Tag Archives: monterey

Estate Cellars Chardonnay

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Haricots Verts Amandine (French-Style Green Beans with Almonds) Recipe

French Green Beans with Almonds
INGREDIENTS:

  • Kosher salt
  • 1 pound (450g) green beans, trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons (about 35g) unsalted butter
  • 3 ounces (85g) slivered almonds
  • 2 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
  • 1 ½ tablespoons (25ml) juice from 1 lemon
  • Freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Blanch the beans. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and prepare an ice bath. Add green beans to boiling water and cook until tender-crisp, about 3 minutes. Transfer to ice bath using a wire mesh spider or tongs. Allow to chill completely, then drain and dry thoroughly with kitchen towels or paper towels.
  2. In a medium skillet, heat butter and almonds over medium-low heat and cook, stirring frequently, until almonds are deeply browned and nutty, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and shallot and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes longer. Add lemon juice, along with a tablespoon or two of water. Increase heat to high and stir and shake pan rapidly to emulsify, about 30 seconds. The sauce should have a glossy sheen and not appear watery or greasy. If it’s still watery, continue to simmer and shake. If it looks greasy, add another tablespoon of water to re-emulsify. When sauce is ready, remove from heat and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  3. Add beans to pan with sauce and toss to coat and combine. Return to medium heat and cook, tossing, until heated through, about 1 minute. Serve immediately.

© Recipe courtesy of J. Kenji López-Alt from Serious Eats.

NOVEMBER WINE CLUB:

Rich WineStylesEstate-Cellars-Chardonnay (1)Estate Cellars
2019 Chardonnay
Central Coast, California

RICH WINE STYLE

The Estate Cellars Chardonnay is sourced from premium vineyards spread throughout the iconic growing region.  Known primarily for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir production, Monterey County is the ideal growing region for ultra-premium wine grapes. The appellation is vast and spreads from the edges of the Pacific Ocean to the warmth of the Salinas and Santa Clara Valleys.  The grapes sourced for this wine come from a mix of coastal climates to warm valley floors, giving it the complexity that shows through in the final product. Cool coastal grapes provide bright acidity and mineral notes, coupled with the extravagant citrus and melon notes from the warm valley fruit. The Clos LaChance Chardonnay is a true representation of one of the premier Chardonnay growing regions in the world.

TASTING NOTES:
The Estate Cellars Chardonnay is medium straw/golden in color. It has soft tannins with moderate acidity and a long finish. On the nose, there are notes of lemon merengue, green apple, and melon; while the palate highlights flavors of guava, vanilla bean, caramel, and light oak. 

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Central Coast, California
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Aged: 14 Months on 20% new French oak, 80% neutral French oak
Harvest Date: Sept. 29 – Oct. 3
Average Brix at Harvest: 23.5
pH: 3.61
TA: 0.65
Sugar: 0.06 g/L
Food Pairings: Lobster, Pork Chops, Salad with Sliced Almonds
Cheese Pairings: The November Cheese Club selections.
Critical Acclaim: 91 pts. from justwinepoints.com
 
WINEMAKER NOTES:
The Estate Cellars Chardonnay is whole cluster pressed to tank where it undergoes a 48-hour cold settle at 45°F. Post settling it is racked to stainless steel tank where it is inoculated, and fermentation begins. 20% of the wine is then transferred to new French oak and the remainder is fermented in neutral French oak. Post aging the wine is blended together where the bright fruit and citrus aromas come together with subtle hints of vanilla and sweet oak to give balance and life to this elegant Chardonnay.
 
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.
 
ABOUT ESTATE CELLARS:
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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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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Craftwork Sauvignon Blanc

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Easy-Shrimp-Ceviche-Recipe-2

© Photo by The Suburban Soapbox

Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 lb. cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, about two lemons
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice, about 3 limes
  • ½ cup fresh squeezed, orange juice
  • 4 whole plum tomatoes, seeds removed and diced
  • 2 whole jalapeño peppers, seeds and vein removed, minced
  • 1 cup diced jicama or diced peeled apple
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 avocado pitted and diced
  • kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Chop the shrimp into ½ inch pieces and transfer to a bowl. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon, lime and orange juice to combine. Pour ½ cup of the citrus juice over the shrimp and toss to combine. Allow the shrimp to marinade in the juice for 15 minutes.
  3. Add the tomato, jalapeño, jicama (or apple), cilantro and red onion to the shrimp. Toss the ingredients to combine and allow to marinade for an additional 10 minutes. Stir in the avocado and remaining juices.
  4. Season the ceviche with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, if desired.
  5. Shrimp Ceviche is best enjoyed the same day it’s made.

