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April Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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© Photo from the Olive Magazine

Portuguese Prego with Green Piri-Piri

INGREDIENTS:

  • Sandwich:
    • 1 clove garlic, crushed
    • 2 small rump steaks (about 150g each), all fat trimmed
    • 2 tbsp olive oil 
    • 1 tbsp sherry vinegar 
    • few stalks of flat-leaf parsley 
    • 2 ciabatta rolls, lightly toasted
    • 2 handfuls of Arugula 
  • Green Piri-Piri Sauce:
    • small handful of basil leaves
    • small handful of flat-leaf parsley leaves
    • 1 jalapeño, roughly chopped
    • 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
    • 2 spring onions, chopped, including green bits
    • ½ a clove of garlic, roughly chopped
    • ½ tsp granulated sugar

DIRECTIONS:

  • STEP 1: Rub the garlic over the steaks then put in a sandwich bag and tip in the olive oil, sherry vinegar and parsley stalks. Smooth everything together, then use a rolling pin to bash the steaks a few times. Leave to marinate for 1-2 hours. 

  • STEP 2: To make the sauce, put all the ingredients into the blender with 1 tbsp water and whizz until as smooth as possible. This will make more than you’ll need for the recipe, but will keep for a week in an airtight jar.

  • STEP 3: Heat a griddle or frying pan to high. Remove the steaks from the bag, brushing away the garlic and parsley stalks. Season the steaks well with salt and pepper, then sear the steaks for 2 minutes on each side. Set them aside on a plate to rest. Cut the ciabatta rolls in half, then toast on the griddle or frying pan. Then, put the ciabatta halves onto the plate, toasted side down, to soak up any juices. 

  • STEP 4: Slice the steaks, then top the rolls with the green sauce and arugula. Enjoy!

© Recipe courtesy of Olive Magazine.

APRIL WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoCasadasGaeiras-VTCasa das Gaeiras
DOC Obidos Red
Lisboa, Portugal

BOLD WINE STYLE

The DOC Óbidos Red wine has distinct notes of blackberries and blackcurrant with hints of coffee, and subtle nuances of cloves and black pepper. All flavors are in balance with the body and freshness of the wine.

Varietal: Syrah, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Region: Lisboa
Total Acidity: 5.5 +/-1
pH: 3.5 +/-0.5
Fermentation: Fermented in stainless steel vats
Serving Temperature: 60.8ºF-64.4ºF
Harvest: September and October
Winemaker: Tiago Correia
Critical Acclaim:

  • Gold in Berliner Wein Trophy 2020
  • 90 Points and Best Buy by Wine Enthusiast 2020

THE REGION:
The Geographical Indication (IG) Lisbon is one of the most important Portuguese wine regions, in terms of vineyard area and wine production. Formed by gentle hills, of low relief, IG Lisboa extends from the capital of Portugal to the north, along the coast, in a range not exceeding 40 km wide. This multifaceted region encompasses several denominations of origin, ancient and modern, with distinct characteristics. The climate is temperate, influenced by the Atlantic ocean, with relatively mild summers, cooler and wetter in the areas closer to the sea, warmer and drier in the areas protected by Montejunto mountain.

ABOUT CASA DAS GAEIRAS:
Casa das Gaeiras can be considered Parras Wines’ little Chateaux in the Óbidos region, where niche wines are produced in limited production to reflect the tradition of the wines in this region. The excellent terroir allows their winemaker to produce high-quality wines, recognized for their wonderful freshness and minerality – both nationally and internationally. Learn more about Parras Wines and Casa Das Gaeiras here.

Casa-das-gaeiras

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March Sweet Club Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubLate Bottled Vintage Singlevineyard-small (1)Quinta Do Noval
LBV Single Vineyard Port 2014
Douro Valley, Portugal

NECTAR WINE STYLE

The Late Bottle Vintage (LBV) Single Vineyard Port is a remarkable example of the Noval style. It is treated exactly like a Vintage Port, with the use of only noble grape varieties sourced exclusively from estate vineyards, trodden by food and unfiltered. Unlike other Vintage Ports, however, this LBV Port goes through extended aging of five years in casks (instead of the typical two years). It has fine structured tannins, great freshness, and purity of fruit. 

