Tag Archives: Mellow Wine Style

December Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Skillet Cranberry Roasted Chicken and Potatoes

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 skin-on chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • zest + juice of 1/2 lemon
  • kosher salt and pepper
  • 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
  • 3 carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup white wine or chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic

DIRECTIONS:

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  • Rub the chicken with 2 tablespoons olive oil, the thyme, rosemary, garlic and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat a large oven safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken, skin side down, and sear until golden, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook 5 minutes more. Remove the chicken from the skillet. Add 2 tablespoons butter, the potatoes, carrots, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Pour in the wine, deglazing the pan and scraping up any browned bits off the bottom. Simmer the wine for 5 minutes or until reduced slightly. Remove from the heat and nestle the chicken into the potatoes. Add the lemon juice.
  • In a small bowl, toss together the cranberries, brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle the cranberries over the chicken. Transfer to the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. Plate the chicken and potatoes and drizzle with the sauce left in the pan. EAT!

© Recipe courtesy of Tieghan Gerard from Half Baked Harvest.

DECEMBER WINE CLUB:

fleurie chateau des dorees wine bottleHenry Fessy
Fleurie Château des Labourons
Burgundy, France

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Ruby red in color with light hints of purple, the nose has intense flavors of blackberry and blackcurrant. On the palate, the Fleurie “Château des Labourons” is concentrated, with supple and silky tannins. It has a beautiful finish with slightly peppery and violet notes.
 
Château des Labourons dominates the beautiful hillsides of the Fleurie appellation. It is located three kilometers further up the hill from the hamlet of Les Labourons. The combination of the altitude, slope, exposure and quality of the soil have created a promising terroir in the heart of the Fleurie Cru. Château des Labourons’ current architecture dates from the 19th century. It was rebuilt from ashes after a devastating fire, but still retains some of its original architectural character. This Château has a long history, over five generations of the “de Lescure” family, and it was already producing wine by the 18th century.
 
Varietal: 100% Gamay
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Beaujolais, France
Soil Composition: Igneous rock – mainly pale pink granite that breaks down into coarse “blockfields”
Harvest: Manual
Average Vine Age: 40 Years
Pruning: Gobelet
Density of Vines: 10,000 vines/ha
Critical Acclaim: 
  • James Suckling – February 2017 – 92 pts
  • Wine Spectator – July 2017 – 88 pts
  • Wine Enthusiast – May 2017 – 88 pts
  • Jancis Robinson – UK – January 2017 – 16.5 pts
  • Guide Bettane & Desseauve – Septembre 2016 – 14 pts
  • Concours Général Agricole – Février 2016 – Médaille d’Or
Suggested Food Pairings: Roasted chicken, grilled meats and cheese
Serving Temperature: 57.2-59°F
Winemaking: The château selects the best grapes, then carries out non-carbonic vinification in open vats. Afterwards, the grapes go through pneumatic pressing and fermentation, the wine is matured in old oak tuns before bottling.
 
ABOUT HENRY FESSY:
The Fessy Family has been based in the heart of the Brouilly appellation since 1888. They have purchased parcels of vineyards in most of the Crus and Beaujolais-Villages over the years, creating an enviable domaine of nearly 70 hectares of vineyards. Their philosophy is to work with sensitivity and intelligence to produce highly characterful wines with little to no intervention. Learn more about the winery here.
 
© Photo by Henry Fessy
© Photo by Henry Fessy
© Photo by Henry Fessy
© Photo by Henry Fessy

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November Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Rich and Simple French Onion Soup Recipe

French,Onion,Gratin,Soup

INGREDIENTS:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cups sliced onions
  • 4 (10.5 ounce) cans beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons dry sherry
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 slices French bread
  • 4 slices Provolone cheese
  • 2 slices Swiss cheese, diced
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Melt butter with olive oil in an 8 quart stock pot on medium heat. Add onions and continually stir until tender and translucent. Do not brown the onions.
  2. Add beef broth, sherry and thyme. Season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 30 minutes.
  3. Heat the oven broiler.
  4. Ladle soup into oven safe serving bowls and place one slice of bread on top of each (bread may be broken into pieces if you prefer). Layer each slice of bread with a slice of Provolone, ½ slice diced Swiss and 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese. Place bowls on cookie sheet and broil in the preheated oven until cheese bubbles and browns slightly.

© Recipe courtesy of Lori Levin from All Recipes. 

