July Bubbly Club: Iowa

Bubbly Wine ClubBoisset_LaVictoire_Champagne_AI9A0935a_hiBuena Vista Winery
La Victoire Brut Champagne
Champagne, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This champagne opens with elegant and complex aromas of grapefruit followed by rich honey and brioche notes. A crisp and intense palate offers flavors of white stone fruits, peaches and pears. The wine’s impressive mouthfeel is full and rich but well balanced, leaving delightful freshness on the palate.

Varietal: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Aging: 3+ years
Dosage: 8.7 g/L
Awards: Silver – March 2018 Texom International Wine Awards

WINEMAKING NOTES:
“In partnership with the largest family-owned proprietors of vineyards in Champagne, Buena Vista is proud to present our La Victoire Brut Champagne. This classic Champagne is made in the traditional style and is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Elegantly crafted, it offers the heritage of an incomparable style created to delight and make all great occasions special. Made up of 70% Pinot Noir, from Premier Cru vineyards from the Montagne de Reims, and 30% Chardonnay, mostly from Grand Cru Mesnil sur Oger and Chouilly, the wine received a dosage of 8.7 g/L. By law in Champagne, aging is 15 months minimum for non-vintage wines. Our La Victoire was aged more than 3 years.” – Buena Vista Winery

ABOUT BUENA VISTA WINERY:
Nestled in Sonoma on its original historic grounds, Buena Vista Winery was founded in 1857 by Agoston Haraszthy, the charismatic self‑proclaimed “Count of Buena Vista”. It was California’s first premium winery, renowned for its bold spirit and vibrant innovation. After decades of legacy and preservation, the property was lovingly revived in 2011 when it became part of Boisset Family Estates, under the stewardship of Jean‑Charles Boisset, who honored its colorful past while reinvigorating the estate. A pivotal milestone came in 2012, when the winery celebrated a grand reopening, welcoming guests back to its storied site after extensive restorations. Today, Buena Vista stands as a bridge between its rich 19th‑century heritage and contemporary winemaking, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in both history and the evolving legacy of California wine. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Buena Vista Winery and © Boisset Collection – All Rights Reserved.


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August Bubbly Club Iowa

Bubbly Wine ClubIron-Horse-Brut-bottleIron Horse Vineyards
Classic Vintage Brut 2019
Russian River Valley, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Classic Vintage Brut is considered the flagship wine of the estate and epitomizes the family’s dedication to excellence. Its quality and finesse evoke memories of Champagne, yet its flavors distinctly represent Sonoma County’s Russian River, Green Valley, and especially Iron Horse. Delightful and complex aromas of rising dough, orange marmalade, and baked apple lead to a perfectly balanced palate, showcasing ripe red apple, mandarin orange, and hazelnut. The intricate flavors and textures are matched only by the pure pleasure of its enjoyment.

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal:
67% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay
Dosage: 0.5-1.0 g/dL
Fermentation: Gently pressed as whole clusters yielding base wines of great delicacy. A long, cool ferment at 62º to 65ºF retains vibrant fruit esters. Individual lots of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with a shy nose and a touch of fruit are blended to create a sparkling wine that shows rich, nutty, and toasty aromas with a hint of fruit and wonderful complexity. The dosage for this wine is 8 mls of BdB LEX, 8 mls of Rued Chardonnay, 2 mls of 1986 LD Blanc de Blancs.
Accolades: 94 pts. Wine Spectator – “A bubbly with richness and verve, this cuvée offers lilting apple tart, crème brûlée and lemon verbena flavors that finish with a spicy, fresh ginger accent.” – T.F 9/23
Vineyard:

  • Soils: The Iron Horse estate is in the heart of Green Valley’s cool and foggy climate, 13 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The predominant soil-type is called “Gold Ridge”, a sandy loam that has excellent drainage and is perfectly, inherently balanced, making it one of the most coveted soil types, especially for growing Pinot Noir.
  • Farming: The certified sustainable estate features 164 acres under vine, planted exclusively to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir across a patchwork of gentle, rolling hills. Each of the 39 blocks has been planted with site-specific rootstock and clonal selections, enabling Iron Horse to farm, harvest, and vinify each block separately.
About Iron Horse Vineyards:
Founded in 1976 by Audrey and Barry Sterling, Iron Horse has become a prominent name in American sparkling wine. Located in the cool microclimate of the Green Valley AVA, the estate spans 300 acres, with 164 acres dedicated to vineyards split equally between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Today, the second generation—Joy Sterling and her brother Laurence—manage the estate, focusing on enhancing vineyard practices, adopting regenerative agriculture and sustainability initiatives, and supporting their community and the environment. Learn more here.
 

Photo and Information © Iron Horse Vineyards and Vintus – All Rights Reserved


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July Bubbly Club Iowa

Bubbly Wine Clubduckhorn-decoy-brut-rose-sparkling-wine-bottleDecoy
Limited Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Artfully combining Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this radiant Brut Rosé draws you in with tantalizing aromas of Bing cherry, wild strawberry, candied lemon rind and graham cracker. On the palate, generous fruit flavors are framed by a lively balance between luxurious mousse and vibrant acidity, which carries the wine to a bright, sophisticated finish.

Decoy-Varietal-ComboAnalysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal:
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
pH: 3.00-3.50
TA: 0.7-0.9 g/100 ml
RS: 0.00-0.12 g/100 ml
Dosage: 0.5-1.0 g/dL
Method: Méthode Champenoise

Production & Winemaking:
Crafted in the méthode champenoise style and harvested early, this stunning wine spent a year en tirage before being disgorged. This fresh and radiant Brut Rosé shimmers with layers of strawberry, summer melon and orange blossom.
 
About Decoy Wines:
From its inaugural vintage in 1985 by legendary vintners Dan and Margaret Duckhorn as the companion label to Duckhorn Vineyards, Decoy has evolved to the perfect and comprehensive entry-level luxury brand for the entire Duckhorn Portfolio. It is a collaboration of all Duckhorn Portfolio winemakers that produces high-quality wines at remarkable prices. Its fruit is sourced from distinguished grower and estate vineyards, making approachable yet complex wines that are ready upon release. Learn more here.
 

Photo and Information © Decoy Wines – All Rights Reserved


piper-sonoma-brut-bottlePiper Sonoma
Brut
Sonoma County, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Primarily composed of Chardonnay, with some Pinot Noir, this Brut is dry and fresh, with a long elegant finish, possessing crisp citrus flavors with hints of green apple, mandarin orange and brioche. Delicious on its own or the perfect foundation for memorable mimosas and other classic cocktails such as their signature Sonoma 75. This sparkling wine pairs perfectly with crab cakes, sautéed shrimp or sushi.

Piper Sonoma Brut has a pale gold color, petite bubbles and a rich, creamy texture. Sonoma’s warm summer days and cool nights prolong the growing season, producing flavorful grapes with fresh acidity. The fruit is harvested by hand in small containers and whole clusters are pressed to bring out pure aromas and flavors.

Appellation: Sonoma County, California
Analysis:
13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal:
70% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir, 3% Pinot Blanc, 7% Aged Reserve Blend
RS: 6.5 g/L
Method: Méthode Champenoise
Awards: 91 pts. – Wine Enthusiast

In the Vineyards:
With nearly forty years of experience in Sonoma County, the winemaking team source from more than 20 growers, some of whom, like the Greene, Young and Ledbetter families, have been supplying grapes for more than three decades. Many growers have adopted voluntary no-till farming practices, with a strict adherence to hillside ordinances. Sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management techniques have been integrated and organic or naturally derived fertilizers are utilized, while composted grape material is used as fertilizer to increase water efficiency and help build soil structure.
 
In the Cellar:
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc fruit is hand picked and brought directly to the winery. Each parcel is pressed and fermented separately, creating an extensive selection of base wines to choose from. Winemaker Keith Hock then tastes each component and selects those base wines that show potential to produce exceptional wine. The cuvée is placed en tirage for secondary fermentation in the bottle prior to disgorgement. Finally, a small percentage of older reserve wine is included in the liqueur d’expedition adding further complexity and texture.
 
House Style:
The Piper Sonoma house style is focused on precision and attention to detail. Each wine displays a balance between fruit expression, complexity and texture, to create wines that are immediately approachable and can further develop with bottle aging.
 
About Piper Sonoma:
Piper Sonoma was founded in 1980 by the Marquis d’Aulan family, direct descendants of the Piper family. Recognizing Sonoma as a great growing region for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and believing in its terroir, the family’s vision was to produce world-class sparkling wines in the New World, using old-world winemaking techniques. Nearly forty years later, the Piper Sonoma winemaking team continues to realize that vision and hand crafts premium sparkling wines under the guidance of long-time winemaker Keith Hock.
 
 
Photo and Information © Piper Sonoma. Video © Folio Fine Wines. – All Rights Reserved

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June Bubbly Club Iowa

Bubbly Wine ClubSB-NV-Brut-Rose-transparentSchramsberg Vineyards
Brut Rosé
North Coast, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Schramsberg’s Brut Rosé is fruitful, complex and dry, making it both versatile with food and delicious by itself as an apéritif. The character of the wine is strongly influenced by bright, flavorful Pinot Noir grown along the coast from southern Mendocino County to northern Marin County. A few small lots of Pinot Noir are fermented in contact with their skins to add depth and subtle color to this vibrant sparkling wine. Chardonnay gives spice, structure and length on the palate.

“The 2019 Brut Rosé opens with enticing aromas of raspberry, strawberry and peach, intermingled with layers of lemon shortbread, brioche and a hint of white florals. A bright entry of watermelon, cherry-limeade, candied orange and sugar cookie leads to a long quenching finish.” – Winemakers Sean Thompson, Jessica Koga and Hugh Davies 

Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume
Varietal:
66% Pinot Noir, 34% Chardonnay
TA: 8.0 g/L
pH: 3.19
RS: 9.0 g/L
Appellation: North Coast, California
County Composition: 48% Sonoma, 24% Napa, 22% Mendocino, 6% Marin
Harvest Dates: August 20 – September 24th, 2019
Release Date: September 1st, 2022
Barrel Fermentation: 32%
Critical Acclaim: 93 pts Wine Enthusiast, 92 pts Wine Spectator
Serving Suggestions: This is a very versatile wine; try it with sushi, salmon, rock shrimp, roast chicken BBQ ribs, Caprese and Panzanella salads, red berry tarts and an array of cheeses, charcuterie, nuts and fresh fruit. For more recipe inspiration, click here.

SchramsbergVineyards_Vineyard-Sources-2020

© Schramsberg Vineyards

Production & Winemaking:
Hand picking, careful handling and gentle pressing produce a wine of delicacy, aromatic purity and depth. Following the fall harvest and fermentation of the base wines, extensive tasting trails are carried out in the spring to create a polished blend reflective of the vintage. The finished blend undergoes a second fermentation in bottle before aging on its yeast lees for about two years, just enough to achieve refined effervescence and toastiness without diminishing its refreshing, vibrant appeal.
 
For 2019, winter brought an abundant amount of rainfall which helped restore the water reservoirs that had suffered from years of drought. With additional late rains in May, the vines had ample water for the growing season. The transition from veraison to full ripeness was very consistent due to the warm, but not hot, temperatures that were maintained during the summer. Harvest started slightly later than average, and in the end brought a bountiful crop with exceptional fruit structure, depth of flavor, and bright acidity.
 
About Hugh Davies – President and CEO:
Hugh-Davies-Headshot

© Hugh Davies, President and CEO

Hugh Davies was born in 1965, the year his parents, Jack and Jamie Davies, revived the historic Schramsberg Vineyards property in Napa Valley. Forty years later, Hugh was named president and CEO of the then 40-year-old sparkling wine house. Prior to 2005, he held the dual responsibilities of winemaker and general manager for the winery. He serves on the board of directors for the Napa Valley Vintners (president 2006), and with his family, chaired the 2004 Auction Napa Valley. For prior hands-on experience in the wine industry before joining Schramsberg, Hugh worked with Möet et Chandon in Epernay; Petaluma Winery in South Australia, and Mumm in Napa Valley, among others.
 
About Schramsberg Vineyards:
SB-Script-LogoIn 1965, Jack and Jamie Davies established Schramsberg as a sparkling wine estate on the property originally founded in 1862 by German immigrant Jacob Schram. At a time when there were only 22 bonded wineries in Napa Valley and fewer than 100 acres of California vineyards planted to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, they set out to make world-class sparkling wine in the true méthode champenoise style. Theirs was the first California winery to provide a Blanc de Blancs in 1965 followed by a Blanc de Noirs in 1967. Now their son Hugh Davies, who was born the same year the Davies arrived at Schramsberg, leads the winery’s management and winemaking team. Learn more
here.

Photo and Information © Schramsberg – All Rights Reserved


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Winery Spotlight: Benziger Family Winery October 27th

Wine Tasting Event

Benziger_logo

Benziger Family Winery
Sonoma County, California

Wednesday, October 27, 2021
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event, with guest speaker Chris Benziger of Benziger Family Winery in Sonoma County, California.

Wines Tasted:

  • Benziger Sauvignon Blanc
  • Benziger Chardonnay
  • Benziger Organic Reserve Chardonnay
  • Benziger Pinot Noir
  • Benziger Organic Reserve Pinot Noir
  • Benziger Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Benziger Organic Reserver Cabernet Sauvignon
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 on Zoom.
 
Benziger Wine Tasting
 
About Benziger Family Winery:

Founded in 1980, the Benziger winery focusses on three things: family, great wine and healthy vineyards. Mike Benziger and his wife Mary discovered the incredible property that became the family’s estate winery and home in the late 1970s. Soon after, all seven siblings were living on or close to the ranch as New York transplants in a Sonoma vineyard. In the mid-90s, they began transforming the home ranch to a Biodynamic farm. For more than 30 years, their ranch has been farmed on Sonoma Mountain and they search Sonoma County for the most distinctive and expressive vineyards. Benziger tends these sites using certified Biodynamic, organic and sustainable farming methods. The result is a portfolio of authentic and memorable wines. Learn more here.

 
About Chris Benziger:

Chris finished his senior year of high school in wine country, when he and his family moved from White Plains to Sonoma County. After high school, he studied Marketing at the University of San Francisco, while spending weekends and summers working at the family winery. In 1993, he officially joined the Benziger Family Winery as a Brand Manager. On top of these sales responsibilities, Chris continues to oversee the home ranch and the farm related duties tied to it. To learn more about Chris, click here.

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

Benziger Family Winery
Sonoma County, California

Wednesday, October 27, 2021
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

September Cheese Club: Iowa

Cheese ClubVermont Shepherd VeranoVermont Shepherd Verano Putney, Vermont

Coming from its name, Verano is Vermont Shepherd’s seasonal summer cheese; made from pure sheeps’ milk when their pastures are abundant with wild herbs and grasses. This summer cheese is one of their rarest and best US sheep’s milk cheese, Verano ages 3-5 months and ripens by August. It is a smooth and creamy, semi-hard cheese; highlighting a sweet, rich and earthy flavor with hints of clover, mint, and thyme. The rustic wheel has a rough, golden brown rind. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: Semi-hard Cheese, such as Verano pair incredibly with a Red Burgundy or White Bordeaux. These wines are well-balanced in acidity, fruit, and tannins to enhance the flavor of Verano.  As for beer, reach for an Amber Ale. This caramel and malt forward beer will play with the earthiness of Verano. Vermont Shepherd Verano_ WINESTYLES: Fruity BEERSTYLES: Malty & Sweet ABOUT VERMONT SHEPHERD: Vermont Shepherd is a 250-acre farm in Westminster West, Vermont with 300-700 sheep (depending on the time of year), 2 Border Collies (who herd the sheep) and 8 Maremma – a beautiful white dog who protects the sheep from predators – along with shepherds of all ages. At the northern edge of the farm is a cave which is home to their 2 types of cheese, where they live out the seasons of their lives.   Vermont Shepherd has won two conservation awards in 2002 and 2006 for the quality of its farming work and improving the soils, pastures, and water resources. 

Vella Dry Monterey JackVella Cheese Company Dry Monterey Jack Sonoma, California

Firm, pale yellow with a sweet nutty flavor. This cheese is great for grating, shredding, slicing, cooking or just plain eating. Marvelous in toasted cheese sandwiches, omelets and soufflés. Delicious shredded on pasta, soups or tacos, casseroles or enchiladas – for a taste that is unique and special. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Vella Cheese Co.’s Dry Monterey Jack pairs well with a bright, citrus forward Chardonnay from our Crisp or Fruity section. As for beer, this Jack pairs well with a Kolsch or a Blonde Ale from our Crisp and Clean section. Vella Dry Monterey Jack WINESTYLES: Crisp and Fruity BEERSTYLES: Crisp and Clean ABOUT VELLA CHEESE COMPANY: Gaetano (Tom) Vella arrived in Sonoma in the early 1920s, holding various jobs with the Sonoma Mission Creamery, in which his brother, Joseph, held considerable stock. Tom quickly built a reputation for his hard work, honesty and ability to make superior cheeses. In 1931, a group of dairymen approached Tom and offered to supply him with all the quality bulk milk he would need to successfully operate his own cheese factory. Tom jumped to the opportunity, and thus Vella Cheese Company was born. In 1981, the company was handed over to his children, and today is under the careful eye of his son, Ig Vella. Tom’s tradition and quality continues as cheese are still handmade, using sustainable practices and milk from local dairies. DRY MONTEREY JACK AWARDS:
  • 2014 Silver Medal, California State Fair
  • 2011 Gold Medal, Los Angeles County Fair
  • 2004 Gold Medal, Los Angeles County Fair
  • 1988 International Gold Medal Winner 

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 >

Winery Spotlight Tasting Event: July 22, 2020

Cline Family Cellars

Fred and Nancy Cline

Virtual Wine Tasting Event on Zoom

Cline Family Cellars

Wednesday, July 22 at 6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Zoom logoPlease join us for this month’s Winery Spotlight tasting event on Zoom, featuring Cline Cellars from Sonoma, California.  Special guests include Charlie Tsegeletos, winemaker of Cline Cellars and Megan Cline, Certified Sommelier and daughter of Fred and Nancy Cline. 

Charlie and Megan will be tasting through 6 different wines from Cline Cellars, starting with their Farmhouse White, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Ancient Vineyards Mourvedre, Sonoma Syrah and ending with Cline’s Cabernet Sauvignon.  Be sure to RSVP at your local WineStyles location or on Eventbrite.  Pre-order your wines in advance at your local participating WineStyles location and taste alongside Charlie and Megan on Zoom!

Cline Cellars Wine Tasting

Virtual Wine Tasting Cline Cellars

Built on a passion for winemaking and rooted in respect for the land, Cline Cellars is a family-owned and operated winery in Sonoma, California. In 1982, Fred Cline started making his first vintages from original plantings of Mourvedre, Zinfandel and Carignan, some of which dated back to the 1880’s. As one of the original Rhône Rangers, he began planting varietals that included vineyards dedicated to Syrah, Viognier and Marsanne and Roussanne.  Fred and his wife Nancy have continued to plant vineyards across Sonoma County.

Guest speaker Charlie Tsegeletos, Winemaker

Winemaker Charlie Tsegeletos

Charlie Tsegeletos, Winemaker

Charlie was born to be a winemaker. There was always wine in his Greek/Italian household in northern California, and his great-grandfather made wine in Guerneville in the 1930s. Charlie graduated from UC Davis in 1979 with a degree in Agricultural Science and Management/Plant Science, and honed his craft at Hacienda Wine Cellars, D’Agostini Winery, and Glen Ellen Winery. Since joining Cline Cellars in 2002, he has created legendary Zinfandels, distinctive Rhône-style wines, and Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, Merlot and Chardonnay. Charlie loves making wines that express the unique qualities of California fruit, and their specific sense of place. His mission is the creation of wines that surprise and delight the senses. Learn more about Cline’s Winemakers here.

Guest speaker Megan Cline, Certified Sommelier

Megan Cline

Megan Cline, Certified Sommelier

Following in the footsteps of her parents, founders of Cline Cellars, Megan also fell in love with the world of wine. After graduating from UC Santa Barbara and completing her Certified Sommelier training, she returned to Sonoma to work at the family winery. For Megan, it was love at first harvest.  “I like that wine is so much more than a beverage. It’s a combination of place’s history, geography, people, food, climate and traditions.”  Learn more about Megan >

Fred Cline Winemaking

Fred Cline

Grounded in Sustainability

Cline Cellars aims to be stewards of the land, not only through natural and sustainable Green String farming methods, but through an awareness of bringing interconnected systems into harmony. Cline Cellars is proud to be Certified California Sustainable Vineyard and Winery. From grape to glass, the program acknowledges a long-term commitment to sustainable wine growing and business practices.  RSVP to get a taste!

Cline Vineyards Sheep

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

Cline Cellars
Sonoma County
California

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

Cline Petaluma Gap Vineyard

April Wine Club Recipe Pairing

Chicken FrancaiseChicken Française

INGREDIENTS:
• 4 large skinless boneless chicken breast halves (2 pounds total)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 large eggs
• ½ stick (¼ cup) unsalted butter
• ½ cup dry white wine
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice plus 1 whole lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon
• ¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

DIRECTIONS:
• Place chicken breasts between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound chicken with flat side of a meat pounder or with a rolling pin until ¼ inch thick.
• Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking.
• While oil is heating, stir together flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a shallow bowl. Dredge 2 pieces of chicken, 1 piece at a time, in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Lightly beat eggs in another shallow bowl. When oil is hot, dip floured chicken into beaten eggs to coat, letting excess drip off, then fry, turning over once, until golden brown and just cooked through, about 4 minutes total. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and keep warm, loosely covered with foil. Fry remaining chicken in same manner.
• Pour off and discard oil, then wipe skillet clean and heat butter over low heat until foam subsides. Add wine, broth, and lemon juice and boil, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sauce is reduced to about ½ cup, about 6 minutes. Stir in parsley and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Spoon sauce over chicken and top with lemon slices. Serve over angel hair pasta or side of savory couscous.
© Recipe courtesy Recipe courtesy of Epicurious.com

APRIL WINE CLUB:

Maison L'EnvoyéRich WineStylesMaison L’Enoyoye
Russian River Valley
Somona, California

RICH WINE STYLE

‘Russian River has become one of the most sought after addresses for California Chardonnay for good reason – it produces wonderfully expressive fruit with concentrated flavors and high natural acidity. This Chardonnay release was sourced from two mature vineyard blocks on alluvial loams. The grapes were harvested in the cold of the morning and transported to the winery. Bunches were immediately crushed in an oxygen rich environment and fermented with natural yeasts. 25% of the wine was matured in seasoned French oak for 10 months and then bottled without fining or filtration.

Bill Nancarrow Winemaker“The nose reveals lifted aromas of citrus blossom, Asian pear, and preserved lemon, with underlying notes of white peach and fresh ginger. The palate is long with impressive depth and breadth. Flavors of dried pear, ripe lemon, custard apple and nuances of toasted cashew are interwoven along a clean, zesty finish.” – Bill Nancarrow, Winemaker

Winemaker: Bill Nancarrow
Appellation: Russian River Valley, California
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 14.1% alcohol / volume
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed & approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

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!

 

May Wine Club

May Wine ClubMother’s Day is right around the corner, why not share a glass with Mom?  She’ll enjoy this delicious Viognier, tasting note, pairing recipe and 4 complimentary tasting tickets (up to $80 value).  ** click here to learn more **

Easy Shrimp with Spinach and Alfredo Sauce

Shrimp Alfredo

Photo: Diana Rattray / The Spruce Eats

INGREDIENTS:
• 1 bunch of fresh spinach or 10 ounces frozen, thawed and squeezed
• 2 tablespoons butter • 1 ½ pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined*
• 1 bunch green onions, sliced (with about 2 inches of the green). Or use ¼ cup of finely chopped shallots for a more delicate flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 envelope (approximately 1.2 ounces) dry Alfredo sauce mix
• ¾ cup light cream or evaporated milk • freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Shredded or Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Serve with hot cooked pasta of your choice (vermicelli or fettuccine), a simple tossed salad and toasted bread

DIRECTIONS:
• Wash the fresh spinach and trim it. If you are using frozen spinach, cook it as directed on the package. Squeeze as much moisture out of the cooked spinach as possible.
• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet along with the fresh or frozen thawed and squeezed spinach and green onions. Cook until shrimp is pink, stirring constantly. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes longer.
• Sprinkle Alfredo sauce mix over the shrimp mixture and then stir to combine. Add the light cream and cook until heated through and thickened. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Serve along hot cooked pasta or boiled rice. Garnish with fresh, grated Parmesan cheese *
To thaw frozen shrimp quickly, put them in a colander and run cold water over them until thawed. Cook as directed. If you are using frozen cooked shrimp, thaw them and add them just before the dish is done. Heat through and serve with pasta and Parmesan.
© Photo by Diana Rattray, recipe courtesy of The Spruce Eats

Silky styleCline Family Cellars
Estate Grown Viognier
Sonoma Coast, California

Cline ViognierFrom grape to glass, Cline is proud to be a Certified California Sustainable Vineyard and Winery, acknowledging their long-term commitment to continual improvement in the field of winegrowing and business practices. The grapes for this Viognier were grown in two of Cline’s vineyards, both in the Sonoma Coast appellation which has a world-renowned reputation for producing excellent fruit. The soil is mineral-rich and needs very little irrigation. The vines are bathed in the early morning fog and warmed by the afternoon sun. Viognier grapes are late to ripen and picking them at the right time is crucial to the grape quality. These grapes were hand-harvested in the morning to retain freshness. Cline’s star winemaker is a master at the art of making stylish and cool-climate varietal wines, bringing out the best character in the fruit.

Winemaker Charlie Tsegeletos“Our Viognier offers distinct aromas of pear, apricot, orange blossom and honeysuckle with a fresh, bright demeanor. Serve this wine slightly chilled, and enjoy with salmon, shrimp fettuccine, or cayenne chicken salad.” Charlie Tsegeletos, Winemaker

Winemaker: Charlie Tsegeletos
Appellation: Sonoma Coast, California
Varietal Blend:  Viognier
Analysis: 15.0% alcohol/volume
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

 

Jacuzzi Chardonnay Pairing recipe

Jacuzzi ChardonnayJacuzzi Family Vineyards
Bianco Di Sei Sorelle
Chardonnay
Sonoma Coast, California
SILKY STYLE

The grapes for the Bianco di Sei Sorelle come from the Diamond Pile Ranch in the Petaluma Gap. This ranch grows low yielding grapevines planted in deep clay soils with a westward facing slope. This limits vigor while providing excellent conditions for sunshine and ripening. The cool fog and wind barrages the vineyard, slowing the ripening and retaining lively acidity while allowing flavors to develop slowly to a crescendo at harvest. The grapes were handpicked in the early morning to retain their vibrancy and natural flavor. At the winery, the grapes were destemmed and gently pressed into a tank ready for fermentation. Fermentation began naturally and completed at a very cool temperature to retain acidity and fruitiness. The lees were stirred regularly to further enhance the richness.

“The Bianco di Sei Sorelle has delightful aromas of citrus, green apple, pineapple, almond and grapefruit. It has great weight and texture with balanced acidity that keeps the palate fresh and gives it excellent length. It would be an ideal wine with light pasta dishes, chicken or seafood.” – Charlie Tsegeletos, winemaker.

Winemaker: Charlie Tsegeletos
Appellation: Sonoma Coast, California
Varietal Blend:  100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume, 3.74 pH
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

ITALIAN CHICKEN SALAD

italian chicken saladCROUTONS INGREDIENTS:
• 4 cups, ½ inch cubes Italian bread
• 2 Tbsps extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ tsp salt

VINAIGRETTE INGREDIENTS:
• ¼ cup seasoned rice wine vinegar
• 2 tsps Dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsps finely chopped shallot
• 1 tsp sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

SALAD INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups coarsely shredded rotisserie-cooked chicken
• 1 cup small bocconcini mozzarella
• 2 hearts of romaine, torn into bite-size pieces
• ½ cup chopped fennel
• 8 oz roasted red peppers, rinsed, drained and cut lengthwise into ¼ inch wide strips
• 1 cup assorted marinated pitted olives

DIRECTIONS:
• Bake croutons – Preheat oven to 400℉. Toss bread cubes with oil and salt in a large shallow baking pan and spread in one layer. Bake, turning over once, until golden and crisp, about 8 minutes. Cool in pan on rack.
• Make Vinaigrette – Whisk together all ingredients except oil in small bowl. Add oil in a slow stream, whisking until emulsified.
• Toss chicken and bocconcini together with ¼ cup vinaigrette in a bowl and let stand for 10 minutes.
• Make salad – Toss together romaine, fennel, red peppers, olives, chicken mixture, croutons and remaining dressing in a large bowl until combined.
• Serve with a glass of Bianco di Sei Sorelle. Recipe courtesy of Epicurious at Yummly.com