Tag Archives: Italy
Delitia
Parmigiano Reggiano Butter
Italy
Lou Bergier
Pichin
Toma
October Sweet Club: Iowa
Raimund Prüm
Essence
Riesling
Mosel, Germany
NECTAR WINE STYLE
Pale gold in color. On the nose, aromatic, with scents of apricot, green apple and peach. On the palate, fresh fruit flavors of pineapple and apricot are perfectly balanced by a racy acidity and mineral character.
Analysis: 10.5% alcohol / volume
Variety: 100% Riesling
Appellation: Qualitatswein, Germany
RS: 21.3 g/L
TA: 5.7 g/L
Serve: Enjoy on its own or with a range of light appetizers, seafood dishes, BBQ, perfect with Asian cuisine and all styles of spicy food.
Accolades: 91 point review Wine Spectator 2021
WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: This wine, with its bright acidity and floral notes, pairs wonderfully with aged Gouda. The nutty and caramel flavors of the Gouda complement the wine’s fruitiness and balance its acidity beautifully. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.
Winemaking: Grapes are hand harvested in mid-October and undergo a gentle crush. The juice is fermented for four weeks in stainless steel tanks then bottled under Stelvin closure to preserve its character.
About Raimund Prüm:
The Prüm family’s roots in the Mosel region of Germany date back as far as 1156, making it one the country’s preeminent winemaking dynasties. Their incredible Riesling portfolio reflects traditional winemaking practices with exceptional single vineyard designated wines in every style. Family-owned S.A. Prüm, founded in 1911 by Sebastian Alois Prüm, has been in the hands of Raimund Prüm, head winemaker and Sebastian’s grandson, since 1971. Under Raimund’s leadership the property has earned a reputation as one of the most successful wineries in Germany’s celebrated Mosel wine region.
Luccio®
Special Collection Moscato
Piedmont, Italy
NECTAR WINE STYLE
Fresh, fragrant, and frizzante with bright, floral aromas that give way to flavors of ripe stone fruit, tangerines, and honey.
Analysis: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Variety: 100% Moscato Bianco di Canelli
Region: Asti, D.O.C.G., Piedmont, Italy
Critical Acclaim:
- Double Gold – San Francisco International Wine Competition | 2022
- Highly Recommended, Best Buy – Beverage Testing Institute | 2021
- Highly Recommended, Best Buy – Beverage Testing Institute | 2020
WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: This sweet and bubbly Moscato goes well with fresh goat cheese. The creamy texture and tangy flavor of the goat cheese enhance the fruity and floral notes of the wine, creating a delightful contrast. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.
About Luccio Wines:
Luccio® wines are made and imported from the finest winemaking regions in Italy. Since 1994, Luccio has represented Italian passion in a bottle with offerings ranging from semi-sweet Moscato’s to a full-bodied Chianti. Learn more here.
Photo and Information courtesy of © Prestige Beverage Group – All Rights Reserved
Love the Sweet life?October Bubbly Club Iowa
Avissi
Prosecco DOC
Veneto, Italy
BUBBLY WINE STYLE
Avissi Prosecco is clean and bright, a crisp sparkler with soft, elegant bubbles that flutter in the glass, giving a lovely effervescence to each sip. A beautiful balance of heady floral notes and luscious fruit makes it imminently approachable. It’s the perfect wine to take-out after work or all dressed up on a Saturday night. Or, somewhere in between (hello, Sunday brunch). Drink on its own, or try it in a boozed up cocktail! See recipe below…
Analysis: 11% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Glera
Total Acidity: 5.8 g/L
Residual Sugar: 14.8 g/L
Critical Acclaim:
- 92 points – “Scents of honeysuckle and gardenia are sweet and delicate. The melting bubbles perform gracefully, accenting flavors of linen and orange cream. White rice and Asian pear dot the mid-palate and the finish is redolent of green apple. The liquid is as unique as this wine’s memorable packaging.” – Meredith May, Tasting Panel Magazine
Avissi’s Sugar & Spice Cocktail:
Just in time for fall! The balance of sweetness with a kick of spice will offer a flavorful profile, perfect for cooler weather.
