February Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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© Photo by Parker Feierbach of Delish

Slow-Cooker Pork Shoulder

  • 1 boneless, skinless pork shoulder, Boston butt about 6 lbs.
  • 20 cloves garlic 
  • 1/2 cup olive oil, divided 
  • 2 tsp. cumin
  • 2 tbsp. salt 
  • 1 tbsp. black pepper 
  • 3 tbsp. oregano leaves 
  • 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice 
  • 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice 
  • 1 Serrano pepper, seeded, and diced
  • 1/4 cup freshly chopped fresh cilantro  
  • White rice, for serving, optional 

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Dry pork shoulder with a paper towel and make 1” incisions with a knife all over.
  2. Pulse garlic, ¼ cup oil, cumin, salt, pepper, and oregano in a food processor until a paste is formed. Remove 2 tablespoons of the paste and set aside.
  3. Rub pork shoulder all over with remaining paste, pushing some of it into the incisions.
  4. Place pork in slow cooker, cover, and cook on low until meat is fork-tender but not yet completely falling apart, 7 1/2 to 8 hours.
  5. To make the sauce, heat remaining ¼ cup oil in a small saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add reserved 2 tablespoons garlic paste and let sizzle, stirring continuously until fragrant, just about 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool before whisking in orange juice, lime juice, serrano pepper, and cilantro.
  6. Serve sliced pork over rice with sauce drizzled on top.

© Recipe courtesy of Kat Boytsova of Delish

FEBRUARY WINE CLUB:

Rosso Di SeraBold wine Style logoMartellotto Winery
Rosso Di Sera
Santa Barbara, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

“Martellotto’s ‘Evening Red’ Bordeaux blend steals the Spotlight! Greg Martellotto believes blends are better and this wine highlights the symphonic harmony of three Bordeaux varietals: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.” – Martellotto Winery

Aromas of luxardo cherry, cedar, and fresh Mediterranean herbs entice; while flavors of ripe plum, blueberry and oak dance on the tongue. This Rosso Di Sera is a stunning value; rich, opulent and easy to gulp; and a wonderful expression of the AVA.

Varietal: 40% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc
Analysis:
14.2% alcohol / volume
AVA:
Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara
Soil:
Sandy/Clay Loam
Farming:
Sustainable
Production:
60 barrels
Aging:
10 months in tank, 20% new oak
Critical Acclaim: 90 pts. Wine Enthusiast; 90 pts. Jeb Dunnuck

HAPPY CANYON OF SANTA BARBARA:
This new, small AVA was established in 2009. Located in the southeast part of the larger Santa Ynez Valley- the hottest part of the valley and furthest from the ocean. Rolling hills sit atop a serpentine-laced terroir that is primarily planted to Bordeaux varietals.

Photo from Martellotto Winery

© Photo from Martellotto Winery

ABOUT MARTELLOTTO WINERY:
The Martellotto family roots 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, Martellotto Winery focuses on vibrant Bordeaux varietals from the hottest new AVA, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara. Indeed, Martellotto Winery is one of the few California wineries bottling and producing varietal wines from each of the five noble Bordeaux grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Since 2005, Martellotto Winery has produced unique and exciting wines designed to surprise and ignite discerning palates of wine lovers everywhere. Martellotto has a vineyard first philosophy, and sources sustainably farmed grapes from California’s choicest vineyards. Gentle handling and minimal intervention result in wines that are consistently vibrant and a joy to share. Learn more about the Martellotto Winery here.

Greg Martellotto

Winemaker, Greg Martellotto

ABOUT THE WINEMAKER – GREG MARTELLOTTO:
Greg has been making wine since 2005. His peripatetic path has led him to winemaking experience 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 opportunities to travel to most of the major winemaking regions of the world as both a buyer and a consumer, which informs his style. Equally important and unique among most winemakers, Greg’s experience as an importer and wine buyer provides insiders access to the greatest wines and wineries in the world. In this capacity, he regularly tastes more than 400 wines per month and he knows great wine.

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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October Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Braised Pork Shoulder FennelBraised Pork Shoulder w/ Fennel & Sage

  • 1 (3 1⁄2 -lb) pork shoulder or butt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 5 tbsp cold butter (divided)
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 3 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 2 bulbs fennel, cored & sliced lengthwise into 1⁄2 inch thick pieces
  • 7 sage leaves, plus extra
  • 1 cup Merlot
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 4 cups beef or chicken stock

DIRECTIONS:

  • Set aside pork until room temperature (1 to 1 1/2 hours), season generously with salt & pepper.
  • Pre-heat oven 325°F.
  • Melt oil and 1Tbsp butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Add pork, fat-side down and sear on one side for 3-4 minutes. Repeat on all sides until sizzling, but not scorched. Transfer heat to a platter, then remove fat from the pan drippings and discard the fat.
  • Heat 2 Tbsp butter in the Dutch oven over medium heat. Add shallot & fennel and sauté for 10 minutes, or until tender and caramelized. Add sage and cook for 1 minute.
  • Stirring constantly, pour in Merlot (wine) and cook for 7-10 minutes…until reduced to a quarter of the original amount.
  • Add pork, fat side up, bay leaves, salt & pepper to the Dutch oven containing the wine, shallot, fennel, and sage.
  • Pour in stock and bring to a simmer, then partially cover and cook in the oven for 1 1⁄2 -2 hours, until pork is fork tender.
  • Uncover and cook for 15 minutes (Basting/spooning occasionally).
  • With a slotted spoon, transfer pork, fennel, & shallot to a platter.
  • Strain remaining sauce and bring to simmer, skimming any fat. Set aside. Whisk in 2 Tbsp cold butter and simmer for 30 seconds.
  • Ladle sauce over the pork, then garnish with a few sage leaves, fennel slaw and finishing salt. Serve with Two Mountain Merlot and enjoy!
  • © Recipe courtesy of Josh Henderson, Huxley Wallace Collective.

OCTOBER WINE CLUB:

Two Mountain 2018 MerlotBold wine Style logoTwo Mountain Winery
Merlot
Yakima Valley, Washington

BOLD WINE STYLE

Nestled in the Yakima Valley wine region of Washington State, Two Mountain Winery produces approachable, handcrafted wines that are worth saving for that special occasion, but are accessibly priced for a casual dinner with family and friends. Established in 2002, Two Mountain is a family-owned operation that draws on the experience of three generations who have farmed the rich soil of the Yakima Valley. Brothers Matthew and Patrick Rawn own and operate the winery and estate vineyard, overseeing every aspect of the winemaking process from the grapes to the glass. Inspired by majestic Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams that form the breathtaking backdrop of the Estate Copeland Vineyard, their award-winning wines are a reflection of the perfect climate in which they were grown.

Aromas of rich toasted barrel, bright vibrant Bing cherry, blackberry, coffee, & a touch of caramel on the nose are followed by inviting flavors of ripe red fruits, baked fig, hints of toffee and vanilla, a touch of clove and soft integrated tannins.

Vineyard: 57% Copeland, 43% Schmidt Vineyard
Varietal:
92% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec
Analysis: 14.7% alcohol / volume
pH:
3.55
Aging:
20 months in French and American, 40% new
Harvested:
September 23, and October 8, 2018
Cases:
1090
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed & approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

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 >