© Recipe courtesy of Kellie from The Suburban Soapbox.

SEPTEMBER WINE CLUB:

Crisp Wine StyleCraftwork_Silhouette_NV_SauvignonBlanc_transpCraftwork
Sauvignon Blanc
Monterey County, California

CRISP WINE STYLE

The Craftwork Sauvignon Blanc has prominent aromas of grapefruit and guava. There are hints of fresh herbs that lead to flavors of ripe apple and melon. It is crisp and bright with balanced flavors of tropical fruit lingering on the finish.

Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Monterey County
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Aging: Stainless Steel
Food Pairing: This wine can be enjoyed as an apéritif, or broad range of foods, including citrusy ceviche, grilled shrimp or scallops, gazpacho, and Asian stir fry.
 
WINEMAKER NOTES:
“The grapes are whole cluster pressed, chilled and racked clean to a refrigerated stainless steel tank to accentuate the crisp, zesty qualities and retain its distinctive freshness. A select yeast is used to start a long, slow, and cool fermentation to enhance fruit esters. The finished wine continues to age in stainless steel and is stored cold to retain bright aromatics, crisp acidity and fresh character.” – Craftwork Winery
 
ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
The warm days followed by the cool late afternoon winds of Monterey County, make excellent climatic conditions for this classic wine variety. Craftwork utilizes trellis systems in their vineyard to shelter grapes and filter sunshine through the canopy, allowing their grapes to gently and evenly ripen. These conditions bring out tropical fruit flavors with notes of mineral edginess.

CraftworkABOUT CRAFTWORK:
Located in Monterey County, California’s golden Central Coast; this growing region has a multitude of soils, microclimates and elevations that allow Craftwork to grow a wide array of varieties. Craftwork strives to showcase the natural flavors of the vineyard, variety and vintage in every bottle. Learn more here.

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September Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Caramelized Onion & Gruyère Burger

Gruyere-Caramelized-Onion-Burger2

© Photo Urban Foodie Kitchen

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon coarse ground pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
  • ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 3–4 oz Gruyère, (thinly sliced)
  • ¾ cup caramelized onions (prep before starting the burgers)
  • 3–4 brioche buns
  • ¼ cup olive oil mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat your grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat – about 400°F.
  2. Make the burger patties. Mix ground beef, Worcestershire, pepper, dried onion and salt in a small mixing bowl. Form into 3-4 burger patties.
  3. Cook the burgers. Place the burger patties on the preheated grill and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on the desired doneness. The internal temperature should be 160° on an instant-read thermometer. 
  4. Make the sauce. While the burgers are cooking, mix the mayonnaise with the Worcestershire sauce. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  5. Finish the burgers. Turn grill to low-setting and top each burger with a slice of cheese. Place brioche bun halves sliced side down on the grill, away from the heat. Close the grill and let buns toast and cheese melt for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Assemble the burgers. Remove everything from the grill. To assemble the burgers, spread the bottom half of each roll with the mayo mixture. Top with a burger patty and then add the caramelized onions. Top with remaining roll half and serve immediately.

© Recipe courtesy of Kathryn from Urban Foodie Kitchen.

SEPTEMBER WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoRocklin Ranch_CabernetRocklin Ranch
Cabernet Sauvignon
Hames Valley, Monterey, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This full-bodied, bold and structured Cabernet Sauvignon is brimming with flavors of ripe plum, blackberry, and blueberry with hints of warm baking spices and toasted vanilla bean. It is rich with well-integrated tannins and an elegant, lingering finish. The Rocklin Ranch Cabernet is immediately enjoyable.

