May Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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


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 >

 
 
 

 

Casas del Toqui Barrel Series Merlot

Polenta (boiled cornmeal) with meat-based sauce -  ragù alla bolognese.PARMESAN POLENTA WITH SAUSAGE RAGU

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 lb. Italian sausages, casings removed
  • 1 red onion, minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
  • 1 1⁄2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • 1⁄4 cup finely chopped basil leaves
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp. fine sea salt
  • 1 1⁄4 cups polenta (not quick-cooking)
  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 1⁄2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat 2 tbsp. oil in a 4-qt. saucepan over medium-high; add sausage and cook, breaking it into small (almost meatball-like)pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned, 5 minutes. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add tomatoes and boil; simmer until thick, 30-40 minutes. Add basil, vinegar, kosher salt, and pepper; keep warm.
  2. When sauce is nearly ready, bring sea salt and 5 cups water to a boil in a 4-qt. saucepan; slowly add polenta and cook, stirring constantly, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy, 8 minutes. Remove from heat and add butter, 1⁄2 cup Parmesan cheese, and kosher salt. Divide between bowls and top with ragù; garnish with more Parmesan cheese.

© Recipe courtesy of Pedroncelli.

MAY WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoToqui-Barrel-Series-Merlot-wine-bottleCasas del Toqui
Barrel Series Merlot
Cachapoal Valley D.O., Chile

MELLOW WINE STYLE

This Barrel Series Merlot has an intense ruby red color with hints of violet. The nose is complex and intense with notes of tobacco, chocolate and spices. It has nice tannins on the palate with interesting volume and good persistence.

Varietal: 100% Merlot
Analysis:
13.5% alcohol / volume
Region: Cachapoal Valley D.O., Chile
Viticulture: Vertical espalier
Vinification: Fermentation at 80.6ºF-84.2ºF, post fermentation maceration and aged in oak barrels for 8 months.
Closure: Natural Cork
Serving Suggestion: Serve between 60.8ºF-64.4ºF
Food Pairing: Serve with game meats and casseroles.

ABOUT CASAS DEL TOQUI:
Casas del Toqui Winery was created with the intention to develop and produce high quality fine wines, to be shared both domestically and internationally. They are committed to excellence by continuously managing their quality, labor safety and environmental sustainability; allowing them to be a role model for the Chilean wine industry. Their philosophy is to achieve maximum balance, quality and identity to each of their wines, to ensure they are a direct reflection of their terroirs. Learn more about the winery here.

Casas-del-toqui-barrel-cellar


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 >

 
 
 

 

Casas del Toqui Barrel Series Semillón

Fried-Empanadas-Chilean-Shrimp-and-cheeseCHILEAN SHRIMP AND CHEESE EMPANADAS

INGREDIENTS:

  • 6 empanadas dough thawed (on Latin supermarket, on the frozen aisle)
  • 1 cup raw shrimp, peeled and cleaned, without the tail
  • 5 washed and finely chopped scallions white and green parts(green onions)
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder or Merquén
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 cup of cheese coarsely grated, Havarti or Monterrey Jack are good choices
  • oil for frying

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Make the filling: In a medium skillet, heat one tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-low heat, add the green onions and sauté until lightly browned and tender, about 3 minutes, add salt, pepper, and Merquén, stir well and add the shrimp and cook until they are getting pink. Remove from heat and let cool, add the cheese, and mix.
  2. Once the dough is thawed, separate carefully. Place two teaspoons of filling of shrimp and cheese. Close the empanadas, slightly wet the edge with water, and then crush with a fork to seal the border. You can also make small folds after sealing the edge, my favorite way.
  3. Heat oil in a deep pot to avoid splashing, test the oil with a piece of dough leftover, get out to the surface, and brown quickly in about 1 minute per side, or  400F. Place the empanadas to be fried, 2 or 3 at a time. Allow to brown on both sides, remove to a plate with an absorbent paper towel and let drain 1 minute, serve and eat hot.

© Recipe courtesy of Pilar Hernandez at Chilean Food & Garden.

MAY WINE CLUB:

Silky styleToqui-Barrel-Series-SEMILLON-wine-bottleCasas del Toqui
Barrel Series Semillón
Cachapoal Valley, Chile

SILKY WINE STYLE

This Barrel Series Semillón is wheat yellow in color. There are notes of citric fruits, white pear and honey on the nose. The palate is light, nice and fresh.

