Tag Archives: winestyles

Bronzino Cortese dell’Alto Monferrato DOC

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JANUARY WINE CLUB:Crisp Wine Style

Bronzino Cortese Dell Alto MonferratoBronzino
Cortese dell’Alto Monferrato DOC
Piedmont, Italy

CRISP WINE STYLE

Light straw-yellow wine with green reflexes and a personal aroma of flowers and fruits, with hints of apple and pear. The taste is fresh, dry and savory.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Vineyards: Monferrato area. Manual harvest.
  • Varietal: 100% Cortese
  • Alcohol: 11.5-12% alcohol / volume
  • Winemaking: The hand-picked grapes are soft-pressed and temperature-controlled alcoholic fermentation. Aged on the lees for 3 months in steel tanks.
  • Pairings: Ideal with seafood, fish and as an aperitif

WINERY’S NOTES:
Cortese is one of the most cultivated vine variety in Piedmont, Italy. It has a delicate bouquet hinting at green apple and exotic fruits. The taste is fresh with notes of pear and peach. It pairs well with fish-based dishes.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Bronzino isn’t just a name. It’s a place—a small hamlet in Mombercelli, where they are located, that is particularly valued for its exceptional terroir which offers the ideal conditions for growing high-quality grapes. Characterized by its gentle slopes and unique soil composition, this terroir creates the ideal conditions for producing wines with depth, complexity, and exceptional character. Every Bronzino bottle carries with it the unique imprint of Mombercelli, from the breathtaking views over the vineyards to the quiet whispers of the local history that have shaped the land. Whether it’s an elegant and fruity Barbera, or a fresh and fragrant Cortese dell’Alto Monferrato, each wine is an expression of their passion for excellence and their dedication to produce something truly special.

pan fried fish

Perfect Pan Fried Fish in Basil Lemon Butter Sauce

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 ½ pounds cod, tilapia, rockfish, or any other white fish you like
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic salt (or ½ teaspoon salt + ¼ teaspoon garlic powder)
  • ⅓ cup flour
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • pinch of red pepper flakes
  • ¾ cup low sodium chicken stock
  • 4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into 16 cubes
  • 3 tablespoons each: fresh lemon juice and fresh chopped basil, for finishing the sauce

DIRECTIONS:

  1. SEASON: To get the best crisp on the fish, pat both sides of the fish with paper towels until dry. Season the fish with a small pinch of salt, making sure to flip and salt both sides. Place the flour in a shallow dish and season with garlic salt. Whisk to combine. Dredge the fish in the flour, making sure to coat both sides. Make sure to shake off excess flour.
  2. FRY: Add the olive oil to the pan over medium heat and allow for it to heat through. When hot, fry the fish for 3-4 minutes flipping halfway. Depending on the thickness, you might need to cook the fish for longer until it’s cooked through. Remove the fish to a plate and set aside.
  3. SAUCE: There should only be about a tablespoon of oil remaining. If there is more, drain all but a tablespoon from the pan. Add the garlic into the skillet and fry in the oil for just 15 seconds. Add in a pinch of red pepper flakes, chicken stock, and lemon. Kick the heat to the highest setting, allow the sauce to reach simmer then reduce the sauce for 2 minutes. Lower the heat to the lowest setting, then add in two small cubes of butter and allow it to melt into the sauce slowly while you stir or swirl the pan with the handle. Continue adding two small cubes of butter at a time until all the butter is used up. Take your time here, don’t rush this. Add in chopped basil and stir to combine. Plate the fish with cooked rice or roasted vegetables and top with basil lemon butter sauce.

Information & Photos © Bronzino – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Little Spice Jar.

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January Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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JANUARY WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoBronzino Barbera d'Asti wine bottleBronzino
La Moretta
Barbera d’Asti DOCG
Piedmont, Italy

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Red-violet in color, the nose has aromas of red fruit. The taste is fresh and elegant with notes of red cherry and raspberry.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Varietal: 100% Barbera
  • Alcohol: 13-13.5%
  • Vineyards: located in Monferrato-Asti area. Grape-yield of 9 tons/hectare. Manual harvest.
  • Winemaking: Temperature-controlled alcoholic fermentation. Then aging in steel tanks at least 6 months before bottling.
  • Pairing: Barbera d’Asti is one of the best wines to pair with any type of food, but is ideal with pasta, risotto and grilled meat.

