Tag Archives: silky wine

Maison Simonnet-Febvre Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons

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GougèresGougères

INGREDIENTS:

  • 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • pinch of nutmeg
  • 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 6 ounces (1½ cups) grated Comté cheese or Gruyère
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large egg yolk

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring butter, salt, nutmeg, and 1 cup water to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring until butter is melted. Remove from heat, add flour, and stir to combine.
  2. Cook mixture over medium heat, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon, until mixture pulls away from sides of pan and forms a ball, about 2 minutes. Continue to cook, stirring vigorously, until a dry film forms on bottom and sides of pan and dough is no longer sticky, about 2 minutes longer. Remove pan from heat and let dough cool slightly, about 2 minutes. Mix in whole eggs one at a time, incorporating fully between additions. Mix in cheese and pepper.
  3. Scrape dough into a piping bag fitted with a ½” round tip (alternatively, use a plastic bag with a ½” opening cut diagonally from 1 corner). Pipe 1” rounds about 2” apart onto 2 parchment-lined baking sheets. Whisk egg yolk and 1 tsp. water in a small bowl; brush rounds with egg wash.
  4. Bake gougères until puffed and golden and dry in the center (they should sound hollow when tapped), 20–25 minutes.
  5. NOTE: Dough can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover and chill. Gougères can be baked 2 hours ahead; reheat before serving.

© Recipe courtesy of Mimi Thorisson of Bon Appétit.

DECEMBER WINE CLUB:

chablis premier cru vaillonsMaison Simonnet-Febvre
Chablis Premier Cru “Vaillons”
Burgundy, France

SILKY WINE STYLE

The Chablis Premier Cru “Vaillons” has notes of citrus and white flowers. The mouth is long and complex with a pronounced, lingering mineral finish.

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Premier Cru
Soil: Kimmeridgian marl & limestone
Vinification: Stainless steel tanks between 62.6-69.8°F
Aging: 12 months in stainless steel, on lees; then 4-5 years
Average Age of the Vines: 35 years
Yield: 58 hl/ha
Serving Temperature: 50-53.6°F

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
This vineyard is situated on the left bank of the Serein river, and has an ideal southwesterly aspect. The soils of the left bank are less clay-like than those of the right bank. This wine is one of the most highly-rated left-bank Chablis from Maison Simonnet-Febvre.

ABOUT MAISON SIMONNET-FEBVRE:
Founded in 1840, Maison Simonnet-Febvre has become one of the oldest traditional Chablis wineries in the area. Originally named Febvre-Forgeot, after founder, Jean Febvre, married the daughter of a broker named Forgeot. In 1894, after the death of Jean Febvre, his daughter Melanie took over the company with her husband, Amedee Simonnet, and so, the company changed to benefit the person who would take the reins. Over the years, the winery continued to grow as it has been passed down from generation to generation. Learn more about their family winery here.

© Photo Simonnet-Febvre
© Photo Simonnet-Febvre
© Photo Simonnet-Febvre
© Photo Simonnet-Febvre

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Pomar Junction Sidetrack White

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Peach Chicken Ricotta Pizza

© Photo by Liz Andrew / Styling by Erin McDowell

Grilled Peach, Chicken and Ricotta Pizza

INGREDIENTS:

  • two 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 peaches, halved
  • 1 red onion, peeled
  • extra-virgin olive oil, as needed
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • one 8-ounce ball of store-bought pizza dough
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese
  • fresh basil leaves, for serving

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Brush the chicken breasts, peaches and onion with olive oil; season with salt and pepper. 
  2. Grill the peaches and onion until they are charred and tender, 7 to 9 minutes. Grill the chicken until it is cooked through, 9 to 11 minutes.
  3. Preheat the oven to 475°F. Thinly slice the peaches, onion and chicken; set aside.
  4. Using a rolling pin, roll out the pizza dough until it is ½-inch thick. Place the dough on a baking sheet and top with the ricotta, peaches, onion, chicken and Parmesan.
  5. Bake until the crust is golden and crisp, 15 to 17 minutes. Cool 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves. 

© Recipe courtesy of Erin McDowell from Pure Wow.

