August Bubbly Club Iowa

Bubbly Wine ClubBroken_Earth_Sparkling_Albarino_bottleBroken Earth Winery
Sotto Voce
Sparkling Albariño
Paso Robles, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The base wine is the same as their 2018 Limited Release Albariño. The vines are quite old (20+ years) on a quad trellising system that can be susceptible to sunburn, so the harvest date needs to be very specific. The handpicked grapes were in excellent condition, with the ripeness at 21.6 Brix. 

Varietal: Albariño
Analysis: 13.3% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.27
Total Acidity:
6.4
Residual Sugar:
7.5 g/L
Harvest Date: September 2018
Bottling Date: July 2020

WINEMAKING NOTES:
California Certified Sustainable logo“Processed first thing in the morning through the new Diemme Velvet 80 Press, which ensures that little to no oxygen comes in contact with the juice, resulting in brighter, fresher product. The free run juice was separated from the pressings to allow the more elegant characters to prevail. Ferment was complete on 10/19/18, lasting 34 days. The fermented wine was then cold stabilized and heat stabilized.

Most of the base wine was then bottled for limited release while the rest was put through Méthode Champenoise. This is the process used to create the famous wines of the Champagne region in France. A ‘base’ wine is created prior to being transferred to the bottles where the secondary fermentation occurs. Sugar and specialized yeast are then added, the bottle is capped (crown seal) and fermentation occurs, whereby generating more alcohol but more importantly CO2. The wine is then topped to the required level with the liqueur d’expedition before the cork is inserted and the wire hood attached.” – Winemaker, Chris Cameron


Broken_Earth_Verdello_bottlesBroken Earth Winery
Sotto Voce
Sparkling Verdelho

Paso Robles, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The base wine was produced from the same grapes as their 2018 Limited Release Verdelho. The fruit was handpicked to ensure it retains freshness (no split berries). Processed first thing in the morning through the new Diemme Velvet 80 Press, utilizing the N2 inert gas system. This ensures that little to no oxygen comes in contact with the juice, resulting in brighter, fresher product. Hard pressings were included with the free run to add textural depth.

Varietal: Verdelho
Analysis: 13.2% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.12
Total Acidity: 7.4
Residual Sugar: 6.1 g/L
Harvest Date: September 2018
Bottling Date:
July 2020

WINEMAKING NOTES:
California Certified Sustainable logo“Ferment was complete on 10/19/18, lasting 35 days. Post ferment, the wine was left on gross lees for 26 days prior to the addition of a tiny amount of sulfur dioxide. Storage was at 58°F in closed stainless steel.The fermented wine was then cold stabilized and heat stabilized.

Most of the base wine was then bottled for limited release while the rest was put through Méthode Champenoise. This is the process used to create the famous wines of the Champagne region in France. A ‘base’ wine is created prior to being transferred to the bottles where the secondary fermentation occurs. Sugar and specialized yeast are then added, the bottle is capped (crown seal) and fermentation occurs, whereby generating more alcohol but more importantly CO2. The wine is then topped to the required level with the liqueur d’expedition before the cork is inserted and the wire hood attached.” – Winemaker, Chris Cameron

ABOUT BROKEN EARTH:
Celebrating 50 Years: In 1973, Wayne Rodgers (Mash), James Caan (Godfather), Peter Faulk (Columbo), Jack Webb (Dragnet) and local visionary Herman Schwartz established the first large scale vineyard on the Central Coast, planting 520 acres. They anticipated the growth of Paso Robles to be another 2,000 acres with 10-15 wineries over the long-term. Paso Robles now stands around 70,000 acres under vine and over 300 wineries. 

Continental Vineyard was a grower for many Napa wineries in the early 70’s and 80’s. Winemakers from all over the world would travel to this vineyard to see what Paso Robles was capable of growing.  They continue this tradition today, establishing many new varieties that have never been planted in the US, and have 34 of the 72 varieties grown in the region. 

Broken Earth, as a brand, was born from the heritage of the vineyard property originally named “Rancho Tierra Rejada”, meaning “land of worked or farmed earth”. For generations, farmers have cultivated and ‘broken’ the soil in the region with care and respect. Their goal is to respect the land and its treasures. Broken Earth winery encompasses a philosophy to provide wine that reflects the personality of where it is sustainably grown and the personality of its talented craftsmen, the winemaker and crew. Learn more about the winery here.

