Tag Archives: Primary Red

Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoQuintay - Q - Limited Edition - Blend 2020 - 92PTS JSViña Quintay
Gran Reserva
Q Blend Limited Collection 2020
Casablanca, Chile

BOLD WINE STYLE

Bright and deep dark red color with purple hues. Very complex on the nose, notes such as black fruit, spices and vanilla are highlighted. In the mouth, it is fresh, persistent and voluminous with velvety tannins. Good aging potential.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Varietal: 50% Malbec Maipo, 50% Syrah Casablanca
  • Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
  • pH: 3.40
  • Residual sugar: 3.2 g/l
  • Total Acidity: 5.3 g/l expressed in tartaric acid
  • Food Pairings: Ideal to accompany red meats and mature cheeses.
  • Serving Recommendation: 60.8ºF-64.4ºF
  • Critical Acclaims: 92 points, James Suckling

WINEMAKING PRACTICES:

  • Stemming: 100%
  • Fermentation Period: 8 days
  • Fermented in: Stainless steel tanks
  • Aging: 14 months in French Oak

HARVEST INFORMATION:

  • Yield: 8 ton/ha
  • Harvest Type: Manuel Harvest

ABOUT QUINTAY VINEYARDS:
A boutique winery nestled in the coastal Casablanca Valley (Chile’s premier cool-climate wine region) and established in 2005 by a group of esteemed producers, the winery was born from a shared vision to cultivate South America’s finest Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Now owned by the Martin Weinstein family, Quintay remains proudly Chilean, continuing its commitment to innovation, sustainable farming, and the careful stewardship of its unique Pacific Coast vineyard. Learn more here.

flank-steak-corn-avocado-limeFlank Steak with Corn Salsa

INGREDIENTS:

Steak

  • 1-½ up to 2 pounds flank steak
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon ground chili powder
  • 1-½ teaspoons salt
  • 1-½ teaspoons pepper
  • 1-½ tablespoons light brown sugar firmly packed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided

Corn Salsa

  • 3 ears sweet corn
  • olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 very large (or 2 small) ripe avocados peeled, seed removed, and diced
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • ¾ cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro plus more for serving if desired
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced jalapeño
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 limes plus more lime wedges for serving if desired
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

DIRECTIONS:

  • Preheat the grill to 450°F. Once heated, clean the grill grates with a wire brush. Liberally oil the grill.
  • Shuck corn and discard silk. Drizzle corn with olive oil and lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper. Rub the oil and salt/pepper into all sides of the corn. Add the corn to the heated and oiled grill over direct heat. Grill corn about 10–12 minutes total, rotating every 3–4 minutes until bright in color and lightly charred. Let grilled corn cool before cutting it off the cob.
  • Steak: Prepare the rub by mixing together the garlic powder, ground coriander, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Remove the flank steak from packaging and blot dry with a paper towel. Drizzle 1 tablespoon oil on top of the steak. Sprinkle half the rub on top and gently press in. Flip the steak over. Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon oil on the bottom and sprinkle on the remaining rub mixture. Gently press in.
  • Place the spiced-rubbed steak directly on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature is 130–135°F for medium rare or 145°F for medium. Remove the steak to a cutting board. Tent with foil and allow to rest for 5–10 minutes. Once steak has rested, slice it very thinly against the grain.
  • While the steak cooks, prepare the salsa. Slice the cooled corn off the cob and add to a large bowl. Dice the veggies—avocados, red onion, red pepper, and cilantro and add to the corn. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, ¼ cup lime juice, cumin, minced jalapeño, minced garlic, and, if desired, crushed red pepper flakes to the veggies. Gently toss together. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss again and serve over steak. If desired, drizzle everything with 1 more tablespoon olive oil. Serve with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

Information & Photos © Viña Quintay © The Global Vineyard – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Chelsea Messy Apron.

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June Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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JUNE WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoSutherland-Cabernet-Sauvignon_bottleSutherland Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon
Elgin Valley, South Africa

BOLD WINE STYLE

Vibrant, dark ruby in color, this fruit driven, complex wine displays layers of dark berry fruit flavors and prominent cassis on the nose which follow through onto the palate with the additional intrigue of spice. Seamless tannins supported by the fruit intensity have combined to create a wine that provides a satisfying and lingering mouth feel.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
  • pH: 3.40
  • Residual sugar: 2.2 g/l
  • Total Acidity: 6.3 g/l
  • Food Pairing: Red meat (especially game), strong cheeses.

