September Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Posted on August 26, 2025 by mcginnessalex

SEPTEMBER WINE CLUB:

Mont’Albano
Valpolicella DOC
Verona, Italy

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Bright red in color with violet hues. Delicate cherry and red fresh-fruit aromas. Medium bodied and well structured. Full flavored and harmonious with a persistent finish.

WINE DETAILS:

Varietal: 50% Corvina Veronese, 30% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella, 5% Oseleta
Appellation: Hillside vineyards, situated in the Volpolicella DOC zone, northeast of Verona
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Residual sugar: 5.4 g/l
Total Acidity: 5.3 g/l
Serving Recommendation: Serve between 60.8ºF-64.4ºF
Food Pairings: This wine is best enjoyed with main courses and with savory game sauces. It pairs perfectly with roasted and braised meats; roasted fatty fish; aged cheese and cured meats.

VITICULTURE:
From a meteorological point of view, it was an unpredictable year and for this reason the work in the vineyard in the first months of the year was very demanding. The entire winter period was characterized by average temperatures higher than in recent years and a significant absence of rainfall. The arrival of spring, with showers in various areas of Italy, has eased the water stress. Finally, starting from June, the thermometer began to rise dramatically ushering in a summer with record temperatures. The drought that worried the whole peninsula was however overcome thanks to the fundamental processes carried out in the vineyard in the previous months. The lack of precipitation in the summer months did not affect the production, on the contrary, it helped to keep the grapes healthy from a phytosanitary point of view. Between August and September, abundant rainfall fell over a large part of the country, giving relief to the vines and accompanying the plants towards correct final ripening.

VINIFICATIOIN:
The vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature by fuilling, pumping over and delastage. The maceration happens contemporarily with the fermentation and lasts for 10 days. Finally, the wine ages in cement and steel tanks.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Nestled among the hillside vineyards of Coloredo di Monte Albano, in the heart of Friuli, Mont’Albano stands as one of the most prestigious wineries within the Friuli Grave DOC area. Since 1985, founder Mauro Braidot embraced organic winemaking as both a mission and a lifestyle, viewing this approach as essential to expressing the region’s authentic character, one rooted in respect for biodiversity and consumer well-being. The Sartori family acquired Mont’Albano in spring 2008, today, it shines as one of Sartori di Verona’s most celebrated estates.

Stuffed Veal Cutlets with Prosciutto and Provolone

INGREDIENTS:

4 veal cutlets, about ¼ inch think, halved crosswise
4 slice provolone cheese
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
4 thin prosciutto, slices
2 large eggs
¾-1 cup all-purpose flour
1 ½ cup panko bread crumbs
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup unsalted butter
1 onion, sliced
1 tbsp minced garlic
1/8 tsp salt for panko
pepper
2 tbsp wine or water
1 tsp dried rosemary, divided
1 tsp dried sage, divided

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare a rimmed baking sheet with a rack coated in cooking spray. Set aside.
Using a plate or platter that will hold all of your veal cutlets, and line with a few layers of paper towel. Set aside.
Place 1 teaspoon of sage and 1 teaspoon rosemary inside 2 tablespoons of wine or water to soak until needed.

Prep and Pound Veal

Pat 2 cutlet halves dry with paper towels and place between 2 layers of plastic wrap. Pound cutlets into rough 5 by 4-inch rectangles; about ¼ inch thick, using a meat pounder, if desired. Set half of your veal cutlets aside.
Place your veal cutlets at your work station. Match up the two that are closest in size. You should now have two pairs of veal cutlets.

Stuff Veal

Sprinkle or brush ½ teaspoon of the wine soaked sage and rosemary mixture on each slice of veal.
Place a provolone slice on top of the spice mixture, in the center of each piece of veal, leaving between ¼ and ½ an inch around the outer edge of each veal cutlet. Trim slice as needed for it to fit. Usually slice in half.
Place a slice of prosciutto on top of the provolone, adjusting and cutting the slice as necessary to fit on top of veal. There can be no excess or anything hanging over edge of veal.
Place second cutlet half over prosciutto and press around the edges to seal and ensure nothing is sticking out the sides.
Using between 4 and 6 toothpicks per stuffed veal, seal up edges like you’re a sewing machine. Do this over under a couple times with each toothpick. Your goal is to try and keep all of the cheese inside until ready to eat.
In a shallow dish, whisk eggs until scrambled. Set aside.
Put all of the panko breadcrumbs in another shallow dish. Add 1 teaspoon sage, 1 teaspoon rosemary and ⅛ teaspoon of salt. Stir and set aside.
Next, place flour on a shallow plate and set aside.
Working with one prepared stuffed veal cutlet at a time, cautiously dip first in flour mixture until coated. Gently shake off excess.
Then dip in egg mixture and allow excess egg to drip off each veal cutlet.
Dredge each stuffed veal cutlet carefully in panko breadcrumbs until totally covered. Again, gently veal into crumbs so it sticks, if necessary.
Place dipped and breaded veal cutlets on top of the wire rack until needed.

