Tag Archives: france

November Bubbly Club Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubCalvet-Grand-Brut-bottleCalvet
Crémant de Bordeaux
Brut
Bordeaux, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Beautiful golden yellow in color with very fine and persistent bubbles, this sparkling wine has an expressive nose of yellow fruit and brioche with a fresh and balanced palate.

Varietal: 70% Sémillon, 30% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Crémant de Bordeaux (Appellation d’Origine Protégée), France
Serving Temperature: 46.4ºF – 50ºF
Serving Recommendation: To be enjoyed on its own or with dessert

WINEMAKING:
The grapes are manually harvested in small boxes, pressed and settled. The vinification follows the traditional method: first the juice is fermented at a low temperature to preserve the freshness of the bubbles. Then, when the wine is bottled, the second fermentation begins and lasts 9 months; this step transforms wine into sparkling wine.

ABOUT CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX: Crémant de Bordeaux became an official appellation in 1990 (similar to the Champagne region).  Crémant is french for “creamy” and Crémant de Bordeaux is the name of all sparkling wines produced in the Bordeaux region using the methode traditionelle.  The appellation encompasses over 500 vineyards and all grapes must be hand picked and aged for a minimum of 12 months to be categorized as a Crémant de Bordeaux.  

Calvet-Rose-Brut-bottleCalvet
Crémant de Bordeaux
Brut Rosé
Bordeaux, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Intense rose color with very fine persistent bubbles. This is a fine and fruity sparkling wine. The nose is very fine and pleasant with red-fruit notes, while the palate is highly aromatic, with a long and complex finish.

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Crémant de Bordeaux (Appellation d’Origine Protégée), France
Serving Temperature: 50ºF
Serving Recommendation: Perfect as an aperitif. Its fruity notes will also complement delicate tarts and fruit cocktails.
Awards: Silver – Meilleur Effervescent du Monde 2013

WINEMAKING:
The grapes are manually harvested in small boxes, pressed and settled. The vinification follows the traditional method: first the juice is fermented at a low temperature to preserve the freshness of the bubbles. Then, when the wine is bottled, the second fermentation begins and lasts 9 months; this step transforms wine into sparkling wine.

ABOUT CALVET WINES:
Calvet Wines, with a history dating back to 1818, is a prestigious French winery. They have been crafting exceptional wines for generations, focusing on the unique terroirs of Bordeaux and the expertise of their winemakers. Calvet is celebrated for its commitment to quality and is recognized as a symbol of excellence in French winemaking. Learn more here. 

Photos and Information © Calvet – All Rights Reserved

Bubbly Wine ClubLearn more about our Bubbly Club >

 

 

Winery Spotlight Series: October 2023

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OBC-LOGO
Old Bridge Cellars
Featuring Maison l’Envoyé Wines
France

October 2023

Please join us for the Old Bridge Cellars tasting experience, featuring wines from Maison l’Envoyé France. Be sure to RSVP at your local participating WineStyles store or reserve tickets on Eventbrite.com.

MLE France_Header

About Old Bridge Cellars:
In a time where ‘big company’ buyouts, increasing consolidation and mass production are growing more popular, Old Bridge Cellars continues to bring us a group of fiercely independent winemakers who retain their belief in artisan winemaking. Coming to know their land through generations before them, they have an intuitive understanding, quiet confidence and immense desire to produce only the best they can from each vintage. Representing these highly sought after wines since 1990, Old Bridge Cellars has become the US importer of choice – especially for iconic Australian wines. Learn more about their story here.

About Maison l’Envoyé, France:
MLE_LogoMeaning, ‘The House of the Messenger’, Maison L’Envoyé traverses the globe with the intention of presenting the acme of regionality and winemaking styles. With winemaking footprints in Burgundy, Beaujolais, and the Willamette Valley, they champion many unsung growers who have farmed their vineyards for decades and generations, some mere feet away from more illustriously cited neighbors. In Burgundy, Maison L’Envoyé’s winemaking team is based in the town of Beaune, drawing from several sites including the Premier Cru, Savigny Les Beaune ‘Les Marconnets’ and their own monopole, Chateau Vivier, in Beaujolais’ Fleurie cru. This project has been a standout since its debut in 2011 including Wine & Spirits naming Maison L’Envoyé a ‘Winery To Watch’ in 2015.  Join us for this incredible tasting to learn more about Maison l’Envoye wines!