VITICULTURAL PRACTICES:

  • Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Clone 338C
  • Appellation: Cape South Coast, Elgin Valley, South Africa
  • Soil: Tukulu/Glenrosa
  • Age of vines: Planted August 2005
  • Plant density: 2353 vines/ha
  • Trellising: 7 wire perold with moveable foliage wires
  • Pruning: Spur
  • Yield: 6 t/ha
  • Irrigation: Supplementary drip
  • Vintage: Wet, cool climate conditions allowed replenishment of water reserves and slow ripening period
  • Picking date: 9th-24th March 2021
  • Grape sugar: 24-25º Balling
  • Acidity: 5.3 g/l
  • pH at harvest: 3.5

WINEMAKING PRACTICES:

  • Yeasts: Alchemy4
  • Fermentation Temperature: 78.8ºF
  • Method: De-stalked, hand sorting of berries, crushed, pumped into stainless steep tanks, pumped over once a day until dry, racked to barrel of malolactic fermentation. 18 months in 35% new French oak, balance in 3rd and 4th fill barrels.

ABOUT THE SUTHERLAND VINEYARDS:
After establishing Thelema Mountain Vineyards as a renowned estate in Stellenbosch, Gyles Webb set out in the early 2000s to craft a new line of small-batch, cool-climate wines. His search for the ideal location led him to a former apple orchard in the Elgin Valley—an area that would become home to Sutherland Vineyards. Located just 9 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean and ranging from 140 to 250 meters above sea level, Sutherland benefits from its cool maritime climate. These conditions contribute to wines that are beautifully balanced, with remarkable depth and complexity of flavor. Elign was declared a wine ward in 1990, as one of the Cape’s newer appellations. Even though it has a grape cultivation history dating back to the 18th century, it was only recently recognized as a wine ward (designated viticultural area). Learn more about the Elgin wine region here. Learn more about the winery here.

LambBurgerwithBlackberryBalsamicSauce-BLOGBlackberry Balsamic Lamb Burgers

INGREDIENTS:

Lamb Burgers

Blackberry Balsamic Sauce

  • 1 cup fresh blackberries
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tbsp balsamic syrup

Toppings

  • gluten free buns
  • arugula
  • dairy free feta

DIRECTIONS:

Lamb Burgers

  1. Heat your grill or a large skillet.
  2. Add all of your ingredients to a bowl and mix until just combined.
  3. Depending on how thick you like your burgers form 3-4 patties.
  4. Place burgers onto heated skillet or grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.

Blackberry Balsamic Sauce

  1. Add all of your ingredients to a small saucepan on medium heat. Gently smash the blackberries down and allow to cook for 10 minutes. The sauce will reduce and thicken.
  2. To assemble burgers place burgers on your favorite gluten free bun. Top with the blackberry balsamic sauce, fresh arugula, and dairy free feta. Enjoy!

Information & Photos © Thelema Mountain Vineyards © Sutherland Vineyards – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of The Salty Cooker.

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May Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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MAY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoTandem-Nova-bottleTandem Winery
Ars Nova
Red Blend
Navarra, Spain

BOLD WINE STYLE

Ars Nova, contains the winery’s signature blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It is deep ruby red in color with a violet rim. Complex and fresh on the nose, this wine revels ripe red and black fruit with balsamic hints. It is very elegant with many layers featuring notes of bramble berry fruits, blueberries, licorice and blackberries, scrubland, thyme and mint. It’s delightful, long, enveloping and extraordinary. A fresh mountain wine with a strong expression of its terroir.  Pairs well with casseroles, lamb, red meat, game, stuffed pasta, poultry and cheese.