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Hames Valley AVA
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Aging: 12 months, American and French Oak
Food Pairings: This wine pairs well with foods high in fat and with umami flavors – such as braised short ribs, marinated ribeye steak, or a charred gruyere burger.
 
WINEMAKER NOTES:
“The grapes are picked at optimum ripeness in the cool early morning hours then transported to the winery. Upon arrival, they are destemmed and crushed into small lot, open-top fermenters. The cap is punched down three times per day at the height of fermentation to gently increase extraction of color and phenolic compounds. At dryness, the juice is racked clean for aging 12 months on a combination of American and French oak.” – Rocklin Ranch
 

HAMES VALLEY, MONTEREY:
The grapes of this Cabernet Sauvignon are grown at Rocklin Ranch’s estate vineyard located in Hames Valley, California – the southernmost tip of Monterey County, just north of the San Luis Obispo county line. The geographic location of the Hames Valley AVA allows for warmer climates when compared to other Monterey vineyards to the north. The vineyard sits at the foot of the Santa Lucia Range, and while it does experience cooling effects from the Pacific Ocean, the vines remain sheltered from the afternoon winds that come down the Salinas Valley corridor. During the day, the Hames Valley reaches highs similar to the Paso Robles growing region, but when the sun goes down, temperatures drop dramatically (up to a 50°F variation). The long, warm days make this region an ideal area for tannin-rich reds, while the temperature differential preserves the balance between ripe fruit and acidity.

ABOUT ROCKLIN RANCH:
Rocklin Ranch founded their estate vineyards on a unique terroir in the Hames Valley to allow them to create balanced, elegant and varietally-correct wines. The winery and vineyards are certified sustainable by GLOBALG.A.P, BRC, and the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA). Rocklin Ranch believes their sustainable practices are just as much a part of their wine as their grapes. Learn more here.
Rocklin Ranch logo
Rocklin Ranch Cabernet Wine

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July Premium Wine Club

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Scheid Vineyards logo

Al Scheid

Al Scheid

About Scheid Vineyards

Al Scheid set his roots in Monterey County in 1972, embracing his role as a pioneer of wine growing in the region. Al’s outlook has always been that life is an adventure and this attitude served him well as he embarked on the journey of his lifetime.   For the first 15 years, Scheid Family Wines was known as Monterey Farming Corp, a grape grower that sold all its production to winery clients for use in their own brands. Fast forward to today, Scheid Family owns 12 estate vineyards located along a 70-mile stretch of the Salinas Valley. They now focus on building their own brand that is produced at their state-of-the-art winery, as well as a smaller Reserve Winery where the small production wines of Scheid Vineyards are crafted.

Mellow style logoScheid Vineyards
Pinot Noir Clone POM Reserve
Monterey, California

Scheid’s Clone series was created to highlight the different nuances that each Pinot Noir clone exhibits.  What do we mean by “clone”? Grapevines in general and Pinot Noir in particular, are generally unstable and can mutate slightly over time. Each grape variety is actually made up of many subtypes, called clones. These clones can result in different flavors, intensity, color, etc.  Scheid Vineyards grow 20 different clones of Pinot Noir. Pommard is one of the Dijon clones and is known for earthy, fruit forward characteristics, as well as structure and density.  A dramatic and vibrant wine, Scheid Vineyards Clone POM has aromas of black cherries, blackberries and currants with notes of vanilla, mocha, and oak, mingled with a hint of clove. it is a classic Pinot Noir, with soft tannins and round, rich, red, fruit on the palate.

The Pommard clone is one of the oldest clones planted in the U.S., where it was originally sourced from Chateau de Pommard in the early 1950’s. The fruit for this Pinot Noir was sourced from the Riverview Vineyard, adjacent to the Pinnacles National Park.  This 215 acre vineyard is nestled on a bench overlooking the Salinas River and is an ideal site for ultra-premium Pinot Noir. The bench location aids in creating excellent air flow and the southwestern exposure maximizes available sunlight and allows the fruit to ripen slowly and evenly.

