Tag Archives: wine club

April Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubStella-Rosa-Royale-Bottle ImageStella Rosa
Stella Royale Rosso
Veneto, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

With its higher alcohol content, yet still smooth finish, Stella Rosa Royale retains that delicious semi-sweet nature with its fresh natural flavors of raspberries, strawberries and other red berries. This is the perfect wine to pair with any food, just remember to serve it chilled.

Analysis: 8% alcohol / volume
Primary Grape Varietal: Barbera, Brachetto, Nebbiolo

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: A creamy, yet tangy, blue cheese like Gorgonzola or Roquefort can provide a bold flavor contrast to the sweetness of the wine. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

About the Winery:
It all started in 1917, when the Riboli family founded Los Angeles’ historic San Antonio Winery. Back then, Los Angeles was the prime location for wine growing in all of California. For some time, the wine industry reigned as one of Southern California’s most economically significant and popular industries of that time. After surviving Prohibition and about a century later, the Riboli family has continued its artisan winemaking tradition through four generations. Within the tasting rooms of San Antonio Winery, customers repeatedly requested a sweeter, light, refreshing wine. The Riboli family took this unique opportunity to create a new semi-sweet, semi-sparkling wine style, which today, they are the leader. And so, Stella Rosa was born. Learn more here.

Wine Cocktail: Berry Regal
Try this delicious wine cocktail at your next brunch:

  • 2 oz Stella Rosa Royale
  • 1 oz Grand Marnier
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1 cup frozen raspberries
  • 1 cup frozen blackberries
  • agave (to taste)
  • Add Grand Marnier, frozen fruits, and agave to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glass and stir in Stella Rosa® Royale.

Photo and Information © Stella Rosa and San Antonio Winery – All Rights Reserved

Moscato-Asti_Bottle ImageVietti
Moscato d’Asti DOCG
Castiglione Falletto, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Bright straw-yellow in color with slightly shimmering hints of gold. This wine has intense aromas of ripe yellow fruit (peach and apricot), floral notes (rose petals and acacia flowers) and ginger. Sweet and delicate on the palate, with the modest acidity, good balance and complexity. Hints of fresh apricot on the finish.

Analysis: 8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Moscato

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: The nutty and salty flavors of Parmigiano-Reggiano can provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the wine. Its firm texture and complex flavor profile make it an excellent pairing option. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Winemaking:
The grapes are sourced from small vineyards in Castiglione Tinella, with 4,500 plants per hectare. The vines, cultivated with the Guyot-system have an average age of 40 years. Limestone and clay-rich soil.

The grapes are harvested by hand in and around late August/early September. The vinification begins with a gentle pressing of the grapes and natural cold decanting. The must is stored at a very low temperature in stainless-steel tanks to avoid spontaneous fermentation. Throughout the year, individual portions of the must are put in an autoclave at a temperature of 12-14 degrees to initiate alcohol fermentation. When 5.5% alcohol by volume is reached, the temperature is quickly reduced to stop the fermentation. The wine, which is only partially fermented, is then filtered. The wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation and is bottled using sterile filtration, to maintain its natural freshness, aromas and fine bubbles.

About the Winery:
Almost 150 years have passed since its foundation. It was the end of 1800 when Carlo Vietti started the Vietti winery, right in the heart of the Langhe, on the highest point of the medieval village of Castiglione Falletto. In the very same place where it is located today. Vietti is renowned for its commitment to crafting exceptional wines that express the unique terroir of Piedmont. From their iconic Barolo to elegant Barbera and beyond, each bottle reflects a harmonious balance of tradition and innovation. Embracing sustainable practices, Vietti’s vineyards yield grapes of unparalleled quality, resulting in wines that captivate enthusiasts worldwide. Passion, heritage, and a deep connection to the land define Vietti, making it a cherished gem of Italian winemaking. Learn more here.

