Tag Archives: Wine Style

June Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Posted on by

Grilled Harissa Lamb Chops

© Photo by Feasting at Home

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2–3 lbs lamb chops, lamb loin chops or sirloin steaks
  • Grillable veggies – your choice of Zucchini, summer squash, bell pepper, onion, eggplant, mushrooms, etc.
  • Spray olive oil (or use regular)
  • 15–20 fresh Mint leaves

Harissa Spice Rub:

  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon coriander
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried mint
  • 1 teaspoon whole caraway seeds (optional)

Harissa Yogurt:

  • 1 cup plain, full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon harissa paste (store-bought or homemade Harissa paste) more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – optional

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat Grill to med-high.
  2. Cut lamb chops into single chops or portions. (Use a sharp chef’s knife and slice in between the bones.)  Pat dry.
  3. Mix spices and salt together in a shallow bowl (big enough to fit chop)
  4. Dip both sides of each chop, as well as fatty edge, into the Harissa rub, tap the excess off and place on a sheet pan.
  5. If grilling veggies, lightly toss with olive oil, salt and pepper, and grill these first. Cover, set aside until serving.
  6. Grill the lamb chops. Spray the grill with olive oil spray. Place the chops down and grill 3 minutes (covered) or until good grill marks appear (don’t fiddle with them too much). Spray the top of lamb chops with olive oil, and turn them over. Turn the heat down to medium and grill another 3 minutes. Then, place the fatty edge of the lamb chop on the grill, so they are sitting upright, on their side, leaning them up against each other. Cover and cook another 2 minutes or so, to melt off that fatty layer.  (These are delicious served medium, but feel free to cook through on lower heat if that is your preference.) Remove from grill, cover with foil until ready to serve.
  7. Mix the yogurt with the harissa paste, starting conservatively, adding more to taste. Each Harissa paste has different levels of heat. Chef Sylvia Fountaine likes to a whisk in a teaspoon of smoked paprika to bump up the smoky flavor – up to you.
  8. To serve, cut the grilled veggies into bite-size pieces, and place them on a platter. Top with the grilled lamb chops. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
  9. Serve the Harissa yogurt on the side or spoon a little on each chop.
  10. Serve with a cooked grain like quinoa, basmati rice or even couscous.

Notes: If serving with a cooked grain, make sure to season it. ( Olive Oil, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and fresh parsley is nice.) You could serve it on the same platter, underneath the veggies and lamb, or serve it on the side.

© Recipe courtesy of Sylvia Fountaine from Feasting at Home.

JUNE WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoBurdiPrimitivoDuca Carlo Guarini
Burdi Primitivo Rosso IGT Puglia
Scorrano, Italy

BOLD WINE STYLE

The Burdi Primitivo IGT Puglia Rosso wine is an every day wine, made from organic certified grapes. It is deep ruby red in color, and on the palate it is fruity and soft. This wine is ideal with any kind of food, especially pasta, grilled or roasted meat, and seasoned cheese.
 
Varietal: 100% Primitivo
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Description: IGT Red Puglia
Yield: 100,000 kg. per hectare
Vinification: Five Days maceration with skins, temperature controlled fermentation

 

ABOUT DUCA CARLO GUARINI:

The Guarini family has lived in Puglia since 1040, when their ancestors moved from Normandy, arriving in Terra d’Otranto. In 1114, Accardo Guarini, Count of Valesio, founded his vineyard overlooking the Adriatic sea in the Pìutri estate. Since then, the Guarini family continues to take care of the same vineyards, maintaining the traditions founded many centuries ago. Learn more here.

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >

 
 
 

 

May Sweet Club

Posted on by
 

Sweet Wine ClubBroadbent_Madeira_Rainwater_NVBroadbent Selections
Rainwater Madeira NV
Madeira, Portugal

NECTAR WINE STYLE

The Rainwater Madeira has a light, toffee-scented bouquet with hints of crème brûlée. The wine highlights subtle notes of marzipan, raisin and fresh fig that become more well-defined and bold as it aerates. On the palate, it is sweet and spicy on the entry. At first, it is quite understated with smoked walnut, nougat, cumin and Chinese 5-spice. As it continues to build, the wine becomes beautifully balanced and harmonious with traces of red chillies, dried honey and walnuts at the finish.

