Cheese for Summertime

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MaxInterview with Max McCalman, Dean of Curriculum and Maitre Fromager of Artisanal Cheese

What is your perfect cheese/wine pairing for weddings?
Luscious triple crèmes like Brillat-Savarin or Pierre Robert, and a well-aged Gruyère from Beeler. Pair with fine Champagne — a match made in heaven.

Which cheese and wine pairings do you suggest for Father’s Day?
This is the time of the year when we begin to see the broadest variety of types of cheese. The Lauriers are lovely soft cheeses. To add a little sweet for your dad, include a variety of Gouda that has been aged four years. Pairing these two cheeses from opposite ends of the CheeseClock™ is simple, as they both are complemented quite well by lighter white wines.  Or try two-year-old Cheddar or the Terraluna. Pair either one of these two firm cheeses with a glass of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.

Which cheese and wines go best when preparing for a BBQ?
Try Petite Syrah, a Zinfandel or Primitivo, or a Tempranillo. These wines are best paired with sheep milk cheeses, such as Stella Royale and Pecorino Sardo.

Cheese_springWhat’s the best way to store cheese in summertime?
During warm weather it’s important to place it in a chilled storage container, especially a soft cheese.

Tell us more about the new cheeses and what wine they would pair with?
One of our newer cheeses is the Terraluna, which is produced in Utah and comes from clean raw Jersey cow milk. This cheese is in the cheddar family yet it is a little less acidic than most. It offers a deep flavor with a longlasting finish. It’s a versatile cheese partner with many wines, especially Pinot Noir. Another cheese in our caves is the Stella Royale. It is a traditional-style pressed sheep milk cheese from northwest Spain. The paste of the cheese is firm and granular and carries a distinct olive oil aroma just before it finishes with a nutty flavor. Stella Royale pairs well with Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc.

d’Arenberg Vineyards – Australia

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Winery Spotlight Tasting Event

Spend an evening Down Under with us! 

Taste 6 amazing wines from South Australia’s d’Arenberg Winery at our next Winery Spotlight event! 

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP, limited seating available!

DAB-Logo_sm1Established in 1912 by Joseph Osborn in the McLaren Vale region of South Australia, the estate has grown to 345 acres with 4th generation winemaker Chester Osborn at the helm. By maintaining a focus on traditional winemaking, the Osborn clan has successfully established themselves as one of Australia’s leading producers of characterful wines. Ranked among Austrailia’s Top 10 Shiraz producers by Wine & Spirits Magazine, their reputation is clearly worldwide.
d’Arenberg is unique in that it is one of a few wineries in Australia to still use the Chester-dArry-at-cask1age-old basket press method for white wines as well as reds.  At d’Arenberg, all fruit is pressed in wooden baskets using the very gentle, traditional ‘Coq’ and ‘Bromley & Tregoning’ presses. The presses are both old soldiers, dating from approximately 1860. d’Arenberg liked the gentle action of the original ‘Coq’ press so much that they had it replicated in 1940.
The main job of the winepress is to get juice, or  fermented wine, from the grape skins and pulp. For white wines, this happens before fermentation (so the more delicate whites do not pick up any color or phenolics from the skins) and for the reds, after fermentation, so that the action of the ferment and the alcohol has extracted the good bits out of the skins. Basket pressing all of the wines makes for a very labor-intensive exercise, but the quality of results justifies the effort. The pressing action is very controlled and is extremely gentle.
P30284-032-Bitmap-RGBLargeThe d’Arenberg winemaking team uses their collective imaginations in coming up with a way to make basket pressing oxygen free, thereby preventing oxidation in the whites. This is achieved by using a big plastic bag and some dry ice, which encases the whole basket. Chester believes that one of the advantages of basket pressing is cleaner juice, as it is partially filtered through the mass of pulp it drains through in the basket. This saves time in settling and clearing the juice, and brings the procedure much closer to how d’Arenberg like things – minimal interference which enables them to preserve quality.

dArenberg-wines

  • d’Arenberg Hermit Crab

  • d’Arenberg d’Arry’s Original

  • d’Arenberg The Footbolt

  • d’Arenberg The Laughing Magpie

  • d’Arenberg The Galvo Garage

  • d’Arenberg The Dead Arm

LIMITED SEATING – Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP!

