Tag Archives: Organic Farming

February Sweet Club Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubTropical_CranberryTropical Moscato
Cranberry
Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This Moscato comes from a grape variety with quite possibly the highest level of complex aromas of any Piedmont grape. This wine has the distinctive Moscato aroma and flavor, with a unique added complexity from the cranberries from the Italian Alps. The Moscato grape’s sweetness is perfectly balanced by the tartness, acidity and slight spice from the ripe cranberries.

Analysis: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 95% Moscato, 4% Small Alpine Cranberry Pulp, 1% Natural Cranberry Aroma
TA: 6 g/L
RS: 120 g/L
Serving Suggestion: Great as an aperitif, or serve as an accompaniment to fruits, aged cheeses, or a hazelnut cake.

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an aged cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
The Moscato grapes for this wine come from vineyards located in the Santo Stefano Belbo villages, at 200 to 300 ft. above sea level. Vinification is via autoclave, according to the Charmat Method, until it reaches 5.0% alcohol. Then, wine undergoes cold fermentation and ageing in stainless steel vats for one month, after which time it is blended with the cranberry pulp and bottled.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Tropical Moscato takes premium Moscato from Asti, a commune located in Italy’s famed Piedmont region, and combines their wines with 100% real fruit. Their wines are highly aromatic and burst with all-natural, vivacious flavors. Learn more here.

SPUMANTI-PIZZOLATO-MUSE-MOSCATO-DOLCELa Cantina Pizzolato
Pizzolato Moscato
Treviso, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Bright gold in color, this Moscato has aromas of honeysuckle, ripe apricot, and angel food cake. The palate is medium to full bodied with a balanced, round, vibrant, sweet, smooth and refreshing flavor. The wine highlights notes of peach nectar, sweet apple, honey, and orange marmalade. 

Analysis: 6.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Moscato (Muscat)
Appellation: Moscato I.G.T.
RS: 89 g/L
Acidity: 5.4 g/L
Vineyard: The estate is located in the countryside north of Treviso, Italy. The vineyards are situated on the plains and hillsides near the Piave River.
Vinification: Soft pressing, then the must remains in the steel pressurized tanks, with Charmat method for 2 months, reaching a pressure up to 2.5 atm.
Terroir: Calcareous clay-based soil
Training System: Cordon spur training
Certification: BIOS
Notable: Vegan, organically grown grapes
Serving Suggestions: Enjoy with an herbal or spicy cheese such as a Gorgonzola; or serve alone as a dessert wine. Serve 46º-50ºF.
Critical Acclaim:

  • 90 points – Vinitaly “5StarWines”

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section also pair well with herbal and spicy cheeses. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Farm Pizzolato Settimo & Gino was founded in 1981, farming livestock and growing grapes, kiwi, peaches, strawberries, apples and pears. During this time, grapes and wine were the top products of the farm, however, it wasn’t until 1987 when the winery decided to finally bottle all the types of wine that were produced. In 1991, the farm and winery officially gained organic certification, and today the winery continues to grow, producing organic, vegan and sustainably grown wines. Learn more about their story here.

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Estate Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

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Sourdough Stuffing with Sausage and Gruyère Recipe

Thanksgiving stuffing with sausage

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 Tbsp. (½ stick) (2 oz./60 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 loaf sourdough bread, about 1 lb. (500 g), crust removed and cut into 1-inch (2.5-cm) cubes
  • 5 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 lb. (500 g) pork breakfast sausage, casings removed
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 cups (24 fl. oz./750 ml) turkey or chicken stock
  • 1 cup (4 oz./125 g) grated Gruyère cheese
  • ¼ cup (1/4 oz./7 g) chopped fresh sage
  • 2 Tbs. fresh thyme leaves
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat an oven to 350°F (180°C). Using the melted butter, grease the bottom and sides of 9″x13″ (23cm x 33cm) baking dish.
  2. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until dried but not browned, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside. Leave the oven on.
  3. In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until most of the fat is rendered but the bacon is not yet crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the sausage and cook, breaking up the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned, about 10 minutes. Add the onion, celery and garlic and continue cooking until the vegetables are softened and translucent, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, lightly whisk the eggs. Add the stock and whisk until combined.
  5. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage mixture to a very large bowl; discard any fat and liquid remaining in the pan. Add the bread cubes and cheese to the bowl and toss to combine. Add the stock mixture to the bowl and toss until the bread cubes are evenly moistened. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid. Stir in the sage and thyme and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  6. Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared dish and bake until the stuffing is set and the top is golden brown and lightly crisped, about 40 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Serves 10 to 12.

© Recipe courtesy of Williams Sonoma and Chris Lanier, co-founder and chef of Ravenwood, Kerhonkson, NY.