Appellation: Monterey, California
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.73
Total Acidity: 5.6 g/l
Aging: 100% French oak

Stokes Ghost

Stokes Ghost Bold wine Style logoScheid Family Wines
Stokes Ghost
Petite Sirah
Monterey, California

In 1833, British sailor James Stokes jumped ship in Monterey with a booty of stolen medicine. Passing himself off as a doctor, he opened a downtown pharmacy and launched a thriving medical practice as “Dr. Stokes”.  Despite a knack for killing his patients, he landed a commission as the personal physician to California Governor Jose Figueroa. Within a year, the governor was dead. The phony physician was astonishingly successful for someone so poor at his job. He grew wealthy, married the widow of one of his patients, and served as mayor of Monterey. Eventually the gig was up. According to legend, Stokes’ sons confronted him of his devious deeds and he ingested poison, falling lifeless at their feet. His former home still stands today and haunted by the ghostly figure of a man dressed in 1800s garb. This is the legend of Stokes’ Ghost.

Deep and brooding, this Petite Sirah is brimming with aromas of blackberry, plum and black currant.   The intense, jammy fruit provides the drama while subtle notes of mocha and hazelnut bring finesse. Stokes’ Ghost is full-bodied with balanced tannins and a finish that lingers on the palate.  This rich, lush wine is just what the doctor ordered.

The Petite Sirah grapes in this wine were harvested at night in the southernmost reaches of Monterey appellation, an ideal location for growing this dramatic, heart-stopping variety. Upon arrival to the winery, the grapes were crushed and fermented in small lots to extract the full flavors and tannin structure for which Petite Sirah is so well known.  The wine was then pressed and racked at dryness for oak aging.

The fruit for Stokes’ Ghost hails from Scheid’s estate vineyard in the Hames Valley, an inland enclave at the southern end of Monterey County. Considered a “Goldilocks” region – not too hot, not too cold – it offers ideal conditions for Petite Sirah. The wine was aged in American and Hungarian oak barrels to add complexity and soften the tannins.

Winemaker Dave Nagengast

Dave Nagengast, Winemaker

Winemaker: Dave Nagengast has a strong connection to Petite Sirah. As winemaker for Stokes’ Ghost, he is passionate about this powerhouse variety and well-acquainted with its deepest, darkest secrets. He knows where to grow, how to farm, when to harvest, and how to vinify Petite Sirah to create a wine that is not only big, dark and bold, but also lush, balanced and aromatic. Says Dave, “Petite Sirah is not for those with delicate sensibilities. But for those of us who revel in a muscular, full-bodied wine packed with flavor, character and soul, Petite Sirah has no equal.”

Appellation: Hames Valley, Monterey, California
Varietal: Petite Sirah
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Total Acidity: 6.2 g/l
pH: 3.54
Aging: 12 months in American, French and Hungarian oak

 

July Wine Club: Shrimp Boil Packs

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Shrimp Boil Foil Packs

Photo credit: The Spruce / Victoria Heydt

Shrimp Boil Foil Packs

Enjoyable option for a fuss-free weeknight dinner or a weekend backyard cookout on July 4th.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pound shrimp (31 to 35 count, peeled and deveined)
  • 1 pound small red potatoes or gold potatoes (cut into small cubes, about 2 inches)
  • 2 ears of corn on the cob (husked, cleaned, chopped into small rounds)
  • 1 (12-ounce) smoked sausage (such as kielbasa) or andouille (sliced into 2 to 3 inch long pieces)
  • 1/2 yellow or red onion (medium-sized, thinly sliced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • Garnish: 2 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley (finely chopped)
  • Garnish: 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • Garnish: 2 lemons (sliced, about 12 wedges)
  • Garnish: 1 stick butter (melted)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Gather the ingredients.
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F or the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). If using frozen shrimp, place the package under cold water for 10 minutes to thaw.
  • Bring 2 quarts of water to a roaring boil and add the potatoes and the corn. Reduce the heat and bring to simmer. Cook for 10 minutes on simmer and drain into colander. Set aside.
  • While the potatoes and corn are simmering prepare 4 sets of 12×24 inch long aluminum foil sheets. Fold each in half, forming a square.  If using pre-cut aluminum foil simply prepare sheets 12×12 inches. Slightly fold up the edges of the sheets.
  • In a large bowl combine the drained potatoes and corn, the sausage, the thawed shrimp, the onion, and the garlic. Drizzle with the 4 tablespoons of melted butter, season with salt, pepper and Old Bay seasoning.  Mix very well to coat all the ingredients.
  • Divide the shrimp boil ingredients between the four aluminum foil sheets.
  • Neatly fold into packets.
  • Place them onto a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. If grilling, place the packets directly onto the grill surface and cook for 15 minutes, flipping once after about 8 minutes.
  • Serve the packets slightly opened up, garnished with chopped parsley, a pinch of Old Bay seasoning and a few lemon wedges. Serve the 1 stick melted butter as a side for optional drizzling over the shrimp boil or dipping.
  • © Recipe courtesy of Recipe Tin Eats

