November Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on October 30, 2022 by mcginnessalex

G. Cravero Parmigiano Reggiano Bra, Italy

This cheese is unlike your typical parmesan. It’s smooth, creamy, lush, sweet, buttery, aromatic, fruity and mouthwatering. Because it is so unique, this cheese is recommended to served alone, or as the star of your cheese board – not to be grated atop your dishes. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: This cheese pairs beautifully with a glass of Prosecco. It will also pair well with any of the wines from our November Wine Club Selections. For beer, look for a light Pilsner or Lager. WINESTYLES: Bold, Mellow or Silky BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean ABOUT G. CRAVERO: Founded in 1855 by Giorgio Cravero, the Cravero family have been carefully selecting and maturing the very best Parmigiano Reggiano in their own cheese caves in Bra, Piedmont, Italy. For the past five generations, the traditions have been passed down from father to son, each perfecting the craft of cheese aging. Today, their cheese is packed up and shipped out to more than 20 different countries across the globe. The Cravero family works with a select group of small-scale producers in the Tuscan Emilian Apennine region to buy their cheese; it’s this local pasture and forage that lends the milk to be so creamy, soft and subtly sweet. After the selected cheeses have been aged for about 12 months, they are brought to the Cravero maturing rooms in Bra, where the magic really starts to happen. From here, the team pays close attention to the changing seasons for the next 24 months to guarantee the unique nature of their product.

Giorgio Cravero Cheese Caves

Parmigiano Reggiano Aging

Giorgio Cravero Cheese Tasting

Giorgio Cravero Cheese Caves – Parmigiano Reggiano

Giorgio Cravero and his previous generations.

In June of 2022, we (owners, Bryan and Andrea McGinness, a few of our WineStyles guests, and myself) had the opportunity to tour Cravero’s facility during our trip to Northern Italy with Cheese Journeys. We met with the current owner, Giorgio Cravero (the third Giorgio since 1855), who showed us around, what he considered to be, his small family business. Their twenty-foot high aging rooms (or caves), house around 5,000 wheels of cheese – a capacity that seemed daunting to us, however, Cravero explained to be “tiny” in comparison to other affineurs (someone who practices the art of caring for, ripening and aging the cheese). Learn more about their family history here. Information © G. Cravero – All Rights Reserved.

Don’t let your Wine Club go home alone! Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club! Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely! Click to learn more >

Anne de Joyeuse Original Cabernet Sauvignon

Posted on October 29, 2022 by WineStyles Tasting Station

Stuffing-Stuffed Mushrooms

INGREDIENTS:

- 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing pan
- 24 large Cremini mushrooms (about 1¼ pounds), each about 2 inches wide
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 small stalks celery, finely chopped (about ⅔ cup), plus 1 tablespoon minced celery leaves
- 2 sarge shallots, minced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 6 ounces cornbread, crumbled into small pieces (about 2 loose cups)
- 1 to 1½ cups grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese
- 4 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 2 large eggs

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat the oven to 400°F and lightly brush a large rimmed sheet pan with olive oil.
2. Using barely moist paper towels, wipe the mushroom stems and caps clean. Carefully tear off the mushroom stems, setting them aside in a medium bowl. Set each mushroom cap on its side and slice off the excess mushroom cap that curls over the gills. The goal here is to create a flatter surface area so the mushrooms caramelize instead of steam, and so you can pile more stuffing on top. Transfer the mushroom scraps to the bowl with the mushroom stems, then transfer the trimmed mushroom caps to the sheet pan, cut-side up.
3. Brush the tops of the trimmed mushrooms with 3 tablespoons oil. In a small bowl, stir together the garlic powder, onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper; sprinkle the mixture over the tops of the mushrooms. Flip the mushrooms so they are cut-side down, and roast until they have released their liquid and are starting to caramelize, about 15 minutes. Remove sheet pan from heat, and set aside.
4. While the mushrooms roast, prepare the filling: Finely chop the mushroom stems and scraps or transfer them to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped (about 2 cups).
5. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped celery, shallots, garlic, rosemary, poultry seasoning and celery seeds. Season generously with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped mushrooms, season with salt and pepper and cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer vegetable mixture to a large bowl to cool, at least 15 minutes.
6. Once the vegetable mixture has cooled, stir in the cornbread, cheese, celery leaves and 3 tablespoons chopped parsley. Season generously with salt and pepper. Whisk the eggs together in a small bowl, then stir into the cornbread filling until combined (makes about 4 cups).
7. Wipe the sheet pan clean, then brush again with olive oil to coat. Mound about 1 to 2 tablespoons filling into each mushroom cap, patting them gently without packing them tightly, then transfer to the sheet pan, spacing them evenly apart. Bake until mixture on top is warmed through, 10 to 15 minutes. Broil until browned in spots, 2 to 4 minutes. Let cool a few minutes, then transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon minced parsley to serve.