Analysis: 19.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Blend of six traditional Portuguese grapes – Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Tinta Cão.
Fermentation: Grapes were trodden by foot to obtain the must, then during fermentation, they were macerated to obtain the best possible extraction in the “lagares”, the traditional stone vats from the Quinta.
Aging: Matures for 5 years in French Oak
Farming: The vineyard is farmed sustainably
Appellation: Douro Valley, Portugal
Serving Suggestion: Delicious to drink today, or it will age beautifully in its bottle
Critical Acclaim:

  • 90 pts. Wine Enthusiast – “It is nicely aromatic, with a touch of eucalyptus. The structure is downright impressive, and this needed the time in cask. It tightens slowly but inevitably as it airs out. The fruit flattens a bit at the same time, though. This is still a pretty nice achievement in the vintage. Noval doesn’t make traditional LBVs that fall apart—and it will stay on a plateau for a long time.” – Mark Squires, 9/2020

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an aged cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

VINTAGE NOTE:
2014 is characterized by heavy rainfall that was well distributed throughout the year. With reasonable temperatures in winter and a fresh month of August, the vines were able to maintain a healthy appearance, with lots of leaves throughout the cycle, which protected the grapes from the peaks of heat during the summer, safeguarding the health of the bunches. At the end of August, the harvest was looking wonderful, with beautiful healthy grapes and an excellent sugar and acidity balance, ideal for making great Port.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
All grapes come from the Qinta do Noval vineyard in Pinhão – the heart of the Douro Valley. Due to the major re-planting project of the early 1990’s, these higher quality varietal blends are planted throughout the vineyard. At this age, the fruit at the estate is entering its prime quality.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Open since 1715, Quinta do Noval is one of the oldest Port houses known around the world. Today, Quinta do Noval is part of the international viticultural group of AXA Millésimes. It is unique among Port houses in that most of the Ports are made from estate-grown fruit and all of the vintage Noval wines are from the single Quinta Do Noval vineyard on magnificent old terraces. Their team is devoted to looking after their great vineyard terroir, and strive to make wines worthy of the Quinta do Noval name every year. Learn more here.

© Photo by Quinta Do Noval
© Photo by Quinta Do Noval
© Photo by Quinta Do Noval
© Photo by Quinta Do Noval
© Photo by Quinta Do Noval

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March Premium Wine Club

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Bold wine Style logoMaterra Cunat Family Vineyards
Midnight Red Blend
Oak Knoll District
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The Midnight Red Blend is deep purple in color with aromatic notes of cranberry, red currant, and vanilla cola.  Up front, there is a zingy acidity with a bit of nice spice on the palate.  The wine is medium-weight, but finish is powerful and persistent.

Analysis: 14.7% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 46% Malbec, 31% Petit Verdot, 23% Merlot
Appellation: Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, California
Oak Aging: 45% new French Oak for 19 months
Production: 802 cases
Serving: This wine will drink beautifully upon release, or will age well up to 7 years in your cellar. It is incredibly versatile with food pairings.

ABOUT MATERRA:
Proprietor Brian Cunat, grew up on a Midwest farm, developing a passion for agriculture and farming. He and his wife, Miki, found themselves traveling extensively, touring wineries and enjoying the cuisines of the local countries. In 2007, Brian and his brother purchased a 50-acre property in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. By 2014, they hired an expert team of vineyard managers and winemakers and transformed their property into a state-of-the-art winery capable of producing 150,000 gallons of wine. The Materra winery maintains ongoing efforts to improve their sustainability and since 2017, they have been Napa Green certified. Learn more about the winery here.

Mellow style logoWorks and Days Pinot NoirCoursey Graves Winery
Works and Days
Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast, California

MELLOW WINE STYLE

This Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is elegant and refined. There are notes of fresh cherry, a hint of strawberry, star anise, dried flowers and crushed stone. The long, persistent finish makes the second drink next to impossible.

Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Production: 252 cases
Serving: Drink now or regularly over the next 12 years.

VINEYARD:
This wine is a blend of Dijon, California Heritage, and Swiss clones from two Sonoma Coast vineyards planted in 1999 and 2007. Spring Hill is located near the Pacific Ocean on light, sandy soils in western Sonoma County; while the Hill Justice Vineyard is located 5 miles inland on volcanic soil, 1200 feet above sea level. 

VINTAGE AND WINEMAKER NOTES: 
A warm winter with good rainfall led to slightly early bud-break. Early shoot growth was normal and excellent weather encouraged flowering. This led to a larger-than-average crop with great fruit uniformity. 2018 avoided the heat spikes of years prior, meaning even ripening and developed tannins. Vineyards were handpicked and clusters were pressed whole. Wine was native yeast fermented and sur lie aged 12 months in Terracotta Amphora vessels. An additional 5 months of stainless steel barrel aging occurred on lees. The wine is bottled unfined, unfiltered, and free of additives. Minimal amounts of SO2 preserve freshness.