- INGREDIENTS:
- .75 oz Cranberry Vodka
- .75 oz Apple Spice Ginger Liqueur
- .75 oz Fresh Pressed Apple Juice
- Avissi Prosecco
- DIRECTIONS:
- Combine Cranberry Vodka, Ginger Liqueur and Apple Juice in a shaker
- Fill tin 2/3 with ice, cap, and shake vigorously
- Strain into a champagne flute
- Top with Avissi Prosecco
- Garnish with whole cranberries
About Avissi Winery:
Avissi Wines produces elegant Prosecco crafted from hand-selected Glera grapes grown in the Veneto region of Italy. Known for its light style and delicate bubbles, Avissi’s Prosecco is made using the Charmat method and small-batch fermentation in concrete tanks. The wine captures the essence of fresh fruit and floral notes, reflecting the heritage of the Prosecco DOC. Inspired by Italian art and architecture, Avissi’s attention to detail is evident both in its winemaking process and the design of its bottle. Learn more here.
Avissi Wines produces elegant Prosecco crafted from hand-selected Glera grapes grown in the Veneto region of Italy. Known for its light style and delicate bubbles, Avissi’s Prosecco is made using the Charmat method and small-batch fermentation in concrete tanks. The wine captures the essence of fresh fruit and floral notes, reflecting the heritage of the Prosecco DOC. Inspired by Italian art and architecture, Avissi’s attention to detail is evident both in its winemaking process and the design of its bottle. Learn more here.
Photo and Information © Avissi Wines – All Rights Reserved
Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Diamond Prosecco
Prosecco DOC, Italy
BUBBLY WINE STYLE
Introducing a sparkling new member of the Diamond Collection: Diamond Prosecco! Imported directly from the Prosecco DOC in Italy, the Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Prosecco is crafted from select grapes grown in northeastern Italy, between the Adriatic Sea and the Dolomite Mountains. It has flavors of apple, citrus and white peach. Enjoy on its own, with a meal, or as an aperitif. Saluté to every day!
Analysis: 11% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Glera
Region: Prosecco DOC
Vineyard Notes:
The Prosecco DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) is located in Northeast Italy, and home to its namesake sparkling wine. The region’s location provides unique geographical features and microclimates that enhance the wine’s flavors.
Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Diamond Collection Prosecco Rosé
Prosecco DOC, Italy
BUBBLY WINE STYLE
Introducing a sparkling new member of the Diamond Collection: Diamond Prosecco Rosé! Imported directly from the Prosecco DOC in Italy, the Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Prosecco Rosé is crafted from select grapes grown in the northeastern region, between the Adriatic Sea and the Dolomite Mountains. Best served chilled, this sparkling import features flavors of strawberry, cherry and citrus. Pairs perfectly with your favorite appetizer or fresh salad. Saluté to every day!
Analysis: 11% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Blend
Vineyard Notes:
The Prosecco DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) is located in Northeast Italy, and home to its namesake sparkling wine. The region’s location provides unique geographical features and microclimates that enhance the wine’s flavors.
About Francis Ford Coppola Winery:
The Francis Ford Coppola Winery, located in Sonoma County, blends winemaking with a family-friendly experience, inspired by Coppola’s vision of a “pleasure garden” reminiscent of Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. The winery is celebrated for its commitment to sustainability and high-quality wines, including their Diamond Collection Prosecco Rosé and Diamond Prosecco, both from the prestigious Prosecco DOC in Italy. These sparkling wines reflect the craftsmanship and innovation of the Coppola team, offering a fresh, elegant take on traditional Prosecco. Learn more here.
The Francis Ford Coppola Winery, located in Sonoma County, blends winemaking with a family-friendly experience, inspired by Coppola’s vision of a “pleasure garden” reminiscent of Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. The winery is celebrated for its commitment to sustainability and high-quality wines, including their Diamond Collection Prosecco Rosé and Diamond Prosecco, both from the prestigious Prosecco DOC in Italy. These sparkling wines reflect the craftsmanship and innovation of the Coppola team, offering a fresh, elegant take on traditional Prosecco. Learn more here.
Photo and Information © Francis Ford Coppola Winery – All Rights Reserved
Learn more about our Bubbly Club >
September Bubbly Club Iowa
Ca’del Bosco
Cuvée Prestige Brut
Franciacorta, Italy
BUBBLY WINE STYLE
Aromas of stone fruit and spring flowers with a lightly savory, pastry like complexity. The palate has a smooth, elegant feel and the finish is dry, light, bright and crisp. A neat wine, well-delivered. Drink now.
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 75% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Bianco, 15% Pinot Nero
Region: Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy
ph: 3.15
Total Acidity: 5.55 grams/liter
Volatile Acidity: 0.35 grams/liter
Vineyards of Provenance:
- 96 Chardonnay vineyards planted on average of 27 years ago, located in the municipalities of Erbusco, Adro, Cazzago San Martino, Corte Franca, Iseo and Passirano
- 3 Pinot Bianco vineyards planted an average of 21 years ago, located in the municipality of Passirano
- 17 Pinot Nero vineyards planted an average of 19 years ago, located in the municipalities of Erbusco, Provaglio d’Iseo and Passirano
Harvest period: First and second ten days of August
Average yield per hectare: 7,500 kilograms of grapes, equivalent to 4,7300 liters of wine (must-to-fruit ratio 63%)
Tirage: From April to June of the year after the harvest
Maturation sur lies: For an average of 25 months
Dosage at disgorgement: Equivalent to four grams of sugar per liter
Vinification:
The base wines for Cuvée Prestige are crafted from meticulously selected grapes, expertly vinified in strict adherence to the Metodo Ca’ del Bosco. Upon harvest, the grapes are picked, graded, and chilled, each bunch undergoing careful selection by trained professionals before being processed through an exclusive “berry spa.” This system involves a thorough bunch washing and jet spray process, incorporating three soaking vats and a drying tunnel. The grapes are then crushed in an oxygen-free environment, and the resulting musts are fermented in temperature-controlled steel tanks until the following March.
The wine undergoes an additional seven months of aging to clarify, mature, and reveal the distinct characteristics of its vineyard origin. Subsequently, the wines are meticulously blended with reserve wines from the best vintages, accounting for 20% to 30% of the final cuvée, in a process that imparts the Cuvée Prestige with its unique character. This special technique captures the essence of Franciacorta as envisioned by Ca’ del Bosco. Only after an average maturation period of 25 months does this Franciacorta reach its full expressive depth. The disgorgement process is performed in an oxygen-free environment, utilizing a patented system by Ca’ del Bosco that eliminates oxidative stress and the need for additional sulfites. This process results in a purer, more appealing, and longer-lived Franciacorta. Finally, each bottle is individually marked to ensure traceability.
About Ca’del Bosco:
Ca’del Bosco, founded by Annamaria Clementi Zanella in the Erbusco hills, has a rich history of innovation and quality in winemaking. Beginning with high-density vineyards and the production of its first wine (Pinot di Franciacorta Bianco) in the late 1970s, the winery expanded under Maurizio Zanella to introduce notable offerings like the Cuvée Annamaria Clementi, named after his mother. Embracing modern techniques while maintaining its identity, Ca’del Bosco produces acclaimed wines, including the Vintage Collection and Cuvée Prestige. The winery also promotes art through initiatives like the Ca’del Bosco Sculpture Award, celebrating over 50 years of heritage and excellence in winemaking. Learn more here.
Ca’del Bosco, founded by Annamaria Clementi Zanella in the Erbusco hills, has a rich history of innovation and quality in winemaking. Beginning with high-density vineyards and the production of its first wine (Pinot di Franciacorta Bianco) in the late 1970s, the winery expanded under Maurizio Zanella to introduce notable offerings like the Cuvée Annamaria Clementi, named after his mother. Embracing modern techniques while maintaining its identity, Ca’del Bosco produces acclaimed wines, including the Vintage Collection and Cuvée Prestige. The winery also promotes art through initiatives like the Ca’del Bosco Sculpture Award, celebrating over 50 years of heritage and excellence in winemaking. Learn more here.
Photo and Information © Iron Horse Vineyards and Vintus – All Rights Reserved
Learn more about our Bubbly Club >
Terra Dives Cecé Rosso
Sicilian Caponata
What grows together, goes together. Sicilian Caponata, with its blend of eggplant, tomatoes, olives, and capers, pairs perfectly with Terra Dives Cecé Rosso wine from Sicily. The wine’s vibrant acidity and earthy notes enhance the caponata’s complex flavors, making for a harmonious and satisfying pairing. Serve with some toasty bread and enjoy with your glass of wine.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 large eggplant (1 ¼ lb or so), cut into 1-inch cubes
- kosher salt
- extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, cored and chopped
- 2 small celery stalks, thinly sliced
- black pepper
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp capers
- ¼ cup pitted green olives, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup raisins
- 2 teaspoons honey, more to your liking
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ tsp to ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
DIRECTIONS:
-
Heat the oven to 400ºF.