Varietal: 40% Tempranillo, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Acidity: 5.8 g/l
Residual sugar: 0.4 g/l
Soil: Clay loam
Vinification: Fermentation temperature of 86ºF, slow extraction with pigeages; they do not use pumps in fermentation. Racking by gravity to concrete vats. Malolactic fermentation and natural clarification by decanting into concrete vats. It is not cold stabilized nor fined.
Serving Temperature: 62.2ºF
Critical Acclaims:

  • 2003 –  Selected blind for KLM business class, 3 stars Selection magazine, 17/20 John Radford Wine Wire
  • 92 pts. Ray Jordan West Weekend Magazine Perth
  • 2005 –  Gold Sommelier Wine Awards
  • 2008 –  90 points Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar
  • 2010 –  Gold Medal Mundus Vini 2015
  • 2012 –  91 points Vinous Antonio Galloni
  • 2014 –  89 points Robert Parker Wine Advocate
  • 2018 –  90 points James Suckling, 90 points Guia Peñin, 94 points Tim Atkin

WINERY’S NOTES/ABOUT THE NAME:
Latin for “new art”, is very applicable to the philosophy of this wine. 
Ars Nova was a musical movement in the 14th Century which brought about the advent of volume in music. Until that time music was flat and monochrome. This new way of creating music was more complex, marked by harmony and rhythm. This was the origin of polyphony. Music which was composed from then onwards was called ars nova and music prior to that time was termed ars antiqua. It has been compared with the introduction of perspective in painting which occurred during the same period.
 Ars Nova is an elegant wine, feminine, multi-layered, a wine for reflection and enjoyment.

ABOUT BODEGA TANDEM:
Compañía Vitivinícola Tandem was founded in January 2003 by Alicia Eyaralar, José María Fraile and a small group of wine-loving friends and family. With extensive experience in winemaking and marketing—both together and separately—they were driven by a shared dream to create something unique. The name Tandem, meaning “at last” in Latin, reflects this long-held aspiration. Their mission is to craft elegant, expressive wines that reflect the character of their land in the Navarra DO, while following a path rooted in respect for nature, minimum intervention, and meticulous care. Committed to consistency, sincerity, and continual improvement, Tandem strives to become a benchmark for quality in the region. Learn more about the winery here.

grilled-portobellow-mushrooms-blogBalsamic Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or ¼ teaspoon of any other salt, including Morton kosher salt
  • 4 portobello mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  • In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and kosher salt.
  • Wipe the mushrooms clean with a damp paper towel. Gently twist or cut off the stems. Use a spoon to scrape out the gills.
  • Using a pastry brush, coat the gill side with about a third of the marinade.
  • Heat a 2-burner griddle, a grill pan, or an outdoor grill on medium heat. Grease the grill well. 
  • Place the mushrooms, gill side down, on the grill. Grill until the gill side is browned and tender, 4-5 minutes.
  • When the gill side is almost ready, brush the tops of the mushrooms with another third of the marinade.
  • Flip the mushrooms so that they’re gill side up. Continue grilling them until they are browned and tender, 2-3 more minutes.
  • Transfer the mushrooms to a plate. Brush them with the remaining marinade, sprinkle them with parsley, and serve.

Information & Photos © Bodega Tandem – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Healthy Recipes.

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Broken Earth Petite Sirah

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WINE CLUB:

Broken Earth Reserve Petite Sirah BottleBold wine Style logoBroken Earth Winery
Reserve Petite Sirah
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Broken Earth’s Reserve Petite Sirah is inky in color and soft in structure. Picture violets on the nose and jam in the mouth. Petite Sirah will pair with almost all proteins; try it with grilled meats and vegetables. There is a spice in the finish that always surprises the palate.

Varietal: Petite Sirah
Appellation: Paso Robles, California
Analysis: 15.6% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.7
Residual Sugar: 1.2 g/L
TA: 5.8 g/L
Winemaker: Ben Mayo

WINEMAKER NOTES:
Originally called Duriff in the Rhône growing region in France, Petite Sirah made its way to California as a blending grape. Over time it became obvious that with California’s climate Petite Sirah could fully ripen. It is now one of the darlings of the state, especially of Paso Robles. Petite Sirah usually ripens early and is the first red to the party. Forty tons were machine harvested in the dead of night to keep the grapes cold for transportation to the winery. Upon arrival, the grapes were de-stemmed and gently crushed to open the berries for fermentation. Clos yeast was added immediately after the grapes were safely in the tank. Two pump-overs a day were completed until fermentation was done. This Reserve Broken Earth Petite Sirah was originally planted in 1996 to a parcel that was 40 acres in size. The small yield gives this wine a complex and intense structure. – Ben Mayo, Winemaker

ABOUT BROKEN EARTH WINERY:
Broken Earth, as a brand, was born from the heritage of the vineyard property, originally named “Ranch Tierra Rejada”, meaning “land of worked or farmed earth”. For generations, farmers have cultivated and ‘broken’ the soil in the region with care and respect. Their goal is to respect the land and its treasures. Broken Earth winery encompasses a philosophy to provide wine that reflects the personality of where it is sustainably grown and the craftsmanship of its talented winemaker and crew. Learn more about the winery here.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Grilled Pork Tenderloin

