Tag Archives: wine tasting

July Premium Wine Club

Posted on by
Old Vine ZinEola Hills Wine Cellars
Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel
Oregon

Bold wine Style logoBOLD WINE STYLE

The Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel is garnet red in color. On the nose, there are flavors of plum, cranberry and strawberry jam. It is medium-bodied with notes of craisins, cedar and spice on the palate.

Analysis: 14.43% alcohol / volume
RS: 4 g/L
TA: 0.52
pH: 3.89
Brix At Harvest: +27.3
Production: 420 cases
Food Pairing: This wine pairs well with roasts, grilled game and turkey. Enjoy alone, or try it with an orange marinated smoked duck, or chanterelles and sage.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“This Zinfandel was picked from young vines on the Mohr-Fry ranch. Fermented at cool temperatures to extract soft tannins, then barrel-aged in older American Oak for 13 months. A minimum of handling, a maximum of fruit expression. A spiced entry, jammy mid-palate, followed with a balanced smoothness.” – Eola Hills Wine Cellars

Bold wine Style logoCabernet ReserveEola Hills Wine Cellars
Barrel Select Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Oregon

BOLD WINE STYLE

Black Cherry in color, the Barrel Select Reserve Cabernet showcases aromas of cola, oregano, and smoke. It has a medium body with a bright mid-palate, highlighting flavors of cassis and smoke with a velvety finish.

Analysis: 13.9% alcohol / volume
RS: 0.0 g/L
TA: 0.75
pH: 3.45
Brix At Harvest: 22.5-24
Production: 625 cases
Food Pairing: This wine pairs well with anything from chocolate cake, pudding, and chocolate chip cookies, to smoked pork chops with green beans, asparagus, or your favorite BBQ recipe.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“With this bottle of reserve cabernet, winemaker Steve Anderson aged the grapes for 33 months in 6% new oak and ultimately decided to let the grapes speak for themselves.” – Eola Hills Wine Cellars

Mellow style logoWedding BlockEola Hills Wine Cellars
Wedding Block Pinot Noir
Oregon

MELLOW WINE STYLE

If discovering a great wine feels a bit like falling in love, this Pinot Noir delivers. Exuberant red currants and lush layers of dark bramble fruits surrounds a structured palate rich with cola, baking spices and a resonant finish. The perfect pairing for any special day.

Analysis: 14.2% alcohol / volume
RS: 0 g/L
TA: 0.55 g/L
pH: 3.71
Brix At Harvest: 23.8-24.5
Production: 150 cases
Vineyards: Eola Hills’ Wolf Hill Vineyard – Eola Amity Hills AVA
Elevation: 283 feet
Vine Age: 22.8 years (average)
Acres: 43
Soil Profile: Jory, Nekia, Hazelair, Woodburn, Willamette, Dupee, Concord
Food Pairing: This Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with a seared tuna rolled in peppercorns, or any dish with notes of ginger, thyme and fresh rosemary. Try with a garlic stuffed pork roast marinated in red wine, vinegar and rosemary.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“If you follow Eola Hills closely, you know Steve Anderson is our longtime winemaker. What you may not know is that he and his lovely wife, Nancy, said their vows under the great oaks at our Wolf Hill Vineyard on July 9th, 2005. In honor of love and saying their “I do’s”, Steve designated the name “Wedding Block” to this special plot of land in the Eola-Amity Hills, which is planted to Pinot Noir Dijon clones 114 and 667, and Pommard. With rich notes of bramble fruits and baking spices, our big, structured 2019 Wedding Block Pinot Noir will age beautifully – much like a good love story.” – Eola Hills Wine Cellars

ABOUT EOLA HILLS WINE CELLARS:
In the early 1980’s, Oregonian Tom Huggins found himself intrigued by the notion of creating great regional wines in the heart of the Willamette Valley. With close friends and family members, they invested in purchasing 35 acres that Tom thought was ideal for growing grapes. Today, Eola Hills Wine Cellars is still locally owned and operated and one of Oregon’s largest wineries, farming over 325 acres of prime vineyard land. They produce over 80,000 cases of fine wines that are enjoyed across the country and internationally, capturing the spirit and flavors of Oregon. Learn more here.

