Tag Archives: barbera

January Premium Wine Club

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Bold wine Style logoAresca_Barolo_January_23_Premium_ClubFratelli Aresca
Barolo DOCG “Costareto”
Piedmont, Italy

BOLD WINE STYLE

The nose is very ample and complex with notes of violet and spices. The taste is rich of smooth tannins with notes of red mature fruity, tobacco and vanilla.

Analysis: 14-14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
Vineyards: South-facing vineyards located around Barolo production area. Grape-yield of 8 tons/hectare. Manual harvest.
Winemaking: Alcoholic fermentation and maceration for 16-19 days. Then maturation in wooden cask for 2 years and for 6 months in bottle before sale.
Pairing: Ideal with roast, game and stew.

WINERY’S NOTES:
Barolo is the icon of Piedmont wines. This Barolo is produced according to tradition with long maceration and maturation in big wooden casks. This is a Barolo to age in cellar, but is also great to drink when released.

Bold wine Style logoAresca_Barbera_Nizza_January_Premium ClubFratelli Aresca
Nizza DOCG “San Luigi”
Piedmont, Italy

BOLD WINE STYLE

Red intense in color, the nose is ethereal and complex with notes of red and black fruit, chocolate and cocoa. The taste has a good structure and complexity with notes of black cherry and sweet tobacco.

Analysis: 14-14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Barbera
Vineyards: Selected vineyards for soil quality and exposure (from south-east to south-west). Guyot training system, and manual harvest. Grape-yield of 7 tongs/hectare.
Winemaking: Temperature-controlled alcoholic fermentation and maceration for 20 days. Aging for 12 months in barrel and for 6 months in bottle before sale.
Pairing: Ideal with red meat and game but you can enjoy Nizza “San Luigi” as a meditation wine.

WINERY’S NOTES:
The new designation Nizza DOCG is recognized as the summit of the appellations of Barbera grapes in Piedmont. Nizza’s production is restricted to selected vineyards around the Nizza Monferrato village. These vineyards benefit from great exposures (from southeast to southwest) and very low yield (7 tons/hectare). The result is a complex and intense wine with an extraordinary potential for aging. Nizza “San Luigi” is the icon wine of the Fratelli Aresca Estate and their best interpretation of Barbera. It’s named after their founder Luigi Aresca who always believed in the potential of this great grape variety. Nizza “San Luigi” ages for 12 months in barrel and for at least 6 months in bottle before sale. 

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Located between Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, in a unique land recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the winery was a dream realized by Piero and Luigi Aresca back in 1952. These two winegrowers turned their passion into a family business that has never left the rows of Mombercelli. The vineyards are cultivated with respect to the traditions of these ancient lands and the uniqueness of the terroir. Learn more here. >

© Information and photos from Fratelli Aresca – All Rights Reserved. 

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August Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubStella Rosa BlueberryStella Rosa®️ Wines
Blueberry
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Stella Rosa Blueberry is their winery’s newest flavor, and is a proprietary blend of several red grape varietals. The wine is combined with flavors of natural blueberry distillates & purées, making it undeniably irresistible. Its sweet and succulent blueberry taste will elevate your mood and your wine-tasting expectations.

Region: Piedmont, Italy
Analysis: 5% alcohol / volume

Food Pairing Recommendations: This flavor pairs well with fresh fruits, BBQ chicken, charcuterie, cheesecake, and cinnamon roll coffee cake.

Blueberry Frosé

Photo credit: Stella Rosa Wines

BLUEBERRY FROSÉ
Cool off this summer with a refreshing frosé! Check out this fun way to switch up Stella Rosa Blueberry Wine.

