Tag Archives: Washington State

March Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubEroica Riesling wine bottleEroica
Riesling
Columbia Valley, Washington State

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This wine showcases the elegant purity of truly great Riesling. Sourced from cool climate vineyards, Eroica shows exuberant freshness with inviting stone fruit, citrus, and floral notes. Drink now to experience the youthful charm or age this wine for added complexity.

Blend: 100% Riesling
Analysis: 11% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.14
TA: .86 g/100ml
RS: 1.90 g/100ml
Appellation: Ancient Lakes AVA, Columbia Valley, Washington
Recommended Food Pairings: Crab, scallops, sushi, asian dishes, Indian curries

WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING RECOMMENDATION: Try this wine with triple-cream cheese, its rich, creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor stand up nicely to the Riesling’s fruitiness and crisp acidity. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

WINEMAKING NOTES:
To protect flavor intensity, grapes were harvested at night when the vineyard temperatures were coldest. Berries went direct to press, avoiding the possible loss of freshness caused by a crusher/de-stemmer. Aged 10 months in 100% stainless steel to heighten the vibrant flavors in the wine.

VINTAGE NOTES:
Despite extreme cold weather in January, the majority of vineyards across Washington state demonstrated remarkable resilience, with minimal winter damage and normal yields. The 2024 vintage saw typical temperatures, requiring less canopy and crop management, which allowed the vintage to naturally showcase its character. Favorable harvest conditions, with warm days and cool nights, created an ideal balance of tannin and acidity, leading to exceptional fruit quality. Both red and white varietals thrived under spectacular ripening conditions producing decadent, intense and well-balanced wines.

VINEYARD NOTES:
Eroica begins in the vineyard taking close consideration the proper site selection, irrigation management, crop levels and canopy management. Vineyard managers work to adjust yields and manage fruit exposure to prolong the ripening season for added flavor development. The Riesling was sourced from the Evergreen Vineyard located in the Ancient Lakes AVA.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Launched in 1999, Eroica is a labor of love for two of the world’s great Riesling producers—one from the Old World, Dr. Loosen estate of Germany, and the other from the New World, Chateau Ste. Michelle of Washington state. Named from Beethoven’s Third Symphony, Eroica reflects its heritage: elegant yet bold from Washington roots and refined from German inspiration. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Eroica – All Rights Reserved.

August Kesseler Riesling wine bottleAugust Kessler
Riesling
Rheingau, Germany

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This everyday sip wine is fruity, mineral and well balanced. Typical flavors of ripe fruits, aromatic apples & peaches. Well-structured and delightful as well. In the mouth, the interaction of mouth-watering fruits and minerals are positively shimmering – very delicate and refreshing on the palate.

Varietal: Riesling
Analysis: 10.5% alcohol / volume
Acidity: 7.9 g/L
RS: 28 g/L
Region: Rheingau, Germany
Vinification: Stainless Steel
Temperature: 50-54ºF
Aging: 2029
Allergens: Contains sulfites
Green Practices: EcoStep Wein Plus
Pairing Suggestion: Chicken, turkey, salads, fish and seafood

WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING RECOMMENDATION: Try this cheese with a Gruyère, its firm texture and nutty, slightly savory flavor work really well with Rheingau Riesling’s bright acidity and citrus-driven profile. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

VINEYARD:
August Kesseler’s “R” comes from vineyards in Rüdesheim, Geisenheim & Erbach. The sites are characterized by slate, Taunus quartzite, loess and loam.

VINIFICATION:
Each parcel is vinified separately. Shortly before bottling we are assembling the cuvée. The 2023 vintage has been manufactured in a double stored cellar from 1792.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
When August Kesseler took over his parent’s establishment founded in 1924, he was only 19 years old. Back then, mainly bulk wine was produced and the area covered was not larger than 2.5 hectares. Under August Kesseler’s guidance the estate has become one of the flagships in the Rheingau area. Down to the present day it has also acquired high international reputation. Today the vineyard estate contains 32.5 ha in some of the best Rheingau sites like: Assmannshäuser Höllenberg, Rüdesheim Berg Schlossberg, Lorchhäuser Seligmacher, Hattenheimer Wisselbrunnen and many more. They produce 60 % Riesling and 40% Pinot Noir and a member of the VDP and the German Barrique-Forum. Max Himstedt is the estate’s most experienced and ambitious winemaker who pushes forward the production of word class wines. For a couple of years August Kesseler and especially Max Himstedt have been joined by another ambitious and young oenologist: Simon Batarseh. Together with the first two mentioned and the whole team, Simon is going to lead the estate into the future. Thus, the course is set to keep producing quality wines at the highest stage. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © August Kesseler and Vineyard Brands – All Rights Reserved.

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Two Mountain Tempranillo

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BBQ pork with cheesy grits

BBQ Pork with Cheesy Grits

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 cups of water
  • 1 cup stone ground yellow grits
  • 1 tsp of salt
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • fresh cracked black pepper
  • 2 cups rib meat from leftover pork ribs
  • ¾ cup BBQ sauce

DIRECTIONS:

  1. In a large pot bring the water to a boil. Next add the salt, cayenne pepper and butter.
  2. Gradually add the grits to the boiling water using a whisk to prevent any lumps.
  3. Lower the heat to simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
  4. While grits are simmering, pick meat from pork ribs and chop. Place in a small saucepan with BBQ sauce and cook on low for 10 minutes.
  5. Gradually whisk the cheese a little at a time into the grits until completely incorporated. Cook another 5 minutes.
  6. Plate with divided grits, topped with BBQ pork rib meat. Garnish with fresh cracked black pepper and chopped parsley (optional).

© Recipe courtesy of Kevin is Cooking.

JUNE WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logo2-Mountain-Tempranillo-bottleTwo Mountain Winery
Tempranillo
Yakima Valley, Washington

MELLOW WINE STYLE

The Two Mountain Tempranillo opens with hints of overripe fig, forest-fresh Hemlock, and a smidge of toasted pine nuts. It is then followed by dried tobacco, sun-dried tomatoes, and coriander dust. Once you have been tantalized by the aromatics, the palate is treated to soft tannins mixed with nice acid, a touch of subtle oak and flavors of rich earth, dark huckleberry, sage and a freshly rolled cigar. This is definitely an old world-esque Tempranillo from the new world Washington State. Be prepared, be very prepared.

Varietal: 100% Tempranillo
Analysis: 13.9% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Yakima Valley, Washington
Vineyard: Various Estate Vineyard Plots
Production: 200 cases

About Two Mountain Winery:

“Our name, Two Mountain Winery, is inspired by the majestic views of Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier which serve as the backdrop of Copeland Vineyard. It’s a simple moniker that reflects our minimalistic approach to growing and making wine with a proud nod to the incredible valley in which we farm.

There’s something uniquely fulfilling in working the same ground as our uncle, grandfather, and great- grandfather. It would be easy to take this humble life for granted, but we consider our role as growers to be more than just wine grape production. We have an obligation to operate in a way that ensures the next generation inherits a world worthy of their potential. Becoming Washington State’s first certified sustainable vineyard not only validates our efforts as growers, but reminds us of how fortunate we are to be surrounded and supported by an incredible team that is committed to making the right decisions for our land, our planet, and our customers.

We like to joke that four generations of Yakima Valley farming pulsing through our veins predisposed us to dirty fingernails and an inherent love of the land, but it really is the truth. We love this life, and we’re lucky to have it. We hope that shines through in our wines and that you enjoy them as we prefer—with friends and family.” – The Brothers, Matthew & Patrick Rawn

Information © Two Mountain Winery – All Rights Reserved.

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Sonder Field Blend

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Creamy Leftover Turkey SoupCreamy Leftover Turkey Soup

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • 4 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms
  • 1 clove garlic crushed
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 6 cups turkey broth OR chicken, OR vegetable
  • 3 medium carrots peeled and sliced
  • ½ pound baby potatoes halved or quartered
  • ½ cup wild rice blend
  • 1 cup half & half
  • 4 cups cooked Turkey meat shredded
  • ½ cup corn
  • salt & pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Cook aromatics: Heat butter and oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened, 4-5 minutes.
  2. Cook mushrooms: Stir in mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until mushrooms have softened. Stir through garlic and cook for one more minute.
  3. Season: Reduce heat to medium-low. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and flour evenly over mushroom mixture, stir well for 1 minute.
  4. Add broth: Gradually pour in broth, stirring constantly, to keep any lumps from forming.
  5. Simmer: Stir in carrots, potatoes and rice. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook, covered, until rice is nearly done (about 20-25 minutes for parboiled rice, about 35 minutes for regular).
  6. Finish soup: Once rice is nearly ready, open lid and stir soup well. Add half and half, cooked turkey meat and corn. Stir well, then simmer over medium heat, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until heated through.
  7. Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

© Recipe courtesy of Nora from Savory Nothings.

NOVEMBER WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoSonder-Field-Blend-bottleSonder
Field Blend
Columbia Valley, Washington

MELLOW WINE STYLE

From the Andrews Family Vineyard and Coyote Canyon Vineyard, whole berries were used with 25% stems. Five-day cold soak under dry ice followed by fermentation by native yeasts. Aged for 5 months in a mix of neutral French puncheons and stainless steel.

Varietal: Counoise, Grenache, Cinsault, Viognier, Roussanne
Analysis: 13.1% alcohol / volume
Total Acidity: 5.5 g/L
pH: 3.74
AVA: Columbia Valley
Vineyard: Andrews Family Vineyard/Coyote Canyon Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Sonder wines are driven by simplicity and authenticity, creating wines that are minimally intervened to showcase each vineyard and the nuances that mother nature may bring to each vintage. They strive to create wines they love to drink: bright, playful, juicy and delicious. Learn more about the winery here.

Photos and information © Sonder Wines – All Rights Reserved.

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Winery Spotlight Series: September 21, 2022

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TheDuckhornPortfolio_PrimaryLogo

The Duckhorn Portfolio
with Guest Speaker, Kyle Lee
California and Washington State Wines

Wednesday, September 21, 2022
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event featuring Duckhorn Portfolio wines and guest speaker, Kyle Lee, joining us live on the big screen. Kyle Lee, District Manager for The Duckhorn Portfolio and Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW), will be sharing the six wines below from The Duckhorn Portfolio.

Wines Tasted:

  1. Decoy Sparkling, Brut Cuveé NV, California
  2. Decoy Limited, Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, California
  3. Calera, Pinot Noir, Central Coast, California
  4. Migration, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California
  5. Postmark, Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, California
  6. Canvasback, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, Washington State

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!

Sept21_Duckhorn_bottles

About The Duckhorn Portfolio:

One of North America’s premier luxury wine companies, with ten renowned wineries, eight state-of-the-art winemaking facilities, seven beautiful tasting rooms and more than 1100 coveted acres of vineyards spanning 24 sustainably farmed Estate properties. Established in 1976, when legendary vintners Dan and Margaret Duckhorn founded Napa Valley’s iconic Duckhorn Vineyards.  Today, their wines are sold throughout the USA and 50 countries around the world. Learn more here.

© Photo from The Duckhorn Portfolio
© Photo from The Duckhorn Portfolio
© Photo from The Duckhorn Portfolio

About Kyle Lee, CSW:

Kyle Lee Headshot

Kyle Lee, CSW

Kyle Lee is the District Manager for Wisconsin and Minnesota for The Duckhorn Portfolio. Responsibilities include managing sales, distribution, trade education, hosting events, and sharing the Duckhorn Portfolio family of brands. After graduating college, where Kyle was a 4-year letter winner on the university’s baseball team, he began a career in the wine industry as a Sales Representative for a distributor in Wisconsin. Kyle’s many accomplishments include numerous performance recognitions and completion of requirements to become Certified Specialist of Wine. When not working, Kyle enjoys spending time on the lake or in the mountains, golfing, skiing, and hanging out with family, including his wife and his adorable 3 year old daughter, Raegan. He and his wife are also expecting their 2nd child any day!

© Photo from The Duckhorn Portfolio
© Photo from The Duckhorn Portfolio

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting with Kyle Lee
The Duckhorn Portfolio
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST
Cheers!
WineStyles.com