Tag Archives: Bold

March Cheese Club: Iowa City / Cedar Rapids

Posted on by

Cheese Clubbarbers-1833-cheddarBarber’s Farmhouse
1833 Vintage Reserve Cheddar
England

With a creamy texture and smooth finish, 1833 contains naturally-occurring crystals that give it a distinctive crunch. Refined sweet notes balance out its tangy sharpness. 

Barber’s 1833 is made using traditional starter cultures and the finest West Country milk. Aged for at least 24 months, only when one of the Barber family judges it to be outstanding does it leave the farm as 1833. A cheese with unrivaled complexity and depth, savor it as part of a cheeseboard with apples, pickled walnuts and a tankard of Somerset cider.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon makes an excellent companion to this aged cheddar, reach for one of our March Wine Club Wines. For beer, grab an English cider.

WINESTYLES: Bold
BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean or Fruity & Spicy

ABOUT BARBER’S FARMHOUSE:
The Barber Family started making cheese on their Somerset Farm in 1833 and are now the oldest surviving cheddar-makers in the world. They are proud to work with more than 100 local farming families who supply them with quality milk to make their award-winning cheddar. Learn more here.

Information and photo © Barber’s Farmhouse – All Rights Reserved.

white-watermelon-mostardaCasa Forcello
White Watermelon Mostarda
Lombardia, Italy

Hand-cut pieces of candied white watermelon come alive with a hint of potent mustard extract. Mostarda is a traditional condiment that balances sweetness and heat. Unlike many whole mustard fruits on the market, these are extraordinarily fresh, flavorful and chunky.

ABOUT CASA FORCELLO:
Casa Forcello® mostarda is handmade in Mantova, Italy, in the heart of the northern region of Lombardia. Former pharmacist, Paola Calciolari, followed her true calling in creating her line of mostardas using local flavors and recipes handed down by her grandmother. She makes her exceptional mostardas by sourcing locally harvested fruit, slicing and candying them in their juices, and then adding drops of a very concentrated, spicy mustard extract; it is a highly labor intensive process. They are a delightful pairing with cheese, charcuterie, or roasted meats. 

Information and Photo © Casa Forcello/Forever Cheese & Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!Match Made in Heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club!  Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >

March Cheese Club: Des Moines Area

Posted on by

Cheese Clubbarbers-1833-cheddarBarber’s Farmhouse
1833 Vintage Reserve Cheddar
England

With a creamy texture and smooth finish, 1833 contains naturally-occurring crystals that give it a distinctive crunch. Refined sweet notes balance out its tangy sharpness. 

Barber’s 1833 is made using traditional starter cultures and the finest West Country milk. Aged for at least 24 months, only when one of the Barber family judges it to be outstanding does it leave the farm as 1833. A cheese with unrivaled complexity and depth, savor it as part of a cheeseboard with apples, pickled walnuts and a tankard of Somerset cider.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon makes an excellent companion to this aged cheddar, reach for one of our March Wine Club Wines. For beer, grab an English cider.

WINESTYLES: Bold
BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean or Fruity & Spicy

ABOUT BARBER’S FARMHOUSE:
The Barber Family started making cheese on their Somerset Farm in 1833 and are now the oldest surviving cheddar-makers in the world. They are proud to work with more than 100 local farming families who supply them with quality milk to make their award-winning cheddar. Learn more here.

Information and photo © Barber’s Farmhouse – All Rights Reserved.

Pear-MostardaCasa Forcello
Pear Mostarda
Lombardia, Italy

Hand-cut pieces of candied pears come alive with a hint of potent mustard extract. Mostarda is a traditional condiment that balances sweetness and heat. Unlike many whole mustard fruits on the market, these are extraordinarily fresh, flavorful and chunky.

ABOUT CASA FORCELLO:
Casa Forcello® mostarda is handmade in Mantova, Italy, in the heart of the northern region of Lombardia. Former pharmacist, Paola Calciolari, followed her true calling in creating her line of mostardas using local flavors and recipes handed down by her grandmother. She makes her exceptional mostardas by sourcing locally harvested fruit, slicing and candying them in their juices, and then adding drops of a very concentrated, spicy mustard extract; it is a highly labor intensive process. They are a delightful pairing with cheese, charcuterie, or roasted meats. 

