Tag Archives: california wine

High Camp Estate Reserve Bordeaux

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Braised,Short,Ribs,In,Red,Wine,With,PolentaChocolate and Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 3 lb. bone-in short ribs
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp. Ancho chili powder
  • 5 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1⁄4 cup tomato paste
  • 3 cups full-bodied red wine, such as nero d’avola
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tbsp. dark brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 3 tbsp. semi-sweet chocolate (I just used 3 tbsp. chocolate chips)
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat oven to 300°F. Heat oil in an 8-qt. Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season ribs with salt and pepper; rub with cocoa powder and chili powder.
  2. Working in batches, cook ribs, turning as needed, until browned, 8–10 minutes; transfer to a plate.
  3. Add garlic, celery and, onion to pan; cook until soft, 6–8 minutes. Add tomato paste; cook 3 minutes. Add wine; reduce by half, 4–6 minutes. Return ribs to pan and add stock, bay leaves, sugar, Worcestershire, vinegar and cayenne; bring to a boil. Cover and bake until beef is very tender, 2 to 2½ hours. Transfer ribs to a plate; discard bones. Slice ribs in half crosswise.
  4. Spoon fat from surface of sauce. Place pan over medium-high heat and add semi-sweet chocolate; simmer until liquid is reduced to about 2 cups, 10 – 15 minutes, then strain into a bowl. Stir in butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve short ribs and sauce over polenta, mashed potatoes, or any other creamy starch that will sop up the deliciousness.

© Recipe and Photo courtesy of Allons Eat. All rights reserved.

FEBRUARY WINE CLUB:

High-Camp-Estate-Reserve-bowBold wine Style logoHigh Camp
Estate Reserve
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This complex wine is Bordeaux inspired, with a touch of Sangiovese, adding fresh acidity and qualities of fruit forwardness. The tannic structure offers beautiful age ability. Bordeaux-forward aromatics, with bright acidity and fresh fruit notes. It highlights flavors of cherry, raspberry, blackberry, cassis, subtle smoke and spice.

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petite Sirah, 15% Petite Verdot, 5% Sangiovese
pH: 3.63
Vineyard: 100% Estate Fruit from San Miguel, Paso Robles, AVA
Aging: Aged in 40% new French oak to create strong, but refined and balanced tannins
Cases: 360

ADDITIONAL FOOD PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS:
Pairs well with braised short rib, duck confit, smoked sausage.

© Photo by High Camp and Jake Tovar
© Photo by High Camp

Information & Photos © High Camp – All Rights Reserved.

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February Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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heart shape pizza with wine glassesPizza Dough for Two

Just in time for Valentine’s Day… because who doesn’t love pizza?! Pour up a glass of the High Camp Estate Cab and get creative in the kitchen with your loved one. Shape the pizza dough into a heart and embellish it with your favorite toppings! Feel free to go the extra mile, even cutting pepperonis into heart shapes if you fancy – no judgment here.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 cup all purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
  • ¾ cup warm water

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Measure the water in a measuring cup then add the yeast and honey. Let it activate for 5 minutes.
  2. While the yeast is activating, measure out the flour and salt, add it to a stand mixer bowl. You can use a regular bowl and a wooden spoon if you don’t have a stand mixer. After the 5 minutes are up, add in the yeast water mixture and knead the dough for 5 minutes. The dough will be soft and a little sticky.
  3. Transfer the pizza dough to a well oiled bowl, making sure to rub the top of the pizza dough with some oil as well to keep it from forming a crust. Cover the pizza dough with a heavy towel, set it in a warm place and let it rest for 1 hour.
  4. Press the dough down, shape it into a ball again. Cover with heavy towels and let it rise again in a warm place for another 2 hours.
  5. When the dough is ready, preheat the oven to 450°F. Sprinkle some semolina on your baking sheet and spread the pizza dough onto the baking sheet using floured hands. Add your toppings and bake for 15 minutes making sure to rotate the pizza halfway through to ensure even baking. Enjoy!

© Recipe courtesy of Lifestyle of a Foodie.

FEBRUARY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoHigh-Camp-Wine-Cabernet-Sauvignon-bowHigh Camp
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Rich dark red color. Raspberry, blueberry, boysenberry with hints of leather, and black pepper.  Full-bodied, concentrated, lots of supple tannins with a round smooth finish, supported by blue fruit, vanilla, and cinnamon from the oak.