INGREDIENTS:

1 bottle Stella Rosa Blueberry
2 1/3 cups frozen blueberries, divided
¼ cup lemon juice
2 oz. vodka
fresh blueberries (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.Pour wine into ice cube trays and freeze for 6 to 8 hours until almost frozen solid Note: wine will not freeze completely
2. In a blender, pulse together wine ice cubes, vodka, 2 cups frozen blueberries, and lemon juice.
3. Divide frosé among 4 glasses. Garnish with a handful of fresh blueberries and enjoy!
© Recipe courtesy of Stella Rosa Wines

Stella Rosa WatermelonStella Rosa®️ Wines
Watermelon
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Stella Rosa Watermelon is a new, and exclusive, addition to the winery’s semi-sparkling collection. Featuring a proprietary blend of several white grape varietals, including White Moscato (an indigenous grape variety from Piedmont, Italy), and a touch of Barbera for color. Its crisp, refreshing taste showcases the natural flavors of watermelon, created using a distillation process of Italian fruits grown in southern Italy. The semi-dry character is a perfect compliment to Brunch and light appetizers.

Region: Piedmont, Italy
Analysis: 5.5% alcohol /volume

Food Pairing Recommendations: This flavor pairs wonderfully with light salads, such as Greek or Caesar, as well as salty appetizers like Edamame or Jalapeño poppers. For dessert, you can pair it with coconut cream pie!

Stella Rosa Watermelon

Photo credit: Stella Rosa Wines

SPICY STELLA ROSA RITA

A little sweet, a little spicy! Try this fun cocktail at home with this month’s Stella Rosa Watermelon Wine.

INGREDIENTS

For Drink:
5 oz. Stella Rosa Watermelon, chilled
1½ oz. Jose Cuervo Tequila Blanco
¾ oz. lime juice
2 oz. watermelon juice
1 jalapeño, sliced
For Rim:
1 tbsp. Kosher salt
1 tbsp. chili powder
Lime wedges

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place jalapeño slices in a jar with tequila and let sit for 15 minutes for the spice to infuse the tequila.
2. Remove the jalapeño slices & set aside.
3. Mix salt and chili powder together on a separate plate. Smear the rim of the glass with a lime wedge then dip it into the salt-chili powder mixture to coat the rim.
4. Add a handful of ice to the glass.
5. In a cocktail shaker, add the juices & infused tequila; shake vigorously.
6. Strain the mixture into the glass.
7. Top off with Stella Rosa Watermelon, garnish with a Watermelon slice, and enjoy!
© Recipe courtesy of Stella Rosa Wines

Stella RosaWINEMAKING:
The grapes are harvested, pressed, centrifuged, and then held as a cold juice at 28 degrees Fahrenheit. The juice is fermented at various intervals throughout the year, which allows the wine to remain fresh and delicate throughout the entire fermenting process. The Stella Rosa family uses this technique to capture the fresh flavors of natural blueberry distillates & purées for their Blueberry wine, and an off-dry Rosé, busting with fresh flavors for their Watermelon wine. Both Stella Rosa Blueberry and Watermelon contain natural carbonation. The juice is fermented in Charmat-style, pressurized tanks, and as the alcohol is created, so is the carbonation. Once the desired sweetness is achieved, the wine is centrifuged and bottled. The alcohol level stays at approximately 5% and contains 6-10% residual sugar. Its natural acidity and low pH strike the perfect balance with the wine’s natural sweetness. 

ABOUT STELLA ROSA:
It all started in 1917, when the Riboli family founded Los Angeles’ historic San Antonio Winery. Back then, Los Angeles was the prime location for wine growing in all of California. For some time, the wine industry reigned as one of Southern California’s most economically significant and popular industries of that time. After surviving Prohibition and about a century later, the Riboli family has continued its artisan winemaking tradition through four generations. From within the tasting rooms of San Antonio Winery, customers repeatedly requested a sweeter, light, refreshing wine. The Riboli family took this unique opportunity to create a new semi-sweet, semi-sparkling wine style, which today, they are a leader of. And so, Stella Rosa was born.