AUGUST WINE CLUB:

Silky styleSide Track White wine bottlePomar Junction
Sidetrack White
Paso Robles, California

SILKY WINE STYLE

The Sidetrack White is a blend of Rhône grapes grown in the El Pomar District of Paso Robles, California. On the nose, there are scents of white peach, spiced pear, and orange blossoms. The palate is well balanced and tropical.  This wine can be enjoyed on its own or enhance various meals.

Varietal: 50% Viognier, 35% Roussanne, 15% Grenache Blanc
Region: El Pomar District AVA
Analysis: 14.2% alcohol / volume
Brix: 24.2
PH: 3.52
TA: 7.0 g/L
Residual Sugar: 0.61%
Production: 888 cases
Aging: 5 months in 10% new acacia wood, 90% neutral oak
 
ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Merrill Family has been growing and producing grapes in California’s Central Coast for the past eight generations. Today, Dana and Marsha Merrill, along with their son, Matthew, and winemaker, Jim Shumate farm the vineyards and produce elegant wines of their own. The finest blocks of grapes are selected from their family estate, along with vineyards in Santa Barbara and Monterey Counties managed by a sister firm, Mesa Vineyard Management, Inc. All wines produced are exclusively farmed by the Merrill’s who believe that control from planting and pruning through harvest, fermentation and cellaring is critical for success. Learn more here.
 
PASO UNCORKED: Click play below to hear Pomar Junction’s winemaker, Jim Shumate, speak about the El Pomar District with The Krush 92.5 FM.
 
 
 
 
Rachel Lomeli Photography www.rachellomeli.com

Merrill Family © Rachel Lomeli Photography

 

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Persnickety Pinot Gris

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© Photo by Aubrie Pick

Grilled Scallops with Prosciutto and Basil

INGREDIENTS:

  • 6 thin slices of Prosciutto di San Daniele
  • 12 large sea scallops
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher Salt
  • 12 fresh basil leaves
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon crush pink peppercorns

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Cut the prosciutto slices in half lengthwise to make 12 long strips. Season the scallops evenly with the salt. Place 1 basil leaf at the end of a strip of prosciutto, folding it in half lengthwise, if necessary. Place a scallop on its side on top of the basil and carefully roll the scallop inside the basil and prosciutto. Secure with a toothpick or skewer. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
  2. Drizzle the scallops with the olive oil. Place the scallops on the heated grill or grill pan (preheated to medium-high heat), pressing down gently to make sure the scallops make direct contact with the hot surface. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until nice grill marks form and the scallops are warm in the center (see Cook’s Note below). Remove the scallops to a plate and sprinkle with the pink peppercorns.
  3. COOK’S NOTE: To check if the scallops are done, simply insert a thin metal cake tester into the center and leave it there for 10 seconds. Remove and place the metal against the skin beneath your lower lip. If the tester feels warm, the scallop is done.

© Recipe courtesy of Faith Middleton on Food Schmooze; excerpted from Giada De Laurentiis’ Book Giada’s Italy: My Recipes for La Dolce Vita

JULY WINE CLUB:

Silky stylePersnickety Pinot GrisEola Hills Wine Cellars
Persnickety Pinot Gris
Willamette Valley, Oregon

SILKY WINE STYLE

A collaboration from Eola Hills Wine Cellars’ Head Winemaker, Steve Anderson, and Assistant Winemaker, Steve Richards. The Persnickety Pinot Gris is pale yellow in color with aromas of tangerine zest and tart apple. The body is crisp, lively, and refreshing with flavors of grapefruit and honey.

Varietal: 100% Pinot Gris
Analysis: 12.9% alcohol / volume
Acid: 0.86
PH: 3.05
Residual Sugar: 0.4 g/L
Production: 800 cases
Brix at Harvest: ~22.2
Sourcing: Legacy Estate Vineyard and Eola-Amity Hills AVA
Food Pairing: The crisp natural acidity and bright fruit flavors of this wine pair wonderfully with grilled jumbo tiger prawns, chicken simmered slowly in a white wine sauce, or prosciutto wrapped sea scallops.