Photos and Information © Broken Earth – All Rights Reserved


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Broken Earth Cabernet Sauvignon

French-Dip-Sandwich-House-of-Nash-EatsSlow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 ½ to 3 pounds beef chuck roast
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground pepper
  • 2 (1-ounce) packages dry onion soup mix
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth
  • 6-8 slices Swiss or Provolone cheese
  • 6-8 crusty rolls like ciabatta

DIRECTIONS:

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, generously season all sides of the chuck roast with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
  • When the oil starts to shimmer, carefully place the roast in the hot pan and sear it on all sides by letting it sit without moving for a minute or two on each side before flipping it. Searing won’t take very long – you just want to quickly brown the roast to add flavor and seal in the juices.
  • Transfer the roast and the pan juices to your slow cooker. Sprinkle onion soup mix over the roast and add water and beef broth. Cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 8-10 hours.
  • When the meat is so tender that it shreds easily with a fork, remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred. Serve by piling the shredded meat onto sliced, crusty rolls with a slice of Swiss cheese. Toast the cheese and top bun under the broiler until the cheese melts and the bun starts toasting. Serve with the juices from the slow cooker as au jus for dipping.

© Recipe courtesy of House of Nash Eats.

AUGUST WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoSignature_19_CabSauv_TastingNotesBroken Earth Winery
Cabernet Sauvignon
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of Maraschino cherries and a tannic mouthfeel with notes of chocolate, cherries, leather, and tobacco. This wine pairs well with rich red meats, like ribeye, prime rib, and roast beef.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
  • pH: 3.45
  • Total Acid: 7.42 g/l
  • Residual Sugar: 2.0 g/l
  • Harvest Date: Oct. 2019
  • Bottling Date: March 2022
  • Awards: 91 pts. – Wine Enthusiast

WINEMAKING NOTES:
California Certified Sustainable logo“For our Estate range of wines, we take the best parcels of each variety and individually handle them to allow the true personalities of each block to be preserved. This wine has the benefit of having our most prestigious Cabernet Sauvignon blocks as part of its blend. Blocks 4C and 4D form 33% of this wine. These blocks are normally designated for our Reserve Cabernets but were chosen for our Estate wine this vintage.

The fruit was harvested over a period of 16 days commencing in October 2019, with dates depending on clonal and site differences to ensure all components are at their peak. Following fermentation, the wine was transferred to new French oak barriques with tight grain for 17 months on average before blending and preparation for bottling.” – Winemaker, Chris Cameron

Information and Photos © Broken Earth Winery – All Rights Reserved.


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!

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Broken Earth Limited Release Vermentino

Grilled-Romaine-Caesar-Family-Style-FoodGrilled Romaine Lettuce Caesar Salad

INGREDIENTS:

 Caesar salad dressing:
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 grated garlic clove
  • 23 oil-packed anchovies finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Romaine Salad:

  • 2 heads romaine lettuce hearts
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:

  • For the Dressing: Combine all ingredients for the dressing in a bowl. Whisk together until smooth and combined. Alternatively, place the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend, or place in a lidded jar and shake well. The dressing can be made up to 5 days ahead. Store refrigerated.
  • Make the Salad: Trim a slim piece off the stem end of each romaine head — be sure to keep the stem intact. Remove any outer leaves that are damaged or discolored.
  • Cut each romaine heart in half.
  • Drizzle olive oil over the cut sides of the lettuce, or use a pastry brush. Don’t be shy about the quantity of oil — it adds flavor, color and helps the lettuce to release from the hot pan. Sprinkle some salt and black pepper over the cut sides.
  • Place a large 12-inch skillet (non-stick or cast iron) over medium-heat heat. When a drop of water sizzles in the pan, add the romaine hearts, cut-side down. Cook until the lettuce is browned and smells pleasantly nutty, 3-5 minutes.
  • Using tongs, gently transfer the romaine halves to a serving platter. Drizzle some of the dressing generously over the lettuce and sprinkle with the cheese. Serve the salad with a knife and fork, with the remaining dressing on the side.

© Recipe and Photo courtesy of Family Style Food. All rights reserved.

AUGUST WINE CLUB:

Crisp Wine StyleLR_20_Vermentino_BottleBroken Earth Winery
Vermentino 2020
Limited Release
Paso Robles, California

CRISP WINE STYLE

The release of this wine has been met with great acclaim, including a 93 point (and Editor’s Choice) rating in Wine Enthusiast. A great drink on its own, it also pairs wonderfully with many types of foods. For those who enjoy sardines, this is a real surprise.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Varietals: Vermentino
  • Analysis: 13.64% alcohol / volume
  • pH: 3.36
  • Residual Sugar: 2.0 g/l
  • Total Acid: 5.9 g/l
  • Harvest Date: September 2020
  • Bottling Date: May 2021
  • Awards: 93 points – Wine Enthusiast , 2020

WINEMAKING NOTES:
California Certified Sustainable logo“It is considered that Vermentino found its origins in Italy, confirmed recently by DNA Typing. It is prevalent in the region of Liguria but has gained much prominence on the island of Sardinia and more recently Tuscany. Vermentino has started to emerge in new world producers from Australia and California. The variety’s ability to adapt to a range of climates has great appeal and it certainly has found a home in the Paso Robles region.

