Tag Archives: wine

June Sweet Club: Iowa

Posted on by

Sweet Wine ClubSchmitt-Late-Harvest-Riesling-bottleSchmitt Söhne
Riesling Spätlese (Late Harvest)
Mosel, Germany

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Germany’s harvest is typically a month later than other wine regions, allowing for a long ripening season.  Their Late Harvest Riesling is made from grapes that remain on the vine, where they continue to ripen and intensify in flavor and picked several weeks after the main harvest. The result is a delicious concentration of fruit, with flavors of apricots and peaches coupled with enough acidity to give it a firm and juicy mouth feel.

Analysis: 8-8.5% alcohol / volume
RS: 46-50 g/L
TA: 8-9 g/L
Pairing Recommendation: Enjoy by itself, with soft or blue cheese, richer foods, Asian dishes, Thai, Cajun or any spicy cuisine. Or enjoy with one of their suggested recipes >
Serve: Chilled

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: These sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section will pair well with blue cheese, or a soft cheese, such as brie. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

About Schmitt Söhne Wines:
Family-owned and operated, over 200 years ago the Schmitt ancestors settled in the small village of Longuich, along the Mosel River, and began managing vineyards and producing wine. The Mosel is regarded as the oldest wine-growing region in Germany, believed to be established by the Romans around 50 AD.  It is one of the most northernly wine regions in the world and famous for their steep south-facing slopes and blue slate soil, reflected in the touch of minerality in their Spätlese. Now in the fifth generation, Schmitt Söhne is one of Germany’s largest and most successful wine exporters around the world. While they have continued to develop their winemaking techniques and technologies, the family has never lost sight of their traditions. Learn more here.

Information © Schmitt Söhne Wines – All Rights Reserved.

Pierre-Sparr-bottlePierre Sparr
Alsace Riesling AOC
Alsace, France

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This dry and elegant wine has a fine nose with mineral notes of citrus fruits and yellow lemon. It has beautiful length with salinity and a very nice freshness that is well-balanced with a huge and exceptional terroir expression. 

Analysis: 12.7% alcohol / volume
RS: 5.80 g/L
TA: 4.20 g/L TH2
Storage: 7-8 years
Serve: 42.8ºF-46.4ºF

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

About Pierre Sparr Winery:
The origin of winemaking in the Sparr family dates back to 1680. Generations later, Charles Sparr developed the business that his son, Pierre, later took the succession at the age of 20. Pierre had a distinct sense for business, making him a pioneer of “estate bottled” wines in Alsace. Pierre also had the courage and obstinacy to rebuild their entire estate after Sigolsheim and its vineyards were completely destroyed during WWII. In doing so, Pierre rebuilt one of Alsace’s most beautiful and prestigious Domaines. Today, with the help of the 9th generation, the aim is still to perpetuate tradition, passion and emotion. Learn more here.

Information © Pierre Sparr – All Rights Reserved.

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

Click here to learn more >

 

 

Two Mountain Tempranillo

Posted on by

BBQ pork with cheesy grits

BBQ Pork with Cheesy Grits

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 cups of water
  • 1 cup stone ground yellow grits
  • 1 tsp of salt
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • fresh cracked black pepper
  • 2 cups rib meat from leftover pork ribs
  • ¾ cup BBQ sauce

DIRECTIONS:

  1. In a large pot bring the water to a boil. Next add the salt, cayenne pepper and butter.
  2. Gradually add the grits to the boiling water using a whisk to prevent any lumps.
  3. Lower the heat to simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
  4. While grits are simmering, pick meat from pork ribs and chop. Place in a small saucepan with BBQ sauce and cook on low for 10 minutes.
  5. Gradually whisk the cheese a little at a time into the grits until completely incorporated. Cook another 5 minutes.
  6. Plate with divided grits, topped with BBQ pork rib meat. Garnish with fresh cracked black pepper and chopped parsley (optional).

© Recipe courtesy of Kevin is Cooking.