-
Season the eggplant cubes with salt (if you have the time, set it aside in a colander to sweat out its bitterness for about 20 or 30 minutes, while you prepare the remaining ingredients. Pat dry with paper towel).
-
Place the seasoned eggplant cubes on a sheet pan, add a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (about 3 tablespoons or so) and toss to coat. Roast the eggplant in the heated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until browned.
-
Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onions, bell pepper, and celery. Season with a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, tossing regularly until softened.
-
Add the tomatoes, capers, olives, raisins, honey, bay leaf and crushed pepper flakes. Pour in the vinegar and white wine. Stir to combine. Simmer on medium-low heat for 10 minutes.
-
Stir in the roasted eggplant and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes in the sauce. Finish with fresh parsley and mint.
© Recipe courtesy of Suzy Karadsheh at The Mediterranean Dish.
SEPTEMBER WINE CLUB:
Terra Dives
Cecé Rosso
Terre Sicilane IGT
Sicily, Italy
MELLOW WINE STYLE
Ruby red with violet reflections, fruity bouquet with hints of red fruit. In the mouth, it is round with good structure and personality. Overall it’s well balanced and persistent.
Varietal: Blend of red IGT Terre Siciliane
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Production Area: Mazara del Vallo/Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Soil Type: Calcareous/clayey
Altitude: 150 meters above sea level
Training System: Double cordon
Plants density: 4,000 per hectare
Yield per hectare: 8 tons
Harvest: Manual, second decade of September
Vinification: Destemming, maceration for 7/10 days and fermentation at a temperature of 77ºF in stainless steel tanks
Aging: 3 months in stainless steel tanks
Pairings: Pairs well with red meat dishes and medium-mature cheeses
Serving Temperature: 60.8ºF to 64.4ºF
About the Winery:
Terra Dives, established in 2019 in Petrosino (Trapani), is dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage of Sicilian viticulture. With a legacy spanning three generations, the winery expertly blends traditional practices with modern technology to craft exceptional wines that represent the essence of Sicily. Terra Dives is committed to producing and bottling wines that showcase the finest native Sicilian grape varieties, as well as select international ones, all while prioritizing sustainability and staying attuned to evolving market trends. Click here to learn more.
Information & Photos © Terra Dives – All Rights Reserved.
Join our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!
Terra Dives Liolà Bianco
Busiate al Pesto Trapanese
Busiate al Pesto Trapanese, a traditional dish from Trapani, features spiral pasta with a pesto of basil, garlic, cherry tomatoes, pecorino, and almonds. Terra Dives Liolá Bianco, from the same region, pairs beautifully with this dish. The wine’s crisp acidity complements the rich, garlicky, and nutty flavors, enhancing the bright, fresh character of the pesto.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2.5 oz (about ½ cup) blanched almonds
- ¾ oz (about ½ cup) fresh basil leaves
- 10.5 oz (about 2 cups) cherry tomatoes
- 2.5 oz (about ¾ cup) pecorino romano, finely grated
- 3.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
To serve:
- 14 oz dried pasta OR 21 oz fresh busiate pasta (To make fresh pasta: 3 ¼ cups semolina flour and ¾ cup water)
- grated cheese
- fresh basil, for garnish
DIRECTIONS:
- Add the almonds, garlic, basil leaves, and cherry tomatoes to the container of a blender. Pulse a few times until the ingredients come together into a sauce that’s still slightly coarse with some chunky bits. Trapanese pesto is known for its rustic texture and doesn’t need to be completely smooth. Then, transfer the sauce to a mixing bowl and stir in the grated cheese and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (To make with a mortar and pestle, view recipe notes here).
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Meanwhile, transfer the pesto to a saucepan or skillet and heat it over low-medium heat. You want to warm the pesto slowly and gently without bringing it to a boil. Stir the sauce occasionally as it warms to ensure even heating.
