Winery Spotlight Series: November 9, 2022

Goosecross logo

Goosecross Cellars
with Guest Speaker, Christi Coors Ficeli
Yountville, Napa Valley, California

Wednesday, November 9, 2022
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event featuring Goosecross Cellars wines and guest speaker Christi Coors Ficeli, Co-Owner of Goosecross Cellars. She will be joining us LIVE on the big screen sharing the six wines below.

Wines Tasted:

  1. Goosecross Sauvignon Blanc
  2. Goosecross Chardonnay
  3. Goosecross Merlot
  4. Goosecross Proprietary Red Blend
  5. Goosecross Zinfandel
  6. Goosecross Cabernet

To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please call 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!

Nov-9_Goosecross_bottles_Facebook

About Goosecross Cellars:

Located in Yountville, California, Goosecross Cellars sits in the heart of the Napa Valley. The winery dates back four decades and is now owned by Christi and Dave Ficeli – husband and wife duo who always wanted to have a small family winery that they could pass down from one generation to the next. Christi and Dave’s love for wine is reflected in the grapes they grow and the wines they make; with the guiding vision and experience of their winemaker, Bill Nancarrow, they are able to create distinct, vineyard-driven wines that respect the roots and history of the Napa Valley soil. Learn more about the winery’s history and philosophy here.

About Christi Coors Ficeli, Co-Owner:

The great, great granddaughter of beverage industry pioneer, Adolph Coors, Christi Coors Ficeli was raised in an entrepreneurial family that always put an emphasis on achieving your dreams through vision, dedication and collaboration. Christi got her first taste for the wine business in 1998, when she joined the team at Gallo Winery (where she also met her now husband, wine industry executive, David Ficeli). After leaving Gallo, Christi went on to receive her MBA from the University of Denver before joining the Coors family business. She held many positions at Coors Brewing that brought her and Dave to Napa, Denver and eventually Chicago (although nothing felt quite like home in the way Napa did). Finally, in 2012 Christi, with the help of family funding, developed a business plan and set out to find a Napa Valley Winery – which eventually led her to Goosecross in the spring of 2013. Christi and Dave have since purchased the Goosecross Winery from the Coors Family and their dream lives on to create something special for themselves, their kids, and all those that visit the winery.  Learn more about Christi and the Goosecross Team here.

Photos and information © Goosecross Cellars – All Rights Reserved.


Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting with Christi Coors Ficeli
Goosecross Cellars
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST
Cheers!
WineStyles.com
VirtualTaste-9627

© Photo by Goosecross Cellars

Winery Spotlight Series: October 12, 2022

Robert_Craig_logo

Robert Craig Winery Spotlight
with Guest Speaker, Elton Slone
Napa, California

Wednesday, October 12, 2022
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event featuring Robert Craig wines and guest speaker Elton Slone, President and CEO of Robert Craig Winery. He will be joining us live on the big screen sharing the six wines below.

Wines Tasted:

  1. Robert Craig Chardonnay, Gap’s Crown Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, California
  2. Robert Craig Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
  3. Robert Craig Howell Mountain Cuvée, California
  4. Robert Craig Howell Mountain Merlot, Napa Valley, California
  5. Robert Craig Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, California
  6. Robert Craig Howell Mountain Zinfandel, Black Sears, Napa Valley, California

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

Oct-12_Robert-Craig_bottles

About Robert Craig Winery:

Founder Robert (Bob) Craig began his long and storied career at The Hess Collection in the 1980s. In 1990, Bob Craig founded his eponymous winery on Howell Mountain with three friends from business school. In 2004, CEO Elton Slone joined the winery and became a full partner in 2007. Following Bob’s retirement in 2012, Slone has continued to move the business forward with the other three founding partners. Known for producing small-lot, site-expressive wines from high elevation vineyards, Robert Craig Winery consistently garners high scores and positive accolades from the wine press. Learn more about the winery’s history here.

About Elton Slone – CEO and President:

Since his arrival at Robert Craig Winery in early 2004, Elton Slone has continued the Craig’s commitment to producing properly expressive cabernet sauvignons from mountain vineyards in the Napa Valley. His career spanning nearly three decades in the luxury wine industry have made Elton a fan of single vineyard, cellar worthy wines that display balance, nuance and complexity. Today, he spends much of his time traveling around the country to share the Craig word and wines with other wine enthusiasts. He brings his passion for old world wines to the new world of Craig with a production philosophy based on site expression. Learn more about Elton and the rest of the Robert Craig team here.

