October Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on September 30, 2020 by mcginnessalex

Carr Valley
Apple Smoked Cheddar
La Valle, WI

This white cheddar is apple smoked and then hand rubbed with paprika. It has a light smoky flavor that balances very well with the flavors from the paprika.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: Merlot and Shiraz grape wines will bring out the mature flavor of the cheese. For beer, reach for a Hard Cider or a Porter when pairing with this cheese.

WINESTYLES: Bold, Fruity, or Nectar
BEERSTYLES: Dark and Roasty; or Fruity and Spicy

Photo by Carr Valley Cheese: Apple Smoked Cheddar

ABOUT CARR VALLEY:

Owned and operated by the Cook family, Carr Valley Cheese Company is over one-hundred years old. Nestled amongst the rolling hills and lush pastures of central Wisconsin, they remain one of Wisconsin’s traditional cheese plants, famous for making cheese the old-fashioned way!

Carr Valley Cheese has won numerous awards over the years and continues to offer delicious and unique Wisconsin Cheeses. Certified Master Cheesemaker, Sid Cook, has won more top national and international awards than any other cheesemaker in North America. As a fourth-generation cheesemaker, he received his cheesemaking license when he was 16, and now owns and operates four cheese plants and eight retail cheese stores in Wisconsin. As a company, Carr Valley Cheese began in 1902, and today is best known for producing high-quality, artisanal aged Cheddars. Using cow, goat, and sheep milks, Sid enjoys creating new cheeses, and Carr Valley now produces more than 50 original varieties.

APPLEWOOD SMOKED CHEDDAR AWARDS:

1st Place 2016 Los Angeles Int. Dairy Competition
1st Place 2005 American Cheese Society
2nd Place 2007 World Cheese Competition
2nd Place 2012 American Cheese Society Competition

Maytag Dairy Farms
7 Year Aged Cheddar
Newton, Iowa

This 7 Year Aged Cheddar has a robust cheddar flavor and an assertive tang that can be slightly acidic or even lactic. It showcases dense, fruit notes and a slightly earthy flavor. The aging process takes the cheddar from a smooth creamy texture to a drier, more crumbly style. This is the 2nd most popular cheese in America and is very versatile. Traditional food pairings include apple pie, or a salted caramel for a nice contrast.

HOW IT IS MADE:
Made from cow’s milk, Maytag 7 Year Cheddar has gone through the traditional process of “cheddaring” which involves stacking the blocks of cheese on top of one another to press out moisture. The aging process makes the recognizable cheddar flavor of this cheese even more pronounced and concentrated. Typical “grocery store” cheddars only age 2-3 months, while this cheddar is aged for 7 years.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: For Aged Cheddars with earthy undertones, look for the yin and yang. This cheese pairs well with hoppy bitters and dryness, like an IPA Beer and a Cabernet Wine; or full bodied red, stout, or scotch.

WINESTYLES: Fruity; Nectar; or Bold
BEERSTYLES: Dark and Roasty; Fruity and Spicy; or Hoppy and Bitter

Photo by Maytag Diary Farms: Maytag Family

ABOUT MAYTAG DIARY FARMS:

In 1919 E.H. Maytag, the son of Maytag Appliance company founder F.L. Maytag, purchased a single Holstein cow to provide fresh clean milk to his children. E.H. quickly developed a passion and determination to breed champion Holstein-Friesian cows that could supply milk to the community while also winning blue ribbon upon blue ribbon at livestock shows across the United States.

Photo by Maytag Diary Farm: Cave Wheels

Upon E.H.’s death in 1940, his sons Fred and Robert Maytag assumed leadership of the farms and Fred pursued his idea of creating a uniquely American blue cheese made from cow’s milk. Maytag Dairy Farms collaborated with Iowa State University to pioneer the first great American blue cheese that would compete with classic European cheeses such as Roquefort, made from sheep’s milk. The cheese plant and caves were completed a year later, and the first wheels of Maytag Blue Cheese were formed in October of 1941. Fred’s son Fritz Maytag assumed leadership in 1962 and helped guide the small family company for the next 50 years. In 2003, Fritz was awarded the James Beard Foundation Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Professional, and in 2008 won the Beard Foundation Award for Lifetime Achievement. Fritz now serves as Chairman Emeritus and a director with his brother, Ken Maytag, and their sister, Martha Maytag Peterson.

Today, Seventy nine-years after the first wheels of Maytag Blue Cheese were made, the family tradition continues. Each wheel is handcrafted on the family farm in the rolling hills of central Iowa. Maytag Dairy Farm is still owned and operated by the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of E.H. Maytag. His legacy is the pleasure and joy taken from good food shared with people you cherish.