Steve Anderson - Photo

Winemaker Steve Anderson

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“Rich and vibrant, the Classic Pinot Gris is harvested by hand from our Legacy Estate Vineyards in the Eola Amity Hills sub-AVA of the Willamette Valley. With crisp natural acidity balancing out lush notes of grapefruit, honeyed lemon and orange peel, this juicy wine is a supreme representation of this beloved varietal.” – Steve Anderson.

Steve Richards

Assistant Winemaker, Steve Richards

ABOUT THE WINEMAKER:
Steve Anderson started his wine making career at the age of thirteen with is neighbor’s grapes and a 5-gallon bucket. His project was greatly encouraged by his parents, who gladly partook in the results of his experiments. Steve continued his career by studying Horticulture at Oregon State University. Two years into his degree, he ran out of funds and joined the U.S. Army to receive the Army College Fund. After three years as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician, Steve graduated from OSU with plans to become a nurseryman. In 1993, joined the Eola Hills Wine Cellars team as a “harvest season cellar rat”. He was quickly promoted to Assistant Winemaker, and eventually became Eola’s head winemaker, producing beautiful wines for them ever since. Learn more about his story here.

 

 

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Duca Carlo Guarini Burdi Bianco

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© Photo by Cooking Classy

Fish Tacos

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground paprika
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, or more to taste)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 lb tilapia, cod, or mahi mahi

For Serving

  • 8 corn tortillas, warmed
  • 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 3 Tbsp chopped cilantro leaves
  • 1/3 cup Cotija cheese (optional)

Fish Taco Sauce

  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 3 Tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

DIRECTIONS:

  • In a mixing bowl whisk together vegetable oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne and season with salt and pepper to taste (about 3/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper).
  • Place fish into a dish or gallon size resealable bag and pour marinade over fish (if using a bag seal bag and gently move bag around to evenly coat fish with marinade), allow to marinate in mixture 20 minutes (and no longer than 30 minutes).
  • Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Brush grill grates with oil and place fish on grill. Grill until cooked through, about 3 minutes per side (cook time will vary based on thickness of fish). To view oven or stovetop methods, click here.
  • While the fish is cooking whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Season with salt to taste.
  • Break fish into pieces, layer over warm tortillas. Top with cabbage, avocado, cilantro, cheese if using, and fish taco sauce. 

© Recipe courtesy of Jaclyn of Cooking Classy.

JUNE WINE CLUB:

Silky styleBurdiBiancoDuca Carlo Guarini
Burdi Bianco IGT Puglia
Scorrano, Italy

SILKY WINE STYLE

Burdi Bianco wine is light straw-yellow in color. It is intense and fruity on the nose, while on the palate it is fresh, fruity and balanced. This wine is paired well with fish and seafood.

Varietal: 100% Bombino
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Yield: 120000 kg. per hectare
Vinification: Two hour’s cold maceration with skins, temperature controlled fermentation

ABOUT DUCA CARLO GUARINI:
Since 1114, the Guarini Family has rooted their vineyards in the Apulia region of Italy, between Lecce and Brindisi, overlooking the Adriatic sea. Today, they own 700 hectares of property, farming grapes, olive groves and other grains and vegetables, including fiber and seed hemp. For centuries, they have kept their family’s traditions without sacrificing innovation. Learn more about their estate here.

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

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Peacock Wild Fernet Chenin Blanc

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pad-thai-3

© Photo by Cooking Classy

Pad Thai (with Chicken or Shrimp)

INGREDIENTS:

  • 10 oz Thai Rice Noodles
  • 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into small strips, or 1 lb extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup packed dark-brown sugar
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips and strips halved
  • 1 ½ cups matchstick carrots
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 5 green onions, whites minced, greens sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cups bean sprouts
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup unsalted peanuts, chopped
  • 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
  • red pepper flakes and sesame seeds (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Prepare rice noodles according to directions listed on package. In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice and fish sauce, set aside.
  2. While noodles are cooking, heat oil in a wok or a 12-inch deep sauté pan set over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté until cooked through, about 6 minutes. If using shrimp cook about 1 ½ minutes per side or until opaque.
  3. Transfer to a plate, leaving oil in pan. Add bell pepper and carrots sauté 1 – 2 minutes then add garlic, green onions and bean sprouts sauté 1 minute longer. 
  4. Push veggies to edges of pan and crack eggs into center. Cook and scramble until eggs have cooked through. Add in chicken, noodles and sauce and toss everything together and cook 1 – 2 minutes.
  5. Serve warm topped with cilantro, peanuts and optional red pepper flakes and sesame seeds.