NOVEMBER WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoEstate-Cellars-Red-BlendEstate Cellars
Proprietary Red Blend
Central Coast, California

MELLOW WINE STYLE

The Estate Cellars’ Proprietary Red Blend is a Bordeaux Style and a true representation of a California Meritage.  It is crafted out of the finest lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot from Central Coast vineyards. Blends are a true representation of the winemaker’s craft and the best possible wine they can make. Utilizing each of the varietals for different components rounds out the blends mouth feel and creates balance in the final product.

TASTING NOTES:
It’s a medium to heavy bodied wine that is dark purple in color with aromas of dried herbs, blueberry and tea leaf. On the palate, there are flavors of cocoa powder, currants and white pepper.

Varietal: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 15% Malbec, 15% Petit Verdot
Appellation: Central Coast, California
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Aged: 16 months on 30% New French Oak, 70% Neutral French and American Oak
Harvest Date: Sept. 30 – Nov. 2
Average Brix at Harvest: 25.0
pH: 3.62
TA: 0.63
Sugar: 0.20 g/L
Food Pairing: Pot Roast, French Onion Soup, Italian Sausage Pasta
Cheese Pairing: The November Cheese Club selections.

California Certified Sustainable logoWINEMAKER NOTES:
The Estate Cellars Red Blend grapes were handpicked, and hand sorted prior to a 48-hour cold soak at 40°F. During fermentation, the wine is pumped over four times per day during peak fermentation to maximize extraction. Post fermentation the wine is held on skins for 24 hours to extend maceration and provide even more color and tannin extraction. The Red Blend is the best representation of a winemaker using all the tools they have to make the best wine possible. This wine is crafted over several tasting sessions with the winemaking team, fine tuning all aspects from flavor and aromas, to structure and mouthfeel.

HARVEST NOTES:
The 2019 Estate Cellars’ Red Blend, similar to the previous two years, was notated as one of the latest starts to their season’s harvest. The winters have prolonged their growing seasons as the increasingly wet soils allow the vines time to mature at a healthy rate. The above average rainfall in the spring gave rise to a later than average bud break and bloom, which allowed the weather time to warm up and decrease any concerns of destructive frost. The summer temperatures were well below the seasonal average with only four days of 100+ degree temperatures (in previous years, they saw 11-16 days over 100 degrees). These even and mild temperature changes gave the winery an ideal growing season that pushed them well into November. They believe this hang time has shaped up to provide high quality wine and one of their best vintages to date.

Clos LaChance logoABOUT THE WINERY:
Estate Cellars is a secondary brand to Clos LaChance, a family owned and operated winery in the Northern Central Coast region of California. After perfecting their portfolio, they wanted to reach additional markets by creating unique labels while still maintaining their same attention to high quality wine. Clos LaChance Winery started in 1987 when co-owners, Bill and Brenda Murphy, decided to plant a few rows of Chardonnay in their Saratoga backyard. By 1992, they grew into a commercial winery releasing their very first vintage. Today, Clos LaChance Winery and Estate Vineyard is proud to be Certified Sustainable by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. Learn more here.

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Alella Vinícola Costa Del Maresme

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Skirt Steak

Credit: © Tina Rupp

Skirt Steak with Moroccan Spice Rub and Yogurt Sauce

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 ¼ pounds skirt steak, cut into 6-inch lengths
  • 3 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons Moroccan Spice Rub
  • ¾ cup plain whole-milk yogurt
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1 garlic clove, smashed
  • 1 tablespoon chopped pickled jalapeños
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
  • salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 4 large pita breads, for serving
  • Romaine lettuce leaves, for serving

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Light a grill. Rub the steaks all over with 3 tablespoons of the spice rub and let stand for 5 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, scallions, garlic, jalapeños and the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of the spice rub. Stir in the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Brush the steaks lightly with olive oil and grill over high heat, turning occasionally, for 7 to 8 minutes for medium-rare meat. Brush the pitas with olive oil and grill until lightly toasted, about 30 seconds. Transfer the steaks to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Thinly slice the steaks across the grain. Transfer the steaks to a platter and serve with the toasted pita, yogurt sauce and lettuce leaves.

© Recipe courtesy of Grace Parisi of Food & Wine.

OCTOBER WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoCosta_del_Maresme_Red-Wine-2020-tech-sheet (1)Alella Vinícola
Costa del Maresme
Alella, Spain

MELLOW WINE STYLE

The Costa del Maresme is 100% Mediterranean in character. The nose and palate both highlight the ripe bunches of the Red Grenache and Syrah grapes.