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 ½ – 2 pounds pork tenderloin
  • juice of ½ lemon
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning blend
  • ¼ cup oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons honey

DIRECTIONS:

Marinate the pork

  • Pat pork tenderloin dry with a paper towel.
  • Stir together lemon juice, garlic, dried herbs, oil, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and honey.
  • Pour half of the mixture into a large Ziploc bag along with the tenderloin. Press out excess air, seal the bag, and chill for 30 minutes.

Grill the Pork

  • Preheat the grill to medium and oil the grates.
  • Using tongs, transfer pork to the grill.  Close the grill and cook 15-20 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure even cooking and brushing reserved marinade over all sides of the pork half way through grilling. 
  • When done grilling or the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145 degrees, transfer to a cutting board to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
  • Note, if pork tenderloin is more than 2 1/2 inches thick and you want no pink in the middle once fully cooked, cut tenderloin in half lengthwise to yield two thinner tenderloin pieces and proceed with recipe.

Information & Photos © Broken Earth Winery – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Creme de la Crumb.

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March Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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MARCH WINE CLUB:Mellow style logo

Pomar-Junction-Reserve-Pinot-Noir-bottlePomar Junction Vineyard & Winery Reserve Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley, California

MELLOW WINE STYLE
Aromatic with bright raspberries, eucalyptus, and unique minerality. Flavors of tart berries, wild apples, and intense allspice lead to a lingering finish of dark chocolate and spicy Saigon cinnamon.

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir Analysis: 14.75% alcohol / volume pH: 3.53 Residual Sugar: 0.35 Appellation: Santa Maria Valley AVA, California Vineyards: Garey Ranch Vineyard in Los Alamos, CA Aging: 20 months Cooperage: 30% new French oak Accolades: 2022 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition – Bronze

The Merrill Family portrait

The Merrill Family

About Pomar Junction Vineyard and Winery: Dating back at least eight generations, the Merrill Family has been growing and producing grapes on California’s Central Coast since the 19th Century. Originally, the family was growing grapes for other wineries in California – from premium small producers to large international brands. Today, Dana and Marsha Merrill, along with their son, Matthew, and winemaker, Jim Shumate farm the vineyards and produce elegant wines of their own. Learn more here.
Try this wine with the following recipe…

roasted-garlic-chicken-blogEasy Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken

INGREDIENTS:
  • 2 3/4 oz. unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 ½ tsp sea salt flakes
  • ¼ tsp cracked black pepper, plus extra to serve
  • 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 tsp thyme leaves, plus extra to garnish (see note 1 for substitutions)
  • 1.2 kg (2 lb 10 oz) bone-in, skin-on chicken thigh cutlets (5 chicken thighs)
  • ½ cup (125 ml) chicken stock
  • freezer-friendly mashed potatoes
  • steamed asparagus or greens of choice
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Combine the butter, salt, black pepper, garlic, honey and thyme in a small bowl.
  3. Arrange the chicken thighs on a baking tray with sides, skin-side up.
  4. Spread the butter mixture all over the chicken using your hands, focusing mainly on the skin. Pour the chicken stock around the seasoned chicken (this will protect the marinade from burning and leave a delicious sauce in the base of the tray).
  5. Roast for 55–60 minutes until golden and cooked through, basting once halfway.
  6. Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus and drizzle with the tray juices. Garnish with extra thyme sprigs and add a little extra black pepper to finish.
Information & Photos © Pomar Junction – All Rights Reserved. © Recipe courtesy of Simple Home Edit.
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! Learn about our Memberships >
 

February Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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FEBRUARY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoHeart-Punto-Final-Cabernet-Franc-Reserve-bottleBodega Renacer
Punto Final Reserva
Cabernet Franc
Mendoza, Argentina

BOLD WINE STYLE

Intense ruby red color with violet reflections. Its aromas are of sweet spices, black pepper, cloves interwoven with soft notes of eucalyptus with a hint of pepper. As the wine opens, aromas of vanilla and chocolate appear from its aging in oak. The palate has great concentration, intensity and sweet impact, with ripe black fruit flavors and a distinctive caramel macchiato note. Soft, round tannins with good acidity and a long, lingering finish.

Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Analysis: 14.1% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.7
Total Acidity: 5.5 g/L
Appellation: Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
Grapes: From Vista Flores (1300 m.a.s.l. – calcareous and stony soils) and Perdriel – Luján de Cuyo (950 m.a.s.l. – loam soils).
Vineyards: More than 15 years old with yields of less than 8 tons per hectare
Selection: Double manual selection of clusters and berries
Maceration: For 2 days at 46.4°F
Alcoholic Fermentation: With indigenous yeasts for 12 days in stainless steel tanks at temperatures between 71.6 and 75.2°F
Malolactic Fermentation: In stainless steel tanks
Aging: In French oak barrels for 12 months
Critical Acclaims: 90 pts James Suckling 2019; 91 pts James Suckling 2017; Silver Medal 90 pts Decanter 2017; 91 pts Decanter 2014: 91 pts Robert Parker 2011

About the Winery:
Nestled in Luján de Cuyo—one of Mendoza’s premier regions for producing premium wines—Bodega Renacer was purposefully designed to craft high-end wines. Founded by Patricio Reich, a wine industry veteran since the late 1980s, his journey began as a partner and managing director at Viña San Pedro in Chile. Over time, his passion for winemaking deepened, inspiring him and his family to launch a new venture focused on creating exceptional wines. Established in 2003 at the base of the Andes Mountains, the winery features Tuscan-inspired architecture, pergolas, and Italian-style gardens—a tribute to its family heritage and a warm invitation to visitors. Bodega Renacer is driven by their key principles: a relentless pursuit of quality, a commitment to innovation, a strong family spirit, sustainability, and a dedication to specializing in Malbecs and Cabernets. Learn more here.

Try this wine with the following recipe…

pasta_valentine-blogAuthentic Cacio e Pepe (classic Roman dish)

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 lb. of dried spaghetti
  • 8 ounces of finely shredded Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper roughly ground
  • salt to taste

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Set timer, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and add the Spaghetti.
  2. Add pepper to a large sauté pan and slowly heat until you can smell the pepper.
  3. To prevent burning, add a ladle (or two) of the pasta water and let it lightly boil. Make sure the pan doesn’t go dry and burn the pepper.
  4. Add the cheese and a couple of ladles of boiling water to a bowl and mix it until it is creamy like a paste.
  5. When the Spaghetti is cooked, add it to the sauté pan with the water and pepper. Quickly stir the pasta and try to develop a sauce from the pepper and starchy pasta water.
  6. After two minutes of stirring, take off the heat and continue to stir while letting the pasta and pan cool a little, for about a minute.
  7. Add the cheese mixture while the pasta is off the heat. Stir vigorously and mix the cheese throughout the pasta.
  8. Put the pasta and cheese mixture back on a low flame and continue to stir it. If the sauce gets too dry, and one more ladle of pasta water to loosen up the mixture.
  9. Once everything is well mixed and creamy, serve immediately. When it is in the serving bowl, top with a little bit of fresh ground pepper and some more cheese.

Information & Photos © Bodega Renacer – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Saturdays in Rome.

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January Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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JANUARY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoCalyptra_Mosaiko-Cabernet-Sauvignon-2023-tech_sheetCalyptra Vineyards & Winery
Mosaiko Cabernet Sauvignon
Alto Cachapoal, Chile

BOLD WINE STYLE

Violet-ruby in color. The nose reveals fresh red and black fruit aromas like cherries, plums and fruits of the forest, along with a floral hint. In the mouth, this wine is juicy with smooth tannins and medium body. The finish is well-balanced and presents notes of sweet red fruit. This wine is very approachable and a great option for sharing.

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Appellation: DO Alto Cachapoal Valley, Chile
Vineyards: Estate grown and bottled
Winemaker: Emiliano Dominguez Battochia

WINEMAKING:
Made with estate grown grapes from a ravine in the Andean foothills of the Cachapoal Valley. The grapes were hand-harvested into 12-kg boxes. Following cluster selection, they were destemmed and fell directly into the stainless steel tank without the use of pumps. A 3-day pre-fermentative maceration was followed by alcoholic fermentation for 10 days at a temperature of between 64.4ºF and 68ºF.  Ninety percent of the wine remains in stainless steel for the malolactic fermentation, while the other 10% is racked into third-use French oak barrels. The wine is aged for at least six months and then bottle-aged for a further six months prior to release. 

