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October Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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OCTOBER WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoRebels-of-the-Vine-Syrah-bottleBlack Elephant Vintners
Rebels of the Vine
Syrah
Swartland, South Africa

BOLD WINE STYLE

This classic Syrah for everyday enjoyment shows opulent, bright fruit on the nose and a beautifully elegant palate of round tannins layered with clove spice, ripe cherries and violets.

Varietal: 100% Syrah
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.71
TA: 5.2 g/L
RS: 2.6 g/L
Appellation: Swartland, Western Cape, South Africa
Drinkability: now-2026
Harvest yield: 9.5 per ha.
Food Pairing: Complements food fit for a feast, such as roast duck, grilled meat and hearty pasta dishes

Photo-By-Black-Elephants-Vintners-CoIn the vineyard: This Syrah is sourced from dry-land farmed vineyards in the prestigious Swartland area. Syrah loves the “Mediterranean” climate of the Cape and grapes ripen with thick skins packed with velvety tannins and color.

In the cellar: Minimal oak was used during the aging of this Syrah, resulting in a very fruit-forward and spicy wine. The grapes were picked at 22 to 24 degrees balling and fermented in stainless steel tanks. Post fermentation they leave the wine on the skins to maximize complexity and mouthfeel. Matured in a selection of older oak for 12 months.

The vintage: It was a healthy growing season that followed a winter with good to normal rainfall which allowed the grapes to ripe optimally.

About the winery:
Black Elephant Vintners & Co. is a Franschhoek-based winery that blends tradition and innovation, breaking the norms of the wine industry with creativity and fun. Their wines are a tribute to the region’s unique terroir, pushing boundaries while celebrating the artistry of winemaking. With a mission to make wine more accessible and enjoyable, they invite non-conformists and dreamers to join their movement of rewriting the script on wine culture. Click here to learn more.

Try this wine with the following recipe…

beef-ragu-pastaPappardelle with a Slow-Cooked Beef Ragu

INGREDIENTS:

Ragu:

  • 12.5 lb. chuck beef, or other slow cooking beef cut, cut into equal 4 pieces
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • black pepper
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, separated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 cup carrots, diced 
  • 1 cup celery, diced 
  • 28 oz crushed canned tomatoes
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 beef bouillon cubes, crumbled 
  • 1 cup red wine, full bodied, or sub with beef broth/stock
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • ¾ tsp dried thyme or 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 3 dried bay leaves

To Serve (not all sauce is used):

  • 1 lb. dried pappardelle, or other pasta of choice
  • freshly grated parmesan cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano
  • fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Pat beef dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper
  2. Sear Beef: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil over high heat in a heavy based pot. Add beef and sear each piece aggressively on all sides until very browned (3 – 5 minutes in total), then remove onto a plate.
  3. Turn stove down to medium low and add remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil.
  4. Soffrito: Add garlic and onion and sauté for 2 minutes. Then add the carrots and celery and sauté slowly for 5 minutes.
  5. Add remaining ragu ingredients and return the beef to the pot (including pooled juices). Turn the stove up and bring it to a simmer, then turn it down to low so it’s bubbling very gently.
  6. Slow cook: Cover the pot and let it cook for 2 hours or until beef is tender enough to shred. (For slow cooker and pressure cooker).
  7. Shred: Remove beef then coarsely shred with 2 forks. Return beef to the pot. Simmer for 30 minutes until sauce is reduced and thickened – beef will soften slightly more during this step.
  8. Final season: Do a taste test and adjust the seasoning to your taste with salt and pepper. Also, add ½ tsp sugar if sauce is a bit sour for your taste . Place the lid on and set aside until ready to serve (it’s even better the next day and freezes well for months).

To Serve:

  1. Bring a very large pot of water with 1 tbsp of salt to the boil.
  2. Add pasta and cook for 1 minute less than the recommended cooking time as per the packet instructions.
  3. Meanwhile, place 5 cups of the ragu in a very large fry pan, dutch oven or use 2 normal size fry pans. Heat over high heat while the pasta is cooking.
  4. When the pasta is ready, transfer it directly from the pot into the fry pan using tongs.
  5. Add ¾ cup of pasta water into the fry pan.
  6. Gently toss the pasta (I use 2 wooden spoons) for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce water evaporates and leaves you with a thick ragu sauce that coats the pasta.
  7. Yell for your family to sit down at the dinner table because you need to serve it immediately.
  8. Serve with plenty of freshly grated parmesan, or even better, with Parmigiano Reggiano.

