March Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Posted on February 24, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Beef Empanadas

Chilean Beef Empanadas

INGREDIENTS:

For the Filling:
- 2 pounds of ground beef (90% Lean)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 large or 4 medium onions chopped into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons red pepper or paprika or Merken (Chilean smoked chili)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- salt and pepper
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Optional:
  - 20 black olives
  - 40 raisins
  - 4 hard-boiled eggs
For the dough:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 kilo or 2 pounds of all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 6.5 oz of melted shortening, warm

DIRECTIONS:

For the Filling:
1. Always prepare it the day before.
2. In a large saucepan, heat the oil and fry the meat until lightly browned about 8 minutes. Add the paprika, salt, pepper, and cumin, and saute for a few minutes.
3. Add the broth and simmer for 30 minutes over low heat.
4. Add the onion, mix well, and cook over medium heat until the onion is tender, about 30 minutes.
5. Add the flour and stir well and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Cook two more minutes. Cool and refrigerate.
For the dough:
1. Make a brine with the milk, water, and salt, and stir to dissolve the salt. Mix the flour and eggs in a large bowl or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix for a minute to incorporate.
2. Add the melted shortening and work a little more. At this point, you will see only crumbs. To form the dough, start adding the brine with the mixer running on low speed until the dough is soft and flexible. If needed, keep adding water.
3. Separate the dough into 20 portions and cover with a moist cloth.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
5. Work each piece individually, rolling until thin, cut in a circle about 7″ and fill with two tablespoons of filling, a quarter of a hard-boiled egg, olives, and raisins if desired. Close by smearing the edge, pressing firmly, and making the folds. Brush with an egg wash before baking.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden.
7. Serve hot.

MARCH WINE CLUB:

Andes Plateau
Andesita
Cabernet Sauvignon
Maule Valley, Chile

BOLD WINE STYLE

This is an elegant wine with red fruits, spices and black pepper notes. The palate shows great tannin structure and freshness that makes it vibrant and easy to drink. Thanks to its acidity, it becomes a versatile wine that can be combined with a wide variety of flavors and foods.

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 13.2% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.52
Residual Sugar: 2.55
Ac. Total: 5.41
Vineyard Yield: 2 kg/plant
Planted Area: 3 hectares
Appellation: San Clemente, Maule Valley, Chile
Climate: Template temperatures that allow early harvests
Soils: Alluvial soils that have been transported by the river, containing gravel, sand and silt
Winemaker: Felipe Uribe

Harvests and Vinification:
The grapes are tasted and selected carefully. An early harvest allows the wines to achieve freshness and acidity. The process is made by hand, using 12 kilo boxes.

Aging and Storage:
The wines are aged for 10 months in nuetral oak barrels. Additionally we use the 20% of a 2nd hand un-toasted French oak foudre (large wooden vat that holds 3,000 liters). Afterward, the wine is storage for a minimum of 3 month to then be released to the market.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Andes Plateau is a family run winery with a drive to showcase wines from the Andes Mountains. Altitude determines the identity of their wines; not many producers are in the mountains due to a high risk of frost, yet the Andes Plateau winery believes the risk is worth the reward. They produce elegant and energetic expressions of each varietal, working with the complex geology of their vineyard locations. Learn more about the winery here.

Join 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: March 21, 2023

Posted on February 22, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Hayes Valley Wines
with Guest Speaker, Jason Robideaux
San Martin, California

Tuesday, March 21, 2023
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event featuring Hayes Valley Wines with guest speaker Jason Robideaux, Vice President of Winery and Vineyard Operations of Clos LaChance. He will be joining us LIVE on the big screen nationwide, sharing the five wines below.

Wines Tasted:

Hayes Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Hayes Valley Chardonnay
Hayes Valley Merlot
Hayes Valley Meritage Red Blend
Hayes Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please contact your local participating WineStyles store. Or, if you prefer to attend remotely, pre-order a wine tasting kit to-go from your local participating store and watch/taste along with us on Zoom!

About Hayes Valley Wines:
Produced by Clos LaChance, Hayes Valley Wines comes from a place deeply rooted in California’s history. A history as rich as the soil is for planting. An area once used primarily for raising cattle, the Hayes Valley is one of the oldest wine grape-growing regions in the state. Through the centuries, the Hayes Valley has remained one of the many premier wine grape-growing regions in California. The topographic map on Hayes’ label, is a nod to where this brand originated, and has since expanded to take advantage of all the best grape-growing regions throughout California. 100% sustainably farmed grapes are hand-selected and sorted to ensure the best grapes go into every glass. The Hayes Valley portfolio has received multiple 90+ scores, including the Meritage Red Blend. “This twist-top wine performs extremely well against much more expensive Bordeaux blends.” – 92 pts and Editor’s Choice, Wine Enthusiast. Learn more about their story here.