Analysis: 14.1% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, 5% Petite Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc
pH: 3.62
Vineyard: 100% Estate Fruit from San Miguel, Paso Robles AVA, California
Aging: Aged for seven months in 20% new French Oak, blended, then additional aging
Cases: 360

ADDITIONAL FOOD PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS:
Perfect pairing for homemade stews, steak, BBQ, pasta and pizza.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
The High Camp Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a complex blend of five separate blocks and four different varieties. Two blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon form the core blend. The upper block provides forward fruit, and the lower block brings complex mineral flavors to the wine. 15% Sangiovese from low yielding vines planted in sandy soils adds bold dark fruit, while 5% Petite Verdot from chalky soils on sloping hills adds dense dark fruit complexity to the blend. Rounding out the blend is 5% Cabernet Franc sourced from our highest elevation vineyard. The steep slope and chalky calcareous soils bring dense fruit and tannic structure to the final blend. Each variety was picked at optimal ripeness, destemmed, and fermented in the one ton open top bins for three weeks. Once fermentation was completed the wines were aged for seven months in 20% new French Oak. The final blend was assembled and the wine was returned to barrels for additional aging.

ABOUT HIGH CAMP:
High Camp sits perched atop the rolling hills of San Miguel, California. It was once dotted with roaming sheep and cattle, and today is part of the acclaimed Paso Robles AVA. Its deep, alluvial sandy loams and clay pushed up from terraces of ancient river bottoms to provide fertile soil for growing premium wine grapes of many varieties. This, combined with varying sun exposure all around the property, provides ideal conditions for growing world-class wines from ten different varietals that grow in the 75-acre vineyard. The family that purchased the property in September of 2020 comes from generations of farming and ranching in California, and has made it their dream to put their rustic hilltop sanctuary, and its new wines, on the map alongside other artisan wineries in the area. The couple, Megan and Spencer manage the property today. Their modern style and artistic spirits are infectious, and every conversation beams with the pride they take in providing a gathering place for family and friends to celebrate life together. Learn more here.

Megan-Spencer-High-Camp-Wines

© Photo of Megan and Spencer – High Camp Wines

Information & Photos © High Camp  – All Rights Reserved.

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May Premium Wine Club

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Bold wine Style logoPomar Junction Cabernet Forward bottle imagePomar Junction
2014 Cab Forward
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Bordeaux blend is an opulent wine that delivers notes of licorice, chocolate, black cherry, plum, blackberry, and spice, combined with incredibly silky tannins.

Analysis: 14.6% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot, 25% Merlot
pH: 3.60
Residual Sugar: 0.26%
Total Acidity: 6.8 g/L
Appellation: Paso Robles, California
Vineyard: Paso Robles
Aging: 21 months
Cooperage: 30% New Oak
Winemaker: Jim Shumate
Cases Produced: 158
Accolades: Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition; 94pts The Somm Journal.

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
“Cab Forward is a Reserve blend of our best barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot. This wine honors the railroad heritage of the Merrill family. Excellent aging potential.” – Jim Shumate

Merrill Family © Rachel Lomeli Photography
© Photo by Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery
© Photo by Pomar Junction – (Left to Right) Matt Merrill, Dana Merrill, and Jim Shumate
© Photo by Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery
© Christina W. – Pomar Junction Vineyard

Bold wine Style logoPomar Junction Reserve Cabernet bottle imagePomar Junction
2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Everything you desire in a Cabernet Sauvignon! Ripe blackberry and black currant flavors with a hint of pencil and cigar box in the mid-palate. It pairs perfectly with a peppercorn New York steak.

Analysis: 15.6% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: El Pomar District AVA
Vineyard: Pomar Junction Vineyard
pH: 3.62
Residual Sugar: 0.33%
Total Acidity: 7.1%
Aging: 21 months
Cooperage: 35% new oak
Winemaker: Jim Shumate
Cases Produced: 164
Accolades: Double Gold San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
“This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon made entirely from Estate Grown grapes. It was handpicked from the hillside portion of the vineyard with limestone shale rock soils. Yields were limited to produce an intensely dark-hued wine. As is typical from this vineyard, the wines maintain complexity while remaining a soft mouthfeel. As always, the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon features our favorite barrels from the cellar. The ripening for previous vintages carried well into the late fall, typical of this vineyard which experiences the afternoon breezes and climate effects of the Templeton Gap Barrel Select Cabernet Sauvignon.” – Jim Shumate, Winemaker

VINEYARDS:
Made entirely from hand-picked, estate-grown grapes, this Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the hillsides of their vineyard with limestone shale rock soils. It takes patience to grown this varietal on their ranch as it often is not picked until late October, nearly a month later than a typical Eastside Paso Robles vineyard. The cooling Templeton Gap breezes moderate the summer temperatures and combine with their Linne Calado soils for idea Cabernet growing conditions.

