Tag Archives: Piedmont Italy

February Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine Clubshelf-talker-mosketto-Rosso-bottleMosketto
Rosso
Brachetto
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Mosketto Rosso is produced in the modified Martinotti method from Brachetto grapes. This delicate sweet red wine is medium-ruby color; its palate is persistent with a delicate mousse that invites the senses to discover a nose and palate bursting with ripe fruit and flowers. Its low alcohol content, natural sugar and naturally occurring bubbles make this wine both unsullied and delectable

Varietal: 100% Natural Brachetto Grapes
Analysis: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Acidity: 6 g/L
pH: 3.43
Residual Sugar: 113 g/L (natural sweetness from the fruit, no sugar added).
Appellation: Vino D’Italia
Carbonation: Natural carbonation
Winemaker: Daniele Astegiano
Food Pairings: Enjoyable anytime, but an especially classic accompaniment is with dry pastries, mixed berries and crème brûlée. It also lends itself to contrasting very spicy dishes.
Critical Acclaim:

  • San Diego Wine Competition 2018 – Gold 91

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Don’t be afraid to branch out. This sweet wine from our ‘Nectar’ section will pair well with a blue cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Mosketto is the combination of two famous grapes, Moscato and Brachetto, both locally grown in Piedmont and the base for the brand’s delicious, mildly sweet, naturally bubbly, low-alcohol wines. Mosketto produces three different wines – white, rosé and red – the white wine is made from the Moscato grapes, red is made from Brachetto, and rosé is the blend of the two. The wines are made in the same was as the more classic Moscato D’Asti and Brachetto D’Acqui, but are stopped from fermenting at low alcohol, retaining the natural sugars from the grapes. Mosketto wines are imported by Mack & Schühle, The Wine and Spirits Family.  Learn more here. >

Information © Mack & Schühle – All Rights Reserved.

Acquesi-Asti-bottleAcquesi
Asti DOCG
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This Asti has a delicate, pale-yellow color with an elegant and inviting perlage. The bouquet consists of honey, peach and a touch of citrus.

Varietal: 100% Moscato Bianco di Canelli
Analysis: 7% alcohol / volume
Acidity: 6 g/L
pH: 3.25
Residual Sugar: 95 g/L
Appellation: Monferrato
Soil: Sandy, clay and limestone
Winemaker: Daniele Astegiano
Food Pairings: Enjoy on its own, with spicy Asian cuisine, or with more traditional pairings such as desserts and dry pastries. Serve at 39.2ºF-42.8ºF
Critical Acclaim:

  • 2020 “World Champion” – The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships
  • 2020 “Regional Champion” – The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships
  • 2020 Gold Medal – The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships
  • 2020 “Best in Class” – The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships
  • 2019 “World Champion” – The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships
  • Silver – Berlin Wine Trophy
  • Gold – World Wine Championships

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: This sweet wine from our ‘Nectar’ section will pair well with a soft cheese, such as a brie. The bubbles help to cleanse the palate and refresh it for another bite. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

WINEMAKING:
This wine is produced using the Martinotti Method, allowing the winemakers to preserve the pure varietal aromas of the grape. The wines are placed in a large pressurized vat, where the natural sugars and the yeast create a secondary fermentation, creating delicate, frothy bubbles.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Known for its Traditional Method wines, the Acquesi brand is a territory line paying tribute to its host city, Acqui Terme. In the early 20th century, the city was known for its Art Nouveau style, which is reflected in the art on the bottles of their wines. Its particular terroir, cultivates native grapes like Cortese and Moscato, resulting in fruity, aromatic and lively wines with a persistent perlage. Acquesi wines are imported by Mack & Schühle, The Wine and Spirits Family. Learn more about the winery here. >

Information © Acquesi and Mack & Schühle – All Rights Reserved.

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June Sweet Club Iowa

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Sweet Wine Clubmoscato-bottleRuffino
Moscato d’Asti DOCG
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This sweet wine from the Piedmont region of northwest Italy has an aromatic bouquet and low alcohol content, making it an incredibly pleasant wine to drink. It is bright straw yellow in color. The nose is very fragrant and characteristic of the Moscato varietal. It showcases notes of acacia, elderberry, wisteria and citrus, followed by defined notes of peach, orange blossom and sage. On the palate, the wine delivers a pleasantly sweet taste, with flavors or sage and white stone fruit. Its frizzante wine style and balanced acidity make this wine a versatile companion for lunch, dinner, dessert, or simply on its own.