Varietal: 90% Red Grenache, 10% Syrah
Vineyard: Viña Rials
Analysis: 14.0% alcohol / volume
Aging: Aged over lees around 8 months
Yield: 22 Hl/Ha
Vine aged: 35 years
Farming: Organic without herbicide, insecticide and inorganic fertilizers
Pruning: Royat doble
Height and exposition: 100 m, SE
Soil: Granites (“Sauló”)
Climate: Maritime Mediterranean
Winemaker: Xavier Garcia
Annual Production: 12,000 bottles
Aging Potential: Drink now or mature for up to 4 years
 

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“Depending on the final ripeness of the different vineyards and varieties, each harvest’s final blend is formed. Varietal base was shared by Red Grenache and complemented with Syrah.” – Alella Vinícola

Alella Vinícola logoABOUT ALELLA VINÍCOLA:
Alella Vinícola is a family winery passed down from generation to generation since 1906. Located just 9 miles north of Barcelona, the winery currently produces, makes and bottles wines and cavas in two designated origins, D.O. Alella and D.O. Cava. Now owned and operated by brothers Samuel and Xavier Garcia, they produce around 90,000 bottles each year, comprised of a dozen different wines. The brothers continue ensure they are producing all of their wines organically, free of herbicides, insecticides and inorganic fertilizers. Learn more about winery here.

© Photo by Alella Vinícola
© Photo by Alella Vinícola
© Photo by Alella Vinícola

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September Premium Wine Club

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Mellow style logoLong Meadow Ranch 2016 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Tech Sheet[54]Long Meadow Ranch
2016 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
California

MELLOW WINE STYLE

“Deep ruby red color. A bewitching nose, complex with dried earth, musky roses, and spice aromas. This shows a refined and silken texture, and remains fresh and lively across the palate with great intensity of fruit and length. Intriguing, balanced and complex, it is a great picture of the finesse and intensity of Pinot Noir in Anderson Valley.” – Winemaker, Stéphane Vivier

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Estate: Anderson Valley
Maturation: 12 months in 25% new French oak, 75% neutral French oak
Food Pairing: Pair with duck breast and a cherry mostarda, or grilled salmon with chanterelle mushrooms. Try the winery’s pairing recipe for Chicken and Adouille Sausage Jambalaya here.

GROWING SEASON:
The 2016 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir had an early bud break, wet spring soils, and a long growing season. There was rapid growth in the spring, which slowed as it was met with average summer temperatures; producing reduced yields. The result was a moderate crop of well-concentrated, fully ripened fruit, creating a high quality vintage.

Bold wine Style logoLong Meadow Ranch 2016 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Tech Sheet[44]Long Meadow Ranch
2016 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
California

BOLD WINE STYLE

“Classic in style and always respectful of varietal character, the 2016 Napa Valley represents everything you expect from a Long Meadow Ranch Cabernet. This balanced blend of fruit from our mountain and valley estates has an inviting nose of fresh black cherry, marionberry, and plum. More subtle notes of vanilla, cedar and green tea leaves bring nuance to a palate bright with the mountain fruit acidity and rich in the valley fruit’s velvety tannins. This wine is lovely to drink now and for years to come.” – Winemaker, Justin Carr

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard: Estate Grown at Mayacamas & Rutherford Estates
Food Pairing: Long Meadow Ranch Grass-fed beef, braised lamb shanks or roasted game. Try the winery’s pairing recipe for Balsamic Braised Grass-fed Lamb Shanks here.

GROWING SEASON:
Growing season for the Cabernet Sauvignon was very similar to that of the Pinot Noir. The wet spring started a fast and rapid growing season, which was then met with average summer temperatures that slowed the development and reduced yields. This produced a moderate crop of excellent quality, and well-concentrated fruit that were fully ripened.

ABOUT LONG MEADOW RANCH:
Owned by Ted, Laddie, and Christopher Hall, Long Meadow Ranch (LMR) uses all integrated, organic and sustainable growing methods. LMR is home to wine making, olive orchards, cattle and horse breeding, egg-laying poultry, and organic vegetable gardens – each contributing to the overall health of the ranch. All crops are certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and are grown without using any herbicides, pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Learn more here.