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

October Beer Club: Iowa

Posted on September 29, 2020 by mcginnessalex

Adventurous Brewing
Conspicuous Pilsner
Bettendorf, Iowa

Dry hopped Pilsner with Citra and Mosaic hops. Featuring the crisp bite of a pilsner, with added fruitiness from the hops.

BeerStyles: Crisp and clean
Style: Pilsner
ABV: 8% alcohol / volume

Adventurous Brewing
Maximum Disguise
Double IPA
Bettendorf, Iowa

A hazy Double IPA with Incognito Citra, Lupomax Citra, Lupomax Mosaic and Citra T-90 hops. This beer was Adventurous’ first foray into incognito and Lupomax, both new hop products. The body on this beer is thick and the flavor intense.

BeerStyles: Hoppy and Bitter
Style: Double IPA
ABV: 9.5% alcohol / volume

ABOUT THE BREWERY:

Starting their operations in 2018, Adventurous Brewing has been a very well received brewery operating on a small scale. Just recently, in June of 2020, they upgraded their 1/2 barrel system to a 7 barrel system, allowing for a greater level in their overall production. As Adventurous continues to scale up, they plan to focus their efforts on creating New England Style IPAs, high ABV Pastry Sours, and Imperial Stouts. Adventurous Brewing is excited to begin the build of their taproom in Bettendorf, Iowa soon.

Photo by: Adventurous Brewing LLC

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October Sweet Club

Posted on September 20, 2020 by mcginnessalex

La Cantina Pizzolato
Moscato Dolce
Treviso, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

The Organic and Vegan Dolce, or sweet, Moscato Sparkling Wine of the “So Easy” line is one of the trendiest wines in La Cantina Pizzolato’s range. Bright gold color. Aromas of honeysuckle, ripe apricot, and angel food cake with a round, vibrant, sweet medium-to-full body and a smooth, refreshing, medium-length peach nectar, sweet apple, orange marmalade, and honey finish with no oak flavor. A balanced and floral Moscato that is sure to please fans of the varietal.

Food Pairing Recommendations:
This wine can be served with all types of desserts and especially with creamy desserts. Suggested also as an aperitif with some fresh fruit or herbal and spicy cheeses.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese, such as a gorgonzola. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Analysis: 6.5% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Moscato I.G.T.
Varietal: 100% Moscato (Muscat)
Residual Sugar: 89 gr/l
Acidity: 5.4 gr/l
Critical Acclaim:

Silvier Medal at AWC Vienna 2017
Silver Medal at IWSC International Wine&Spirits 2017
Diploma di Merito at Mostra Vini Triveneto of Camalò 2018
Silver Medal at 42° Mostra del Vino of Candelù 2017
DAMA D’ORO and PREMIO “TULLIO DE ROSA” as Best Sparkling wine at Enoconegliano 2017
Admission to the book 5StarWines of Vinitaly 2018 with 90/100
Bronze medal at Decanter World Wine Awards 2018

Photo by La Cantina Pizzolato

Production:
Using soft pressing, the must remains in steel pressurized tanks, with Charmat method for 2 months, reaching up to a pressure of 2.5 atm. The bottle has been covered with a sleeve that recalls the bubbles with a floral design and communicates its personality from the first impact. Packaging is completely recyclable as the sleeve can be removed.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Founded in 1981, the company initially focused on the cattle industry and the cultivation of kiwi, peaches, strawberries, apples and pears. Grapes and wine eventually became their top selling products. In 1987, the winery started to bottle their own way – mainly producing Verduzzos, Merlots and Cabernets. Motivated by the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to drink healthy wines, the winery obtained their organic certification in 1991, the year in which the certification system was born in Italy. By 2012, the Pizzolato winery had achieved their Vegan certification. Since then, many sustainable choices have been consolidated, towards a organic innovation of the entire winery, as well as of the product.

Owner, Settimo Pizzolatool

The present owner, Settimo Pizzolato, has many years of experience enriched by five generations that preceded him. His organic farming allows him to have good health and the ability to enrich the organic treasure that his company has. He balances the ecosystem of his land with the organization of his winery to create a wine that is a result of healthy natural grapes from his vineyards. These grapes create a wine that will remind you the tradition and well being when you taste it. Learn more about Pizzolato Winery here.

“It’s been more than thirty-five harvests and I feel like I have lived so many lives; each year, each vintage is an adventure in itself, difficult, unique and unforgettable. We want to produce a wine that is suitable for everyone, can be paired with every meal, vegan or not; the most important thing is that it must be a good wine.“ – Settimo

Photo by La Cantina Pizzolato: Family

Photo by La Cantina Pizzolato: Organic Vineyards

Jorge Ordóñez & Co.
Botani Muscat Frizzante
Sierras de Málaga, Spain

NECTAR WINE STYLE

A delicate, lightly sparkling wine with a flowery, exotic nose characterized by aromas of lychee and stone fruit. This wine is 100% Muscat of Alexandria – one of the oldest clones of the Muscat family and one of the only remaining genetically unmodified vitis vinifera cultivars remaining in the world today. The seafaring Phoenicians transplanted this grape from Alexandria, Egypt to Málaga 3,000 years ago.