Old Bridge Cellars team, Rob Buono and Gavin Speight
Mark Tarlov, Founder and Winemaker of Maison L’Envoye
© Old Bridge Cellars – Autumn vineyards in Beaujolais France
© Old Bridge Cellars – Beaujolais Vineyard
© Old Bridge Cellars – Cote-du-py
Multi generational wine growing
Final Blending at Maison L’Envoye

Photos, Video and Information © Old Bridge Cellars – All Rights Reserved.

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting
Old Bridge Cellars & Maison l’Envoye
October 2023
At Participating WineStyles Locations
Cheers!
WineStyles.com
 

September Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubFig & Honey CheeseNettle Meadow Artisan Cheese Fig and Honey Fromage Frais Thurman, New York

Fromage Frais is a light and fluffy combination of cow’s and goat’s milk. The flavor is fresh, clean and mild – the cow’s milk provides sweetness, while goat’s milk adds a refreshing lemon-y finish. Nettle Meadow’s high quality milk and ingredients are what really makes this an exemplary fresh cheese. Use as a spread on bagels and sandwiches, salads or as a dip for crudités. Likewise, try experimenting with it as a filling for stuffed French toast, crêpes, blintzes, chicken breasts, ravioli, or pierogies. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: For wine, pair this cheese with this month’s Wine Club Heron Hill Riesling. For beer, look for a crisp pilsner. WINESTYLES: Crisp BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean NETTLE MEADOW ARTISAN CHEESE: Nettle Meadow Sanctuary Farm is home to over 130 farm sanctuary animals and a cheese company in Thurman, New York. Originally founded in 1990, it is now owned and operated by Lorraine Lambiase and Sheila Flanagan. Today, Nettle Meadow is a dairy farm and cheese company renowned for its exquisite handcrafted cheeses. With a focus on sustainable and humane practices, they specialize in goat and sheep milk creations. Through their passion for quality and environmental responsibility, they have created a diverse range of award-winning cheeses that reflect their commitment to artisanal excellence. Learn more > Information © Nettle Meadow Artisan Cheese & Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

fromager-d-affinois-le-fromagerFromager d’Affinois Le Fromager Rhône-Alpes, France

Similar in appearance to a brie cheese, both the white rind and the creamy interior of Le Fromager are milder in flavor. Made by ultra-filtration, a relatively modern process that claims a very high percentage of nutrients and butterfat from the milk during the making of the cheese. The ultra-filtration gives the cheese a silky-satin texture that many connoisseurs really enjoy. In addition, the cheese has a clean, rich and creamy taste.  It’s a crowd pleaser for sure! Best enjoyed when the rind starts to bulge, and the center is oozing with rich, buttery aromas. It matches beautifully with crispy, crunchy Lavosh crackers and a bit of quince paste, or fig, prune and walnut log. Its oozy, spreadable texture will make an awesome grilled cheese indulgence. PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS: Bubbles are a must to pair with this cheese. It can be as simple as sparkling water or wine, or go all out with Champagne! It will also pair beautifully with this month’s Riesling as well as any crisp and clean beer. WINESTYLES: Crisp BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean FROMAGER D’AFFINOIS: Fromager d’Affinois, originating in France, produces exquisite cheeses using traditional craftsmanship combined with modern techniques. With a commitment to quality, they create soft and creamy varieties like Brie and Camembert. The company’s success is attributed to the collaboration between skilled artisans and local dairy farmers, resulting in a range of delectable cheeses that embody French cheese-making expertise.  Learn more > Information © Fromager d’Affinois and Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!Match Made in Heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club!  Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >

July Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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Collectors Wine Club2013-La-Ferme-Du_Mont-Capelan-Red-bottleLa Ferme Du Mont
Châteauneuf-Du-Pape Rouge
Capelan 2013
Rhône Valley, France

BOLD WINE STYLE

Black cherries, currants, licorice, graphite and dried Provencal herbs all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, focused, pure, yet nicely concentrated Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It has high quality tannin, solid mid-palate depth and should drink well for a decade. 

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
Country: France
Region: Southern Rhône – Rhône Valley
Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Winemaker: Stéphane Vedeau
Accolades: 91-93 Wine Advocate, 2016

Vinification and Maturation:
An exceptional vintage by its originality. A Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the most beautiful complex plots, precise, balanced and distinguished. The terroir is made up of rolled pebbles and multiple stone soils find their originality in a high proportion of complex clay. An unusual vintage, more as a northern vintage in its balance: families of red woodland fruits from Burgundy, bringing a certain paradoxical tension for the region. Vinified at the estate, wines are produced from hand-harvested grapes that are partially destemmed and in vats without SO2. Fairly long vatting (6 to 8 weeks) is carried out with gentle extractions and regular work of the lees. After a very slow pressing, wines are blended and aged 18 months, a proportion in new barrels (70%).

Bold wine Style logo2016-La-Ferme-Du-Mont-Vendange-Rouge-bottleLa Ferme Du Mont
Châteauneuf-Du-Pape Rouge
Vendage Rouge 2016
Rhône Valley, France

BOLD WINE STYLE

Deep purple red in color, this wine is aromatic with notes of crisp red and black fruits, caramel licorice and lightly waxed Mediterranean spices. The palate is smooth and racy.

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah
Country: France
Region: Southern Rhône, Rhône Valley
Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Winemaker: Stéphane Vedeau
Accolades: 93 Wine Advocate, 2018; 91-93 Jeb Dunnuck, 2017; 90-92 Vinous, 2018

Vinification and Maturation:
2016 harvest was noted be one of harmony and fluidity. Located on a small terrace on the northeast side of the appellation, the rolled pebble floors find their originality in a large proportion of saffron where the Grenache will express even more fruit. Grapes hand-harvested from 80 to 100-year-old vines, mostly destemmed and vats without SO2. Vatting lasts 5 to 8 weeks and is carried out at a temperature of 22-30°C / 71.6-86°F with gentle extractions. The objective is to maintain a fresh ridge from start to finish without losing the finesse of the tannins. After a slow pneumatic pressing, gout wines and presses are assembled according to the vintages and the 12-month aging combines both a small proportion of wood (10%) and a traditional aging in concrete vats (90%).

Silky style2021-La-Ferme-du-Mont-Vendange-White-bottleLa Ferme Du Mont
Châteauneuf-Du-Pape Rouge
Vendage Blanc 2021
Rhône Valley, France

SILKY WINE STYLE

Bright yellow in color with green reflections. An extremely complex nose made of quince, white truffle and small flowers.

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 60% Grenache Blanc, 30% Roussanne, 7% Bourboulenc, 3% Clairette
Total Acidity: 4.2 g/L
Total Sulphur: 55 mg/L
Country: France
Region: Southern Rhône, Rhône Valley
Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Winemaker: Stéphane Vedeau
Accolades: 92 Jeb Dunnock, 2022

Vinification and Maturation:
The legendary Châteauneuf-du-Pape terroir made up of famous rolled pebbles allows La Ferme du Mont to express their passion for Grenache and Roussanne from different regions, and Bourboulenc with a touch of Clairette. Located on a small terrace on the northeastern slope of the appellation, the soils consist of molasses (pebbles), clay, a little sand and crushed mineral stones. Manual harvest, severe and rigorous sorting follows. The grape varieties have different maturities, which is why La Ferme du Mont staggers the harvest. The Grenaches are harvested at the beginning of September, then 4 weeks later the Roussane follows. The berries undergo direct pressing and are fermented in a barrel made with wood from the Tronçais forest. Fermentation and aging in this piece of wood with very fine, slightly heated grains provides an envelope of chestnut all in softness and harmony.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
La Ferme du Mont in Southern Rhône boasts a mosaic of vineyards, now owned and vinified by Stéphane Vedeau. Formerly a soccer player in Paris. Stéphane shifted to winemaking in 1989 and spent 15 years making award-winning wines in the Languedoc region. Stéphane arrived in the Rhône Valley in 2000, creating La Ferme du Mont in Southern Rhône where he continues to produce wines with freshness and soul using native yeasts and biodynamic methods.. Learn more about their story here.

Photos, video and information © La Ferme Du Mont and Broadbent – All Rights Reserved.

Collectors Wine ClubLove to collect amazing wines?
Learn more about our quarterly Collectors Club > click here

 

 

 

June Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubPoint Reyes Toma CheesePoint Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. TomaProvence Point Reyes Station, California

The rich texture and buttery flavor that make Toma a true American original provides a perfect base for a line of cheeses that are as unique as they are delicious. This pasteurized, cow’s milk cheese has a full, savory, Mediterranean flavor. Herbs de Provence – a blend that includes rosemary, basil, marjoram, savory and wild thyme – have been added to complement the creamy butter notes of Toma (thus the name, Toma Provence). Great as a snacking cheese, or pair with olives, a fresh baguette and an abundant charcuterie board and a buttery Chardonnay. Learn more about the history of the Giacomini family dairy farm and the new generation of sister cheesemakers at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese.  Be sure to check out Jane Pauly’s feature segment below, that aired on NBC’s Today show in July 2013. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Pair this cheese with a crisp Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, or a buttery Chardonnay. For beer, look for a hoppy IPA. WINESTYLES: Crisp or Fruity BEERSTYLES: Hoppy & Bitter Information © Points Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. – All Rights Reserved. © Video by NBC Today’s Show
PRFC Today Show from Great Matter on Vimeo.

Sainte Mere Abbaye_Cheese Image copyIsigny Ste-Mère Abbaye Ste-Mère St- Paulin Normandy, France

This pasteurized cow’s milk cheese is a member of the Port-du-Salut family. Originally made by the Trappist monks of Saint-Paulin, it can be recognized by its fine, moist rind, its yielding texture and its slightly salty taste. With its semi-soft texture, this French cheese has a smooth, fruity taste with a slightly stronger finish. Its natural mildness gives way to both taste and character.   WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Enjoy this cheese with a Chenin Blanc or a Beaujolais. For beer, this cheese will pair beautifully with a Hefeweizen, Amber Ale, Belgium Ale (any Trappist Ale), or a Normandy Cider. WINESTYLES: Crisp or Fruity BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean or Fruity & Spicy Information © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!Match Made in Heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club!  Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >

June Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubSchmitt-Late-Harvest-Riesling-bottleSchmitt Söhne
Riesling Spätlese (Late Harvest)
Mosel, Germany

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Germany’s harvest is typically a month later than other wine regions, allowing for a long ripening season.  Their Late Harvest Riesling is made from grapes that remain on the vine, where they continue to ripen and intensify in flavor and picked several weeks after the main harvest. The result is a delicious concentration of fruit, with flavors of apricots and peaches coupled with enough acidity to give it a firm and juicy mouth feel.

Analysis: 8-8.5% alcohol / volume
RS: 46-50 g/L
TA: 8-9 g/L
Pairing Recommendation: Enjoy by itself, with soft or blue cheese, richer foods, Asian dishes, Thai, Cajun or any spicy cuisine. Or enjoy with one of their suggested recipes >
Serve: Chilled

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: These sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section will pair well with blue cheese, or a soft cheese, such as brie. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

About Schmitt Söhne Wines:
Family-owned and operated, over 200 years ago the Schmitt ancestors settled in the small village of Longuich, along the Mosel River, and began managing vineyards and producing wine. The Mosel is regarded as the oldest wine-growing region in Germany, believed to be established by the Romans around 50 AD.  It is one of the most northernly wine regions in the world and famous for their steep south-facing slopes and blue slate soil, reflected in the touch of minerality in their Spätlese. Now in the fifth generation, Schmitt Söhne is one of Germany’s largest and most successful wine exporters around the world. While they have continued to develop their winemaking techniques and technologies, the family has never lost sight of their traditions. Learn more here.

Information © Schmitt Söhne Wines – All Rights Reserved.