© Photo by Long Meadow Ranch
© Photo by Long Meadow Ranch
© Photo by Long Meadow Ranch
© Photo by Long Meadow Ranch
© Photo by Long Meadow Ranch
© Photo by Long Meadow Ranch
© Photo by Marin Agricultural Land Trust, Michael Woolsey

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Craftwork Old Vine Zinfandel

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Simply-Recipes-Santa-Maria-Tri-Tip-LEAD-4-5b7dca68a93f45f1b26f0ca5d8bf3a4a

© Photo by Ciara Kehoe

Santa Maria Style Tri-Tip

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 (2 1/2 pounds to 4 pounds) tri-tip steak
  • Santa Maria rub (enough for a 4 pound roast)
    • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
    • 1 tablespoon finely ground black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 1 tablespoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh, finely minced)
    • ½ teaspoon dried sage

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Mix the rub ingredients together in a bowl. Place the roast in a roasting pan or a baking pan with edges (this will help contain the rub spices). Sprinkle the rub on the meat on all sides, and massage the rub into the meat.
  2. Cover the roast with foil or plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for an hour to take the chill off and allow the rub to work its magic on the roast.
  3. Prepare your grill for hot direct heat on one side, and indirect heat on the other. 
  4. Sear the roast for 3-4 minutes per side. Carefully watch the roast during this process as one side of the roast is typically quite fatty and as the fat heats up it can drip down and cause flare-ups. Keep moving the tri-tip away from the flame if flare-ups occur.

  5. Once the tri-tip is seared on all sides, move it away from direct heat and place it fat-side up on the grill rack.
    – Note: If you are using a gas grill with a top rack, it is recommend to place the roast on that rack, with an aluminum tray on the bottom rack underneath to catch the fat drippings.
    – If you are grilling on charcoal or wood, you may want to turn the roast over every few minutes, for more even heating.
    – Try to maintain a grill temperature of 250°F to 300°F.

  6. Cover the grill and cook until the temperature of the interior of the tri-tip reaches 120°F for a rare roast, 130°F for medium-rare and 140°F for medium.
    – At this point the meat will take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes to cook, depending on how hot your grill is, how well done you want it, and the size of the cut.
    – Note that the interior temperature will continue to rise at least 5°F after you take the roast off the heat.

  7. Once the roast reaches temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest, loosely tented with foil, for 10-15 minutes. Slice across the grain to serve.

© Recipe courtesy of Elise Bauer of Simply Recipes.

SEPTEMBER WINE CLUB:

Craftwork_Silhouette_NV_Zinfandel_transpMellow style logoCraftwork
Old Vine Zinfandel
Monterey County, California

MELLOW WINE STYLE

This Old Vine Zinfandel has aromas of plum and black currant, juicy black cherry and ripe strawberry jam. This wine has well-balanced tannins that open out to a rich, layered finished.

Varietal: Zinfandel
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Aging: 10-day fermentation in Stainless tanks, then aged in Hungarian and American Oak
Food Pairings: This Zinfandel pairs beautifully with tri-tip steak, sausage, pizza and pasta dishes.

 

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“Upon arrival to the winery, the grapes are destemmed, crushed, and fermented in small lots in open top fermenters. The firm cap of skins are gently punched down several times a day. Punching down is a traditional method that gives the skins as much contact with the fermenting wine as possible, ensuring that maximum color and phenols from the skins is transferred to the wine. After a 10-day fermentation in stainless tanks, the wine is age with a combination of Hungarian and American oak to round out and soften the rich, black fruit flavors.” – Craftwork

CraftworkABOUT CRAFTWORK VINEYARD & WINERY:
Craftwork’s wines are handcrafted from estate grown grapes in their vineyards in Monterey County, California. Their Zinfandel grapes are sourced from estate vineyards in San Lucas and Hames Valley. The majority of this blend comes from San Lucas, which is known for its beautifully rolling topography, sun-filled days and cool nights. The other portion of this blend comes from Hames Valley, about 20 miles south of San Lucas, located on the southern edge of Monterey County. Hames has temperatures that vary greatly from day to night. Growing in these two vineyards allows the grapes to reach their full flavor potential. Learn more about the vineyards and winery here.