Photos and information © Robert Craig Winery – All Rights Reserved.


Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting with Elton Slone
Robert Craig Winery
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST
Cheers!
WineStyles.com

October Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

Collectors Wine ClubBarolo_Via_Nuova_DOCG_Wine_BottleE. Pira e Figli
Barolo Via Nuova DOCG 2018
Nebbiolo
Piedmont, Italy

BOLD WINE STYLE

This classic Barolo blend combines structure with elegance and complexity, emphasizing the particularities of each vineyard site. Though a bit timid when first opened, some time in the glass (or decanter) will reveal Via Nuova’s alluring ethereal floral and fruit perfumes. This wine is clear and lively garnet red in color. It is dry, savory and harmonious; soft in flavor but full with a lasting persistence due to the tannin.

Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo, certified organic grapes
Region: Piedmont, Italy
Vineyard: Terlo and Liste in Barolo, Ravera and Mosconi in Monforte d’Alba, and Gabutti and Baudana in Serralunga d’Alba
Yield: 450 kg/ha
Aging: Aging for 24 months in lightly toasted 30% new French oak barriques
Average age of vines: 30 years
Acidity: 6.37 g/L
Production: 4,500 bottles
Soil: Calcareous clay, Sant’Agata marl (sandstone)
Average Altitude: 340 m (1,115 feet) above sea level
Vinification: Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature with daily punch downs and pump-overs
Harvest: Mid-October
Cellar: E. Pira Chiara Boschis, Barolo
Bottling: Aged an additional 1 year in bottle
Release: Spring, 3.5 years after harvest
Critical Acclaim: 

  • James Suckling 94 pts. – 2018 vintage
  • Wine Advocate 94 pts. – 2018 vintage
  • Vinous Media 94 pts. – 2018 vintage
  • See previous vintage scores here.
Chiara_Boschis_E. Pira & Figli_Vineyard_and_winery

© Chiara Boschis, owner of E. Pira & Figli

WINEMAKER NOTES:
Via Nuova (New Road) was the name of a small vineyard on the edge of the historical center of Barolo, the name coming from its proximity to the road (new at that time) connecting Barolo to Novello. All that remains today of the road is a small walking path through the vineyards. The wine was produced as a single-vineyard Barolo for many years until, in 2010, this small Cru was incorporated into the larger Terlo subzone. And so, as a sort of homage to tradition, Barolo Via Nuova is now produced as a blend of 6 different vineyards: Terlo and Liste in Barolo, Ravera e Mosconi in Monforte d’Alba and Gabutti and Baudana in Serralunga d’Alba. – E. Pira e Figli


Barolo_Mosconi_DOCG_Wine_BottleCollectors Wine ClubE. Pira e Figli
Barolo Mosconi DOCG 2018
Nebbiolo
Piedmont, Italy

BOLD WINE STYLE

Garnet red in color, this wine is complimented by open perfumes of flowers and mature fruit with some spicy notes. This is a long-lasting wine of power and concentration with firm, velvety tannins.

Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo, certified organic grapes
Region: Piedmont, Italy
Vineyard: Mosconi (a single-vineyard property acquired in 2009) in Moforte d’Alba
Yield: 450 kg/ha
Aging: Aging for 24 months in lightly toasted 30% new French oak barriques
Average age of vines: 30 years
Acidity: 6.37 g/L
Production: 4,700 bottles
Soil: Calcareous clay marl soils from the tertiary period, with areas rich in calcium carbonate and iron
Average Altitude: 400 m (1,312 feet) above sea level
Vinification: Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature with daily punch downs and pump-overs
Harvest: Mid-October
Cellar: E. Pira Chiara Boschis, Barolo
Bottling: Aged an additional 1 year in bottle
Release: Spring, 3.5 years after harvest
Critical Acclaim: 

  • Wine Advocate 96 pts. – 2018 vintage
  • James Suckling 94 pts. – 2018 vintage
  • Vinous Media 94 pts. – 2018 vintage
  • See previous vintage scores here.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
The most recently acquired parcel, the famous Mosconi Cru in Monforte d’Alba was purchased in 2009. The vineyard’s particular heavy clay soil (in some areas calcium carbonate and iron give the soil a reddish-gray color) lends considerable structure to this wine, making it a Barolo ideal for aging. – E. Pira e Figli 

Chiara_Boschis_Barolo_Wine_Cellar

© Chiara Boschis, owner of E. Pira & Figli

ABOUT E. PIRA E FIGLI WINERY:

E. Pira e Figli is a key player in the history of Barolo. The Pira family, whose members have been vignerons since the seventeenth century, started producing and bottling wines by the 19th century, and received immediate praise for their work. 