Pierre-Sparr-bottlePierre Sparr
Alsace Riesling AOC
Alsace, France

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This dry and elegant wine has a fine nose with mineral notes of citrus fruits and yellow lemon. It has beautiful length with salinity and a very nice freshness that is well-balanced with a huge and exceptional terroir expression. 

Analysis: 12.7% alcohol / volume
RS: 5.80 g/L
TA: 4.20 g/L TH2
Storage: 7-8 years
Serve: 42.8ºF-46.4ºF

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: These sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section will pair well with an herbal or spicy cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

About Pierre Sparr Winery:
The origin of winemaking in the Sparr family dates back to 1680. Generations later, Charles Sparr developed the business that his son, Pierre, later took the succession at the age of 20. Pierre had a distinct sense for business, making him a pioneer of “estate bottled” wines in Alsace. Pierre also had the courage and obstinacy to rebuild their entire estate after Sigolsheim and its vineyards were completely destroyed during WWII. In doing so, Pierre rebuilt one of Alsace’s most beautiful and prestigious Domaines. Today, with the help of the 9th generation, the aim is still to perpetuate tradition, passion and emotion. Learn more here.

Information © Pierre Sparr – All Rights Reserved.

Sweet ClubLove the Sweet life?
“Wine” not try our Sweet Club! 

Click here to learn more >

 

 

May Bubbly Club Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubFB_Brut_Wine_Bottle_ImageFrench Blue
Crémant de Bordeaux Brut
Bordeaux, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This Brut wine is pale gold in color with an elegant stream of fine bubbles. It is complex on the nose, with white flowers, sweet almonds and a touch of wild strawberry. It has a creamy mousse with brioche notes on the finish.

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 80% Merlot, 13% Sémillon, 7% Muscadelle
Residual Sugar: 10 g/L
TA: 6.8 g/L
Appellation: Crémant de Bordeaux (AOC)
Growing Region: Nouvelle-Aquitaine/Bordeaux
Winemaking Style: Méthode Traditionnelle
Winemaker: Stephanie Rivin

FB_Brut_Rose_Bottle_ImageFrench Blue
Crémant de Bordeaux Brut Rosé
Bordeaux, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Salmon pink in color with elegant bubbles. There are aromas of raspberry, red currants and a fresh hint of mint. Perfectly balanced mousse with hints of vanilla on the finish.

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 99% Merlot, 1% Malbec
Residual Sugar: 9 g/L
TA: 5.8 g/L
Appellation: Crémant de Bordeaux (AOC)
Growing Region: Nouvelle-Aquitaine/Bordeaux
Winemaking Style: Méthode Traditionnelle
Winemaker: Stephanie Rivin

WINEMAKING NOTES:
“The Bordeaux region of France is highly renowned for producing the best wines in the world. A much lesser known fact is that since 1990 the same region has been producing sparkling wines (Crémant de Bordeaux) “Méthode Traditionnelle” which are the equal, if not superior, to many champagnes and at a fraction of the cost. A huge advantage in this region is that along the banks of the rivers Garonne and Dordogne exist natural caves and grottos, which are high in humidity perfectly ideal for the stockage of sparkling wines. At harvest time the grapes are picked by hand and transported to the cellars to start the vinification process. Here the grapes are pressed and undergo a first fermentation. Once bottled a second fermentation occurs. The wine is then aged sur lie for at least 12 months in order to develop depth of flavors and complexity. While on laths the horizontal bottles are subjected daily to “riddling”, a process of turning each bottle a quarter of a turn. The bottles are then degorged of any residue to leave a perfectly clear and limpid wine ready forfinal preparation” – Stephanie Rivin, Winemaker

ABOUT FRENCH BLUE WINE:
In creating French Blue Wine, Winemaker Stephanie Rivin set out to do something new: put an American twist on French wines. As a result, French Blue wines are ideal for a drawn-out lunch, a gathering of friends, or reading by the water on a hot day. It provides the best drinking experience – relaxed, bright and cheerful. 

Information and Video © French Blue Wine – All Rights Reserved

Bubbly Wine ClubLearn more about our Bubbly Club >

 

 

April Bubbly Club Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubCremant-dAlsace-Lucien-Albrecht-Brut-WE_eLucien Albrecht
Crémant d’Alsace Brut
Orschwihr, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This Crémant presents a yellow pale disk with nice brilliance with fine & delicate bubbles and a regular mousse persistence. The nose reveals lots of floral & expressive aromas of fresh fruits (apple, peaches & apricots). On the palate, it develops a fruity lively feel, nice maturity & flavors of ripe fruit. 

Analysis: 12.07% alcohol / volume
Residual Sugar: 8.6 g/L
TA: 3.75 g/L
Vinification: 100% hand harvested, extended and soft pressed, 6-8 weeks controlled fermentation in stainless steel, then laid on racks for a minimum of 12 months.
Aging Potential: Enjoy it now or keep it up to 3 years
Serving Recommendation: Serve at 44.6-46.4ºF.
Food Pairing: Classic for every occasion
Awards:

  • Gold Medal Vinalies Internationales 2020
  • 91 pts. Wine Enthusiast 2020
  • 91 pts. Editor’s Choice Wine Enthusiast (Nov. 1, 2018)
  • #71 Top 100 Wines of 2018

VINTAGE:
Very mild temperatures in mid-April encouraged rapid budding and very strong vine growth. Mild and sunny flowering period produced grapes of a nice size – a good omen for the harvest conditions. An exceptionally sunny and hot summer followed. This vintage is characterized by structure and fullness and retained an astonishing freshness despite the hot August days.

Cremant-dAlsace-Lucien-Albrecht-Brut-Rose_eLucien Albrecht
Crémant d’Alsace Rosé Brut
Orschwihr, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This Crémant Rosé, made of 100% Pinot Noir, combines roundness and body into one. In the glass, there are hints of pink reflections and salmon nuances supported by elegant effervescence. Delicate red fruit character on the palate completes this wine.

Analysis: 11.98% alcohol / volume
Residual Sugar: 9.8 g/L
TA: 3.18 g/L
Vinification: 100% hand harvested, extended and soft pressed, 6-8 weeks controlled fermentation in stainless steel, then laid on racks for a minimum of 12 months.
Aging Potential: Enjoy it now or up to 3 years.
Serving Recommendation: Serve at 44.6-46.4ºF.
Food Pairing: This sparkling wine is an invitation to festive occasions
Awards:

  • Silver Vinalies Internationales 2020
  • 90 pts. Wine Enthusiast 2020

VINTAGE:
Very mild temperatures in mid-April encouraged rapid budding and very strong vine growth. Mild and sunny flowering period produced grapes of a nice size – a good omen for the harvest conditions. An exceptionally sunny and hot summer followed. The wines of this vintage are characterized by structure and fullness and retained an astonishing freshness despite the hot August days.

ABOUT CRÉMANT D’ALSACE APPELLATION D’ORIGINE CONTRÔLÉE:
Crémant d’Alsace Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée was created in 1976 to distinguish the wines obtained by the sparkling champagne method. The term “crémant” comes from Champagne, where it had fallen out of use. It was used in the recognition of the efforts made by several Alsatian winemakers, including the Maison Lucien Albrecht.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The vineyards are mainly situated in Orschwihr, a wine-growing village in southern Alsace. From 728, Orschwihr was known under the name of Otalesvilare. From the 13th to 16th centuries, the village and its surroundings were controlled by nobility: the bishops of Strasbourg, Basel and Hapsburg in particular. Even in this era, there were strong ties to the vineyards and land as a precious asset to be cherished and glorified.

Map of Orschwihr, FranceThe Maison Lucien Albrecht’s origins can be traced back to 1698 when Balthazar Albrecht settled in Orschwihr, a small Alsatian village ideal for its growing conditions. Eight generations later, the family continues to work in these same unique terroirs creating world renowned wines. Passed down from father to son, each generation has adapted its wine-growing and wine-making methods gradually to get the very best out of the terroir, while still producing authentic wines, characteristic to Alsace. Learn more about the family history here.

Vineyards at Lucien Albrecht

Information © Crémant d’Alsace – All Rights Reserved

Bubbly Wine ClubLearn more about our Bubbly Club >

 

 

January Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubZamorano-cheeseCecilia Zamorano D.O.P. Sheep Semibold Cheese Castile-León, Spain

Aged for 3-9 months, this DOP cheese is made from raw milk of its namesake region’s Churra and Castellano sheep. The rind has a familiar zigzag pattern – typical of many Spanish cheeses – but its flavor is all its own. This cheese is deliciously sweet and nutty with a touch of salt. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Pair with a fruity wine such as a Tempranillo or a mellow wine such as our January Wine Club wines: Chateau Govain Merlot and the Domaine de Lilotte Bordeaux. For beer, grab something fruity and spicy, like a Belgian-Style Wheat Ale. WINESTYLES: Fruity or Mellow BEERSTYLES: Fruity and Spicy

Tomme-Pur-Chevre-cheeseOnetik Tomme Pur Chèvre Goat Cheese Pyrenees, France

This natural rinded Tomme cheese is made from pasteurized goat’s milk. Similar in texture to Onetik’s Ossau-Iraty Cheese, however, the flavors here are clearer and brighter, with cool herbal tones to replace the nuttiness that you would get from a sheep’s milk Tomme. This is a great addition to any cheese board. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Pair with a crisp wine such as a Sancerre or a Sauvignon Blanc – try with our January White Wine Club wine – Chateau Le Prieur Cuvée Passion. For beer, pair with a crisp Basque Cider from the Basque region of Europe (think: “what grows together, goes together”). WINESTYLES: Crisp BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean Information © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Cheese_springDon’t let your Wine Club go home alone! Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club!  Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >

Domaine De Lilotte Bordeaux

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Bowl,With,Delicious,Meatballs,On,TableBest Ever (Easy) Baked Meatballs

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • ½ cup onion finely chopped
  • ¼ cup dried bread crumbs
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 3 Tbsp. ketchup
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. parsley minced (or about 1/2 Tbsp. dried)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Spray a large cookie sheet with cooking spray.
  2. Mix together onion, bread crumbs, garlic, egg, cheese, ketchup, salt, pepper and parsley in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add in ground beef and mix gently until combined. Do not overwork. Form into 1-inch balls and place on prepared cookie sheet.
  4. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until meatballs are browned and cooked through.

© Recipe courtesy of Jenn of Yummy, Healthy, Easy.

JANUARY WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoDomaine_Lilotte-bottleDomaine de Lilotte
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Bordeaux, France

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Aged in vats, this dry, red wine expresses balance and spicy aromas when very young. Its freshness charms lovers of young wine who above all seek conviviality among friends. Drink now or lay down for 2 or 3 more years.

Varietal: 50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc
Analysis: 13.00% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.58
Appellation: Bordeaux
Winemaker: Hugues Mallet is in charge of the production in the vineyard and in the cellar
Pairing: Great with pork chops and a nice honey mustard sauce

WINERY NOTES:

In the Vineyard: The Domaine de Lilotte is located in the village of Tauriac, in Côtes de Bourg wine region, to the north of Bordeaux.  Produced by a 4th generation family, the estate was added to the Haut-Maco family business in the 1970s. Domaine de Lilotte is a clos of just 13 hectares on a clay, alluvium, and sand soil located near the river. The average age of the vines is 25 years old and grass is grown between the rows to create competition for the plants. Vines are de-leafed on the east side in July. Since 2018, the farm has been Certified HVE 3 (“Haute Valeur Environnementale Niveau” 3 or “High Environmental Value” Level 3) – the highest level possible in this French environmental certification.

About the Harvest: To limit the yield, the winery will green harvest when it is necessary. The grapes are picked by a mechanical harvester with a de-stemmer integrated on the machine. The berries are sorted manually on a sorting table.

In the Cellar: Traditional vinification is used. The alcoholic fermentation is done in stainless steel vats with control of temperature and the Malolactic Fermentation. Maceration is for about 10 to 15 days. Aging is completed in vats and bottled frequently to keep its freshness.

Photos and information © Domaine de Lilotte – All Rights Reserved.

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