Information & Photos © Black Elephant Vintners – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Recipe Tin Eats.

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July Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Marinated Beef Kabobs

Infusing the beef with a marinade will provide flavorful and juicy steak pieces. For extra flavor, baste the kabobs with reserve marinade while grilling.  Try to purchase the beef in a block, making it easier to cut into cubes.  Makes 8 skewers.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1.5 lbs beef tri tips, sirloin tips or other steak cut
  • 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
  • 1 large red onion

MARINADE INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 tsp minced garlic (2 large garlic cloves)
  • 1 tsp onion powder (or sub with garlic powder)
  • 2 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or other neutral flavored oil)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

COOKING ITEMS:

  • 8 flat metal skewers
  • olive oil, for drizzling and cooking
  • finely chopped parsley, garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Cut the beef into 1.3″ wide cubes.
  • Mix Marinade in a bowl. Add beef. Marinate for 1 – 24 hours, minimum 20 minutes.
  • Cut bell peppers and onion into 1.3″ wide squares.
  • Thread beef (reserve Marinade), vegetables and mushrooms on each skewer.  Use two pieces of vegetables between each piece of beef. Thread loosely, don’t smush together tightly (helps even cooking).
  • Brush kebabs lightly with reserved marinade (including vegetables), then drizzle with olive oil.
  • Heat BBQ or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tbsp oil, then when smoking, cook kebabs in batches for 2 minutes on each side until slightly charred (4 sides = 8 minutes in total), basting with reserved marinade as you go.
  • Transfer to plate, cover loosely with foil and rest for 3 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
  • See link below for more tips and dipping sauces.
  • © Recipe courtesy of Recipe Tin Eats

JULY WINE CLUB:

Ranch 32 MeritageBold wine Style logoRANCH 32
Vintner’s Reserve Meritage
Monterey, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

On the west side of the Salinas Valley, not far from the town of Greenfield, directly in the path of Monterey’s relentless afternoon winds, lies Ranch 32. Vineyards were originally planted in 1972 by the founder, Al Scheid.  Several decades later, the Ranch 32 Vineyard is still the heart of the business where the winery operations reside. All of the vineyards are certified sustainable and growers are deeply committed to the principals of environmental stewardship.

The grapes for the Ranch 32 Meritage were grown on the southernmost estate vineyards in the San Lucas and Hames Valley AVAs. Although these properties experience some of the cooling effects from the Pacific Ocean, they are sheltered from the strong winds that scour the Salinas Valley each afternoon.  Daytime highs are similar to Paso Robles, but at night, the temperatures can drop as much as 50 degrees.  The combination of hot days and cold nights produce red wines that are deep, rich, concentrated and chewy.

Vincent Catalaa Winemaker

Vincent Catalaà, Winemaker

The fruit was picked in the early morning hours based on ripeness, acidity, pH and flavor.  In the winery, the fruit was sorted, crushed and fermented in small tanks then aged with oak. Gentle handling and minimal intervention throughout the winemaking process ensures that the distinct characteristics of each vineyard’s terroir are preserved.

“This deep, dark wine delivers opulent aromas of blackberries, plums, black cherries, cassis, violets and vanilla. The palate is ripe and powerful with notes of fresh fruit, earth and new oak. The tannins are solid, but seamless.  This Bordeaux blend is the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or hearty stews.” –  Vincent Catalaà, Winemaker

Appellation: Monterey, California
Varietal: 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 22% Petit Verdot
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.52
TA: 6.4 g/l
Aging: 12 month on 35% new oak, 15% French, 15% American, 5% Hungarian
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed & approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

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Thai Grilled Beef Salad

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Thai Grilled BeefThis is a simple Thai beef salad. It can be eaten hot or cold, but is usually served at room temperature. The ingredients can be found at most major supermarkets or Asian markets.

