Tag Archives: silky

May Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubHay-there-walnut-cheeseArtikaas 
Hay There
Raw Milk Gouda with Walnut & Hazelnut
Holland

Artikaas has been a family run cheesemaker in Holland for over six generations. They make Gouda as they always have — meticulously, without shortcuts, with respect for nature, and using only the best milk from family farms. The ‘Hay There’ raw milk Gouda with walnut and hazelnut has the creaminess and earthiness of a traditional, raw milk Gouda with the addictive crunch of the walnuts and hazelnuts. This nut-flecked cheese is beautiful to look at and a real treat for your senses – combining smooth and crunch, with nutty and sweet.

Flavor Profile: Aged for 60 days – creamy, earthy and nutty
Serving Recommendation: Perfect for snacking, on a cheese board, or on a dessert cheese plate

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Pairs well with a fruity red wine or a silky white wine, such as our May Primary White Wine Club wine, Casas del Toqui Barrel Series Semillón. For beer, look for something crisp, such as a Pilsner.

WINESTYLES: Fruity and Silky
BEERSTYLES: Crisp and Clean

honey-bee-goat-cheeseHoney Bee
Goat Cheese
Holland

The Honey Bee Goat Milk Gouda is made by drizzling a bit of honey into pure goat milk. This creates a cashew-like, nutty flavor with a hint of caramel and a sweet warmth to lock in those sticky undertones. 

Flavor Profile: Aged for 6 months – slightly sweet, not too strong or salty
Serving Recommendation: Slice, grate or cube. Wonderful in salads or as a snack with fruit.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Serve with a crisp white wine or for beer, grab a crisp and clean pilsner or lager.

WINESTYLES: Crisp
BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean

Cheese_springDon’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 >

April Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese Clubmahon-cheeseBonvallis 
Mahón Semi-Cured Cheese
Menora, Spain

Named after the port of Mahón on the Minorca (or Menorca) Island in Spain, this cow’s milk cheese is produced by various small farmers organized in a cooperative. This semi-hard artisan cheese is pale yellow in color and has a nutty and sweet aroma. It is buttery, fruity, sharp and salty in taste. During maturation, the cheese is hand rubbed with butter, paprika and olive oil to give it its traditional orange exterior. The Mahón cheese is sold at different ages ranging from 2 months to 10 months. This cheese was awarded with Bronze and Silver medals at the 2014 and 2011 World Cheese Awards.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Pairs well with this month’s Wine Club wines, or enjoy with a FRUITY Tempranillo or Rioja; or a SILKY Albariño wine. Enjoy with craft beers that are crisp, such as a Pale Ale or a Cider.

WINESTYLES: Fruity or Silky
BEERSTYLES: Crisp and Clean

SERVING RECOMMENDATION:
Spaniards call this a table cheese because it is versatile with almost all foods. It can be served alone as an appetizer or dessert, or with fresh fruit and nuts on a cheese board. It also can be melted beautifully to give life to sandwiches or burgers.

idiazabal-cheeseQuorum
Idiazabal Smoked Cheese
Northern Spain

Named after the village of Idiazabal, this Smoked Cheese is a traditional farmhouse hard cheese made from raw sheep’s milk in the Basque and Navarra regions or Northern Spain. In the old days, the Basque shepherds lived in small mountain huts, and could only age their cheeses within their stone chimneys – giving the cheese its traditional smokey flavor. Today, the cheese is produced in more modern ways, however, the process is still all-natural to give the cheese it’s smokiness – usually slowly ripened and naturally smoked with beech or cherry wood. Its compact texture and smokey flavor are reminiscent of burnt caramel and bacon. The cheese has a vibrant bouquet of aromas with rich, buttery flavors on the palate. 

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Serve with any of this month’s wine club wines, or enjoy with a FRUITY Tempranillo or Rioja, or with a SILKY or RICH Chardonnay. For beer, enjoy with a crisp Pale Ale.

WINESTYLES: Fruity, Silky, or Rich
BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean

SERVING RECOMMENDATION:
Enjoy with thinly sliced, fresh bread or melt in the oven as a complement for grilled meats, salads or as a key part of an elegant meal.

Cheese_springDon’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 >

March Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubPecorino_Toscano-DOPCaseificio Il Fiorino
Pecorino Toscano DOP
Tuscany, Italy

The Tuscan Pecorino DOP is a cheese that is protected by the Denomination of Origin, which means it is produced according to strict disciplinary rules according to tradition of that geographical location. This fresh cheese has undergone a short seasoning period, making it soft and delicate on the palate. The smell is fairly strong, with notes of buttermilk and fresh hay. On the palate, the consistency is tender and creamy; it is fairly mild, well-rounded and balanced with a hint of tang. Serve with a light salad or with a bit of bread for a delicious lunch.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
This Pecorino pairs well with a mellow Malbec, such as our Premium Club – Materra Cunat Family Vineyards Midnight Red Blend, a Chianti or a Prosecco. For beer, pair with an IPA, a double IPA and a Belgium Tripel.

WINESTYLES: Mellow and Silky
BEERSTYLES: Crisp and Clean

ABOUT THE CREAMERY:
The Fiorino family rooted themselves in southern Tuscany in the 1800s. Years later, they dedicated their land to breeding sheep and discovered the rocky ravines and consistent humidity was ideal for aging sheep’s milk for cheese, and thus, started their passion for quality cheese.

Fontina-val-d-aosta-italian-cheeseFontina Val D’Aosta
Semi-soft
Aosta Valley, Italy

Since the 12th century, Fontina Val D’Aosta is a classic Italian cheese that is traditionally made with unpasteurized cow’s milk and usually aged 90 days. This Italian Fontina has a natural rind that turns tan to orange-brown as it ages. The interior is a pale cream color with holes known as “eyes”. Rich and creamy in flavor, with more notes of nuts as it ages. This is a great cheese for fondues, Italian dishes, dishes with wild cherries and truffles.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Serve with a glass of Nebbiolo, a bold Italian Red Wine, a big Chardonnay, or our March Wine Club – Reguta Ribolla Gialla. For beer, pair with a crisp beer such as a pilsner, or a pale Lager such as an Italian Peroni.

WINESTYLES: Bold, Rich or Silky
BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean

Cheese_springDon’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 >

Winery Spotlight: Clos LaChance January 19th

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Clos LaChance Vineyards logo

STYLES Wine Tasting with Clos LaChance Vineyards
San Martin, California

Wednesday, January 19, 2021
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Jason RobideauxJoin us for the launch of our new STYLES wines, created in collaboration with Clos LaChance winery – a family-owned and operated winery in California. Jason Robideaux, VP of Winery and Vineyard Operations at Clos LaChance, will be our guest speaker and tasting us through the six new Style Wines on the big screen at the store.
 
STYLE Wines Tasted (for tasting notes, click on each style): To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please call your local participating WineStyles store. Or, if you prefer to attend remotely, pre-order a wine tasting kit to-go and watch/taste along with us on Zoom! Jan19_Styles_wines_email-header
About Clos LaChance:

Clos LaChance winery is a multi-generational family-owned and operated winery.  Located within the Central Coast American Viticultural Area (AVA), tucked into the beautiful Hayes Valley in San Martin, California.  Being good stewards of land and resources, the Clos LaChance Winery and Estate Vineyard is proud to be Certified Sustainable by the California Sustainable Wine Growing Alliance. Learn more about their winery here.

Styles-power-twitter-post

Clos LaChance Vineyards_Logo

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together!
Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
STYLES wine tasting with Clos LaChance Vineyards
Wednesday, January 19, 2021
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST
Cheers!
WineStyles.com

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

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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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

 

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 More >

 

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.

 

 

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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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!

Learn More >

 

May Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubBenning CheeseBenning®
Mild Goats Milk Gouda
Holland

Benning® Mild Goats Milk Gouda is a semi-firm, pure white, versatile cheese that is fresh and mild in taste. It is made from light goats’ milk that is then formed into classic gouda-style wheels and aged to create a smooth and creamy textured cheese. This cheese is great for the pickiest of eaters. It is mildly tangy and slightly sweet with hints of caramel. 

FOOD PAIRING: This cheese melts beautifully; eat as is, or slice/grate onto your favorite sandwich or pizza.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: The Benning® Mild Milk Gouda pairs well with dark and malty beers such as a malty Amber Ale. It also pairs nicely with a buttery Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or our May Wine Club Chenin Blanc.

WINESTYLES: Silky
BEERSTYLES: Dark & Roasty or Malty & Sweet

© Photo from Murray’s Cheese

midnight-moon-pkg-smallCypress Grove®
Midnight Moon®
Holland

This aged goat milk cheese is made exclusively for Cypress Grove® in Holland. Aged for at least six-months, Midnight Moon® is an ivory-colored goat cheese with forward nutty and brown-buttery flavors, finish with long caramel notes. Similar to classic goudas, Midnight Moon® forms protein crystals as it ages, and lends to a slight crunch to the otherwise dense and smooth cheese. This goat cheese is known to convert even the pickiest of goat cheese critics!

AWARDS:

  • Best of Class, World Championship Cheese Contest  2010, 2020
  • Super Gold, World Cheese Awards   2015, 2018
  • Gold, World Cheese Awards  2014
  • Best New Product in Show, sofi Awards  2002
  • Silver, World Cheese Awards  2017
  • Silver Finalist, sofi Awards  2003
  • Third Place, World Championship Cheese Contest   2014
  • Bronze, World Cheese Awards  2016
  • Bronze, sofi Awards   2017

FOOD PAIRING: Serve with fig jams, seeded crackers, or bread

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: For wine, pair with Ice Wine, Sweet Sherry, Syrah or Zinfandel. As for beer, look for a Belgian Dark, Stout, or a Tripel.

WINESTYLES: Fruity or Bold
BEERSTYLES: Dark & Roasty, or Fruity & Spicy

ABOUT CYPRESS GROVE®, ARCATA, CALIFORNIA:
In the 1970’s, when pre-packed TV dinners and processed, rubber cheese were popular, a self-proclaimed “serious hippie” named Mary Keehn was on the hunt for something different. A mother a four, she wanted to find healthier milk for her children. Mary noticed her neighbor owned goats for brush control and asked if she could purchase two, at which the neighbor replied, “if you can catch ’em, you can have ’em”. Each day, Mary went out with grain until eventually she lured in her first two goats: Esmeralda and Hazel. These goats turned into four, and many more from there. With a lot of goats, came a lot of milk, and thus, Cypress Grove® was born! Learn more about their story here.

© Photo by Cypress Moon

Monthly Cheese Club

Don’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 >

 

Casas del Toqui Barrel Series Chardonnay

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Pan-Seared-Salmon-and-Gnocchi-with-Sage-Butter-Sauce

© Photo by Inquiring Chef

Pan Seared Salmon and Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce

INGREDIENTS:

  • 16 oz gnocchi (look for gluten-free if needed)
  • 4 (4-6 oz) salmon filets
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil (I use grape seed or avocado)
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 leaves fresh sage, chopped
  • 2 cloves shallots, diced
  • 2 tsp lemon juice, plus lemon wedges for serving

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Boil gnocchi according to package directions.
  2. Meanwhile, pat salmon filets dry with paper towels. Season it on both sides with some salt and pepper.
  3. Place salmon, skin-side down (or on either side if using skinless salmon), in a room temperature non-stick pan with a thin layer of cooking oil. (This is the key to crisp salmon – the salmon must be placed in a cool pan and then slowly brought up to heat.)
  4. Place the pan over medium heat and cook the salmon, without moving it, until the skin is crisp and easily releases from the pan. (After it has cooked for ~5 minutes, gently nudge it with a spatula, until it easily slides around in the pan.)
  5. Turn salmon with a spatula and increase heat to medium-high. Continue cooking until the side touching the pan is golden brown and crisp and the salmon is cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes more. (It should flake easily with a fork.)
  6. Transfer salmon to a serving platter and return pan to medium-high heat.
  7. Add butter until melted. Add gnocchi, sage, and shallots. Cook, stirring constantly, until shallots are golden brown and sage is crisp.
  8. Pour gnocchi and butter sauce over salmon. Squeeze lemon juice over top.
  9. Serve salmon and gnocchi with extra lemon wedges on the side.

© Recipe courtesy of Jess Smith of Inquiring Chef

MARCH WINE CLUB:

Silky styleBarrel Series Chardonnay 2020Casas del Toqui
Chardonnay
Cachapoal Valley, Chile

SILKY WINE STYLE

This chardonnay has a complex nose, although it still maintains fresh and fruity aromas. There are dominant notes of pineapple and citrus, while the contribution of French Oak offers hints of caramel and vanilla. On the palate it has a great deal of volume, with a pleasant acidity and long finish.

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Viticulture: Vertical espalier
Vinification: Fermentation at 80˚F-84˚F, post fermentation maceration and aged in oak barrels for 6 months.
Closure: Screw cap
Pairing: Serve between 50˚F-53˚F with salmon or white meats

Vincent Johnson

Photo of Vincent Johnson

As a wine region, Chile is truly blessed. It has a Mediterranean climate that is similar to the climate in California and France. The climate and the geographical traits have helped Chile remain one of the only locations in the world that is resistant to phylloxera, the louse that destroyed many of the world’s best vineyards in the 1800’s. Chile is going through a wine revolution and the independents have broken away from Chile’s industrial wine culture to lovingly squeeze out small lots of wines, usually using organic, even spiritually tinged theories of winemaking. This new generation is much more conscious about the environment and committed to healthy, sustainable agriculture and also for the production of wines that have a stronger connection to local traditions.

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