Analysis: 19% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 98% Tinta Negra, 2% other regional red varieties
RS: 74 g/L
pH: 3.1
Total Acidity: 6.4 g/L (tartaric)
Total Sulphur: <15 mg/L
Annual Production: 20,000 cases x 12/750 ml
Winemaker: Juan Teixeira
Critical Acclaim: 90 points – Neil Martin, eRobertParker.com #202, August 2012

Pairing: Serve slightly chilled on its own or with antipastos, cheeses, or sweet desserts.

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

HARVEST AND PRODUCTION: 
“Combining different wines together, we try to have a final wine with high quality. Blending helps to balance the wine, to add layers of flavors and better integrate the sugars and acids.  Blending allows us to select the best characteristics of different wines and then mix them all together to create a much better flavor profile, maintaining the consistence of quality and, off course, reduce the negative impacts, if any, that some harvest years may present.” – Broadbent Selections

Broadbent_Madeira_Fine_Rich_SweetBroadbent Selections
Fine Rich Sweet
Madeira, Portugal

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Broadbent’s Fine Rich Sweet Madeira has notes of caramel, light fruits, toasted nuts and sesame. It has a well-balanced acidity and clear, fresh aftertaste. This is a well made, uncomplicated Madeira.

Analysis: 19% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 98% Tinta Negra, 2% other regional red varieties
Residual Sugar: 106 g/L
pH: 3.42
Total Acidity: 5.18 g/L (tartaric)
Total Sulphur: 36 mg/L
Winemaker: Juan Teixeira

Pairing: Serve slightly chilled on its own or with antipastos, strong cheeses, chocolate or dessert.

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

HARVEST AND PRODUCTION:
“The harvest period started mid September, concluding the 2nd week of October. The grapes were de-stemmed, crushed and pressed. The must obtained was then allowed to ferment at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks. Fermentation stopped after 6 or 7 days by addition of neutral grape spirit (96% minimum) in order to maintain the desired sweetness degree. Vinification was made in strict accordance with traditional methods. Aged in old oak cask in the traditional “Canteiro ”system. After maturing, the wine underwent racking, fining and filtering before the blend was assembled and bottled.” – Broadbent Selections

Bartholomew Broadbent

Bartholomew Broadbent

ABOUT BROADBENT SELECTIONS:
Broadbent Selections, Inc. was founded in 1996 by Bartholomew Broadbent, who established Premium Port Wines in 1986 and is considered responsible for the reintroduction of Madeira to the United States in 1989. The company acts as the U.S. national importer, distributor and representative for wineries from around the world. Bartholomew was named one of the “fifty most influential people in the wine world.” by Decanter Magazine (June 1997). Broadbent Selections, Inc. was nominated Importer of the Year in 2005 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine and was named one of the 100 fastest growing companies in 1998 by Entrepreneur Magazine and Dun & Bradstreet. Today, he has expanded from his pivotal role in the breathtaking growth of Port and Madeira to “exert a profound influence on the US wine market” says Decanter. Learn more here.

Love the Sweet life?
“Wine” not try our Sweet Club! 

Click here to learn more >

Sweet Club

 

May Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Posted on by

Lamb Chops Sizzled with Garlic

© Photo by James Baigrie

INGREDIENTS:

  • 8 1/2-inch-thick lamb loin chops (about 2 pounds fatty tips trimmed)
  • salt and freshly ground pepper
  • dried thyme
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 10 small garlic cloves (halved)
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons minced parsley
  • crushed red pepper

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Season the lamb with salt and pepper and sprinkle lightly with thyme. In a very large skillet, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the lamb chops and garlic and cook over moderately high heat until the chops are browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Turn the chops and garlic and cook until the chops are browned, about 2 minutes longer for medium meat. Transfer the chops to plates, leaving the garlic in the skillet.
  2. Add the water, lemon juice, parsley and crushed red pepper to the pan and cook, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom, until sizzling, about 1 minute. Pour the garlic and pan sauce over the lamb chops and serve immediately.

© Recipe courtesy of Janet Mendel from Food and Wine.

MAY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoCircle-of-Life-RedWaterkloof
Circle of Life Red
Stellenbosch, South Africa

BOLD WINE STYLE

A perfectly integrated blend with great length, combining the spiciness of the Syrah, the fresh fruits of the Petit Verdot and juiciness from the Merlot. The introduction is fresh and fruity with good acidity, evolving into riper flavors and herbaceous notes, and with elegant tannins and light acids on the finish. It is very versatile and will complement numerous dishes, but the winery recommends enjoying it with a hearty piece of lamb.
 