Information and Photo © Casa Forcello/Forever Cheese & Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!Match Made in Heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club!  Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >

December Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on by

Cheese ClubAlpha-Tolman-Cheese-ImageJasper Hill Farm
Alpha Tolman
Greensboro, Vermont

Alpha Tolman has a buttery, fruit and nut flavor when young, developing bold meaty, caramelized onion flavors as it matures. The texture is dense and pliant, easily portioned and ideal for melting.

Curds are cooked and pressed before being aged for 8-11 months to achieve a tight, elastic texture and robust, complex flavors. The texture, aesthetic, and flavor make Alpha an ideal choice for fondue or onion jam. For a satisfying and novel meal, follow the lead of Swiss/French raclette: melt it onto a plate of fingerling potatoes, cured meat, and natural sour pickles.

HISTORY:
Alpha Tolman is a Jasper Hill original, inspired by classic Alpine cheeses of Europe. Its name pays homage to Mr. Alpha Tolman, a philanthropic dairy farmer responsible for – among other notable works – building the town library in 1900. Alpha’s grandfather, Enoch Tolman, was an original settler of Greensboro, Vermont.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Try pairing with a robust Ale or other bock beers, or plummy red wines, such as a Barbera or Cabernet Franc.

WINESTYLES: Mellow or Bold
BEERSTYLES: Malty

Info and photos © Jasper Hill Farm – All Rights Reserved.

Cambozola Balance-Cheese-BowKasseri Champignon
Cambozola Classic
Triple Creme Blue
Bavaria, Germany

It’s not a brie, it’s not a blue. This creamy, soft ripened cheese has a rind that is bloomy and white, while the paste is soft and creamy with flecks of blue. It’s a nice way to introduce someone to a blue style cheese as the flavor is mild and not overwhelming. Use this cheese when making our December Secondary Red wine pairing recipe.

WINE & CRAFT BEER RECOMMENDATIONS:
Enjoy with a rich Porter or Stout beer, or reach for a light-bodied Pinot Noir or sparkling wine made using the traditional method, such as a French Champagne or Spanish Cava.

WINESTYLES: Mellow
BEERSTYLES: Malty

Information © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.
Photo © Gourmet Foods International – All Rights Reserved.

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!Match Made in Heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club!  Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >

August Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on by

Cheese ClubGoat Gouda_August Cheese ClubCentral Coast Creamery
Goat Gouda
Paso Robles, California

Central Coast Creamery’s flagship cheese bursts of fruity and caramel aromas that will transport you to the sun-soaked hills of California the moment you cut into it. Its ivory-colored paste is semi-firm, yet crumbly, tacky, and slightly chalky and crystalline. It has starchy flavors of tart apples, grass and crusty bread. This award winning gouda is made with 100% goat’s milk and is aged for 4 to 6 months.

Awards:

  • 2016 – American Cheese Society (ACS) – 2nd Place Award
  • 2016 – World Cheese Championship – 3rd Place Award
  • 2014 – World Cheese Championship – 3rd Place Award
  • 2013 – United States Cheese Championship – Best of Class
  • 2011 – United States Cheese Championship – 2nd Place Award
  • 2010 – Best of Show – American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA)
  • 2010 – American Cheese Society (ACS) – 3rd Place Award

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
What grows together, goes together! All of our August Wine Club wines will pair beautifully with this cheese. As for beer, enjoy with a crisp Amber Ale.

WINESTYLES: Bold or Crisp
BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean

CENTRAL COAST CREAMERY: Located near California’s coast in Paso Robles, Central Coast Creamery is gaining momentum in the domestic artisan cheese category. At the helm is Reggie Jones, a veteran of the dairy industry, who has worked in various aspects of quality control, production management, whey refining and sales of cheese cultures and enzymes. After considering their next venture, Reggie’s family decided to make the move to California’s Central Coast, well-known for its support of artisan foods and wineries. Looking back into the region’s history, one will find that the area was once home to a number of dairies. However, during the 1970’s, most of the region’s independent dairy farms lost their steam, and were extinct by the end of the decade. The Jones family, looking to rejuvenate these roots, started Central Coast Creamery. In true California spirit, all of their cheeses are made in primarily handmade, small batches using locally-sourced milk free from artificial growth hormones, and aged on pine racks. Learn more >

Information © Central Coast Creamery and Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

raspberry-habanero-frontPRiMO
Raspberry Habanero Preserves
Denver, Colorado

These raspberry habanero preserves have a straight up red raspberry flavor with delightful tropical heat that unfolds into a long satisfying finish. On average, PRiMO cooks their preserves for one minute or less, so the fruit’s natural flavor shines in every bite.

PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS:
Pairs great with this month’s Goat Gouda and a glass of wine from any of our August Wine Club selections. It also pairs beautifully with a soft-ripened buttery cheese- think Delice de Bourgogne, Camembert, Kunik (Nettle Meadow Farm) and semi-soft, washed-rind cheeses such as Epoisses and Taleggio. For beer, reach for a crisp Amber Ale as well.

WINESTYLES: Bold or Crisp
BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean

PRiMO: PRiMO is a small independent producer that create their own unique flavors and recipes and lovingly hand-craft them in small batches. They obsess over every detail- from the ingredients they source to how they might pair with cheese, salumi and wine, and everything in between.  Learn more >

Information © PRiMO and Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!Match Made in Heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club!  Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >

July Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on by

Cheese ClubCarr-Valley-Cranberry-Chipotle-CheddarCarr Valley
Cranberry Chipotle Cheddar
La Valle, Wisconsin

Made from pasteurized cow’s milk, this white cheddar has cranberries and chipotle peppers added, which contributes to the subtle heat and a very warm finish.

Acclaims: Gold 2023 Los Angeles Int. Dairy Competition; Gold 2022 Los Angeles Int. Dairy Competition; 2nd Place 2017 US Championship Cheese Contest.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Pair this cheese with a Shiraz from South Africa (or even a sparkling Shiraz). For beer, reach for a lager.

WINESTYLES: Mellow
BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean

CARR VALLEY CHEESE: Owned and operated by the Cook family, Carr Valley Cheese Company is over 100 years old. Nestled amongst the rolling hills and lush pastures of central Wisconsin, they remain one of Wisconsin’s traditional cheese plants, famous for making cheese the old-fashioned way!

Information © Carr Valley Cheese. – All Rights Reserved.
Information © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

neals-yard-montgomerys-cheddarNeal’s Yard Dairy
Montgomery’s Cheddar
Somerset, England

Since 1911, Montgomery’s Cheddar has been handmade at Manor Farm with milk from the 200 Friesian cows that roam their 1200 acre farm and produced within twenty miles of the town of Cheddar. Montgomery’s Cheddar is dry and flakey with deep, rich, fruity and savory flavors with an incredibly long finish.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Pair with a red wine, such as a Pinot Noir, Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon. For beer, pair with an IPA or an English Cider.

WINESTYLES: Bold
BEERSTYLES: Hoppy & Bitter

MONTGOMERY’S CHEESE: For over three generations, the Montgomery family has been farming in North and South Cadbury in Somerset since Jamie Montgomery’s grandfather purchased the farm in 1911.  Elizabeth Montgomery took over in the 1960s, ensuring the high quality standards continued and nurtured the recipe for 30 years. When Jamie inherited the role of cheese master of the family, he commited every aspect of production to his cheese, from the quality of the grass his cows graze on to the taste and texture of the final product.  Learn more >

Information © Montgomery Cheese – All Rights Reserved.
Information © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!Match Made in Heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club!  Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >

March Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on by

Cheese ClubPecorino_Toscano-DOPCaseificio Il Fiorino
Pecorino Toscano DOP
Tuscany, Italy

The Tuscan Pecorino DOP is a cheese that is protected by the Denomination of Origin, which means it is produced according to strict disciplinary rules according to tradition of that geographical location. This fresh cheese has undergone a short seasoning period, making it soft and delicate on the palate. The smell is fairly strong, with notes of buttermilk and fresh hay. On the palate, the consistency is tender and creamy; it is fairly mild, well-rounded and balanced with a hint of tang. Serve with a light salad or with a bit of bread for a delicious lunch.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
This Pecorino pairs well with a mellow Malbec, such as our Premium Club – Materra Cunat Family Vineyards Midnight Red Blend, a Chianti or a Prosecco. For beer, pair with an IPA, a double IPA and a Belgium Tripel.

WINESTYLES: Mellow and Silky
BEERSTYLES: Crisp and Clean

ABOUT THE CREAMERY:
The Fiorino family rooted themselves in southern Tuscany in the 1800s. Years later, they dedicated their land to breeding sheep and discovered the rocky ravines and consistent humidity was ideal for aging sheep’s milk for cheese, and thus, started their passion for quality cheese.

Fontina-val-d-aosta-italian-cheeseFontina Val D’Aosta
Semi-soft
Aosta Valley, Italy

Since the 12th century, Fontina Val D’Aosta is a classic Italian cheese that is traditionally made with unpasteurized cow’s milk and usually aged 90 days. This Italian Fontina has a natural rind that turns tan to orange-brown as it ages. The interior is a pale cream color with holes known as “eyes”. Rich and creamy in flavor, with more notes of nuts as it ages. This is a great cheese for fondues, Italian dishes, dishes with wild cherries and truffles.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Serve with a glass of Nebbiolo, a bold Italian Red Wine, a big Chardonnay, or our March Wine Club – Reguta Ribolla Gialla. For beer, pair with a crisp beer such as a pilsner, or a pale Lager such as an Italian Peroni.

WINESTYLES: Bold, Rich or Silky
BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean

Cheese_springDon’t let your Wine Club go home alone!

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club!  Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >

February Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on by

Cheese Clubpepper-corn-cheeseCheeseland
Gouda with Peppercorns
Holland

This mild, creamy Gouda with black peppercorns is a versatile cheese with a unique and interesting flavor profile. It is made with pasteurized milk, organic cream, salt, cheese culture and vegetarian rennet. It is delicious in salads, sandwiches or omelettes. This cheese also pairs beautifully with potatoes, or rich dishes like quiches, casseroles and frittatas.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Serve with mimosas using a dry Champagne, or serve with California Zinfandels, or Italian Primitivo wines. For Beer, look for a Lager, Pilsner, Brown Ale or Wheat Beer.

WINESTYLES: Bubbly or Crisp
BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean

neals-yard-montgomerys-cheddarNeal’s Yard Dairy
Montgomery’s Cheddar
England

Since 1911, Montgomery’s Cheddar has been made at Manor Farm, with milk from the 200 Friesian cows that roam the 1200 acre farm. Rich and savory flavors are the hallmark of Montgomery Cheddar.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Pair with a red wine, such as a Pinot Noir, Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon. For beer, pair with an IPA or an English Cider.

WINESTYLES: Bold
BEERSTYLES: Hoppy & Bitter

Cheese_springDon’t let your Wine Club go home alone!

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club!  Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >

Winery Spotlight: Clos LaChance January 19th

Posted on by

Clos LaChance Vineyards logo

STYLES Wine Tasting with Clos LaChance Vineyards
San Martin, California

Wednesday, January 19, 2021
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Jason RobideauxJoin us for the launch of our new STYLES wines, created in collaboration with Clos LaChance winery – a family-owned and operated winery in California. Jason Robideaux, VP of Winery and Vineyard Operations at Clos LaChance, will be our guest speaker and tasting us through the six new Style Wines on the big screen at the store.
 
STYLE Wines Tasted (for tasting notes, click on each style): To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please call your local participating WineStyles store. Or, if you prefer to attend remotely, pre-order a wine tasting kit to-go and watch/taste along with us on Zoom! Jan19_Styles_wines_email-header
About Clos LaChance:

Clos LaChance winery is a multi-generational family-owned and operated winery.  Located within the Central Coast American Viticultural Area (AVA), tucked into the beautiful Hayes Valley in San Martin, California.  Being good stewards of land and resources, the Clos LaChance Winery and Estate Vineyard is proud to be Certified Sustainable by the California Sustainable Wine Growing Alliance. Learn more about their winery here.

Styles-power-twitter-post

Clos LaChance Vineyards_Logo

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together!
Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
STYLES wine tasting with Clos LaChance Vineyards
Wednesday, January 19, 2021
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST
Cheers!
WineStyles.com

November Premium Wine Club

Posted on by

Robert-Mondavi-Cab-FrancBold wine Style logoRobert Mondavi Winery
Oakville Cabernet Franc 2018
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The Oakville Cabernet Franc is a complex wine with notes of black currant, black plum, and unsweetened cocoa on the nose. On the palate, there are flavors of juicy blackberries, savory herbs and fresh tobacco. 

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 80% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Oakville District, Napa Valley, California
Food Pairing: Pair with robust meats and complex vegetables

HARVEST:
The grapes selected for the Oakville Cabernet Franc are grown on low fertility, well-drained soils with optimal sun exposure; this allows the winery to yield great fruit maturity and aromatics which Cabernet Franc is prized for.

ABOUT ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY:
Robert Mondavi built his winery in Northern California in 1966, planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and other key grape varieties to create some of the world’s finest wine. Today, Robert Mondavi Winery produces critically acclaimed, top-rated, world-class wines adored by industry experts, master sommeliers and consumers alike. Additionally, they are a Napa Green Certified winery and partnered with Napa County Resource Conservation District, creating the Napa Sustainable Winegrowing Group (NSWG). Learn more about the winery and their vineyards here.

Bold wine Style logobrowne-family-vineyards-cabernet-sauvignonBrowne Family Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Columbia Valley, Washington

BOLD WINE STYLE

“Beautiful aromas of toasted oak with foxy grape and black fruit notes lead into flavors of dates, huckleberries and black cherries. Bold tannins stick to the palate leaving a lingering finish of licorice and berry compote. This full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon pairs perfectly with wild game like elk or venison and earthy wild mushrooms.” – Winemaker, John Freeman

Analysis: 14.91% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot
Appellation: Columbia Valley AVA
TA: 5.5 g/l
pH: 3.89
Aged: 21 months
Harvest Date: October 5th-November 1st, 2017

HARVEST:
The 2017 harvest was far more normal than the warmer and larger than average harvests from 2012-2016. A rainy spring led to a dry, warm summer, making for excellent fruit development in the Browne Family Vineyards. By the time of harvest, their fruit showed phenolic ripeness with balanced sugar, acids and tannins in the fruit skins. 

ABOUT BROWNE FAMILY VINEYARDS:
Browne Family Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery located in the heart of Walla Walla, Washington and throughout the Columbia Valley AVA. Inspired by William Bitner Browne, the late grandfather of their proprietor, Andrew Browne, the winery continues to be committed to producing world-class wines with cellar-worthy vintages that stand the test of time. Learn more about the family winery and vineyard here.

Wine club logoJoin our PREMIUM WINE CLUB, enjoy amazing wines every other month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn more about our Premium Club >

 
 
 

 

Estate Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

Posted on by

Sourdough Stuffing with Sausage and Gruyère Recipe

Thanksgiving stuffing with sausage

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 Tbsp. (½ stick) (2 oz./60 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 loaf sourdough bread, about 1 lb. (500 g), crust removed and cut into 1-inch (2.5-cm) cubes
  • 5 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 lb. (500 g) pork breakfast sausage, casings removed
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 cups (24 fl. oz./750 ml) turkey or chicken stock
  • 1 cup (4 oz./125 g) grated Gruyère cheese
  • ¼ cup (1/4 oz./7 g) chopped fresh sage
  • 2 Tbs. fresh thyme leaves
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat an oven to 350°F (180°C). Using the melted butter, grease the bottom and sides of 9″x13″ (23cm x 33cm) baking dish.
  2. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until dried but not browned, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside. Leave the oven on.
  3. In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until most of the fat is rendered but the bacon is not yet crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the sausage and cook, breaking up the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned, about 10 minutes. Add the onion, celery and garlic and continue cooking until the vegetables are softened and translucent, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, lightly whisk the eggs. Add the stock and whisk until combined.
  5. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage mixture to a very large bowl; discard any fat and liquid remaining in the pan. Add the bread cubes and cheese to the bowl and toss to combine. Add the stock mixture to the bowl and toss until the bread cubes are evenly moistened. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid. Stir in the sage and thyme and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  6. Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared dish and bake until the stuffing is set and the top is golden brown and lightly crisped, about 40 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Serves 10 to 12.

© Recipe courtesy of Williams Sonoma and Chris Lanier, co-founder and chef of Ravenwood, Kerhonkson, NY.

NOVEMBER WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoEstate-Cellars-Cabernet (1)Estate Cellars
2019 Estate Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
Central Coast, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Cabernet Sauvignon is the king of red wines and at Clos LaChance there is no exception. Cabernet is the largest volume of acreage for a single varietal on their estate and made up of over six different clones on four different root stocks. The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon has always been a top performer for quality and the flag ship of the Clos LaChance portfolio.  They stay true to the style and the terroir on their Estate that presents an approachable and elegant style of Cabernet that is crafted for your everyday indulgence. The wine is ready to drink now and can be laid down for several years as well.

TASTING NOTES:
Dark Plum in color, the 2019 Estate Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is full bodied with medium acid and high tannins. On the nose, there are flavors of cassis, tea leaf, and blackberry jam. On the palate, there are notes of cedar, huckleberry and molasses.

Varietal: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 10% Malbec
Appellation: Central Coast, California
Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Aged: 16 months on 25% new French oak, 10% new American oak, 65% neutral French and American oak
Harvest Date: Oct. 2 – Oct. 31
Average Brix at Harvest: 25.0
pH: 3.61
TA: 0.62
Sugar: 0.13 g/L
Food Pairings: Braised Short Ribs, Vegetarian Lasagna
Cheese Pairings: Gruyére, or with the November Cheese Club selections.
Critical Acclaim: 95 pts. justwinepoints.com

 

 

California Certified Sustainable logoWINEMAKER NOTES:
The Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from some of the finest vineyards throughout the Central Coast of California, ranging from San Francisco and Livermore in the north to Paso Robles in the south. The grapes are handpicked and hand sorted prior to a 72-hour cold soak at 40°F. During fermentation, the wine is pumped over four times per day during peak fermentation to maximize extraction. Post fermentation, the wine is held on skins for 24 hours to extend maceration and provide even more color and tannin extraction. The wine is then aged on 25% new French oak and 10% new American oak, and the remainder is aged on a mix of neutral American and French oak.

HARVEST NOTES:
The 2019 Estate Cellars’ Cabernet Sauvignon, similar to the previous two vintages, was notated as one of the latest starts to their season’s harvest. The winters have prolonged their growing seasons as the increasingly wet soils allow the vines time to mature at a healthy rate. The above average rainfall in the spring gave rise to a later than average bud break and bloom, which allowed the weather time to warm up and decrease any concerns of destructive frost. The summer temperatures were well below the seasonal average with only four days of 100+ degree temperatures (in previous years, they saw 11-16 days over 100 degrees). These even and mild temperature changes gave the winery an ideal growing season that pushed them well into November. They believe this hang time has shaped up to provide high quality wine and one of their best vintages to date.

Clos LaChance logoABOUT ESTATE CELLARS:
From the family owned and operated winery Clos LaChance, based in the Northern Central Coast region of California, Estate Cellars was established as their secondary, high-quality line made to reach additional markets with a unique label. Clos LaChance Winery and Estate Vineyard is proud to be Certified Sustainable by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. The winery stays true to the style of their terroir by creating approachable and elegant wines. Learn more here.

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn More >