Jim Shumate_Winemaker

© Jim Shumate

ABOUT THE WINEMAKER:
A Southern California native, Jim Shumate now lives in Paso Robles with his wife and children. He graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in Enology, and eventually developed and managed the Cal Poly pilot winery that opened in 2008. In the early stages of his career, he was greatly influenced by legendary winemaker, Chuck Ortman. Jim became Senior Lab & Barrel Technician, Cellar Master and Consulting Winemaker at a few different wineries before accepted the position of Winemaker at Pomar Junction in July of 2011.  Read more >

ABOUT POMAR JUNCTION VINEYARD & WINERY:
The Merrill Family has been growing and producing grapes in California’s Central Coast for the past eight generations. Today, Dana and Marsha Merrill, along with their son, Matthew, and winemaker, Jim Shumate farm the vineyards and produce elegant wines of their own. The finest blocks of grapes are selected from their family estate, along with vineyards in Santa Barbara and Monterey Counties managed by a sister firm, Mesa Vineyard Management, Inc. All wines produced are exclusively farmed by the Merrill’s who believe that control from planting and pruning through harvest, fermentation and cellaring is critical for success. Learn more here >

© Information and photos from Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery – All Rights Reserved.

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May Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Braised Red CabbageBraised Red Cabbage

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 onion
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 apples
  • ½ whole cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup good red cooking wine
  • 2 pounds red cabbage
  • ½ cup water

DIRECTIONS:

  1. COOK THE ONION AND THE APPLES – Dice the onion. Add the olive oil, onion, and sugar to a large pan. Place over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes or until the onions become translucent and the sugar caramelizes. Clean the apples and cut them into wedges. Add to the pan along with cinnamon. Cook for another minute.
  2. COOK THE RED CABBAGE – Add the apple cider vinegar and wine. Cook for 2 – 3 minutes for the alcohol to evaporate. Clean the red cabbage and cut it into thin slices. Add to a pan along with water. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid and cook for 35 – 50 minutes or until the cabbage is soft and cooked.
  3. SERVING IDEA – Serve the braised red cabbage with your favorite main dish. Before serving, add 2 – 3 tablespoons of fat from pork roast, roasted duck, or roasted chicken or 2 – 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir to combine. Remove the whole cinnamon before serving.

© Recipe courtesy of Jernej Kitchen.

MAY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoPomar_Junction_SidetrackPomar Junction
Sidetrack Red
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Sidetrack is a delicious proprietary blend created to highlight the El Pomar District of Paso Robles. It’s brilliant, deep, and rich in color. Wonderful aromas of plums, blueberries, dark red roses and caramel. Flavors of luscious berries, dark chocolate, spices and the perfect amount of oak make this fantastic, food-friendly wine.

Varietal: 44% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 1% Grenache Noir
Analysis: 14.08% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Paso Robles, El Pomar District, California
Vineyard: Various
pH: 3.54
Total Acidity: 0.66 g/L
Residual Sugars: 0.40%
Aging: 9 Months
Winemaker: Jim Shumate
Pairing: Roast beef, cabernet braised cabbage, gouda, & cheddar cheeses
Cases Produced: 1235
Critical Acclaim: Silver Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Vineyards:
Pomar Junction Vineyards has a unique terroir, as their limestone soils, cooling Templeton Gap breezes and expert sustainable farming techniques (SIP Certified Vineyards) combine to produce their outstanding wines.  The El Pomar District is at the center of the greater Paso Robles AVA. Its name is derived from “pomum”, latin for edible fruit and commonly referred to as  “orchard” in Spanish.   As early as 1886, nut orchards were the most common in the area and by 1968 there were over 1300 acres of almonds and 36 acres of walnuts.  Today, many of the aged orchards are being replaced by vineyards. Learn more >