Varietal: 26% Syrah, 24% Merlot, 26% Petit Verdot and 24% Cabernet Franc
Analysis: 13-14% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.52
TA: 5.2 g/l
VA: 0.7
Residual Sugar: 2.3
Production: 17,400 bottles produced
 

Circle of Life tells the story of Waterkloof: A once conventionally farmed vineyard with great potential, that – since Paul Boutinot took over the property – has been transformed into a living, breathing organic and biodynamic vineyard by Farm Manager Christiaan Loots and his team. Waterkloof winery strives to produce distinctive, yet balanced wines using traditional, organic and biodynamic methods. They work with nature, not against it. Chickens, sheep and work-horses have unique and integral parts within the vineyard. Their soils are free of chemicals, and instead are kept healthy using plant extracts, fungi and bacteria from their own organic compost. The winery continuously works to understand their vineyards to harness the individual characteristics of each vineyard block. Waterkloof’s objective with Circle of Life was to produce two blends that encapsulate all the varying terroir characteristics and grape varietals found on Waterkloof.

© Photo by Waterkloof

HARVEST AND PRODUCTION:
All grapes are hand-picked and sorted in the vineyards, then brought to their cellars by their work-horses. The grapes are then hand-sorted again at the winery to ensure only the best berries are being used. The sorted grapes are then placed into wooden fermenters using their gravity system. This fermentation process starts naturally with yeast present on the grapes to enhance the flavors from the vineyards. Throughout the fermentation process, the winery performs soft punch downs twice a day to gently and slowly extract the tannins. The wines will spend around 30 days on the skins – give or take depending on taste. After the maceration time on the skins, the wine is ran down using gravity, no pumping is incorporated. The grape skins also fall through into the basket press and are softly pressed to gently extract every last bit of wine, aroma and color. The varietals are then aged separately in French oak for about 18 months. After the aging process, Waterkloof blends the Syrah (26%), Merlot (24%), Petit Verdot (26%), and Cabernet Franc (24%) together, then keeps in wooden fermenters for another 9 months. This wine is unfined and gently filtered.

ABOUT WATERKLOOF:
In 1993 Paul Boutinot commenced his search for a vineyard site with the potential to produce truly fine wine with a defining sense of origin. The classic areas, capable of growing naturally balanced grapes such as the Cote d’Or, Chablis, Paulliac, Barolo, etc. were either unavailable or unattainable (rich men’s toys), so he had to find a new classic. It took ten years to narrow the search down to a small area on the south-facing slopes of the Schapenberg, overlooking False Bay in the Cape. As soon as he was led up a steep ravine opening out into a hidden amphitheater of potential, all his experience and intuition told him: ‘THIS IS IT!’ Just like that, Waterkloof was born, and the hard work began. Learn more about the history of Waterkloof here.

© Photo by Waterkloof
© Photo by Waterkloof
© Photo by Waterkloof
© Photo by Waterkloof

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >

 
 
 

 

April Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Posted on by

Beef Tenderloin with Roasted Shallots

Beef Tenderloin with Shallots

© Photo by All Recipes

INGREDIENTS:

  • ¾ pound shallots, halved lengthwise and peeled
  • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • ¾ cup port wine
  • 1 ½ teaspoons tomato paste
  • 2 pounds beef tenderloin roast, trimmed
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 3 slices bacon, diced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 4 sprigs watercress, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9-inch pie pan, toss shallots with oil to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Roast until shallots are deep brown and very tender, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.
  2. In a large saucepan, combine beef broth and port. Bring to a boil. Cook over high heat until the volume is reduced by half, about 30 minutes. Whisk in tomato paste. Set aside.
  3. Pat beef dry; sprinkle with thyme, salt and pepper. In a large roasting pan, set over medium heat on the stove top, sauté bacon until golden. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels. Add beef to pan; brown on all sides over medium high heat, about 7 minutes.
  4. Transfer pan to oven. Roast beef until meat thermometer inserted into center registers 125°F (50°C) for medium rare, about 25 minutes. Transfer beef to platter. Tent loosely with foil.
  5. Spoon fat off top of pan drippings in roasting pan. Place pan over high heat on stove top. Add broth mixture, and bring to boil; stir to scrape up any browned bits. Transfer to a medium saucepan, and bring to simmer. Mix 1 ½ tablespoon butter and flour in small bowl to form smooth paste; whisk into broth mixture, and simmer until sauce thickens. Whisk in remaining butter. Stir in roasted shallots and reserved bacon. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Cut beef into ½ inch thick slices. Spoon some sauce over, and garnish with watercress.