our-story-mapMADE AND IMPORTED FROM ITALY:
To create the Stella Rosa wines, their family chose the region of Asti, a province in Piedmont, Italy, as the source for its aromatic grapes. The area of Asti has particular significance to the Riboli family, as it is the birthplace of their family matriarch, Maddalena Riboli. Their first Stella Rosa wine was Moscato D’Asti, which has become a flagship of this line. Soon after, Stella Rosa Rosso was created – the brand’s first semi-sweet, semi-sparkling red wine blend, and first wine of its kind to be brought to America from Asti. The rapid phenomenal successes of these two wines began the lineage of Stella Rosa, which now boasts over 20 distinctive flavors.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with strong cheeses, such as a blue cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

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Sweet Club

May Wine Club: Piemonte Barbera

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Milan Pork ChopsMilan Pork Chops

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 bone-in pork chops
  • salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 slices old bread
  • 1/3 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese grated
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup flower
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • olive oil
  • lemon wedges for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  • Pound pork chops thin, until about 1/4-inch thick.
  • Season the chops on both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Use a food processor to pulse the bread into fine crumbs.
  • Pour the crumbs onto a large plate, or bowl. Season flour with salt and pepper.
  • Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl.
  • Dredge the chops through the flour, then dip into the egg, and then in the bread crumbs. Push the crumbs into the chops to help them stick.
  • Place on a rack to rest for 10 minutes.
  • In a large skillet, or frying pan, over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil until hot.  Add the chops and cook, turning once, until browned and crisp on the outside, but moist on the inside, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  • Serve with a nice, fresh arugula salad with a vinaigrette. © Recipe courtesy of Silvano Rigo.

MAY WINE CLUB:

Silvano Rigo BarberaAzienda Agricola Silvano Rigo
Barbera d’Alba DOC
Piemonte, Italy

Mellow style logoMELLOW WINE STYLE

The Rigo Wine Estates is a family run winery, managed by Silvano Rigo, his father and an oenologist. Rigo Wine Estates is located in the town of Diano d’Alba, in the heart of the Langhe region, where the terroir has the best characteristics to cultivate the renowned Dolcetto wine.  Rigo Wine Estates vinify their own grapes and they are cultivated and produced respecting the CEE environmental protection rules.

Their prestigious vineyards cover approximately 10 hectares and are located in the Sori Piadvenza, at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level. With a mixture of limestone soil and southern exposure, the vineyards yield high quality grapes, along with winemaker Silvano Rigo combining traditional and modern winemaking techniques resulting in quality wines of great value.  Combining the old teachings of the people from Langhe and the innovations of new technologies, the winery uses both stainless steel casks and a dedicated room for aging wines in wooden casks and barriques, with constant humidity and temperature.  

The rolling hills of Langhe-Roero in Piemonte Italy are covered with medieval towns, ancient castles on the hilltops and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, for its distinctive landscape and winemaking traditions that go back hundreds of years. Learn more about the wine region >

Winemaker Silvano Rigo“Intense ruby red color when young, but tending to become garnet-red with aging. Fruit notes of black cherry with hints of licorice. Round and juicy taste, resulting from naturally low tannins.  Red cherry mingled with black cherry. A hint of spice. Good structure and freshness. Uncork ahead of time, before serving. Ideal with most savory dishes from the Piedmontese cuisine, especially Tajarin, ravioli al ‘plin’, red meats, strong cheeses and game.” –  Winemaker Silvano Rigo.

Winemaker and cellar of Rigo ViniWinemaker:  Silvano Rigo
Appellation: Diano d’Alba, Italy
Varietal: 100% Barbera
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Harvest: Late September / Early October
Aging: Stainless steel, no oak to preserve freshness
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed & approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

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Ca’ de Lion Piedmont Wine Pairing Recipe

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AGNOLOTTI
(Piedmont traditional filled pasta)

Legend has it that agnolotti was invented in Piedmont to celebrate the end of a siege. The celebration meal was creatively prepared by chef Angelot, at the request of the Marquis.

