, there are scents of white peach, spiced pear, and orange blossoms. The palate is well balanced and tropical.  This wine can be enjoyed on its own or enhance various meals.

Varietal: 50% Viognier, 35% Roussanne, 15% Grenache Blanc
Region: El Pomar District AVA
Analysis: 14.2% alcohol / volume
Brix: 24.2
PH: 3.52
TA: 7.0 g/L
Residual Sugar: 0.61%
Production: 888 cases
Aging: 5 months in 10% new acacia wood, 90% neutral oak
 
ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Merrill Family has been growing and producing grapes in California’s Central Coast for the past eight generations. Today, Dana and Marsha Merrill, along with their son, Matthew, and winemaker, Jim Shumate farm the vineyards and produce elegant wines of their own. The finest blocks of grapes are selected from their family estate, along with vineyards in Santa Barbara and Monterey Counties managed by a sister firm, Mesa Vineyard Management, Inc. All wines produced are exclusively farmed by the Merrill’s who believe that control from planting and pruning through harvest, fermentation and cellaring is critical for success. Learn more here.
 
PASO UNCORKED: Click play below to hear Pomar Junction’s winemaker, Jim Shumate, speak about the El Pomar District with The Krush 92.5 FM.
 
 
 
 
Rachel Lomeli Photography www.rachellomeli.com

Merrill Family © Rachel Lomeli Photography

 

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August Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Roast Beef & Smoked Gouda Grilled Cheese

Roast Beef Smoked Gouda Sandwich

© Photo by Running to the Kitchen

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 large red onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, coarsely chopped
  • 2 slices of bread
  • 1/4 pound sliced roast beef
  • 3-4 ounces smoked gouda, sliced

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Once the butter is melted, add the onions and sage.
  3. Toss to coat all the onions in the butter, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the onions sauté slowly for 30 minutes, only stirring very occasionally. After 30 minutes they should be nice and caramelized.
  4. Use the remaining tablespoon of butter to spread on one side of each slice of bread.
  5. With the buttered side facing down, layer half the cheese slices on top of the bread.
  6. Next lay the roast beef on top of the cheese.
  7. Spoon some of the onions (you may have extra) on top of the roast beef.
  8. Top the onions with the remaining cheese and then the other slice of bread with the buttered side facing up.
  9. Transfer the sandwich to a skillet over medium heat.
  10. Press the sandwich down using a large spatula and hold pressure on it so that the cheese melts. After about 2 minutes, flip the sandwich over and repeat. The first side should be a nice golden brown. Alternatively, you could use a panini press for this if you have one.
  11. Once the other side is golden brown and the cheese is melted, remove from the skillet, cut in half and serve up with your bowl of soup!

© Recipe courtesy of Gina Matsoukas from Running to the Kitchen.

AUGUST WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoSidetrack RedPomar Junction
Sidetrack Red
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Sidetrack Red is a proprietary blend highlighting the distinct flavors from the El Pomar District of Paso Robles. It is vibrant, deep and rich in colors, with aromas of plums, blueberries, red roses and caramel. On the palate, there are notes of berries, dark chocolate, and spices.

Varietal: 44% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 1% Grenanche Noir
Region: El Pomar District AVA
Analysis: 14.08% alcohol / volume
Brix: 24.5
PH: 3.54
TA: 6.6 g/L
Residual Sugar: 0.40%
Production: 1235 cases
Aging: 9 months
Critical Acclaim: Silver Medal – San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Food Pairings: Roast beef, cabernet braised cabbage, gouda & cheddar cheeses
 
WINEMAKER NOTES:
“Pomar Junction Vineyard has a unique terroir, as our limestone soils, cooling Templeton Gap breezes and expert sustainable farming techniques (SIP Certified Vineyards) combine to produce this outstanding wine. The Sidetrack Red makes a fantastic, food-friendly wine.” – Jim Shumate, winemaker.
 
ABOUT POMAR JUNCTION VINEYARD & WINERY:
Dating back at least eight generations, the Merrill Family has been growing and producing grapes on California’s Central Coast since the 19th Century. Originally, the family was growing grapes for other wineries in California – from premium small producers to large international brands. Today, Dana and Marsha Merrill, along with their son, Matthew, and winemaker, Jim Shumate farm the vineyards and produce elegant wines of their own. Learn more here.
 