© Recipe courtesy of Christine L. from All Recipes.

APRIL WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoChateau-de-Bel-Air-Lalande-de-Pomerol-bottle-webChâteau de Bel-Air
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Lalande de Pomerol, France

MELLOW WINE STYLE

On the nose, Château de Bel-Air presents notes of red fruit and floral aromas; on the palate, a harmonious balance between flesh and tannins means it can be enjoyed after just a few years of cellaring. A delicate wine that is a perfect partner for refined dishes.
 
Varietal: 73% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 13-14% alcohol / volume
Viticulture: Culture Raisonnée, soil tilling or cover cropping
Harvest: Mechanical, with sorting in the cellar
Winemaking: Parcellary, in thermo-regulated concrete vats


Mentioned in the Cocks & Feret guides as one of the best wines of the appellation as early as 1922, Château de Bel-Air is situated on a sunny plateau that gently slopes southward. The historical quality of its wines and its privileged position, which guarantees the vineyard ideal sun exposure year-round, inspired owner Michel de Laet Derache to acquire the property in 2011. The vines, averaging 40 years of age, are planted on a terroir of gravel brought from the volcanic Massif Central by rivers during the quaternary era, with layers of iron rich clay. In order to best express the nuances of the site, the vineyard is managed and vinified plot by plot, with a respect for the different ages of the vines, varietals, and rootstocks. Vinification takes place in thermo-regulated concrete tanks. The wine is then mostly aged in oak barrels (45% new) for 12-18 months. 

© Photo by Moueix
© Photo by Moueix
© Photo by Moueix

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >

 
 
 

 

April Sweet Club

Posted on by
 

Luca_Bosio_Sweet_Rosso_bottle-webSweet Wine ClubLuca Bosio Vineyards
Rosso
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Gorgeously fresh with tones of ripe berry, this wine is medium-bodied and well balanced.  It has a delicate frizzante.  With lower alcohol and lower calories, it’s an everyday drinkable wine to enjoy no matter the occasion. 

Analysis: 5.0% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Brachetto
Region: Piedmont, Italy

Pairing: Serve slightly chilled on its own or with antipastos, prosciutto, fish and white meats.

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

WINEMAKER NOTES: 
Basic Brachetto is playfully fizzy with two atmospheres of pressure and is known for having low alcohol at 5.0%, a natural range of sweetness. After fermentation, the residual sugar remains relatively high, making the wines sweeter than dry wines. Because the extra sugar stops fermentation early, non-fortified sweet reds tend to be lower in alcohol than dry wines.

Luca_Bosio_Sweet_Black_bottle-webLuca Bosio Vineyards
Black
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

A luscious, fruit forward red blend with voluptuous mouth-feel and layers of strawberries, juicy raspberry and hints of chocolate. The frizzante finish makes it superb.

Analysis: 5.0% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 95% Brachetto, 5% Raspberry, Strawberry fruit infused
Region: Piedmont, Italy

Pairing: Serve slightly chilled on its own or with antipastos, prosciutto, fish and white meats.

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

WINEMAKER NOTES:
Basic Brachetto is playfully fizzy with 2 atmospheres of pressure & is known for having low alcohol at 5.0%, a natural range of sweetness. After fermentation, the residual sugar remains relatively high, making the wines sweeter than dry wines. Because the extra sugar stops fermentation early, non-fortified sweet reds tend to be lower in alcohol than dry wines.

WINERY HISTORY:
Now in its 3rd generation, Bosio Family Estates was established in 1967 by farmers Egidio and Angela. After the success of his innovative and progressive ideas, and with the support of the family, the company has taken the name of Luca Bosio Vineyards. The winery is located in the center of the Langhe region of Piedmont, Italy.

© Photo by Luca Bosio Vineyards
© Photo by Luca Bosio Vineyards
© Photo by Luca Bosio Vineyards

Love the Sweet life?
“Wine” not try our Sweet Club! 

Click here to learn more >

Sweet Club

March Sweet Club

Posted on by

Sweet Wine ClubMarco-Negri-Moscato-D-AstiMarco Negri
Moscato D’Asti
Piemonte, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Pale yellow color with a fine perlage. A typical bouquet with skin citrus fruits and jasmine. It presents a good structure and sapid.

Analysis: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Moscato
pH: 3.28
Residual Sugar: 125 g/l
TA: 5.0 g/l
Sulfit: 120 mg/l
Harvest Date: Beginning of September
Vineyard Location: 11 hectare in Costigliole d’Asti – Piemonte
Oenologist: Mr. Donato Lanati
Fermentation: Stainless steel tanks
Bottling: Preserved at 28.4ºF
Vinification: After the must has been softly pressed, it is left to ferment with selected yeasts into 50 hl. autoclaves for 8-10 days, at controlled temperature. The fermentation is stopped by cooling when the desired alcohol level is reached. When bottling, the wine is filtered through micropore sterile filters to totally eliminate any yeast.

Pairing: Traditionally enjoyed with dessert, but with its low degree of alcohol, amazing sparkling fragrance, and very light sweetness; it can also be pleasant as an aperitif.

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese, such as a gorgonzola. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

ABOUT THE REGION:
Marco Negri estate, located in the heart of Piedmont, Italy, near the town of Asti, produced its first sparkling wine in 1993. Marco Negri has received their DOCG, Italy’s highest category of production, with their Moscato grapes. 

PAcRim_sweet_riesling-1-365x1024Pacific Rim
Sweet Riesling
Columbia Valley, Washington

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Refreshingly sweet with a lively mouthfeel. Bright Acidity. Fresh and fruity with flavors of pineapple and white peach. This Riesling is wonderfully aromatic with notes of honey, pear and orange blossom.

Analysis: 8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Riesling 
Residual Sugar: 7%
TA: 0.83%
Food Pairing: Ideal with fiery fare – especially Thai, Szechwan, Mexican, Middle Eastern and Caribbean cuisine.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese, such as a gorgonzola. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

PRODUCTION:
Pacific Rim’s Sweet Riesling is 100% Columbia Valley, WA grown. The soil is wind-blown loess on basalt bedrock. They use the purest winemaking possible – sustainably produced, all native yeasts, no oak, no malolactic. A perfect exploration of sweetness – covering the classic residual sugar spectrum of Riesling. 

The winery picks their Riesling grapes early (20-21 Brix). Using only native yeasts and fermenting at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks – there is no use of oak barrels or malolactic fermentation. They stop the fermentation at about 7% residual sugar, and clean the wine rapidly to retain as much freshness and fruitiness as possible. They leave a fair amount of natural carbon dioxide in the wine to create a lively mouth feel. 

ABOUT THE WINERY:
First released by Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon Vineyard in 1992, Pacific Rim Dry Riesling quickly gained a loyal following among Riesling lovers. Known for its fresh and bright characteristics, the wine was a welcome alternative to over-oaked, one-dimensional white wines. As the American palate evolved in recent years toward wines with greater complexity and crisper acidity, the popularity of Pacific Rim Dry Riesling grew. Demand and enthusiasm for Pacific Rim Dry Riesling continued to gain momentum — and the excitement around the wine inspired a radical idea… the creation a winery exclusively dedicated to Riesling. In August of 2006, a small band of Bonny Doon expats moved to the Northwest from California with a common desire to craft the best Riesling in America… thus, Pacific Rim became its own winery. Learn more about the winery here.



Casas del Toqui Barrel Series Pinot Noir

Posted on by

Simple Spaghetti Carbonara

pasta-carbonara_Chelsie Craig

© Photo by Chelsie Craig at Bon Appétit

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 tbsp. kosher salt, plus more
  • 4 oz. guanciale (salt-cured pork jowl), pancetta (Italian bacon), or bacon
  • 2 oz. Parmesan
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 2 large eggs
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 lb. spaghetti, bucatini, or rigatoni