INGREDIENTS:
• 1 lb lean beef
• 7 oz spinach, boiled
• 1 onion
• 3 ½ oz butter
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons tomato sauce
• broth to taste
• grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to taste
• nutmeg to taste
• 1 lb all-purpose flour• 5 eggs• salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:
• Place a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 oz of butter. After butter has melted, add peeled garlic clove and thinly sliced onion. As soon as they start to brown, add the meat and turn heat down to low. Brown the meat on all sides, then dust with 1 tbsp flour. Season with salt, add tomato sauce and enough broth to completely cover the meat. Cook over low heat until the meat is soft, but not falling apart. Then, remove the pan from the heat.
• Remove the meat from the sauce and set the sauce aside for later. Chop the meat in a food processor with the spinach (previously blanched for a couple of minutes in boiling water and well drained.) Transfer the chopped meat and spinach to a bowl and stir in an egg yolk, a generous amount of grated Parmigiano Reggiano, a pinch of pepper and a dusting of nutmeg.
• Then prepare the pasta dough by forming a well with the flour. Add 4 eggs and the remaining egg white to the center and begin incorporating the flour. Add a drop of water if necessary. Knead until you have a smooth dough. Let the dough rest for 20 minute, covered with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
• Using a rolling pin or pasta machine, roll out the dough into two thin sheets. On the first sheet place a tbsp of pasta stuffing 1 ½ to 2 inches from one another. Cover with the other sheet and squeeze the dough around the filling to remove any air. Use a pasta cutter or knife blade to cut out the agnolotti.
• Cook the agnolotti in a large pot of boiling salted water for 5 minutes. Then remove using a slotted spoon and toss with the previously prepared sauce, reheated for a couple of minutes. Also add the remaining melted butter and a good amount of grated cheese. Serve hot.  © Photo and recipe courtesy of Academia Barilla

NOVEMBER WINE CLUB

Bold wine Style logoLaCua-Piedmont_italy-wine-bottleCa’ de Lion
La Cùa
Langhe Rosso DOC
Piedmont, Italy

BOLD WINE STYLE

Founded in 1871 by Luigi Ghione, Ca’ de Lion winery takes its name from family ancestry Leone Ghione (1655). Generations of expertise in Piedmont have elevated this artisanal producer to its highest level. Farming sustainably and naturally, the wines from this estate show a purity of flavor. The depth and nuance of the wine vibrates and speaks of the place where it comes from, in the hills of Canelli. The name “Langhe” is the plural form of langa, a local word for a long, low-lying hill. Since its designation, the Langhe DOC has gained considerable marks for its innovative viticulture and use of international varietals. This creativity has allowed local winemakers to produce a new generation of high quality wines. This wine has violet and rose notes with a black cherry fruity taste. Electric balance between acidity and freshness, with smooth, elegant tannins.

winemaker Silvio Ghione

Silvio Ghione, Winemaker

“Ruby red color with violet and rose notes with a fruity taste. Good balance between alcohol and freshness, the tannins are elegant. Wine for the entire meal, perfect with first courses like ravioli and gravy, red meat or aged cheese.” – Silvio Ghione, Winemaker

Winemaker: Silvio Ghione
Appellation: Piedmont, Italy
Varietal: 40% Barbera, 40% Nebbiolo, 20% Dolcetto
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

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Lasagna Pairing Recipe

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lasagnaINGREDIENTS:
• ½ lb lean ground beef
• ½ lb ground veal
• ½ lb ground pork
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Tbsp oregano
• 1 28-oz can whole tomatoes, drained
• 1 28-oz can whole tomatoes with juice
• 2 eggs
• 16 oz cottage cheese
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 19-oz package no boiling required lasagna noodles

DIRECTIONS:
• Preheat oven to 350℉.
• In a large skillet, brown ground beef, veal and pork. Add minced garlic and oregano and stir.
• Place canned tomatoes in food processor and pulse until tomatoes are thoroughly chopped; reserve 2 cups, place remainder in skillet with the meat and stir. Remove from heat and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, beat eggs. Stir in cottage, ricotta and parmesan cheeses. Set aside.
• Spread 1 cup of reserved tomatoes in the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan. Layer 4 uncooked lasagna noodles, ½ cottage cheese mixture, ½ meat sauce, and 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering finishing with a layer of noodles. Add the remaining 1 cup of tomatoes. Cover pan with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover, and top with remaining cup of mozzarella cheese. Bake for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and let stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Serves 8-12
•Enjoy with a glass of Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Barbera. Recipe compliments of Jacuzzi Family Vineyards.