About the Winemaker:
A Southern California native, Jim Shumate now lives in Paso Robles with his wife and children. He graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in Enology, and eventually developed and managed the Cal Poly pilot winery that opened in 2008. In the early stages of his career, he was greatly influenced by legendary winemaker, Chuck Ortman. Jim became Senior Lab & Barrel Technician, Cellar Master and Consulting Winemaker at a few different wineries before accepted the position of Winemaker at Pomar Junction in July of 2011.  Read more >

ABOUT POMAR JUNCTION VINEYARDS & WINERY:
Dating back at least eight generations, the Merrill family has been growing and producing grapes on California’s Central Coast since the 19th Century. Originally, the family was growing grapes for other wineries in California – from premium small producers to large international brands. Today, Dana and Marsha Merrill, along with their son, Matthew, and winemaker, Jim Shumate farm the vineyards and produce elegant wines of their own. Learn more here.

Information © Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery – All Rights Reserved.

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July Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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Collectors Wine ClubRobert-Craig_Stick_Blend_2017_bottle_imageRobert Craig Winery
2017 “The Stick” Red Blend
Candlestick Ridge Vineyard
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Cabernet Sauvignon blend is dense, powerful and beautifully concentrated. The nose is perfumed with luxurious  aromas of black currant, boysenberry, cedar box and Herbes de Provence. The intensely layered palate excites with cassis, plum, and graphite. It is rich and seductive with a velvety texture that finishes long and perfumed.

Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc
TA: 6.3 g/L
pH: 3.77
Maturation: 18 months in 70% new French oak
Appellation: Howell Mountain AVA, Napa Valley, California
Winemaker: Jason Price
Critical Acclaim: 93 pts. JamesSuckling.com

VINTAGE:
The 2017 harvest was the first in the area following a 5 year drought. The soils and water table had been replenished and the vines took off early in the season and weather patterns were about normal until late August. In early September, heat spikes hit the valley and set record or near record temperatures. With plenty of water available most vineyards were heavily irrigated and the temperatures cooled in mid-September to more normal levels. The quantity of grapes was quite low, but quality looked to be excellent. A huge wildfire at the end of harvest threatened vines that still had fruit, but luckily the vast majority of grapes were already safely in the winery for the year.

TERROIR:
Just down the road from the estate, Candlestick Ridge is the northernmost vineyard in the Howell Mountain AVA and is slightly warmer than the summit ridge where the Winery Estate vineyard lies. Candlestick is influenced by warm air from Pope Valley to the east and is protected from the constant wind that hits the ridge line. The big subsurface boulders were removed during the replanting, leaving thin tufa soil on top of a rocky volcanic bedrock.

Collectors Wine ClubRobert_Craig_Winery_Howell_Zinfandel_2018_bottle_imageRobert Craig Winery
2018 Howell Mountain Zinfandel
Black Sears Vineyard
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

True to the Howell Mountain, the 2018 vintage is beautifully clean and focused with boysenberry and bramble berry wrapped in a subtle pepper spice on the nose and palate. This Zinfandel is balanced and elegantly structured through the finish.

Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Zinfandel
TA: 6.3 g/L
pH: 3.57
Maturation: 18 months in 60% new French oak
Appellation: Howell Mountain AVA, Napa Valley, California
Winemaker: Jason Price

VINTAGE:
February saw abundant rains, followed by lots of filtered light in the spring and early summer. Both bud break and flowering occurred a bit late, but under ideal weather conditions, creating plentiful and even fruit set. Summer brought generous sun during the day and cooler marine influences, virtually uninterrupted by major heat spikes. The relatively mild summer followed by extended fall sunshine and moderate heat created near-ideal conditions for winemakers to allow their fruit to accumulate flavor complexity with gradual increases in sugar levels.

TERROIR:
Black Sears has “King of the Mountain” bragging rights on Howell Mountain – topping out at 2,400 feet, making it officially the highest vineyard on the mountain. The vineyard is located just past the gate of the Howell Mountain estate, and now the winery surrounds it – literally – having purchased the vineyard just on the other side of it as well. For 25 years, winemakers have clamored for the Zinfandel grown here: both biodynamic and organic, the site is dry farmed and the vines are pruned in the old world style with no trellising. Zinfandel thrives in the mountain’s well-drained, rocky, volcanic soils and moderate climate.