Photo and Information © Vietti – All Rights Reserved

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Tenuta Talamonti Sangiovese Terre di Chieti IGP

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Vegetarian AntipastiVegetarian Antipasti

INGREDIENTS:

Vegetables:

  • 1 eggplant
  • 1 zucchini
  • 3 bell peppers (yellow, red, and orange)
  • 9 oz button mushrooms
  • 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, needles removed and roughly chopped
  • 4 sprigs of fresh thyme,  leaves pulled off the stem

For the Marinade:

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • sea salt, to taste
  • red pepper flakes (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Make the marinade: combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir well. 
  2. Slice the vegetables. Cut the eggplant and the zucchini into rounds, the bell pepper into slices, and the mushrooms into halves. 
  3. Then place the veggies in a large bowl, and add the fresh rosemary, and the marinade. Stir carefully so all of the vegetables are covered with the marinade. 
  4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the vegetables on the prepared baking sheet. Spread out evenly.
  5. Bake for 40 minutes. Stir once after 20 minutes. 

© Recipe and Photo courtesy of Vegan Heaven. All rights reserved.

APRIL WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoMagnolia_Sangiovese-flowerTenuta Talamonti
Magnolia 
Sangiovese Terre di Chieti IGP
Abruzzo, Italy

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Intense bouquet of ripe red fruit. Dominated by fruit with subtle notes of vanilla and sweet basil. Brilliant ruby-red color.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Sangiovese
Appellation: Abruzzo IGP, Italy
Residual sugar: 4 g/L
Recommended Pairings: Eggplant Parmesan, thin crust pizza, vegetarian antipasti

PRODUCTION METHOD:
The brief 3-month aging in neutral oak barrels ensures a soft, fresh, and juicy wine from the Italian grapes.

Antonella Di Tonno and Rodrigo Redmont in the barrel room pouring wine

Antonella Di Tonno and Rodrigo Redmont

ABOUT TENUTA TALAMONTI:
Talamonti was founded in 2001 by the Redmont – Di Tonno family, in a magnificent, unspoiled part of the Abruzzi.  With a rich heritage dating back generations, this family-owned estate cultivates premium grapes in the pristine Teramo hills, producing exquisite wines celebrated worldwide. Meticulously crafted using sustainable practices, each bottle reflects a harmonious blend of innovation and respect for the land. From their renowned Montepulciano d’Abruzzo to elegant Trebbiano and beyond, Tenuta Talamonti wines embody the terroir’s unique character, offering aficionados an unforgettable journey through the flavors and aromas of Italy’s vibrant viticultural landscape. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Tenuta Talamonti – All Rights Reserved.

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April Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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ArrosticiniArrosticini (skewers)

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1.5 lbs. diced lamb
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 4 rosemary sprigs
  • sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Combine the lamb, oil and seasoning and rosemary in a bowl, turning over with your hands. Leave to marinate for 1 hour.
  2. Thread the lamb onto skewers (if using wood skewers soak them in water first, 10-30 minutes, so not to catch fire), and grill on the barbecue for about 5–10 mins until cooked and browned.

© Recipe courtesy of The Nosey Chef.

APRIL WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoMagnolia_Montepulciano-flowerTenuta Talamonti
Magnolia
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC
Abruzzo, Italy

BOLD WINE STYLE

This classic wine has an intense bouquet of ripe black fruit. Rich in fruit, lively, finely framed by oak spices. Ruby-red with violet undertones.

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Montepulciano
Appellation: Abruzzo DOC, Italy
Residual sugar: 4 g/L
Recommended Pairings: Arrosticini, Porchetta, Hamburgers

PRODUCTION METHOD:
The 6-month aging in large French oak barrels ensures soft tannins and elegance to create a plush classic red that Italians enjoy.

ABOUT TENUTA TALAMONTI:
Nestled in the picturesque Abruzzo region of Italy, Tenuta Talamonti Winery epitomizes the essence of Italian winemaking tradition. With a rich heritage dating back generations, this family-owned estate cultivates premium grapes in the pristine Teramo hills, producing exquisite wines celebrated worldwide. Meticulously crafted using sustainable practices, each bottle reflects a harmonious blend of innovation and respect for the land. From their renowned Montepulciano d’Abruzzo to elegant Trebbiano and beyond, Tenuta Talamonti wines embody the terroir’s unique character, offering aficionados an unforgettable journey through the flavors and aromas of Italy’s vibrant viticultural landscape. Learn more here.