NOVEMBER WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoEstate-Cellars-Cabernet (1)Estate Cellars
2019 Estate Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
Central Coast, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Cabernet Sauvignon is the king of red wines and at Clos LaChance there is no exception. Cabernet is the largest volume of acreage for a single varietal on their estate and made up of over six different clones on four different root stocks. The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon has always been a top performer for quality and the flag ship of the Clos LaChance portfolio.  They stay true to the style and the terroir on their Estate that presents an approachable and elegant style of Cabernet that is crafted for your everyday indulgence. The wine is ready to drink now and can be laid down for several years as well.

TASTING NOTES:
Dark Plum in color, the 2019 Estate Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is full bodied with medium acid and high tannins. On the nose, there are flavors of cassis, tea leaf, and blackberry jam. On the palate, there are notes of cedar, huckleberry and molasses.

Varietal: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 10% Malbec
Appellation: Central Coast, California
Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Aged: 16 months on 25% new French oak, 10% new American oak, 65% neutral French and American oak
Harvest Date: Oct. 2 – Oct. 31
Average Brix at Harvest: 25.0
pH: 3.61
TA: 0.62
Sugar: 0.13 g/L
Food Pairings: Braised Short Ribs, Vegetarian Lasagna
Cheese Pairings: Gruyére, or with the November Cheese Club selections.
Critical Acclaim: 95 pts. justwinepoints.com

 

 

California Certified Sustainable logoWINEMAKER NOTES:
The Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from some of the finest vineyards throughout the Central Coast of California, ranging from San Francisco and Livermore in the north to Paso Robles in the south. The grapes are handpicked and hand sorted prior to a 72-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 wine is then aged on 25% new French oak and 10% new American oak, and the remainder is aged on a mix of neutral American and French oak.

HARVEST NOTES:
The 2019 Estate Cellars’ Cabernet Sauvignon, similar to the previous two vintages, 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 ESTATE CELLARS:
From the family owned and operated winery Clos LaChance, based in the Northern Central Coast region of California, Estate Cellars was established as their secondary, high-quality line made to reach additional markets with a unique label. Clos LaChance Winery and Estate Vineyard is proud to be Certified Sustainable by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. The winery stays true to the style of their terroir by creating approachable and elegant wines. 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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M by Martellotto

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Garlic Butter Cod Fish Recipe

Cod Fish Recipe

© Photo by Primavera Kitchen

INGREDIENTS:

  • Cod fish fillets – This is an affordable white fish that takes on the flavors it’s cooked with. Haddock, Pollack, or Mahi Mahi would make great substitutes.
  • Olive oil – Or use another neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, avocado, or safflower oil.
  • Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper
  • Unsalted butter
  • Garlic Lemon zest
  • Green onions, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Season the fish

  1. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel so the seasonings adhere better to the surface. It will also help the fish crisp on the outside when seared.
  2. Season both sides of the cod fillets with the spices. It may help to mix them together in a small bowl first to get even coverage.

Cook

  1. Next, sear the fish on both sides in hot oil.
  2. Continue cooking until the fish flakes apart, flipping again halfway through.
  3. Melt the butter in the pan with garlic and lemon zest. Coat the fish in the garlic butter.

Garnish and serve

  1. Remove the pan from heat and transfer the fish to a serving dish.
  2. Then, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top and serve with your favorite sides.

© Recipe courtesy of Olivia of Primavera Kitchen

FEBRUARY WINE CLUB:

Silky stylem-by-martellotto-chardonnayMartellotto Winery
M by Martellotto
Sta. Rita Hills, California

SILKY WINE STYLE

“A Chardonnay lover’s Chardonnay. Sourced from the Spear Vineyards, located a few miles west of the winery in Buellton, off Highway 246 in the Santa Rita Hills. This area is famous for the best, cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Spear Vineyard is CCOF certified organic and located near Seasmoke, which charges $100-200/bottle of their wines!” – Martellotto Winery

The wine was stainless tank fermented and then rested in neutral French oak barrels for 12 months. This Chardonnay has a lovely natural acidity and a light zip in the mouth from the sandy loam vineyard that was covered by the Pacific Ocean millennia ago. The wine is light, delicate, and an eminently drinkable quaffer that pairs with a variety of foods. If you love Chablis and dry, nuanced Chardonnay, then you will love this wine. The M by Martellotto was naturally produced and organically farmed.

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
AVA: Sta. Rita Hills
Soil: Sandy Loam
Farming: Organic
Production: 14 barrels
Oak: 11 months, neutral French Oak

© Photo by Martellotto Winery

“Santa Barbara remains one of the most fascinating regions in the world. Rich history, a culture of site-specific wines and reasonable pricing make Santa Barbara one of the most exciting and rewarding regions for consumers who want to discover distinctive, high-quality artisan wines that speak of place.” – A. Galloni

ABOUT MARTELLOTTO WINERY:

Winemaker, Greg Martellotto

Winemaker, Greg Martellotto

The Martellotto family roots trace back to a 17th century winery in Alberobello in Puglia, Italy. Over four centuries later, winemaker Greg Martellotto continues his family’s viticultural legacy, by making enticing, vibrant wines that speak to his own viticultural passion. From his ancestors’ traditional winemaking in Southern Italy, to his grandfather’s homemade wine during Prohibition, to production in an innovative warehouse facility shared with Barbieri Wine Co. and Lo-Fi wines, Martellotto Winery produces remarkable wines of consequence, consistency, value, and varietal expression. With each bottle, it is the Martellotto family’s desire to share extraordinary, artisanal wines.