JUNE WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logo2-Mountain-Tempranillo-bottleTwo Mountain Winery
Tempranillo
Yakima Valley, Washington

MELLOW WINE STYLE

The Two Mountain Tempranillo opens with hints of overripe fig, forest-fresh Hemlock, and a smidge of toasted pine nuts. It is then followed by dried tobacco, sun-dried tomatoes, and coriander dust. Once you have been tantalized by the aromatics, the palate is treated to soft tannins mixed with nice acid, a touch of subtle oak and flavors of rich earth, dark huckleberry, sage and a freshly rolled cigar. This is definitely an old world-esque Tempranillo from the new world Washington State. Be prepared, be very prepared.

Varietal: 100% Tempranillo
Analysis: 13.9% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Yakima Valley, Washington
Vineyard: Various Estate Vineyard Plots
Production: 200 cases

About Two Mountain Winery:

“Our name, Two Mountain Winery, is inspired by the majestic views of Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier which serve as the backdrop of Copeland Vineyard. It’s a simple moniker that reflects our minimalistic approach to growing and making wine with a proud nod to the incredible valley in which we farm.

There’s something uniquely fulfilling in working the same ground as our uncle, grandfather, and great- grandfather. It would be easy to take this humble life for granted, but we consider our role as growers to be more than just wine grape production. We have an obligation to operate in a way that ensures the next generation inherits a world worthy of their potential. Becoming Washington State’s first certified sustainable vineyard not only validates our efforts as growers, but reminds us of how fortunate we are to be surrounded and supported by an incredible team that is committed to making the right decisions for our land, our planet, and our customers.

We like to joke that four generations of Yakima Valley farming pulsing through our veins predisposed us to dirty fingernails and an inherent love of the land, but it really is the truth. We love this life, and we’re lucky to have it. We hope that shines through in our wines and that you enjoy them as we prefer—with friends and family.” – The Brothers, Matthew & Patrick Rawn

Information © Two Mountain Winery – All Rights Reserved.

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 Sweet Club: Iowa

Posted on by

Sweet Wine ClubConfetti_2021_Sweet_Pink_Grapefruit_Bottle ImageCONFETTI!
Sweet Pink Grapefruit
Trentino, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This citrusy, semi-sparkling aromatized wine is delicate and shiny coral pink in color. The nose is well-balanced and intense with long hints of ripe grapefruit. The palate is lively with an endearing, creamy foam and evident fragrance of grapefruit. Perfect for brunch and impromptu drinks with the crew! Serve chilled.

Analysis: 5.0% alcohol / volume
RS: 90
Country: Italy
Region: Various
Closure: Screw cap
Pairing: Pretzels, ricotta flatbread and your famous charcuterie board

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: These sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section will pair well with a soft cheese, such as brie or ricotta. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Confetti_2021_Sweet_Peach_Rendering_v3CONFETTI!
Sweet Summer Peach
Trentino, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This semi-sparkling aromatized wine presents a nice and shiny, straw-yellow color with hues of green. It has definite and intense notes of white peach on the nose that are complex, elegant, and refined. The palate is pleasant with a creamy foam and a perfect balance between nice sweetness and acidity. There are notes of sweet, luscious peach and apricot with hints of honey with a little fizz.

Analysis: 5.0% alcohol / volume
Country: Italy
Region: Various
Closure: Screw cap
Pairing: Fresh fruit and fruit tarts

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

Information © CONFETTI! & Palm Bay International – All Rights Reserved.

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

Click here to learn more >

 

 

May Premium Wine Club

Posted on by

Bold wine Style logoPomar Junction Cabernet Forward bottle imagePomar Junction
2014 Cab Forward
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Bordeaux blend is an opulent wine that delivers notes of licorice, chocolate, black cherry, plum, blackberry, and spice, combined with incredibly silky tannins.

Analysis: 14.6% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot, 25% Merlot
pH: 3.60
Residual Sugar: 0.26%
Total Acidity: 6.8 g/L
Appellation: Paso Robles, California
Vineyard: Paso Robles
Aging: 21 months
Cooperage: 30% New Oak
Winemaker: Jim Shumate
Cases Produced: 158
Accolades: Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition; 94pts The Somm Journal.