Information, Video & Photos © Tenuta Talamonti – All Rights Reserved.

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March Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine Clubterra-doro-zinfandel-port-bottleTerra D’oro Winery
Zinfandel Port
Amador County, California

NECTAR WINE STYLE

The name Terra d’Oro (Italian for “land of gold”) perfectly reflects the Amador region’s richness of its history, natural resources, and wines. Terra d’Oro Zinfandel Port’s amazing aromas evoke raisined berry fruit, candied dates, caramel, dark chocolate and orange peel. Rich flavors of cocoa, toffee, raisin and coffee follow through to a full-bodied, medium-sweet palate with a long finish.

WINE DETAILS:

Analysis: 18.89% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Port
Acidity: 0.6
Accolades: 93 points

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Pair with an aged cheddar – the sharpness and nutty undertones will provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the Port. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Vineyard Notes:
Terra d’Oro Non-Vintage Zinfandel Port is a fortified red dessert produced from Zinfandel grapes sourced from the rolling foothills of Sierra Foothills, a region known for creating elegant, rich and full-bodied Zinfandel. A combination of vintages of late harvested grapes creates a seductive history of Port in one glass.

Winemaker Notes:
Terra d’Oro Zinfandel Port is the last project during harvest, allowing the grapes’ sugar levels to rise and the acid levels to slowly fall, creating a sumptuous and sweet wine. After the Zinfandel grapes are crushed and de-stemmed, the must is inoculated and begins fermenting in stainless steel tanks. During fermentation, yeasts convert sugar to alcohol while extracting ripe juicy fruit flavor, tannin and color from the grape skins. Once the wine reaches a carefully chosen sugar level, the addition of un-aged grape brandy — a process known as fortification — is introduced. After fortification, the high alcohol levels stop fermentation and help extract even more flavor from the skins. The leftover residual sugar gives the wine its sweet edge. Using a traditional “Solera” style method of aging, the newest vintage is blended with several previous vintages. The Zinfandel Port is aged in a combination of French, American, and Hungarian oak barrels creating a velvety, rich and polished dessert wine.

About the Winery:
Amador’s first winery established after Prohibition was founded in 1970 by renowned winemaker Cary Gott, and he released the first wines under the Terra d’Oro label in 1973.  Terra d’Oro’s early success with Amador Zinfandel and other wines, in particular Italian varietals, were key in helping re-establish the region’s reputation for fine wine. In 1988, the Trinchero family, which had been purchasing grapes from the Amador region for 20 years, purchased the winery and 240-acre vineyard. Over the years, the family has invested in subsequent vineyards, and in early 2000, completed construction of a new, state-of-the-art winery at the site of the original winery, designed to unlock the potential of each acre of Terra d’Oro’s vineyards. Learn more here.

Amador County AVA:
The Amador County AVA is synonymous with Zinfandel and other rich reds such as Barbera and Petite Sirah, with good reason. The area’s elevation and its iron-rich volcanic and granite soils produce small yields of intensely flavored fruit. Learn more here.

Information and photos © Terra D’oro Winery – All Rights Reserved.

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March Premium Wine Club

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Bold wine Style logobg_pn_eulenloch_2019-1661470498969Belle Glos
2021 Eulenloch
Pinot Noir
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Dark ruby red, with aromas of dried cherry, raspberry, blueberry and cedar. A rich opulent wine, offering flavors of ripe plum, blackberry, cocoa, black licorice and dried herbs. This wine is bold and well-balanced with lively acidity and refined tannins.