ABOUT COURSEY GRAVES WINERY:
The Coursey Graves Winery operates under the philosophy that farming and winemaking are one practice. Their vineyards are organically farmed without any herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides. They are dedicated to preserving their estate with a clean eco-conscience and nurture the essence of the fruit to reflect the time and the place in which it was made. Learn more about their winery here. 

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Reguta Ribolla Gialla

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Simple Seafood BisqueSimple Seafood Bisque

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 lb. crawfish meat (or more shrimp and crab if unable to find)
  • 1.5 lb shrimp meat
  • ½ lb crab meat
  • 1 lb unsalted butter
  • 1 bunch green onions (white and green parts), finely chopped
  • ½ cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 qt heavy cream
  • 1 qt half and half
  • 1 16oz can creamed corn
  • 1 ½ tsp Tony’s Cajun Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt, to taste
  • 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper

DIRECTIONS:

  1. In a large pot, melt butter and saute onions.
  2. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and onions and stir until flour is fully incorporated.
  3. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Serve with white wine and a good loaf of sour dough bread.

© Recipe courtesy of Holly Erickson & Natalie Mortimer of The Modern Proper.

MARCH WINE CLUB:

Silky styleReguta_Ribolla-Gialla-wine-bottleReguta
Ribolla Gialla
Friuli, Italy

SILKY WINE STYLE

Straw yellow in color, the Ribolla Gialla has a nose that is delicate and well expressed with notes of wild flowers, herbs, and grapefruit. The palate is slightly sour, fresh and has an elegant mouth feel.

Varietal: Ribolla Gialla
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Serving Temperature: 50ºF-53.6ºF
Food Pairings: Pair with cold appetizers with sour or sweet sauces, cream soups, vegetables, main courses, and fish dishes.

ABOUT REGUTA:
Passed down from generation to generation, the Reguta winery has been producing excellent wines in the Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia since 1928. Second and third generations – Giuseppe and Luigi Anselmi and their sons continue the family’s traditions while expanding their high quality products. Located near the Adriatic Sea, the vineyards benefit from dry summers and mild winters, allowing the winery to produce a variety of both native and international grapes.  

© Photo by Reguta Winery
© Photo by Reguta Winery
© Photo by Reguta Winery
© Photo by Reguta Winery

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March Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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Short-Rib-Mac-and-CheeseShort Rib Mac and Cheese

INGREDIENTS:

  • Short Ribs:
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 3 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
    • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 1/2 cups red wine
    • 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
    • 1 1/4 cups beef broth
    • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
    • Salt and pepper
  • Mac and Cheese:
    • 8 ounces of Penne
    • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
    • 2 cups milk
    • 8 ounces white cheddar cheese, freshly grated
    • 4 ounces gruyere cheese, freshly grated
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
    • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
    • Salt and pepper
    • Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  • FOR THE SHORT RIBS:
    • *Keep in mind the short ribs will take about 8 hours in the slow cooker. Prepare overnight or in the morning.*
    • Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper, and add the ribs to the skillet. Sear the ribs on all sides for about a minute. Remove, then place the ribs in the crockpot.
    • Add the onion, garlic, red wine, tomato paste, beef broth, and thyme sprigs to the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 6 hours.
    • Once the short ribs are done cooking, they should easily fall off the bone. Remove the ribs from the crockpot, discard any of the fat and the bones, and use two forks to shred the ribs into pieces. You can either put the shredded short ribs back into the crockpot to keep warm, or transfer them to a bowl while you prepare the mac and cheese.
  • FOR THE MAC AND CHEESE:
    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a bowl, and cook the pasta. It is recommended to undercook the pasta by 2-3 minutes, because it’s going to cook more in the oven. Drain the pasta and set aside.
    • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the flour, and whisk until well combined to create a roux, until golden and fragrant.
    • In a large pot, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add the flour, whisking until combined to create a roux. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it’s golden and fragrant. Pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens, and cook about 3-5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, and add in the all of the cheddar and 2 ounces of the gruyere cheese, stir until the cheese melts. Season with chili powder, paprika , salt and pepper. Stir in the cooked pasta and the shredded short ribs.
    • Transfer the mixture to a cast-iron skillet or a baking dish. Top with the panko breadcrumbs and the remaining gruyere cheese. Bake until the top is golden and the cheese is melted, about 15-20 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme!

© Recipe courtesy of Michelle of The Secret Ingredient Is.

MARCH WINE CLUB:

Reguta_Pinot-Nero-wine-bottleMellow style logoReguta
Pinot Nero
Friuli, Italy

MELLOW WINE STYLE

The Reguta Pinot Nero is ruby red in color, reminiscent of mixed berries. The nose is delicate with notes of blueberry and black currant wrapped up in tender vanilla notes. The palate is full-bodied, yet elegantly balanced.