Garam Masala-crusted Chicken with Fig Jus

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GARAM MASALA:roasted-chicken-recipe
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons cumin seeds
• 1/4 cup coriander seeds
• 1/4 cup cardamom pods, seeds removed
• 1 bay leaf
• Two 3-inch cinnamon sticks
• 1 1/2 tablespoons whole cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon ground mace
• 2 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Finely grind the whole spices in batches in a spice grinder. Transfer each batch to a coarse strainer set over a bowl. Sift the ground spices into the bowl and add the mace, ginger and nutmeg. Whisk to blend. (Garam masala can be stored in a tightly sealed jar in a cool, dry place

INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Two 3 1/2-pound chickens
• Salt
• 2 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
• 8 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon tamarind paste
• 4 dried Black Mission figs, stemmed and quartered
• 1/4 cup honey
• Freshly ground pepper

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 450°F. In a small bowl, mix the garam masala with the oil. In a roasting pan, rub the chickens all over with the garam masala oil and season with salt. Roast the chickens for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue roasting for 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting twice. Return the oven temperature to 450°F and crisp. Transfer the chickens to a carving board and let them rest for about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine the chicken stock with the garlic and tamarind paste and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the garlic is very soft, about 40 minutes. Strain the stock through a coarse sieve and press the garlic through. Stir in the figs and honey, cover and let steep until the figs are
tender, about 10 minutes. Carve the chicken. Reheat the fig jus, season with salt and pepper and serve with the chicken. Makes 4 servings. Recipe courtesy of FoodandWine.com

Carnelian_Grenache_wineThe Carnelian Project
FruityGrenache
McLaren Vale, Australia

The McLaren Vale wine region is blessed with a wonderful climate for viticulture. It is located just south of Adelaide in South Australia. McLaren Vale is the Grenache stronghold of Australia. Quite a few of the older plantings of this fine variety survived the vine pull schemes of the 1980’s and are now regarded as living treasures. The fruit for this wine is considered such a treasure – sourced from two 40+ year old vineyards, the fruit was low yielding, concentrating flavors. Grenache is an excellent pairing for complex, spicy and earthy dishes as its bright fruit forward character and mild tannin structure balance the contrast of flavors. We chose a spice rubbed chicken with fig and honey as an inspired pairing for this wine.

DougFrost“A bright and fruity wine comprised of red raspberries and strawberries, with just a touch of black pepper and notes of mint and basil too. The oak notes creep up in the finish: toasty, even slightly chocolately.” – Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

Winemaker: Douglas Danielak
Appellation: McLaren Vale, Australia
Varietal Blend:  100% Grenache
Analysis: 14.8% alc/vol

Grilled Mahi Mahi with Mango

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INGREDIENTS:grilled-fish-mahi-mango
• 4 Mahi Mahi filets, 5–6 oz each
• 3 cloves Garlic, chopped
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 cup Olive Oil, Extra Virgin
• 1 Lemon, juice
• 2 Tbsp Mango Chutney

DIRECTIONS:Combine garlic, spice, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor until well blended. Marinate the fish up to 1 hour before grilling.

Heat grill to medium heat (about 400°F). If you have a fish plate for your grill, allow it to preheat as well. Place fish on the grill, skin side down first. Cook for 4–5 minutes before flipping. Cook opposite side for 4–5 minutes, until fish is opaque in the center.

Serve topped with mango chutney and a sprig of cilantro. Serves 4. Complement with a side of cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.

CambridgeCambridge-ChardonnayRich
Chardonnay
Carneros, California

After two consecutive challenging harvests, this vintage was just what the wine doctor ordered. A mild, frost-free winter led into a calm spring, creating ideal conditions for fruit to set on the vines. The summer months were warm but absent of any crushing heat waves. Most importantly, fall was sun-filled and tranquil, allowing growers to ripen their crop to its fullest potential. This was truly a vintage for the artists among wine makers. In the Carneros appellation, many mornings began with a cool fog blanketing the vineyards. By noon the fog retreated and the sun bathed the chardonnay grapes in calm, warm conditions. Pairs well with grilled mahi-mahi with a mango chutney and a salad of mixed bitter greens.

DougFrost“A gentle and balanced style of Chardonnay,this Carneros-based wine shows rich and peachy flavors of California Chardonnay but without the wild, buttery character so typical of its Napa neighbors further inland. Tropical notes and a touch of spice are very lightly tinged with spicy oak character” – Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

Appellation: Carneros, California
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 14.4% alc/vol
Aging: 30% in one year old French oak barrels, 70% in stainless steel tanks

Good Eats Meatloaf

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Meatloaf-recipe-webINGREDIENTS:
• 6 ounces garlic-flavored croutons
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 onion, roughly chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and broken
• 3 whole cloves garlic
• 1/2 red bell pepper
• 18 ounces ground chuck
• 18 ounces ground sirloin
• 1 1/2 teaspoon
• kosher salt
• 1 egg

GLAZE:
• 1/2 cup catsup
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Dash Worcestershire sauce
• Dash hot pepper sauce

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 325 °F. In a food processor bowl, combine croutons, black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and thyme. Pulse until the mixture is of a fine texture. Place this mixture into a large bowl. Combine the onion, carrot, garlic, and red pepper in the food processor bowl. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped, but not pureed. Combine the vegetable mixture, ground sirloin, and ground chuck with the bread crumb mixture. Season the meat mixture with the kosher salt. Add the egg and combine thoroughly, but avoid squeezing the meat.