Analysis: 6% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% White Moscato
Harvest: Mid-September
Serving Temperature: 46°F to 50°F
Serving Glass: Ideally served in a high-stemmed, tulip-shaped glass, allowing the wine to touch the sip of the tongue first, where sweetness is first perceived
Pairing: Moscato d’Asti is a very versatile food companion. It pairs exceptionally well with any type of dessert; or pair with fresh bread, charcuterie, figs, melon or spicy foods.

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

HARVEST AND PRODUCTION: 
“We source the grapes for this wine from the Roero, Monferrato and Langhe regions in southern Piedmont. The first stage of Moscato production is a traditional white wine process. The second stage uses the Charmat method in which the wine undergoes a secondary fermentation in tanks and is bottled under pressure to produce light, gently sparkling bubbles and to preserve the fresh, fruit characteristics of the Moscato Bianco grapes.” – Ruffino

ABOUT RUFFINO:
Ruffino is a large wine company based in Tuscany, producing wines from several wine regions in Central and Northern Italy, including Piedmont. The winery was established in 1877 when cousins Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino took on their passion for winemaking by establishing their first winery. Today, more than 140 years later, Ruffino continues to showcase the heritage of these true Italian wines. Learn more about their history here.

© Photo by Ruffino
© Photo by Ruffino
© Photo by Ruffino

MNDASTINVTS-1000815Mondoro
Asti
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Produced entirely from white muscat (moscato) grapes grown in the strictly delineated Asti region of northern Italy, the wine has a delicately sweet character which makes it delightful and refreshing. It is pale yellow in color with fast moving bubbles. On the nose, there is a distinctive and intense aroma of honey and ripe peach. On the palate, it is an intensely sweet and fruity sparkling wine with hints of orange and candied pears.

Analysis: 7% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Moscato
Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Appellation: Asti DOCG
Vineyards: Grapes sourced from Canelli, Santo Stefano Belbo and Calosso

Pairing: Enjoy as an aperitif or with fruit-based desserts.

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

© Photo by Palm Bay International

© Photo by Palm Bay International

HARVEST AND PRODUCTION:
“The sparkling wine is created with the Asti Method. Grapes are crushed and the juice is stored at a low temperature until it is needed. When the wine is ready to be made, the grape must is warmed and fermentation takes place in pressurized tanks. Carbon dioxide is allowed to escape until the alcohol level reaches 6% and at this point, the Carbon dioxide is retained – which creates the bubbles. The fermentation continues until the alcohol has reached 7-7.5% alcohol by volume and the pressure is close to 5 atmospheres. The fermentation is stopped by chill filtration and the wine is bottled for immediate release.” – Mondoro

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August Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubStella Rosa BlueberryStella Rosa®️ Wines
Blueberry
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Stella Rosa Blueberry is their winery’s newest flavor, and is a proprietary blend of several red grape varietals. The wine is combined with flavors of natural blueberry distillates & purées, making it undeniably irresistible. Its sweet and succulent blueberry taste will elevate your mood and your wine-tasting expectations.

Region: Piedmont, Italy
Analysis: 5% alcohol / volume

Food Pairing Recommendations: This flavor pairs well with fresh fruits, BBQ chicken, charcuterie, cheesecake, and cinnamon roll coffee cake.

Blueberry Frosé

Photo credit: Stella Rosa Wines

BLUEBERRY FROSÉ
Cool off this summer with a refreshing frosé! Check out this fun way to switch up Stella Rosa Blueberry Wine.