JULY WINE CLUB:

Ranch 32 Sauvignon BlancCrisp Wine StyleRANCH 32
Sauvignon Blanc
Monterey, California

CRISP WINE STYLE

The grapes for this Sauvignon Blanc were grown on estate vineyards in Monterey County, California.  The majority of the blend hails from the San Lucas Vineyard located south of Greenfield in the sub-appellation of San Lucas.  The Sauvignon Blanc grapes were picked at optimum ripeness during the night and brought to the winery in the early morning hours. Upon arrival, the fruit was gently whole-cluster pressed, then chilled and lightly settled before being transferred to a refrigerated stainless steel tank.  Fermentation was conducted slowly at cool temperatures to retain the fruit esters and enhance the varietal aromatics.  Stainless steel tanks provide a neutral and reductive environment that serves to accentuate the wine’s crisp, zesty qualities and retain its distinctive freshness.

Vincent Catalaa Winemaker

Vincent Catalaà, Winemaker

“The warm days followed by cooling afternoon winds from the Monterey Bay enhance the melon and tropical fruit flavors. Fragrant and zesty citrus aromas with a hint of flora notes lead into a medium-bodied palate with lovely flavors of green apple and guava. The lingering bright fruit finish is crisp and refreshing, making our Sauvignon Blanc an ideal apéritif. ” –  Vincent Catalaà, Winemaker

Appellation: Monterey, California
Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.44
TA: 6.2 g/l
Aging: Stainless Steel tanks
Acclaim: Reviewed & approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

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

 

July Wine Club: Cooper’s Blend

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Photo by Sabrina S. Baksh/Regarding BBq, Inc.

Grilled Steak Burgers with Port Wine Reduction Spread

Yummy gourmet burger to grill up and enjoy at your July 4th cook out. Well-seasoned, grilled to perfection with a port wine topping, on a toasted Ciabatta bread. Enjoy with a glass of Ranch 32 Coopers Blend.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 pounds ground beef (preferably lean)
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce​
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (coarse ground)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 4 large Ciabatta bread
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (both plain and garlic for drizzling)
  • 8 to 10 large slices of Havarti cheese

INGREDIENTS FOR PORT REDUCTION:

  • 1 1/2 cups port wine
  • 2 tablespoons shallots (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon beef soup base, plus 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 3/4 cups mayonnaise

PORT REDUCTION DIRECTIONS:

  • Gather ingredients, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small pot.
  • Add Shallots and cook on medium-high heat, for 1 to 2 minutes.  Once translucent, pour in the wine.
  • Allow mixture to come to a quick boil, add the beef base, water and stir.
  • Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir mixture occasionally.
  • Once reduced more than half and mixture has thickened (consistency of syrup) remove from heat and allow reduction to cool.
  • Once cooled, mix 2 tablespoons at a time into mayonnaise until well incorporated. It will take on a lavender hue.
  • Place in air tight container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

BURGER DIRECTIONS:

  • Gather the ingredients. Preheat grill for medium-high heat.
  • Combine meat with corresponding seasons. Form into four large patties or two smaller ones, depending on the size of the bread. Do not make patties too large, as you run the risk of them breaking on the grill.  Patties should be about 1 inch thick.
  • Place burger patties onto grill and cook for 7-8 minutes per side.
  • Once cooked, remove from heat and place onto a large platter or cooking sheet. Tent with foil to keep warm.
  • Cut Ciabatta bread in half, lengthwise.
  • Drizzle with plain olive oil and a touch of garlic olive oil. If you do not have garlic oil, just dust light with garlic powder.
  • Place onto grill cut side down for 2-3 minutes.
  • Once lightly toasted and warmed through, remove from heat and promptly add Havarti slices, burger patties, a generous helping of port wine spread and top halves of Ciabatta.
  • Cut into three pieces each or two if the bread is smaller. Enjoy!
  • © Recipe courtesy of The Spruce Eats Derrick Riches

JULY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoCoopers Blend Ranch 32RANCH 32
Cooper’s Blend
Monterey County, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Nestled on the west side of Salinas Valley, directly in the path of the region’s relentless afternoon winds lies Ranch 32.  Here, warm sunny days are tempered by evening coastal fogs that often linger until mid-morning the following day.  This ideal climate lengthens the growing season, allowing the fruit to develop complex flavors and intense varietal character. 

The fruit was picked at optimum ripeness during the night and brought to the winery in the very early morning hours. The grapes were sorted, destemmed, crushed, and fermented dry in open top fermenters.  The firm cap of skins and seeds that bubbles up and forms on the surface during the red fermentation was gently punched down several times a day.  To add complexity and retain character, each variety was fermented separately, then aged with a mix of American, Hungarian and French oak. During the blending process, just prior to bottling, the proportion of each variety was chosen to accentuate richness of flavor and to maximize depth, complexity, mouthfeel and finish.

Vincent Catalaa Winemaker

Vincent Catalaà, Winemaker

“Our Cooper’s Blend is a harmonious blend of six varieties that each contribute unique flavors and characteristics to the final wine.  The Petite Sirah brings very dark, purple-edged color and intense black fruit flavors. The Merlot and Syrah offer bold blueberry and juicy cherry and the Petit Verdot contributes exotic violet aromas and concentrated structure. The Tempranillo adds a subtle spice, while a small amount of White Riesling brings heightened fruit aromatics to the blend. The result is a wine of complexity and structure, with layer upon layer of flavor.  The gentle tannins make this well-balanced wine a natural partner for a wide range of foods .” –  Vincent Catalaà, Winemaker

Appellation: Monterey, California
Varietal: 33% Petite Sirah, 28% Merlot, 20% Petit Verdot, 9% Syrah, 7% Tempranillo, 3% White Riesling
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.62
TA: 6.1 g/l
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed & approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

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July Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Marinated Beef Kabobs

Infusing the beef with a marinade will provide flavorful and juicy steak pieces. For extra flavor, baste the kabobs with reserve marinade while grilling.  Try to purchase the beef in a block, making it easier to cut into cubes.  Makes 8 skewers.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1.5 lbs beef tri tips, sirloin tips or other steak cut
  • 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
  • 1 large red onion

MARINADE INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 tsp minced garlic (2 large garlic cloves)
  • 1 tsp onion powder (or sub with garlic powder)
  • 2 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or other neutral flavored oil)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

COOKING ITEMS:

  • 8 flat metal skewers
  • olive oil, for drizzling and cooking
  • finely chopped parsley, garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  • Cut the beef into 1.3″ wide cubes.
  • Mix Marinade in a bowl. Add beef. Marinate for 1 – 24 hours, minimum 20 minutes.
  • Cut bell peppers and onion into 1.3″ wide squares.
  • Thread beef (reserve Marinade), vegetables and mushrooms on each skewer.  Use two pieces of vegetables between each piece of beef. Thread loosely, don’t smush together tightly (helps even cooking).
  • Brush kebabs lightly with reserved marinade (including vegetables), then drizzle with olive oil.
  • Heat BBQ or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tbsp oil, then when smoking, cook kebabs in batches for 2 minutes on each side until slightly charred (4 sides = 8 minutes in total), basting with reserved marinade as you go.
  • Transfer to plate, cover loosely with foil and rest for 3 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
  • See link below for more tips and dipping sauces.
  • © Recipe courtesy of Recipe Tin Eats

JULY WINE CLUB:

Ranch 32 MeritageBold wine Style logoRANCH 32
Vintner’s Reserve Meritage
Monterey, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

On the west side of the Salinas Valley, not far from the town of Greenfield, directly in the path of Monterey’s relentless afternoon winds, lies Ranch 32. Vineyards were originally planted in 1972 by the founder, Al Scheid.  Several decades later, the Ranch 32 Vineyard is still the heart of the business where the winery operations reside. All of the vineyards are certified sustainable and growers are deeply committed to the principals of environmental stewardship.