Pack this mixture into a 10-inch loaf pan to mold the shape of the meatloaf. Onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, turn the meatloaf out of the pan onto the center of the tray.  Insert a temperature probe at a 45 degree angle into the top of the meatloaf. Set the probe for 155 °F.

Combine the catsup, cumin, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce and honey. Brush the glaze onto the meatloaf after it has been cooking for about 10 minutes. Yields 6 to 8 servings. Recipe courtesy of Alton Brown, foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown

Carnelian_CabernetThe Carnelian ProjectBold_sticker
Cabernet Sauvignon
Coonawarra, Australia

Coonawarra is renowned as one of Australia’s finest wine regions and is particularly known for producing world class red wines especially Cabernet Sauvignon. This Coonawarra Vintage is described as “excellent” by all winemakers. Coonawarra and its famous ‘terra rossa’ strip of limestone rich soil is home to some of Australia’s greatest Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards. A cooler, maritime climate and limited rainfall are conducive to growing excellent Cabernet Sauvignon. An easy partner to a variety of foods, including hearty pastas and dishes with good spicy and smoky notes.

DougFrost“A tangy, red fruits version of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, this is very much a Cabernet begging for grilled chicken or pork. Its crisp side is more evident than the more heavy, dour face that many other New World Cabernets might show. Its aromatic character (mint, cedar and eucalyptus) reflects the landscape around Coonawarra in South Australia, where these grapes are grown.” – Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

Winemaker: Douglas Danielak
Appellation: Coonawarra, Australia
Varietal Blend:  91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Shiraz, 1% Sangiovese
Analysis: 14.5% alc/vol

Of Ancient Vines and Rhone Varietals – #winechat with Cline Cellars

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We love @clinecellars so much, we’ll be featuring Cline and Jacuzzi wines in our upcoming Wine Club in July! Cheers to Fred Cline and winemaker Larry Holdman! #winechat #wineclub #winetasting #winestyles

talkavino's avatarTalk-A-Vino

ClineCellars Corks Think California wines, think California grapes – what is the first grape which comes to mind? I would guess that Cabernet Sauvignon would be the first. Zinfandel, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay will trail near by (not in this exact order, of course). Are those the best grapes making the best California wines? Yes, before you beat me up, “best wine” is highly subjective, so let’s not drill on that. But – what else is there in California? Ever heard of Rhone Rangers? In the 1980s, a group of California winemakers made a significant effort to popularize Rhone varietals – Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Roussanne, Marsanne and many others. While this group of winemakers didn’t have any set structure,  they became collectively known as Rhone Rangers . As the result of the work of this group, Syrah and Grenache became prominent players on the California wine landscape, with the other traditional Rhone…

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Join us May 12-18 to celebrate American Craft Beer Week

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Craft-beer-week

Rogue_glass_StoutPlease join us this  week, featuring Rogue craft beer tasting event!  Guests will take home their very own Rogue Stout glass! RSVP at your local participating WineStyles location.

Rogue_Tasting_Event

Celebrating 25 years, Rogue Ales is an Artisan Varietal Brewery founded in Oregon in 1988, as one of America’s first 50 micro-breweries. Just like a winery, Rogue grows more than a dozen ingredients on farms in Independence and Tygh Valley, John Maier crafts beers of distinction with a proprietary palate of flavors and a known terroir.   Rogue collaborated with Spiegelau to design the ideal glass for a stout, yours to enjoy!

Rogue_Beer_TastingReserve your Seat Early!

Our national tasting event May 12-18 will sell out fast!

Contact your participating WineStyles for local details and reservations!

Riva Leone Barbera DOCG wine and pizza pairing recipe

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pizza-flatBuffalo Mozzarella & Fresh Porcini Pizza

INGREDIENTS:

•3 thin pizza crusts 12” each (pre-made)
• 1 1/4 pounds fresh porcini or baby bella mushrooms,sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 9 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 5 – 8 ounce balls water-packed buffalo mozzarella cheese or fresh mozzarella cheese, drained, cut into 1/4 inch thick rounds
• 4 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 450 °F. Sprinkle 3 large rimless baking sheets with flour. Place 1 pizza crust on each prepared sheet (can be a pizza or baking stone).  Place porcini in bowl; sprinkle with 3 tablespoons oil, salt, and pepper; toss. Arrange 1/3 of cheese and 1/3 porcini on each pizza crust. Drizzle each with 2 tablespoons oil; sprinkle with thyme.

Bake pizzas until crusts are brown at edges and crisp on bottom, about 20 minutes. Transfer pizzas to work surface. Cut pizzas into wedges and serve. Yields three 12 inch pizzas.   Recipe adapted from Bon Appètit, October 2005.