Varietal: Pinot Nero
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Serving Temperature: 59ºF-68ºF
Food Pairings: Suitable for all red meats, game and aged cheeses.

ABOUT REGUTA:
The Reguta winery was founded in northern Italy near Verona, in 1928 by Ettore Anselmi. In 1950, the Anselmi family moved to Pocenia in the Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, where the winery is still owned and operated by the second and third generations – Giuseppe and Luigi Anselmi and their sons. The company boasts 250 hectares of vineyards and with their clayey soils and proximity to the Adriatic Sea, the have a microclimate that allows them to produce various varieties of both native and international grapes such as Refosco dal peduncolo rosso, Friulano, Pignolo, Ribolla Gialla or Verduzzo, and Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

© Photo by Reguta Winery
© Photo by Reguta Winery
© Photo by Reguta Winery
 

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Reguta Merlot

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Simple Bolognese

INGREDIENTS:

  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion coarsely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves peeled and coarsely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk coarsely chopped
  • 1 carrot coarsely chopped
  • 1 pound ground chuck beef
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • ¼ cup flat-leaf Italian parsley chopped
  • 8 fresh basil leaves chopped
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano

DIRECTIONS:

  1. In a large skillet heat the olive oil. When almost smoking, add the onion and garlic and sauté over medium heat until the onions become very soft, about 8 minutes.
  2. Add the celery and carrot and sauté for 5 minutes.
  3. Raise heat to high and add the ground beef. Sauté, stirring frequently and breaking up any large lumps and cook until meat is no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
  4. Add the tomatoes, parsley and basil and cook over medium low heat until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper. This will take approximately ½ hour.
  5. Finish bolognese with Pecorino Romano.
  6. Add to your favorite pasta.

© Recipe courtesy of Giada de Laurentiis from Giadzy.

MARCH WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoReguta
Merlot
Friuli, Italy

MELLOW WINE STYLE

The Reguta Merlot is ruby red in color, tending to garnet with age. The nose displays a vibrant, varietal perfume subtler when young, and becomes extremely pleasurable after aging.

Varietal: Merlot
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Serving Temperature: 50ºF-53.6ºF
Food Pairings: Pair with meat based risotto or pasta, boiled meat, or rabbit stew.

ABOUT REGUTA:
The Reguta winery was founded in 1928 by Ettore Anselmi. Today, the winery is still owned and operated by the Anselmi Family in Pocenia in the Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Second and third generations – Giuseppe and Luigi Anselmi and their sons continue the family’s traditions while expanding their high quality products. Located in a microclimate next to the Adriatic Sea, the winery boasts 250 hectares of vineyards. The soils are clayey in nature with a sandy component – allowing optimal development of the vine and an ideal habitat to produce and mature generous fruits.

© Photo by Reguta Winery
© Photo by Reguta Winery
© Photo by Reguta Winery

 

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February Sweet Club Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubTropical_CranberryTropical Moscato
Cranberry
Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This Moscato comes from a grape variety with quite possibly the highest level of complex aromas of any Piedmont grape. This wine has the distinctive Moscato aroma and flavor, with a unique added complexity from the cranberries from the Italian Alps. The Moscato grape’s sweetness is perfectly balanced by the tartness, acidity and slight spice from the ripe cranberries.

Analysis: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 95% Moscato, 4% Small Alpine Cranberry Pulp, 1% Natural Cranberry Aroma
TA: 6 g/L
RS: 120 g/L
Serving Suggestion: Great as an aperitif, or serve as an accompaniment to fruits, aged cheeses, or a hazelnut cake.

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an aged cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
The Moscato grapes for this wine come from vineyards located in the Santo Stefano Belbo villages, at 200 to 300 ft. above sea level. Vinification is via autoclave, according to the Charmat Method, until it reaches 5.0% alcohol. Then, wine undergoes cold fermentation and ageing in stainless steel vats for one month, after which time it is blended with the cranberry pulp and bottled.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Tropical Moscato takes premium Moscato from Asti, a commune located in Italy’s famed Piedmont region, and combines their wines with 100% real fruit. Their wines are highly aromatic and burst with all-natural, vivacious flavors. Learn more here.

SPUMANTI-PIZZOLATO-MUSE-MOSCATO-DOLCELa Cantina Pizzolato
Pizzolato Moscato
Treviso, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Bright gold in color, this Moscato has aromas of honeysuckle, ripe apricot, and angel food cake. The palate is medium to full bodied with a balanced, round, vibrant, sweet, smooth and refreshing flavor. The wine highlights notes of peach nectar, sweet apple, honey, and orange marmalade. 