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
“Cab Forward is a Reserve blend of our best barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot. This wine honors the railroad heritage of the Merrill family. Excellent aging potential.” – Jim Shumate

Merrill Family © Rachel Lomeli Photography
© Photo by Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery
© Photo by Pomar Junction – (Left to Right) Matt Merrill, Dana Merrill, and Jim Shumate
© Photo by Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery
© Christina W. – Pomar Junction Vineyard

Bold wine Style logoPomar Junction Reserve Cabernet bottle imagePomar Junction
2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Everything you desire in a Cabernet Sauvignon! Ripe blackberry and black currant flavors with a hint of pencil and cigar box in the mid-palate. It pairs perfectly with a peppercorn New York steak.

Analysis: 15.6% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: El Pomar District AVA
Vineyard: Pomar Junction Vineyard
pH: 3.62
Residual Sugar: 0.33%
Total Acidity: 7.1%
Aging: 21 months
Cooperage: 35% new oak
Winemaker: Jim Shumate
Cases Produced: 164
Accolades: Double Gold San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
“This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon made entirely from Estate Grown grapes. It was handpicked from the hillside portion of the vineyard with limestone shale rock soils. Yields were limited to produce an intensely dark-hued wine. As is typical from this vineyard, the wines maintain complexity while remaining a soft mouthfeel. As always, the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon features our favorite barrels from the cellar. The ripening for previous vintages carried well into the late fall, typical of this vineyard which experiences the afternoon breezes and climate effects of the Templeton Gap Barrel Select Cabernet Sauvignon.” – Jim Shumate, Winemaker

VINEYARDS:
Made entirely from hand-picked, estate-grown grapes, this Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the hillsides of their vineyard with limestone shale rock soils. It takes patience to grown this varietal on their ranch as it often is not picked until late October, nearly a month later than a typical Eastside Paso Robles vineyard. The cooling Templeton Gap breezes moderate the summer temperatures and combine with their Linne Calado soils for idea Cabernet growing conditions.

Jim Shumate_Winemaker

© Jim Shumate

ABOUT THE WINEMAKER:
A Southern California native, Jim Shumate now lives in Paso Robles with his wife and children. He graduated from Cal Poly with a degree in Enology, and eventually developed and managed the Cal Poly pilot winery that opened in 2008. In the early stages of his career, he was greatly influenced by legendary winemaker, Chuck Ortman. Jim became Senior Lab & Barrel Technician, Cellar Master and Consulting Winemaker at a few different wineries before accepted the position of Winemaker at Pomar Junction in July of 2011.  Read more >

ABOUT POMAR JUNCTION VINEYARD & WINERY:
The Merrill Family has been growing and producing grapes in California’s Central Coast for the past eight generations. Today, Dana and Marsha Merrill, along with their son, Matthew, and winemaker, Jim Shumate farm the vineyards and produce elegant wines of their own. The finest blocks of grapes are selected from their family estate, along with vineyards in Santa Barbara and Monterey Counties managed by a sister firm, Mesa Vineyard Management, Inc. All wines produced are exclusively farmed by the Merrill’s who believe that control from planting and pruning through harvest, fermentation and cellaring is critical for success. Learn more here >

© Information and photos from Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery – All Rights Reserved.

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 >

 
 
 

 

Pomar Junction Reserve Tempranillo

Posted on by

Brisket Nachos with green peppersEasy Brisket Nachos

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 bag tortilla chips
  • 3 cups shredded beef brisket leftovers or freshly smoked
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 green pepper chopped
  • ½ red onion chopped
  • 1 cup black beans
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • Optional Toppings
    • Guacamole
    • Salsa

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat up smoker to 350-450°F. Line a cast iron skillet with aluminum foil.
  2. Spread the tortilla chips out in pan. Avoid stacking them in a pile as much as is possible.
  3. Top chips with shredded brisket, cheese, BBQ sauce, green pepper, red onion, and black beans
  4. Transfer to smoker. Close lid and cook for 5-10 minutes.
  5. Remove from smoker and top with chopped green onion and any additional toppings
  6. Serve immediately. To keep warm, cover with aluminum foil.