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat 6 qt. water in a large pot over high. When water starts to steam, add 3 Tbsp. salt and cover pot with a lid (this will bring water to a boil faster).
  2. While you are waiting on the water, do a little prep. Remove 4 oz. guanciale from packaging and cut into about 1 x ¼” strips. Finely grate 2 oz. cheese and set aside one-quarter of cheese for later.
  3. Whisk 4 egg yolks and 2 whole eggs in a medium bowl until no streaks remain, then stir in remaining grated cheese. Add several cranks of pepper and set aside.
  4. Working next to pot, heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium. Add guanciale and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp around the edges, 7–10 minutes.
  5. Remove pot from heat. Using a wooden spoon, fish out guanciale and transfer to a small bowl. Pour fat into a heatproof measuring cup, then add back about 3 Tbsp. to pot. Discard any remaining fat.
  6. Cook 1 lb. pasta in boiling water, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes shy of package instructions. Just before pasta is finished, scoop out 1¾ cups pasta cooking liquid with same heatproof measuring cup.
  7. Add 1 cup reserved pasta cooking liquid to Dutch oven and bring to a boil over medium-high. Drain pasta in a colander, then transfer to Dutch oven.
  8. Cook pasta, stirring constantly and vigorously, until al dente and water is reduced by about half, about 2 minutes. Remove pot from heat.
  9. Whisk ¼ cup pasta cooking liquid into reserved egg mixture, then very slowly stream into Dutch oven, stirring constantly, until cheese is melted and egg is thickened to form a glossy sauce. Season with salt, if needed. Thin sauce with remaining ½ cup pasta cooking liquid, adding a tablespoonful at a time, until it’s the consistency of heavy cream (you most likely won’t use all of it).
  10. Mix in guanciale and divide pasta among bowls. Top with pepper and reserved cheese.

© Recipe courtesy of Claire Saffitz from Bon Appétit

MARCH WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoCasas-Toqui-Pinot-NoirCasas del Toqui
Barrel Series Pinot Noir
Cachapoal Valley, Chile

MELLOW WINE STYLE

The Barrel Series Pinot Noir is ruby red in color with medium intensity. It has an elegant nose, with aromas of red berries and a hint of vanilla. The palate is soft, with good balance and a long finish.

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Viticulture: Vertical espalier
Vinification: Fermentation at 80.6ºF-84.2ºF, post fermentation maceration and aged in oak barrels for 6 months
Closure: Screw cap
Pairing: Serve between 57.2ºF-60.8ºF with pasta or a variety of cheeses

Vincent Johnson

© Photo of Vincent Johnson

Casas del Toqui Winery was created with the intention to develop and produce high quality fine wines, to be shared both domestically and internationally. They are committed to excellence by continuously managing their quality, labor safety and environmental sustainability; allowing them to be a role model for the Chilean wine industry. Their philosophy is to achieve maximum balance, quality and identity to each of their wines, to ensure they are a direct reflection of their terroirs. The majority of Casas del Toqui’s vineyards are located in Alto Cachapoal, about 100 kilometers south of Santiago. Here, the alluvial soils and the Mediterranean climate provide ideal conditions for grapevines. 

Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >

February Sweet Club

Posted on by

saracco-moscato-enSweet Wine ClubPaolo Saracco
Moscato d’Asti
Castiglione Tinella, Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Moscato d’Asti is an indigenous aromatic wine characterized by orange, peach and lime notes, with a sweet taste rich in minerals. In color, it is straw yellow with greenish hues, fine perlage, and a slow fermentation index. On the nose it has intense orange blossom, peach and thyme flavors. The taste is intense, elegant, and lingering. The sweet sensations are well balanced with a pleasant acidity with fruity aromas — typical of Muscat grapes.

Food Pairing Recommendations: Ideal with pastries, cakes, fruit tarts, ice cream, biscuits. Also delicious with cheeses such as gorgonzola and in cocktails.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese, such as a gorgonzola. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Varietal: Moscato Bianco Canelli
Vineyards: Located in Castiglione Tinella, Santo Stefano Belbo, Castagnole Lanze, Colosso
Vinification: After harvesting, the bunches are gently pressed to extract the most flavorful juice from the outermost part of the grapes. The must is kept in stainless steel containers at -3°C, where it can be kept for months. When there is market demand, it is then transferred into autoclaves for temperature-controlled fermentation, micro-filtered for purity and then bottled to keep the freshness and flavors intact.

Saracco Vineyards

© Photo by Saracco Winery

VINEYARDS:
A real winemaker knows how to identify plots of land in the best areas. Over the years the Paolo Saracco winery has bought vineyards in the areas around Castiglione Tinella, Santo Stefano Belbo, Castagnole Lanze and Calosso. On their 50 hectares, grapes are grown sustainably in harmony with nature and with attention to changes in the climate throughout the year. Moscato grapes are full of aroma: all processing steps in the winery are done to maintain and preserve their flavors.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
In the heart of the Moscato d’Asti, the Saracco family has produced this aromatic wine in this area since the early 1900s and cultivated their own vineyards, which is an important part of the process, creating a link with the ideal terrain for growing Moscato grapes. With the support of their founder Luigi Saracco, a family of winemakers put their aromatic Moscato wine on the market, selling wine in bulk in the spring to companies producing Vermouth. Today, the passion and professionalism shown in previous decades are continued by Paolo Saracco, Giovanni’s son and current owner, who decided to start bottling Moscato after studying oenology. And so, the ‘Paolo Saracco’ label was born. This idea has allowed wine lovers in Italy and across the globe to discover a hugely aromatic, balanced Moscato d’Asti. To learn more about the Saracco Winery, click here.

Rosso Dolce BottleSonoroso
Rosso Dolce
Trentino, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

The Rosso Dolce (Sweet Red Wine) is brilliant ruby red in color. On the nose, delicate scents of plum and violet compliment the aromas of red fruits and sweet spice. The taste is fresh vibrant and slightly frizzante, with notes of blackberry and cherry for a sensuous taste. It finishes with a touch of sweetness.

Food Pairing Recommendations: Pleasantly refreshing and food-friendly; pairs well with flavorful dishes and spicy cuisine, or even your favorite dessert! Serve chilled.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese, such as a gorgonzola. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Analysis: 7% alcohol / volume
Varietals: Teroldego, Marzemino, Merlot
Appellation: Trevenezie IGT
Residual Sugar: 100 g/I
TA: 5.30 g/l
Vinification: Each varietal is manually harvested at the perfect ripeness to preserve aromas and freshness. Following de-stemming, the juice is kept in contact with the grape skin for several days at low temperatures (cold maceration) to extract the fruit’s aroma and color. Then a partial fermentation is done at low temperature to preserve the natural sweetness, the fruity character and the fizzy style.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Sonoroso is an irresistible, delicately sweet line of wines from Northern Italy. It makes a wonderful aperitif and is also incredibly food-friendly with a variety of dishes. Learn more here.

Sonoroso

© Photo by Sonoroso Wine

Love the Sweet life?
“Wine” not try our Sweet Club! 

Click here to learn more >

Sweet Club

January Sweet Club

Posted on by

Sweet Wine ClubAntech EspritAntech
Esprit de Bulles
Limoux, France

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This Cuvée offers a unique taste and is a local symbol, allied to traditions and history of Limoux. Its straw yellow color with swirling bubbles and sparkling reflections is already a call to party. The palate is lively with the sensation of biting into apples and grapes. Honey, scents of acacia and very ripe pear notes bring softness and voluptuousness. Serve chilled at 41- 43 °F. 

Food Pairing Recommendations: Its lightness and freshness are ideal as an aperitif or to accompany desserts with apples, pancakes, fruit pies and French King cakes.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese, such as a gorgonzola. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Analysis: 6.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Mauzac
Residual Sugars: 80 g/L
Vinification: All grapes are handpicked, carried to the fermenting room in cases of at most 660 pounds, and then immediately pressed pneumatically. The juices selected are then fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel vats set at low temperatures. The juices are then fermented until they reach a degree of 5 percent alcohol content. Effervescence is produced by the Méthode Ancestrale using only the natural residual sugars in the juice after the first fermentation in their temperature controlled cellars (57°F) over a 14 week period. Effervescence occurs and the alcohol content rises to 6-7 percent.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
Hillsides and terraces have gently sloping clay-limestone soil with Mediterranean climate and an oceanic influence. The vine age is on average 20 to 40 years old and yields less than 50 hectares. To move further ahead in their quest for finesse and elegance, the Antech Winery conducts advanced experiments on the vines. In their family vineyard, they try out new methods on their old vine-stocks on the appellation’s highest land — stony, south-facing hillsides nearly 400m above sea level, opposite to the Pyrenees. To learn more about the Antech Vineyards, click here.

© Photo by Antech Winery

© Photo by Antech Winery

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Family owned and independent for six generations, The Antech Estate dedicates itself to the elaboration of Sparkling wines in Limoux’s legendary sparkling area. The Antech Estate distinguishes itself with their distinctive style – from the elegance of its bubbles to the commitment of its action. To learn more about Antech Winery’s history and their team, click here.

Les_Arroucats_Cuvee_VirginieChâteau Les Arroucats
Cuvée Virginie
Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, France

NECTAR WINE STYLE

A fleshy, powerful, elegant wine with beautiful aromas and a good length. To drink now as an apéritif, with fat liver, poultry or apricot tarts; or to lay down for 5 years.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese, such as a gorgonzola. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 87% Sémillon, 10% Sauvignon, 3% Muscadelle
Harvesting: Hand picked by successive sorting 
Yields: 35 hl/ha
Winemaking: Traditional winemaking in cement and stainless steel vats
Aging: In vats during one to two years
Annual Production: 20,000 bottles per year for this cuvée

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
The Vineyard sits on about 22 hectares of land. The soil is on a panoramic plateau composed of fossilized oysters, located at 110 meters from the sea – called Clayey-calcareous soils. The average age of the vines is about 40 years old.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Located in the district of Sainte Croix Du Mont, the estate was created after the war by Mr. Labat. From 1990 to 2000, his daughter, Annie Lapouge committed to develop and modernize the estate. Annie’s daughter, Mme Virginie Barbe now runs the estate.

Love the Sweet life?
“Wine” not try our Sweet Club! 

Click here to learn more >

Sweet Club

December Sweet Club

Posted on by

Sweet Wine ClubKiona Red Mountain Ice WineKiona Vineyards
Chenin Blanc Ice Wine
Red Mountain AVA
Washington

NECTAR WINE STYLE

While the Red Mountain AVA is known for big, powerful red wine, it’s also an exceedingly good place to grow white varietals. The Kiona Estate Vineyard has four acres of Chenin Blanc planted in a depression, ensuring a consistent freeze year-in, year-out. We don’t pick Ice Wine until the grapes are naturally frozen in the vineyard, typically picking in the early morning hours before the sun rises.

Ice Wine is one of the world’s most elusive and delicious elixirs. Kiona prefers to use Chenin Blanc, a varietal that allows for robust acidity and intense green and tropical fruit flavors. Kiona’s philosophy with this wine is to emphasize acidity over outright sweetness, a tactic that ensures a balanced, crisp wine that dances on the tongue.

Food Pairing Recommendations: Ideal with fruit desserts, including pastries and tarts.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese, such as a gorgonzola. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Analysis: 9% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.26
TA: 8.63 g/L
Residual Sugars: 175 g/L
Vineyard Source: 100% Kiona Estate, Red Mountain, Washington
Vineyard Blocks Planted: 1976, 1983
Varietal Composition: 100% Chenin Blanc
Winemaking: 100% Stainless, 31.3º Brix @ Harvest

PRODUCTION: Heat accumulation tracked slightly behind the previous vintage on Red Mountain. Bloom occurred slightly ahead of historical averages, and during ideal weather conditions. Crop loads were heavy going into the summer, resulting in the need to perform additional thinning. Weather during harvest (September-October) was ideal. It’s a stellar high acid and high sugar vintage.

Photo by John Vitale of Washington Tasting

Photo by John Vitale of Washington Tasting Room Magazine


ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
While Red Mountain is known for big, powerful red wines, it’s also an exceedingly good place to grow white varietals. The Kiona Estate vineyard has four acres of Chenin Blanc planted in a depression, increasing the likelihood that we are able to produce Ice Wine. They don’t pick the grapes until they are naturally frozen in the vineyard, a process that concentrates the sugar and flavor to unprecedented levels.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
In 1975 John Williams and Jim Holmes’ families planted the first vineyard on Red Mountain, an area now known for producing some of the world’s most powerful, opulent wines of distinction. For three generations their families have worked side by side, hand in hand to craft exciting, vineyard-driven wines that capture the essence of Red Mountain. Learn more about Kiona Vineyards here.

Photo by Mark Roberts
Photo by: Kiona Estate Vineyard
Photo by: Kiona Estate Vineyards
Photo by Kiona Vineyards and Winery

Love the Sweet life?
“Wine” not try our Sweet Club! 

Click here to learn more >

Sweet Club