- Once the water is boiling, add a generous amount of salt and cook the pasta according to package instructions, or for about 2 minutes if you are using fresh, homemade pasta. Keep in mind that fresh pasta cooks very quickly. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness frequently to prevent overcooking. When the pasta is done, drain it with a skimmer or slotted spoon and transfer it directly to the skillet with the pesto. Add a splash of pasta water. This loosens up the pesto and turns it into a creamy, silky sauce. Toss and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with pesto. Garnish the pasta with fresh basil and serve it with grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese.
© Recipe courtesy of Not Just Food Blog.
SEPTEMBER WINE CLUB:
Terra Dives
Liolà Bianco
Terre Siciliane IGT
Sicily, Italy
SILKY WINE STYLE
Straw yellow with greenish reflections. In the mouth, it is fresh, with fruity and floral notes. It is persistent and pleasant.
Varietal: Blend of whites IGT Terre Siciliane
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Production Area: Petrosino, Sicily, Italy
Soil Type: Calcareous/sandy
Altitude: 50/100 meters above sea level
Training System: Double cordon
Plants density: 3,500 per hectare
Yield per hectare: 10 tons
Harvest: Manual, end of August, first days of September
Vinification: Destemming, soft pressing, static decanting at a temperature of 50ºF and fermentation at 59ºF in stainless steel tanks
Aging: 3 months in stainless steel tanks
Pairings: Pairs well with fish dishes, white meat, and young cheeses
Serving Temperature: 46.4ºF to 50ºF
About the Winery:
Terra Dives, established in 2019 in Petrosino (Trapani), is dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage of Sicilian viticulture. With a legacy spanning three generations, the winery expertly blends traditional practices with modern technology to craft exceptional wines that represent the essence of Sicily. Terra Dives is committed to producing and bottling wines that showcase the finest native Sicilian grape varieties, as well as select international ones, all while prioritizing sustainability and staying attuned to evolving market trends. Click here to learn more.
Information & Photos © Terra Dives – All Rights Reserved.
Join our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!
September Wine Club Pairing Recipe
Involtini di Manzo
(Sicilian Stuffed Beef Rolls)
The robust flavors of the Nero d’Avola complement the savory and slightly sweet elements of the beef rolls, with the wine’s acidity cutting through the richness of the meat and cheese.
INGREDIENTS:
For the filling:
- 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, diced
- ¼ cup golden raisins
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- ½ cup fine breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated pecorino
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
For the involtini:
- 3 ounces provolone cheese
- 12 fresh bay leaves (if unable to find, use dry)
- 12 red onion wedges
- extra-virgin olive oil
- 14 slices (about 1 pound) beef top round, sliced very thin (see cook’s note)
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS:
-
Make the filling: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add the onion and gently cook until soft and translucent, about 6 minutes. Add in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat and allow mixture to cool.
-
Place the raisins and pine nuts in a large bowl. Add in the breadcrumbs and pecorino cheese. Add in the cooled onion/garlic mixture, parsley, salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Stir to combine. Drizzle in the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil and stir until incorporated.
-
Make the rolls: Preheat the oven to 375°F .
-
Have all the components in front of you so you are ready to roll. Cut the provolone crosswise into 14 long sticks about ½ inch thick. (Don’t worry if they break as you can piece together when you roll.) Gather your bay leaves and your onion slices.
-
Find a baking dish that will hold the rolls somewhat tightly together, approximately 8 inches by 10 inches will work nicely. Drizzle the bottom generously with olive oil.
-
Lay a slice of meat on your work surface and spread about 1 very heaping tablespoon of filling on the meat. Begin to roll the slice and at about the halfway point, add in a stick of provolone cheese. Roll tightly, tucking in the sides and ends to seal the filling inside.
-
Place the roll in the baking dish, tuck a slice of onion and a bay leaf alongside. Repeat the process until you have rolled all the meat.
-
Drizzle the top of the meat with olive oil. Give it a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Bake until the rolls are cooked through and brown on top, about 20 minutes. Serve hot from the oven (but also very tasty at room temperature).
© Recipe courtesy of Our Italian Table.