© Recipe courtesy of The Online Grill.

MAY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoPomar_Junction_Tempranillo_ReservePomar Junction
Reserve Tempranillo
Paso Robles, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This wine expresses itself with dark and earthy aromas and flavors. Dried black cherries and leather aromas mingle with hints of nutmeg and clay. It has an intense tannic structure and flavors of black currant that lead to notes of freshly brewed Italian espresso. This wine has a lengthy finish with notes of dark berries and rye toast. It will cellar beautifully for years, but is accessible immediately to those who desire big and bold reds. 

Varietal: 100% Tempranillo
Analysis: 14.3% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Paso Robles, California
Vineyard: Pomar Junction – Upper Slope Select, Estate Vineyard
pH: 3.71
TA: .55 g/L
Sugar: 23.8 brix
RS: 0.25
Aging: 21-22 months
Cooperage: 35% New Oak (French & American)
Winemaker: Jim Shumate
Cases Produced: 193

ABOUT POMAR JUNCTION VINEYARD & WINERY:
Located in the El Pomar District in the heart of the Paso Robles AVA, Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery is family owned and operated by the Merrill family. Here, they grow premium grapes, focusing on small lot, food friendly wines with sustainable vineyard management techniques. The winemaking experience is further enhanced by their Head Winemaker and Cal Poly SLO Enology Professor, Jim Shumate. Learn more about the Merrill Family and Jim Shumate here.

© Photo by Pomar Junction
© Photo by Pomar Junction – (Left to Right) Matt Merrill, Dana Merrill, and Jim Shumate
© Photo by Pomar Junction

Information © Pomar Junction – All Rights Reserved.

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 >

 
 
 

 

April Sweet Club: Iowa

Posted on by

Sweet Wine Clubpeach-wineRoscato
Peach Semi-Sweet
Lombardy, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Ripe and juicy, this wine stays on the sunny side of life. This wine highlights flavors of ripe stone fruit (think: peak-season peach and apricot).

Pairing: Buffalo wings, brunch favors, and hanging with friends on the patio.

tropical-wineRoscato
Tropical Semi-Sweet
Lombardy, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Exotic and tangy, this wine gives you “vacay” vibes all year round. It highlights notes of pineapple and mango with a juicy passionfruit finish.

Pairing: Fruit salad, shrimp cocktail and dips in the pool.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: These sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section will pair well with a soft cheese, such as a brie. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Frozen Tropical drink in wine glass

Roscato Frozen Tropical Blast

Frozen Tropical Blast Cocktail Recipe:

  • 6 oz Roscato Tropical (or Roscato Peach)
  • 3 oz coconut water
  • 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
  • 1/2 cup frozen peaches
  • 2 tbsp toasted flaked coconut

In a blender, combine Roscato, coconut water, pineapple and peaches; blend on high speed until smooth. Divide between two glasses, garnish with coconut.

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

Information © Roscato Wine – All Rights Reserved.

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

Click here to learn more >

 

 

Rangel Ranch Zinfandel

Posted on by

Vanilla Cheesecake with Berries Vanilla Cheesecake with Berry Compote

INGREDIENTS:

  • For the Crust:
    • 2 package Bahlsen Waffeletten cookies
    • 2 cups crushed butter crackers (approx. 30)
    • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • For the Cheesecake:
    • ½ cup whole milk
    • 2 vanilla bean pods, cut half lengthwise
    • 2 pounds cream cheese, room temperature
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 4 large eggs
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    • 4 ounces white chocolate, chopped
  • For the Mixed Berry Compote:
    • 1 cup raspberries
    • 1 cup blueberries
    • 1 cup strawberries
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar

DIRECTIONS:

  1. For the Crust:
    1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
    2. Add the Bahlsen Waffeletten Cookies and crackers to your food processor and pulse until finely chopped; then slowly pour in the butter until well combined.
    3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a lightly buttered 8-inch springform pan; then bake for 5 minutes. Remove and allow to cool.
  2. For the Cheesecake:
    1. Add the milk to a small saucepan; then scrape off as much of the vanilla beans into the milk as you can using the back of a knife. Add the vanilla bean pods to the milk; then warm over medium heat. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
    2. Combine the cream cheese and sugar in your stand mixer until creamy; then add the eggs, vanilla and cooled milk.
    3. Mix until creamy; then stir in the white chocolate by hand and pour into the cooled crust.
    4. Place the cheesecake on a baking sheet and add 2 cups of water to the pan so that you create a water bath for the springform pan.
    5. Bake on the middle oven rack for approximately 50-60 minutes or until top is lightly brown and the top springs back when gently touched. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before refrigerating.
    6. Top with the mixed berry compote when ready to serve.
  3. For the Mixed Berry Compote:
    1. Add all ingredients to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

© Recipe courtesy of Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen.

APRIL WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoRangel-Ranch-North-Coast-Zinfandel-bottleRangel Ranch
Zinfandel
North Coast, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Zinfandel is medium-bodied with notes of dark cherry, raspberry and spice wrapped in gentle oak. 

Varietal: Zinfandel
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.51
TA: 0.57%
RS: 0.51%
Pairing: BBQ, smoked cheeses, salami, spicy cuisine, and cheesecake with berry compote

Winemaking:
Stainless steel fermentation at 90ºF; daily pump over, aged 18 months in American Oak barrels.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Rangel Ranch focuses on the traditions of their family making and enjoying food friendly wines. Their wines reflect their family history and heritage in every bottle of their Napa County and North Coast releases. Vintage to vintage, winemaker, Paul Scotto, focuses on wine profiles that have held wide appeal through the decades and remain true to the Rangel family traditions. The reds are oak accented with soft tannins and ready to enjoy right away; while the whites are unoaked, crisp and medium bodied.

ABOUT SCOTTO CELLARS:

The family’s vinous heritage and history dates back to 1883 when Salvatore Dominic Scotto, an officer in the Italian Navy, began making wine at his home on the Island of Ischia, just off the coast of Italy.  In addition to making wine for his family (a long-held custom in Italy), Salvatore also treated his friends and neighbors to the fruits of his labor. 

Great-great grandpa Salvatore passed his skills along to his son Dominic, who migrated to Brooklyn in 1903 and continued the family’s winemaking tradition in America. He carried on the Scotto heritage with his sons who sold their father’s homemade wine in five-gallon crocks from the family’s horse drawn cart. After Prohibition, Anthony Sr. and his older brother Sal created Villa Armando (nicknamed Rustico).  Rustico is still produced today and has filled 200,000,000 glasses since its inception, making it one of California’s oldest wine brands.

Today Scotto Cellars is a 5th-generation family-owned and managed wine producing company.  They take pride in treating team members not only as collaborators but also as family members who are encouraged to think creatively and live with a can-do attitude. For five generations the Scotto family has embraced the Old World traditions of sharing meals and celebrating meaningful moments with friends.  Wine has always been a centerpiece of these events and a reflection of Scotto’s Italian heritage they so proudly embrace.  Read more >

Scotto Cellars 5th Generation

Information © Rangel Ranch – All Rights Reserved.

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 >

 
 
 

 

Winery Spotlight Series: April 11, 2023

Posted on by

Clos LaChance Vineyards logo
Styles wine bottles with winemaker Steve Driscoll

STYLES Wine Tasting with Clos LaChance Vineyards and Guest Speaker, Steve Driscoll
San Martin, California

Tuesday, April 11, 2023
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

California Certified Sustainable logoJoin us for an exclusive tasting featuring our STYLES wines, created in collaboration with Clos LaChance winery – a family-owned and certified sustainable winery in California. Steve Drsicoll, Winemaker at Clos LaChance, will be our guest speaker and tasting us through our six Style Wines on the big screen at the store. Discover your favorite wine STYLE with Steve!
 