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Eola Hills Classic Merlot

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Smoked Pomegranate Baby Back Ribs

© Photo by The Modern Proper

Smoked Pomegranate Baby Back Ribs

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 onion
  • 1 head Garlic, halved
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons allspice berries
  • 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
  • 2 sticks cinnamon
  • cup salt
  • 2 rack baby back ribs
  • 1/3 cup pomegranate molasses
  • 1 small onion
  • ½ cup pomegranate juice
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Cilantro

DIRECTIONS:

  1. For the Brine: In a large stock pot bring 1 gallon of water along with onion, garlic, bay leaves, allspice berries, peppercorn, cinnamon sticks and salt to a boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  2. Place ribs in pot making sure they are fully submerged in the brine, adding more water if necessary. Cover and allow ribs to soak in brine for 24 hours.
  3. Pomegranate BBQ Sauce: Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and allow to simmer for 30 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat, allow to cool slightly. Add all ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth. BBQ sauce can be stored for up to 2 weeks in refrigerator.
  4. Ribs: Remove ribs from brine and dry with a paper towel.
  5. When ready to cook, set grill temperature to 180℉ and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.
  6. Place ribs directly on grill bone side down. Allow to smoke for 3 hours.
  7. Increase heat on grill to 375°F and preheat, lid closed. Using the pomegranate BBQ sauce, generously coat the ribs and allow to cook for another hour. Meat should be tender but not falling off the bones.
  8. To serve, garnish with minced cilantro. Enjoy!

© Recipe courtesy of The Modern Proper.

JULY WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoClassic MerlotEola Hills Wine Cellars
Classic Merlot
Oregon

MELLOW WINE STYLE

The Eola Hills Classic Merlot is red in color with aromas of plum, cherry, and rosemary blossoms. On the palate, it highlights flavors of red cherries, blueberries, dark chocolate, and roasted coffee beans. It is a rich and robust medium/full bodied wine.

Varietal: Merlot
Analysis: 14.4% alcohol / volume
PH: 3.44
Residual Sugar: 0.2 g/L
Production: 1,270 cases
Brix at Harvest: 23
Sourcing: Applegate & Columbia Valleys
Food Pairing: Look for savory dishes like sautéed wild mushrooms, rosemary infused lamb, pork ribs with pomegranate molasses, or beef roasted with garlic and red wine.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“Eola Hills has been crafting Merlot for more than 30 years. This sauve varietal has the capacity to beautifully showcase terroir and various winemaking techniques and continues to be a passion of Eola Hills. This vintage is voluptuous and deliciously fruit-forward. With extended oak aging, this rich style takes on darker fruit characters tinged with the freshness of rosemary blossoms and the intensity of dark chocolate.” – Steve Anderson, Head Winemaker.

ABOUT EOLA HILLS WINE CELLARS:
In the early 1980’s, Oregonian Tom Huggins found himself intrigued by the notion of creating great regional wines in the heart of the Willamette Valley. With close friends and family members, they invested in purchasing 35 acres that Tom thought was ideal for growing grapes. Today, Eola Hills Wine Cellars is still locally owned and operated and one of Oregon’s largest wineries, farming over 325 acres of prime vineyard land. They produce over 80,000 cases of fine wines that are enjoyed across the country and internationally, capturing the spirit and flavors of Oregon. Learn more about their history here.Boozie Banter Podcast

PODCAST WITH EOLA HILLS WINERY:
WineStyles team recently hosted special guest Brett Huggins of Eola Hills Winery on our Boozie Banter podcast. We talk Oregon wine, his family winery, gleaning, moving to the Midwest and taste 8 wines from their expansive portfolio. Learn more about other exciting wines from Eola Hills! Listen to the full broadcast on Spotify here >

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July Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Wild Mushroom Risotto

Wild Mushroom Risotto

© Photo by Matt Armendariz

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pound wild mushrooms torn or sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 shallots diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup Mascarpone cheese
  • chives to garnish
  • lemon wedges
  • kosher salt and white pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

  1. In a large skillet over medium high heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 7-9 minutes until they are soft and starting to caramelize. Season with salt and transfer to a clean plate.
  2. In the same skillet heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shallot and sauté until translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Add the Arborio rice to the skillet, making sure to stir it around in the olive oil so that each granule is coated with it, and toast it for about 90 seconds.
  3. Add the white wine and stir the rice until all the wine has been absorbed and then start adding the chicken stock ½ cup at a time, making sure not to add more until the previous addition has been absorbed.
  4. Once the rice is tender, add the Parmesan and Mascarpone cheese and combine. Add the previously sautéed mushrooms and carefully combine into the risotto. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with chives and a squeeze or two of lemon juice and serve.

© Recipe courtesy of Gaby Dalkin from What’s Gaby Cooking.

JULY WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoPersnickety Pinot NoirEola Hills Wine Cellars
Persnickety Pinot Noir
Oregon

MELLOW WINE STYLE

A collaboration by Head Winemaker, Steve Anderson, and Assistant Winemaker, Steve Richards, of Eola Hills Wine Cellars. The Persnickety Pinot Noir is violet in color. The nose highlights aromas of black cherry, raspberry and toasted oak; while on the palate there are flavors of black fruits, toast and caramel. This is a full-body wine, that is rich and expressive with a polished finish.