© Photo by Eola Hills
© Photo by Eola Hills
Winemaker Steve Anderson
© Photo by Eola Hills
© Photo by Eola Hills
© Photo by Eola Hills

Boozie Banter PodcastPODCAST WITH EOLA HILLS WINERY:
Our WineStyles team recently hosted special guest Brett Huggins of Eola Hills Winery on our Boozie Banter podcast. We talk about his family winery, Oregon wine, gleaning, moving to the Midwest and taste eight of his wines from their expansive portfolio. Attend our July 21st Winery Spotlight tasting event with winemaker Steve Anderson and experience Eola Hills yourself!  Meanwhile, listen to the full podcast on Spotify here >

Wine club logoJoin our PREMIUM WINE CLUB, enjoy amazing wines every other month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn more about our Premium Club >

 
 
 

 

Winery Spotlight: July 21 Eola Hills Wine Cellars

Posted on by

Wine Tasting Event

 

Eola Hills Wine Cellars
 Willamette Valley, Oregon

Wednesday, July 21, 2021
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event, featuring Eola Hills from Willamette Valley, Oregon with guest speaker Steve Anderson on Zoom. As Head Winemaker and General Manager, he will be guiding us through a tasting of seven Eola Hills wines:

Zoom Facebook Live
  • Pinot Gris 
  • Lucent White Pinot Noir 
  • Riesling 
  • Sparkling Blanc de Blancs 
  • Patriot Red Blend 
  • Classic Pinot Noir 
  • Barrel Select Pinot Noir
To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please call your local WineStyles store. Or if you prefer to attend remotely, from the comfort of your home, pre-order a wine tasting kit-to-go and watch on Zoom. Eola Hills wines

About Eola Hills:

In the early 1980’s, Oregonian Tom Huggins found himself intrigued by the notion of creating great regional wines in the heart of the Willamette Valley. With close friends and family members, they invested in purchasing 35 acres that Tom thought was ideal for growing grapes. Today, Eola Hills Wine Cellars is still locally owned and operated and one of Oregon’s largest wineries, farming over 325 acres of prime vineyard land. They produce over 80,000 cases of fine wines that are enjoyed across the country and internationally, capturing the spirit and flavors of Oregon. Learn more >

About Steve Anderson – General Manager and Head Winemaker:

Eola-Hills-Steve-Anderson-winemaker-1-600x900Steve Anderson started his wine making career at the age of thirteen with is neighbor’s grapes and a 5-gallon bucket. His project was greatly encouraged by his parents, who gladly partook in the results of his experiments. Steve continued his career by studying Horticulture at Oregon State University. Two years into his degree, he ran out of funds and joined the U.S. Army to receive the Army College Fund. After three years as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician, Steve graduated from OSU with plans to become a nurseryman. In 1993, joined the Eola Hills Wine Cellars team as a “harvest season cellar rat”. He was quickly promoted to Assistant Winemaker, and eventually became Eola’s head winemaker, producing beautiful wines for them ever since. Learn more about his story here.