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July Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubKynthos HalloumiKynthos Halloumi Cyprus, Greece

A traditional cheese of Cyprus, Greece, the Kynthos Halloumi will have you feeling like you’re surrounded by the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches of Greece. Made of cow’s milk, sheep’s milk and goat’s milk, this cheese has a very low acid content, making it the perfect grilling or frying cheese. Halloumi often resembles a much firmer and saltier block of clean, light mozzarella.  FOOD PAIRING: This is cheese is a great blank slate to all sorts of dishes. Try grilled, fried, baked, sautéed, or simply on its own. Chop up with watermelon for a fun summer salad, or add any sauce on top of your baked cheese – perfect for a summer BBQ. Try one of Kynthos’ Grilled Halloumi recipes here. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: Crisp and fruity wines, such as a Rosé make a perfect accompaniment to this cheese. Look for a Greek wine – what grows together, goes together! For craft beer, reach for a crisp and clean brew. WINESTYLES: Crisp or Fruity BEERSTYLES: Crisp and Clean “Halloumi has been increasingly eaten all over the world since its creation in what is now known as the Middle Eastern island country of Cyprus back during the Medieval Byzantine period which started in 395 AD. Halloumi is widely recognized throughout the Mediterranean as the crowning cheese jewel of Cyprus cuisine as well as in neighboring Turkey and Greece.” – Kynthos Gril

Regular-kefalotyriKourellas Kefaloytre Grevena, Greece

Kefaloytre is a classic cheese of Greece. It is a hard, aged cheese made up of pasteurized sheep and goat’s milk. The Kourellas family keep things traditional by salting the cheese by hand as it matures. Dating back to the Byzantine era, Kefalotyri is believed to be the ancestor of most hard Greek cheeses. FOOD PAIRING: This cheese is an essential ingredient in classic Greek dishes, such as moussaka, pastitsio, or spanakopita. Grate over pasta, serve shavings with pears and grapes, or fry a couple slices with your eggs. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: Similar to the Halloumi pairings, search for something crisp and fruity, such as a Rosé. Even better, look for a Greek wine to accompany your cheese! For craft beer, stick with a crisp and clean brew. WINESTYLES: Crisp or Fruity BEERSTYLES: Crisp and Clean ABOUT KOURELLAS DAIRY: Greece’s first organic dairy, the Kourellas family has been making traditional Greek dairy since 1960. Their family farm sits in Grevena, a region known for its exceptional dairy products. Although over the years they have outgrown their original dairy, they continue to maintain the same standards of quality and recipes passed down from generation to generation. Learn more about their story here.

Screen Shot 2021-06-28 at 7.24.47 PMDon’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 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 cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >

July Beer Club: Iowa

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BeerClubLogoThe Good MonsterCollective Arts Brewing
Good Monster DIPA
Toronto, Canada

This New England style Double IPA is a beast, but in a GOOD monster type of way. It is double dry hopped with 24 g/L of Mosaic, Citra, Simcoe and Amerillo; highlighting flavors of tropical mango, passionfruit, peach, bright orange, lemon and grapefruit.

BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter
Style: New England DIPA
ABV: 8% alcohol / volume
Artist: Kire Torres

Guava GoseCollective Arts Brewing
Guava Gose
Toronto, Canada

This Guava Gose is soft cloudy pink in color with tropical aromas. This Gose is similar to a sour mashed wheat beer, dosed with as much guava as possible. It is balanced with lemony tartness, Himalayan pink sea salt and coriander, with a flowery, brightness from the guava. This is a perfect harmony of tart, sweet, and sour.

BeerStyles: Sour, Tart & Funky
Style: Gose
ABV: 4.9% alcohol / volume
Can Artist: Sergio Vazquez

SmoCollective Arts Brewing
Berry, Banana, Acai, & Granola Smoothie
Toronto, Canada

This sour beer is everything reminiscent of a breakfast smoothie bowl. Collective Arts Brewing uses strawberries, blackberries, açaí berries, banana, granola and milk sugar to make this bright, sour beer.