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
“La Moretta” embodies Bronzino’s modern style to produce Barbera, vinified in steel tanks. Fruity, elegant and easy-to-drink, it’s a perfect red wine to enjoy at any time. It pairs well with a variety of food.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Bronzino isn’t just a name. It’s a place—a small hamlet in Mombercelli, where they are located, that is particularly valued for its exceptional terroir which offers the ideal conditions for growing high-quality grapes. Characterized by its gentle slopes and unique soil composition, this terroir creates the ideal conditions for producing wines with depth, complexity, and exceptional character. Every Bronzino bottle carries with it the unique imprint of Mombercelli, from the breathtaking views over the vineyards to the quiet whispers of the local history that have shaped the land. Whether it’s an elegant and fruity Barbera, or a fresh and fragrant Cortese dell’Alto Monferrato, each wine is an expression of their passion for excellence and their dedication to produce something truly special.

braised short rib risotto dishBraised Short Rib Risotto with Mushrooms

INGREDIENTS:

  • For the Short Ribs:
    • 1 teaspoon avocado oil
    • 2-3 pounds bone in short ribs
    • 2 cups onions diced (about 1 large onion)
    • 3 cloves garlic minced
    • ¾ cups dry red wine like cabernet sauvignon
    • 4 cups beef stock
  • For the Mushrooms:
    • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 pound mushrooms quartered or sliced (ideally, baby portobello)
    • 1 clove garlic minced
    • salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Risotto:
    • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 cup onion diced (about ½ large onion)
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • ½ cup cooking sherry
    • 1 cup arborio rice
    • 3-3.5 cups beef broth could also use mushroom stock
    • 2 ounces parmesan cheese freshly and finely grated w/ a microplane (about 2 cups)
    • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
    • fresh herbs

DIRECTIONS:

  • FOR THE SHORT RIBS:
    • PREP: Take beef out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes prior to the time you want to start cooking. Preheat the oven to 350°F, and adjust the rack to the lower ⅓. Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels and lightly salt. Heat up a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brush oil onto short ribs.
    • SEAR: Sear the short ribs on all sides until a browned crust develops, a few minutes per side. The darker the better, but not burnt. Remove the short ribs from the pot and set aside. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of oil in the pot.
    • SAUTÉ: Reduce heat to medium and add in onions. Cook for about 5 minutes until caramelizing, occasionally stirring. Add in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
    • DEGLAZE: Deglaze with red wine, scraping up any fond with a wooden spoon. Allow the wine to simmer for a few minutes while stirring until alcohol has burned off. Return short ribs to the pot along with any juices. Add in enough beef broth to cover the short ribs about ⅔ the way up, about 3-4 cups.
    • BRAISE: Cover pot and cook in the oven for about 2-3 hours, until the short ribs are tender and falling off the bone.
    • FINISH: Remove pot from the oven. Remove any grease that has pooled on the surface with a spoon. Remove and discard bones. They should slide out easily. Remove short ribs to a cutting board. Onions and juices in the pot should have reduced to form a thicker gravy. If braising liquid is still too thin, simmer stovetop uncovered until it is thicker. Salt and pepper to taste once desired consistency. When short rib meat is cool enough to handle, remove and discard any fatty pieces from the beef. Chop into bite sized pieces, or shred to your preference. Add back to the gravy that has formed.
  • FOR THE MUSHROOMS:
    • BROWN: In the last 45 minutes of the short ribs cooking time, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and mushrooms, and cook until brown, about 10 minutes. Salt towards the end of cooking once mushrooms are already browned. Add pepper to taste. Set mushrooms aside.
  • FOR THE RISOTTO:
    • SIMMER: Heat up broth to a low simmer in a small pot.
    • SAUTÉ: In a saucepan heated over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions for about 5 minutes, until caramelizing. Add in garlic and cook while stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.
    • DEGLAZE: Deglaze with sherry, scraping up any browned bits. Cook for a few minutes until alcohol has burned off.
    • TOAST: Add in the dry risotto and lightly toast in the pan for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • POUR AND STIR: Adjust heat to medium-low. Add in hot broth to saucepan in batches ½ cup at a time, stirring frequently. Cook until liquid has absorbed before adding the next ½ cup of broth. Each ½ cup should take about 5 minutes to absorb, 25-35 minutes total. Adjust your heat if it is going too quickly or slowly. Thicker risotto will need about 3 cups of broth, but if you want it more runny, use 3.5 cups.
    • FINISH: When all the liquid has been absorbed, stir in parmesan cheese and butter. Mix until combined. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • PUT IT ALL TOGETHER:
    • SERVE: Add browned mushrooms to the beef and gravy. Serve beef and gravy on top of the risotto. Top with fresh herbs.

Information & Photos © Bronzino – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Lauren from Scratch.

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December Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubSweet dame mead bottleBig Lost Meadery & Brewery
Sweet Dame
Lemon Mead with Ginger
Wyoming & South Dakota

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Sweet Dame is a lemon mead with ginger. It’s beautiful, serene, but sharp and carries a kick that will leave you crying if you’re not careful. Sweet Dame is one of Big Lost Meadery’s more powerful meads that is destined to rewrite your definition of perceived sweetness… you’ve been forewarned!

Analysis: 15% alcohol / volume

ABOUT MEAD:
Mead is the world’s oldest fermented beverage. Made from honey, mead was a favorite of every culture that loved to party down.  Big Lost’s meads are flavorful, mellow, and perfectly suited for sipping by candlelight. 

ABOUT BIG LOST MEADERY & BREWERY:
Big Lost Meadery & Brewery began when founder Sam Clikeman and his friend brewed beer from creek water in a remote Forest Service cabin. As Sam’s passion grew, he shifted focus to mead, and in 2014 officially founded Big Lost in his hometown of Gillette, Wyoming. His brother-in-law, Bob Hewitt-Gaffney, joined the team during construction, eventually becoming co-owner. They later expanded beyond mead into brewing easy-drinking German-style beers and built a larger production facility. Their first out-of-Wyoming location opened in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in partnership with the Ranch & Roost restaurant. Despite setbacks like COVID, Big Lost has continued growing distribution domestically and internationally — all while maintaining their rugged, off-the-grid spirit. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Big Lost Meadery & Brewery – All Rights Reserved.

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

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December Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubThe diver bubble club bottle with bowDays of Youth
The Diver
Sparkling Brut
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Diver Brut is part of Days of Youth’s California sparkling wine series. It is a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer. The Chardonnay presents lemon custard, grapefruit, apple, and citrus flavors with a soft, creamy foundation. The Sauvignon Blanc adds a bright acidity that gives a lively note with a hint of peach/apricot. The Gewürztraminer adds a beautiful floral character of jasmine, especially in the nose, and a hint of chalky mineral on the palate. Made in the Charmat method, the wine has about two bars of pressure creating a soft, Prosecco-like texture, which makes it easier and more enjoyable to drink. Enjoy with salty and spicy flavors, shellfish, salads, Thai cuisine, or even by itself.

Varietal: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer
Analysis: 11.8% alcohol/volume
Residual Sugar: 1 g/L
Winemaker: Gregory Ahn
Illustrator: Abigail Ahn
Critical Acclaim: 86 pts Wine Enthusiast 2019

The Diver bubbly club wine bottle with bowDays of Youth
The Diver
Sparkling Brut Rosé
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Diver Brut Rosé is part Days of Youth’s California sparkling wine series. It is a dry Rosé wine made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. The Chardonnay from Monterey County adds a balanced acidity with notes of honeysuckle and kiwi. The Pinot Noir adds a beautiful color. Made in the Charmat method, the wine has about two bars of pressure creating a soft, prosecco-like texture, which makes it easier and more enjoyable to drink. A wine that pairs with just about anything except the boldest of flavors. This wine is best enjoyed chilled.

Varietal: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Analysis: 12.8% alcohol/volume
Residual Sugar: 1.1 g/L
Winemaker: Gregory Ahn
Illustrator: Abigail Ahn
Critical Acclaim: 83pts Wine Enthusiast 2019

ABOUT DAYS OF YOUTH:
Days of Youth is inspired by the magical spirit of imagination and the endless possibilities the world offers when you are a kid. The team behind this wine believes that wine brings these same possibilities as well as a youthful sense of joy and freedom to life. They bring that same freedom to winemaking by sourcing grapes based on quality and character, not appellation. They believe anything should be possible in the world of wine. They only categories they want to be in are delicious and fun. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Days of Youth – All Rights Reserved.

Da Lua Prosecco wine bottleDa Luca
Sparkling Prosecco DOC
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Da Luca Prosecco is a bright, easy-drinking sparkling wine that reflects the character of Italy’s Veneto region. Made from Glera grapes grown in selected areas of the Prosecco DOC, it shows a pale straw hue and opens with notes of green apple, pear and soft floral tones, along with a light touch of citrus. The palate is clean and refreshing, offering crisp fruit, gentle acidity and a fine, steady sparkle. It works well as an aperitif or for casual celebrations, and it complements everything from seafood to simple starters, making it a flexible choice for many settings.

Varietal: Glera
Analysis: 11% alcohol/volume
Critical Acclaim: 86 pts Wine Enthusiast 2019; 90pts Wine Enthusiast 2023

ABOUT DA LUCA:
The home of Da Luca is in Sicily, Italy. Nothing captures the Sicilian spirit and vibrancy better than Scopa.  Played by families after dinner and growers amongst the vines, this lively, local card game was the perfect inspiration for their label.  Da Luca works with grape growers in Northern Italy to create their finest Prosecco.

Information & Photos © Da Luca Wines and Wine on Sale – All Rights Reserved.

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Alchemy Grenache

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DECEMBER WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoAlchemy_Grenache-bottleAlchemy Premium Wines
Grenache
Colchagua Valley, Chile

MELLOW WINE STYLE

This wine is exceptionally vibrant red in color with aromas of cranberries, sage, and spice. It has firm yet mature tannins, a result of ripe fruit from this thick-skinned Grenache and the gentle care given during the winemaking process.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Appellation: Colchagua Valley, Chile
  • Varietal: 100% Grenache
  • Alcohol: 14.1%
  • pH: 3.47
  • TA: 6.3 g/L
  • Residual Sugar: 0.2 g/L
  • Barrel Aging: 12 months in French Oak, 15% new
  • Production: 500 cases
  • Aging Potential: 6-8 years
  • Pairings: Pasta with cream sauces, rich cheese and mushroom risotto

WINEMAKING:
Alchemy Grenache is made from grapes 100% harvested by hand and then 100% destemmed by hand. The grapes never touch a crusher, a de-stemmer or pumps and is bottled un-fined and unfiltered. Grapes are fermented with native yeasts in small open top vessels, then gently pressed using small hydro presses that extract the juice slowly and gently as to not extract astringent tannins. Wines are settled and then transferred using gravity in French oak barrels where they spend the next 12 months aging.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Alchemy is a hand-made creation of winemaker Alphonse DeRose and friends. Inspired by a late night evening of music played by Chilean friends Juan Pablo and Omar, the three concocted a vision of only the best grapes being processed 100% by hand. Each berry is hand removed from every cluster one by one. The result is a robust wine with aromas of dark red fruits, spice and toast. Alchemy is only produced from exceptional years and has limited availability. 

mushroom lasagna at holiday table

Mushroom Lasagna with Parmesan Béchamel

INGREDIENTS:

  • Mushroom Ragù
  • For the Parmesan Béchamel
    • 6 tablespoons (3 ounces/ 84 rams) salted butter, cut into 6 pieces
    • ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
    • 4 cups (1 quart) half and half
    • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    • salt and pepper
    • 5 ounces (1 ½ cups) finely grated parmesan cheese
    • ½ cup, packed chopped fresh Italian (flat leaf) parsley
  • For the Lasagna:
    • 12 oven ready no-boil lasagna noodles or 1 pound fresh pasta dough, rolled into sheets
    • 5 ounces (about 1 ½ cups) grated parmesan
    • ¼ cup chopped parsley, for sprinkling over the top of the lasagna

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Make the mushroom ragu. Mushroom ragu will take about an hour to prepare but can be made up to 5 days in advance.

Make the Parmesan Béchamel:

  1. Add the butter to a 3 quart or larger saucepan and set it over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add the flour, stirring constantly with a wire whisk. Cook, whisking constantly, for 2 minutes.
  2. Add the half and half gradually, whisking constantly as you slowly pour it into the saucepan. Add the nutmeg and red pepper flakes and bring the sauce to a simmer.
  3. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until the béchamel is thickened and does not taste like raw flour, about 12 minutes. (The sauce should be thick enough to coat a spoon)
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in 4.5 oz grated Parmesan, stirring until the cheese is melted.
  5. Stir the fresh parsley and the mushroom ragù into the béchamel. Add salt and pepper to taste, then cover and set aside. (Click here for notes for make-ahead instructions.)

Make the Lasagna:

  1. Heat the oven to 350° F (176 °C). If using oven ready no-boil lasagna noodles, see the notes about pre-soaking them before layering them into the lasagna. If using fresh pasta, roll the pasta dough into thin sheets and then cut the sheets to fit the pan.
  2. Layer #1: Spread a thin layer of the béchamel and mushroom mixture over the bottom of the dish. Lay 1/3 of the noodles in an even layer over the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the béchamel and mushroom mixture over the noodles and top with 1/3 of the cheese.
  3. Layer #2: Add another layer of noodles. Spread 1/3 of the béchamel and mushroom mixture over the noodles and top with 1/3 of the cheese.
  4. Layer #3: Lay the remaining noodles over the last layer, spread with the remaining béchamel and mushroom mixture, and top with the remaining cheese.
  5. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese across the top of the lasagna is melted and the sauce is bubbling around the edges of the pan.
  6. Remove the lasagna from the oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Sprinkle with more fresh parsley before serving.

Information & Photos © Alchemy Premium Wines – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of A Little and A Lot.

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Alchemy White Angel Sauvignon Blanc

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DECEMBER WINE CLUB:

Silky styleAlchemy Angel white sauvignon blanc wine bottle with bowAlchemy Premium Wines
White Angel
Casablanca Valley, Chile

SILKY WINE STYLE

This wine is pale green in color with aromas of white peach and minerals with fresh tropical fruit flavors, lively acidity and a long finish.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Appellation: Casablanca Valley, Chile
  • Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
  • Alcohol: 13.1%
  • pH: 3.39
  • TA: 5.9 g/L
  • Residual Sugar: 0.2 g/L
  • Aging: 6-8 months in concrete eggs
  • Production: 500 cases
  • Aging Potential: 6-8 years
  • Pairings: Oysters, lobster, seafood risotto and creamy cheeses.

WINEMAKING:
Alchemy White Angel is made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes 100% harvested by hand and then whole cluster pressed. The grapes never touch a crusher, de-stemmer or pumps and are bottled un-fined and unfiltered. Grapes are fermented with native yeasts in concrete eggs, aged 6-8 months sur lees, settled and then racked using gravity.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Alchemy is a hand-made creation of winemaker Alphonse DeRose and friends. Inspired by a late night evening of music played by Chilean friends Juan Pablo and Omar, the three concocted a vision of only the best grapes being processed 100% by hand. Each berry is hand removed from every cluster one by one. The result is a robust wine with aromas of dark red fruits, spice and toast. Alchemy is only produced from exceptional years and has limited availability. 

Oysters recipe

Oysters Rockefeller

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup bread crumbs, Panko preferred
  • 2 shallots, chopped
  • 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
  • ¼ cup Pernod
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • dash red pepper sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tablespoon chopped chervil or parsley
  • 2 dozen oysters, on the half shell
  • rock salt
  • lemon wedges, for garnish
  • Mignonette Sauce:
    • ¾ cup Champagne vinegar
    • 2 shallots, minced
    • 2 tablespoons cracked black peppercorns
    • 1 tablespoon chopped chervil
    • ½ lemon, juiced

DIRECTIONS:

  1. For the oysters: Melt butter in a skillet. Sauté the garlic for 2 minutes to infuse the butter. Place the bread crumbs in a mixing bowl and add half the garlic butter, set aside. To the remaining garlic butter in the skillet, add shallots and spinach, cook for 3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Deglaze the pan with Pernod. Season with salt and pepper, add a dash of red pepper sauce. Allow the mixture to cook down for a few minutes. Finish off the bread crumbs by mixing in olive oil, Parmesan and chervil, season with salt and pepper. Spoon one heaping teaspoon of the spinach mixture on each oyster followed by a spoonful of the bread crumb mixture. Sprinkle a baking pan amply with rock salt. Arrange the oysters in the salt to steady them. Bake in a preheated 450°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until golden. Serve with lemon wedges and red pepper sauce.
  2. For the Mignonette sauce: In a small bowl whisk together all ingredients. Cover and chill one hour before serving with oysters.

Information & Photos © Alchemy Premium Wines – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Tyler Florence on the Food Network.

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December Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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DECEMBER WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoAlchemy Premium Wines
Grand Cuvée
Cachapoal Valley, Chile

BOLD WINE STYLE

This wine is exceptionally deep red in color with aromas of cassis, dark red fruits, tobacco and peppercorns. Its rich mouth feel and tannins provide weight to blend without drying tannins as a result of the gentle care given during the winemaking process.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Appellation: Cachapoal Valley, Chile
  • Varietal: 70% Carménère, 20% Syrah, 10% Malbec
  • Alcohol: 14.5%
  • pH: 3.61
  • TA: 5.3 g/L
  • Residual Sugar: 0.2 g/L
  • Storage: 18 months in French oak, 20% New
  • Production: 500 cases
  • Winemaking: Bottled unfined and unfiltered
  • Aging Potential: 8-10 years
  • Pairings: Grilled meats, pasta with red sauces, charcuterie and strong cheeses
  • Critical Acclaims: 93pts James Suckling; 92 pts Tim Atkin; Gold Medal Catador Awards, 94pts VinAU

WINEMAKING:
Alchemy Grand Cuvée is made from Carménère, Syrah and Malbec grapes 100% harvested by hand and then 100% destemmed by hand. The grapes never touch a crusher or de-stemmer, and are bottled un-fined and unfiltered. Grapes are fermented with native yeasts in small open top vessels, then gently pressed using small hydro-presses that extract the juice slowly and gently as to not extract astringent tannins. Wines are settled and then transferred using gravity in French oak barrels where they spend the next 18 months aging.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Alchemy is a hand-made creation of winemaker Alphonse DeRose and friends. Inspired by a late night evening of music played by Chilean friends Juan Pablo and Omar, the three concocted a vision of only the best grapes being processed 100% by hand. Each berry is hand removed from every cluster one by one. The result is a robust wine with aromas of dark red fruits, spice and toast. Alchemy is only produced from exceptional years and has limited availability. 

Roasted brussels sprouts holiday wine pairing

Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half through the core — leave the teensy ones whole
  • 4 ounces pancetta, sliced 1/4 inch thick, optional
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, or more or less to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper, plus more, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon syrupy balsamic vinegar or 1/2 cup standard, store-bought balsamic,

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. (If your oven runs cool, set it to 425ºF .)
  2. Place the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet, including any of the loose leaves. Cut the pancetta into ½-inch dice and add to the pan. Add the olive oil, the 1 ½ tsp. salt (or less — start with a teaspoon if you are sensitive to salt) and the ½ teaspoon pepper and toss with your hands. Spread out the mixture in a single layer.
  3. Roast the Brussels sprouts until they’re tender and nicely browned and the pancetta is cooked, 20 to 30 minutes, tossing once at the 20-minute mark.
  4. Meanwhile, if using standard balsamic vinegar, place it in a small saucepan or frying pan and simmer gently until it is reduced by half and looking syrupy — be careful here! Err on the side of under reducing — once the balsamic starts thickening, it can burn quickly. At the first sign of the balsamic getting too thick or dark, transfer it to a small bowl.
  5. Remove pan from the oven, drizzle immediately with the balsamic vinegar and toss again. (I like using the entire quarter cup of reduced balsamic, but add to taste.) Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Information & Photos © Alchemy Premium Wines – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Alexandra Cooks.

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November Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubPocas-LBV-Vintage-2012-PortPoças
Late Bottled Vintage 2012
Douro Valley, Portugal

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Poças Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port is based on a single harvest which is chosen by the oenologist as being of very high quality. After a period of between 4 and 6 years spent aging in wood, this wine is bottled and considered ready to drink, even though it also has great potential for further aging as it is an unfiltered Port. Ruby in color, the nose has notes of stewed black fruit, with floral and balsamic notes. The palate is long, enveloping and balanced with notes of red fruit jam.

Varieties: Field blend
Alcohol: 19.3% alcohol/volume
Residual Sugar: 112 g/L
Total Acidity: 4 g/L as Tartaric Acid
pH: 3.74
Certification: V-Label (vegan)
Sub-Region: Ervedosa do Douro (Cima Corgo), and Numão (Douro Superior)
Vine’s Age: 40-60 years
Soil: Schist
Harvest: Grape selection in the filed and harvested manually
Vinification: Matures in wood for 4 years, followed by a stage in the bottle until the moment of release
Winemaker: André Pimentel Barbosa
Technical Director: Jorge Manual Pintão
Serving Tips: Ideal as a dessert or convivial wine, goes especially well with chocolate petit gâteau, chocolate cake, Brie cheese, Camembert
Awards:

  • 90 points Wine Enthusiast
  • 90 points James Suckling

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The family-run winery Poças has been in continuous operation since 1918, with four generations of the Poças family now at the helm. Situated in the historic heart of the Douro region, it stands out as one of the few fully Portuguese-owned Port wine houses. Its three estates, each nestled in a different sub-region of the Douro’s Demarcated Region, draw on the distinctive terroir of that landscape to produce both Port and Douro-DOC wines. Guided by a blend of tradition and innovation, the company places strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, craftsmanship, and continuity of family legacy as it looks toward the next century in winemaking. Learn more here.

The Poças Family

Pocas vineyard landscape

Douro Valley arial view landscape with vineyards

Information & Photos © Poças – All Rights Reserved.

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November Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubPiattelli sparkling brutPiattelli Vineyards
Brut Nature
Méthode Champenoise
Chardonnay / Pinot Noir
Mendoza, Argentina

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Carefully crafted with the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes grown in the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. Elaborated under the traditional method, Piattelli Vineyards Brut Nature is characterized by it’s elegance and a subtle balance between the delicate floral and fresh aromas, in harmony with notes of yeast and toasted bread. The palate is presented with fine and elegant bubbles, complex and balanced acidity. Please drink between 46 ̊– 50 ̊F.

Varietal: 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
Analysis: 12.8% alcohol/volume
Residual Sugar: 4.40 g/L
pH: 3.25
Total Acidity: 6.80 g/L
Method: Méthode Champenoise
Aging: 12 months aged on the lees
Awards: 93 pts Tim Atkin 2019; 90 pts James Suckling 2019

ABOUT THE WINERY:
In the 1940s, the Giovanni Piattelli Family immigrated to Mendoza, bringing a winemaking legacy from their native Maremma in Tuscany. Their tradition and passion continue to be the strong legacy behind this prestigious wine. In the late 1990s an American businessman, Jon Malinski, met the Piattelli Family in his travels to Argentina on the hunt for lumber to import into the US. Instead of lumber, Jon found vineyards, incredible wine, amazing people, beautiful landscapes, and a country that he could not stomach the thought of leaving. Soon these two families came together and Piattelli Vineyards was born. The winery is still 100% family-owned and managed. Jon’s spirit for adventure and relentless pursuit of perfection has led to the completion of the second winery in Argentina, a massive expansion of the property, and wines of impeccable quality being enjoyed worldwide. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Piattelli Vineyards – All Rights Reserved.

andre-reign-cremantDomaine André Regin
Crémant D’Alsace Brut
Pinot Blanc
Wolxheim, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This wine’s pale yellow color is magnified by its trains of bubbles. The nose is fresh and this Crémant subsequently develops subtle floral aromas as well as those of white-fleshed fruits such as pear. The palate is beautifully harmonious with a wonderful effervescence as well as an ideal balance between acidity and sugar. The finesse of the bubbles brings suppleness and lightness to the wine. Enjoy as an aperitif, with dessert or for a festive occasion.

Terroir: Plots are intended for the production of Crémant Brut and are located on deep, loess soils, optimal for the maturation of their grapes
Appellation: Village of Wolxheim, Alsace, France
Varietal: Pinot Blanc
Guard Time: 5 years
Serving temperature: 41-42.8ºF

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Regin family has been rooted in Wolxheim for over a century, with its winemaking heritage beginning in the early 1900s. Joseph Regin, born in 1891, ran a mixed farm with a small vineyard. Later joined by his son Justin, who shifted the focus to viticulture and began bottling and marketing the family’s wine. Justin’s youngest son, André, initially trained in electrotechnics, returned to the estate in 1980 and, after his parents’ passing, took full charge of expanding and modernizing the vineyard with his wife, Catherine. Their dedication revitalized the estate, and today their eldest son, Thomas, continues the legacy, studying biology and specializing in oenology at the School of Dijon. Learn more here.

The Regin Family

Information & Photos © Domaine André Regin – All Rights Reserved.

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November Premium Club

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Bold wine Style logoArchimedesFrancis Ford Coppola Winery
Archimedes 2021
Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

Dark and dramatic in color, the 2021 Archimedes presents robust aromatic impressions of blueberry, black currant, caramel, and toffee. Rich, smooth tannins complement a full array of flavors, including plum, dark chocolate, white pepper, tobacco, and anise – each adding to the balanced complexity of a stunning and sophisticated vintage.

Varietal: 93.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.4% Malbec, 1.6% Petit Verdot, 0.2% Other
Appellation: Alexander Valley & Pine Mountain sub-AVA, California
Alcohol: 15% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.58
Total Acidity: .65 g/100ml
Barrel Regimen: 20 months in French oak barrels, 80% new oak

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
Considered one of the greatest mathematical minds of all time, Archimedes of ancient Greece was a physicist, astronomer, engineer, and inventor. The lever, compound pulley, and hydraulic screw are among his many inventions. As legend has it, Archimedes defeated the Roman army at sea by creating enormous reflective devices which harnessed the sun’s rays to ignite and burn their ships. The painting reproduced on our label memorializes this amazing moment in history. Having admired this great innovator, Francis Ford Coppola’s grandfather Agostino named his first son Archimedes. With this wine, Francis Ford Coppola pays homage to Uncle Archimedes, a man who loved math and mechanics as much as his namesake.

Crafted for the true connoisseur, Archimedes is produced in very limited quantities from the vintage’s most impressive lots of Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2021 vintage started off cold and dry. Initially inconsistent weather patterns created a lighter crop, but mild to warm weather later provided perfect conditions to develop concentration and flavor. The 2021 Archimedes was aged over a year and a half in French oak barrels, resulting in a beautifully integrated wine.

VINEYARD NOTES:
Archimedes is sourced from high elevation vineyards in Alexander Valley. High elevation means prolonged sun exposure and less dramatic temperature shifts. Vines can synthesize flavor and phenolic compounds at a higher and more consistent rate. Light onshore winds also work to moderate the temperature. Together, these conditions allow for a slow, steady ripening of the grapes, even when bud break is delayed after a dusting of snow during the winter.

HARVEST NOTES:
The fruit selected for the 2021 Archimedes comes from three separate vineyards in Alexander Valley. Archimedes Vineyard, in the Pine Mountain Cloverdale Peak sub-AVA, is one of the highest elevation vineyards in Sonoma County. Residing high above the fog line at 2,100 feet, it features soil made of medium-sized rocks mixed with a fine loam. The Dayton Vineyard is in Northern Alexander Valley. Well-drained Josephine loam combined with the warm summer nights of the growing season and the vineyard’s elevation all promote ripe dark fruit flavors when the grapes reach full maturity. Finally, the Farrow Ranch Vineyard provides additional flavor notes as well as structure and tannins that are essential parts of Archimedes.

Bold wine Style logoEleanorFrancis Ford Coppola Winery
Eleanor 2021
Cabernet Sauvignon / Syrah
Sonoma County, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The 2021 Eleanor is a rich, full wine with extraordinary aromas and mouth-filling flavors that highlight the sophisticated levels of its complexity. Sonoma fruit provides this vintage with polish and a wealth of structure for the wine to further evolve in the bottle. Lively notes of cacao, dark plum, and tobacco on the nose are accentuated on the palate with impressions of mocha, chocolate, blueberry, and clove. Structured tannins and a long, persistent finish are key components of this incredible vintage.

Varietal: 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah, 4% Other
Appellation: Sonoma County, California
Alcohol: 15% alcohol / volume
Barrel Regimen: 18 months in French oak barrels. 80% new French oak.
Pairing Recommendation: Beef Carpaccio or Filet Mignon

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
Eleanor has always been a true partner in all of Francis’s endeavors. After fifty years of marriage, Francis wanted to honor her with ‘Eleanor,’ her own wine. “I met Eleanor in 1962 upon the occasion of beginning my first feature film in Dublin, Ireland. She worked in the art department and we quickly became fast friends, as we had much in common — coming from artistic families and enjoying food and wine. Our friendship blossomed into a romance and we were married; Eleanor giving me the greatest creative gift possible, children. We moved to San Francisco to raise our new family, and dreamed of having a small country house in the Napa valley with a few acres of grapes. Unexpectedly we found ourselves the owner of a large and beautiful wine estate. We’ve lived on the property with our family ever since, and our love of the land and of winemaking grew beyond our expectations, into wineries in both Napa and Sonoma valleys. Eleanor has always been a true partner in all my endeavors, bringing her creativity, honesty, and generous spirit to it all — she’s wife, mother, artist, filmmaker, collaborator, and inspiration. For all this and more, after fifty years of marriage, I wanted to honor her with ‘Eleanor’ her own wine.” — Francis Ford Coppola

HARVEST NOTES:
The 2021 vintage started off cold and dry. Initially inconsistent weather patterns created a lighter crop, but mild to warm weather later provided perfect conditions to develop concentration and flavor. Overall, a very nice harvest producing beautifully concentrated, distinctive wines.

ABOUT FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA WINERY:
The Francis Ford Coppola Winery’s Diamond Collection is a tribute to perseverance and the pursuit of excellence, reflecting the life journey of its founder, Francis Ford Coppola. Born in 1939, Coppola overcame polio as a child and later attended UCLA’s film school before directing The Godfather in 1972—one of cinema’s most celebrated achievements. Framed by the belief that “it takes time to make a diamond,” the collection represents the blend of nature, craftsmanship, and storytelling behind each bottle. These wines are crafted from carefully selected vineyards across California, designed to be both elegant and approachable, embodying a cinematic sense of character and place. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Francis Ford Coppola Winery – All Rights Reserved

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