© Recipe courtesy of Cooking Classy.

MAY WINE CLUB:

Silky stylePeacock_cheninNVFalse Bay Vineyards
Peacock Wild Ferment Chenin Blanc
Stellenbosch, South Africa

SILKY WINE STYLE

Aromas of peach, lime and green apple on the nose. These elegant flavors carry through onto the palate with a lovely freshness and a long, elegant finish. Enjoy this wine with a variety of dishes, including seafood, chicken risottos and Thai cuisine.

Varietal: 100% Chenin Blanc
Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume
TA: 4.8 g/l
pH: 3.5
RS: 2.5 g/l

“Chenin Blanc is regarded as the workhorse of the South African wine industry. It produces the bulk of our generic white wines. There are, however, some gems lurking amidst the flurry of Chenin blanc vineyards. Our goal is to identify these gems and allow them to be expressed in our Peacock Wild Ferment Chenin Blanc. Our Peacock Wild Ferment Chenin Blanc grapes stem from the Helderberg ward on the coastal outskirts of Stellenbosch (the home of Waterkloof). Over time, these old bush-vine vineyards (20—50 years old), planted in Chenin friendly soils, have found their natural balance and it definitely shows in the wine.” – False Bay Vineyards

© Photo by False Bay Vineyards

HARVEST AND PRODUCTION:
False Bay Vineyards follows a minimal intervention winemaking philosophy. Their grapes are tasted at regular intervals to ensure optimal taste and ripeness level. The grapes are hand-harvested and whole bunch pressed in a modern basket press. Wine undergoes natural clarification over a 24 hour period, without any added enzymes or settling agents. From here, the juice is fermented in stainless steel, concrete eggs and 600L old barrels with “wild yeasts” driven from the grapes; this process allows the flavors of the vineyard to be expressed in the wine. Due to the natural balance of the grapes, no additional tartaric acids are needed. The wine is fermented for about three months and then it is left on the secondary lees for another month before bottling.

ABOUT FALSE BAY VINEYARDS:
Waterkloof Winery’s sister company, False Bay Vineyards, produces two collections: the earlier drinking, yet refined Peacock Wild Ferment range, named after the brightly plumed birds conspicuous in and around Waterkloof’s vineyards and the False Bay wine range of easy-drinking yet quality driven wines. Named after South Africa’s most iconic bay, which frames much of the country’s premium wine-lands, False Bay Vineyards, was born from a desire to make ‘real’ wine affordable. Learn more about False Bay Vineyards here.

© Photo by False Bay Vineyards
© Photo by False Bay Vineyards
© Photo by False Bay Vineyards
© Photo by False Bay Vineyards

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

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December Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese Clubletivaz-cheeseGenillard Philippe and Marianne
L’Etivaz AOP
Ormont-Dessus, Switzerland

L’Etivaz AOP is a hard alpine cheese produced by hand in over 100 creameries in the Vaud Alps between May and October using raw milk, under an open fire and the traditional recipe. The long ripening process brings out the rich, powerful aromas which come from the large amounts of herbs the cows consume. This is an excellent dessert cheese, fondue, or cheese that will compliment many cuisines. Members will enjoy two distinctive varieties of the L’Etivaz AOP, both a floral and onion style.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: When pairing wine with this cheese, reach for a Crisp Chardonnay, a Fruity Barbera d’Alba, or a Fruity Pinot Noir. For beer, grab something light and crisp, such as a Hard Cider.