SEPTEMBER WINE CLUB:
Terra Dives
Riah
Nero d’Avola Siclia DOC
Sicily, Italy
BOLD WINE STYLE
Ruby red with violet hues. Fruity bouquet with clear hints of cherries. In the mouth, it is round, of good structure and with a pleasant acid note.
Varietal: 100% Nero d’Avola Sicilia DOC
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Production Area: Mazara del Vallo, Sicily, Italy
Soil Type: Clayey
Altitude: 150 meters above sea level
Training System: Double cordon
Plants density: 4,000 per hectare
Yield per hectare: 7 tons
Harvest: Manual, second decade of September
Vinification: Destemming, maceration for 10/12 days and fermentation at a temperature of 77ºF in stainless steel tanks
Aging: 3 months in stainless steel tanks, 6 months in tonneaux
Pairing: Pairs well with red meat dishes and mature cheeses
Critical Acclaims: 92 Luca Maroni 2020; 94 Luca Maroni 2019; 94 Luca Maroni 2018.
Serving Temperature: 60.8ºF to 64.4ºF
About the winery:
Terra Dives, established in 2019 in Petrosino (Trapani), is dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage of Sicilian viticulture. With a legacy spanning three generations, the winery expertly blends traditional practices with modern technology to craft exceptional wines that represent the essence of Sicily. Terra Dives is committed to producing and bottling wines that showcase the finest native Sicilian grape varieties, as well as select international ones, all while prioritizing sustainability and staying attuned to evolving market trends. Click here to learn more.
Information & Photos © Terra Dives – All Rights Reserved.
Join our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!
Winery Spotlight Series: September 2024
Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting
G.D. Vajra
Barolo, Italy
September 2024
Join us for a wine tasting event featuring G.D. Vajra Wines from Italy! We will be sharing their six wines below; to reserve a spot and attend the wine tasting, please contact your local participating WineStyles store, or reserve your tickets on their local Eventbrite. Please join us!
Wines Tasted:
- Luigi Baudana Langhe Bianco Dragon
- GD Vajra Langhe Rosso
- GD Vajra Dolcetto d’Alba
- GD Vajra Barbera d’Alba
- GD Vajra Langhe Nebbiolo
- GD Vajra Barolo Albe
About G.D. Vajra Wines:
G.D. Vajra is a family-owned winery located in Barolo, Italy, known for producing high-quality wines with a focus on tradition and innovation. The winery emphasizes sustainable practices and respects the natural environment in its vineyard management. G.D. Vajra offers a diverse range of wines, including Barolo, Dolcetto, and Nebbiolo, among others. The winery is recognized for its dedication to craftsmanship and the expression of the unique terroir of the region. To learn more on their website, click here.
Vaira Family (pictured above)
Photos and Information © G.D. Vajra – 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
G.D. Vajra – Barolo, Italy
September 2024
Cheers!
WineStyles.com
June Sweet Club: Iowa
Risata
Moscato d’Asti
Moscato Bianco di Canelli
Italy
NECTAR WINE STYLE
Risata Moscato d’Asti is seductively sweet, boasting juicy stone fruit, tart citrus and floral honey flavors. It’s a fresh and fragrant wine.
Analysis: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Moscato Bianco di Canelli
Perfect Pairings: Appetizers, tiramisu or a kid-free staycation
WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Reach for a soft cheese such as a brie. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.
Mix Things Up – Wine Cocktails!
Risata Cosmo Punch:
- 2 parts Risata Moscato d’Asti
- 2 parts ginger ale
- 1 part vodka
- 1 part frozen pink lemonade
- 1 part cranberry juice
- .5 part Triple Sec
Directions:
- In a large pitcher or a large punch bowl, combine all ingredients. Serve drinks over ice and enjoy as yummy summer sipper!
Risata
Peach
Moscato
Italy
NECTAR WINE STYLE
Savor the lusciousness of Risata Peach, a semi-sweet wine, bursting with flavors of ripe, juicy peaches and a hint of apricot. Light-bodied and crisp on the finish, this refreshing wine is best served chilled.
Analysis: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Moscato
Perfect Pairings: Salads, cake or a night of “me time”
WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Pair this fruity, semi-sweet wine with a rich, nutty hard cheese such as Parmigiano Reggiano. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.
Mix Things Up – Wine Cocktails!