Cook

In a skillet over medium high heat, add butter and olive oil. Once shimmering or a drop of water flicked in it dances, add garlic and onion.
After a couple minutes carefully place cutlets inside your skillet. There must be at least a half an inch between each of veal cutlet to cook properly. If this isn’t possible, you may have to cook the veal in batches or use a larger frying pan.
Cook cutlets for at least 3 minutes until they’re a deep golden brown color on the first side. If veal starts to brown in 1 or 2 minutes, reduce the temperature to medium as it means your veal is cooking too fast. The veal should be a nice brown color within 3-5 minutes before flipping.
Once the first side is a beautiful golden brown, use two spatulas to flip over. You may not have much success flipping with pinchers because they tend to squeeze the cheese out. Spatulas work so much better.
Continue to cook remaining side until it takes on that amazing golden brown color too; another 3 to 5 minutes.
Place finished veal cutlets on top of your paper towel lined plate or platter until ready to serve.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges and salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy every bite!

Information & Photos © Mont’Albano and Weinbauer – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Kitchen Divas.

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August Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Posted on July 28, 2025 by mcginnessalex

AUGUST WINE CLUB:

Geyser Peak Winery
Walking Tree
Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

A deep garnet with amethyst refections in the glass. Aromas of dark berries, ripe raspberry and flint follow through to the balanced palate. Bright acidity is supported by the addition of Petit Verdot, adding great roundness. Silky tannins extend on the persistent finish.

WINE DETAILS:

Varietal: 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot
Appellation: Alexander Valley, California
Analysis: 14.2% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.75
Residual sugar: 0.4 g/l
Total Acidity: 6.4 g/l
Critical Acclaim: 92 pts James Suckling 2021

VITICULTURE:
This vintage marks the 16th release of the Walking Tree Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit for this wine is sourced from two excellent Alexander Valley vineyards. The different soils, exposures, and microclimates of these two vineyards adds enticing complexity of aromas and flavors to the finished wine.

VINIFICATION:
Following traditional fermentation methods, the wine was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot were fermented separately and expertly blended.

INTERESTING FACT:
Ancient oak trees dot the landscape of Alexander Valley, California. Walking Tree takes its name from one of these majestic trees that remarkably “walked” down a steep grade vineyard during heavy rains, all while remaining upright and very much alive.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Geyser Peak Winery has a long and storied history. Founded in 1880, it became the 29th bonded winery in California, and was named for the tremendous view of Geyser Peak Mountain directly outside the winery’s window. The brand has seen a storied past of over 140 years, founded by a local family, changing hands multiple times including management by corporate interests. Today, Geyser Peak has proudly returned to its roots as a family-owned-and-operated business, sourcing fruit from famed wine growing regions of California. The essence of California terroir can be tasted throughout the range of their Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Learn more here.

Barbecue Ribs

INGREDIENTS:

4 pounds pork spareribs
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup chile sauce
¼ cup ketchup
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup rum
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 dash ground black pepper
cooking spray

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Cut spareribs into serving size portions; wrap in double thickness of foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 ½ hours. Unwrap and drain drippings (drippings can be frozen to use later in soups). Place ribs in a large roasting pan.
Mix brown sugar, chile sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, rum, garlic, mustard, and pepper together in a bowl. Coat ribs with sauce and marinate at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerate for 8 hours to overnight.
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Position the grate 4 inches above heat source; grease the grate with cooking spray.
Cook ribs on the preheated grill for 30 minutes, basting with marinade.

Information & Photos © Geyser Peak Winery and © Quintessential – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of SEEsign and Allrecipes Test Kitchen.

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Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Posted on June 25, 2025 by mcginnessalex

WINE CLUB:

Viña 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 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

Posted on May 28, 2025 by mcginnessalex

JUNE WINE CLUB:

Sutherland 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.

Blackberry Balsamic Lamb Burgers

INGREDIENTS:

Lamb Burgers

1 lbs ground lamb
1 tsp blackberry balsamic seasoning
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper

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

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

Blackberry Balsamic Sauce

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.
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

Posted on April 28, 2025 by WineStyles Tasting Station

MAY WINE CLUB:

Tandem 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.

Balsamic 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

Posted on March 28, 2025 by mcginnessalex

WINE CLUB:

Broken 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

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

Posted on February 26, 2025 by mcginnessalex

MARCH WINE CLUB:

Pomar 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

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…

Easy 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:

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Combine the butter, salt, black pepper, garlic, honey and thyme in a small bowl.
Arrange the chicken thighs on a baking tray with sides, skin-side up.
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).
Roast for 55–60 minutes until golden and cooked through, basting once halfway.
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.

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February Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Posted on January 29, 2025 by mcginnessalex

FEBRUARY WINE CLUB:

Bodega 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…

Authentic 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:

Set timer, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and add the Spaghetti.
Add pepper to a large sauté pan and slowly heat until you can smell the pepper.
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.
Add the cheese and a couple of ladles of boiling water to a bowl and mix it until it is creamy like a paste.
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.
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.
Add the cheese mixture while the pasta is off the heat. Stir vigorously and mix the cheese throughout the pasta.
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.
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.

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January Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Posted on December 26, 2024 by mcginnessalex

JANUARY WINE CLUB:

Calyptra 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…

Grilled 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:

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.
Trim the stems from the mushroom caps.
In a small bowl combine vegetable oil, low-sodium soy sauce, and liquid smoke.
Combine all of the mushroom steak spices in a separate bowl big enough to fit the mushroom caps.
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.
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.
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.

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December Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Posted on November 26, 2024 by mcginnessalex

DECEMBER WINE CLUB:

Château 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 Stuffed with Manchego Cheese

INGREDIENTS:

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

DIRECTIONS:

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

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