Varietal: 100% Semillón
Analysis:
13.5% alcohol / volume
Region: Cachapoal Valley, Chile
Viticulture: Vertical espalier
Vinification: Fermentation at 80.6ºF-84.2ºF, post fermentation maceration and aged in third use oak barrel for two months
Closure: Screw cap
Serving Suggestion: Serve between 50ºF-53.6ºF
Food Pairing: Serve with fresh cheeses and seasoned shrimps

Casas del Toqui Vineyards with bicycles

ABOUT CASAS DEL TOQUI:
The Cachapoal Valley is renowned worldwide for its Mediterranean weather, where the Coastal Range and the Andes create one of the best soils in the region to produce high quality wines. The terroir of Casas del Toqui includes a wide range of soil types. Each plot of land is handled individually according to the unique characteristics of the terroir, which through a coordinated harvest, vinification and barrel management allows Casas del Toqui to keep individual lots to show the purest expression of each varietal. Learn more about the winery here.


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

Learn about our Memberships >

 
 
 

 

May Premium Wine Club

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


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

Learn more about our Premium Club >

 
 
 

 

Casas del Toqui Barrel Series Pinot Noir

Simple Spaghetti Carbonara

pasta-carbonara_Chelsie Craig

© Photo by Chelsie Craig at Bon Appétit

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 tbsp. kosher salt, plus more
  • 4 oz. guanciale (salt-cured pork jowl), pancetta (Italian bacon), or bacon
  • 2 oz. Parmesan
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 2 large eggs
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 lb. spaghetti, bucatini, or rigatoni

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat 6 qt. water in a large pot over high. When water starts to steam, add 3 Tbsp. salt and cover pot with a lid (this will bring water to a boil faster).
  2. While you are waiting on the water, do a little prep. Remove 4 oz. guanciale from packaging and cut into about 1 x ¼” strips. Finely grate 2 oz. cheese and set aside one-quarter of cheese for later.
  3. Whisk 4 egg yolks and 2 whole eggs in a medium bowl until no streaks remain, then stir in remaining grated cheese. Add several cranks of pepper and set aside.
  4. Working next to pot, heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium. Add guanciale and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp around the edges, 7–10 minutes.
  5. Remove pot from heat. Using a wooden spoon, fish out guanciale and transfer to a small bowl. Pour fat into a heatproof measuring cup, then add back about 3 Tbsp. to pot. Discard any remaining fat.
  6. Cook 1 lb. pasta in boiling water, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes shy of package instructions. Just before pasta is finished, scoop out 1¾ cups pasta cooking liquid with same heatproof measuring cup.
  7. Add 1 cup reserved pasta cooking liquid to Dutch oven and bring to a boil over medium-high. Drain pasta in a colander, then transfer to Dutch oven.
  8. Cook pasta, stirring constantly and vigorously, until al dente and water is reduced by about half, about 2 minutes. Remove pot from heat.
  9. Whisk ¼ cup pasta cooking liquid into reserved egg mixture, then very slowly stream into Dutch oven, stirring constantly, until cheese is melted and egg is thickened to form a glossy sauce. Season with salt, if needed. Thin sauce with remaining ½ cup pasta cooking liquid, adding a tablespoonful at a time, until it’s the consistency of heavy cream (you most likely won’t use all of it).
  10. Mix in guanciale and divide pasta among bowls. Top with pepper and reserved cheese.

© Recipe courtesy of Claire Saffitz from Bon Appétit

MARCH WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoCasas-Toqui-Pinot-NoirCasas del Toqui
Barrel Series Pinot Noir

Cachapoal Valley, Chile

MELLOW WINE STYLE

The Barrel Series Pinot Noir is ruby red in color with medium intensity. It has an elegant nose, with aromas of red berries and a hint of vanilla. The palate is soft, with good balance and a long finish.

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Analysis:
14% alcohol / volume
Viticulture: Vertical espalier
Vinification:
Fermentation at 80.6ºF-84.2ºF, post fermentation maceration and aged in oak barrels for 6 months
Closure: Screw cap
Pairing: Serve between 57.2ºF-60.8ºF with pasta or a variety of cheeses

Vincent Johnson

© Photo of Vincent Johnson

Casas del Toqui Winery was created with the intention to develop and produce high quality fine wines, to be shared both domestically and internationally. They are committed to excellence by continuously managing their quality, labor safety and environmental sustainability; allowing them to be a role model for the Chilean wine industry. Their philosophy is to achieve maximum balance, quality and identity to each of their wines, to ensure they are a direct reflection of their terroirs. The majority of Casas del Toqui’s vineyards are located in Alto Cachapoal, about 100 kilometers south of Santiago. Here, the alluvial soils and the Mediterranean climate provide ideal conditions for grapevines. 

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 >

March Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Pork Chop Recipe

© Photo by Little Ferraro Kitchen

Pan Seared Pork Chops with Garlic and Thyme

  • 1 bone in double cut pork chop, about 2 inches thick
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 tbsp grape seed oil for drizzling
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3-4 garlic cloves gently crushed and skins removed
  • 1-2 sprigs of rosemary and thyme

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Start by removing the pork chops from the fridge and bringing it closer to room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
  2. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on all sides and get your cast iron pan hot on the stove top.
  3. Pre-heat the oven to 400°F and drizzle the skillet with a neutral oil, such as grape seed oil.
  4. Once skillet is hot, sear pork chops on all sides, about 2 minutes per side until nicely charred, then place in oven and roast for about 6-8 minutes until internal temp reaches 135°F (mostly cooked through).
  5. Place the skillet back on the stove top and add butter, garlic and herbs and as soon as butter melts, carefully tilt the pan with one hand and use your other hand to baste the infused butter onto the pork chop for another 1-2 minutes, not letting the butter burn.
  6. Once done, turn off heat and remove pork chop to another plate to rest for 10 minutes before slicing into it.