INGREDIENTS:

1 bottle Stella Rosa Blueberry
2 1/3 cups frozen blueberries, divided
¼ cup lemon juice
2 oz. vodka
fresh blueberries (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.Pour wine into ice cube trays and freeze for 6 to 8 hours until almost frozen solid Note: wine will not freeze completely
2. In a blender, pulse together wine ice cubes, vodka, 2 cups frozen blueberries, and lemon juice.
3. Divide frosé among 4 glasses. Garnish with a handful of fresh blueberries and enjoy!
© Recipe courtesy of Stella Rosa Wines

Stella Rosa WatermelonStella Rosa®️ Wines
Watermelon
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Stella Rosa Watermelon is a new, and exclusive, addition to the winery’s semi-sparkling collection. Featuring a proprietary blend of several white grape varietals, including White Moscato (an indigenous grape variety from Piedmont, Italy), and a touch of Barbera for color. Its crisp, refreshing taste showcases the natural flavors of watermelon, created using a distillation process of Italian fruits grown in southern Italy. The semi-dry character is a perfect compliment to Brunch and light appetizers.

Region: Piedmont, Italy
Analysis: 5.5% alcohol /volume

Food Pairing Recommendations: This flavor pairs wonderfully with light salads, such as Greek or Caesar, as well as salty appetizers like Edamame or Jalapeño poppers. For dessert, you can pair it with coconut cream pie!

Stella Rosa Watermelon

Photo credit: Stella Rosa Wines

SPICY STELLA ROSA RITA

A little sweet, a little spicy! Try this fun cocktail at home with this month’s Stella Rosa Watermelon Wine.

INGREDIENTS

For Drink:
5 oz. Stella Rosa Watermelon, chilled
1½ oz. Jose Cuervo Tequila Blanco
¾ oz. lime juice
2 oz. watermelon juice
1 jalapeño, sliced
For Rim:
1 tbsp. Kosher salt
1 tbsp. chili powder
Lime wedges

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place jalapeño slices in a jar with tequila and let sit for 15 minutes for the spice to infuse the tequila.
2. Remove the jalapeño slices & set aside.
3. Mix salt and chili powder together on a separate plate. Smear the rim of the glass with a lime wedge then dip it into the salt-chili powder mixture to coat the rim.
4. Add a handful of ice to the glass.
5. In a cocktail shaker, add the juices & infused tequila; shake vigorously.
6. Strain the mixture into the glass.
7. Top off with Stella Rosa Watermelon, garnish with a Watermelon slice, and enjoy!
© Recipe courtesy of Stella Rosa Wines

Stella RosaWINEMAKING:
The grapes are harvested, pressed, centrifuged, and then held as a cold juice at 28 degrees Fahrenheit. The juice is fermented at various intervals throughout the year, which allows the wine to remain fresh and delicate throughout the entire fermenting process. The Stella Rosa family uses this technique to capture the fresh flavors of natural blueberry distillates & purées for their Blueberry wine, and an off-dry Rosé, busting with fresh flavors for their Watermelon wine. Both Stella Rosa Blueberry and Watermelon contain natural carbonation. The juice is fermented in Charmat-style, pressurized tanks, and as the alcohol is created, so is the carbonation. Once the desired sweetness is achieved, the wine is centrifuged and bottled. The alcohol level stays at approximately 5% and contains 6-10% residual sugar. Its natural acidity and low pH strike the perfect balance with the wine’s natural sweetness. 

ABOUT STELLA ROSA:
It all started in 1917, when the Riboli family founded Los Angeles’ historic San Antonio Winery. Back then, Los Angeles was the prime location for wine growing in all of California. For some time, the wine industry reigned as one of Southern California’s most economically significant and popular industries of that time. After surviving Prohibition and about a century later, the Riboli family has continued its artisan winemaking tradition through four generations. From within the tasting rooms of San Antonio Winery, customers repeatedly requested a sweeter, light, refreshing wine. The Riboli family took this unique opportunity to create a new semi-sweet, semi-sparkling wine style, which today, they are a leader of. And so, Stella Rosa was born.

our-story-mapMADE AND IMPORTED FROM ITALY:
To create the Stella Rosa wines, their family chose the region of Asti, a province in Piedmont, Italy, as the source for its aromatic grapes. The area of Asti has particular significance to the Riboli family, as it is the birthplace of their family matriarch, Maddalena Riboli. Their first Stella Rosa wine was Moscato D’Asti, which has become a flagship of this line. Soon after, Stella Rosa Rosso was created – the brand’s first semi-sweet, semi-sparkling red wine blend, and first wine of its kind to be brought to America from Asti. The rapid phenomenal successes of these two wines began the lineage of Stella Rosa, which now boasts over 20 distinctive flavors.