NOVEMBER WISCONSIN WINE CLUB:

Anne de Joyeuse
Original Pays D’OC
Cabernet Sauvignon
Languedoc, France

BOLD WINE STYLE

Intense red in color with shades of violet and purple. The nose is elegant with notes of red fruit. Full bodied on the palate with fine, precise first impressions, evolving towards a wide palate of savors of wild blackberry fruit. This Cabernet Sauvignon will accompany traditional local dishes such as cassoulet from Castelnaudary or the Limoux fricassée. Spicy dishes will also go well with this intense red wine.

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume

WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Cabernet Original is vinified in a traditional way, fermented at controlled temperatures, the must is pumped over the crust each day. 50% of the wine was matured in stainless steel tank vats and 50% in oak barrels (1/3 new barrels, 1/3 barrels of one wine, 1/3 barrels of two wines).

ABOUT ANNE DE JOYEUSE:
The Anne de Joyeuse cooperative is named after a well-known 16th-century figure, the Duke of Joyeuse, who was bestowed the lordship of Limoux by Henry III. The producers of the Anne de Joyeuse have constantly worked on the evolution of their vineyards since 1929. The ‘originality’ of their soils and climates drove them to plant Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the 1970s. The vines are cultivated with great care, following the guidelines of the Project Planet program on the slopes facing the nearby Pyrenean mountains. The vineyards are planted on clay and limestone soils, which benefit from the fresh climate of the Pyrenean foothills. Learn more >

© Information provided by Anne de Joyeuse

Join our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >

Château Haut Barrail Red Bordeaux

Posted on October 29, 2022 by WineStyles Tasting Station

Creamy Leftover Turkey Soup

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup finely chopped onion
½ cup chopped celery
4 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms
1 clove garlic crushed
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 tablespoons flour
6 cups turkey broth OR chicken, OR vegetable
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
½ pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered
½ cup wild rice blend
1 cup half & half
4 cups cooked Turkey meat, shredded
½ cup corn
salt & pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Cook aromatics: Heat butter and oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened, 4-5 minutes.
Cook mushrooms: Stir in mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until mushrooms have softened. Stir through garlic and cook for one more minute.
Season: Reduce heat to medium-low. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and flour evenly over mushroom mixture, stir well for 1 minute.
Add broth: Gradually pour in broth, stirring constantly, to keep any lumps from forming.
Simmer: Stir in carrots, potatoes and rice. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook, covered, until rice is nearly done (about 20-25 minutes for parboiled rice, about 35 minutes for regular).
Finish soup: Once rice is nearly ready, open lid and stir soup well. Add half and half, cooked turkey meat and corn. Stir well, then simmer over medium heat, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until heated through.
Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

NOVEMBER WISCONSIN WINE CLUB:

Château Haut Barrail
Cru Bourgeois
Red Bordeaux
Médoc, France

BOLD WINE STYLE

Château Haut Barrail is situationed in the Bordeaux region called Médoc. The wine grows on gentle hillsides facing Gironde, with good natural drainage. This wine has intense garnet color with black tendencies. Aromas of ripe fruit and toasted almonds, with a soft and fruity lingering finish. Médoc wines go extremely well with numerous foods and show their full power when accompanied with white and red meats, game, fish in red sauce and firm-bodied cheese.

Varietal: 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 14%.5 alcohol / volume
Aging: 12 months in 60% new barrels and 40% old barrels
Critical Acclaim: 92 pts James Suckling 2018; 91 pts Decanter 2018; 90 Vinous 2016

WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Produced with sustainable agriculture practices and pruning in double Guyot. Leaf-stripping and traditional winemaker. Cold maceration during 24 hours minimum, with natural yeasts. Fermentation in stainless steel thermo-regulated vats.

ABOUT CHÂTEAU HAUT BARRAIL:
Château Haut Barrail and its windmill, has been around since 1362. The oldest parts of the current house were built at the beginning of the 17th-century. Nowadays, it represents the typical architecture of the 18th-century, with engraved vines and wheat on the stonework. The Cyrill Gillet Domains are situated in the center of the Médoc area on the Begadon district, spread across 37 acres. Owners since 1987, the Gillet family has done a lot to restore the estate. The first vintage of Château Haut Barrail was 1995.

© Information and Photos provided by Château Haut Barrail and Decanter.

Join our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >

Anne de Joyeuse Orchis Chardonnay

Posted on October 29, 2022 by WineStyles Tasting Station

Butternut Squash Gratin

INGREDIENTS:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter plus more for the baking dish
1 large onion thinly sliced
1 garlic clove thinly sliced
1 ½ pounds (about 1 large) butternut squash peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, and thinly sliced between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick
¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
½ cup heavy cream
¾ cup fresh bread crumbs
¾ cup grated Comté cheese
few chives finely chopped (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter a 10-inch (25-centimeter) baking dish.
In a large sauté pan or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened and translucent, 4 minutes.
Add the butternut squash slices and nutmeg and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the squash mixture to the baking dish. Smother with the cream, sprinkle with the bread crumbs, scatter the cheese on top, and dot with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, cut into pieces.
Bake until the surface is golden and bubbly and the butternut squash is tender, 30 to 40 minutes. Serve immediately, sprinkled with the chives, if desired.