Analysis: 6.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Moscato (Muscat)
Appellation: Moscato I.G.T.
RS: 89 g/L
Acidity: 5.4 g/L
Vineyard: The estate is located in the countryside north of Treviso, Italy. The vineyards are situated on the plains and hillsides near the Piave River.
Vinification: Soft pressing, then the must remains in the steel pressurized tanks, with Charmat method for 2 months, reaching a pressure up to 2.5 atm.
Terroir: Calcareous clay-based soil
Training System: Cordon spur training
Certification: BIOS
Notable: Vegan, organically grown grapes
Serving Suggestions: Enjoy with an herbal or spicy cheese such as a Gorgonzola; or serve alone as a dessert wine. Serve 46º-50ºF.
Critical Acclaim:

  • 90 points – Vinitaly “5StarWines”

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section also pair well with herbal and spicy cheeses. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Farm Pizzolato Settimo & Gino was founded in 1981, farming livestock and growing grapes, kiwi, peaches, strawberries, apples and pears. During this time, grapes and wine were the top products of the farm, however, it wasn’t until 1987 when the winery decided to finally bottle all the types of wine that were produced. In 1991, the farm and winery officially gained organic certification, and today the winery continues to grow, producing organic, vegan and sustainably grown wines. Learn more about their story here.

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January Sweet Club Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubRoscato-Bianco-Label-Update-Bottle-ShotwebRoscato
Bianco Dolce
Northern Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Pale straw in color with fine, delicate bubbles, the Bianco Dolce has delicate aromas of peach, yellow apples and candied citrus. The palate is sweet, yet refreshing with a lingering finish.

Analysis: 8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Blend of native and international grape varieties
TA: 5.70 g/L
RS: 95 g/L
Region: Northern Italy
Appellation: Trevenezie IGT
Vinification: Each variety is harvested and vinified separately, allowing the grapes to reach perfect ripeness. Following de-stemming, the must is macerated with the skins allowing it to retain maximum fragrance. The must is kept at a low temperature until fermentation, at which point the varieties are blended together. When the wine has reached an alcohol content of 8%, fermentation is interrupted by lowering temperature to approximately 32°F leaving a high level of natural residual sugar.
Notable: Vegan, gluten free
Serving Suggestions: Highly versatile, the Bianco Dolce is a great aperitif and equally great with white meats, classic Italian dishes, and spicy foods. Enjoy well-chilled.

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an aged cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

roscato_moscato_bottle-webRoscato
Moscato
Northern Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This Moscato is straw-yellow in color with vivid greenish reflections. The nose has varied notes of candied citrus, ripe fruit and white flowers. The palate is sweet and fresh in taste with delicate bubbles, and a pleasant, fruity, persistent aftertaste.

Analysis: 7% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Moscato
TA: 5.50 g/L
RS: 100 g/L
Region: Trentino/Veneto
Appellation: Trevenezie IGT
Vinification: The grapes are harvested and vinified to reach perfect ripeness. Following de-stemming, the juice is kept on the skins for several days at low temperatures to extract the fruit’s aromas and retain maximum fragrance.
Notable: Vegan, gluten free
Serving Suggestions: Ideal as a dessert wine, but it also pairs well with delicate cheeses, spicy foods or barbecue dishes.

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section also pair well with delicate cheeses. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

ABOUT ROSCATO:
Roscato is an irresistible range of high-quality wines from Northern Italy, near the Italian Alps and Lake Garda – the ideal climate for perfect wine-growing conditions. The winery combines traditional grape growing methods with modern winemaking techniques to produce their lively wines. Whether you are a fan of sweet, rich, bold or soft & silky wines, Roscato wines offer a perfect complement to any cuisine. Learn more here.

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January Premium Wine Club

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Mellow style logoRuffion-modus-wine-bottleRuffino
Modus Toscana IGT
Tuscany, Italy

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Ruby red in color, and complex, fruity and intense on the nose. The initial aromas are of mature black fruits, such as cherries, plums, and small blackberries typical of Sangiovese. There are also floral notes that are complimented by hints of spiced cinnamon and cloves. On the palate, it is full-bodied and harmonious with modern Super Tuscan finesse and style. This wine is rich with soft tannins and flavors of mature blackberry fruit that lead to a persistent finish.