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.

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May Wine Club: Langhe Arneis DOC

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Risotto with Arneis

Risotto with Arneis

This risotto is made with Arneis, an intense aroma wine that comes from the sunny hills of Langhe. All products of the Langhe bring in their taste and the warmth of the sun between the vineyards and the damp scent of the misty land, dug up by the dogs in search of truffles. Or try Risotto with Shrimp and Fennel, another great Piedmont recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 12 ounces (350 grams) of rice
  • one medium onion
  • 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of butter
  • white wine, 2 glasses of Arneis
  • 3.5 ounces (100 grams), grated Grana cheese

DIRECTIONS:

  • In a sauce pan, melt half the butter, add the finely chopped onion and cook gently without browning it.
  • Add the rice and toast it for a few minutes.
  • Wet everything with a glass of Arneis wine and let it evaporate.
  • Continue cooking by wetting with the broth.
  • When the rice is almost cooked, add the other glass of Arneis and finish cooking.
  • Lie the risotto with the remaining butter, sprinkle with the grated Grana cheese and serve.
  • TIPS: Before serving the rice, taste it, if the bitterness of the wine prevails add a pinch of sugar to eliminate it.  Know that wine used in cooking does not retain the initial alcoholic properties because the alcohol evaporates leaving only the aroma of the drink.
  • © Recipe courtesy of Rosalina, Mondo Del Gusto.

MAY WINE CLUB:

Silvano Rigo ArneisSilky styleAzienda Agricola Silvano Rigo
Langhe Arneis DOC
Piemonte, Italy

SILKY WINE STYLE

The Rigo Wine Estates is a family run winery, managed by Silvano Rigo, his father and an oenologist. Rigo Wine Estates is located in the town of Diano d’Alba, in the heart of the Langhe region, where the terroir has the best characteristics to cultivate the renowned Dolcetto wine.  Rigo Wine Estates vinify their own grapes and they are cultivated and produced respecting the CEE environmental protection rules.

Their prestigious vineyards cover approximately 10 hectares and are located in the Sori Piadvenza, at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level. With a mixture of limestone soil and southern exposure, the vineyards yield high quality grapes, along with winemaker Silvano Rigo combining traditional and modern winemaking techniques resulting in quality wines of great value.  Combining the old teachings of the people from Langhe and the innovations of new technologies, the winery uses both stainless steel casks and a dedicated room for aging wines in wooden casks and barriques, with constant humidity and temperature.  

The rolling hills of Langhe-Roero in Piemonte Italy are covered with medieval towns, ancient castles on the hilltops and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, for its distinctive landscape and winemaking traditions that go back hundreds of years. Learn more about the wine region >

Winemaker Silvano Rigo“Aged in stainless steel tanks, unoaked to preserve freshness. Straw-yellow in color, with greenish hues. Floral bouquet, with apple and mineral scents. Taste of white fruits, white flower, apple, pear and mineral notes. Classic wine of Piemonte.  Very good as an aperitif. Pairs well with fish, rice dishes and vegetable dishes, salads and appetizers. Or pair with classic Piemonte recipe of Risotto Arneis, a perfect match.” –  Winemaker Silvano Rigo.

Winemaker:  Silvano Rigo
Appellation: Diano d’Alba, Italy
Varietal: 100% Arnes
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Harvest: Early September
Aging: Stainless steel, no oak to preserve freshness
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed & approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

Wines of Rigo Vini

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May Wine Club: Dolcetto DOC

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Mushroom RisottoRisotto with Mushrooms

INGREDIENTS:

  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2-3 pounds mushrooms thinly sliced (you choose more or less)
  • Salt and Black pepper
  • 2 Shallots minced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice – must use Arborio rice
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/3 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese freshly grated

DIRECTIONS:

  • In a medium saucepan, heat the chicken broth to simmer.
  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over high heat. Add mushrooms and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
  • Remove mushrooms from the pan and set them aside.
  • In the same skillet heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook the shallots for 1-2 minutes and then add in the Arborio rice. Toast the rice in the olive oil for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden or shiny.
  • Add a ladle full of chicken broth (it should still be simmering) to the rice, stirring constantly.
  • Once the rice absorbs all of the liquid, reduce the heat to medium and continue adding stock (1 ladle at a time) until it absorbs. Then add another ladle and repeat as it absorbs.
  • After about 20 minutes, the rice should be cooked. Taste it to make sure you like how cooked it is.
  • Once you are happy with the texture of the rice, stir in the mushrooms, butter, and the cheese (to taste).
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • TIP: Make extra chicken stock, just in case you need to add it to the rice if it is not cooked enough. You can refrigerate the extra stock too.
  • © Recipe courtesy of Silvano Rigo.