In late 1980, the Pira lineage came to a tragic end with the death of the legendary, Luigi (Gigi) Pira (one of the last remaining winemakers to carry out the pressing on foot and the production without the support of any technical means). The estate was then sold to the Boschis family, who had deep family ties with the Pira family. By the end of the 1980’s, Chiara Boschis took the reins of the winery, becoming one of the first women producers in the Langhe. She quickly became a ‘Superwoman’ of the region with her daring and innovative decisions – garnering much acclaim from international publications.

Since 2010, Chiara has been joined by her brother, Giorgio, who shares her same great passion for work in the vineyard and in the cellar. Learn more about their story here.

Photos and Information © E. Pira e Figli – All Rights Reserved.


Donatella_Colombini_Rosso_di_Montalcino_Wine_BottleCollectors Wine ClubDonatella Cinelli Colombini
Rosso di Montalcino

Sangiovese
Tuscany, Italy

BOLD WINE STYLE

This wine is “Brunello’s younger and smiley brother”. Obtained from the same Sangiovese grapes and the same Montalcino area, but designed to be consumed sooner. This young red wine is very intense and brilliant ruby red in color. The nose is fine, rich, and well expressed; there are notes of ripe small red berries, spices and dark flowers, such as violets. The palate is full, harmonious and pleasant. The tannins are silky and well balanced by the richness of the fruit. The persistence is pleasant and lengthy.

Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Sangiovese
Serving: Serve at a temperature between 60.8ºF-64.4ºF, in a balloon shapes wine goblet. Those who wish to open and drink immediately will find it useful to use a decanter.
Food Pairing: Versatile and perfect for the table. Opt for important first courses, roasts, tasty cheeses and cold cuts. This wine requires food that is intense in taste, but not too fatty or greasy.

Critical Acclaim: 90-91/100 from some of the most prestigious international wine magazines 

ABOUT THE VINEYARDS:
The vineyards at Casato Prime Donne are cultivated following the organic regime and cover a total of 16 hectares, three of which are always designated to the production of Rosso di Montalcino. These vineyards are on the northern, and coolest, area of Montalcino, on a hill about 225 m. above sea level, where the soil is made up of clays and sea sands. Each vineyard is divided into 6 small parcels and contain about 5,000 vines per hectare. The grapes are cultivated with the spurred cordon method, and the average production is about 6 tons of grapes per hectare.

HARVEST AND VINIFICATION:
The grapes are harvested by hand between September 15th and October 10th (depending on the climate of the year). The clusters are chosen right in the vineyard and then the berries are selected on an automatic sorting table where two women work. Generally the grapes for Rosso di Montalcino arrive first and then those for the Brunello. To learn more about the vinification process, click here.

Donatella Cinelli Colombini_Women_Staff_Vineyard

© Photo from Donatella Cinelli Colombini

AGING:
After the racking/separation of the wine from the lees, the Rosso di Montalcino begins its aging in oak barrels around February. The oak barrels are chosen according to the characteristics of the vintage – from 5 to 40 hl in size – with or without toasting.  Duration of barrel aging also varies according to the wine, and can go for some months. As for home aging, aim for 3-4 years, and not much more. Keep the bottles lying down in a dark and cool place to keep the Rosso di Montalcino perfectly harmonious and pleasant, rich in taste with soft tannins and great finesse. 

ABOUT DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI WINERY:

Donatella-Cinelli-Colombini-cantina-storica-Fattoria-del-Colle-640x640

© Owner, Donatella Cinelli Colombini

Born in 1953 to a family of producers of Brunello di Montalcino, Donatella Cinelli Colombini founded her own estate in 1998 comprising of Fattoria del Colle in Trequanda and Casato Prime Donne in Montalcino.