Mellow style logoJacuzzi Barbera bottleDECEMBER WINE CLUB
Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
Barbera
Amador County, California
MELLOW STYLE

The Barbera varietal comes from the hills of northern Italy’s Piedmonte region, where it has been grown since the 13th century. During the 1800s and 1900s, Italian immigrants introduced the varietal to the Americas, most notably in Argentina and California. The grapes are known for their deep color and softer tannins. The fruit for this Barbera comes from Rancho Victoria nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in the northern part of Amador County. The soils here are sandy clay loam derived from decomposed granite. This provides abundant nutrients and water retention for healthy, strong vines. The grapes were handpicked and destemmed without crushing the berries. This gentle approach minimizes the pick-up of bitter components from the skins and seeds. The wine was racked to oak, and aged for 12 months on 35% new French medium toasted oak.

“This Barbera has freshness and clarity. Bright cherry and raspberry fruit dominate with an underlying savoriness which compliments the elegant palate and clean finish.”. – Charlie Tsegeletos, winemaker

Winemaker: Charlie Tsegeletos
Appellation: Amador County, California
Varietal Blend:  90% Barbera, 10% Alicante Bouschet
Analysis: 14.0% alcohol / volume
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

August Wine Club pairing recipe

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Hazelnut CakeTorta di Nocciole (Hazelnut Cake)

INGREDIENTS:
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; OR 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons hazelnut oil (see NOTES)
• 2 ¼ cups toasted, skinned hazelnuts, cooled (see NOTES)
• ¼ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 packet lievito pane degli angeli or 2 teaspoons baking powder (see NOTES)
• 4 eggs, separated
• 1 cup sugar
• Pinch of fine salt
• Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
• Warm heavy cream sweetened with sugar (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
• Heat the oven to 350℉. Coat a 9-inch cake pan with about 1 tablespoon of the melted butter. Place a round of parchment paper in the bottom of the pan and coat the parchment with butter. Set the remaining melted butter aside.
• Process the cooled toasted hazelnuts in a food processor fitted with the metal blade until they are finely ground. Take care not to let them get pasty. Transfer them to a bowl and stir in the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar. The mixture will be very thick and cling to the whisk. Drizzle in the remaining melted butter (or melted butter and hazelnut oil, if using), a little at a time, whisking until the butter has been fully incorporated.
• Using a sturdy silicone spatula, stir the hazelnut-flour mixture into the egg yolk-butter mixture. It will be as thick as nut paste. This is fine.
• In a clean, stainless steel bowl, beat the egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form. Scoop about ½ of the egg whites into the bowl with the nut paste mixture and begin stirring and folding it in with the spatula. This will help to loosen the batter a bit. Add half of the remaining egg whites, folding rather than stirring them into the batter to prevent them from deflating too much (the batter will still be thick and sticky). Finally, add the last of the whites and continue folding until they are incorporated into the batter. The batter will be thick but spreadable. Scrape it into the prepared pan and smooth out the top.
• Bake the cake for 40 – 45 minutes, until puffed and browned on top and the center is no longer jiggling (a cake tester inserted in the center should come out clean). Be careful not to jostle the cake when you’re checking for doneness.  Transfer the cake to a cooling rack,in the pan for 30 minutes. Invert the cake onto a plate and peel off the parchment. Re-invert and let cool completely. Serve dusted with confectioners’ sugar and with warm sweetened cream for drizzling.
NOTES:  Hazelnut oil is not cheap, but an optional splurge to enhance the nut flavor of the cake.  To toast and skin hazelnuts: Heat the oven to 350℉. Spread the shelled nuts on a rimmed baking sheet and bake 10 minutes, or until the skins have begun to crack. Wrap the hot nuts in a clean kitchen towel and let stand 1 minute. Roll the nuts back and forth in the towel to loosen and rub off the skins. Not all the skins will come off, which is fine. Let cool before processing. Lievito pane degli angeli is a vanilla-scented powdered leavening agent used in Italian baking. It’s sold in packets and found in most Italian groceries. You can substitute 2 teaspoons baking powder.