Food Pairing Recommendations:
Enjoy this versatile liquid gold nectar of the gods on its own or with strong cheeses, figs, pâtés, pastries and desserts. This wine should always be enjoyed well chilled.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with strong cheeses, such as a blue cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Analysis: 9.5% alcohol / volume
Denominacion de Origen: D.O. Málaga & D.O. Sierras de Málaga
Varietal: 100% Muscat of Alexandra
Critical Acclaim:

89 pts. Jeb Dunnuck
89 pts. Wine Enthusiast Magazine
87 pts. Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Production:
Planted on multiple old mountainside vineyards. The vineyards in Málaga are the most extreme in all of Europe. The mountainside vineyards are planted at inclinations of up to 70°. There is no terracing, ladders, or mechanization to assist with the harvest. The winery uses traditional dry farmed viticulture and organic Gobelet trained vines. Everything is cultivated completely by hand, with minimal human intervention; the majority of the vines receive no treatments whatsoever. Primary fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks using wild yeast. Secondary fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks following the Charmat method of sparkling wine production.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Bodegas Jorge Ordóñez Málaga, located in Ordóñez’s hometown, was founded in 2004- a partnership between Ordóñez and the Kracher family of Austria. The winery was founded with the goal of resuscitating the centuries long tradition of winemaking in Málaga, which was destroyed by the phylloxera plague in the 19th century. It was Jorge’s dream to champion his home region and restore it to its former glory.

Jorge Ordóñez Málaga produces its dry and sweet wines from Muscat of Alexandria; one of the world’s only remaining ancient (genetically uncrossed) grape varieties and the most important for commercial wine production. The Muscat of Alexandria vineyards used by Jorge Ordóñez Málaga were planted between 1902 and 1974 on un-terraced mountainside vineyards. The vast majority of steep vineyards in Europe have terraces or are mechanized in some way to protect workers and assist with harvest; the vineyards in Málaga, however, have remained untouched. All pruning and harvesting is done by hand, and mules carry six 33 pound boxes up the slopes at a time. An absolutely heroic form of viticulture.

Photo by Jorge Ordóñez Selections: Vineyards in Málaga

Photo by Jorge Ordóñez Selections: Hand Harvesting

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Errazuriz Winery Spotlight

Posted on October 2, 2018 by WineStyles Tasting Station

October Tasting Event

You’re Invited to Join Us!

Let’s taste, learn and enjoy these delicious Chilean wines together! RSVP soon!

Best Chilean Winery 2017, Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Inaugurating the new category of “Extraordinary Winery Awards” by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Viña Errázuriz had the honor of being the first Chilean winery to receive the award “Best Chilean Vineyard 2017“.

Eduardo Chadwick, President of Viña Errázuriz, commented: “Being considered one of the best Chilean wineries by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate is fantastic news. We are very honored with this nomination, and we believe that the nomination reflects the consistency in the high quality of our wines along with the commitment to elaborate the best wines of our terroirs, and to be recognized as a world-class producer. ”

ERRAZURIZ WINERY

Just north of Santiago, Chile’s capital, Errazuriz Winery is located in the Aconcagua Valley. The valley’s beauty and its mild Mediterranean climate more than likely attracted Don Maximiano Errazuriz’s attention, inspiring him to establish his winery in 1870. Easy access to water for irrigation and the volcanic soils, make Aconcagua Valley a viticultural paradise. From the mountains to the coast, it’s the origin of many renowned Chilean wines.

HISTORY

Founder, Don Maximiano Errázuriz Valdivieso

Don Maximiano Errázuriz founded Viña Errázuriz in 1870. With his innovative and pioneering spirit, he planted the first French grape varieties in the Aconcagua Valley. His initiative and creativity were handed down to his descendants, who consolidated the winery and positioned their wines among the world’s most noteworthy. Errazuriz’s family winery has shaped history, currently one of the best examples of successful winemaking in Chile.

CELLAR DOOR 1870 WINERY

For over a century, Viña Errázuriz’s Historic Winery in Panquehue has remained a symbol of the forward thinking vision of its founder, Don Maximiano Errázuriz. Its construction began in 1870, under the guidance of a French winemaker, took over 14 years and incorporated the latest technology at the time.