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Analysis: 13.8% alcohol / volume
TA: 0.56
PH: 3.6
Residual Sugar: 0 g/L
Brix At Harvest: 22.5-24.5
Production: 800 cases
Sourcing: Premium vineyards throughout the Willamette Valley, Eola-Amity Hills, Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley AVAs.

Food Pairing: It is recommended to pair this Pinot Noir with earthy dishes such as a creamy wild mushroom risotto. For cheeses, look for a selection of Camembert, Gruyere or Goat Cheese.

Eola-Hills-Steve-Anderson-winemaker-1-600x900

Head Winemaker, Steve Anderson

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“Forecasts for end of season rains in Northern Oregon had some growers worried about early picking, but others took their chances and were rewarded with longer hang time and a great finish. Southern Oregon vineyards balanced out lower yields making our Classic Pinot another premium representation of this distinctive grape in Oregon. A dark-fruited, juicy profile is balanced by toasty spice and vanilla notes from an oak regime combining time spent in both French and American barrels.” – Steve Anderson, Head Winemaker.

ABOUT EOLA HILLS WINE CELLARS:
In the early 1980’s, Oregonian Tom Huggins found himself intrigued by the notion of creating great regional wines in the heart of the Willamette Valley. With close friends and family members, they invested in purchasing 35 acres that Tom thought was ideal for growing grapes. Today, Eola Hills Wine Cellars is still locally owned and operated and one of Oregon’s largest wineries, farming over 325 acres of prime vineyard land. They produce over 80,000 cases of fine wines that are enjoyed across the country and internationally, capturing the spirit and flavors of Oregon. Learn more here.

 

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July Premium Wine Club

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Old Vine ZinEola Hills Wine Cellars
Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel
Oregon

Bold wine Style logoBOLD WINE STYLE

The Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel is garnet red in color. On the nose, there are flavors of plum, cranberry and strawberry jam. It is medium-bodied with notes of craisins, cedar and spice on the palate.

Analysis: 14.43% alcohol / volume
RS: 4 g/L
TA: 0.52
pH: 3.89
Brix At Harvest: +27.3
Production: 420 cases
Food Pairing: This wine pairs well with roasts, grilled game and turkey. Enjoy alone, or try it with an orange marinated smoked duck, or chanterelles and sage.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“This Zinfandel was picked from young vines on the Mohr-Fry ranch. Fermented at cool temperatures to extract soft tannins, then barrel-aged in older American Oak for 13 months. A minimum of handling, a maximum of fruit expression. A spiced entry, jammy mid-palate, followed with a balanced smoothness.” – Eola Hills Wine Cellars

Bold wine Style logoCabernet ReserveEola Hills Wine Cellars
Barrel Select Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Oregon

BOLD WINE STYLE

Black Cherry in color, the Barrel Select Reserve Cabernet showcases aromas of cola, oregano, and smoke. It has a medium body with a bright mid-palate, highlighting flavors of cassis and smoke with a velvety finish.

Analysis: 13.9% alcohol / volume
RS: 0.0 g/L
TA: 0.75
pH: 3.45
Brix At Harvest: 22.5-24
Production: 625 cases
Food Pairing: This wine pairs well with anything from chocolate cake, pudding, and chocolate chip cookies, to smoked pork chops with green beans, asparagus, or your favorite BBQ recipe.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“With this bottle of reserve cabernet, winemaker Steve Anderson aged the grapes for 33 months in 6% new oak and ultimately decided to let the grapes speak for themselves.” – Eola Hills Wine Cellars

Mellow style logoWedding BlockEola Hills Wine Cellars
Wedding Block Pinot Noir
Oregon

MELLOW WINE STYLE

If discovering a great wine feels a bit like falling in love, this Pinot Noir delivers. Exuberant red currants and lush layers of dark bramble fruits surrounds a structured palate rich with cola, baking spices and a resonant finish. The perfect pairing for any special day.