Boozie Banter PodcastPodcast with Eola Hills Winery:

WineStyles team recently hosted special guest Brett Huggins of Eola Hills Winery on our Boozie Banter podcast. We talk Oregon wine, his family winery, gleaning, moving to the Midwest and taste 8 wines from their expansive portfolio. Listen to the full broadcast on Spotify here >

© Photo by Eola Hills
© Photo by Eola Hills
© Photo by Eola Hills
© Photo by Eola Hills
© Photo by Eola Hills
 

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

Eola Hills Wine Cellars Willamette Valley, Oregon

July 21, 2021

6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

Duca Carlo Guarini Burdi Negroamaro

Posted on by
© Photo by Half Baked Harvest

Caprese Pesto Pasta Bake

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
  • 1/3 cup fresh chopped herbs, such as thyme or oregano (I like a mix of both)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1 pound short cut pasta
  • 3/4 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
  • 2–3 cup fresh baby spinach
  • 8 ounces shredded or torn mozzarella or burrata cheese
  • 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto (optional)
  • fresh basil, for serving

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch Pyrex deep baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Cover the bottom of your Pyrex dish with olive oil. In the pan, toss together the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, and a large pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer to the oven and roast for 10-15 minutes or until the tomatoes collapse.
  3. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and add the pasta back to the pot. Immediately toss with the pesto, spinach, and half of the cheese. Add the tomatoes and all the juices from the tomatoes and gently toss to combine. Season with freshly ground black pepper and salt. Transfer the pasta back into the Pyrex dish used to roast the tomatoes.  
  4. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheese over top the pasta, arrange the prosciutto, if using, over the cheese. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the prosciutto is crisp. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil. Enjoy!  

© Recipe courtesy of Tieghan from Half Baked Harvest.

JUNE WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoBurdiRosso_1000x1300Duca Carlo Guarini
Burdi Negroamaro Rosso IGT Puglia
Scorrano, Italy

BOLD WINE STYLE

A red wine made from Negroamaro organic certified grapes. It is deep ruby red in color. On the nose it is intense of red fruits and berries, while on the palate it is well balanced and fruity. It is suited to all courses, but pairs exceptionally well with roasts, cheeses and pasta.

Varietal: 100% Negroamaro
Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume
Description: IGT Red Puglia
Yield: 100,000 kg. per hectare
Vinification: Nine days maceration with skins, temperature controlled fermentation

ABOUT DUCA CARLO GUARINI:
For centuries, Guarini has cultivated their vineyards in the Puglia region of Italy. Their mission is to protect the heritage of the wines in this region, with organic, native grapes vinified in red, rosé and white. All of their wines are mono-varietal, organic and expertly made to respect and express the land where they grow. Learn more about their history 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 More >

 
 
 

 

Duca Carlo Guarini Burdi Bianco

Posted on by
© Photo by Cooking Classy

Fish Tacos

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground paprika
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, or more to taste)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 lb tilapia, cod, or mahi mahi

For Serving

  • 8 corn tortillas, warmed
  • 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 3 Tbsp chopped cilantro leaves
  • 1/3 cup Cotija cheese (optional)

Fish Taco Sauce

  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 3 Tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

DIRECTIONS:

  • In a mixing bowl whisk together vegetable oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne and season with salt and pepper to taste (about 3/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper).
  • Place fish into a dish or gallon size resealable bag and pour marinade over fish (if using a bag seal bag and gently move bag around to evenly coat fish with marinade), allow to marinate in mixture 20 minutes (and no longer than 30 minutes).
  • Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Brush grill grates with oil and place fish on grill. Grill until cooked through, about 3 minutes per side (cook time will vary based on thickness of fish). To view oven or stovetop methods, click here.
  • While the fish is cooking whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Season with salt to taste.
  • Break fish into pieces, layer over warm tortillas. Top with cabbage, avocado, cilantro, cheese if using, and fish taco sauce. 

© Recipe courtesy of Jaclyn of Cooking Classy.

JUNE WINE CLUB:

Silky styleBurdiBiancoDuca Carlo Guarini
Burdi Bianco IGT Puglia
Scorrano, Italy

SILKY WINE STYLE

Burdi Bianco wine is light straw-yellow in color. It is intense and fruity on the nose, while on the palate it is fresh, fruity and balanced. This wine is paired well with fish and seafood.