WINESTYLES: Crisp or Fruity
BEERSTYLES: Crisp and Clean

PRODUCTION:
The Alpine pastures are situated at an altitude of between 1,000 to 2,000 meters. The raw milk comes from cows which graze on the natural pastures of the Vaud Alps and Alpine foothills. It is these pastures, rich in wild flowers, that create the aroma and provide the unique flavor of L’Etivaz AOP. To make the cheese, the milk from the evening milking is stocked in churns until the following morning, when the cheesemaker skims off the cream with a ladle. The evening milk and morning milk are then poured into a copper cauldron. The milk, enriched with lactic bacteria obtained from the production center itself, is gently heated to 89.6°F over a wood fire. The cheesemaker then adds the rennet, which consists of natural enzymes extracted exclusively from the abomasum of young calves. After stirring the milk for a few minutes the cheesemaker stops the mixer and allows the milk to rest so that it can curdle.

The cheesemaker then stretches a cheesecloth on a rod, slides it under the curds and lifts out the cheese mass which he then puts into a mould and presses. The wheel of cheese thus formed must subsequently be turned over several times. The producer then puts the L’Etivaz AOP casein mark on it as well as his initials in order to be able to guarantee traceability. The wheels remain in the press until the following morning. Weighing between 33 and 84 lbs., the wheels are rubbed with cheese dairy salt and kept at the alpine production center for a maximum of 7 days. For more information, click here.

 

© Fabrice Wagner – L’Etivaz AOP
Photo by: L’Etivaz AOP
Photo by: L’Etivaz AOP
Photo by: L’Etivaz AOP
© L’Etivaz AOP

 

Monthly Cheese ClubDon’t let your Wine Club go home alone!

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

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

November Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubCrucolo Il Piu SaporitoRifugio Crucolo
Crucolo Il Piu Saporito
Scurelle, Italy

Crucolo “Il Piu Saporito”, which means “more tasty”, is a semi-hard, mild asiago cheese coming from the Trentino region in northern Italy. The milk to make this cheese is selected from the cows that roam the pastures beneath the Trento Mountains. Crucolo has a surprisingly tangy finish to its creamy flavor.

The center is white and buttery with diffused and uniform holes, making for a very characteristic cheese. The sub-crust is evenly distributed – an indicator of great attention to detail during the ripening period. The ripening process lasts over 60 days, and must be performed under optimum temperature and humidity conditions. In the aging period, the cheese forms are wetted and washed with water, then turned twice a week. The final product boasts flavors that are sweet, slightly sour, and perfectly salty with a slight bitter-spicy note.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: Reach for our November Wine Club wine, Finca Buenaventura Aureo Cabernet Sauvignon, when pairing with this cheese. For beer, grab a Hard Cider or a Porter when pairing with this cheese.

WINESTYLES: Bold
BEERSTYLES: Fruity and Spicy

ABOUT RIFUGIO CRUCOLO:
The company takes its name from the place where it was built, and still today is the restaurant Rifugio Crucolo, on the “top” of the mountain in the heart of Val Campelle- halfway between the Valsugana and the Lagorai mountain range.

The Crucolo Refuge has entered the register of historic businesses, as it has remained in the same family management since 1782. Thanks to the love and loyalty of customers, the Crucolo company continues to grow each year. Today, they are exporting their own brand of cured meats, cheeses, and liqueurs worldwide.

GarrotxaSant Gil d’Albió
Garrotxa
Catalonia, Spain

Gorratxa, pronounced ‘ga-ROCH-ah’, is a semi-ripened cheese with a natural flowery rind. Made with pasteurized goat’s milk, it is creamy and compact texture in the cut. This moist and cakey Catalonian import is fast becoming Spain’s most famous goat cheese. Crafted in the foothills of Northern Spain, Garrotxa offers a white pepper piquancy and looks like a river-stone. Its milky, delicate taste is not at all typical of a goat’s cheese. The full-bodied cheese is rich in flavor with a soft paste and a moist, creamy, yet almost flaky, texture. It is covered by a velvety grey mould coating that lends it a woody aroma, yet the rind is not ideal for eating. Garrotxa’s flavor is reminiscent of damp earth underlined by slightly nutty & herbal essences.