Casato Prime Donne is about a 40 hectare property on the northern slope of Montalcino. This estate has belonged to the Colombini family at least since the end of the 16th century and was originally used by Donatella’s maternal forefathers for hunting and to host brides for their honeymoons.

The last three generations, the farm has been passed from mother to daughter – it belonged to grandmother Giuliana Tamanit, then mother Francesca Colombini, now Donatella Cinelli Colombini, who will give it to her daughter, Violante. Donatella has given this location a special meaning, as it is the first winery in Italy to be all female staffed, a flagship for women who work in wine. She has received countless awards and international success for her achievements within the industry. Learn more about their story here.

Photos and Information Information © Donatella Cinelli Colombini – All Rights Reserved.


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Learn more about our quarterly Collectors Club > click here

 

 

 

Casal da Coelheira White

Pan,Of,Garlic,Prawns,,Top,ViewGAMBAS AL AJILLO (Garlic Shrimp)

INGREDIENTS:

  • 10 frozen shrimp 16/20 count, heads on
  • 1 teaspoon table salt for shrimp brine
  • 2 teaspoons corn starch
  • 8 cloves of garlic
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup dry white wine
  • ½ teaspoon Spanish smoked paprika (pimenton)
  • 4 parsley sprigs + leaves for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Defrost shrimp by soaking them in cold tap water for 30 minutes.
  2. Twist the heads off of the shrimp.
  3. Using kitchen shears, peel the shrimp by cutting along the backs. Devein them.
  4. Sprinkle the shrimp with the cornstarch and mix thoroughly. Wash the cornstarch off of the shrimp.
  5. Pour 1 cup of water in a small bowl. Add the salt and stir thoroughly. Add the shrimp and let stand for 15 minutes.
  6. Meanwhile, peel and coarsely mince the garlic.
  7. Finely mince the chili pepper.
  8. Chop the parsley – medium coarse.
  9. Heat a 10″ pan over medium high heat.
  10. Once the pan is heated, add olive oil.
  11. Once the olive oil is heated (it should be shimmering), add garlic and chili pepper
  12. Once the garlic is brown, add white wine.
  13. Once the white wine evaporates and the mixture thickens, add smoked paprika.
  14. Add shrimp. Cook about 1 ½ minutes on both sides until shrimp are opaque and firm.
  15. Add parsley and stir.
  16. Serve in a medium bowl. Garnish with parsley leaves.
  17. Enjoy with a beverage of your choice. (hint hint)

© Recipe courtesy of 2 Food Trippers.

OCTOBER WINE CLUB:

Crisp Wine StyleCASAL-DA-COELHEIRA-WHITECasal da Coelheira
White
Tejo, Portugal

CRISP WINE STYLE

The nose is very fresh with notes of kiwi, lemon and lightly smoked. The palate continues to show a fresh profile, with a well balanced acidity and a persistent taste.

Varietal: Verdelho, Fernão Pires and Arinto
Region: Tejo, Portugal
Analysis:
13.1% alcohol / volume
Total Acidity: 6.59 g/L
pH: 3.21
Total Sugar: 0.6 g/L
Soil Type: Sandy
European Vegetarian Union: Vegan
Serving Temperature: 48ºF-50ºF
Pairing:
Fish or Seafood
Longevity: Drink now or keep it until the end of 2025
Winemaker: Nuno Falcão Rodrigues

WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Destemming, pneumatic pressing, cold settling, fermentation temperature control, cold stabilization and filtration.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Located at parallel 39 North, Casal da Coelheira Estate has been benefiting from the Mediterranean climate for over three generations. For years, they have been committed to producing the best and most innovative wines within the Tagus River wine region. While the winery has seen many upgrades to their production and winemaking technology over the years, the facade at Tramagal remains the same – showcasing a traditional Portuguese facility with timeless architecture and impressive white and yellow walls. Learn more about the winery here.

Photos and information © Casal da Coelheira – All Rights Reserved.