ROBERT CRAIG WINERY:
Bob Craig always had a passion for Napa Valley Mountain Cabernets, so naturally, he founded his eponymous winery on Howell Mountain with three of his friends from business school. In 2004, the team was joined by CEO Elton Slone, who later became a full partner in 2007.  After Bob’s retirement and departure from the wine business in 2012, Slone has continued to move the business forward with the other three founding partners. Today, the winery is still known for producing small-lot, site-expressive wines from high elevation vineyards. Robert Craig Winery consistently receives high scores and positive accolades from the wine press. Learn more about the winery here.


Hess Collection Allomi Cabernet SauvignonThe Hess Collection
2018 Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon
Allomi Vineyard
Napa Valley, California
375 ml (half bottle)

BOLD WINE STYLE

“The combination of steady heat and well-drained clay loam soils in our Allomi Vineyard allows fruit to ripen evenly, gaining welcomed complexity and layers of flavor. We consistently see beautiful yields from the Allomi Vineyard, and this vintage was no different. On the nose, this wine delivers delicious aromas of boysenberry, blackberry and elegant expressions of lavender alongside a touch of vanilla. Allomi Cabernet is concentrated upon entry with dense, but well-integrated tannins that provide a round, plush mouthfeel. Layers of juicy black fruit, notably black cherry and black plum, lead to elements of espresso supported by a subtle oak spice that adds to the personality of the wine and reminds us why this is one of our most popular Napa offerings.” – Dave Guffy, Director of Winemaking

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petite Sirah, 5% Malbec, 2% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot
TA: 0.58 gms/100ml
pH: 3.76
Harvested: October 8 – November 2, 2018
Maturation: 18 months in 27% new American oak
Appellation: Napa Valley, California
Winemaker: Dave Guffy
Food Pairing: Chocolate Lave Cookie Recipe >

 

VINTAGE:
Budbreak began on schedule at the end of February, and Spring brought moderate temperatures that progressed into a warm Summer without any disruptive heat spikes. Steady, consistent growing conditions provided the perfect environment for the fruit to mature and develop. As the moderate, even temperatures continued into the Fall, harvest started slightly later than normal, and in some areas, extended long into the first week of November. With such lengthy hang time, the fruit matured consistently and was picked when it was at its peak, promising exceptional flavor in bottle.

VINEYARD:
A pioneer by nature, Donald Hess was determined to defy convention and pursue winemaking in the far reaches of the Napa Valley. In 1995, he sought out the Allomi Vineyard with a vision to uncover its potential. Once a dormant beauty, the Allomi Vineyard now gives life to luxury Napa Valley wines. The estate vineyard is located in the gently rolling hills of northeastern Napa Valley. The 210-acre vineyard is focused into 35 unique growing blocks with six different Cabernet clones that add diversity of flavors and complexity to this wine.

THE HESS COLLECTION WINES:
Though just 30 miles long and a few miles wide, Napa Valley is home to diverse micro-climates and soils uniquely suited to wine grape growing. It is considered one of the premier wine regions in the world. The Hess Collection wines are family owned, sustainably farmed and dedicated to reflecting a true sense of place. There wines are recognizable for their elegant, rich and complex flavors and a tradition of excellence. Learn more about the Hess story here >

Chocolate Lava Cookie Recipe

Chocolate Lava Cookie Recipe – pairs with Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon

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May Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubPrisoner-Sparkling_wine-bottleThe Prisoner Wine Company
Unshackled Sparkling
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This brut-style California wine has a mineral profile, driven by floral notes on the nose. On the palate, there are big, bright notes of green and Fuji apples with Asian pears. Each sip features a vibrant acidity, with a crisp, clean finish.

Varietal: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Aging: 36 months en tirage to ensure the highest quality
Serving Suggestion: For optimal flavor, refrigerate for at least three hours and serve chilled
Pairing: Serve this fruity wine with shrimp ceviche, fresh oysters, or a supreme pizza.

Prisoner-Sparkling-Rose_wine-bottleThe Prisoner Wine Company
Unshackled Sparkling Rosé
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This brut-style California wine features a fresh, fruit-forward aroma tempered by a touch of minerality. It offers lively, bright flavors of apricot and yellow peach on the palate. Each sip features a vibrant acidity and a crisp, clean finish.