Varietal: 100% Bombino
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Yield: 120000 kg. per hectare
Vinification: Two hour’s cold maceration with skins, temperature controlled fermentation

ABOUT DUCA CARLO GUARINI:
Since 1114, the Guarini Family has rooted their vineyards in the Apulia region of Italy, between Lecce and Brindisi, overlooking the Adriatic sea. Today, they own 700 hectares of property, farming grapes, olive groves and other grains and vegetables, including fiber and seed hemp. For centuries, they have kept their family’s traditions without sacrificing innovation. Learn more about their estate 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 More >

 

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 >

 
 
 

 

Winery Spotlight Series: June 16 Marietta Cellars

Posted on by

Wine Tasting Event

Marietta Cellars Wines Tasted

Marietta Cellars Sonoma County, California

Wednesday, June 16, 2021 6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event, featuring Marietta Cellars from Sonoma County, California, with guest speaker Scot Bilbro on Zoom. Owner and Winemaker, Scot Bilbro will be guiding us through a tasting of seven of his Marietta Cellars wines:

Zoom Facebook Live
  • Old Vine Riesling
  • Old Vine Rosé
  • Old Vine Red Lot 71
  • Román Zinfandel
  • Armé Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Christo Red Blend
  • Gibson Block Syrah
To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please call your local WineStyles store.  Or if you prefer to attend remotely, from the comfort of your home, pre-order a wine tasting kit-to-go and watch on Zoom.
Chris Bilbro and Scot Bilbro. © Photo by Marietta Cellars
About Marietta Cellars:
Marietta Cellars is a family owned winery in Sonoma County. Chris Bilbro (pictured left) with winemaking roots dating back three generations, founded Marietta Cellars in 1978. Scot Bilbro (pictured right) is now the second generation Winemaker and Owner of Marietta Cellars. Applying his Viticulture and Enology training from UC Davis, Scot keeps yeast happy, manages oxygen’s interaction with the wine, and dials in the temperature range of a fermentation…but the real magic happens in the quiet moments. Hiking the vineyard rows as the fog burns off; checking grapes in the sweltering sun; in the cellar at the end of the night during harvest checking tank temperatures with the palm of his hand. He continues to lead a team that performs magic by transforming hard work, attention to detail, a blessed climate, and exceptional land into beautiful, modern wines. Learn more >
© Photo by Marietta Cellars
© Photo by Marietta Cellars
© Photo by Marietta Cellars
© Photo by Marietta Cellars
About Scot Bilbro – Owner and Winemaker:
Scot Bilbro grew up admiring his father’s ability to create magic – whether it was with wine, food, or a simple game to entertain Scot and his brothers. Scot learned the ins and the outs of the family’s wine business, and after graduating from UC Davis, decided to return to the family winery to create magic of his own. Scot was uncertain and tentative, but his father gave him the confidence to create beautiful wines of his own. This second-generation winery continues to transform hard work, a blessed climate, special pieces of land, and belief into beautiful liquid expressions of family and place. Learn more here.
June16_Marietta_Eventbrite_header

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

Marietta Cellars Sonoma County, California

June 16, 2021

6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

May Premium Wine Club

Posted on by

City-on-hill-red-blendCity on a Hill Wine Company
Red Blend
Swartland, South Africa

Bold wine Style logoBOLD WINE STYLE

The second of their “canvas wines” and the second vintage of this wine, City on a Hill Wine Co. used three varieties stretched across five vineyards. This wine remains the winery’s main focus in terms of red wine and this blend continues to grow in vineyards and varieties as they stretch their reach further across Swartland. The Red Blend has great structure, showing red and black fruit with their trademark Swartland fynbos and olive notes. Syrah dominates this blend followed by Tinta Barocca, and Cinsault.