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October Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Spaghetti,Alla,Puttanesca,-,Italian,Pasta,Dish,With,Tomatoes,,BlackPORTUGUESE STYLE SARDINE SPAGHETTI

INGREDIENTS:

    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • ½ red pepper finely sliced
    • 1 medium red onion, finely sliced
    • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
    • ½ cup of olives, sliced
    • 1 cup (18 small) cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
    • 2 tbsp tomato paste
    • ½ red chili pepper without excessive seeds, sliced
    • 1 tin of sardines
    • basil leaves, to taste
    • 200 grams of dried spaghetti
    • black pepper
    • lemon zest
    • ½ cup of white wine/lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:

    • Place a big frying pan over a medium heat, add the olive oil and a drizzle of the sardine oil. When hot, add the bell pepper and cook until slightly soft.
    • Add the red onion and garlic and sauté for a further 2-3 minutes.
    • Add the olives and let everything slowly fry until it reaches a softer texture.
    • Move the ingredients to one side of the frying pan and if necessary add another splash of olive oil and lightly fry your cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.
    • Once the skin of the tomatoes start wrinkling, combine it with the rest of the pan, and add our chili pepper and the sardines, breaking it into smaller pieces.
    • Add zests of one lemon and a splash of white wine or lemon juice to deglaze the pan and bring all those flavors together. Let it sizzle for another couple of minutes.
    • While you wait, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 
    • Once the pasta water is boiling, begin cooking your spaghetti. Following the recommended instructions. For “al dente” pasta, remove from the water a minute early to taste. 
    • Add the tomato paste and half of a cup of the pasta water into your sauce. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes. The starch from the pasta water will help the sauce to bond with the spaghetti. Try the sauce and check if you need to adjust the salt or add another splash of pasta water. As some of the ingredients already contain salt, extra salt may not be needed.
    • Drain the pasta and add it immediately into the saucepan and gently combine everything.
    • Serve the finished sardine pasta into two pasta bowls and add some freshly grated black pepper and Parmesan cheese on top (we know that this goes against the rules but as cheese lovers we think that cheese goes well with everything. Who invented this silly rule anyway?).

© Recipe courtesy of We Travel Portugal.

OCTOBER WINE CLUB:

CASAL-DA-COELHEIRA-REDBold wine Style logoCasal da Coelheira
Red
Tejo,Portugal

BOLD WINE STYLE

Intense color, resulting from a skin maceration prior to fermentation. The aromas are intense with berry notes and red fruits – strawberry and raspberry – combined with a slight floral note as violet. In the mouth it is with great elegance revealing a very gastronomic wine with good body, fruit and a well balanced acidity.

Varietals: Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouchet, Touriga Franca
Region: Tejo, Portugal
Analysis:
13.0% alcohol / volume
Total Acidity: 7.8 g/L
pH: 3.20
Total Sugar: 0.6 g/L
Soil Type: Sandy
European Vegetarian Union: Vegan
Serving Temperature: 46ºF-50ºF
Pairing:
Drink as a starter, or pair with salads, pasta, fish or seafood
Longevity: Drink now or keep it until the end of 2024
Winemaker: Nuno Falcão Rodrigues

WINEMAKING NOTES:
Destemming, crushing, maceration and fermentation with temperature control, malolactic fermentation, partly matured in American oak, filtration.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Located at parallel 39 North, Casal da Coelheira Estate has been benefiting from the Mediterranean climate for over three generations. For years, they have been committed to producing the best and most innovative wines within the Tagus River wine region. While the winery has seen many upgrades to their production and winemaking technology over the years, the facade at Tramagal remains the same – showcasing a traditional Portuguese facility with timeless architecture and impressive white and yellow walls. Learn more about the winery here.

Video and information © Casal da Coelheira – All Rights Reserved.


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September Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Pulled_Pork_SandwichPulled Pork Sandwich

INGREDIENTS:

    • 1 ea boneless pork butt (5 to 7 lbs)
    • 1 cup brown sugar
    • ½ cup salt
    • 2 tbsp garlic powder
    • 2 tbsp onion powder
    • 2 tbsp fennel seeds, toasted and ground
    • 1 tbsp black pepper, toasted and ground

DIRECTIONS:

    • Preheat oven to 350°F.
    • Combine all of the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix evenly. Rub the mixture into the meat.
    • Place the entire pork butt onto a foil lined baking pan with 2 cups of water and cover for 2 hours. After the two hours, reduce heat to 300 degrees and continue to cook for 4 to 5 more hours basting the meat every hour with the cooking liquid. Be prepared that there will be steam when you peel back the foil.
    • Carefully remove the meat from the oven. To test whether the meat is done, stick a fork into the meatiest side (versus the top) of the pork butt and the fork should easily twist. If there is a lot of resistance, continue to cook covered for an additional hour. Once the meat is fully cooked, allow to rest for about 30 to 45 minutes in it’s cooking liquid. Then shred the meat.
    • A portion of the meat can be mixed with a small amount of cooking liquid- cooking liquid may be salty therefore add sparingly!
    • Serve the shredded pulled pork on your favorite roll or baguette with a fresh cabbage slaw or favorite condiments such as mustard, BBQ sauce, pickles and/or butter.