BeerStyles: Sour, Tart & Funky
Style: Sour
ABV: 5.6% alcohol / volume
Artist: Joel Mackenzie

ABOUT THE BREWERY:
Collective Arts Brewery combines the creativity of their craft beverages with the inspiration of local artists all around the world. They feature limited-edition pieces of artwork on all of their cans, and aspire to produce equally creative and delicious drinks inside. Learn more about their company here.

Astro-world-canBlackStack Brewing
Astroworld
St. Paul, Minnesota

This triple New England IPA is made with Comet, Australian Galaxy and hand-selected Strata from Indie Hops. It highlights citrus and grapefruit flavors with a sweet melon finish. 

BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter
Style: Triple IPA (TDH TIPA)
ABV: 10.1% alcohol / volume

ABOUT THE BREWERY:
A family owned and operated brewery, the Johnston family have had a long love affair with great beer. In the 1990’s, Scott Johnson, the patriarch of the family, owned of All Saints Brands, Inc., a distribution company bringing European classic beers into Minnesota. Finally, in 2017, the entire family was able to launch BlackStack Brewing. Learn more about their journey here.

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July Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubChampagne_Taittinger_Brut_La_Francaise-bottleTaittinger
Brut La Française
Champagne, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Taittinger Brut La Française is pale gold in color with fine, persistent bubbles. On the nose, there are delicate aromas of peach, white flowers, vanilla pods, and brioche and the on the palate there are flavors of fresh fruit and honey. Excellent with foods such as seafood and white meat.

Analysis: 12.3% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier
Appellation: Champagne, France
Aging: 3-4 years on lees
Winemaker: Alexandre Ponnavoy

WINEMAKER NOTES:
Taittinger Brut La Française is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier wines from at least 35 villages. The high proportion of Chardonnay (40%) is unique among fine nonvintage Champagnes. The presses are located in the vineyard for immediate pressing of the fruit after the manual harvest, and the resulting must is cold fermented under temperature-controlled conditions. After resting until the end of winter, the wine is blended, and then the final cuvée undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle in Taittinger’s cool cellars. The aging of Brut La Française on the lees for almost 4 years, more than double the legal minimum of 15 months. This extra time in the cellars allows the wine to reach the peak of aromatic maturity, and the result is a delicately balanced Champagne, known for its consistently excellent quality.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Taittinger family has managed the Champagne House for nearly a century. Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, grandson of the founder, has maintained this commitment for 40 years and today he shares it with his son, Clovis and his daughter, Vitalie who both work beside him. Their aim is to always achieve excellence with their work. “Having our family name on a bottle places demands and responsibilities on every minute. It conveys both the skills and knowledge of the past and a commitment to the future,” Clovis Taittinger.  Champagne Taittinger is one of the few remaining family owned and operated Champagne houses. The firm is distinguished for its extensive vineyard holdings of 752 acres, including prestigious Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims regions. Unlike most large houses, Champagne Taittinger relies primarily on estate grapes for its portfolio of Champagnes. Also unique are the higher proportion of Chardonnay in its wines that gives Taittinger its signature style, and the time devoted to aging the wines before release—most often greatly exceeding the legal requirement, in a practice that also has become a Taittinger hallmark. Learn more about the family business here.

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July Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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Bold wine Style logoAmulet CabernetAmulet Estate
2017 Amulet
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The 2017 Amulet Cabernet is deep purple in color is aromas of black cherry, cranberry, cardamom, and bay leaf. It is smooth yet expansive on the palate and highlights flavors of crushed ripe strawberry, graphite, and warm clove. Firm tannins give this wine volume in the mouth, and notes of tobacco linger into a fresh and refined finish.

Analysis: 15.4% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot
Appellation: Napa Valley; 77% St. Helena, 23% Oakville
Winemaker: Shawn Johnson
History of Accolades:

  • 2014 – 93 pts Wine Advocate
  • 2015 – 93 pts Wine Advocate, 91 pts Vinous
  • 2016 – 95 pts Jeb Dunnuck, 93 pts Wine Advocate

Bold wine Style logoDancing HaresAmulet Estate
2017 Dancing Hares
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The 2017 Dancing Hares has heavy aromas of plum preserve, crème de cassis, and spice box. It is velvety on the palate, evolving into deep flavors of warm licorice, black fruits, and olive tapenade. It finishes with great volume and length.

Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot
Appellation: St. Helena, Napa Valley
Winemaker: Shawn Johnson

ABOUT THE WINE:
In 2000, five acres of Bordeaux varietals were planted on rocky, porous soils at the base of Howell Mountain, called Dancing Hares. Now known as Amulet Estate but with a more distinct focus on a portfolio of single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.  With an appreciation for the past, Amulet continues to honor the traditions of Dancing Hares and produce a wine of elegance and grace, aged for nearly two years in new and neutral French Oak barrels.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The word “amulet” comes from the Latin word “amulētum”, meaning an object that provides good fortune or a good luck charm. However, the true mark of the Amulet portfolio comes from their deep respect for the land and the pioneering spirit expressed in early Napa Valley viticulture. Each single vineyard is carefully selected to create a varietal that expresses the elegance of the Napa Valley terroir. Learn more about their history and philosophy here.

© Photo by Amulet Estate
© Photo by Amulet Estate
© Photo by Amulet Estate
© Photo by Amulet Estate
© Photo by Amulet Estate

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Eola Hills Classic Merlot

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Smoked Pomegranate Baby Back Ribs

© Photo by The Modern Proper

Smoked Pomegranate Baby Back Ribs

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 onion
  • 1 head Garlic, halved
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons allspice berries
  • 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
  • 2 sticks cinnamon
  • cup salt
  • 2 rack baby back ribs
  • 1/3 cup pomegranate molasses
  • 1 small onion
  • ½ cup pomegranate juice
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Cilantro

DIRECTIONS:

  1. For the Brine: In a large stock pot bring 1 gallon of water along with onion, garlic, bay leaves, allspice berries, peppercorn, cinnamon sticks and salt to a boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  2. Place ribs in pot making sure they are fully submerged in the brine, adding more water if necessary. Cover and allow ribs to soak in brine for 24 hours.
  3. Pomegranate BBQ Sauce: Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and allow to simmer for 30 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat, allow to cool slightly. Add all ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth. BBQ sauce can be stored for up to 2 weeks in refrigerator.
  4. Ribs: Remove ribs from brine and dry with a paper towel.
  5. When ready to cook, set grill temperature to 180℉ and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.
  6. Place ribs directly on grill bone side down. Allow to smoke for 3 hours.
  7. Increase heat on grill to 375°F and preheat, lid closed. Using the pomegranate BBQ sauce, generously coat the ribs and allow to cook for another hour. Meat should be tender but not falling off the bones.
  8. To serve, garnish with minced cilantro. Enjoy!

© Recipe courtesy of The Modern Proper.

JULY WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoClassic MerlotEola Hills Wine Cellars
Classic Merlot
Oregon

MELLOW WINE STYLE

The Eola Hills Classic Merlot is red in color with aromas of plum, cherry, and rosemary blossoms. On the palate, it highlights flavors of red cherries, blueberries, dark chocolate, and roasted coffee beans. It is a rich and robust medium/full bodied wine.

Varietal: Merlot
Analysis: 14.4% alcohol / volume
PH: 3.44
Residual Sugar: 0.2 g/L
Production: 1,270 cases
Brix at Harvest: 23
Sourcing: Applegate & Columbia Valleys
Food Pairing: Look for savory dishes like sautéed wild mushrooms, rosemary infused lamb, pork ribs with pomegranate molasses, or beef roasted with garlic and red wine.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“Eola Hills has been crafting Merlot for more than 30 years. This sauve varietal has the capacity to beautifully showcase terroir and various winemaking techniques and continues to be a passion of Eola Hills. This vintage is voluptuous and deliciously fruit-forward. With extended oak aging, this rich style takes on darker fruit characters tinged with the freshness of rosemary blossoms and the intensity of dark chocolate.” – Steve Anderson, Head Winemaker.