VINEYARD NOTES:
The Eulenloch Vineyard is located in the Carneros region of Napa Valley and its predominantly comprised of clay soils which retain water but are remarkably shallow. When combined with the cool coastal breeze, these characteristics provide ripe fruit that is complex and nuanced. Eulenloch Pinot Noir offers structure, suppleness, length, and depth.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Owner/winemaker, Joseph Wagner chose the name Belle Glos (pronounced “BELL GLOSS”) to honor his grandmother, Lorna Belle Glos Wagner. Lorna was a co-founder of Caymus Vineyards, an inspirational figure to Joseph and an avid lover of Pinot Noir. Belle Glos showcases distinctive Pinot Noirs produced from California’s most noteworthy coastal wine-growing regions. Although each vineyard location lies near the Pacific Ocean, the climate differences are significant for each. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Belle Glos – All Rights Reserved.

Bold wine Style logoBeaulieu-Vineyard-Tapestry-NV-Red_750_bBeaulieu Vineyard
2019 Tapestry Reserve
Red Blend
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Blending five Bordeaux-heritage grape varieties grown within the Napa Valley, this blend came together seamlessly, offering nuance, complexity and balance. The Cabernet Sauvignon, exhibits a bounty of dark bramble berry fruits, with notes of blackberry, boysenberry, blueberry cobbler, wild black cherry and red currant, alongside notes of root spice, ginger, and musky perfume. The Merlot adds vibrancy and riper notes of black raspberry and dark plum, while also softening the tannins, contributing to a velvety-rich, supple mouthfeel. Malbec adds fresh raspberry notes, while the Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot complete the blend with darker berry fruits and savory spices, alongside delicate floral and woodsy nuances of black pepper, cedar, forest floor and wild sage. Well integrated notes of mocha and caramel, having been aged in new French oak barrels, heighten the overall aromatic expression, and lengthen the spiced multi-layered finish. The firm, grippy tannins lead to a sense of depth, and will ensure the wine’s ability to age for many years to come. A classic example uniting old world techniques with new world winemaking, all while showcasing the true elegance, generosity and allure of Napa Valley.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Analysis: 14.7% alcohol / volume
  • Varietal: 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 13% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot
  • Appellation: Napa Valley, California
  • pH: 3.72
  • Oak Treatment: 19 months of agin in French Oak (60% new barrels)
  • Critical Acclaim:
    • 93 Pointes – JamesSuckling.com
    • 92 Points – Wine Spectator

WINEMAKING:
The team at Beaulieu Vineyard tailored the winemaking for each varietal to best capture the personality of both the vintage and specific vineyard blocks. Optical sorting, cold soaking and gentle pumpovers along with in-barrel malolactic fermentation all contributed to this wine’s richly textured and complex flavors. Aging in roughly 60% new French oak barrels for 19 months complimented the wine’s impressive depth and freshness. Beaulieu Vineyard’s Winemaker, Trevor Durling, presides as only the fifth winemaker in the winery’s 119-year history. A native Californian, Trevor was raised in Sonoma County, the heart of Northern California’s wine country. With a love of agriculture, science and cuisine, Trevor pursued his studies at the University of California Davis in the Viticulture and Enology program. As winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyard, Trevor incorporates his passion for creating fine wines, while preserving the heritage and legacy of Beaulieu Vineyard.

VINEYARD:
Since its inception in 1990, their Tapestry Reserve has always been a tribute to their French heritage and a nod to the classic Bordeaux blends and Clarets that are world-renowned.  Varietals are always sourced from a selection of specific vineyard blocks of top-quality grapes that give Tapestry the combined attributes of terroir expression and a round, approachable tannin structure. Roughly half of the Cabernet Sauvignon was grown on the famous western benchland of the Rutherford American Viticultural Area (AVA) and the balance from the Calistoga, Oakville, and St Helena AVAs. The Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec are sourced exclusively from their estate vineyards in Rutherford. Two styles of Cabernet Franc lend complexity and intrigue: one from cooler Sonoma Valley providing fresh acidity and a slight herbal character; the other from warmer Calistoga adding ripe and expressive red fruit notes.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
One of the longest continually operating wineries in Napa Valley, Beaulieu Vineyard came to be in 1900, when Georges de Latour’s wife, Fernande, first laid eyes on that land that would later become the Rutherford vineyard. She said, “Quelle beau lieu!”, or “What a beautiful place!” Shortly thereafter, de Latour sold his thriving cream of tartar business, bought the four-acre ranch, and founded Beaulieu Vineyard with the vision of making Napa Valley wines that would rival those of his native France. Learn more here.