© Recipe courtesy of Canvasback.

SEPTEMBER WINE CLUB:

Reguta_AltropassoMellow style logoReguta
Altropasso
Friuli, Italy

MELLOW WINE STYLE

This wine is ruby red in color with purple nuances tending to garnet with aging. The nose and the palate are very elegant. It contains fruity flavors like blueberry and blackberry with vanilla and toasted high quality notes. It is soft, full-bodied and persistent on the palate.

Varietals: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot
Analysis:
14% alcohol / volume
Denomination: IGP Trevenezie
Serving Temperature: 64.4ºF
Food Pairing:
This wine is perfect for roast meat, especially pork, lamb, goat or game.

WINERY NOTES:
A champion, characterized by vibrant violet hues, with a clear and persistent smell which is added by the balsamic fragrance from the oak. Captivating and creamy notes of Blackberry dominate the palate. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot expresses itself wonderfully with its strong texture. It charms with spectacular flavors from various types of jam. – Reguta winery

ABOUT REGUTA:
Located in the province of Udine, near the Friulian Riviera, the Reguta Winery has been owned and operated by the same family since 1928. Founded by Ettore Anselmi, the winery has since been passed down to his sons, Giuseppe and Luigi – who are teaching the same principles to their own sons today. Giuseppe and Luigi are constantly looking to improve their wines. With their years of experience and great traditions coupled with their outlook for the future, they are able to adopt the most advanced production technologies to ensure their wines are the best quality, while enhancing the uniqueness of their land. Learn more about Reguta’s history here.

© Information provided by Reguta.


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Reguta Prediale, Friuli, Italy

Italian,Pasta,With,Ricotta,Cheese,And,Pistachios,On,White,Table.Zucchini Pasta with Pistachios and Parmesan

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pound paccheri or rigatoni (or your favorite noodle)
  • 2 pounds zucchini (about 4 large zucchini), diced into ¼-inch-thick pieces
  • ¼ cup, plus 2 tablespoons, extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 7 medium garlic cloves, peeled and quartered
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 5 to 7 fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
  • 1 cup dry white wine or chicken stock
  • 1 lemon, juice and zest
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, for garnish
  • ½ cup shelled, roasted and salted pistachios, chopped, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425ºF and bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Heavily salt the water, add the pasta and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and reserve 2 ½ cups of pasta water for later.

  2. Toss half of the chopped zucchini with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and place in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the zucchini is golden brown and crisp.

  3. In a separate large skillet over medium-high heat combine remaining 1⁄4 cup olive oil, zucchini, onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini starts to soften and lightly caramelize, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove the lid and deglaze with white wine, cook, stirring occasionally, until the wine has evaporated, about 5 minutes.

  4. Transfer the mixture into a blender, along with crushed red pepper flakes, basil leaves, the zest of 1 lemon and 1⁄2 cup reserved pasta water and blend until smooth. Pour back into the large skillet, add the pasta, and toss to coat. Add pasta water, 1⁄2 cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached. Finish with lemon juice.

  5. Add more pasta water as needed to thicken the sauce. Season to taste. Divide into serving bowls, top with roasted zucchini, Parmesan, chopped pistachios, basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil. Enjoy!

© Recipe courtesy of Elena Besser on the Today Show.

SEPTEMBER WINE CLUB:

Silky styleReguta_PredialeReguta
Prediale
Friuli, Italy

SILKY WINE STYLE

Straw yellow in color with hues of green. The nose is elegant and has an aromatic fragrance of floral and exotic fruity notes. The palate is soft, enveloping with a long and pleasant persistence and an excellent balance. 