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietals: Syrah, Tinta Barocca, and Cinsault
RS: 1.9 g/L
TA: 5.2 g/L
pH: 3.65
Fermentation: Native Yeasts – 75% whole bunch
Vessels: Old 500 liter oak barrels
Year of Planting: 1968-1990’s
Soil Type: Decomposed granite, schist, & clay
Cultivation: Bush vines & trellised vineyards

ABOUT CITY ON A HILL WINE CO.:
City on a Hill Wine Company was started with one goal in mind: to make wine with freedom to explore and engage the vast terroirs and people that make up this beautiful region. The team was drawn to the rustic traits of the Swartland in the South Western part of South Africa – a location where you will rarely find landscaped vineyards or shiny farm gates, but rather an unforgiving landscape and people of the soil. The climate is hot and dry, and the conditions are becoming very extreme to farm in. Herein lies the beauty of the Swartland: a mix of old dry-land bush vines planted by previous generations, complimented by younger plantings of newer and experimental varieties, planted by this generation for the generations to come. City on a Hill Wine Co. has grown their offering to six wines. A lot of effort goes in to ensure constant improvement in all areas of grape growing and vinification. This is a lifelong task and something that the next generation will benefit from. 

© Photo by City on a Hill Wine Co.

Last-of-the-First-WineFalse Bay Vineyards
Last of the First
Stellenbosch, South Africa

Bold wine Style logoBOLD WINE STYLE

Professor Perold’s creation, Pinotage, was propagated at Elsenburg College in 1935. In 1941 Myrtle Grove on the Schapenberg was chosen for the first commercial plantings. Today only one block remains on the Schapenberg — The Last of The First.

Completely different in style to inland Pinotage. The Last of The First is elegant, perfumed, graceful. It is luminescent dark cherry in color with earthy smells of lifted mulberry and damson plums. The taste is balanced with finely integrated tannins threading through from start to finish. It highlights morello cherry with a touch of earthiness. Drink now and over the next decade. Serve at 59ºF – pairs beautifully with duck.

Region: Schapenberg (W.O. Stellenbosch)
Varietal: Pinotage
Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume
RS: 1.5 g/L
TA: 4.9 g/L
Total SO2: 85 mg/l
Production: 1549 bottles

REGISTERED SINGLE VINEYARD:
A small and singular parcel of mature 1994 planted Bush Vine Pinotage measuring 1.3 hectares. This block is the last Pinotage grown on the ocean facing slopes of the Schapenberg, where the original commercial plantings of Pinotage took place. This rare little block is on a cooler, elevated south-facing slope, just 2.5 miles from False Bay. Due to the effect of incessant wind and the application of organic farming practices, the berry-size and yield is also tiny at just over 3 tons/ha or 20 hl/ha. The up-side, however, is healthy grapes with excellent balanced concentration. Good things really do come in small packages.

WINEMAKING:
Grapes are handpicked, sorted and fermented whole bunch with wild yeasts in a small open top oak fermenter, using regular, manual-punch downs during the fermentation process. The wine is left on the skins and stems for 31 days, then is pressed off in a basket press before being transferred to three old 600 liter barrels. Here, the wine goes through a maturation period of 16 months before bottling without fining with only the lightest of filtrations.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Named after South Africa’s most iconic bay, which frames much of the country’s premium wine-lands, False Bay Vineyards, was born from a desire to make ‘real’ wine affordable. It is a sister company to Waterkloof Winery. In 1994, well before Waterkloof was founded, Paul Boutinot came to the Western Cape to seek grapes from balanced, yet under-appreciated vineyards. These vineyards would soon be lost to large co-operative blends that were dominating South Africa’s wine industry at that time. Paul transformed these Cape gems into wines with minimum intervention – something unusual for the time. He chose to organically farm using wild yeast ferments and no acid additions. Today, ingredients remain the same using beautiful coastal fruit, old vines, wild yeasts and additions avoided. Learn more here.

