Tag Archives: syrah wine

Pumpkin Ravioli November Wine Club pairing recipe

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The team at WineStyles in Cedar Rapids, Iowa reviews our wine club this month, along with Beer Club and our holiday offer – Bottle Bucks Bonus cards!    If you’ve been on the fence to join our Wine Club, now is the time!  Get a $20 Bonus Card and enjoy this delicious Pumpkin Ravioli pairing recipe and Chardonnay from Martellotto Winery in Santa Barbara, California!  Happy Thanksgiving! Cheers!

Pumpkin Ravioli

pumpkin ravioliINGREDIENTS:
• 1 lb. piece pumpkin, calabaza or butternut squash, seeds and strings removed
• 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
• 2 tbsp grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano cheese, plus extra for serving
• ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• ¼ tsp fine sea salt
• 1 to 2 tbsp dried bread crumbs
• 1 ¼ lb. fresh egg pasta, try this recipe, https://nyti.ms/2PkzZtp
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter, clarified
• 2 tbsp kosher salt

DIRECTIONS:
In a large frying pan, melt butter. Add apple wedges and cook on high 3 to 5 minutes stirring frequently until apples soften.

Reduce heat and add sugar, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg and water. Simmer uncovered over low heat stirring frequently 10 to 12 minutes until sauce becomes thick. Remove heat and serve warm.

chardonnayMartellotto Winery
Melodeon
Chardonnay
Santa Barbara, California

The fanciful name “Melodeon” is the name given to foot-pumped organs used in the 19th century. Just imagine an old west saloon with gunslingers and whisky, with a melodeon organ music in the background. Melodeon was also commonly referred to as an accordion played while draped over a musician’s thigh. As such, the music of the time played in saloons of the Barbary Coast was referred to as melodeon. This black label “Melodeon” Chardonnay is as smooth, genuine, and lyrical as its name. This melodious Chardonnay’s low alcohol is the result of picking the fruit earlier, leading to a lovely natural acidity. After 10 months in oak with limited sulfur additions, the wine was minimally filtered and bottled.

winemaker Greg Martellotto“Notes of buttered toast, baked pecans, oak and vanilla carry through into the flavors of Melodeon. Creamy and buttery with a tension and nerve like makes the lips pucker.” – Greg Martellotto, winemaker

Winemaker: Greg Martellotto
Appellation: Sierra Madre, Santa Barbara, California
Varietal Blend:  100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 13.9% alcohol / volume, 3.36 pH
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

Premium Wine Club pairing recipe

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grilled-lamb-burgersGrilled Spicy Lamb Burgers

•  1 pound ground lamb
•  1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
•  1 teaspoon sherry
•  1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
•  1 teaspoon molasses
•  1 teaspoon ground cumin
•  ½ teaspoon ground allspice
•  ¼ teaspoon salt
•  2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
•  2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
•  2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
•  ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
•  4 pita bread rounds (or burger buns)
•  4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat grill for medium heat.  Place the lamb in a large bowl, and mix with the mint, cilantro, oregano, garlic, sherry, vinegar, and molasses. Season with cumin, allspice, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, and mix well. Shape into 4 patties.

Brush grill grate with oil. Grill burgers 5 minutes on each side, or until well done. Heat the pita pocket briefly on the grill. Serve burgers wrapped in pitas with feta cheese.  Recipe courtesy of AllRecipes.com

Bold_stickerstolpman-wine-petite-sirahStolpman Vineyards
Petite Sirah
Ballard Canyon AVA
Santa Ynez Valley, California

Over 20 years ago, founder Thomas Stolpman, discovered what he believed to be one of the greatest viticultural sites on earth. Hidden in the hills of California’s Central Coast, on a rare limestone outcropping and unobstructed from the Pacific Ocean wind, this unique land is naturally suited to grow Syrah and Roussanne grapes. The largest vineyard in the AVA, Stolpman Vineyards is considered the founding vineyard of the Ballard Canyon. The inky, black wine complements the bold flavors of BBQ perfectly. This wine stands up to a wide range of grilled meats, from lamb chops to classic BBQ dishes like ribs and brisket.

Sashi Moorman, winemaker

Sashi Moorman, winemaker

“Petite Sirah can often drink so big and ripe the wine becomes monolithic.  Not so with this cooler vintage Petite Sirah.  The nose shows glints of creosote and black pepper.Thanks to de-stemming all of the clusters, the body is lush and forgiving on the finish.  Even more unctuous and seamless after two years in neutral barrel, our Syrah fans will appreciate the Petite Sirah.  This Petite Sirah might be the top pick out of the current releases for grilled steak.” – Sashi Moorman, winemaker

Winemaker: Sashi Moorman
Appellation: Santa Ynez Valley, Ballard Canyon AVA, California
Varietal Blend:  100% Petite Sirah
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume, 3.81 pH, 6.6 TA g/L
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

Wine-Club-LogoJoin our Premium “Enjoy” Wine Club this month and receive two delicious wines from Stolpman and pairing recipes!

Every other month, you’ll receive two bottles of “If You Insist” premium wines that you’ll truly adore. These wines are top scoring or limited releases that you will thoroughly ENJOY or impress your friends!  Plus, you’ll enjoy 10% off wine purchases and 15% off additional purchases of wine club wines.

 

February Wine Club pairing recipe

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moroccan chicken tagineJacqueline’s Moroccan Chicken

Inspired by North African tagines.
INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion
• 3 medium carrots, sliced, 3 inch spears
• 1  tablespoon  fresh ginger, peeled and minced
• 1  teaspoon  cumin
• ¼  teaspoon  salt
• ¼  teaspoon  coriander
• ¼  teaspoon  cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon  fresh ground black pepper
• 4  garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ¼ cups  chicken broth
• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 7 ounces dried apricots, halved

DIRECTIONS:Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add half of chicken to pan, browning on all sides (about 5 minutes). Remove chicken from pan. Repeat with remaining chicken.

Add onion to pan; sauté for 3 minutes or until tender. Add ginger, cumin, salt, coriander, cinnamon, pepper and garlic; sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Stir in broth, scraping pan to deglaze. Return chicken to pan and simmer covered 1 hour or until tender.

Remove chicken using a slotted spoon; cool slightly then cut into bite-sized pieces and return to pan. Add chickpeas and apricots, then cover and simmer 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with preserved lemon slices and serve over couscous or rice. Serves 6.

PRESERVED LEMONS:
• 2 wide-mouth pint jam jars
• 10  lemons
• Coarse sea salt

Sterilize jam jars in your dishwasher set on hot. Wash and dry lemons and sterilized jars.  Cut 6 lemons lengthwise into quarters without cutting through the bottom.  Remove seeds. Pour coarse sea salt into the cut lemons, making sure all the sides/quarters are coated. Place 2-3 lemons in each jar, or as many will fit. Squeeze juice from remaining lemons to jars, covering fruit. Close lids tightly and refrigerate for at least 3 weeks, shaking occasionally. Rinse lemons before using. Recipe courtesy of Cline Cellars.

Cline_SingleVineyard_LosCarneros_Estate_SyrahBold_stickerCline Family Cellars
Estate Grown
Syrah Single Vineyard
Los Carneros, CA

A family-owned vineyard and winery in the beautiful Carneros regions of Sonoma County, California, Cline Cellars is situated on a historic 350-acre estate with sustainable farming.  Los Carneros is their finest Syrah offering. Grapes come from their 18-acre hillside estate vineyard in Sonoma’s Carneros district. Fog and afternoon winds from the nearby Pacific Ocean and San Pablo Bay cool the growing region, allowing the grapes to develop intense flavors. Grapes were handpicked and destemmed without being crushed. Enjoy this wine with big, spicy foods with plenty of zip, such as Blackened Ahi. 

charlie-tsegeletos

Winemaker, Charlie Tsegeletos

“This is our flavor-intense Syrah and is one of the most concentrated wines that we make at Cline Cellars.  The combination of tannin, acid, fruit and great mouth feel come together to created a big, well balanced wine” – Charlie Tsegeletos, winemaker.

Winemaker: Charlie Tsegeletos
Appellation: Los Carneros, California
Varietal Blend: 100% Syrah
Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

October Wine Club pairing recipe

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JoeDobbes-header

Granny Smith Apple Chutney

apple-chutneyINGREDIENTS:
• 3 Granny Smith apples sliced into 1 inch wedges
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup raisins or dried cranberries
•  ¼ cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg

DIRECTIONS:
In a large frying pan, melt butter. Add apple wedges and cook on high 3 to 5 minutes stirring frequently until apples soften.

Reduce heat and add sugar, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg and water. Simmer uncovered over low heat stirring frequently 10 to 12 minutes until sauce becomes thick. Remove heat and serve warm.

wbj_syrahBold_stickerWine by Joe
Dobbes Syrah
Willamette Valley, Oregon

Though a small-town boy raised in Willamette Valley, Joe Dobbes’ wine calling originated far from his home country. Stints in the Nahe and Burgundy regions in France provided Joe with a solid foundation in the Old World of winemaking, before returning to the U.S. and eventually beginning Joe Dobbes Wines in 2002. Today, he has succeeded in building one of the most well-established wine companies in Oregon. The estate vineyards cover some 214 acres in Willamette Valley and, in addition, Joe works closely with a number of elite Oregon vineyards to release single-vineyard wines and masterful cuvées under three labels – Dobbes Family Estate, Jovino and Wine By Joe, the last of which was named the #1 Hot Small Brand of 2011 by Wine Business Monthly.

JoeDobbes“20 months in neutral barrels has refined the tannins and created a full mid-palate with a smooth finish. This fruit driven Syrah expresses a full spectrum of bright red to dark berry fruits.  Floral and earth driven accents keep this food friendly wine alluring” – Joe Dobbes, winemaker

Winemaker: Joe Dobbes
Appellation: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal Blend:  100% Syrah
Analysis: 13.7% alcohol / volume, 3.7 pH
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed and approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

 

Spaghetti Carbonara

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WC-March-2015-3clubINGREDIENTS:
spaghetti-carbonara• 1 pound spaghetti
• 8 ounces (8 slices)bacon, cut 1” thick crosswise
• Course salt and freshly ground pepper
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• ¼ cup half-and-half

DIRECTIONS:
Set a large pot of water for boil (for pasta).  In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 8 to 12 minutes; transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate.
Salt boiling water generously; add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan, and half-and-half.  Set aside.
Drain pasta, leaving some water clinging to it.  Working quickly, add hot pasta to egg mixture.  Add bacon; season with salt and pepper, and toss all to combine (heat from pasta will cook eggs).  Serve immediately, sprinkled with additional Parmesan.  Recipe courtesy of Casa Agricola Alexandre Relvas.

Merino-Old-vinesHerdade Sao Miguel
Merino Old Vines
Alentejano, Portugal

Situated in the municipality of Redondo, Herdade encompasses 175 hectares of which 35 are planted vines in loam soil and 97 hectares contain cork trees that were planted between 1998 -1999.   Herdade was acquired by Alexandre Relvas in 1997, who dedicates his efforts to the breeding and conservation of local species in extinction throughout the vineyard’s territory.   The Aragonez is one the most well known grape varieties in the Iberian Peninsula. It originates in Spain, where it is named Tempranillo.  The Aragonez grape develops wines containing a high degree of alcohol, low acidity and greatly aromatic with red fresh fruit.

winemakers“A juicy, medium-bodied red, showing dark plum and red currant flavors, with accents of black licorice.  Milk chocolate notes emerge on the spicy finish. Pairs nicely with pasta, poultry and soft cheeses“, winemaker Alexandre Relva.

Winemaker: Alexandre Relva
Appellation: Alentejano, Portugal
Varietal Blend:  50% Aragonez, 30% Syrah, 20% Alicante Bouschet
Analysis: 13.0% alc/vol

Merino_winery

Syrah-braised Lamb Shoulder

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syrah-braised-lamb-shoulderINGREDIENTS:
•  2 tablespoons ground cumin
•  3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
•  Salt and freshly ground pepper
•  One 5-pound boneless lamb shoulder roast, tied
• 1 bottle Alberti El Necio Syrah
• 4 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
• 12 thyme sprigs, tied with string

DIRECTIONS: Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a small bowl, mix the cumin with 2 tablespoons of the oil and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the lamb.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy casserole or Dutch oven. Add the lamb shoulder and brown it well over moderately high heat, about 15 minutes. Transfer the lamb to a large plate. Wipe out the casserole.

Return the lamb to the casserole.  Add the wine, chicken stock and thyme sprigs and bring to a boil. Cover with a tight- fitting lid and transfer the casserole to the oven. Braise the lamb for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, turning the meat occasionally, until tender.Transfer the lamb to a large platter and cover with foil.  Discard the thyme sprigs. Boil the braising liquid until reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 40 minutes.

Remove the strings from the roast. Slice the lamb, transfer to plates or a platter and spoon the sauce on top.  Recipe compliments of Bodega Calle

mellowElNecio_SyrahBodega Calle
Alberti 154 El Necio
Reserva Syrah
Mendoza, Argentina

Located in the prestigious wine region of Luján de Cuyo, Bodega Calle produces high quality wines in a sustainable way.   2012 marks their  sixth Syrah vintage.  Access to a superb vineyard in Argrelo allows Bodega Calle to make a small quantity of concentrated, memorable wine via organic farming.  Bright purple in the glass, with roasted aromas of dark cherry, ripe blackberry, bacon fat and vanilla.  Cocoa and licorice notes saturate the palate and wine finishes round and direct.

Winemaker: Matteo Viana
Appellation: Alto Agrelo, Argentina
Varietal Blend:  100% Syrah
Analysis: 15.0% alc/volume