HOW IT IS MADE:
Made with pasteurized goat’s milk, then aged for several weeks in caves to ensure the delicately, cakey texture won’t harden up.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: For wine, pair with a Cava or the Finca Buenaventura Aureo Chardonnay from this month’s Wine Club. The clean, lactic qualities of the cheese strike harmoniously with the fruitiness of these two wines.  For beer, look to pair with a Farmhouse Ale or Sour from our Sour, Tart and Funky or Fruity and Spicy sections.

WINESTYLES: Silky, Nectar, or Bubbly
BEERSTYLES: Sour, Tart and Funky, or Fruity and Spicy

ABOUT SANT GIL D’ALBIÓ:
Sant Gil d’Albió is a family business in Catalonia, Spain, with 35 years of experience in the production of artisanal cheeses. Currently produce close to 90,000 kg (about 198,416 pounds) of cheese a year; their products are made in an artisanal way, producing only the highest quality of cheeses. Sant Gil d’Albió exports about 40% of their production, mainly shipping to the United States and throughout Europe.

Sant Gil d’Albió is a dynamic, growing company; expanding their range of products and modernizing their facilities, without forgetting their roots. They are a leading company in the production of artisanal cheese in Catalonia, receiving various awards for the quality of their products, including Garrotxa cheese, Lactium d’Or 2019 award.

The family business is part of the ‘Lal de Cabres Catalanes’ label, a group of farmers and cheesemakers that defend the consumption of products made with local milk. They continuously maintain the quality of all cheeses and ensure all products are sold at a fair price.

Monthly Cheese ClubDon’t let your Wine Club go home alone!

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

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

October Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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Collectors Wine ClubBandeau Cave

Extrait BlancDomaine Chante Cigale
Extrait Blanc
Châteauneuf du Pape, France

Rich WineStylesRICH WINE STYLE

Vinified, aged in an ovoid concrete vat and selected from an outstanding terroir: this wine is truly “Haute Couture”. This Blanc Extrait has a very pure nose, mineral and saline coated by a fruit white white flesh; powerful, elegant and creamy mouth feel. Pairs well with Provencal and Mediterranean cuisine, foie gras, lobster, scallops, and king prawn.

“Freshly cut pear, fairly full in body. with a pear juice texture and flavor. Acidity is low but balanced, with a little positive bitter twist accentuating the freshness. Fairly long finish, not hugely deep, but very well put together Organically grown on clay soils in lieu-dit Palestor to the north of the village. Fermented then matured for 10 months, half in demi-muid, half in concrete tank.” – 93 pts, Matt Walls – 2018 En primeur tastings, Rhône Valley

“The 2018 Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc Extrait is 80% Roussanne and 20% Grenache Blanc, with roughly half made in demi-muids and the other part in concrete. A bit reticent right now, with just hints of pineapple and tangerine, it’s full-bodied but tightly wound and tense, seemingly in need of time to unwind. It’s by no means unapproachable now, but it should be better in a year or two and will drink well for close to a decade.” – 91+ pts, Joe Czerwinski – The Wine Advocate 2019

Terroir: Clay – Limestone 70% (lieu dit: Palestor), Rolled Pebbles 30% (lieu dit: Cabrières)
Age of Vineyard: 40 years old
Varietal: 70% Roussanne, 30% Grenache Blanc
Aging: 9 months on fine sediments
Aging Potential: 10 years
Serving Temperature: 50-53.6° F
Production: 1,700 Bottles

About Domaine Chante Cigale

Domaine Chante Cigale has been in operation in Southern Rhone Valley for more than 150 years. Founded in 1874, Hyppolite Jourdan named roughly 28 hectares of family property Clos Chante Cigale. In 1936, the same year the Chateauneuf de Pape AOC was created, the estate was renamed to Domaine Chante Cigale.

Today, Domaine Chante Cigale is one of the most important family estates of Châteauneuf du Pape.  Alexandre Favier is now carefully running the winery by keeping up with the winemaker’s tradition of the family.

The Estate now stretches over 40 hectares on the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation, divided into 45 parcels, scattered all over this exceptional terroir.  The diversity of its soils and of the grape varieties allows the elaboration of a unique and exceptional wines.  Alexandre Favier and his team are taking good care of every step of the wine production themselves, respecting the spirit of the Domaine. 