INGREDIENTS:
• 1 pound beef flank steak
• ¼ cup fish sauce
• ¼ lime juice
• 1 tablespoon kecap manis
• 3 tablespoons minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger root
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon chili oil
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• ¼ cup chopped shallots
• ¼ cup thinly sliced onion
• 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
• ¼ cup sliced cucumber
• ¼ cup Thai chili peppers, sliced

DIRECTIONS:
• Preheat grill for medium-high heat.
• Grill beef to desired doneness, and allow to cool.
• While beef is cooling, stir together fish sauce, lime juice, kecap manis, garlic ginger, cilantro, sesame oil, and chili oil; mix in the green onions and shallots. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
• Cut beef into bite-sized pieces. In a large, bowl, toss with onion, tomatoes, cucumber, and chili peppers. Pour in the dressing, and toss to coat. © Recipe courtesy of Patnication at Allrecipes.com

MARCH WINE CLUB PAIRING:

Arendsign Sauvignon BlancSilky style
Arendsig
Solara Block 2 Little Foxes
Sauvignon Blanc
South Africa

SILKY WINE STYLE

These certified organic grapes come from the Hout Baai Farm in the McGregor mountain river valley, a ward of the Robertson wine valley, where in harmony with nature, a sanctuary for all wild creatures who by their presence create the balance that adds uniqueness to the viticulture. Years of nurturing the land and dedication to preserving it, have established an environment of value to the planet. This single vineyard wine is made with minimal interference, fermentation with natural and approved yeasts in stainless steel tanks. Maturation takes place for seven months on the lees in cement tanks, retaining the unique vineyard characteristics. The handcraft approach by human nature helps to add to the final balance of this unique product.

winemaker Lourens Van Der Westhuizen“On the nose, abundance of tropical fruit flavors, granadilla, kiwi fruit and guava with hints of lime and green citrus. On the palate, fruit lingers with a firm yet balanced acidity and the long lees contact giving the wine a beautiful creamy mouthfeel.” – Lourens Van Der Westhuizen, Winemaker

Winemaker: Lourens Van Der Westhuizen
Appellation: Robertson, South Africa
Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Analysis: 13.72% alcohol / volume
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed & approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

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Chateau Rouviere Wine Pairing Recipe

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Braised Beef & Carrots

braised-beefINGREDIENTS:
•  2 lbs (1 kg) stewing beef
•  2 onions
•  1 slice belly pork, diced
•  cooking fat
•  1 small can tomato purée
•  bay, thyme, sage
•  1 cube beef stock
•  2 garlic cloves
•  6 carrots, peeled and sliced
•  salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:
Cut the meat into equal pieces.  Heat the fat, and then sauté the meat in a cast iron casserole dish.

Once all of the meat pieces are browned on all sides, remove them from the casserole, and brown the chopped onions and diced belly pork.

Dissolve the beef stock cube in ¼ liter (2 cups) of water.

Put the meat back into the casserole, pour in the stock, tomato purée, peeled and sliced carrots, garlic and herbs.

Season with salt and pepper, stir and leave to stew for 90 minutes on low heat.   Serves: 6.   Recipe courtesy of Vinadeis Winery, France.

Chateau_Rouviere_SMmellowChateau Rouviere
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
Minervois, France

At Landure, in the cradle of Cathar history, Marielle and Luc Rouvière are perpetuating the family tradition. “We also unearthed fragments of Gallo-Roman amphorae which were used to transport wine by ship,” explains Luc Rouvière.   In 1649, the Abbey of Fontfroide sold the estate’s land to one of Luc’s ancestors.  More than two hundred years later, Luc’s great-great-grandfather founded the Château in 1870, during the region’s golden age of wine-making. The Minervois appellation was recognized in 1985 and Luc and Marielle moved to the estate in order to continue its conversion. In 1998, Val d’Orbieu selected the couple for their top quality wines matured in oak barrels, firmly establishing their reputation. This GSMC pairs well with red meats, game and cheeses.winemaker-Olivier-Dauga

“Lovely deep dark ruby color.  A subtle nose of blackberry, raspberry and garrigue aromas.  On the palate this wine is harmonious with soft tannins and spicy finish.” – Olivier Dauga, winemaker

Winemaker: Olivier Dauga
Appellation: Minervois, France
Varietal Blend:  40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, 10% Carignan
Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume, 3.5 pH, 6.3 g/l TA
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine