Tag Archives: Bold Wine Style

June Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Eggplant Caponata Pasta Sauce_Bella Cucina

© Photo by Bella Cucina

EGGPLANT CAPONATA PASTA SAUCE

INGREDIENTS:

NOTE: Bella Cucina products available at select WineStyles locations

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Cut eggplant into small dice. Sprinkle with kosher salt and let drain in a colander for 10 minutes. Squeeze out any excess moisture and blot dry with a towel. ⁠
  2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil. Add the eggplant with the salt. Cook over medium high heat, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is cooked and lightly browned, almost crisped but not burned. Add the pasta sauce and pesto. Continue to cook, covered, over low heat for an additional 10-15 minutes. ⁠
  3. ⁠Toss with pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves and toasted pine nuts. ⁠

© Recipe courtesy of Bella Cucina.

JUNE WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoM-by-Martellotto-Grenache_bottleM by Martellotto
Grenache
Portico Hills Vineyard
Santa Barbara County, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Grenache is fresh and brilliant with dark blackberries and crushed black cherry fruit. It is exceptionally natural, but has a medium acidity and a fruit-focused approach that makes this wine “lip-smacking delicious”.  The wine is concentrated, but light on the mouth with an appealing finish that ultimately, leads to easy drinking.

Varietal: Grenache
Vineyard: Portico Hills Vineyard
Fermentation: Stainless steel tanks
Aging: Rested in mostly neutral French Oak for 15 months
Production: Only 525 cases produced

Greg Martellotto

Winemaker, Greg Martellotto

ABOUT THE WINEMAKER:
Greg Martellotto has been making wine since 2005. His path led him to winemaking experiences in Mexico, Italy, Napa Valley, Paso Robles, and Santa Barbara. He holds a degree in Biological Sciences from Stanford University and a Masters degree from the University of Texas. His global wine experience has provided opportunity to travel to most of the major winemaking regions of the world as both a buyers and a consumer, which informs his style. Equally important and unique among most winemakers, Greg’s experience as an importer and wine buyer provides insider’s access to the greatest wines and wineries in the world. In this capacity, he regularly tastes more than 400 wines per month— it’s safe to say, he knows great wine!

ABOUT MARTELLOTTO WINERY:
The Martellotto family roots trace back to 17th century winery in Alberobello in Puglia, Italy. Over four centuries later, winemaker Greg Martellotto continues his family’s viticultural legacy, by making enticing, vibrant wines what speak to his own viticultural passion. Since 2005, Martellotto Winery has produced unique and exciting wines designed to surprise and ignite discerning palates of wine lovers everywhere— Greg strays away from mass produced wines that are squeaky clean, uniform and less interesting. Greg starts with healthful and sustainably farmed grapes. Then, by combining creative fermentation techniques with artistic blending techniques before bottling, the Martellotto Winery is able to produce distinctive and delicious wines. Learn more here.

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May Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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© Photo by Jess Larson

PERFECT GRILLED SAUSAGE

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pound (raw) fresh sausage links or brats of choice
  • For serving, as desired: toasted brat buns or brioche buns, grilled peppers & onions, sauerkraut, mustard or Dijonnaise, ketchup, etc.
  • For a Latin American flare, turn your grilled sausage into a Choripán by topping with a Chimichurri Sauce on a Crusty Baguette. Follow Hilah Johnson’s recipe here.

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat the grill: Prepare your grill for indirect cooking, creating a zone of direct high heat & a second zone of indirect heat.
  2. Grill the sausage: Once the grill is hot, place the sausage directly on the indirect head side of the grill, arranging the sausage as close to the direct heat as possible without being directly over the flame. Close the lid & cook for 4-5 minutes. The heat from the direct heat side of the grill will circulate around the sausage, cooking them with really gentle indirect heat. After 4-5 minutes, flip the sausage, and cook over indirect heat for another 4-5 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of the sausage registers a temperature of 150 degrees F.
  3. Chargrill the sausage: Transfer the sausage to the direct heat. Grill 2-3 minutes per side, until charred as desired & the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. Transfer to a plate to rest & cool slightly before serving
  4. Serve the grilled sausage on a toasted bun with all of your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

© Recipe courtesy of Jess Larson at Plays well with Butter.

MAY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoCasas del Toqui Cabernet Sauvignon Alto Cahapoal ChileCasas del Toqui
Terroir Selection Alto Cachapoal
Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
Cachapoal Valley D.O., Chile

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon is ruby red in color with aromas of cassis, spices, black fruits and notes of toffee and caramel. On the palate, the wine has good structure with a long and pleasant finish.

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 14.0% alcohol / volume
Region: Cachapoal D.O., Chile
Viticulture: Vertical espalier
Vinification: Fermentation at 80.6ºF-84.2ºF, post fermentation maceration and aged in oak barrels for 12 months
Closure: Natural Cork
Serving Suggestion: Serve between 60.8ºF-64.4ºF
Food Pairing: Serve with red meat, pork loins or sausage

ABOUT CASAS DEL TOQUI:
In 1994, Château Larose Trintaudon, a major French wine producer from the Bordeaux region, partnered with traditional wine producers from the Cachapoal region in Chile and together they founded Casas del Toqui. In 2010, the Court family recaptured their legacy, adding their own distinct and unique touch to this already elegant winery. Learn more here.

Casas-del-toqui-barrel-cellar

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May Premium Wine Club

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Bold wine Style logoEL-Toqui-PRIVATE-COLLECTION-Cabernet-SauvignonEl Toqui
Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon
Cachapoal Valley D.O., Chile

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon is deep red in color with hues of ruby. On the nose, there are notes of ripe cassis, black cherry, black pepper, roasted coffee bean and dark chocolate. The palate is firm, with sweet and ripe tannins and a long, elegant aftertaste. 

Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Cachapoal Valley D.O., Chile
Viticulture: Vertical espalier
Vinification: Fermentation at 80.6ºF-84.2ºF, post fermentation maceration and aged in oak barrels for 14 months
Closure: Natural Cork
Producer: Casas del Toqui S.A.
Serving: Serve between 60.8ºF-64.4ºF
Food Pairing: Serve with grilled meats and game meats

 

Bold wine Style logoEL-TOQUI-PRIVATE-COLLECTION-CarmenereEl Toqui
Private Collection Carmenere
Cachapoal Valley D.O., Chile

BOLD WINE STYLE

The Private Collection Carmenere wine is deep red in color with shades of violet. It has very complex aromas of black fruits, plum, orange peel, cherry and spice dressing that carry accents of dark chocolate and vanilla. The palate is soft with a generous volume. There are tannins that are present, but are soft with a very balanced acidity.  It is long and complex, delivering flavors very similar to those on the nose.

Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Carmenere
Appellation: Cachapoal Valley D.O., Chile
Viticulture: Vertical espalier
Vinification: Fermentation at 80.6ºF-84.2ºF, post fermentation maceration and aged in oak barrels for 14 months
Closure: Natural Cork
Producer: Casas del Toqui S.A.
Serving: Serve between 60.8ºF-64.4ºF
Food Pairing: Serve with lamb chops and rosemary, pork ribs, pasta and cheeses.

Casas-del-toqui-barrel-cellar

ABOUT CASAS DEL TOQUI WINERY:
In 1994, Château Larose Trintaudon, a major French wine producer from the Bordeaux region, partnered with traditional wine producers from the Cachapoal region in Chile and together they founded Casas del Toqui. Recently, their legacy was recaptured by a Chilean family with a great passion for wine, contributing with their own unique and distinctive mark.

One of the country’s most famous valleys, the Colchagua Valley is set at the heart of the central valley and the icon of wine production in Chile. It’s a fairly new wine-producing region, but quickly gaining reputation as Chile’s ‘Napa Valley’. Sandwiched between the Andes Mountains and the Coastal Mountain range, the Colchagua Valley’s volcanic and granite soils merge with a Mediterranean climate. The vineyards are situated in the hills of a sub-region that combines the freshness of the Pacific with the vibrant minerality of the quartz and granite soils.. Learn more about their winery here. 

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April Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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Collectors Wine ClubMerryvale_Cabernet Sauvignon_Bottle ImageMerryvale Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The Merryvale Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and dark with aromas of black fruit, coffee and toast. On the palate, it highlights flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry with toast, coffee, and spice; with a long velvety finish.

Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Napa Valley
Certifications: Sustainable Practices, Certified Sustainable, Napa Green, Vegan, and Non-GMO
Food Pairing: Enjoy with a classic sirloin, beef short rib or other braised dishes such as grilled lamb, or portobello mushrooms.
Critical Acclaim:

  • 92 points, CS WE
  • 91 points, JS (2017)
  • 91 points, EC WE
  • 91 points, WS
  • 92 points, W&S (2016)
  • 92 points, WS
  • 92 points, WE (2015)

Collectors Wine ClubMerryvale_Profile_Bottle ImageMerryvale Vineyards
Profile
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The Merryvale Vineyards Profile wine has aromas of savory herbs, dark chocolate, roasted notes, black and red fruits. On the palate, there are complex fruit and herb flavors, with velvet texture, fine grained tannins, and a long savory finish.

This iconic proprietary red represents the pinnacle of Merryvale vineyards and winemaking. Intensity, refinement, and balance define this Cabernet Sauvignon dominant red blend. Sourced exclusively from the steep slopes of the Profile Estate Vineyard at the eastern edge of the St. Helena AVA. Exceptional terroir, vine-by-vine viticultural practices and small lot artisanal winemaking. Consistently awarded and highly-scored by critics.

“A terroir selection, the flagship 2017 Profile offers a classic nose of ripe blackcurrants, scorched earth, tobacco, cedar, and dried spices. This carries to an elegant, beautifully balanced 2017 with plenty of mid-palate depth, building yet polished tannins, and a great finish.  It’s a classic, more savory, nuanced 2017 that will evolve for two decades.” – 94 points, Jeb Dunnuck, January 2021

Analysis: 14.7% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Napa Valley
Varietal: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot
TA: 5.7 g/L
pH: 3.87
Certifications: Napa Green, Sustainable
Vineyard: Profile Estate Vineyard
Cooperage: 80% new from the center of France
Élevage: 23 months
Harvest Dates: September 11th through 18th
Food Pairing: Beef, lamb, duck as well as rich, savory pasta dishes with portobello or shiitake mushrooms and roasted shallots.
Critical Acclaim:

  • 93 points JS
  • 92 points WE (2017)
  • 95 points WA
  • 94 points JS
  • 92 points W&S
  • 91 points WS
  • 91 points WE (2016)
  • 93 points WA
  • 93 points JS
  • 92 points WE
  • 90 points WS (2015)

ABOUT THE REGION:
Napa Valley is considered one of the premier wine regions in the world and America’s most celebrated region. Defined by the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges and influenced by its proximity to San Pablo Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the Napa Valley enjoys a dry Mediterranean climate, long dry summers and cool evenings, perfectly suited to the growing of fine wine grapes. The resulting wines are richly flavored with vibrant fruit flavors and texture.

Andrew-Wright-Winemaker

© Merryvale Vineyards, Winemaker – Andrew Wright

ABOUT THE WINEMAKER:
Winemaker, Andrew Wright, grew up in the Sonoran Desert, knowing very little about wine and the winemaking industry throughout his early life. It wasn’t until a random trip to the Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York that Andrew uncovered a passion for the winemaking industry. He consumed volumes of wine literature (and of course, the wines they described), expanding his palate and shaping his philosophies today. Andrew began his winemaking career at Callaghan Vineyards, planting vines in the high desert outside of Sonoita, Arizona – he worked several growing seasons here before entering the cellar of Arizona Stronghold.  Andrew is thankful for these early experiences in the frontier, as they forged a deep appreciation for his hard work, experimentation and winemaking with intention.

In 2012, Andrew moved to Napa Valley and worked in the vineyards and cellars of Harlan and BOND Estates, Promontory, The Napa Valley Reserve, Fruition Sciences, and their clients (which included Merryvale at the time). Today, as the Winemaker at Merryvale Vineyards, Andrew is in charge of the production at the St. Helena winery. He oversees all of the winemaking operations for Merryvale wines and deeply believes that winemaking is the synthesis of philosophy, agriculture, science and art. Learn more here.

ABOUT MERRYVALE VINEYARDS:
Home to the first winery built following the Repeal of Prohibition in 1933, Merryvale Vineyards was part of the early fabric of the Napa Valley Wine Industry. Their collection of hand-crafted wines elegantly express the heritage, terroir, vineyards and subregions of Napa Valley. Learn more about the winery here.

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Learn more about our quarterly Collectors Club > click here

 

 

 

Costa Lusa IG Lisboa Red Wine

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Shepherd's-Pie-With-Ground-Beef-Potato-And-Cheese-On-WoodenShepherd’s Pie

INGREDIENTS:

  • For the Potatoes:
    • 1 ½ pounds russet potatoes
    • ¼ cup half-and-half
    • 2 ounces unsalted butter
    • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 egg yolk
  • For the Meat Filling:
    • 2 tablespoons canola oil
    • 1 cup chopped onion
    • 2 carrots, peeled and diced small
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 ½ pounds ground lamb
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 2 teaspoons tomato paste
    • 1 cup chicken broth
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 2 teaspoons freshly chopped rosemary leaves
    • 1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme leaves
    • ½ cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
    • ½ cup fresh or frozen English peas

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Peel the potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch dice. Place in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Set over high heat, cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, uncover, decrease the heat to maintain a simmer and cook until tender and easily crushed with tongs, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Place the half-and-half and butter into a microwave-safe container and heat in the microwave until warmed through, about 35 seconds. Drain the potatoes in a colander and then return to the saucepan. Mash the potatoes and then add the half and half, butter, salt and pepper and continue to mash until smooth. Stir in the yolk until well combined.
  2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  3. While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the filling. Place the canola oil into a 12-inch sauté pan and set over medium high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the onion and carrots and sauté just until they begin to take on color, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and stir to combine. Add the lamb, salt and pepper and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 3 minutes. Sprinkle the meat with the flour and toss to coat, continuing to cook for another minute. Add the tomato paste, chicken broth, Worcestershire, rosemary, thyme, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer slowly 10 to 12 minutes or until the sauce is thickened slightly.
  4. Add the corn and peas to the lamb mixture and spread evenly into an 11 x 7-inch glass baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, starting around the edges to create a seal to prevent the mixture from bubbling up and smooth with a rubber spatula. Place on a parchment lined half sheet pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 25 minutes or just until the potatoes begin to brown.

© Recipe courtesy of Alton Brown from Food Network.

APRIL WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoCosta Lusa Lisboa_Red_wineCosta Lusa
Lisboa Red Wine IG
Lisboa, Portugal

BOLD WINE STYLE

Ruby red in color with red fruit aromas, the IG Lisboa red wine has a rounded palate with ripe tannins and an elegant finish.

Varietal: Touriga Nacional, Aragonez and Castelão
Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume
Region: Lisboa, Portugal
Total Acidity: 5.5 +/-1
pH: 3.5 +/-0.5
Fermentation: Fermented in small, stainless steel vats
Serving Temperature: 60.8ºF-64.4ºF
Winemaker: Carlos Eduardo

REGION:
The Geographical Indication (IG) Lisbon is one of the most important Portuguese wine regions, in terms of vineyard area and wine production. Formed by gentle hills, of low relief, IG Lisboa extends from the capital of Portugal to the north, along the coast. The multifaceted region encompasses several denominations of origin, ancient and modern, with distinct characteristics. The climate is temperate, influenced by the Atlantic ocean, with relatively mild summers, and warmer and drier in the areas protected by Montejunto mountain.

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April Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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© Photo from the Olive Magazine

Portuguese Prego with Green Piri-Piri

INGREDIENTS:

  • Sandwich:
    • 1 clove garlic, crushed
    • 2 small rump steaks (about 150g each), all fat trimmed
    • 2 tbsp olive oil 
    • 1 tbsp sherry vinegar 
    • few stalks of flat-leaf parsley 
    • 2 ciabatta rolls, lightly toasted
    • 2 handfuls of Arugula 
  • Green Piri-Piri Sauce:
    • small handful of basil leaves
    • small handful of flat-leaf parsley leaves
    • 1 jalapeño, roughly chopped
    • 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
    • 2 spring onions, chopped, including green bits
    • ½ a clove of garlic, roughly chopped
    • ½ tsp granulated sugar

DIRECTIONS:

  • STEP 1: Rub the garlic over the steaks then put in a sandwich bag and tip in the olive oil, sherry vinegar and parsley stalks. Smooth everything together, then use a rolling pin to bash the steaks a few times. Leave to marinate for 1-2 hours. 