Built in 1870, Viña Errazuriz’s historic tasting room, located in basement of the winery.

The winery was built as a two-story structure. The excavation and construction of its huge cellar rooms alone took five years. The thick underground walls, built with bricks and mortar, have stood the test of time and have allowed the wine to be kept in large casks made of raulí (a native Chilean tree) at a constant temperature of 53 to 57°F.

Still in use today, the winery houses a historic collection of wines. There are about 400 bottles of each of the vineyard’s iconic wines, which provides an opportunity to experience the vineyard’s evolution through the years.

DON MAXIMIANO ICONIC WINERY

In 2009 the need to project itself into the XXI century and to search for wines of an even higher quality, inspired Viña Errázuriz to start building a new winery devoted exclusively to its high-end wines. The integration of cutting edge technologies has gone hand-in-hand with sustainability and environmental protection, thus paying homage to Don Maximiano’s vision and courageous spirit.

Don Maximiano Winery, Chile

With a capacity to produce over 91,000 gallons, the new Don Maximiano Icon Winery was designed by architect Samuel Claro and built completely with bleached concrete. Its main body is underground and its spiral shape allows for the movement of fruits and liquids by means of gravity and to capture the refreshing breezes from the valley. To maintain adequate levels of temperature and illumination the building harnesses geothermal and solar energy, which are completely environment friendly.

The winery was officially opened in October 2010 with more than 100 guests from around the world, including leaders of the wine industry and press.

Errazuriz Pinot Noir wine bottle

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ERRAZURIZ WINERY, CHILE
October’s Winery Spotlight Tasting

Limited Seating Available

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP!

Errazuriz Winery in the Aconcagua Valley, Chile

October Wine Club pairing recipe

Posted on October 2, 2017 by WineStyles Tasting Station

Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Browned Butter Parmesan and Pecans

INGREDIENTS:
• Salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Scant 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling). Or substitute with cooked squash.
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for topping
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• Black pepper, to taste
• 24 wonton skins (wrappers)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 6 large sage leaves, thinly sliced plus a leaf thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup toasted pecans

DIRECTIONS:
• Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add olive oil.
• In a small bowl, combine canned pumpkin puree, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, cayenne if using and salt and black pepper to taste.
• Place 12 wonton skins on a flat non-stick surface. Divide the filling equally, placing approximately 1 tablespoon in the center of each wonton skin.
• Brush around the outside of the filling with beaten egg. Carefully place another wonton skin over the filling. Gently stretch it to make the edges come together neatly, removing any air pockets from the ravioli. Repeat until 12 ravioli are assembled.
• Place the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. When the butter has melted and begins to simmer, reduce heat to low and let it continue simmering until it turns a light golden brown. Add the sage leaves and cook 1-2 minutes, being careful the butter does not get overly browned. Remove from heat and set aside. Remove sage with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.
• Working in batches, place 4 ravioli at a time in the boiling water. Cook 2 minutes or until they begin to float slightly (they don’t need to come all the way to the top). Remove with a slotted spoon and drain in a colander. Repeat with remaining ravioli.
• To serve, place ravioli on a plate. Drizzle with browned butter, leaving any browned milk solid bits behind in the saucepan. Top with sage leaves (both cooked and slivers), Parmesan cheese and pecans. Recipe courtesy of “From a Chef’s Kitchen”. © Carol Borchardt.

Kilburg
Riesling
Mosel, Germany

Of all the grapes of Germany, Riesling is the most noble. It is a varietal that can do well in stony soil and can subsist on a minimum of moisture and frost-resistant. A very dependable bearer of high quality grapes, Riesling provide an acidity level that gives way to a racy freshness and contributes to its long life. To reach it’s full potential, Riesling needs extra days of sun, usually ripening the latter half of October. Kilburg’s harvest quantities per hectare are reduced to guarantee a selection of only top quality and healthy fruit. A cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks preserves the freshness and natural, bright fruit taste of the grapes. Pairs well with salads, crab, scallops, Indian cuisine and mild cheeses.

“Our exquisite, well-balanced Riesling combines citrus, peach and apricot aromas, a juicy mid-palate and a refreshing finish. This is an incredibly versatile wine and my favorite with Indian cuisine.” – Max Kilburg, winemaker

Winemaker: Max Kilburg
Appellation: Mosel, Germany
Varietal Blend: 100% Riesling
Analysis: 10.5% alcohol / volume, 8.4 g/L Total Acidity, 21.8 g/L Residual Sugar
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

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Tag Archives: October

October Cheese Club: Iowa

Carr Valley
Apple Smoked Cheddar
La Valle, WI

Maytag Dairy Farms
7 Year Aged Cheddar
Newton, Iowa

Don’t let your Wine Club go home alone!

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