Varietals: 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Chardonnay, 10% Ribolla Gialla 
Analysis:
13% alcohol / volume
Denomination: IGP Trevenezie

Serving Temperature: 46.4ºF-50ºF
Food Pairings:
This wine is perfect for a tasting menu as well as an aperitif. It is the perfect match for fish dishes, stewed or barbecued white meat, and savory main dishes like pasta, risotto or soups.

WINERY NOTES:
This white wine is characterized by an evocative and perfect symbiosis between the flavor of Sauvignon, the embracing softness of the International Chardonnay, and the pleasant freshness and vivacity of the Ribolla Gialla – an original wine variety from the region.

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

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Winery Spotlight Series: September 21, 2022

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The Duckhorn Portfolio
with Guest Speaker, Kyle Lee
California and Washington State Wines

Wednesday, September 21, 2022
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event featuring Duckhorn Portfolio wines and guest speaker, Kyle Lee, joining us live on the big screen. Kyle Lee, District Manager for The Duckhorn Portfolio and Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW), will be sharing the six wines below from The Duckhorn Portfolio.

Wines Tasted:

  1. Decoy Sparkling, Brut Cuveé NV, California
  2. Decoy Limited, Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, California
  3. Calera, Pinot Noir, Central Coast, California
  4. Migration, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California
  5. Postmark, Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, California
  6. Canvasback, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, Washington State

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

Sept21_Duckhorn_bottles

About The Duckhorn Portfolio:

One of North America’s premier luxury wine companies, with ten renowned wineries, eight state-of-the-art winemaking facilities, seven beautiful tasting rooms and more than 1100 coveted acres of vineyards spanning 24 sustainably farmed Estate properties. Established in 1976, when legendary vintners Dan and Margaret Duckhorn founded Napa Valley’s iconic Duckhorn Vineyards.  Today, their wines are sold throughout the USA and 50 countries around the world. Learn more here.

About Kyle Lee, CSW:

Kyle Lee Headshot

Kyle Lee, CSW

Kyle Lee is the District Manager for Wisconsin and Minnesota for The Duckhorn Portfolio. Responsibilities include managing sales, distribution, trade education, hosting events, and sharing the Duckhorn Portfolio family of brands. After graduating college, where Kyle was a 4-year letter winner on the university’s baseball team, he began a career in the wine industry as a Sales Representative for a distributor in Wisconsin. Kyle’s many accomplishments include numerous performance recognitions and completion of requirements to become Certified Specialist of Wine. When not working, Kyle enjoys spending time on the lake or in the mountains, golfing, skiing, and hanging out with family, including his wife and his adorable 3 year old daughter, Raegan. He and his wife are also expecting their 2nd child any day!


Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting with Kyle Lee
The Duckhorn Portfolio
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST
Cheers!
WineStyles.com

Jan Harmsgat Pinot Noir

Flat,Breads,With,Lamb,Meatballs,,Yogurt,,Cucumber,And,TomatoesGRILLED LAMB MEATBALLS WITH MINT YOGURT

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 lb. ground lamb
  • 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 ¾ tsp ground cumin
  • 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
  • few cracks fresh black pepper
  • ¼ cup + 1 tbs tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 3 ounces crumbled feta cheese
  • 8 lemon wedges, for serving
  • grilled pita, for serving
  • Mint-Yogurt Sauce:
    • 1 cup Greek yogurt
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 ½ tbsp lemon juice
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1/3 cup chopped mint
    • salt to taste

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Begin by making the yogurt-mint sauce. Add all of the ingredients to a medium bowl and mix until combined. Season with salt to taste. Cover and set aside until ready to use.
  2. For the meatballs, add all of the ingredients for the lamb meatballs to a large bowl. Gently mix everything together with your hands, taking care not to over mix (this will ensure the meat stays tender).
  3. Roll the meat into 16, two-tablespoon-sized meatballs.
  4. Heat an outdoor grill to high heat. Lightly oil the grate, then place the meatballs on the grill and cook for 12 minutes, 6 minutes on each side. Alternatively, you can cook these meatballs on a lightly oiled grill pan set over medium-high heat, and cook for the same amount of time.
  5. Serve the meatballs with a large dollop of the mint-yogurt and with a wedge of lemon.

© Recipe courtesy of Kristan Raines from La Crema.