STYLE Wines Tasted (for tasting notes, click on each style):
  1. CRISP
  2. SILKY
  3. RICH
  4. FRUITY
  5. MELLOW
  6. BOLD

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.

Jan19_Styles_wines_email-header

About Clos LaChance:

Clos LaChance winery is a multi-generational family-owned and operated winery.  Located within the Central Coast American Viticultural Area (AVA), tucked into the beautiful Hayes Valley in San Martin, California.  Being good stewards of land and resources, the Clos LaChance Winery and Estate Vineyard is proud to be Certified Sustainable by the California Sustainable Wine Growing Alliance.  Owners Bill and Brenda Murphy are especially vested in the sustainability of the vineyard and winery—creating a legacy for their children, grandchildren and generations to come.

Sustainability is an ever-evolving practice. As a member of the Central Coast Vineyard Team, Clos LaChance has also actively participated in the Wine Institute Sustainability Self-Assessment Program, identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement. They are proud of current achievements to create an environmentally, economically and socially sound business, and will continue working towards more sustainable practices.

In early 2009, Clos LaChance’s 150-acre Estate vineyard was one of seventeen California vineyards to be Sustainably Certified via the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. The production facility was certified shortly thereafter.  Learn more about their winery here.

Clos LaChance Winery

© Clos LaChance Wines

About Steve Driscoll, Winemaker:

Steve Driscoll

© Steve Driscoll

Steve graduated with a degree in Wine and Viticulture from the University of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and spent 2 years roaming the cellar of Edna Valley Vineyards, in which he helped produce fine Pinot Noir and Chardonnays. Afterwards he became Cellar Master for Ruby Hill Winery, one of the oldest wineries in the Livermore Valley, producing great California Zinfandels and Petite Sirahs. In 2009 Steve set off for New Zealand to expand his knowledge of winemaking and new world wines. He worked for a large custom crush facility producing well known staples of the industry, like Kim Crawford and Little Penguin. After traveling the world, Steve came back to the Central Coast California to join the Clos LaChance team. His knowledge of the cellar and his passion for producing fine wines is unrivaled, and possibly only matched, by his passion for Metallica and Def Leppard. Learn more about Steve and the Clos LaChance team here.

Styles-power-twitter-post

Photos and Information © Clos LaChance – All Rights Reserved.

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
STYLES Wine Tasting with Clos LaChance Vineyards
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST
Cheers!
WineStyles.com
 

March Sweet Club: Iowa

Posted on by

Sweet Wine ClubSchlink_Haus_Kabinett_bottleSchlink Haus
Riesling Kabinett
Nahe, Germany

NECTAR WINE STYLE

The Kabinett is the lightest style of Riesling, ranging from dry to off-dry. This wine is delicately sweet and refreshingly brisk.

Varietal: Riesling
Analysis: 11.5% alcohol / volume
Sugar: 26.5 g/L
Acidity: 8.2 g/L
Quality Category: Quality wine with predicate
Style: Semi-sweet
Serving Temperature: 50ºF-53.6ºF
Critical Acclaim: Wine Enthusiast – Top 100 Best Buys of 2019

Schlink_Haus_Spatlese_bottleSchlink Haus
Riesling Spätlese
Nahe, Germany

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Spätlese means “late harvest”. This easy-drinking wine is medium sweet in style while balanced by acidity. It carries hints of earthy minerality on the finish.