Luca_Bosio_Barbera_Alba_BottlemellowEgidio
Luca Bosio Vineyard
Barbera D’Alba
Piedmont, Italy

In the center of the Langhe, among the hills celebrated in Cesare Pavese’s poems, you can find Luca Bosio Vineyards winery, in a world where technology and rural tradition coexist. Egidio was the founder of the Bosio’s farm, father of the owner Valter, profound expert of the wines of that zone.  The grapes from this wine come from vineyards located in Santo Stefano Belbo and Alba Villages.  The average age of the vines is 40 years.  Grapes are pressed and the must is fermented in steel  tanks after a short period in contact with dry ice to increase complexity and aroma.  This wine is a perfect accompaniment to read meats, braised beef and pork, as well as an array of Italian cheeses, pastas and risotto.

Luca Bosio, winemaker

Luca Bosio, winemaker

“Ruby red in color, this Barbera exhibits aromas of red fruit chocolate and vanilla.  The aromas follow through the round and smooth palate. A well integrated wine with silky tannins leading to a smooth finish.” – Luca Bosio, winemaker

Winemaker: Luca Bosio
Appellation: Piedmont, Italy
Varietal Blend:  100% Barbera
Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume, 3.5 pH, 5.5 g/l TA
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

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

Fontanafredda Food Pairing

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177409170Veal Tonnato

As the centerpiece of an elegant buffet table this classic Piedmontese dish will never fail to impress.

INGREDIENTS:
• 2 1/2 lbs veal tenderloin
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 carrot peeled
• 1 medium onion quartered
• 4 sprigs parsley
• 1 bay leaf

SAUCE:
• 1 seven oz can tuna packed in oil
• 6 anchovy fillets
• 3 Tbs capers, drained if in vinegar
• 3 Tbs lemon juice
• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise

DIRECTIONS:

Place veal, celery, carrot, onion, parsley and bay leaf in a large pot and add water to cover. Then remove veal and set aside. Cover pot, bring contents to boil; then add veal. When water returns to a boil, cover pot, reduce heat and simmer gently for 1 1/2 hours. Remove from heat and leave meat to cool in its own broth.

Drain tuna and place in food processor with anchovies, capers and lemon juice. Blend to a smooth, creamy consistency. Remove mixture from processor and fold in
mayonnaise. Taste for salt.

When veal is cold, retrieve from broth and cut evenly into thin slices. Smear the bottom of a serving platter with some of the tuna sauce. Spread over it a layer of the veal slices and sauce until veal is used up. Leave enough sauce to blanket final layer.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. Before serving, bring to room temperature, smooth off top with spatula and garnish with some or all
suggested garnish ingredients (thin slices of lemon, sprigs of fresh parsley or pitted black olives cut into wedges).  Serves 8 , prepare a day ahead of serving.

Fontanafredda_BarberaFontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera
FruityPiedmont DOC, Italy

The Briccotondo Barbera has sweet, soft tannins that come together in a closely-woven texture that combines with great fruit character and crisp freshness, culminating in a long, tasty finish. A perfect match for starters, cured meats and a variety of fresh and mature cheeses.

Winemaker: Danilo Drocco
Appellation: Piedmont DOC, Italy
Varietal:  100% Barbera
Analysis: 13.5% alc/vol