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 37% Sangiovese, 32% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape Sourcing: Ruffino’s Poggio Casciano Estate
Soil: Hilly land with clay, limestone, and a small percentage of silt
Micro-climate: Variable with good diurnal temperature swings, especially during summer
Growing System: Cordon trained
Vine density: 12,000 per acre
Age of vineyards: Recently planted
First Year of Production: 1997
Food Pairings: Wonderful on its own, or serve with bold dishes such as duck with olives and pancetta, beef-stuffed manicotti with Bolognese sauce, or aged cheeses such as Taleggio, Pecorino and/or Gouda.

VINIFICATION AND AGING:
Harvest: Only the best grapes are selected in the vineyards to ensure optimal ripeness when picked. They are again sorted prior to pressing. Due to a warm and dry growing season, the harvest began earlier than usual, as the high summer temperatures led to beautiful fruit maturation.
Fermentation: Each varietal was vinified independently, fermenting in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats at an average temperature of 82ºF for 10 days. The wine was then allowed to macerate on the skins for another 2 weeks.
Aging: After completing malolactic fermentation, the 3 varietals were blended and aged for 12 months in French oak barrels of first and second use.

Ruffio-riserva-ducale-wine-bottleMellow style logoRuffino
Riserva Ducale
Chianti Classico Riserva
Tuscany, Italy

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Ruby red in color, the nose has an elegant bouquet characterized by violet, cherries, wild berries and plums. There are hints of tobacco, clove and eucalyptus. On the palate, the Riserva Ducale is balance and constant with delicate tannins. The vibrant acidity characterizes this wine, which is typical of Sangiovese’s grapes. The finish is persistent and a good structure completes the entire taste sensation.

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 80% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape Sourcing: The Riserva Ducale grapes came from owned vineyards and selected growers vineyards located in the traditional Chianti Classico production area, stretching over the provinces of Siena and Florence. Ruffino traditionally works with a small stable of hand-selected growers, chosen as carefully as the Ruffino vineyards.
Soil: Typical of the Chianti Classico area; a mix of clay and limestone with an abundant presence of “Galestro” rock.
Altitude: Variable from 951 to 1,476 feet above sea level
Growing System: Cordon trained
Vine density: about 12,350 vines/acre
Bottle Aging: A minimum of 3 months
First Year of Production: 1927
Food Pairings: Enjoy this timeless Tuscan gem with Italian favorites such as prosciutto and other antipasti, mushroom risotto, pasta Bolognese, and chicken cacciatore. Or, pair it with simple grilled meats and roasted vegetables for a classic Tuscan meal.

VINIFICATION AND AGING:
Harvest: The vintage was characterized by a very hot season with a good maturation of the grapes, which led to a slightly early harvest.
Fermentation: Alcoholic fermentation and maceration were aided by pumping over, which took place in thermo-controlled stainless-steel vats for approximately 16 days.
Aging: The Riserva Ducale aged for 24 months, 12 in big oak casks and the rest in concrete vats.

Mellow style logoRuffino Riserva Ducale OroRuffino
Riserva Ducale Oro
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG
Tuscany, Italy

MELLOW WINE STYLE

The Riserva Ducale Oro is also Ruby Red in color with hues of garnet. It is powerfully aromatic with cherry, plum, and violet with notes of eucalyptus, chocolate and spicy black pepper. The complexity is an authentic expression of Sangioveses and Classic Chiantis. The wine is full-bodied and powerfully fruity with elegant tannins, perfectly supported by a good acidity. The finish is characterized by pleasantly sweet tobacco, plums, and balsamic herbs. This Riserva Ducale Oro will age gracefully for decades.

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 83% Sangiovese, 12% Merlot, 5% Colorino
Grape Sourcing: Selected from Ruffino’s Gretole and Santedame estates, located in the heart of Castellina in Chianti.
Soil: Hilly land with poor, rocky, ‘galestro’ soils of mixed clay and sand
Microclimate: Characterized by hot, dry summers with high diurnal temperature swings, which allow for optimal grape maturation.
Altitude: 820-1,300 feet above sea level
Sun Exposure: Predominantly south, southwest, and southeast
Growing System: Cordon-trained
Vine density: 10,000 per acre
Age of Vineyards: 
Vine yield: 12 tons per acre
First Year of Production: 1947
Food Pairings: Traditional Italian dishes pair exquisitely with this wine. Try with a pasta Bolognese, wild boar ragu, or eggplant Parmesan. It also pairs beautifully with American dishes such as grilled rib-eye and roasted vegetables.