THE MARTELLOTTO LABEL:
Professor John Langdon is famous for creating Ambigrams and inspiring Dan Brown to incorporate his graphics in the books and movie around The DaVinci Code. He has only designed one wine label, and that is for Martellotto Winery. The Martellotto label is a spiritual totem, symmetrical down the middle, and a mirror image. The ARTE of the name engages the Art & Science of winemaking. The bottle enumeration demonstrates the handmade, limited availability of these wines.

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!

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Martellotto Melodeon

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Brown Butter-Sage Chicken Wings Recipe

Credit: © Todd Porter & Diane Cu

Credit: © Todd Porter & Diane Cu

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 to 8 small sage leaves
  • 1 tablespoon ground sage
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 pound chicken wings, split
  • Kosher or sea salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flout, for dredging
  • Vegetable Oil (or other high flashpoint oil), for frying

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Melt the butter and stir in the garlic. Continue cooking the butter until it is light brown and develops a nutty aroma.

  2. Remove the butter from the heat and stir in the sage leaves, ground sage, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Set aside.

  3. Rinse the chicken wings and pat them dry. Generously season the chicken with salt and black pepper. Dredge the wings in flour, shaking off any excess flour, and set aside.

  4. In a large saucepan or deep fryer, heat the oil to about 375°. Fry the chicken wings in small batches until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Shake off any excess oil and place on paper towels to drain. Continue frying the chicken in batches until all of the wings are cooked.

    Toss the wings in the brown butter sauce and serve warm.

© Recipe courtesy of Todd Porter and Diane Cu of Food and Wine Magazine 

FEBRUARY WINE CLUB:

Martellotto ChardonnaySilky styleMartellotto Winery
Melodeon Chardonnay
Sta. Rita Hills, California

SILKY WINE STYLE

“A Chardonnay lover’s Chardonnay. The fruit in the Martellotto Chardonnay is from the Spear Vineyard, located a few miles west of the winery in Buellton, off Highway 246 in the Santa Rita Hills. This area is famous for the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes and we are pleased to be sourcing such high quality fruit. Spear Vineyard is farmed organically and located very near Seasmoke, which charges $100-$200/bottle for their wines!” – Martellotto Winery

This Melodeon Chardonnay was barrel fermented and has a lovely natural acidity and a light zip in the mouth from the sandy loam vineyard that was covered by the Pacific Ocean millennia ago. A broad mouthfeel and yummy vivacity combine with layers of vanilla, toasted hazelnuts, and nutmeg singing into the finish. If you love Chablis and dry, nuanced Chardonnay with layers of depth and a crunchy deliciousness, then you will love this wine.

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
AVA: Sta. Rita Hills
Soil: Sandy Loam
Farming: Organic
Production: 14 barrels
Oak: 11 months, 20% new French Oak

“The daring, innovative spirit embodied by the region’s young producers and a vast range of first-class sites creates conditions that are idea for the production of distinctive, pedigreed wines of the highest level. Best of all, with few exceptions, these wines remain under the radar and very fairly priced relative to global peers.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

© Photo by Martellotto Winery

ABOUT MARTELLOTTO WINERY:

Greg Martellotto

Winemaker, Greg Martellotto

The Martellotto family roots trace back to a 17th century winery in Alberobello in Puglia, Italy. Over four centuries later, winemaker Greg Martellotto continues his family’s viticultural legacy, by making enticing, vibrant wines that speak to his own viticultural passion. Located in Buellton, California – in the hottest new AVA region of Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara – Martellotto Winery focuses on vibrant Bordeaux varietals, with a vineyard first philosophy of gentle handling and minimal intervention.

Through a deft combination of sourcing sustainably farmed grapes from California’s choicest vineyards and deploying creative, progressive blending and fermenting techniques, Martellotto produces outstanding wines that capture pinpoint varietal expression.

Greg has nearly two decades of diverse experience in all facets of the wine business, including import and distribution and working with some of the greatest wines and wineries in California, Piemonte, Tuscany, and Bordeaux, as well as Spain, Chile and Argentina. Consultant Mike Roth, an authority in the fields of biodynamics and natural winemaking, has working under Napa pioneers Mike Grgich and Nils Venge. He has made wine in Santa Barbara at Koehler, Demetria, Martian Ranch, and for his own Lo-Fi brand.

THE MARTELLOTTO LABEL:
John Langdon designed the Martellotto label as a spiritual totem, symmetrical down the middle, and a mirror image. The ARTE of the name recognizes the Art & Science of winemaking. The bottle enumeration demonstrates the handmade, limited availability of these wines. Prof. Landon’s signature ambigram design is located on the bottom right of the back label. Turn the bottle upside down to visualize how his name reads left to right.

Greg Martellotto video

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