Mosaiko is a blend from blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, with each contributing different characteristics to achieve a youthful wine that is characteristic of the region.

ABOUT CALYPTRA VINEYARDS & WINERY:
In 1989, Dr. Jose Miguel Zarhi Troy, a plastic surgeon and wine enthusiast, initiated a vineyard project by planting the first Chardonnay vines on his property in the Alto Cachapoal Valley. Over time, his passion project expanded to include various vine varieties and a winery, producing some of Chile’s top-tier wines. In 2018, Dr. Zarhi extended the Calyptra Winery venture by partnering with Lic. Fernando Rodriguez Merino, an IT businessman from Argentina who is deeply involved in the wine, hospitality, and gastronomic industry since 2007. This collaboration led to the acquisition of a plot in Los Árboles de Villegas en Tunuyán, a prime wine-growing region in the Uco Valley at 1,250 meters above sea level. Learn more here.

Try this wine with the following recipe…

portobello-mushroomsGrilled Portobello Steaks with Chimichurri and Onion Strings

INGREDIENTS:

Chimichurri (makes 1 cup)

  • 2 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
  • ½ cup finely chopped packed flat leaf parsley
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano (or 2 teaspoon dried oregano)
  • 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 1 to 2 teaspoon spicy red chili such as bird’s eye chili, finely minced or red chili flakes (to taste)
  • sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Grilled Portobello Steaks

  • 6 portobello mushroom caps
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 teaspoon liquid smoke

Mushroom “Steak” Spice

  • 2 tablespoon mustard seed, slightly crushed in mortar & pestle
  • 2 tablespoon granulated garlic
  • 2 tablespoon dill weed
  • 2 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoon dried minced onion flakes
  • 2 teaspoon dried minced garlic flakes
  • 2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns, crushed in mortar & pestle (or ground black pepper)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Make the chimichurri by combining all the ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate while you prepare the portobello steaks and onion strings. Don’t make this too far in advance as it will brown.
  2. Trim the stems from the mushroom caps.
  3. In a small bowl combine vegetable oil, low-sodium soy sauce, and liquid smoke.
  4. Combine all of the mushroom steak spices in a separate bowl big enough to fit the mushroom caps.
  5. Brush the oil mixture over each portobello mushroom on each side. Then coat both sides in the steak spice covering it thoroughly. Repeat with remaining mushrooms. Place them on a baking sheet or platter.
  6. Heat a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat. When hot, place 2 to 3 mushrooms top down and grill for 2 minutes. Turn the mushrooms slightly about 45 degrees to get cross hatched grill marks. Grill for another 2 minutes. Flip and grill the underside of the mushroom for 2 minutes. Turn the mushrooms slightly and cook for another 2 minutes. Set aside to let the mushrooms rest.
  7. If you have another cast iron, you can place it on top of the mushrooms while grilling to help press the moisture out. See the recipe from Hot for Food for further instructions.

Information & Photos © Calyptra Vineyards & Winery – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Hot for Food by Lauren Toyota.

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December Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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DECEMBER WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoLouis-Blanc_Pergola-Red_Bottle-bowChâteau Grézan
Louis Blanc Pergola
IGP Pays d’OC
Languedoc-Roussillion, France

MELLOW WINE STYLE

The blend of Merlot, Syrah and Carignan blend together to give this wine a beautiful mix of red fruits, cherries and blackcurrant. Delicious, the mouth is very supple, fleshy and greedy.

Varietal: 50% Merlot, 35% Syrah, 15% Carignan
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Terroir: Clay and limestone
Appellation: IGP Pays d’OC, Languedoc-Roussillon
Vinification: Total destemming. Traditional fermentation under temperature control. 
Aging: Aged in vats and is bottled at the end of the winter following the harvest.
Keeping: Drink young
Food Pairing: Ideal for an evening with tapas

About the Winery:
The story of Château Grézan and the Cros-Pujol family spans over five generations, beginning in 1877 with Jules-Anatole Cros cultivating Carignan vines with a horse and donkey. Situated in Faugères, the château’s history is rich with Roman origins, medieval transformations, and a neo-medieval revival in the 19th century. Today, it combines ancestral winemaking traditions with modern techniques, producing sustainable wines that express the unique Mediterranean terroir, including AOP Faugères and IGP Pays d’Oc varieties. With shale-rich soils, Mediterranean-mountain climates, and cutting-edge methods like amphora and full-barrel fermentation, the estate crafts wines celebrated for their authenticity, quality, and heritage. Learn more here >