  • STEP 2: To make the sauce, put all the ingredients into the blender with 1 tbsp water and whizz until as smooth as possible. This will make more than you’ll need for the recipe, but will keep for a week in an airtight jar.

  • STEP 3: Heat a griddle or frying pan to high. Remove the steaks from the bag, brushing away the garlic and parsley stalks. Season the steaks well with salt and pepper, then sear the steaks for 2 minutes on each side. Set them aside on a plate to rest. Cut the ciabatta rolls in half, then toast on the griddle or frying pan. Then, put the ciabatta halves onto the plate, toasted side down, to soak up any juices. 

  • STEP 4: Slice the steaks, then top the rolls with the green sauce and arugula. Enjoy!

© Recipe courtesy of Olive Magazine.

APRIL WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoCasadasGaeiras-VTCasa das Gaeiras
DOC Obidos Red
Lisboa, Portugal

BOLD WINE STYLE

The DOC Óbidos Red wine has distinct notes of blackberries and blackcurrant with hints of coffee, and subtle nuances of cloves and black pepper. All flavors are in balance with the body and freshness of the wine.

Varietal: Syrah, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Region: Lisboa
Total Acidity: 5.5 +/-1
pH: 3.5 +/-0.5
Fermentation: Fermented in stainless steel vats
Serving Temperature: 60.8ºF-64.4ºF
Harvest: September and October
Winemaker: Tiago Correia
Critical Acclaim:

  • Gold in Berliner Wein Trophy 2020
  • 90 Points and Best Buy by Wine Enthusiast 2020

THE REGION:
The Geographical Indication (IG) Lisbon is one of the most important Portuguese wine regions, in terms of vineyard area and wine production. Formed by gentle hills, of low relief, IG Lisboa extends from the capital of Portugal to the north, along the coast, in a range not exceeding 40 km wide. This multifaceted region encompasses several denominations of origin, ancient and modern, with distinct characteristics. The climate is temperate, influenced by the Atlantic ocean, with relatively mild summers, cooler and wetter in the areas closer to the sea, warmer and drier in the areas protected by Montejunto mountain.

ABOUT CASA DAS GAEIRAS:
Casa das Gaeiras can be considered Parras Wines’ little Chateaux in the Óbidos region, where niche wines are produced in limited production to reflect the tradition of the wines in this region. The excellent terroir allows their winemaker to produce high-quality wines, recognized for their wonderful freshness and minerality – both nationally and internationally. Learn more about Parras Wines and Casa Das Gaeiras here.

Casa-das-gaeiras

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March Premium Wine Club

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Bold wine Style logoMaterra Cunat Family Vineyards
Midnight Red Blend
Oak Knoll District
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The Midnight Red Blend is deep purple in color with aromatic notes of cranberry, red currant, and vanilla cola.  Up front, there is a zingy acidity with a bit of nice spice on the palate.  The wine is medium-weight, but finish is powerful and persistent.

Analysis: 14.7% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 46% Malbec, 31% Petit Verdot, 23% Merlot
Appellation: Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, California
Oak Aging: 45% new French Oak for 19 months
Production: 802 cases
Serving: This wine will drink beautifully upon release, or will age well up to 7 years in your cellar. It is incredibly versatile with food pairings.

ABOUT MATERRA:
Proprietor Brian Cunat, grew up on a Midwest farm, developing a passion for agriculture and farming. He and his wife, Miki, found themselves traveling extensively, touring wineries and enjoying the cuisines of the local countries. In 2007, Brian and his brother purchased a 50-acre property in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. By 2014, they hired an expert team of vineyard managers and winemakers and transformed their property into a state-of-the-art winery capable of producing 150,000 gallons of wine. The Materra winery maintains ongoing efforts to improve their sustainability and since 2017, they have been Napa Green certified. Learn more about the winery here.

Mellow style logoWorks and Days Pinot NoirCoursey Graves Winery
Works and Days
Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast, California

MELLOW WINE STYLE

This Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is elegant and refined. There are notes of fresh cherry, a hint of strawberry, star anise, dried flowers and crushed stone. The long, persistent finish makes the second drink next to impossible.

Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Production: 252 cases
Serving: Drink now or regularly over the next 12 years.

VINEYARD:
This wine is a blend of Dijon, California Heritage, and Swiss clones from two Sonoma Coast vineyards planted in 1999 and 2007. Spring Hill is located near the Pacific Ocean on light, sandy soils in western Sonoma County; while the Hill Justice Vineyard is located 5 miles inland on volcanic soil, 1200 feet above sea level. 

VINTAGE AND WINEMAKER NOTES: 
A warm winter with good rainfall led to slightly early bud-break. Early shoot growth was normal and excellent weather encouraged flowering. This led to a larger-than-average crop with great fruit uniformity. 2018 avoided the heat spikes of years prior, meaning even ripening and developed tannins. Vineyards were handpicked and clusters were pressed whole. Wine was native yeast fermented and sur lie aged 12 months in Terracotta Amphora vessels. An additional 5 months of stainless steel barrel aging occurred on lees. The wine is bottled unfined, unfiltered, and free of additives. Minimal amounts of SO2 preserve freshness.

ABOUT COURSEY GRAVES WINERY:
The Coursey Graves Winery operates under the philosophy that farming and winemaking are one practice. Their vineyards are organically farmed without any herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides. They are dedicated to preserving their estate with a clean eco-conscience and nurture the essence of the fruit to reflect the time and the place in which it was made. Learn more about their winery here. 

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Raised by Wolves Old School Red Blend

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Pizza

Photo Credit: Copyright Anson Smart

Pizza Vesuvio with the Works

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1/2 cup frozen artichoke hearts, thawed, sliced
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 pound pizza dough, thawed if frozen
  • All-purpose flour, for dusting
  • 1/2 cup fresh ricotta (4 ounces)
  • 3/4 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 ounces thinly sliced baked ham, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 2 ounces salami, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons marinara sauce
  • 2 large cremini mushrooms, sliced 1/4 inch thick
  • 4 pitted olives, sliced 1/4 inch thick

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Set a pizza stone in the oven and preheat the oven to 500°. Let the stone heat for 30 minutes. In a bowl, lightly drizzle the artichoke hearts with oil. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. On a floured work surface, roll or stretch the pizza dough out to a 12-inch round, about 1/8 inch thick. Roll the edge on half of the pizza 1/16 inch thick. Generously flour a pizza peel. Transfer the dough to the peel and lightly brush with oil. Top the thinner side of the dough with half of the artichokes, mozzarella, ricotta, ham and salami, 3 inches from the edge. Sprinkle with half of the oregano and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the marinara. Lift the 3-inch edge of dough over the filling and press to seal in the center of the round.
  3. Spread the remaining 1/4 cup of marinara over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Arrange the remaining artichoke hearts, mozzarella, ham and salami over the marinara. Spoon small dollops of ricotta over the toppings, then scatter the mushrooms and olives on top. Sprinkle with the remaining oregano.
  4. Slide the pizza onto the hot stone and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until crisp and bubbling. Cut into wedges and serve.

© Recipe courtesy of Francis Ford Coppola from Food & Wine.

JANUARY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoRaised by Wolves Cinsaut Cabernet SauvignonRaised by Wolves
Old School
Cinsaut Cabernet Sauvignon
Stellenbosch, South Africa

BOLD WINE STYLE

Having enjoyed many old South African Cabernet Sauvignons from the 1960’s and 1970’s, Adam Mason was enthralled to discover that many of these old gems contained far greater percentages of Cinsaut than Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting the actual plantings of both varieties at the time. Using possibly the oldest producing Cinsaut vineyard in Stellenbosch (planted in 1965) and Bonniemile Cabernet planted in the 1980’s, Adam attempted to pay homage to this uniquely South African story. Vinification of both varieties was carried out in separate concrete ‘kuipe’ before transferring to barrels for 18 months maturation.

Appellation: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Varietal: 2/3 Rustenhof Cinsaut, 1/3 Bonniemile Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 12.81% alcohol / volume
Residual Sugar: 1.8 g/L
VA: 0.79 g/L
pH: 3.66
TA: 5.3 g/L
SO₂: 5/65 ppm
Bottled: 10/18/2019
Growers:

  • Rustenhof: Pieter Bredell
  • Bonniemile: Deon Joubert

Raised by WolvesABOUT RAISED BY WOLVES:
Raised by Wolves offers exceptional wines with excellent values. Made as a project by Wine Industry Specialist, Adam Mason, Adam says the name is a parody of the constant one-upmanship between winemakers. He mocks other winemakers’ statements of ‘my wine is single vineyard!’, or ‘Yeah, well my wine is naturally fermented…’, and ‘Oh yeah, well my wine is hand sorted by berry.’, by saying “My wines are all of the above, and I was raised by wolves.” – Adam Mason. Adam’s wines are produced in limited quantities, and are made from a selection of unique vineyards from his travels around the Cape, showcasing how interesting and rare the Cape’s vineyards can be. 

 

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January Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Filet MignonPan-Seared Filet Mignon

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 (10 ounce) thick tenderloin beef fillets (roughly 2 inches thick)
  • 2–3 tablespoons butter
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • Garlic & Herb Butter
    • ½ stick of butter
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
    • ½ tablespoon minced garlic

DIRECTIONS:

  • FOR THE HERB BUTTER:
    • Soften the butter in a microwave safe bowl until malleable, 10-15 seconds. Stir in herbs and garlic until fully mixed. Spoon the butter onto tin foil doing your best to reshape it to resemble a stick of butter. Place in refrigerator for about 10 minutes and remove 5 minutes before adding to the filet.
  • FOR THE FILLETS:
    • Preheat the oven to 415° F. Remove steak from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking, this is to bring the steak to room temperature and ensure your cooking times are more accurate. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
    • Add the plain butter to an oven safe cast iron skillet and turn up high, allow the skillet to become scorching hot first. Place the fillets face down and sear undisturbed for 2 minutes. Flip the fillets and sear for an additional 2 minutes. This will give your fillets a nice seared edge.
    • Transfer your skillet directly to the oven. [WARNING] skillet may be hot, handle with oven mitts. For rare, bake for 4 minutes. Medium rare, 5-6 minutes. Medium, 6-7 minutes. Medium well, 8-9 minutes. Remember, depending on the size of the steak, the more or less time it will take. This recipe is ideal for a 8-10 ounce portion, roughly 2-3 inches thick. Remove fillets from the skillet and set on a plate, lightly cover with tin foil and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. This is important to bring your steak to its final serving temperature. Top with a slice of garlic and herb butter and serve.

© Recipe courtesy of Shawn Williams from Kitchen Swagger.

JANUARY WINE CLUB:

Raised-By-Wolves-Bonniemile-Cabernet-Sauvignon-wine-bottleBold wine Style logoRaised by Wolves
Bonniemile Cabernet Sauvignon
Stellenbosch, South Africa

BOLD WINE STYLE

The Bonniemile road provides access to agricultural smallholdings just south of Stellenbosch off the Polkadraai road. Established in 1986, this block of Cabernet Sauvignon occupies 0.89 hectares of land, and is planted to just 3100 vines.

The soil is typical of the area, being rich in ironstone laterites overlaying a heavy clay bank. It’s great terrain for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Vinified in traditional open-topped concrete fermentation tanks and left on skins for 14 days before pressing off, it then matured in neutral 300L hogsheads for 18 months before bottling.

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 13.09% alcohol / volume
Residual Sugar: 1.7 g/L
VA: 0.64 g/L
pH: 3.74
TA: 5.3 g/L
SO₂: 6/49 ppm
Bottled: 10/19/2018
Grower: Deon Joubert
 
Raised by Wolves
ABOUT RAISED BY WOLVES:
Raised by Wolves is a project by Wine Industry Specialist, Adam Mason. Adam says the name came to mock the one-upmanship between winemakers, explaining his wines are all naturally fermented, single vineyard, and hand sorted but yet he was “raised by wolves”. His wines are produced in limited quantities, and are made from a selection of unique vineyards from his travels around the cape, showcasing how interesting and rare the Cape’s vineyards can be. Adam’s work with small batch, experimental wines has transformed the Cape into one of the more dynamic regions in the world. 
 

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November Premium Wine Club

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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!

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