© Recipe courtesy of Samantha Ferraro of Little Ferraro Kitchen.

MARCH WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoTerroir Selection Carmenere 2019Casas del Toqui
Terrior Selection Carménère
Cachapoal Valley, Chile

BOLD WINE STYLE

Cherry red color with violet hues. Aromas of black fruits, chocolate and spices, with hints of currants, nuts and tobacco. On the palate there are silky tannins. This wine is juicy and well balanced, with a lingering finish.

Varietal: 100% Carménère
Analysis:
14.5% alcohol / volume
Aging: Native yeast vinification in neutral French oak
Viticulture:
Vertical espalier
Vinification:
Fermentation at 80.6ºF-84.2ºF, post fermentation maceration and aged in oak barrels for 12 months
Closure: Natural cork
Pairing: Serve between 60˚F-64˚F with pork chops and sausages

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. Recently, their legacy was recaptured by a Chilean family with a great passion for wine, contributing with their own unique and distinctive mark.

The Cachapoal Valley is renowned worldwide for its Mediterranean weather, where the Coastal Range and the Andes create one of the best soils in the region to produce high quality wines. The terroir of Casas del Toqui includes a wide range of soil types. Each plot of land is handled individually according to the unique characteristics of the terroir, which through a coordinated harvest, vinification and barrel management allows Casas del Toqui to keep individual lots to show the purest expression of each component before crafting the different blends.

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 >

March Premium Wine Club

Court Rollan
Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
Cachapoal, Chile

Bold wine Style logoBOLD WINE STYLE

Ruby red color. Intense aromas of ripe red fruit and black fruits such as redcurrant, accompanied by floral touches and dried fruits notes, especially toasted nuts and candied almonds. Fresh in mouth, with good volume, firm and silky tannins. The contribution of the wood is balanced, and brings complexity to the blend. Persistent and elegant finish.

Region: Alto Totihue, Cachapoal Valley
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon 88%, Syrah 12%
Analysis:
14% alcohol / volume
Viticulture: Vertical espalier
Vinification:
Fermentation at 80.6ºF-84.2ºF, post-fermentation maceration and aged in French and American oak (second use) for 14 to 16 months
Closure:
Natural cork
Pairing:
Serve between 60.8ºF-64.4ºF. Ideal to accompany lean, grilled red meats.


Court Rollan
Carménère, Syrah
Cachapoal, Chile

Bold wine Style logoBOLD WINE STYLE

Deep ruby red in color. Complex and elegant in aromas, the first layer shows the well worked out typicity of the predominant variety with black pepper, accompanied by floral notes and fruits such as plum and fig. Well balanced in taste, with silky and polished tannins, with a good mid-palate, and a persistent finish. Interesting cassis notes in the aftertaste.

Region: Alto Totihue, Cachapoal Valley
Varietal: Carménère 82%, Syrah 18%
Analysis:
14% alcohol / volume
Viticulture: Vertical espalier
Vinification:
Fermentation at 80.6ºF-84.2ºF, post-fermentation maceration and aged in French and American oak, both of second use for 14 to 16 months
Closure:
Natural cork
Pairing:
Serve between 60.8ºF-64.4ºF. Ideal to accompany stuffed pasta based on cheeses and nuts, or baked quail

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Court Rollan was born as the expression of passion and family commitment for the quality of wines. This project shows the excellence through different wines, made from the best vine grapes from the vineyards. Wines with a superb presence, full bodied, with great character, structure and intense complexity. Extraordinary aging potential.

In 1994 Château Larose Trintaudon, a major French wine producer from Bordeaux region, partnered with a traditional wine producer family from the Totihue region in Chile, and together they founded Casas del Toqui Winery, producer of Court Rollan Wines. In 2010, their legacy was recaptured by the Court family, who has a great passion for wine, contributing and adding their own unique and distinctive seal to the company.

The Cachapoal Valley is renowned worldwide for its Mediterranean weather, where the Coastal Range and the Andes create one of the best soils in the region to produce high quality wines. The terroir of Casas del Toqui includes a wide range of soil types. Each plot of land is handled individually according to the unique characteristics of the terroir, which through a coordinated harvest, vinification and barrel management allows Casas del Toqui and Court Rollan to keep individual lots to show the purest expression of each component before crafting the different blends.

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

Learn more about our Premium Club >