Varietal: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Aging: 36 months en tirage to ensure the highest quality
Serving Suggestion: For optimal flavor, refrigerate for at least three hours and serve chilled

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Unshackled is a brand from The Prisoner Wine Company, and recently the official wine of Coachella VIP. It’s made for those who are looking to “break free from convention, stereotypes, and perception”. When their first wine, The Prisoner, was released about two decades ago, it swiftly changed the perception of what a red blend wine could be. Since then, the winery has grown to include a range of rule-bending blends with provocative label designs to become one of the most bold and innovative wine brands in the market. Today, their Director of Winemaking, Chrissy Wittmann and her team of over 100 growers in northern California bring together exceptional fruit to produce a family of unique wines unrestricted by tradition. Learn more about their story here or follow their Instagram @unshackledwines.

Unshackled sparkling wines

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Winery Spotlight Series: June 16 Marietta Cellars

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Wine Tasting Event

Marietta Cellars Wines Tasted

Marietta Cellars
Sonoma County, California

Wednesday, June 16, 2021
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event, featuring Marietta Cellars from Sonoma County, California, with guest speaker Scot Bilbro on Zoom. Owner and Winemaker, Scot Bilbro will be guiding us through a tasting of seven of his Marietta Cellars wines:

Zoom Facebook Live

  • Old Vine Riesling
  • Old Vine Rosé
  • Old Vine Red Lot 71
  • Román Zinfandel
  • Armé Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Christo Red Blend
  • Gibson Block Syrah

To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please call your local WineStyles store.  Or if you prefer to attend remotely, from the comfort of your home, pre-order a wine tasting kit-to-go and watch on Zoom.

Chris Bilbro and Scot Bilbro. © Photo by Marietta Cellars

About Marietta Cellars:

Marietta Cellars is a family owned winery in Sonoma County. Chris Bilbro (pictured left) with winemaking roots dating back three generations, founded Marietta Cellars in 1978. Scot Bilbro (pictured right) is now the second generation Winemaker and Owner of Marietta Cellars. Applying his Viticulture and Enology training from UC Davis, Scot keeps yeast happy, manages oxygen’s interaction with the wine, and dials in the temperature range of a fermentation…but the real magic happens in the quiet moments. Hiking the vineyard rows as the fog burns off; checking grapes in the sweltering sun; in the cellar at the end of the night during harvest checking tank temperatures with the palm of his hand. He continues to lead a team that performs magic by transforming hard work, attention to detail, a blessed climate, and exceptional land into beautiful, modern wines. Learn more >

© Photo by Marietta Cellars
© Photo by Marietta Cellars
© Photo by Marietta Cellars
© Photo by Marietta Cellars

About Scot Bilbro – Owner and Winemaker:

Scot Bilbro grew up admiring his father’s ability to create magic – whether it was with wine, food, or a simple game to entertain Scot and his brothers. Scot learned the ins and the outs of the family’s wine business, and after graduating from UC Davis, decided to return to the family winery to create magic of his own. Scot was uncertain and tentative, but his father gave him the confidence to create beautiful wines of his own. This second-generation winery continues to transform hard work, a blessed climate, special pieces of land, and belief into beautiful liquid expressions of family and place. Learn more here.

June16_Marietta_Eventbrite_header

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

Marietta Cellars
Sonoma County, California

June 16, 2021

6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

Winery Spotlight Series: May 12 Daou Family Estates

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2020_DAOU-Family-Estates-Logo_FullVirtual Wine Tasting Event on Zoom and Facebook LIVE

DAOU Vineyards
Paso Robles, California

Wednesday, May 12, 2021
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a virtual wine tasting event, featuring DAOU Vineyards from Paso Robles, California, with Winemaker and Co-Proprietor, Daniel Daou. During our virtual event, Daniel will be guiding us through a tasting of the following seven DAOU Vineyards wines:

Zoom Facebook Live

  • DAOU Sauvignon Blanc, Paso Robles
  • DAOU Chardonnay, Paso Robles
  • DAOU Reserve Chardonnay, Willow Creek
  • DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
  • DAOU Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
  • Bodyguard by DAOU, Paso Robles
  • Pessimist by DAOU, Paso Robles

Be sure to RSVP at your local WineStyles location or on Eventbrite. Pre-order your wines in advance at your local participating WineStyles location and taste alongside Daniel with a front seat on Zoom! Or watch on our Facebook LIVE event.