Piemonte-Barbera-wine-bottleRiva Leone
Barbera DOCGFruity
Piedmont, Italy

DougFrost“The Barbera grape, once ubiquitous as a carafe wine in Milan’s cafes, has grown into one of the stars of the modern Italian wine scene.  Powerfully fruity, with rich cherry and raspberry notes, it finishes with a tangy, lip-smacking edge along with some herbs and mint. Really fun wine.” – Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

Winemaker: Giovanni Alessandria
Appellation: Piedmont, Italy
Varietal Blend:  100% Barbera
Analysis: 13.5% alc/vol

Pairing recipe with Riva Leone Cortese wine

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salmon_toastSmoked Salmon, Fennel & Goat Cheese Toasts

INGREDIENTS:
• 8 oz soft fresh goat cheese
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds, finely crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
• 30 thin slices French-bread baguette
• 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 oz thinly sliced smoked salmon
• Lemon peel strips (for garnish)
• Tarragon sprigs (for garnish)

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix first 5 ingredients in small bowl to blend. Set aside.
Brush oil over both sides of bread. Arrange bread in single layer on large baking sheet. Bake until bread is just crisp, about 5 minutes per side. (Cheese mixture and toasts can be made 2 days ahead. Cover cheese mixture and chill. Cool toasts; store airtight at room temperature.)  Spread cheese mixture over toasts. Top with salmon, trimming to fit. Garnish with lemon peel strips and tarragon sprigs. Arrange on platter and serve. Recipe compliments of Bon Appétit, December 1999

RivaLeone_Gavi_wine_bottleRiva Leone
Cortese DOCGSilky_Sticker
Gavi, Italy

Today old vine growers of Piedmont still tell the story of the shrewd and tenacious fine-wine trader who operated in the hills around Alba in the 19th and 20th centuries. His name was Riva Leone and he was a pretty extravagant character. It is said that, whenever a wine pleased him during a tasting, he would call out in the way that was typical for that time: Marca Leone! Riva-Leone_winemaker-GiovanniThe Piedmont people’s enthusiasm for wine never faded over all these years and today it is still intact. And that is why Riva Leone today boasts a range of fine Piedmont wines. Cortese di Gavi or known simply as Gavi, derives it name from the town at the center of it’s production zone. Cortese, the local variety of the grape style, production dates back to 1876 and was awarded DOC status in 1974 and DOCG in 1998.

Winemaker: Giovanni Alessandria
Appellation: Gavi, Italy
Varietal Blend:  100% Gavi
Analysis: 12.5% alc/vol

Marco Barbanera, Super Tuscan wine and pasta pairing

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Pasta Bolognese

INGREDIENTS:pasta-bolognese-wine-pairing

• 2 (28-ounce) cans whole tomatoes with juice or crushed tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 ounces pancetta or 6 slices bacon, finely chopped
• 1/4 pound ground pork (not lean)
• 1/4 pound ground beef chuck (not lean)
• 1/4 pound ground veal
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 carrot, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound small pasta such as orecchiette or rotini
• Garnish: Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

DIRECTIONS:

If using whole tomatoes, in blender or food processor, purée tomatoes with juice. Set aside.  In large, heavy pot over moderate heat, heat oil until hot but not smoking. Add pancetta and sauté until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes. Add beef, pork, and veal and sauté, breaking up meat with back of spoon, until browned, 7 to 8 minutes. Add onion and carrot and sauté until vegetables are tender, 5 to 6 minutes.

Stir in red wine and simmer, scraping up browned bits stuck to bottom of pan, until liquid is reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, cream, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to moderately low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened and brick-red in color, approximately 30 minutes. In large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until almost tender. Drain well and toss with sauce. Serve with grated cheese. Yields 6 servings. Recipe courtesy of Epicurious.com, Chef Joseph W. DiPerri, The Culinary Institute of America.

mellowBarbanera_Rosso Toscana SuperTuscanMarco Barbanera
Rosso Toscana IGT
Super Tuscan
Tuscany, Italy

Marco Barbanera’s winery is a supreme example of how traditional methods of winemaking have benefited from the careful introduction of modern techniques.  The experience and knowledge of many generations enable the Barbanera family to select the right vine for a particular vineyard with its particular microclimate.MARCO-BARBANERA-winemaker-Blog The work in the cellar demands a special degree of sensitivity and attention to detail. “It’s like composing a painting”, according to Marco Barbanera, “when it’s almost complete, with a last decisive brush stroke you can transform it into a masterpiece”. Pairs well with grilled or roasted red meat and spicy chicken dishes.

Winemaker: Marco Barbanera
Appellation: Tuscany, Italy
Varietal Blend:  Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 13% alc/vol