© Photo by False Bay Vineyards

Wine club logoJoin our PREMIUM WINE CLUB, enjoy amazing wines every other month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn more about our Premium Club >

 
 
 

 

Peacock Wild Fernet Chenin Blanc

Posted on by
pad-thai-3

© Photo by Cooking Classy

Pad Thai (with Chicken or Shrimp)

INGREDIENTS:

  • 10 oz Thai Rice Noodles
  • 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into small strips, or 1 lb extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup packed dark-brown sugar
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips and strips halved
  • 1 ½ cups matchstick carrots
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 5 green onions, whites minced, greens sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cups bean sprouts
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup unsalted peanuts, chopped
  • 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
  • red pepper flakes and sesame seeds (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Prepare rice noodles according to directions listed on package. In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice and fish sauce, set aside.
  2. While noodles are cooking, heat oil in a wok or a 12-inch deep sauté pan set over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté until cooked through, about 6 minutes. If using shrimp cook about 1 ½ minutes per side or until opaque.
  3. Transfer to a plate, leaving oil in pan. Add bell pepper and carrots sauté 1 – 2 minutes then add garlic, green onions and bean sprouts sauté 1 minute longer. 
  4. Push veggies to edges of pan and crack eggs into center. Cook and scramble until eggs have cooked through. Add in chicken, noodles and sauce and toss everything together and cook 1 – 2 minutes.
  5. Serve warm topped with cilantro, peanuts and optional red pepper flakes and sesame seeds.

© Recipe courtesy of Cooking Classy.

MAY WINE CLUB:

Silky stylePeacock_cheninNVFalse Bay Vineyards
Peacock Wild Ferment Chenin Blanc
Stellenbosch, South Africa

SILKY WINE STYLE

Aromas of peach, lime and green apple on the nose. These elegant flavors carry through onto the palate with a lovely freshness and a long, elegant finish. Enjoy this wine with a variety of dishes, including seafood, chicken risottos and Thai cuisine.

Varietal: 100% Chenin Blanc
Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume
TA: 4.8 g/l
pH: 3.5
RS: 2.5 g/l

“Chenin Blanc is regarded as the workhorse of the South African wine industry. It produces the bulk of our generic white wines. There are, however, some gems lurking amidst the flurry of Chenin blanc vineyards. Our goal is to identify these gems and allow them to be expressed in our Peacock Wild Ferment Chenin Blanc. Our Peacock Wild Ferment Chenin Blanc grapes stem from the Helderberg ward on the coastal outskirts of Stellenbosch (the home of Waterkloof). Over time, these old bush-vine vineyards (20—50 years old), planted in Chenin friendly soils, have found their natural balance and it definitely shows in the wine.” – False Bay Vineyards

© Photo by False Bay Vineyards

HARVEST AND PRODUCTION:
False Bay Vineyards follows a minimal intervention winemaking philosophy. Their grapes are tasted at regular intervals to ensure optimal taste and ripeness level. The grapes are hand-harvested and whole bunch pressed in a modern basket press. Wine undergoes natural clarification over a 24 hour period, without any added enzymes or settling agents. From here, the juice is fermented in stainless steel, concrete eggs and 600L old barrels with “wild yeasts” driven from the grapes; this process allows the flavors of the vineyard to be expressed in the wine. Due to the natural balance of the grapes, no additional tartaric acids are needed. The wine is fermented for about three months and then it is left on the secondary lees for another month before bottling.

ABOUT FALSE BAY VINEYARDS:
Waterkloof Winery’s sister company, False Bay Vineyards, produces two collections: the earlier drinking, yet refined Peacock Wild Ferment range, named after the brightly plumed birds conspicuous in and around Waterkloof’s vineyards and the False Bay wine range of easy-drinking yet quality driven wines. Named after South Africa’s most iconic bay, which frames much of the country’s premium wine-lands, False Bay Vineyards, was born from a desire to make ‘real’ wine affordable. Learn more about False Bay Vineyards here.