Domaine Chante Cigale VineyardsDomaine Chante Cigale Harvest

 

Bold wine Style logoExtrait RougeDomaine Chante Cigale
Extrait Rouge
Châteauneuf du Pape, France

BOLD WINE STYLE

A genuine and rustic wine that will go through decades. Showcasing a deep, red color, with a complex nose of black fruit and licorice. The Extrait Rouge has a very powerful mouth, that is fleshy and concentrated, with very fine and dense tannins. Pairs well with roasted meat, pigeon, lamb, pecking duck and sheep’s cheese.

“A broad, muscular style, with chestnut and tobacco leaf notes and roasted cedar accents framing a large core of lightly dried plum, red currant and blackberry fruit. Cuts a broad swath on the finish, offering a long echo of humus. Will likely age toward a more rustic profile. For fans of the style.” – 92 pts, JM 2017

“The smallest production cuvée is the 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape Extrait. An uncommon blend of 70% Mourvèdre and 20% Grenache, aged in demi-muids and older barrels, its deep ruby color is followed by rich, concentrated and ripe aromas and flavors of blackcurrants, toasted spice, licorice and roasted herbs. This big, mouth-filling and structured 2015 will need to be forgotten for 3-4 years and will have two decades of overall longevity.” – 92-94 pts, Jeb Dunnuck – The Wine Advocate 2016

Terroir: Rolled Pebbles (lieu-dit: Le Calada)
Age of Vineyard: 100 years old
Varietal: 80% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache
Aging: 30 months in demi muid
Aging Potential: 15-20 years
Serving Temperature: 60.8-64.4° F
Production: 800 Bottles

Bandeau DomaineAbout Chateauneuf-du-Pape

In the 14th Century, under the reign of Pope John XXII, the Avignon village became the summer residence of the papacy. As for the precious nectar produced in this area, he granted it the rank of “Vin du Pape”, opening the doors of the great European courts.  More than likely, during Gallo-Roman times the vines covered the territory of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. However, the first written evidence of its existence dates from 1157. In keeping with local tradition and planting himself, Geoffroy, bishop of Avignon, had a vineyard within the territory of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. However, it’s the popes from the fourteenth century that were the real promoters of the wine growing business of the appellation.

By the 19th Century, the wines were very well known, enjoyed by famous people, poets, literary and cultural associates in Paris.  By the 20th Century, winemakers were anxious to defend the growing reputation of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, the beginnings of the current system of AOC.  The 1919 wine appellation law on “designations of origin” was too general and didn’t prevent fraud. The constituent meeting of the “Châteauneuf-du-Pape winegrowers union” took place in October 1923. After several years of legal proceedings, the decree of the appellation is published and Châteauneuf-du-Pape becomes the first wine-making AOC of France on May 15, 1936.  Still in force today, it continues to protect and guarantee the quality of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. The vineyards now cover 7900 acres in the towns of Châteauef-du-Pape, Bédarrides, Courthézon, Orange and Sorgue.

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Crispy Sea Bass with Soba Noodles

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Sea-bass-soba-noodlesINGREDIENTS:
•  1/2 pound soba noodles
•  2 tablespoons sesame seeds
•  1/4 cup chicken stock or low-sodium broth
•  2 tablespoons soy sauce
•  1 teaspoon sugar
•  1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
•  3 tablespoons vegetable oil
•  1/2 pound young bok choy, sliced 1/2 inch thick on the diagonal
•  1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
•  1 large garlic clove, minced
•  3 scallions, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
•  Four 6-ounce sea bass fillets, with skin
•  Salt
•  1/4 cup rice flour

DIRECTIONS: Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the soba and cook until al dente, about 3 minutes; drain. Rinse the soba under cold water and drain, shaking off any excess water. In a small skillet, toast the sesame seeds over moderate heat, stirring, until they begin to pop, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.

In a small bowl, combine the chicken stock, soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil. Add the bok choy, ginger, garlic and scallions and stir-fry over high heat until the bok choy is crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Add the soba noodles and cook, tossing, for 2 minutes. Add the soy mixture and bring to a boil, tossing. Remove from the heat and keep warm.

Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Season the fish with salt and dust with the rice flour. Add the fish to the skillet, skin side down, and cook over high heat until crisp, about 4 minutes. Flip the fillets and cook until just opaque throughout, about 2 minutes longer.

Transfer the soba and bok choy to shallow bowls and top with the fish, skin side up. Sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds and serve. Recipe courtesy of Chasing Venus

ChasingVenus_Sauv_blancChasing Venus
Silky_StickerSauvignon Blanc
Russian River Valley, CA

Sourced fruit from the cool Russian River Valley, this beautiful wine’s perfumed aromatics indicate immediately that it is pure 100% California Sauvignon Blanc. Grapes from the Chalk Ridge Vineyards were used in making this inaugural Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc.  The ideal growing season was typical of the appellation: cool, foggy mornings followed by warm, sunny afternoons.  The fruit was picked at optimum maturity with a just a hint of botrytis. Fermentation was slow and cold (50°F) to retain the varietal flavors.  A bouquet of honeysuckle, gardenia and citrus blossom fills the glass.  Crisp and mouth-watering, this pretty wine will pair with oysters on the half shell, spicy Thai spring rolls or a salad of endive, goat cheese and crisp green apples.

Winemaker: Dan Cederquist
Appellation: Russian River Valley, CA
Vineyards: Chalk Ridge
Varietal Blend:  100% Sauvignon Blanc
Analysis: 14.3% alc/vol, 3.14 pH, .65 TA
Aging: 100% Stainless steel tanks

McPherson Chardonnay Pairing Recipe

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Black Cod with Black Olive Sauce and Lemon Gremolata

olivesauce-cod-fishINGREDIENTS:

  • Zest of 2 lemons (and juiced)
  • A sprig of fresh rosemary, leaves picked
  • Four Black Cod fillets (4-6 oz each)
  • Olive oil

BLACK OLIVE SAUCE:

  • 2 large handfuls of good black olives, stoned and very roughly chopped
  • ½ a fresh red chili, deseeded and finely chopped
  •  A small handful of fresh herbs (basil, marjoram and parsley), finely chopped
  • 1 celery heart, yellow leaves chopped
  • 1 clove of garlic, peeled and finely chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  •  A couple of glugs of extra virgin olive oil
  • Balsamic vinegar

LEMON GREMOLATA:

  • 1 bunch Italian (flat-leaf) parsley-chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
  • Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare Grill. Blend tablespoon of salt with the half of lemon zest and rosemary and rub this all over the fish fillets. Chill for an hour.

Black Olive Sauce- Mix all the ingredients except the vinegar together. Add vinegar to taste.

Lemon Gremolata – With remaining lemon zest, combine with all ingredients.

Pat the fish dry with some kitchen paper, wiping off the excess salt and then pat it with a little olive oil. Grill over medium coals for about 3 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness. Serve the Cod on the Black Olive Sauce and garnish with Gremolata. Recipe courtesy of McPherson Winery.

MCF_Chard_smallMcPhersonSilky_Sticker
Chardonnay
South Eastern Australia

With a focus on traditional winemaking craftwork and state-of-the-art technology, McPherson wines are made to be easy-drinking, fruit driven styles with generous mouth-filling flavors. For almost 40 years the McPherson family have been committed to producing high quality wines with an affordable value. This wine was crafted from 100% Chardonnay grapes, sourced primarily from vineyards in the Murray Darling region, located within South Eastern Australia. Grapes were picked and crushed during the cool of night so as to retain their fresh, varietal flavors. A delightful, fruit driven wine displaying aromas of tropical fruits and peaches with just a hint of lightly toasted oak. McPherson Chardonnay is a versatile wine that pairs well with a wide range of foods. Try with roast chicken and grilled fish.

Winemaker: Jo NashJo-Nash
Appellation: South Eastern Australia
Varietal Blend:  100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 13.5% alc/vol
Critical Acclaim: Victoria Wine Show 2012

“The palate exhibits fresh, ripe Chardonnay flavors of melon and fig with a delicate, creamy texture and a crisp, clean finish. Subtle oak handling complements, rather than overpowers the wine”.