Varietal: 100% Riesling
Analysis: 9.5-11.5% alcohol / volume
Sugar: 45-50 g/L
Acidity: 5-5.5 g/L
Age of Vines: 3-30 years
Soil: Loamy, sandy and slate
Fermentation Time: 8 weeks
Temperature Range: Cold Fermentation
Fermentation Container: Stainless steel
Critical Acclaim: Wine Enthusiast – Top 100 Best Buys of 2021

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: These sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section will pair well with a soft cheese, such as a brie. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Founded in 1886 by Josef Barthelmeh, the Schlink family is now on its fifth generation of winemaking. The family has produced the blue bottle Riesling for over 200 years (well before any commercial opportunity was created) in Nahe, Germany – located between Mosel and Rhein, it is one of the smaller wine regions in all of Germany. Blessed with an extraordinary range of soil types in this region, including the entire rock cycle of igneous (volcanic), sedimentary (sandstone, clay, limestone), and metamorphic (slate) rocks. This landscape of vineyards, orchards and meadows is intercepted with cliffs and striking geological formations. Learn more here. >

Information © Schlink Haus – All Rights Reserved.

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

Click here to learn more >

 

 

March Premium Wine Club

Posted on by

Bold wine Style logoAndes-Plateau-bottleAndes Plateau
Red Blend
Maipo Valley, Chile

BOLD WINE STYLE

This wine has concentration with spicy and herbal notes. It has a firm structure with fine, but persistent tannins. The palate feels fresh with ripe berries and sweet spices. A wine that will age very well in the next 5 years.

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot
pH: 3.49
Residual Sugar: 1.63
Total Acidity: 5.45
Appellation: Valle del Maipo, Cajón Maipo, Chile
Yield: 1.5 kg/plant
Planted Surface: 3 hectares
Bottle Aging: One year of bottle aging before releasing
Winemaker: Felipe Uribe

SOILS:
Mix of Alluvial Soils from Maipo River with colluvial soils from the Andes Mountains, making it very rocky. This is extremely important for roots to grow deep and secure to ensure a long life for the vines.

CLIMATE:
Towards the end of the season, the grapes ripe slowly and balanced. The altitude allows for fresher climate (average of 39.2ºF) than the lower parts of the valley. Also, the diurnal range is more ample, allowing the plants to have some resting every day.

HARVEST & VINIFICATION:
Harvest was the third and fourth week of March. The grapes are hand selected at the winery and fermentation happens in Concrete vats. Fermentation occurs naturally with native yeast only. The pump overs are very gentle and determined by daily tastings.

AGING AND STORAGE:
Aged in large Austrian wooden vats (foudre) that hold 3,000 liters of wine. The aging time is determined by tasting – in this case, it was 10 months.

Bold wine Style logoVitrea-bottleAndes Plateau
Vitrea Red Blend
Maipo Valley, Chile

BOLD WINE STYLE

Elegant wine with red fruits, graphite and spices. The palate shows freshness, intensity and deepness. Thanks to its acidity, it becomes a versatile wine that can be combined with a wide variety of flavors and foods.

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot
pH: 3.59
Residual Sugar: 1.63
Total Acidity: 5.45
Appellation: Maipo Valley, Cajón del Maipo, Chile
Yield: 1.5 kg/plant
Planted Surface: 3 hectares
Winemaker: Felipe Uribe

SOILS:
Both terroirs share similar characteristics: Alluvial soils, near riverbeds and Colluvial soils, caused by mountain rock falls.

CLIMATE:
While growing, the temperatures are lower, allowing the wines to achieve lower alcohol levels, lower pH and higher acidity.

HARVEST AND VINIFICATION:
The grapes are tasted and selected carefully. An early hand-harvest allowed the wines to achieve freshness and acidity. The winery uses pure native yeasts. The Cabernet Sauvignon is fermented in stainless steel tanks, white the Syrah, the Merlot and the Cabernet Franc are fermented in open tanks to facilitate “pigéage” (punch-down or tamping with feet). This process is an essential part of their wine production. They limit the minimum of their pump-over process and taste their wines daily until they get their desired results.

AGING AND STORAGE:
The wines are aged for 15 months in neutral oak barrels. Additionally, they are aged in an un-toasted French oak foudre (large wooden vat holding 3000 liters of wine). Afterwards, the wine is stored for 6 months before being released to the market.

Valle del Maipo_Chile

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.

© Information and photos from Andes Plateau – All Rights Reserved. 

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 >