Analysis: 14.2% alcohol / volume
RS: 0 g/L
TA: 0.55 g/L
pH: 3.71
Brix At Harvest: 23.8-24.5
Production: 150 cases
Vineyards: Eola Hills’ Wolf Hill Vineyard – Eola Amity Hills AVA
Elevation: 283 feet
Vine Age: 22.8 years (average)
Acres: 43
Soil Profile: Jory, Nekia, Hazelair, Woodburn, Willamette, Dupee, Concord
Food Pairing: This Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with a seared tuna rolled in peppercorns, or any dish with notes of ginger, thyme and fresh rosemary. Try with a garlic stuffed pork roast marinated in red wine, vinegar and rosemary.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“If you follow Eola Hills closely, you know Steve Anderson is our longtime winemaker. What you may not know is that he and his lovely wife, Nancy, said their vows under the great oaks at our Wolf Hill Vineyard on July 9th, 2005. In honor of love and saying their “I do’s”, Steve designated the name “Wedding Block” to this special plot of land in the Eola-Amity Hills, which is planted to Pinot Noir Dijon clones 114 and 667, and Pommard. With rich notes of bramble fruits and baking spices, our big, structured 2019 Wedding Block Pinot Noir will age beautifully – much like a good love story.” – Eola Hills Wine Cellars

ABOUT EOLA HILLS WINE CELLARS:
In the early 1980’s, Oregonian Tom Huggins found himself intrigued by the notion of creating great regional wines in the heart of the Willamette Valley. With close friends and family members, they invested in purchasing 35 acres that Tom thought was ideal for growing grapes. Today, Eola Hills Wine Cellars is still locally owned and operated and one of Oregon’s largest wineries, farming over 325 acres of prime vineyard land. They produce over 80,000 cases of fine wines that are enjoyed across the country and internationally, capturing the spirit and flavors of Oregon. Learn more here.

© Photo by Eola Hills
© Photo by Eola Hills
Winemaker Steve Anderson
© Photo by Eola Hills
© Photo by Eola Hills
© Photo by Eola Hills

Boozie Banter PodcastPODCAST WITH EOLA HILLS WINERY:
Our WineStyles team recently hosted special guest Brett Huggins of Eola Hills Winery on our Boozie Banter podcast. We talk about his family winery, Oregon wine, gleaning, moving to the Midwest and taste eight of his wines from their expansive portfolio. Attend our July 21st Winery Spotlight tasting event with winemaker Steve Anderson and experience Eola Hills yourself!  Meanwhile, listen to the full podcast on Spotify here >

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Château Roc de Candale

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tagliatelles-aux-morilles-et-champignons-de-paris-entete

© Photo by Les Vins de Saint-Emilion

Tagliatelle with Morels and Paris Mushrooms

This mushroom pasta pairs beautifully with the notes from the Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend of Château Roc de Candale. We have found a French recipe from the Saint-Émilion region in France, however, for ingredients more easily accessible in the United States, this Creamy Pasta with Mushrooms from Bon Appétit is a good alternative to try.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1.1 lbs (500 g) fresh Tagliatelle pasta
  • 1/3 cup (25 g) dried morels (or substitute dried porcini or shiitake mushrooms)
  • 1 cup (250 g) fresh Paris mushrooms (substitute white or Crimini mushrooms)
  • 1 leek (white part)
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 16.9 fl. oz. or about 2 cups (50 cl) light cream (about 18% fat content)
  • sunflower oil
  • nut oil
  • salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS:

  1. The day before, rehydrate the mushrooms in water for half an hour. Rinse to remove sand and then soak them again in 2 cups (50 cl) of fresh cream. Place the preparation in the refrigerator overnight.
  2. The next day, drain the mushrooms and keep the liquid cream. Peel and cut the Paris mushrooms into thin strips. Slice the leek and onion.
  3. Sauté the onion, leek and mushrooms in an oiled pan. Add salt and pepper. Wet it if necessary.
  4. After ten minutes, add the fresh cream, filtered through a fine sieve. Stir regularly and adjust seasoning. Cook for 10 minutes.
  5. When cooked, boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the Tagliatelle.
  6. Once the pasta is cooked and drained, serve immediately, if you like, with a drizzle of walnut oil from Périgord.

© Recipe courtesy of Les Vins de Saint-Emilion.

APRIL WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoChateau-Roc-de-Candale-bottle-webMagali & Thibaut Decoster Vineyards
Château Roc de Candale
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, France

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Château Roc de Candale has a bright purple color. The flattering bouquet is charming thanks to fine notes of spices. The wine is immediately pleasing with notes of fresh, ripe and juicy fruits. Château Roc de Candale offers sophisticated and spontaneous enjoyment.