VINIFICATION AND AGING:
Harvest: Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is produced with grapes meticulously selected during harvest. The picking started the third week of September and ended the first week of October. The vintage 2015 shows a vivid fruity notes, with spicy hints of great elegance.
Fermentation: Aided by racking and délestage, fermentation took place in thermo-controlled stainless-steel vats at an average temperature of 82ºF for 21 days. Post-fermentation maceration on the skins continued for an additional 10 days. The wine was transferred to concrete vats for malolactic fermentation.
Aging: A total of 36 months: the first 12 months in concrete vats, followed by 12 months in Slavonian oak barrels (about 925-2,000 gallons), and finally 12 months in barriques that are four or more years old.

ABOUT RUFFINO WINERY:
In 1877, cousins, Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino, embraced their passion for winemaking by establishing a small winery in the town of Pontassieve, near Florence. Natives to Tuscany, they knew this region already had century-old traditions of growing exceptional wine grapes, but cousins felt that much of the area’s greatness had yet to be revealed. Word eventually grew about the quality wine the Ruffino cousin’s were producing and the winery began to flourish. Ruffino became known for clean, balanced wines. They became nationally and internationally known when their Chianti won Gold Medals and other prizes in 1881, 1884 and 1885 Wine Exhibitions. In 1890, the Duke of Aosta became intrigued by the winery’s reputation, and after trying it for himself, he appointed Ruffino as the official supplier to the Italian Royal family. In 1927, the winery released their first vintage of Riserva Ducale – named after the Duke of Aosta to acknowledge his esteemed patronage.

Today, Ruffino has a collection of estates in Tuscany’s most important wine appellations. They continue to take a traditional approach when making their wines to allow their wines to reveal themselves without manipulation. Ruffino has established itself as a leader in Chianti, as they have become a global ambassador of Tuscan wines around the world. Learn more here. 

Mellow style logoFrescobaldi-Nipozzano-RiservaFrescobaldi
Castello Nipozzano
Nipozzano Riserva
Tuscany, Italy

MELLOW WINE STYLE

The Nipozzano 2017 conveys the intense, harmonious character of the vintage with personality, translating the heat of the season into the glass. The ruby-red color is bright and intense. The usual notes of red fruits and citrus are expressed in a seductive combination of elegance and intensity. Tertiary notes due to aging, such as spices and vanilla, enhance the aromas and balance the tasting experience. The palate is rich, dense and balanced, with a great expression of maturity, polyphenolic elegance and final persistence.

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Sangiovese and complementary varieties
Critical Acclaim:

  • James Suckling: 92 Points
  • Gambero Rosso: 3 Glasses
  • Luca Maroni: 90 Points

VINIFICATION AND AGING:
Harvest: The winter was mild and dry. In the spring, the early sprouting of the vines brought the growing season forward. During spring, the arrival of sporadic rains restored the vineyards’ water table, guaranteeing a good blooming, still ahead of time with respect to the previous season. The harvest began at the end of August/first few days of September, after a hot, dry summer that led to the harvesting of well-ripened grapes, qualitatively rich in body and color. As soon as the grapes were harvested, they were taken to the cellar.
Fermentation: Once de-stemmed, the natural fermentation process began in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats. The wine remained in the vats to complete maceration. After racking, malolactic fermentation took place in steel as well.
Aging: At the end of the year, the wine was transferred into barriques, where it was aged for further months. A further period in the bottle brought Nipozzano to its full expression as a wine with exceptional balance.

ABOUT FRESCOBALDI WINERY:
Beginning in the early 1300s, the Frescobaldi family has been producing wine in Tuscany for over seven hundred years. That family history is filled with illustrious ancestors, from literary figures, explorers, and musicians, to financiers, bishops, and statesmen. Over the years, the Frescobaldi family had established commercial contracts and relationships, and had the opportunity to share their wine with numerous historical names and courts such as the Court of England, the Papal Court in Rome, Donatello, Michelozzo, Michelozzi, and Filippo Brunelleschi.

The winery has been passed down in the family from generation to generation, building many different sub-family estates over the years. Today, the President, Lamberto Frescobaldi, aims to strengthen the uniqueness of the wines of each family estate. The Frescobaldi family believes each family estate, and their vineyards, should express the diversity and individuality of their Tuscan terroir while always respecting their nature and authenticity. Learn more about the family history here.

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January Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

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Collectors Wine ClubLaurent-Perrier_HarmonyLaurent-Perrier
Harmony
Demi-Sec NV
Champagne, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Demi-Sec was the most popular style of Champagne in the 18th century. Laurent-Perrier continues to make this authentic style with the same pride and care as the rest of their Laurent-Perrier wines.

The Harmony Demi-Sec wine is rich, golden-yellow in color. The nose is robust and expressive, it opens with aromas of candied fruit, almonds and hazelnuts, followed by notes of fresh brioche. Rich on the palate, this Demi-Sec is full-bodied and generous with an elegant, clean finish.

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 45% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier. More than 55 crus with an average ration of 94% are used in the Demi-Sec base wine blend. Between 10-20% of reserve wines are used to ensure perfect consistency.
Vinification and Aging: Following a minimum of three years of cellar aging, Demi-Sec receives a dosage of 45 grams of sugar per liter dissolved in wine from the same cuvée. The dosage level results in a Demi-Sec that is pleasantly sweet without being cloying.
Serving Temperature: Serve between 43ºF and 46ºF
Food Pairing: Rich desserts, especially cakes and tarts
Critical Acclaim:

  • Wine & Spirits – 91 Points

Collectors Wine ClubLaurent-Perrier_Grand-Siecle-N24Laurent-Perrier
Grand Siecle
Itération Nº24
Champagne, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Launched in 1959 by Bernard de Nonancourt, Grand Siècle is Laurent-Perrier’s prestige cuvée and the epitome of the art of blending. Grand Siècle’s elegant bottle was inspired by the work of early 18th century master glassmakers. This cuvée namesake means “Great Century” from the illustrious period of French history during the reign of King Louis XIV, called the Sun King. At that time, art de vivre reached its pinnacle and French gastronomy was born, ushering in the concept of vins de terroir and the first effervescent wines from Champagne.

The Grand Siècle is bright pale, gold in color with a very fine effervescence, persistent sparkle and stead stream of fine bubbles. The nose is fresh, intense and complex with notes of candied citrus developing into aromas of fresh pastry and toasted almonds, with subtle hints of honey and gingerbread. The palate is complex, marrying structure to finesse, resulting in a perfect balance between power and delicacy. This textured wine continues to develop on the palate and in the glass, showing notes of honey, hazelnut, and toasted brioche.

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 55% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir:

  • Grand Siècle Iteration Nº24 is made exclusively with 100% grand cru grapes from eleven of the most outstanding villages. These grapes are from exclusively hand-picked plots, selected from exceptional years and chosen for their complementary traits to provide structure, freshness and finesse in perfect harmony; Chardonnay always being the majority, with the balance being Pinot Noir:
    • Chardonnay Grands Crus: Avize, Cramant, Chouilly, Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.
    • Pinot Noir Grands Crus: Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzy, Verzenay, Tours-sur-Marne and Mailly
  • Grand Siècle Iteration Nº24 is always a blend of three complementary years, which have been declared vintages by Laurent-Perrier: 2007 (60%), 2006 (20%), and 2004 (20%) vintages:
    • 2007: noted for its freshness, the Chardonnays are complex with aromas of white fruits and citrus and the Pinots Noirs open and fruity with a dominance of yellow fruit
    • 2006: noted for its finesse with rich, complex Chardonnays and Pinots Noirs with red fruit aromas
    • 2004: noted for its freshness and structure with fine, balanced Chardonnays and high quality Pinots Noirs

Vinification and Aging: The best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines are kept in reserve tanks in the dedicated Grand Siècle cuverie at Laurent-Perrier. After the base blend is crafted, it is put into bottles that will mature for up to 11 years on the lees in the cellar before disgorging.
Serving Temperature: Serve between 50ºF – 53.6ºF
Food Pairing: The creaminess and complexity of Grand Siècle perfectly complements refined dishes such as noble fish and lobster, or any dish with truffles or mushrooms.
Critical Acclaim:

  • James Suckling – 97 Points

ABOUT LAURENT-PERRIER:
Laurent-Perrier is the largest independent, family-owned, woman-owned House in Champagne. Passed down from generation to generation, the house is now managed by Alexandra Pereyre de Nonancourt and Stéphanie Meneux de Nonancourt, daughters of the emblematic Bernard de Nonancourt. In 2014, Stéphane Dalyac joined the daughters as Chairman of the Management Board, and in 2019, Alexandra’s daughter, Lucie Pereye de Nonancourt joined the team representing Grand Siècle in France and worldwide. This successful hand-over between generations has given the winery the ability to craft traditional and elegant champagnes for over two centuries. Laurent-Perrier suits every occasion and offers a unique experience for all senses through their innovative and comprehensive range of champagnes. Learn more about their history here.

© Photo by Laurent-Perrier
Chef de Caves, Michel Fauconnet: © Photo by Laurent-Perrier
© Photo by Laurent-Perrier
Stephanie & Alexandra de Nonancourt © Photo by Laurent-Perrier
© Photo by Laurent-Perrier
© Photo by Laurent-Perrier
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