AUGUST WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoJan-Harmsgat_Pinot-NoirJan Harmsgat
Pinot Noir
South Africa

MELLOW WINE STYLE

This Pinot Noir is light and soft in style. On the nose, there are notes of dark cherries and strawberries with a slight earthiness. The palate has a soft tannic structure and smooth texture.

Varietal: Pinot Noir
Analysis:
13% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.75
VA:
0.64
VS02:
26 mg/L
TS02:
62 mg/L
RS:
2.23 g/L
Wood Maturation: 3 Months, 225L French Oak, 4th fill.

WINEMAKER’S NOTES
The newest addition to the JHG boutique wine collection is the Pinot Noir. The very first attempt at making this wine, JHG won the trophy for the best Pinot Noir in the Robertson Wine Valley at the Young Wine Awards.

ABOUT JAN HARMSGAT:
Founded in 1723, the Jan Harmsgat Farm (JHG) is situated on the most southern tip of the Robertson wine valley, along the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains in the Western Cape of South Africa. This area is locally known as the “valley of wine and roses”. JHG’s philosophy is to create delicious single-block wines — the smallest production unit for vineyards that may not exceed six hectares per cultivar. Their unique position borders with dry conditions of the Karoo (semi-desert region), along with cool sea breezes from the coastal regions. Learn more about the winery’s history here.

© Information and Photos provided by Jan Harmsgat.

Jan Harmsgat Winery South Africa


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Jan Harmsgat Shiraz

Grilled T-Bone Steak and herb butter on wooden cutting board

GRILLED T-BONE STEAK

INGREDIENTS:

  • For the Steak:
    • 1 (36 oz.) T-bone or porterhouse steak
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon salt
    • ½ tablespoon pepper
  • For the Herb Compound Butter:
    • ½ cup butter (room temperature)
    • 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
    • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
    • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (chopped)
    • 2 cloves garlic (diced)

DIRECTIONS:

  • For the Steak:
    • Take the steak out of the fridge and out of it’s packaging. Pat both sides with paper towel. Season with oil, salt and pepper on both sides. Let it come to room temperature.
    • Preheat your BBQ over high heat.
    • When the steak is too temperature, place it on the grill, let it sear for 2-3 minutes with the lid closed. Come back, and turn it 90°, and let it sear for another 2-3 minutes with the lid closed.
    • Flip the steak over (at this point, you should be able to see the diamond patter on this side). Sear for 2-3 minutes, then turn 90°. Allow it to finish cooking in this position (it should take another 8-12 minutes, depending on the size of your steak.
    • Allow the steak to rest on a cooling rack for 7-8 minutes. Serve with compound butter discs on top.
  • For the Compound Herb Butter:
    • In a small bowl, mix the butter, herbs and garlic.
    • Place a section of plastic wrap on your work surface. Scrap the butter on to the surface, and carefully roll the wrap around the butter. Twisting the ends, roll the butter back and forth until it forms a smooth cylinder. Refrigerate for one hour, then slice and serve with steak.

© Recipe courtesy of Cara at The Gourmet Bon Vivant.

AUGUST WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoJan-Harmsgat_ShirazJan Harmsgat
Shiraz
South Africa

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Shiraz is spicy and fruit driven. The nose and the palate are equally spicy with notes of white peppers and dark fruit.

Varietal: Shiraz
Analysis:
15.0% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.77
RS:
2.1 g/L
Production: 5,000 Bottles
Wood Maturation: Spicy, white peppers, dark fruit

WINEMAKER’S NOTES
For a red wine so young, this Shiraz is remarkably drinkable with plenty of dark soft berries and spice. The flavors are rich and mouth-filling, while comfortably fresh tannins ensure there’s no heaviness. This wine should give pleasure of the next year or two.

ABOUT JAN HARMSGAT:
Founded in 1723, the Jan Harmsgat Farm (JHG) is situated on the most southern tip of the Robertson Wine valley, along the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains in the Western Cape of South Africa. This area is locally known as the “valley of wine and roses”. JHG’s philosophy is to create delicious single-block wines — the smallest production unit for vineyards that may not exceed six hectares per cultivar. Their unique position borders with dry conditions of the Karoo (semi-desert region), along with cool sea breezes from the coastal regions. Learn more about the winery’s history here.

© Information provided by Jan Harmsgat


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 >