Information and Photos © Beaulieu Vineyard – All Rights Reserved.

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Maison Ventenac Pierre

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Caramelized-Onion-Asiago-Roast-Beef-Sliders-9-of-14

Photo © Yellow Bliss Road

Caramelized Onion & Asiago Beef Sliders

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 tablespoons Chef Shamy French Onion Butter
  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 12 slider buns mini burger buns
  • 1 pound deli sliced roast beef, the more rare, the better
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup  fresh Asiago cheese shredded

Topping:

  • 3 tablespoons Chef Shamy French Onion Butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon finely shredded Asiago cheese

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Melt 2 tablespoons of Chef Shamy French Onion Butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly caramelized (softened and browned), about 25-30 minutes. *If the onions start to become dry or burnt, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the skillet (I had to do this twice). You can also try turning down the heat a bit.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  3. Thinly slice the roast beef into strips and add them to the skillet. Stir in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes. Drain off any excess liquid (you don’t want it soaking into the slider buns and making them mushy).
  4. Separate the buns in half so you have a “slab” of tops and a “slab” of bottoms; don’t pull the rolls apart and slice individually because you want to keep them connected. Lay the bottom buns out in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
  5. Using a slotted spoon to drain any excess liquid, evenly arrange the meat mixture over the bottom buns. Sprinkle the shredded Asiago cheese evenly over the meat. Cover with the top slab of buns.
  6. Brush the tops of the slider buns with the melted French Onion Butter. Sprinkle on 1 tablespoon of finely shredded Asiago cheese and chopped parsley.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and tops are lightly browned.

© Recipe and Photo courtesy of Yellow Bliss Road. All rights reserved.

MARCH WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoVentenac_Pierre_wine-bottleMaison Ventenac
Pierre.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Pays d’Oc IGP, France

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Aromas of ripe pepper and blackcurrant. Roundness and a silky structure with notes of blackcurrant on the palate. A fresh and lingering finish.

Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: IGP Pays d’Oc, France
Soil: Clay-limestone soil
Plots: La Condamine, Bourdichou et les Plos
Yield: 50 hl/ha
Vine Density: 6500 vines/ha. Guyot single cane – 7 buds
Harvest: Sorting, fully crushed. Pre-fermentary cold maceration for 5 days at 6°.
Fermentation: At 28° in 300hl stainless steel tanks. No sulphite vinification. Indigenous yeast. Daily pump-overs. Vatting length: 25 days. Malolactic fermentation. Racking.
Maturation: Aging on fine lees with micro oxygenation (3 months)

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
“For this vintage our work will focus simply on wrapping the authoritative power of the Cabernet Sauvignon in a velvet glove through precise vinification with no sulphur and only natural yeasts (yeasts that are naturally present on the grape skins). Authority, velvet glove, that was the way my grandfather worked. “Cheers!” Pierre, and thank you.” – Maison Ventenac, Stephanie et Olivier Ramé

Information & Photos © Maison Ventenac – All Rights Reserved.

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March Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Blue Cheese Stuffed MushroomsBlue Cheese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 large portabello mushroom caps
  • 2 ounces crumbled blue cheese
  • 2 teaspoons bread crumbs

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Remove any additional left behind stem from mushroom cap and discard.
  3. Place Portobello mushrooms, brown gill side up, on a baking sheet.
  4. Spoon 2 oz. of crumbled blue cheese into each mushroom cap.
  5. Top with 1 teaspoon each of bread crumbs on the blue cheese.
  6. Bake mushrooms in the oven for 20 minutes and serve immediately while creamy and hot.

© Recipe courtesy of Salty Side Dish.