Daou Brothers

© Photo by DAOU Vineyards

About Daou Family Estates:

Georges and Daniel Daou are inseparable as brothers, best friends, and visionaries. Family owned and operated, DAOU is committed to producing collectible, world-class wines to rival the most respected appellations in the world. DAOU Mountain stands alone at an elevation of 2,200 feet, rising from the heart of the Adelaida district in the rugged coastal range west of Paso Robles. As stewards of this beautiful terroir, DAOU’s goal is to make unique fine wines that honestly reflect the estate and craft wines that combine Old World tradition with New World techniques. Learn more >

© Photo by DAOU Vineyards
© Photo by DAOU Vineyards
© Photo by DAOU Vineyards
© Photo by DAOU Vineyards
© Photo by DAOU Vineyards

About Daniel Daou – Winemaker and Co-Proprietor:

Daniel combines the training of an engineer with the touch of an artist. These gifts have enabled him to master the art and the science necessary to make transcendent wines. Growing up the larger part of his life in France, Daniel developed a love for wine at a very young age. With the highest scoring Cabernet Sauvignon in the Central Coast region, Daniel’s track record of impeccable quality in the fine wine world continues to garner accolades. Learn more about Daniel here.

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Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

DAOU Vineyards
Paso Robles, California

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

M by Martellotto

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Garlic Butter Cod Fish Recipe

Cod Fish Recipe

© Photo by Primavera Kitchen

INGREDIENTS:

  • Cod fish fillets – This is an affordable white fish that takes on the flavors it’s cooked with. Haddock, Pollack, or Mahi Mahi would make great substitutes.
  • Olive oil – Or use another neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, avocado, or safflower oil.
  • Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper
  • Unsalted butter
  • Garlic Lemon zest
  • Green onions, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Season the fish

  1. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel so the seasonings adhere better to the surface. It will also help the fish crisp on the outside when seared.
  2. Season both sides of the cod fillets with the spices. It may help to mix them together in a small bowl first to get even coverage.

Cook

  1. Next, sear the fish on both sides in hot oil.
  2. Continue cooking until the fish flakes apart, flipping again halfway through.
  3. Melt the butter in the pan with garlic and lemon zest. Coat the fish in the garlic butter.

Garnish and serve

  1. Remove the pan from heat and transfer the fish to a serving dish.
  2. Then, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top and serve with your favorite sides.

© Recipe courtesy of Olivia of Primavera Kitchen

FEBRUARY WINE CLUB:

Silky stylem-by-martellotto-chardonnayMartellotto Winery
M by Martellotto
Sta. Rita Hills, California

SILKY WINE STYLE

“A Chardonnay lover’s Chardonnay. Sourced from the Spear Vineyards, located a few miles west of the winery in Buellton, off Highway 246 in the Santa Rita Hills. This area is famous for the best, cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Spear Vineyard is CCOF certified organic and located near Seasmoke, which charges $100-200/bottle of their wines!” – Martellotto Winery

The wine was stainless tank fermented and then rested in neutral French oak barrels for 12 months. This Chardonnay has a lovely natural acidity and a light zip in the mouth from the sandy loam vineyard that was covered by the Pacific Ocean millennia ago. The wine is light, delicate, and an eminently drinkable quaffer that pairs with a variety of foods. If you love Chablis and dry, nuanced Chardonnay, then you will love this wine. The M by Martellotto was naturally produced and organically farmed.

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
AVA: Sta. Rita Hills
Soil: Sandy Loam
Farming: Organic
Production: 14 barrels
Oak: 11 months, neutral French Oak

© Photo by Martellotto Winery

“Santa Barbara remains one of the most fascinating regions in the world. Rich history, a culture of site-specific wines and reasonable pricing make Santa Barbara one of the most exciting and rewarding regions for consumers who want to discover distinctive, high-quality artisan wines that speak of place.” – A. Galloni

ABOUT MARTELLOTTO WINERY:

Winemaker, Greg Martellotto

Winemaker, Greg Martellotto

The Martellotto family roots trace back to a 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 that speak to his own viticultural passion. From his ancestors’ traditional winemaking in Southern Italy, to his grandfather’s homemade wine during Prohibition, to production in an innovative warehouse facility shared with Barbieri Wine Co. and Lo-Fi wines, Martellotto Winery produces remarkable wines of consequence, consistency, value, and varietal expression. With each bottle, it is the Martellotto family’s desire to share extraordinary, artisanal wines.