Varietal: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Harvest: By hand, in small crates
Average Yield: 25 hl/ha
Vinification: Soaking, pigeages (punching down the cap), and malolactic fermentation in barrels
Fermentation: 30 days
Vats: Wooden
Aging: 12 months in barrels
Production: 23,000 Bottles
Oenologist Consultant: Stéphane Derenoncourt

ABOUT THE VINEYARD
Château Roc de Candale was previously called Vieux Château Haut Béard. Its vineyard is close to that of Château de Candale and is planted at the foot of Saint-Emilion’s south-facing slope. The former owner brought together the two estates when he acquired Vieux Château Haut Béard after having purchased Château de Candale. Today, each growth has its own vineyard and cellar. In this way, the identity and style of each of them are preserved. 
Château Roc de Candale is planted on a more clay-silt terroir which gives the wine greater suppleness in its early years. Being less complex than its neighbor, it is a wine for more immediate enjoyment. Learn more here. 

ABOUT DECOSTER VINEYARDS:

Their story began in 2004 when Thibaut and Magali became wine-growers at Clos des Jacobins, though they had little ties to the world of wine-growing. Both came from Limoges, and they studied business and marketing in France and England. Eventually, Thibaut moved to the Bordeaux area and was taken on as a vineyard worker at a wine estate in Léognan. There, for a period of 3 years in the field, he practiced all the vine-growing tasks required to produce high-end reds and whites. In 2003, an opportunity came along for Thibaut and Magali to set up in Saint-Émilion. Clos des Jacobins and Château La Commanderie were up for sale, and one year later Thibaut and Magali were the new owners of the estates. Learn more about their story here. 

© Photo by Magali et Thibaut Decoster
© Photo by Magali et Thibaut Decoster
© Photo by Magali et Thibaut Decoster

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Skylark Red Belly

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Down Home Dig-in Chili

© Bewitching Kitchen

© Bewitching Kitchen

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 2 green bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 1/2 lbs stewing beef, chopped
  • 2 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt), chopped
  • 4 cans (14 1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes, drained, liquid reserved
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bottle pale ale (12 ounce)
  • 7 Tbsp chili powder
  • 4 jalapeno chilies, seeded
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Hot pepper sauce (Tabasco type), to taste

DIRECTIONS:

  • Heat the oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic and sauté until onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Remove vegetables using slotted spoon and set aside.
  • Increase heat to high. Add beef and pork; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes. Return vegetables to pot. Add tomatoes, ale, chili powder chilies, cayenne and cumin. Reduce heat, cover partially and simmer 2 hours, adding reserved tomato liquid if chili appears dry. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Uncover and simmer until thickened and meat is tender, 2 more hours.
  • Season chili with hot pepper sauce. Serve with green onions, cheddar cheese, avocado and sour cream.
  • © Photo courtesy of Bewitching Kitchen; Recipe from Bon Appétit, 1988

DECEMBER WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoSkylark Red BellySkylark Wine Company
Red Belly
North Coast, California

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Purple in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, plum, black licorice and a violet floral top note completes the engaging and complex nose. The red and black fruits on the palate turn creamy, silky and supple; as the medium-bodied palate is polished with lovely fruit viscosity buffered by inner mouth perfume. This is an eminently drinkable vintage for Red Belly, enjoyable now and for the next decade.

Red Belly is Skylark’s ode to the South of France where blending varietals to create a unique synergy is the way of life. Blending compatible varietals together is a centuries old tradition, and the Skylark team loves the challenges and complexities that come with that tradition. The Red belly is comprised of 40% Niemi Vineyard Carignane, 36% Ashurst Vineyard Syrah and 24% Sawyer Vineyard Grenache. Each varietal is fermented separately, then after secondary fermentation in barrel, the cepage is finalized after multiple blending sessions. The goal for Red Belly is juicy fruit, integrated tannins and early accessibility with mid-term aging potential. Skylark has definitely have achieved that here.

John L and Robert P

Photo by Skylark Wine: John L. and Robert P.

Varietal: 40% Carignan, 36% Syrah, 24% Grenache
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.61
TA: 6.2
Aging: Native yeast vinification of individual varietals in neutral French oak
Harvested: Hand-picked
Vineyards: Niemi Vineyard – Ashurst Vineyard – Sawyer Vineyard
Produced: 37 barrels – 925 cases

“While we continuously explore the fertile California landscape for red wine vineyards that excite us, our current releases are native to the Rhone Valley in France. Our single vineyard Syrahs are inspired by the Northern Rhone wines of Cote Rotie and Hermitage. Our Grenache is reflective of the great wines produced in the south of France in tiny villages such as Chateauneuf-du-Pape. We love the style of these wines and have discovered vineyards in Northern California that allow these varietals to truly shine.”

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