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July Cheese Club: Iowa

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cheese_club_logo-1240x1240Iberico BonvallisBonvallis – Iberico Cheese Valladolid, Spain

Bonvallis Iberico Cheese is a Manchego-style cheese, one of the most eaten in Spain. An authentic Iberico Cheese must have, by law, a maximum of 50% cow’s milk, a minimum of 15% goat’s milk, and a minimum of 15% sheep’s milk. If these amounts are not specified on the label, the cheese cannot be labeled ‘Iberico’. Bonvallis Iberico Cheese is compact and firm in texture. It features herby, grassy flavors from the goat and ewe milk, and a smooth, creamy texture from the cow’s milk. It is slightly lactic, yet mild and buttery on the palate; making this cheese tasty and aromatic. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: Bonvallis Iberico Cheese pairs wonderfully with wines from our Bubbly wine style category, such as a Cava. Additionally, Iberico cheese pairs well with our Fruity & Spicy beers, such as a cider. WINESTYLES: Bubbly BEERSTYLES: Fruity & Spicy PRODUCTION: Located in Valladolid, the capital of Castilla y León, the family-run dairy, Bonvallis, has produced their cheeses since 1984. The region of Castilla y León is well known for its vast production of sheep and blend cheeses, and cured meat products. Long cold winters and dry hot summers are the perfect conditions for manufacturing their products. Bonvallis Iberico can be semi-cured (around 2 months), cured (4-6 months) and aged (over 7 months).

Idizabal DOPAraz Smoked Idiazabal Cheese Basque County, Spain

Smoked Idiazabal by Araz is a traditional, farmhouse, hard cheese made from raw milk of Latxa or Carranza sheep in the Basque and Navarra regions of northern Spain. Named after the village of Idiazabal, the cheese received Spanish D.O. (Denomination of Origin) in 1987, which defines the basic regulations for the product’s manufacturer. Idiazabal is produced in the shape of a cylinder, with a smooth and hard natural rind that is pale yellow to amber in color. The cheese has a compact texture that is dry, but not crumbly, and feels pleasantly oily in the mouth. The rind carries the marks of the wooden moulds in which it was drained and the cheese itself has a characteristic smoky flavor, coming from the fireplaces it is stored near during the summer. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: Idiazabal Cheese pairs beautifully with a medium-bodied tempranillo from our Fruity wine style category. It also pairs well with Fruity & Spicy beers, such as a cider or a sour. WINESTYLES: Fruity BEERSTYLES: Fruity & Spicy PRODUCTION: In the summer, the sheep migrate to higher pastures to graze on the blossoming, new grass. During this time, the artisanal cheese makers milk the sheep, make the Idiazabal cheese and leave it in the rafter to mature for a minimum ripening of 2 months. At the end of summer, when the cheese makers return back to the lowlands with their sheep, the cheese has ripened and is ready for sale.

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 >

Explore July’s Wine Club with Matt

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Pairing Recipe for Ananoa White Blend

Catalan Shrimp with Paprika

catalan shrimp recipe photoINGREDIENTS:
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/2 lbs ripe cherry tomatoes, halved
• 12 large, raw shrimp, peeled or not
• 1 tsp Paprika
• olive oil
• lemon
• salt & pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
• Add olive oil to sauté pan, on medium heat. Add tomatoes and stir for 1 minute. Add garlic cloves, paprika, salt and pepper to taste. Allow to simmer for 4 minutes. If pan is dry, add some white wine and lemon juice.
• Add shrimp and cover pan. Lower heat to medium-low. After 4 minutes, shrimp should be pink and cooked.
• Serve immediately with crusty bread.

Ananoa White Blend wine bottle imageSilky styleEncomienda de Cervera
Ananoa White Blend
Almagro, Spain

Established in 1758, Encomienda de Cervera takes great care of their vineyards, resulting in grapes of the best quality, without losing identity and tradition. Established at the turn of the 19th Century, the winery has been restored, expanded, and modernized, always respecting the environment, and improving the quality of their wines. In order to choose the best soil for each varietal, extensive edaphologic studies were performed on the soils to select among the best volcanic, clay-calcareous vineyards at the estate. The unique terroir and micro-climate makes this wine different and special. The volcanic soil contributes to the mineral expression and the refreshing acidity in the wine. This wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks, and aged for 6 months on its lees to obtain a higher complexity. Everything is blended in perfect balance and flavors.

Horten Espinosa winery owner“Medium straw yellow in color, floral note aroma with white fruit, like gooseberries and hints of aromatic herbs. Mineral palate, elegant and complex with a refreshing acidity and a long creamy finish.” – Horten Espinosa, owner

Style: Silky
Appellation: Campo de Calatrava, Almagro
IGP (Protected Geographic Indication): Vino de la Tierra de Castilla
Varietal Blend:  Chardonnay, Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc
Soil: Clay and stony soil with a smooth layer of volcanic origin
Analysis: 12.6% alcohol / volume
Critical Acclaim: Bronze Decanter, Silver in Mundus Vini and Bruxelles

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