About Jason Robideaux, VP of Winery and Vineyard Operations:

Jason Robideaux is Clos LaChance’s VP of Winery and Vineyard Operations, overseeing all activities that take place on the production floor. These include all wine movements, treatments and adjustments that may take place in the crush pit, tank cellar and/or the barrel cellar as well. Jason also helps manage bottling schedules and supply inventory for CLC products. He joined the Clos LaChance team just prior to the 2007 crush, after recently returning from the Hunter Valley in Australia’s beautiful Wine Country, where he worked the 2007 Harvest Season as a Vintage Winemaker for Rosemount Estate. Jason attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where he received his degree in Wine and Viticulture emphasizing in Enology. When Jason is not running in between barrels and climbing in and out of tanks, he enjoys playing and watching sports like Football, Baseball and Golf. Learn more about Jason and the Clos LaChance team here.

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together!

Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting with Jason Robideaux
Hayes Valley Wines
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

Heredad de Peñaloso Blanco Rueda

Posted on January 27, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Coconut and Turmeric Fried Rice

INGREDIENTS:

6 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
4 Medjool dates, pitted, coarsely chopped
3 scallions, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
2 fresh bay leaves
1 tbsp. finely grated unpeeled ginger
1 tsp. freshly grated turmeric or 1 Tbsp. ground turmeric
kosher salt
4 cups cooled cooked long-grain white rice
½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
2 tbsp. soy sauce
1 cup cilantro leaves with tender stems
handful of mint leaves, torn if large
2 limes

DIRECTIONS:

Heat 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium. Add 4 Medjool dates, pitted, coarsely chopped, 3 scallions, thinly sliced, 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped, 2 fresh bay leaves, 1 tbsp. finely grated unpeeled ginger, 1 tsp. freshly grated turmeric or 1 tbsp. ground turmeric; season with kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and garlic is starting to soften, about 2 minutes. Transfer mixture to a small bowl and set aside; discard bay leaves.
Heat remaining 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in same skillet (no need to wipe out) over medium-high. Add 4 cups cooled cooked long-grain white rice and press into a flat even layer. Cook, undisturbed, until crisp underneath, about 5 minutes. Shake pan to loosen rice, then break up rice into large pieces with a spatula and turn over. Scatter ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes over and cook, undisturbed, until coconut is warmed through, about 2 minutes.
Mix in reserved date mixture and 2 tbsp. soy sauce; toss to break up rice clumps. Taste and add more salt if needed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Just before serving, stir in 1 cup cilantro leaves with tender stems and a handful of mint leaves, torn if large. Cut 2 limes into quarters; squeeze juice from a few quarters over. Serve remaining lime quarters alongside.

FEBRUARY WINE CLUB:

Bodegas Pascual
Heredad de Peñalosa
Blanco Rueda
Verdejo, Viura
Rueda, Spain

CRISP WINE STYLE

This Blanco (or White Wine) Rueda is very bright and straw-greenish yellow in color. It is clean and lingering on the nose, with aromas of tropical fruit (pineapple and mango), white flowers and some slight hints of hay. It is tasty, full-bodied and well-rounded with a good lingering on the mouth.

Varietal: 60% Verdejo, 40% Viura
Denominación de Origen (DO): Rueda, Spain
Production: This wine is made from flower must. Fermentation takes place at 64.4ºF through cold stabilization and micro-filtering.
Climate: Dry, cold, extreme continental climate, rainfall is 405 l/m2 and average height of vineyards is 680 m.
Soil: Sediment accumulation with deposits from the Miocene Age. Average temperature is 51.8ºF (maximum 95ºF, minimum -0.4 °F)
Serving Recommendation: The ideal serving temperature is from 50ºF to 53.6ºF

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Pascual family’s philosophy and work with wines began in the fourteenth century in their historic winery situated in the Burgos town of Fuentelcésped. Over the years, the family’s ancestors dedicated their artisan talents and wisdom towards extracting the juice from their vineyards, turning it into what they called, “the drink of the gods”. Bodegas Pascual was officially founded in 1986, in Fuentelcésped – the province belonging to the DO Ribera del Duero. “Heredad de Peñalosa” became their first commercial brand – that paved the way for their other wine brands to later be produced. Learn more about the winery and its vineyards here.