NOVEMBER WISCONSIN WINE CLUB:

Anne de Joyeuse
Orchis
Chardonnay Pays D’OC
Languedoc, France

SILKY WINE STYLE

Produced in the Languedoc-Roussillion region in France, by Cave Anne de Joyeuse, this Chardonnay comes from the Vin de Pays D’OC appellation. Bright pale gold in color with scents of white flowers on the nose, evolving on the palate towards notes of white fruit and a fresh, citrus finish. Fine and well balanced, it will accompany all sorts of fish dishes and will also be ideal as an aperitif.

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume

WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Grapes were pressed directly on their arrival at the cellar, then vinified traditionally and fined at cold temperatures. They are then fermented under controlled temperatures.

ABOUT ANNE DE JOYEUSE:
The Anne de Joyeuse cooperative is named after a well-known 16th-centruy figure, the Duke of Joyeuse, who was bestowed the lordship of Limoux by Henry III. The cooperative includes 350 winegrowing families and 3000 hectares under vine. The producers of the Anne de Joyeuse company have constantly worked on the evolution of their vineyard since 1929. The wines are created in their state-of-art cellar with genuine passion, reflecting their love the terroir and desire to produce the best value possible. For the last 25 years, Anne de Joyeuse has focused on the environment, reinforced in 2007 by the creation of their sustainable development charter, Protect Planet, helping cooperative producers implement sustainable winegrowing techniques. Their vineyards are at the crossroads of four major climate zones and seven types of soil. This exceptional location shapes the quality and uniqueness of their wines. Learn more >

© Information and Photos provided by Anne de Joyeuse.

Map of vineyards

Join our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >

Jan Harmsgat Chardonnay

Posted on October 25, 2022 by WineStyles Tasting Station

Butternut Squash Gratin

INGREDIENTS:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter plus more for the baking dish
1 large onion thinly sliced
1 garlic clove thinly sliced
1 ½ pounds (about 1 large) butternut squash peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, and thinly sliced between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick
¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
½ cup heavy cream
¾ cup fresh bread crumbs
¾ cup grated Comté cheese
few chives finely chopped (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter a 10-inch (25-centimeter) baking dish.
In a large sauté pan or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened and translucent, 4 minutes.
Add the butternut squash slices and nutmeg and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the squash mixture to the baking dish. Smother with the cream, sprinkle with the bread crumbs, scatter the cheese on top, and dot with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, cut into pieces.
Bake until the surface is golden and bubbly and the butternut squash is tender, 30 to 40 minutes. Serve immediately, sprinkled with the chives, if desired.

NOVEMBER WINE CLUB:

Jan Harmsgat
Chardonnay
South Africa

RICH WINE STYLE

This Chardonnay is fruit driven with integrated wood notes that is barely noticeable. On the nose, there are notes of citrus, stone fruit and pineapple; while the palate is rich, yet elegant with a round mouth feel.

Varietal: Chardonnay
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.46
TA: 6.14
RS: 4.43 g/L
Production: 5,000 Bottles
Maturation: 10 Months, 225L French Oak Casks, 4th fill.
Critical Acclaim: 91 pts. Gilbert & Gaillard – 2021 International Challenge

WINEMAKER’S NOTES
A Chardonnay with gentle yet enticing roasted hazelnuts, whipped butter and a lick of oak with aromatic complexity. It is rounded, with good density and an energizing fresh core, the palate has great texture.

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

© Information and Photos provided by Jan Harmsgat.

Jan Harmsgat Farm

Join our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >

Jan Harmsgat Pinot Noir

Posted on October 25, 2022 by WineStyles Tasting Station

Creamy Leftover Turkey Soup

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup finely chopped onion
½ cup chopped celery
4 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms
1 clove garlic crushed
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 tablespoons flour
6 cups turkey broth OR chicken, OR vegetable
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
½ pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered
½ cup wild rice blend
1 cup half & half
4 cups cooked Turkey meat, shredded
½ cup corn
salt & pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Cook aromatics: Heat butter and oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened, 4-5 minutes.
Cook mushrooms: Stir in mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until mushrooms have softened. Stir through garlic and cook for one more minute.
Season: Reduce heat to medium-low. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and flour evenly over mushroom mixture, stir well for 1 minute.
Add broth: Gradually pour in broth, stirring constantly, to keep any lumps from forming.
Simmer: Stir in carrots, potatoes and rice. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook, covered, until rice is nearly done (about 20-25 minutes for parboiled rice, about 35 minutes for regular).
Finish soup: Once rice is nearly ready, open lid and stir soup well. Add half and half, cooked turkey meat and corn. Stir well, then simmer over medium heat, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until heated through.
Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

NOVEMBER WINE CLUB:

Jan Harmsgat
Pinot Noir
South Africa

MELLOW WINE STYLE

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

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

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

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

© Information and Photos provided by Jan Harmsgat.

Join our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >