Tag Archives: wine

Chilean Shrimp with Matetic Sauvignon Blanc

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Gambas Pil Pil (Chilean Shrimp)

INGREDIENTS:shrimp
• 10 cloves garlic, peeled and slightly crushed
• 1/2 cup grapeseed oil or olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cacho de cabra pepper, or Anaheim pepper, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons pisco or brandy
• salt to taste
• cayenne pepper to taste
• 1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving

DIRECTIONS:
Place the garlic cloves and grapeseed oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Let the garlic slowly turn golden brown as the oil becomes hot; continue cooking until the garlic has turned golden-brown, and the oil is quite hot.

Add the shrimp, stir to coat with oil, and cook for 15 seconds before stirring in the chile pepper. Continue to cook until shrimp is pink and firm. Pour in pisco, and cook for 30 seconds to let the alcohol evaporate. Season with salt to taste, then pour the mixture into a serving dish. Serve sprinkled with cayenne pepper, and garnished with lime wedges. Makes 6 servings.  Recipe compliments of AllRecipes.com

WC_Jan_2014_EQ_BottleMatetic EQ Coastal
Sauvignon Blanc
San Antonio D.O., ChileSilky_Sticker

“Smoke, Meyer lemon and grapefruit notes play out in this crisp yet concentrated white, with layers of spice and flint adding range to the solid finish.” 90 pts. Wine Spectator

Winemaker: Julio Bastias
Appellation: San Antonio D.O., Chile
Varietal:  100% Sauvignon Blanc
Analysis: 14.0% alc/vol
Critical Acclaim: 90 pts. Wine Spectator 2012
94 pts. Years Best Wine & Spirits 2011
91 pts. Editors Choice Wine Enthusiast 2011
90 pts. Wine Advocate 2010

Aduentus Malbec Pairing Recipe

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BBQ Spice Rubbed Skirt Steak with Charred Onions & Jalapeños

INGREDIENTS:Steak

• 2 16-oz skirt steaks
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp corn oil
• ½ cup ketchup

SPICE RUB:
• 2 tbsp chile powder
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Spanish smoked paprika (La Chinata is the best)
• 2 tbsp light-brown sugar
• 2 tsp coarse salt
• 1 tsp dried oregano

DIRECTIONS:

Combine balsamic vinegar, cider vinegar, corn oil, and ketchup in a bowl. Add skirt steaks and marinate for two hours. Remove steaks, blot excess marinade with a paper towel, and rub both sides with barbecue spice rub.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Heat 12-inch cast-iron skillet over moderately high heat until just smoking. Generously film bottom with corn oil to prevent spices from burning. Cut steaks in half so they fit in the pan. Working two pieces at a time, sear steaks for three minutes on each side, transferring to sheet pan when each batch is done. Place pan in oven and cook until internal temperature is 115 to 125, approximately six minutes. Remove from oven and let rest three or four minutes before slicing. Serve topped with charred onions and jalapeños.

Charred Onions and Jalapeños:

Ingredients

  • 2 white onions, peeled and sliced into one-inch slices
  • 6 jalapeños
  • 4 small sweet peppers (mixed red and yellow, if possible)
  • corn oil (just enough to coat vegetables)
  • 1 ½ tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

Lay vegetables on sheet pan, coat with corn oil, and season with salt and pepper. Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over moderately high heat until just smoking. Working in small batches, char vegetables on all sides. (Alternatively, vegetables can be charred on a grill.) Return all vegetables to pan, then add butter, stock, and thyme and cook uncovered over medium heat until vegetables are fork-tender and broth is reduced to a thickened sauce, about 20 minutes.

Recipe compliments of David Walzon, SW Steakhouse chef. Esquire.com

WC_Jan_2014_Aduentus_bottleAduentus Mediterráneo
Malbec Blend
mellowMendonza, Argentina

Aduentus Mediterráneo has some minerality and offers polished tannins along with a lingering finish. Malbec contributes its silkiness and luscious fruit, Tempranillo enhances structure, and Syrah adds spice. — Miriam Gomez, winemaker

Winemaker: Miriam Gomez
Appellation: Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
Varietal Blend:  40% Malbec, 30% Syrah, 30% Tempranillo
Analysis: 14.5% alc/vol

Chilcas Pairing Recipe

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Pan-Roasted Chicken
panroastedchicken

INGREDIENTS:
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into ribbons
• Leaves from 2 small sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 whole chicken, quartered (about 3 pounds)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup chicken stock
• 1/2 lemon, juiced

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Put a cast iron or other ovenproof skillet large enough to hold the chicken in a single layer, or a small roasting pan, over medium heat and get it good and hot. Drizzle the pan with a 3-count of oil. Add the prosciutto and rosemary and cook, stirring, until the prosciutto is crisp and lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Push to one side of the pan. Season the chicken on both sides with a generous amount of salt and pepper and add it to the pan, skin side down, in a single layer. Cook for about 5 minutes until the skin begins to set and crisp. Turn and cook 3 more minutes. Turn the chicken again, stick the pan in the oven and roast until the chicken is tender and cooked through, about 30 more minutes.

Take the pan out of the oven. Remove the chicken and prosciutto from the pan and arrange on a platter to keep warm while you prepare the pan sauce. Pour out all but about 1 tablespoon of the rendered chicken fat and return the pan to the stove top. Stir in the stock and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, scraping up the flavors stuck to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon, until reduced to a syrup, 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the pan sauce over the chicken and serve immediately. Serves 4.  Recipe compliments of Tyler Florence, Food Network.

WC_Jan_2014_Chilcas_bottleChilcas Single Vineyard
Cabernet Franc
Maule Valley, Chile

Bold_stickerClean and bright, with an outstanding deep ruby-red color. The nose is intense, with notable fruit aromas of strawberry, black cherry, and blueberry accompanied by spicy aromas that recall bay leaf, white pepper, and an interesting hint of tobacco. The voluminous palate has smooth, elegant tannins and a tremendously long finish.

Winemaker: Camilo Viani
Appellation: Maule Valley, Chile
Varietal:  87% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot
Analysis: 13.7% alc/vol

RSVP Early!

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ThomasBarton_winesThomas Barton Portfolio Tasting Event

Please join us to taste the epitome of CLASSIC BORDEAUX French wines, powerful, fruity and elegantly oaked, the modern equivalent of the great wines of the 18th century, those that Thomas Barton might have enjoyed and chosen himself.

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP,
limited seating available!

THOMAS BARTON: The Spirit of Wine

Thomas-BartonThis range of wines is the ultimate homage to Thomas Barton, who traveled to Bordeaux from Ireland in 1725.  He quickly became the most important wine merchant in Bordeaux having built a solid reputation among prestigious customers all over Europe.  The spirit of Thomas Barton has been perpetuated in this unique and prestigious range of carefully selected wines from the heart of the Bordeaux region’s greatest appellations.  These wines are the epitome of classic Bordeaux; rich, fruity and elegantly oaked, the modern equivalent of the great wines of the 18th century, those that Thomas Barton might have enjoyed and chosen himself.

BartonBottles

Everything starts out in a the vineyard, with a drastic selection of the best terroirs and strict vine-growing rules in order to guarantee high quality fruit.  Yields are low, sorting rigorous, and the wines are traditionally fermented before aging in oak barrels to enhance each terroir’s authenticity.

The Renaissance of Bordeaux Wines:  All these efforts and attention are richly rewarded by the quality and generosity of Thomas Barton Réserve wines, whose powerful, opulent style and excellent aging potential represent the quintessence of the finest wines of Bordeaux.

A Renewed Elegance: The Thomas Barton range’s packaging also reflects the founder’s personality and his times: a heavy 18th century-style Bordeaux bottle with a short colored capsule.  The label combines the sobriety of Thomas Barton’s character and the unique, classic elegance of the 18th century.

Reserve your Seat Early!

Our national tasting event in January will sell out fast!
Contact your participating WineStyles for local details and reservations!

Zingy Turkey Soup

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Perfect pairing for leftover Thanksgiving turkey and Les Florieres Pinot Noir

112137255INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 3 garlic cloves, diced
• 2 large bay leaves
• 2 cups diced roasted turkey
• 1 cup white rice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 quart chicken broth
• Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

In a large pot, stir together olive oil, onion, celery, carrots and garlic and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.  Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes.  Remove the bay leaves and serve.  Makes 8 servings.  Recipe courtesy of Italia Magazine.

WC_Nov_2013_Label_PinotNoirLes Florieres
Pinot Noir
Burgundy, France

mellow

This Pinot Noir displays shiny ruby red colors with a sense of clarity. Subtle aromas of red and black fruits (raspberry & black current) with notes of warm spices. Wine is medium bodied with notes of wild strawberries and liquorice and finishes with a bright fresh acidity.

Winemaker: Gregoire Pissot
Appellation: Maconnais, Burgundy, France
Varietal:  100% Pinot Noir
Analysis: 12.5% alc/vol
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed & approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine

Reserve Your Seat Early!

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Caymus Vineyards Portfolio Tasting Event

portfolio

Call your participating WineStyles to RSVP, limited seating available!

Please join us to taste amazing wines from Caymus Vineyards, Napa Valley California.  The Wagners produced their first vintage in 1972, consisting of 240 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon. Since then, Caymus has focused their efforts in the production of quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Today’s production is 65,000 cases and still family owned.

CAYMUS VINEYARDS:
In 1971 Charles F. (Charlie) Wagner and his wife Lorna Belle Glos Wagner asked their son Charles J. (Chuck) Wagner, who had just graduated from high school, if he would be interested in joining them in starting up a winery. If Chuck declined the offer, Charlie and Lorna were planning to sell out of their ranch in Napa Valley and move to Australia. Chuck accepted his parents’ offer to launch the winery, Caymus Vineyards. The Wagners took the name Caymus from the Mexican land grant known as Rancho Caymus, given to George Yount in 1836, which encompassed what eventually became the town of Rutherford and much of the surrounding area.

portfolioCaymus Vineyards remains 100% family-owned by the Wagners. Charlie, Lorna Belle, and Chuck worked together as a remarkable team for over 30 years building Caymus Cabernet. Today, Chuck, his two sons, Charlie and Joe, and one daughter, Jenny, have joined the family team. Farming grapes remain the priority with the family, farming about 350 acres of choice Napa Valley land.

Reserve your Seat Early!

Our national tasting event in November will sell out fast!
Contact your participating WineStyles for local details and reservations!

Fontanafredda Food Pairing

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177409170Veal Tonnato

As the centerpiece of an elegant buffet table this classic Piedmontese dish will never fail to impress.

INGREDIENTS:
• 2 1/2 lbs veal tenderloin
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 carrot peeled
• 1 medium onion quartered
• 4 sprigs parsley
• 1 bay leaf

SAUCE:
• 1 seven oz can tuna packed in oil
• 6 anchovy fillets
• 3 Tbs capers, drained if in vinegar
• 3 Tbs lemon juice
• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise

DIRECTIONS:

Place veal, celery, carrot, onion, parsley and bay leaf in a large pot and add water to cover. Then remove veal and set aside. Cover pot, bring contents to boil; then add veal. When water returns to a boil, cover pot, reduce heat and simmer gently for 1 1/2 hours. Remove from heat and leave meat to cool in its own broth.

Drain tuna and place in food processor with anchovies, capers and lemon juice. Blend to a smooth, creamy consistency. Remove mixture from processor and fold in
mayonnaise. Taste for salt.

When veal is cold, retrieve from broth and cut evenly into thin slices. Smear the bottom of a serving platter with some of the tuna sauce. Spread over it a layer of the veal slices and sauce until veal is used up. Leave enough sauce to blanket final layer.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. Before serving, bring to room temperature, smooth off top with spatula and garnish with some or all
suggested garnish ingredients (thin slices of lemon, sprigs of fresh parsley or pitted black olives cut into wedges).  Serves 8 , prepare a day ahead of serving.

Fontanafredda_BarberaFontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera
FruityPiedmont DOC, Italy

The Briccotondo Barbera has sweet, soft tannins that come together in a closely-woven texture that combines with great fruit character and crisp freshness, culminating in a long, tasty finish. A perfect match for starters, cured meats and a variety of fresh and mature cheeses.

Winemaker: Danilo Drocco
Appellation: Piedmont DOC, Italy
Varietal:  100% Barbera
Analysis: 13.5% alc/vol

Villa Barbi Orvieto Pairing Recipe

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Pasta with Artichoke Hearts, Capers and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Chicken Florentine Artichoke BakeINGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound pasta of your choice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large clove of garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock
• 1/4 cup finely sliced sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil or dried are both fine)
• 1 (15 or 16 ounce) jar artichoke hearts, drained
• 1/4 cup drained capers
• Lots of freshly grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Put on water to boil in order to cook the pasta.

While the water is boiling, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly cook the garlic until very fragrant (don’t let the garlic burn or your sauce will be bitter). De-glaze the pan with the white wine. Add the chicken stock, and the sun-dried tomatoes. Let the mixture cook down until reduced by about half. Add the artichoke hearts and capers. Cook about a minute more (enough to warm up the newly added ingredients.) Set aside.

Cook the pasta, and when it is finished, drain it and add the sauce immediately. Toss the mixture together and serve. Garnish each serving very generously with lots of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.  Serves 4-6.

Villa_Barbi_Ovieto_BiancoVilla Barbi Orvieto Classico DOC
crispUmbria, Italy

A vibrant straw color.  Highly aromatic with white fruits, citrus and a hint of almonds. Round yet clean on the palate with bright acidity and a slight bitter almond note on the finish. This wine has excellent balance and beauty. Villa Barbi Bianco expresses the Orvieto tradition at its finest as upheld by Decugnano dei Barbi. It is a fresh wine, fine on the palate and harmonic.

Winemaker: Riccardo Cotarella
Appellation: Orvieto Classico Zone, Umbria, Italy
Varietal Blend:  Grechetto, Procanico, Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc
Analysis: 12.5% alc/vol

Villa Barbi Umbria Rosso Pairing Recipe

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84466114Eggplant Parmesan

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 eggplants, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 4 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 6 cups spaghetti sauce, divided
• 1 (16 ounce) package mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 °F .

Dip eggplant slices in egg, then in bread crumbs. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes on each side.

In a 9 x 13 inch baking dish spread spaghetti sauce to cover the bottom. Place a layer of eggplant slices in the sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with remaining ingredients, ending with the cheeses. Sprinkle basil on top.

Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until golden brown.   8-10 servings

Villa_Barbi_RossoVilla Barbi Umbria Rosso
Umbria IGT, Italymellow

A vibrant garnet with purple hues. On the nose red and black fruits combine with hints of spice and saddle wood. The rich flavors of blackberry, cherry, and currants are moderated by soft and supple tannins. The well-balanced body is soft and full. The aromas and flavors carry through on the long finish.

Winemaker: Riccardo Cotarella
Appellation: Umbria IGT, Italy
Varietal:  40% Sangiovese, 40% Syrah, 20% Montepulciano
Analysis: 13.5% alc/vol
Critical Acclaim: SILVER STAR, Doug Frost, MS, MW

Autumn Entertaining

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Fall is in the air and with the change of season brings new combinations of entertaining options, seasonal ingredients and fall flavor combinations.  As the summer heat begins to recede into cooler fall temperatures, the cooler weather generally allows our taste preferences to transition into more SILKY or MELLOW wines that highlight the seasonal fall flavors.

AutumnWinePicks

RED WINE

FOOTBALL TAILGATING:OldSoul

Old Soul Petite Sirah (California)
 We like to think of Petite Sirah as a gentle giant, robust and powerful, but soft in tannin and mild in spice with enough acidity to keep the wines balanced for tailgating favorites such as burgers, brats and chili.

EbeiaJAMBALAYA:

Ebeia Tempranillo (Spain)
Tempranillo Dense red currant and raspberries with a  hint of roasted almonds and mint on the finish makes a great pairing for the spicy and hearty flavors of jambalaya.

DievoleMUSHROOMS & WILD RICE:

Dievole Rinscimento (Italy)
Delicious old world flavors of dried raspberry and cherry with a subtle earth notes make this a great pairing for savory flavors or mushroom and wild rice.

AveryLaneCRANBERRY & FIGS:

Avery Lane Merlot (Washington)
This easy to drink Merlot is soft, juicy and plush. Bright aromatics of black cherry, blackberry, clove and nutmeg swirl in the glass.  The soft tannins make it an ideal pairing for fall dishes featuring cranberry and figs.

WHITE WINE:

JovinoBUTTERNUT SQUASH:

Jovino Pinot Gris (Oregon)
The silky texture, orchard fruit aromas and flavors of Oregon Pinot Gris present a lovely pairing option for butternut squash, with enough acidity to cut the richness of the squash and enough fruit flavors to balance the sweetness.

NiroPUMPKIN:

Niro Pecorino (Italy)
This unique white wine is a great pairing with fresh pumpkin flavors. The silky texture combines with ripe tropical fruit aromas and flavors that finish with a hint of sage and floral notes.