MAY WINE CLUB:

Dolcetto DOCGMellow style logoAzienda Agricola Silvano Rigo
Dolcetto Di Diano d’Alba DOCG
Piemonte, Italy

MELLOW WINE STYLE

The Rigo Wine Estates is a family run winery, managed by Silvano Rigo, his father and an oenologist. Rigo Wine Estates is located in the town of Diano d’Alba, in the heart of the Langhe region, where the terroir has the best characteristics to cultivate the renowned Dolcetto wine.  Rigo Wine Estates vinify their own grapes and they are cultivated and produced respecting the CEE environmental protection rules.

Their prestigious vineyards cover approximately 10 hectares and are located in the Sori Piadvenza, at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level. With a mixture of limestone soil and southern exposure, the vineyards yield high quality grapes, along with winemaker Silvano Rigo combining traditional and modern winemaking techniques resulting in quality wines of great value.  Combining the old teachings of the people from Langhe and the innovations of new technologies, the winery uses both stainless steel casks and a dedicated room for aging wines in wooden casks and barriques, with constant humidity and temperature.  

The rolling hills of Langhe-Roero in Piemonte Italy are covered with medieval towns, ancient castles on the hilltops and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, for its distinctive landscape and winemaking traditions that go back hundreds of years. Learn more about the wine region >

Winemaker Silvano Rigo“Aged in stainless steel tanks, unoaked to preserve freshness. Ruby red color with purple shades. Bouquet of cherry, rose, herbs, with a classic Dolcetto nose.  Taste of bright fruit, herbs, showing Diano d’Alba terroir of cherry, spice and classic bitter almond. Diano d’Alba is one of the best growing areas for Dolcetto and is recognized as DOCG area of production for Dolcetto. Perfect with soups, salads, charcuterie, pasta, chicken and cheeses.” –  Winemaker Silvano Rigo.

Winemaker:  Silvano Rigo
Appellation: Diano d’Alba, Piemonte, Italy
Varietal: 100% Dolcetto
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Harvest: Early September
Aging: Stainless steel, no oak to preserve freshness
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed & approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

Wines of Rigo Vini

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October Wine Club pairing recipe

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This wine loves Italian food, what can we say? Homemade pizza with mozzarella and salsiccia, or a plate of pasta piled high with meat sauce. Dark cherry, blackberry and plum aromas abound tempered with chocolate, spices and Tuscan herbs, Nesios Toscana, has the elegance of Sangiovese with the force of Cabernet and demands to be enjoyed with food like this classic lasagna.

go to lasagna dishClassic Lasagna Dish

SAUCE INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb. Italian sausage (sweet or hot), casings removed
  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 28 oz. can whole, peeled tomatoes
  • 1 28 oz. can whole, crushed tomatoes

ASSEMBLY INGREDIENTS:

  • Kosher salt
  • 5 lbs. fresh mozzarella, grates or shredded
  • 16 oz. whole milk ricotta
  • 1 cup coarsely grated Parmesan, plus extra for sprinkling on top
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 1 lb. dried lasagna noodles (avoid the no-boil variety)
  • Olive oil

DIRECTIONS:

  1. For the sauce: Heat oil in a large, heavy bottomed pot over a medium heat. Add sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, for about five minutes until brown but not crisp.
  2. Add onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for eight to ten minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
  3. Add tomato paste and stir for two minutes until it’s turned deep, brick red, tinting the oil and onions.
  4. Using your hands, crush the whole tomatoes into bite-size pieces and add them and the crushed tomatoes, stirring to scrape any bits from the bottom of the pot. Fill one of the tomato cans halfway with water and add it to the pot. Season with salt and pepper then let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors come together.
  5. Make the lasagna: Heat the oven to 375°F and set a large pot of salted water to boil.
  6. Set aside one 1 cup of mozzarella. In a medium bowl, combine remaining mozzarella, ricotta, 1 cup of Parmesan and cream. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
  7. Cook lasagna noodles in the large pot of salted boiling water before they’re al dente, about 4 minutes. Drain and separate any noodles that are sticking together, add a little olive oil to prevent further sticking.
  8. Spoon a bit of sauce on the bottom of a 3-quart baking dish and top with a layer of noodles, avoiding heavy overlap.
  9. Top with 1 ¼ cups of sauce then dollop ¼ of the cheese mixture on top. Top with another layer of noodles and repeat three times, ending with the last of the noodles and last of the sauce. Top with your reserved 1 cup of mozzarella and more Parmesan.
  10. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and place baking dish on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  11. Bake until pasta is completely tender and cooked through and sauce is bubbling around the edges, typically 30-40 minutes.
  12. Remove foil and increase temperature to 450°F. Continue to bake for another final 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown on top.

Nesios Tuscany wine bottleBold wine Style logoCorte de Medicea
Nesios
Toscana Rosso IGT
Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is home to Italy’s most famous IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) category. Sangiovese is the all-star of Tuscany, that derives its name from Latin as ‘the blood of Jupiter (Jove)’, the most widely planted grape in Italy. The hot, dry climate in Tuscany provides an excellent home for this thin-skinned grape, producing a rich and long-standing wine. It’s known for being fruity and naturally acidic and best enjoyed with the excellent cuisine of Italy.

During the 1970s, the term ‘Super Tuscan’ emerged, as result of frustrations of winemakers towards the slow-changing wine laws in Italy which prohibited the blending of non-indigenous grapes. In 1992, IGT was finally created, allowing winemakers to be more creative. An IGT Toscana guarantees that at least 85% of the fruit was sourced from the region. Half Sangiovese and Cabernet, this Super Tuscan pairs well with Italian food, fresh cheese, grilled cheese and pizza.

Andrea Bernardini“Deep ruby red in color. Spices, chocolate blended with blackberry, plums and mature cherry on the nose. Full-bodied and harmonic, structured with enticing and velvet softness. Elegant finish.” – Andrea Bernardi, winemaker

Winemaker: Andrea Bernardini
Appellation: Tuscany, Italy
Varietal Blend:  50% Sangiovese, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Critical Acclaim: 96 pts The Best Italian Wines, Luca Maroni 2017/2018

Spicy Italian Pork Cutlets

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spicy-italian-porkINGREDIENTS:
•  ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
•  4 boneless pork chops, pounded to ½ inch thick
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

DIRECTIONS: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper, and quickly sear on both sides. Remove from heat, and set aside.

Heat the remaining olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat, and saute the garlic about 30 seconds. Mix in the tomato, chicken broth, wine, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes.  Return the pork chops to the skillet, and continue cooking 5 to 10 minutes, to an internal temperature of 145℉ degrees(63℃).   Serve pork with the tomato and broth mixture from the skillet.  Makes 4 servings.

Silky_StickerLuca_Bosio_ArneisLuca Bosio Vineyards
Roero Arneis
Piedmont, Italy

The Arneis grapes for this wine are grown in the Canale Village of the Roero region of Piedmont.  This area is in the Southeastern section, close to Turin, in the foothills of the Alps at 200-400 ft. above sea level.  The average vine is 20 years and they are grown in sandy soil, at a density of 5,000 plants per hectare.  After harvesting, the grapes spend 24 hours at low temperature in contact with the skin to increase complexities of the aromas.  They are then pressed and the must is fermented in temperature controlled steel tanks.  The wine spends five months on the lees and a final three months ageing in the bottle before shipping. This wine is a perfect accompaniment to white meats like chicken and pork, as well as fish and savory vegetable dishes.