© Photo by False Bay Vineyards
© Photo by False Bay Vineyards
© Photo by False Bay Vineyards
© Photo by False Bay Vineyards

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 More >

 
 
 

 

Peacock Wild Ferment Cabernet Sauvignon

Posted on by

Grilled Steak

© Photo by Steve Giralt

Perfectly Grilled Steak

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 1 1/4-to-1 1/2-inch-thick boneless rib-eye or New York strip steaks (about 12 ounces each) or filets mignons (8 to 10 ounces each), trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons canola or extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

DIRECTIONS:

  1. About 20 minutes before grilling, remove the steaks from the refrigerator and let sit, covered, at room temperature.
  2. Heat your grill to high. Brush the steaks on both sides with oil and season liberally with salt and pepper. Place the steaks on the grill and cook until golden brown and slightly charred, 4 to 5 minutes. Turn the steaks over and continue to grill 3 to 5 minutes for medium-rare (an internal temperature of 135°F), 5 to 7 minutes for medium (140°F) or 8 to 10 minutes for medium-well (150°F).
  3. Transfer the steaks to a cutting board or platter, tent loosely with foil and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

© Recipe courtesy of Bobby Flay for Food Network Magazine.

MAY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoPeacock_CABSAVNV (1)False Bay Vineyards
Peacock Wild Ferment Cabernet Sauvignon
Stellenbosch, South Africa

BOLD WINE STYLE

A wine that portrays typical varietal character along with a lot of elegance and accessibility. On the nose you can enjoy subtle red berries, a hint of chocolate and green spices. The palate has a lifted freshness and soft tannins which are well integrated- the fruit also carries through well to the aftertaste. It’s great enjoyed on its own, but also pairs well with a variety of dishes ranging from a simple tomato-based pasta dish to a juicy sirloin steak.

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 13.4% alcohol / volume
TA: 6.3 g/l
pH: 3.46
RS: 2.6 g/l

“Cabernet Sauvignon has always been seen as a big, bold and very tannic wine…the king of the reds. It is traditionally marketed as a wine to keep for at least three years before even thinking of opening a bottle. But at Waterkloof we believe it does not necessarily have to be big and gutsy to make an impression. We look for vineyard sites that are able to produce wines with notable elegance and freshness, allied with a fine texture.” – False Bay Vineyards

© Photo by False Bay Vineyards

HARVEST AND PRODUCTION:
The grapes for our Peacock Wild Ferment Cabernet Sauvignon are sourced from the cooler slopes of the Helderberg ward on the coastal outreaches of Stellenbosch. Deep red soils provide moisture and nutrients, which give this Cabernet its supple, dark berry character. This cooler area also allows a longer ripening period, which imparts balanced flavors and elegant tannins to this red varietal. False Bay Vineyards use very minimal intervention during their winemaking process. The grapes are tasted regularly to determine the optimal ripeness and taste. Wines are hand-harvested after the grapes are de-stemmed. The juice is naturally fermented using “wild yeasts”, allowing for the flavors of the vineyard to be further expressed in the bottle. The skins are juice are mixed using two punch-downs or two pump-overs per day. The wine is aged in older 225L barrels for 9 months, after which it underwent a light filtration and a small dosage of sulphur is added before finally bottled. No other additions such as tartaric acid or enzymes were added.

ABOUT FALSE BAY VINEYARDS:
Named after South Africa’s most iconic bay, which frames much of the country’s premium wine-lands, False Bay Vineyards, was born from a desire to make ‘real’ wine affordable. The sister company of Waterkloof Winery, False Bay Vineyards, produces two collections: the earlier drinking, yet refined Peacock Wild Ferment range, named after the brightly plumed birds conspicuous in and around Waterkloof’s vineyards and the False Bay wine range of easy-drinking yet quality driven wines. Learn more about False Bay Vineyards here.

© Photo by False Bay Vineyards
© Photo by False Bay Vineyards
© Photo by False Bay Vineyards
© Photo by False Bay Vineyards

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 More >

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 >