THE MARTELLOTTO LABEL:
Professor John Langdon is famous for creating Ambigrams and inspiring Dan Brown to incorporate his graphics in the books and movie around The DaVinci Code. He has only designed one wine label, and that is for Martellotto Winery. The Martellotto label is a spiritual totem, symmetrical down the middle, and a mirror image. The ARTE of the name engages the Art & Science of winemaking. The bottle enumeration demonstrates the handmade, limited availability of these wines.

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 >

Martellotto Melodeon

Posted on by

Brown Butter-Sage Chicken Wings Recipe

Credit: © Todd Porter & Diane Cu

Credit: © Todd Porter & Diane Cu

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 to 8 small sage leaves
  • 1 tablespoon ground sage
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 pound chicken wings, split
  • Kosher or sea salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flout, for dredging
  • Vegetable Oil (or other high flashpoint oil), for frying

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Melt the butter and stir in the garlic. Continue cooking the butter until it is light brown and develops a nutty aroma.

  2. Remove the butter from the heat and stir in the sage leaves, ground sage, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Set aside.

  3. Rinse the chicken wings and pat them dry. Generously season the chicken with salt and black pepper. Dredge the wings in flour, shaking off any excess flour, and set aside.

  4. In a large saucepan or deep fryer, heat the oil to about 375°. Fry the chicken wings in small batches until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Shake off any excess oil and place on paper towels to drain. Continue frying the chicken in batches until all of the wings are cooked.

    Toss the wings in the brown butter sauce and serve warm.

© Recipe courtesy of Todd Porter and Diane Cu of Food and Wine Magazine 

FEBRUARY WINE CLUB:

Martellotto ChardonnaySilky styleMartellotto Winery
Melodeon Chardonnay
Sta. Rita Hills, California

SILKY WINE STYLE

“A Chardonnay lover’s Chardonnay. The fruit in the Martellotto Chardonnay is from the Spear Vineyard, located a few miles west of the winery in Buellton, off Highway 246 in the Santa Rita Hills. This area is famous for the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes and we are pleased to be sourcing such high quality fruit. Spear Vineyard is farmed organically and located very near Seasmoke, which charges $100-$200/bottle for their wines!” – Martellotto Winery

This Melodeon Chardonnay was barrel fermented and has a lovely natural acidity and a light zip in the mouth from the sandy loam vineyard that was covered by the Pacific Ocean millennia ago. A broad mouthfeel and yummy vivacity combine with layers of vanilla, toasted hazelnuts, and nutmeg singing into the finish. If you love Chablis and dry, nuanced Chardonnay with layers of depth and a crunchy deliciousness, then you will love this wine.

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
AVA: Sta. Rita Hills
Soil: Sandy Loam
Farming: Organic
Production: 14 barrels
Oak: 11 months, 20% new French Oak

“The daring, innovative spirit embodied by the region’s young producers and a vast range of first-class sites creates conditions that are idea for the production of distinctive, pedigreed wines of the highest level. Best of all, with few exceptions, these wines remain under the radar and very fairly priced relative to global peers.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

© Photo by Martellotto Winery

ABOUT MARTELLOTTO WINERY:

Greg Martellotto

Winemaker, Greg Martellotto

The Martellotto family roots trace back to a 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 that speak to his own viticultural passion. Located in Buellton, California – in the hottest new AVA region of Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara – Martellotto Winery focuses on vibrant Bordeaux varietals, with a vineyard first philosophy of gentle handling and minimal intervention.

Through a deft combination of sourcing sustainably farmed grapes from California’s choicest vineyards and deploying creative, progressive blending and fermenting techniques, Martellotto produces outstanding wines that capture pinpoint varietal expression.

Greg has nearly two decades of diverse experience in all facets of the wine business, including import and distribution and working with some of the greatest wines and wineries in California, Piemonte, Tuscany, and Bordeaux, as well as Spain, Chile and Argentina. Consultant Mike Roth, an authority in the fields of biodynamics and natural winemaking, has working under Napa pioneers Mike Grgich and Nils Venge. He has made wine in Santa Barbara at Koehler, Demetria, Martian Ranch, and for his own Lo-Fi brand.

THE MARTELLOTTO LABEL:
John Langdon designed the Martellotto label as a spiritual totem, symmetrical down the middle, and a mirror image. The ARTE of the name recognizes the Art & Science of winemaking. The bottle enumeration demonstrates the handmade, limited availability of these wines. Prof. Landon’s signature ambigram design is located on the bottom right of the back label. Turn the bottle upside down to visualize how his name reads left to right.

Greg Martellotto video

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 >