ABOUT EOLA HILLS WINE CELLARS:
In the early 1980’s, Oregonian Tom Huggins found himself intrigued by the notion of creating great regional wines in the heart of the Willamette Valley. With close friends and family members, they invested in purchasing 35 acres that Tom thought was ideal for growing grapes. Today, Eola Hills Wine Cellars is still locally owned and operated and one of Oregon’s largest wineries, farming over 325 acres of prime vineyard land. They produce over 80,000 cases of fine wines that are enjoyed across the country and internationally, capturing the spirit and flavors of Oregon. Learn more about their history here.Boozie Banter Podcast

PODCAST WITH EOLA HILLS WINERY:
WineStyles team recently hosted special guest Brett Huggins of Eola Hills Winery on our Boozie Banter podcast. We talk Oregon wine, his family winery, gleaning, moving to the Midwest and taste 8 wines from their expansive portfolio. Learn more about other exciting wines from Eola Hills! Listen to the full broadcast on Spotify here >

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July Sweet Club Iowa

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Romerhof_Kab18_bottleSweet Wine ClubRömerhof
Riesling Kabinett
Mosel, Germany

NECTAR WINE STYLE

The Römerhof Riesling Kabinett is a well-balanced young wine. It highlights flavors and aromas of peaches and citrus, and is fresh and fruity with a crisp acidity.

Analysis: 8.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Riesling
Region: Mosel, Germany
Vineyard: Very ripe Riesling grapes from the middle of the Mosel Valley of Germany are used in making this wine. These grapes are allowed to hang longer, earning the designation of ‘Kabinett’.
Pairing: The sweetness from this wine makes it a perfect pairing to aged cheeses, chicken and cream sauces.

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.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“Drought and heat as well as the fear of heavy rain were of primary concern. As in the other regions, vine development was well ahead of the average and picking started in mid-September. The grapes were healthy which brought much relief. September brought rain, but thanks to cool nights it did not lead to rot.” – Römerhof Winery

ABOUT THE WINERY: 
Römerhof Winery is owned by Heinz Eifel, whose family has been producing wines in the heart of the Mosel Valley for over 400 years. Based in the village of Trittenheim, Heinz works closely with his winemaker daughter, Anne Eifel-Spohr, to produce award winning Rieslings. Learn more about their history here.

Dr-Konstantin-Frank-2019-Semi-Dry-Riesling-bottleDr. Konstantin Frank Winery
Semi-Dry Riesling
Finger Lakes, New York

NECTAR WINE STYLE

A delicate Semi-Dry Riesling initially, then rounding out to be tropically ripe. It is brimming with notes of apricot, nectarine, and a hint of pineapple. Flavors of citrusy lemon and acacia blossom balance the sweetness effortlessly.

Analysis: 11.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Riesling
RS: 22 g/L
pH: 3.11
TA: 7.0 g/L
Vineyard: Seneca and Keuka Vineyards
Vinification: De-Stemmed. Direct Press.
Vessel: Stainless Steel. Temperature Controlled.
Fermentation: Traditional. No Malolactic Fermentation.
Élevage: Unoaked. Aged 5 months on the lees.
Dryness: Semi-Dry. 2.2% Residual Sugar
Pairing: Enjoy with Middle Eastern, Moroccan, Thai or Asian cuisines. This wine pairs exceptionally well with ingredients such as pepper, ginger, curry, sesame, soy, spicy BBQ, and pork.

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.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“Budbreak and flowering started about two weeks later than normal. Temperatures during the summer were moderate, August and September were cooler than average. Luckily, the weather in the fall was extremely favorable with extended periods of sunny and dry days followed by cool nights. This offered excellent conditions to fully ripen the grapes well into October.

Riesling was first brought to the Finger Lakes by our founder. Those original vines dating back to 1958 are still in production. Riesling blocks on our Keuka vineyard were planted in 1958, 1962, 1968, 1976, 1999, 2006, and 2012 with various clones (88, 90, 11, 318, 239, 49, 110, 38). Soils here are shallow, shale-based which add minerality, acidity, and elegance. Riesling was planted in 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2012 on our Seneca estate vineyard with 90 and 356 clones. Temperatures here are a few degrees warmer than Keuka, thus providing riper fruit notes. Soils on Seneca are characterized by deep Honeoye silt loam.” – Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is a family owned and operated winery situated on the southwestern hills of Keuka Lake. In 1958, Dr. Konstantin Frank planted his first Vinifera vines, igniting the “Vinifera Revolution” – forever changing the course of winemaking in New York. Four generations later, the Frank family continues to grow their winery throughout the Finger Lakes region. Learn more about their story here.

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