Join 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 Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Posted on January 27, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Date Night Herb Crusted Lamb Chops

INGREDIENTS:

2 lbs lamb rib chops
¼ cup olive oil
5 cloves garlic minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley minced
1 tsp course sea salt
1 tbsp thyme
1 tsp onion powder
salt/pepper to taste
1 tbsp reduced fat margarine

DIRECTIONS:

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, parsley, sea salt, thyme, and onion powder. Mix well and rub evenly over each lamb chop. Place lamb chops in a medium baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Heat a large skillet to medium heat and add 1 tbsp reduced fat margarine. Add lamb chops to the pan and sear on each side for about 3-4 minutes, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Remember that the temperature will continue to rise as meat rests. Season with salt/pepper to taste.
When done, pair with your favorite side item and enjoy!
*Note, the USDA recommends a safe cooking temperature of 145 degrees for lamb.

FEBRUARY WINE CLUB:

Bodegas Pascual
Heredad de Peñalosa
Tinto Roble
Ribera Del Duero, Spain

BOLD WINE STYLE

This oaked (4 months in oak) young red wine is clean, bright ruby red in color. On the nose, there are fruity aromas and well-balanced new noble wood complexities, and ripe red fruits – like cherries and mulberries. Hints of toast and tobacco make the aroma a round harmony. There are few mature tannins on the palate that guess great potential. It has a good ample and pleasant attack that leaves a smooth and fleshy aftertaste with a lingering finish.

Varietal: 100% Tempranillo
Denominación de Origen (DO): Ribera Del Duero, Spain
Serving Recommendation: The ideal serving temperature is from 62.6ºF-68ºF

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Pascual family’s philosophy and work with wines began in the 14th century in their historic winery situated in the Burgos town of Fuentelcésped. Over the years, the family’s ancestors dedicated their artisan talents and wisdom towards extracting the juice from their vineyards, turning it into what they called, “the drink of the gods”. Bodegas Pascual was officially founded in 1986, in Fuentelcésped – the province belonging to the DO Ribera del Duero. “Heredad de Peñalosa” became their first commercial brand – that paved the way for their other wine brands to later be produced. Learn more about the winery and its vineyards here.

Join 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: February 22, 2023

Posted on January 27, 2023 by mcginnessalex

Cynthia Lohr, Co-Owner

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
with Guest Speaker, Cynthia Lohr
Paso Robles, California

Wednesday, February 22, 2023
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event featuring J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines with guest speaker Cynthia Lohr, Co-Owner of J. Lohr Vineyards. She will be joining us LIVE on the big screen nationwide, sharing the six wines below.

Wines Tasted:

J. Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay
J. Lohr Bay Mist White Riesling
J. Lohr Wildflower Valdiguie
J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon
J. Lohr Pure Paso® Proprietary Red Wine
J. Lohr Tower Road Petite Sirah

Feb22_JLohr_bottles_email

About J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines:

Founded 50 years ago and still family-owned and operated today, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines has established itself as one of the industry’s most respected wine brands. Jerry Lohr’s remarkable career continues in close, hands-on partnership with his children and co-owners Steve, Cynthia, and Lawrence. J. Lohr farms over 2,700 acres of vineyards in Paso Robles, now recognized as one of the world’s best spots for Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux and Rhone varietals. In 2022, J.Lohr Vineyards was named one of the Top 100 Wineries by Wine & Spirits magazine. Learn more about their story here.

About Cynthia Lohr, Chief Brand Officer / Co-Owner:

As the daughter of California wine pioneer, Jerry Lohr, Cynthia grew up in the vineyards and cellars absorbing all aspects of the wine industry. After graduating from UC Davis, Cynthia chose her own path in strategic marketing communications and brand/business development for leading Internet and Technology Companies. It wasn’t until 2002 that Cynthia decided to join the family business as their Director of Communications. In 2009, she was named Marketing Vice President leading the family business to their recognition as the 2010 “American Winery of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. She is also responsible for the company’s J. Lohr Touching Lives program – a partnership with National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc® – funding more than 8,000 mammograms for women through sales of wines from the J. Lohr Carol’s Vineyard. In 2019, Cynthia was named Chief Brand Officer – she shares the operational oversight of the company along with fellow Lohr family co-owners, father, Jerry, and brothers, Steve and Lawrence. Learn more about Cynthia and the J. Lohr family team here.