Our Estate Vermentino Block 3F was planted in 2012 and the 5.02 acres has 10’ x 5’ spacings and utilizes a simple vertical shoot positioning (VSP) canopy. The variety enjoys the warmth of the region and typically ripens early, usually producing wines around 13 – 13.5% alcohol. The 2020 Vermentino was harvested at 24.1 Brix and underwent an extended ferment at a controlled, quite low temperature of 60ºF.

The cooler ferment guarantees the retention of the more subtle aromas and flavors that are typically absent in warmer conditions in the cellar. This wine has exhibited the greatest depth and complexity so far and its amazing texture shows how versatile the variety can be. Starting with lifted citrus – like aromas, the prettier characters emerge as the wine opens up. Hints of orange peel, elderflower and green melons lead into an equally enticing palate. Great length of flavor, bright acidity and the tiniest hint of skins at the finish exemplify the ‘complete’ wine.

The wine is produced using reductive techniques, employing the only totally inert gas membrane press in the USA at the time. Oak is not used to ensure freshness is maintained and the fruit harmony is not disrupted.” – Winemaker, Chris Cameron

Information © Broken Earth Winery – All Rights Reserved.


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August Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Grilled Sausages with Summer Vegetables

INGREDIENTS:

  • ¾ cup peach preserves
  • ½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger root
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • dash hot pepper sauce, optional
  • 4 medium sweet red peppers
  • 1 medium eggplant
  • 3 small zucchini
  • 2 small yellow summer squash
  • 12 hot Italian pork or turkey sausage links (4 ounces each)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Place the first 5 ingredients in a blender; if desired, add pepper sauce. Cover and process until blended.
  2. Cut peppers lengthwise in half; remove seeds. Cut eggplant lengthwise into ½ inch thick slices. Cut zucchini and yellow squash lengthwise into quarters. Place all vegetables in a large bowl; drizzle with ½ cup of the sauce and toss to coat.
  3. Place vegetables on a greased grill rack. Grill, covered, over medium heat 8-10 minutes or until tender and lightly charred, turning once. Cool slightly. Reduce grill temperature to medium-low heat.
  4. Cut vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Toss with additional ¼ cup sauce; keep warm.
  5. Grill sausages, covered, over medium-low heat 15-20 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°F for pork sausages (165°F for turkey sausages), turning occasionally. Remove sausages from grill; toss with remaining sauce. Serve with vegetables.

© Recipe courtesy of Nancy Daugherty on Taste of Home.
© Photo courtesy of  Taste of Home – All rights reserved.

AUGUST WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoSignature_19_CabFranc_TastingNotesBroken Earth Winery
Cabernet Franc
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

From Broken Earth’s estate vineyards, this crop of Cabernet Franc was a much anticipated one. It has a very robust style that retains elegance and finesse. It is quite firm on the palate, but the masses of spicy fruit and balancing oak compliment the grip nicely. The color is deep and intense, reflecting the wines brooding nature. Bright natural acidity will ensure this wine ages for many years.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Varietal: Cabernet Franc
  • Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
  • pH: 3.47
  • Total Acid: 7.5
  • Residual Sugar: 3.0 g/L
  • Harvest: September
  • Bottling: March
  • Awards: 92 Points – Wine Enthusiast, 2019

WINEMAKING NOTES: 
“Cabernet Franc is a significant Bordeaux variety that figures prominently in the “right bank” styles of Pomerol and St. Émilion, although it is rarely released there on its own. Paso Robles’ climate has the ability to get it ripe on its own and we are confident, and excited, to release this 100% varietal.” – Winemaker, Chris Cameron

ABOUT BROKEN EARTH WINERY:
Celebrating 50 Years: In 1973, Wayne Rodgers (Mash), James Caan (Godfather), Peter Faulk (Columbo), Jack Webb (Dragnet) and local visionary Herman Schwartz established the first large scale vineyard on the Central Coast, planting 520 acres. They anticipated the growth of Paso Robles to be another 2,000 acres with 10-15 wineries over the long-term. Paso Robles now stands around 70,000 acres under vine and over 300 wineries. 

Continental Vineyard was a grower for many Napa wineries in the early 70’s and 80’s. Winemakers from all over the world would travel to this vineyard to see what Paso Robles was capable of growing.  They continue this tradition today, establishing many new varieties that have never been planted in the US, and have 34 of the 72 varieties grown in the region. 

Broken Earth, as a brand, was born from the heritage of the vineyard property originally named “Rancho Tierra Rejada”, meaning “land of worked or farmed earth”. For generations, farmers have cultivated and ‘broken’ the soil in the region with care and respect. Their goal is to respect the land and its treasures. Broken Earth winery encompasses a philosophy to provide wine that reflects the personality of where it is sustainably grown and the personality of its talented craftsmen, the winemaker and crew. Learn more about the winery here.