Peach Sangria:
(Makes 4-5 servings)
- 1 part Risata Peach Wine
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 peach, sliced
- 1 cup berries
- 1/3 cup orange liqueur
- 1 cup club soda
- garnish: edible flowers
Directions:
- Add fruit and orange liqueur to a pitcher and gently muddle with a wooden spoon. Add Risata Peach wine, club soda, and ice, then stir. Divide into glasses and serve with edible flowers, if desired. Credit: The Social Sipper.
Risata
Blueberry
Brachetto
Italy
NECTAR WINE STYLE
Relish in the wild and fresh flavor of Risata Blueberry, a refreshing semi-sweet wine, with intense flavors of fresh blueberry and a soft hint of cherry. Serve lightly chilled.
Analysis: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Brachetto
Perfect Pairings: Fresh fruit, grilled meats, or a little late night retail therapy.
WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: For a savory cheese pairing, reach for a feta cheese. The saltiness of this cheese can enhance the sweetness of the blueberries and create an interesting savory contrast. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.
Mix Things Up – Wine Cocktails!
Blueberry Wine Slushie:
(Makes 4 servings)
- 2 cups Risata Blueberry wine
- 3 cups frozen mixed berries
- ¼ cup elderflower liqueur
- 1 cup ice
- garnish: berries, edible flowers
Directions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Divide into glasses and garnish with frozen berries and edible flowers, if desired. Enjoy immediately. Credit: The Social Sipper.
About the Winery:
The word ‘Risata’ means ‘laughter’ in Italian. The team behind Risata thought it would be fitting for a line of delightfully sweet and bubbly wines made to be enjoyed on nearly any occasion. Sourced from the finest vineyards in Italy, Risata wines are premium quality wines that are designed to elevate any moment. Their Moscato d’Asta was introduced to the U.S. in 2006 and has grown to be the most sought after Moscato d’Asti in the country. These wines are delicious on their own or mixed into a tantalizing cocktail! Learn more here.
Photo and Information © Risata – All Rights Reserved
April Cheese Club: Iowa
Mitica®
Pecorino Toscano D.O.P.
Semi-hard Sheep Milk
Tuscany, Italy
Pecorino Toscano is an origin-protected cheese that is made from the milk of sheep that graze a diverse terrain, allowing them to produce a thick, rich milk. Though not as salty and sharp as Pecorino Romano, it is aged to the point at which its creamy flavor and smooth consistency give way to a sharper, more complex mix of flavor and a denser texture (aged minimum of 6 months). Delicious with a variety of Tuscan recipes, especially when grated on most pasta dishes and risottos. Also delicious to grate a few shavings on soups and fresh salads. Most importantly, it pairs beautifully with Mitica’s Honeycomb selection (see below).
WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
What grows together, goes together! For wine, pair with any of our 2024 April Wine Club Selections. For beer, grab a Pale Ale to cleanse your palate or a Saison – with fruity & spicy notes – to complement the subtle sheep’s milk flavors without overwhelming them.
WINESTYLES: Bold, Silky & Mellow
BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean or Fruity & Spicy
Information and photo © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.
Mitica®
Pure Natural Honeycomb
Italy
Brothers Fabrizio and Pierpaola have been tending bees and collecting honey for over 20 years. They designed innovative, rectangular forms to fit within the hive, into which the bees build the honeycomb directly. It is a wonderful way to experience this light and floral honey in its pure form, without any processing.
HOW TO EAT HONEYCOMB:
Enjoying honeycomb is an adventure in texture and taste, offering a pure, unprocessed glimpse into the wonders of nature’s sweetness. Both the honey and the wax of the honeycomb are entirely edible, in fact, the wax is packed with a ton of beneficial nutrients. To begin, cut a small piece from the comb—about the size of a teaspoon is perfect for starters. You can eat it directly, chew it like gum to savor the sweet honey, and then swallow the wax or discreetly discard it if you prefer. Honeycomb pairs excellently with a variety of foods; try spreading it over warm toast, allowing the honey to melt for a rich, indulgent treat, or pair it with cheese, such this month’s Pecorino Toscano Cheese Club selection (above).
Information and Photo © Zuercher & Co., Forever Cheese, Gees Bees & Asheville Bee Charmer – All Rights Reserved.
WineStyles Tasting Station 