Try this wine with the following recipe…

Bacon-wrapped-dates-blogBacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Manchego Cheese

INGREDIENTS:

  • 12 medium sized dates
  • 6 oz Manchego cheese
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 12 tooth picks

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Partially cook 6 slices of bacon, stopping before it becomes crispy.
  3. Chop 6 oz Manchego cheese into 12 small blocks, sized to stuff in dates.
  4. Remove seed from 12 dates.
  5. Stuff dates with Manchego cheese.
  6. Wrap dates with bacons, securing with toothpicks.
  7. Cook in oven for 10 minutes or until bacon becomes fully crispy.
  8. Serve with or without toothpicks.

Information & Photos © Château Grézan – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of A Fork’s Tale.

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November Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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NOVEMBER WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoPomar-Junction-GSM-bottlePomar Junction Vineyard & Winery
GSM The Crossing
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

A classic Rhône blend and excellent food-pairing wine, this GSM has a floral nose with hints of black currant, black cherry, blueberry and a hint of leather and tobacco. A savory mouthfeel is supported by flavors of red and black fruits, sweet spices, with a finish of supple tannin.

Varietal: 46% Syrah, 27% Grenache, 27% Mourvèdre
Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.60
RS: .35%
Aging: 19 months
Cooperage: 30% new French oak
Cases: 247
Winemaker: Jim Shumate
Food Pairing: Pairs well with tomatoes, garlic, and either game or domestic meats like duck, lamb, or beef.

Vineyards:
Pomar Junction Vineyards has a unique terroir, as their limestone soils, cooling Templeton Gap breezes and expert sustainable farming techniques (SIP Certified Vineyards) combine to produce their outstanding wines.  The El Pomar District is at the center of the greater Paso Robles AVA. Its name is derived from “pomum”, latin for edible fruit and commonly referred to as  “orchard” in Spanish.   As early as 1886, nut orchards were the most common in the area and by 1968 there were over 1300 acres of almonds and 36 acres of walnuts.  Today, many of the aged orchards are being replaced by vineyards. Learn more >

About the Winemaker:
A Southern California native, Jim Shumate now lives in Paso Robles with his wife and children. He graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in Enology, and eventually developed and managed the Cal Poly pilot winery that opened in 2008. In the early stages of his career, he was greatly influenced by legendary winemaker, Chuck Ortman. Jim became Senior Lab & Barrel Technician, Cellar Master and Consulting Winemaker at a few different wineries before accepted the position of Winemaker at Pomar Junction in July of 2011.  Read more >

About the Winery:
Dating back at least eight generations, the Merrill family has been growing and producing grapes on California’s Central Coast since the 19th Century. Originally, the family was growing grapes for other wineries in California – from premium small producers to large international brands. Today, Dana Merrill and his wife Marsha, along with their son, Matthew, and winemaker, Jim Shumate farm the vineyards and produce elegant wines of their own. Learn more here >

Try this wine with the following recipe…

Slow-roasted-tomato-bruschetta-blogSlow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 ½ pounds cherry tomatoes (about 4 cups)
  • 6 medium garlic cloves
  • 5 thyme sprigs
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar, ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • ½ (8-oz.) baguette, sliced diagonally (about 8 slices)
  • 4 ounces goat cheese log, softened
  • small fresh basil leaves

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss together tomatoes, garlic, thyme, fennel seeds, salt, vinegar, and ¼ cup of the oil in an 11- x 7-inch baking dish. Roast; stirring once, until tomatoes are tender and skins blister, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool 10 minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, place baguette slices in a shallow baking pan, and drizzle with ¼ cup of the oil. Bake at 350°F until slightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Carefully remove and discard blistered peels from cooled tomatoes, if desired. Spread goat cheese on warm baguette slices, and place on a serving platter. Top with tomatoes, drizzle with remaining ¼ cup oil, and sprinkle with basil leaves.

Information & Photos © Pomar Junction – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Southern Living.

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October Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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OCTOBER WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoRebels-of-the-Vine-Syrah-bottleBlack Elephant Vintners
Rebels of the Vine
Syrah
Swartland, South Africa

BOLD WINE STYLE

This classic Syrah for everyday enjoyment shows opulent, bright fruit on the nose and a beautifully elegant palate of round tannins layered with clove spice, ripe cherries and violets.

Varietal: 100% Syrah
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.71
TA: 5.2 g/L
RS: 2.6 g/L
Appellation: Swartland, Western Cape, South Africa
Drinkability: now-2026
Harvest yield: 9.5 per ha.
Food Pairing: Complements food fit for a feast, such as roast duck, grilled meat and hearty pasta dishes

Photo-By-Black-Elephants-Vintners-CoIn the vineyard: This Syrah is sourced from dry-land farmed vineyards in the prestigious Swartland area. Syrah loves the “Mediterranean” climate of the Cape and grapes ripen with thick skins packed with velvety tannins and color.

In the cellar: Minimal oak was used during the aging of this Syrah, resulting in a very fruit-forward and spicy wine. The grapes were picked at 22 to 24 degrees balling and fermented in stainless steel tanks. Post fermentation they leave the wine on the skins to maximize complexity and mouthfeel. Matured in a selection of older oak for 12 months.

The vintage: It was a healthy growing season that followed a winter with good to normal rainfall which allowed the grapes to ripe optimally.

About the winery:
Black Elephant Vintners & Co. is a Franschhoek-based winery that blends tradition and innovation, breaking the norms of the wine industry with creativity and fun. Their wines are a tribute to the region’s unique terroir, pushing boundaries while celebrating the artistry of winemaking. With a mission to make wine more accessible and enjoyable, they invite non-conformists and dreamers to join their movement of rewriting the script on wine culture. Click here to learn more.

Try this wine with the following recipe…

beef-ragu-pastaPappardelle with a Slow-Cooked Beef Ragu

INGREDIENTS:

Ragu:

  • 12.5 lb. chuck beef, or other slow cooking beef cut, cut into equal 4 pieces
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • black pepper
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, separated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 cup carrots, diced 
  • 1 cup celery, diced 
  • 28 oz crushed canned tomatoes
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 beef bouillon cubes, crumbled 
  • 1 cup red wine, full bodied, or sub with beef broth/stock
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • ¾ tsp dried thyme or 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 3 dried bay leaves

To Serve (not all sauce is used):

  • 1 lb. dried pappardelle, or other pasta of choice
  • freshly grated parmesan cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano
  • fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Pat beef dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper
  2. Sear Beef: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil over high heat in a heavy based pot. Add beef and sear each piece aggressively on all sides until very browned (3 – 5 minutes in total), then remove onto a plate.
  3. Turn stove down to medium low and add remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil.
  4. Soffrito: Add garlic and onion and sauté for 2 minutes. Then add the carrots and celery and sauté slowly for 5 minutes.
  5. Add remaining ragu ingredients and return the beef to the pot (including pooled juices). Turn the stove up and bring it to a simmer, then turn it down to low so it’s bubbling very gently.
  6. Slow cook: Cover the pot and let it cook for 2 hours or until beef is tender enough to shred. (For slow cooker and pressure cooker).
  7. Shred: Remove beef then coarsely shred with 2 forks. Return beef to the pot. Simmer for 30 minutes until sauce is reduced and thickened – beef will soften slightly more during this step.
  8. Final season: Do a taste test and adjust the seasoning to your taste with salt and pepper. Also, add ½ tsp sugar if sauce is a bit sour for your taste . Place the lid on and set aside until ready to serve (it’s even better the next day and freezes well for months).

To Serve:

  1. Bring a very large pot of water with 1 tbsp of salt to the boil.
  2. Add pasta and cook for 1 minute less than the recommended cooking time as per the packet instructions.
  3. Meanwhile, place 5 cups of the ragu in a very large fry pan, dutch oven or use 2 normal size fry pans. Heat over high heat while the pasta is cooking.
  4. When the pasta is ready, transfer it directly from the pot into the fry pan using tongs.
  5. Add ¾ cup of pasta water into the fry pan.
  6. Gently toss the pasta (I use 2 wooden spoons) for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce water evaporates and leaves you with a thick ragu sauce that coats the pasta.
  7. Yell for your family to sit down at the dinner table because you need to serve it immediately.
  8. Serve with plenty of freshly grated parmesan, or even better, with Parmigiano Reggiano.

Information & Photos © Black Elephant Vintners – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Recipe Tin Eats.

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