Information & Photos © Broken Earth Winery – All Rights Reserved.


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 about our Memberships >

 
 
 

 

Broken Earth Estate Merlot pairing recipe

Grilled Lamb Chops Gorgonzola Crusted

INGREDIENTS:lambchops

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more for bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped oregano leaves
• 2 racks lamb rib chops, frenched
• 3/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola
• 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped cilantro leaves

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the grill over medium heat. In a medium bowl, add the olive oil, pepper, salt, oregano, and toss together. Cut the racks into chops and add them to the oil mixture. Turning them to coat well.

In a separate bowl, add the cheese, bread crumbs, garlic, cilantro and a pinch of black pepper. Mix gently.

Remove the chops from the marinade and arrange them on the grill. Grill for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Flip and top each chop with a heaping tablespoon of the bread crumb mixture. Close the lid of the grill and cook until desired doneness, about 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and serve. Serves 4 to 6.

WC_Feb_2014_Broken_Merlot_bottleBroken Earthmellow
Estate Merlot Sauvignon
Paso Robles, CA

“The resulting wine opens with ripe berry fruit with a hint of tobacco leaf and ‘cigar-box’ notes. The palate is rich and the finish is quite firm but balancing. There are underlying characters of dark cherry with some green coffee bean, emulating the great Bordeaux wines of the Right Bank. This wine will ChrisCameronlook more intense than most Californian Merlots with the structure of a more ‘international’ style. A fabulous food wine, it will go a long way to restore consumers’ faith in the variety.” – Chris Cameron

Winemaker: Chris Cameron
Appellation: Paso Robles, CA
Varietal Blend:  100% Merlot
Analysis: 13.51% alc/vol

Broken Earth Estate Chardonnay pairing recipe

Creamy Chicken Pasta

creamychickenpastaINGREDIENTS:

• 8 ounces dry rigatoni pasta, uncooked
• No-stick cooking spray
• 1-1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 can (14.5 oz each) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (10-3/4 oz each) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
• 6 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt. Meanwhile, spray large non-stick skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Add chicken and onion; cook 5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in centers, stirring occasionally.

Stir in undrained tomatoes and soup; cook 5 minutes or until hot, stirring occasionally. Add peas; mix well.

Drain pasta; place in large serving bowl. Add chicken-tomato mixture; toss to coat. Sprinkle with cheese. Serves 6.

WC_Feb_2014_Broken_Chard_bottleRichBroken Earth
Estate Chardonnay
Paso Robles, CA

“Layer upon layer of flavor and complexity, suited to an array of foods as a result of the balancing acidity. This is a wonderful example of Paso Robles Chardonnay and a wine we know will reward our efforts.” – Chris Cameron, winemaker

Winemaker: Chris Cameron
Appellation: Paso Robles, California
Varietal Blend:  100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 14.5% alc/vol

Broken Earth Estate Cabernet pairing recipe

Sticky 5-spice Short Ribsspicy-short-ribs

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 cups dry sherry or Shaoxing wine (Chinese rice wine)
• 1/2 cup oyster sauce
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 1/2 pounds short ribs, English cut
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons five-spice powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 6 medium garlic cloves, smashed
• 1-inch piece ginger, sliced
• 1 small serrano or Thai bird chile, or jalapeño pepper, halved

DIRECTIONS:

Heat the oven to 350° F and arrange a rack in the middle. Mix together sherry, oyster sauce, and brown sugar until evenly combined; set aside. Pat ribs dry with a paper towel and season well with salt and five-spice powder.

Place a 3-quart Dutch oven or other heavy-bottomed, shallow pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat and add oil. When oil starts to smoke, add ribs and sear until well browned, about 2 minutes per side.

Remove ribs to a plate and set aside. Discard all but one tablespoon drippings, return pan to stove, and add garlic, ginger, and chile and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in reserved sherry mixture and bring to a simmer.  Return ribs to pan and bring to a simmer. Cover and transfer to oven to cook, turning occasionally, until meat is knife tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Increase oven to 400 degrees F and cook, covered, until ribs are sticky, about 30 more minutes. Serves 3 to 4.  Recipe compliments of Aida Mollenkamp, Food Network.

WC_Feb_2014_Broken_Cab_bottleBroken Earth
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Paso Robles, CA

Bold_sticker“This lush Cabernet Sauvignon offers densely concentrated fruit flavors supported by sweet vanillin spice. Classic flavors of black cherry, cassis and aromas of cocoa and sandalwood make this wine inviting and easy to enjoy. Grilled meats with rich wild mushroom paella pair wonderfully with this wine. We hope our efforts provide you the reward of a wonderful glass of wine at a tremendous value.” – Chris Cameron

Winemaker: Chris Cameron
Appellation: Paso Robles, CA
Varietal Blend:  100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 13.7% alc/vol