MARCH WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoVentenac_Reserve_Jeanne_wine_bottleMaison Ventenac
Réserve de Jeanne.
Syrah, Cabernet Franc
Cabardès, France

MELLOW WINE STYLE

A fresh expression of its terroir: intense aromas of red fruits with spicy notes. A well-balanced structure and elegant tannins.

Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 60% Syrah, 40% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: AOP Cabardès, France
Soil: White limestone soil
Plots: Calbet le Haut, La Grande Garenne, Le Four à Chaux, Les Plos
Yield: 50 hl/ha
Vine Density: 6500 vines/ha. Guyot single cane – 7 buds
Harvest: Sorting, fully crushed. Pre-fermentation, cold maceration for 5 days at 6º. Fermentation at 28º in 300 hl stainless steel tanks. No sulfite vinification. Indigenous yeast. Daily pump-overs.
Vatting Length: 30 days. Malolactic fermentation. 
Maturation: 30% of the blend, 12 months in 225 oak barrels, 70% of the blend, cement vats with macro oxygenation.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“I don’t know whether Jeanne would have liked this wine but what’s certain is that she would have loved its name, and what it means for us: this wine is our uncompromising interpretation of a Cabardès, that is to say a fresh but tender wine, a correct but comfortable wine. Built around Cabernet Franc and oceanic Syrah, the Réserve de Jeanne veers away from the typicalities of the region.” – Maison Ventenac, Stephanie and Olivier Ramé (pictured below)

ABOUT MAISON VENTENAC:
The team at Maison Ventenac is deeply rooted in their terroir and firmly dedicated to it. The wines they create are ever more specialized: using alternative methods with no sulfites; with indigenous yeasts, more intense, and better-controlled punching-down. Their wines are matured with complete respect for the juice, to preserve the pure, fresh expression of Cabardès’ grapes. The result of these advances is presented in their ranges of characterful wines. Learn more here.

Ventenac Winery and owners picture

Information & Photos © Maison Ventenac – All Rights Reserved.

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February Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubKungFuGirl-Riesling-bottle-bowCharles Smith Wines
Kung Fu Girl Riesling
Washington State

NECTAR WINE STYLE

“It takes an unconventional winemaker to make a totally unexpected dry Riesling. One night, Charles was eating Chinese takeout and watching a fight scene in a notorious martial arts film when he had an idea: a killer white wine made to be paired with Asian food.  Just like that, Kung Fu Girl was born. And it’s been kicking ass and taking names ever since.” – Charles Smith Wines

White peach, mandarin orange and apricot are delivered with a core of minerality that makes this dry Riesling shimmer with energy and freshness. Another epic vintage of Kung Fu Girl.

WINE DETAILS:

Varietal: 100% Riesling
Region: Washington State, USA
Pairings: Spicy ramen, sriracha pork tacos, Chinese takeout
Accolades:

  • 90 points – Wine Enthusiast, February 2017
  • Best Buy – Wine Enthusiast, February 2017
  • Top 100 – Wine Spectator, December 2016
  • 90 points – Wine Spectator, December 2016
  • 90 points – Wine Advocate, June 2015

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Pair with a spicy, herbal cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

About the Winery:
Few winemakers have a story quite like Charles Smith. Although he was born and raised an hour from Napa Valley, California, Charles didn’t discover his love for wine until he moved to Europe. While living abroad, he managed a number of rock bands, including the famed Danish duo The Raveonettes. It was the wining and dining of a rock n’roll life on the road that sparked Charles’ passion for great wine. In 1999, while on a road trip to Walla Walla, Washington, Charles met a winemaker who convinced him to start making his own wine, true to his own story and vision. And in 2001, Charles released 330 cases of his first vintage. Eight years later, he would be named Winemaker of the Year by Food & Wine magazine and again in 2014, by Wine Enthusiast. Learn more here.

Information and photos © Charles Smith Wines – All Rights Reserved.

Willamette-Valley-Riesling-bottle-bowWillamette Valley Vineyards
Riesling
Willamette Valley, Oregon

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This riesling is classic and versatile. On the nose, this semi-sweet wine opens with a bouquet of poached pear, delicate florals and green apples. On the palate, the luscious mouthfeel displays flavors of melon, pear and nectar. The finish is wonderfully persistent with a perfect balance of sweetness and refreshing crispness. Serve well-chilled and allow it to warm in your glass for optimal enjoyment of aromas and flavors.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Analysis: 10.5% alcohol / volume
  • Varietal: Riesling
  • Appellation: Willamette Valley, Oregon
  • Pairings: Pair with spicy Asian or Mexican dishes, German-inspired dishes like sausage and schnitzel, and desserts like fruit pies, crème brûlée, or a savory artisan cheese plate.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Pair with an aged Gouda or Fontina cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

About Willamette Valley Vineyards:
The “budwood” of Willamette Valley Vineyards began long before its founding in 1983 by vintner Jim Bernau. His Dad, a Roseburg attorney, was hired by California winemaker Richard Sommer to secure one of the first winery licenses in Oregon since Prohibition. Jim’s Dad allowed small tastes of Richard’s wine at the dinner table, lighting a path that led Jim from home winemaking to studies at UC Davis and eventually Beaune, France. In 1983, with the encouragement from winemakers making their move from California, Jim cleared an old pioneer plum orchard in the Salem Hills, hidden underneath scotch broom and blackberry vines to plant Pinot Noir. Learn more here.

Information and photos © Willamette Valley Vineyards – All Rights Reserved.

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High Camp Estate Reserve Bordeaux

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Braised,Short,Ribs,In,Red,Wine,With,PolentaChocolate and Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 3 lb. bone-in short ribs
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp. Ancho chili powder
  • 5 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1⁄4 cup tomato paste
  • 3 cups full-bodied red wine, such as nero d’avola
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tbsp. dark brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 3 tbsp. semi-sweet chocolate (I just used 3 tbsp. chocolate chips)
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat oven to 300°F. Heat oil in an 8-qt. Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season ribs with salt and pepper; rub with cocoa powder and chili powder.
  2. Working in batches, cook ribs, turning as needed, until browned, 8–10 minutes; transfer to a plate.
  3. Add garlic, celery and, onion to pan; cook until soft, 6–8 minutes. Add tomato paste; cook 3 minutes. Add wine; reduce by half, 4–6 minutes. Return ribs to pan and add stock, bay leaves, sugar, Worcestershire, vinegar and cayenne; bring to a boil. Cover and bake until beef is very tender, 2 to 2½ hours. Transfer ribs to a plate; discard bones. Slice ribs in half crosswise.
  4. Spoon fat from surface of sauce. Place pan over medium-high heat and add semi-sweet chocolate; simmer until liquid is reduced to about 2 cups, 10 – 15 minutes, then strain into a bowl. Stir in butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve short ribs and sauce over polenta, mashed potatoes, or any other creamy starch that will sop up the deliciousness.

© Recipe and Photo courtesy of Allons Eat. All rights reserved.

FEBRUARY WINE CLUB:

High-Camp-Estate-Reserve-bowBold wine Style logoHigh Camp
Estate Reserve
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This complex wine is Bordeaux inspired, with a touch of Sangiovese, adding fresh acidity and qualities of fruit forwardness. The tannic structure offers beautiful age ability. Bordeaux-forward aromatics, with bright acidity and fresh fruit notes. It highlights flavors of cherry, raspberry, blackberry, cassis, subtle smoke and spice.

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petite Sirah, 15% Petite Verdot, 5% Sangiovese
pH: 3.63
Vineyard: 100% Estate Fruit from San Miguel, Paso Robles, AVA
Aging: Aged in 40% new French oak to create strong, but refined and balanced tannins
Cases: 360

ADDITIONAL FOOD PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS:
Pairs well with braised short rib, duck confit, smoked sausage.

© Photo by High Camp and Jake Tovar
© Photo by High Camp

Information & Photos © High Camp – All Rights Reserved.

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February Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Posted on by

heart shape pizza with wine glassesPizza Dough for Two

Just in time for Valentine’s Day… because who doesn’t love pizza?! Pour up a glass of the High Camp Estate Cab and get creative in the kitchen with your loved one. Shape the pizza dough into a heart and embellish it with your favorite toppings! Feel free to go the extra mile, even cutting pepperonis into heart shapes if you fancy – no judgment here.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 cup all purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
  • ¾ cup warm water

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Measure the water in a measuring cup then add the yeast and honey. Let it activate for 5 minutes.
  2. While the yeast is activating, measure out the flour and salt, add it to a stand mixer bowl. You can use a regular bowl and a wooden spoon if you don’t have a stand mixer. After the 5 minutes are up, add in the yeast water mixture and knead the dough for 5 minutes. The dough will be soft and a little sticky.
  3. Transfer the pizza dough to a well oiled bowl, making sure to rub the top of the pizza dough with some oil as well to keep it from forming a crust. Cover the pizza dough with a heavy towel, set it in a warm place and let it rest for 1 hour.
  4. Press the dough down, shape it into a ball again. Cover with heavy towels and let it rise again in a warm place for another 2 hours.
  5. When the dough is ready, preheat the oven to 450°F. Sprinkle some semolina on your baking sheet and spread the pizza dough onto the baking sheet using floured hands. Add your toppings and bake for 15 minutes making sure to rotate the pizza halfway through to ensure even baking. Enjoy!

© Recipe courtesy of Lifestyle of a Foodie.

FEBRUARY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoHigh-Camp-Wine-Cabernet-Sauvignon-bowHigh Camp
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Rich dark red color. Raspberry, blueberry, boysenberry with hints of leather, and black pepper.  Full-bodied, concentrated, lots of supple tannins with a round smooth finish, supported by blue fruit, vanilla, and cinnamon from the oak.

Analysis: 14.1% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, 5% Petite Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc
pH: 3.62
Vineyard: 100% Estate Fruit from San Miguel, Paso Robles AVA, California
Aging: Aged for seven months in 20% new French Oak, blended, then additional aging
Cases: 360

ADDITIONAL FOOD PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS:
Perfect pairing for homemade stews, steak, BBQ, pasta and pizza.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
The High Camp Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a complex blend of five separate blocks and four different varieties. Two blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon form the core blend. The upper block provides forward fruit, and the lower block brings complex mineral flavors to the wine. 15% Sangiovese from low yielding vines planted in sandy soils adds bold dark fruit, while 5% Petite Verdot from chalky soils on sloping hills adds dense dark fruit complexity to the blend. Rounding out the blend is 5% Cabernet Franc sourced from our highest elevation vineyard. The steep slope and chalky calcareous soils bring dense fruit and tannic structure to the final blend. Each variety was picked at optimal ripeness, destemmed, and fermented in the one ton open top bins for three weeks. Once fermentation was completed the wines were aged for seven months in 20% new French Oak. The final blend was assembled and the wine was returned to barrels for additional aging.

ABOUT HIGH CAMP:
High Camp sits perched atop the rolling hills of San Miguel, California. It was once dotted with roaming sheep and cattle, and today is part of the acclaimed Paso Robles AVA. Its deep, alluvial sandy loams and clay pushed up from terraces of ancient river bottoms to provide fertile soil for growing premium wine grapes of many varieties. This, combined with varying sun exposure all around the property, provides ideal conditions for growing world-class wines from ten different varietals that grow in the 75-acre vineyard. The family that purchased the property in September of 2020 comes from generations of farming and ranching in California, and has made it their dream to put their rustic hilltop sanctuary, and its new wines, on the map alongside other artisan wineries in the area. The couple, Megan and Spencer manage the property today. Their modern style and artistic spirits are infectious, and every conversation beams with the pride they take in providing a gathering place for family and friends to celebrate life together. Learn more here.

Megan-Spencer-High-Camp-Wines

© Photo of Megan and Spencer – High Camp Wines

Information & Photos © High Camp  – All Rights Reserved.

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