The grapes for the Ranch 32 Meritage were grown on the southernmost estate vineyards in the San Lucas and Hames Valley AVAs. Although these properties experience some of the cooling effects from the Pacific Ocean, they are sheltered from the strong winds that scour the Salinas Valley each afternoon.  Daytime highs are similar to Paso Robles, but at night, the temperatures can drop as much as 50 degrees.  The combination of hot days and cold nights produce red wines that are deep, rich, concentrated and chewy.

Vincent Catalaa Winemaker

Vincent Catalaà, Winemaker

The fruit was picked in the early morning hours based on ripeness, acidity, pH and flavor.  In the winery, the fruit was sorted, crushed and fermented in small tanks then aged with oak. Gentle handling and minimal intervention throughout the winemaking process ensures that the distinct characteristics of each vineyard’s terroir are preserved.

“This deep, dark wine delivers opulent aromas of blackberries, plums, black cherries, cassis, violets and vanilla. The palate is ripe and powerful with notes of fresh fruit, earth and new oak. The tannins are solid, but seamless.  This Bordeaux blend is the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or hearty stews.” –  Vincent Catalaà, Winemaker

Appellation: Monterey, California
Varietal: 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 22% Petit Verdot
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.52
TA: 6.4 g/l
Aging: 12 month on 35% new oak, 15% French, 15% American, 5% Hungarian
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed & approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

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

 

May Wine Club pairing recipe

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Filet Mignon with Balsamic Glaze

filet mignon with balsamic glazeINGREDIENTS:
• 4 (4 oz) filet mignon steaks
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• Kosher Salt
• 4 teaspoons olive oil
• 2/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2/3 cup Ranch 32 Cabernet Sauvignon

DIRECTIONS:

• Season both sides of the steaks with the salt and freshly cracked pepper.
• In a separate bowl, mix the balsamic vinegar and Ranch 32 Cabernet Sauvignon and set aside.
• Add the olive oil to the nonstick skillet and heat on medium-high for 30 seconds. Place steaks in hot pan, and cook for 1 minute on each side, or until browned. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and add the balsamic vinegar and red wine mixture.
• Cover, and cook for four minutes on each side, basting with sauce when you turn the meat over.
• Remove the steaks from the pan and place on warmed plates, spoon a bit of glaze over each steak, and serve immediately. Recipe courtesy of D. Fackler at http://www.Epicurious.com

Ranch 32 Cabernet wine bottleBold wine Style logoRanch 32
San Lucas and Hames Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
Monterey, California

On the west side of the Salinas Valley, directly in the path of Monterey’s relentless afternoon winds, sits Ranch 32. Since the first vine planting in 1972, each vintage is produced in small lots from sustainably farmed estate vineyards that highlight the nuances of the terroir. This Cabernet blends fruit from two estates in the southern part of Monterey County, San Lucas and Hames Valley vineyards. Both sites feature porous soils, hot days and cold nights which are necessary to produce deep, rich, ripe and concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon. Harnessing the breezes that blow through the Salinas Valley daily, the winery and bottling operations are 100% powered by wind. The estate vineyards are also certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.

Vincent Catalaa winemaker headshot“This Cabernet delivers blackberries, boysenberries, plums, and currants and traces of mocha and violet. On the palate, it is deep, lush, and fruity with balanced acidity and perfectly integrated tannins. Pairs well with grilled steak, barbecued lamb or savory stews.” – winemaker, Vincent Catalaá

Winemakers: Vincent Catalaá
Appellation: Monterey, California
Grape Varietal:  Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume

 

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