“This wine is clean and bright with floral and tropical aromas.  The palate follows through with notes of pineapple, apricot and peach ending with a crisp and refreshing finish,” Luca Bosio, winemaker

Luca Bosio, winemaker

Luca Bosio, winemaker

Winemaker: Luca Bosio
Appellation: Roero, Piedmont, Italy
Varietal Blend:  100% Arneis
Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume

August Wine Club pairing recipe

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Hazelnut CakeTorta di Nocciole (Hazelnut Cake)

INGREDIENTS:
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; OR 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons hazelnut oil (see NOTES)
• 2 ¼ cups toasted, skinned hazelnuts, cooled (see NOTES)
• ¼ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 packet lievito pane degli angeli or 2 teaspoons baking powder (see NOTES)
• 4 eggs, separated
• 1 cup sugar
• Pinch of fine salt
• Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
• Warm heavy cream sweetened with sugar (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
• Heat the oven to 350℉. Coat a 9-inch cake pan with about 1 tablespoon of the melted butter. Place a round of parchment paper in the bottom of the pan and coat the parchment with butter. Set the remaining melted butter aside.
• Process the cooled toasted hazelnuts in a food processor fitted with the metal blade until they are finely ground. Take care not to let them get pasty. Transfer them to a bowl and stir in the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar. The mixture will be very thick and cling to the whisk. Drizzle in the remaining melted butter (or melted butter and hazelnut oil, if using), a little at a time, whisking until the butter has been fully incorporated.
• Using a sturdy silicone spatula, stir the hazelnut-flour mixture into the egg yolk-butter mixture. It will be as thick as nut paste. This is fine.
• In a clean, stainless steel bowl, beat the egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form. Scoop about ½ of the egg whites into the bowl with the nut paste mixture and begin stirring and folding it in with the spatula. This will help to loosen the batter a bit. Add half of the remaining egg whites, folding rather than stirring them into the batter to prevent them from deflating too much (the batter will still be thick and sticky). Finally, add the last of the whites and continue folding until they are incorporated into the batter. The batter will be thick but spreadable. Scrape it into the prepared pan and smooth out the top.
• Bake the cake for 40 – 45 minutes, until puffed and browned on top and the center is no longer jiggling (a cake tester inserted in the center should come out clean). Be careful not to jostle the cake when you’re checking for doneness.  Transfer the cake to a cooling rack,in the pan for 30 minutes. Invert the cake onto a plate and peel off the parchment. Re-invert and let cool completely. Serve dusted with confectioners’ sugar and with warm sweetened cream for drizzling.
NOTES:  Hazelnut oil is not cheap, but an optional splurge to enhance the nut flavor of the cake.  To toast and skin hazelnuts: Heat the oven to 350℉. Spread the shelled nuts on a rimmed baking sheet and bake 10 minutes, or until the skins have begun to crack. Wrap the hot nuts in a clean kitchen towel and let stand 1 minute. Roll the nuts back and forth in the towel to loosen and rub off the skins. Not all the skins will come off, which is fine. Let cool before processing. Lievito pane degli angeli is a vanilla-scented powdered leavening agent used in Italian baking. It’s sold in packets and found in most Italian groceries. You can substitute 2 teaspoons baking powder.

Luca_Bosio_Barbera_Alba_BottlemellowEgidio
Luca Bosio Vineyard
Barbera D’Alba
Piedmont, Italy

In the center of the Langhe, among the hills celebrated in Cesare Pavese’s poems, you can find Luca Bosio Vineyards winery, in a world where technology and rural tradition coexist. Egidio was the founder of the Bosio’s farm, father of the owner Valter, profound expert of the wines of that zone.  The grapes from this wine come from vineyards located in Santo Stefano Belbo and Alba Villages.  The average age of the vines is 40 years.  Grapes are pressed and the must is fermented in steel  tanks after a short period in contact with dry ice to increase complexity and aroma.  This wine is a perfect accompaniment to read meats, braised beef and pork, as well as an array of Italian cheeses, pastas and risotto.

Luca Bosio, winemaker

Luca Bosio, winemaker

“Ruby red in color, this Barbera exhibits aromas of red fruit chocolate and vanilla.  The aromas follow through the round and smooth palate. A well integrated wine with silky tannins leading to a smooth finish.” – Luca Bosio, winemaker

Winemaker: Luca Bosio
Appellation: Piedmont, Italy
Varietal Blend:  100% Barbera
Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume, 3.5 pH, 5.5 g/l TA
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine