Tag Archives: winestyles
Artikaas 
Honey Bee
Goat Cheese
Holland
May Wine Club Pairing Recipe
© Photo by Jess Larson
PERFECT GRILLED SAUSAGE
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound (raw) fresh sausage links or brats of choice
- For serving, as desired: toasted brat buns or brioche buns, grilled peppers & onions, sauerkraut, mustard or Dijonnaise, ketchup, etc.
- For a Latin American flare, turn your grilled sausage into a Choripán by topping with a Chimichurri Sauce on a Crusty Baguette. Follow Hilah Johnson’s recipe here.
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat the grill: Prepare your grill for indirect cooking, creating a zone of direct high heat & a second zone of indirect heat.
- Grill the sausage: Once the grill is hot, place the sausage directly on the indirect head side of the grill, arranging the sausage as close to the direct heat as possible without being directly over the flame. Close the lid & cook for 4-5 minutes. The heat from the direct heat side of the grill will circulate around the sausage, cooking them with really gentle indirect heat. After 4-5 minutes, flip the sausage, and cook over indirect heat for another 4-5 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of the sausage registers a temperature of 150 degrees F.
- Chargrill the sausage: Transfer the sausage to the direct heat. Grill 2-3 minutes per side, until charred as desired & the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. Transfer to a plate to rest & cool slightly before serving
- Serve the grilled sausage on a toasted bun with all of your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
© Recipe courtesy of Jess Larson at Plays well with Butter.
MAY WINE CLUB:
Casas del Toqui
Terroir Selection Alto Cachapoal
Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
Cachapoal Valley D.O., Chile
BOLD WINE STYLE
This Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon is ruby red in color with aromas of cassis, spices, black fruits and notes of toffee and caramel. On the palate, the wine has good structure with a long and pleasant finish.
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 14.0% alcohol / volume
Region: Cachapoal D.O., Chile
Viticulture: Vertical espalier
Vinification: Fermentation at 80.6ºF-84.2ºF, post fermentation maceration and aged in oak barrels for 12 months
Closure: Natural Cork
Serving Suggestion: Serve between 60.8ºF-64.4ºF
Food Pairing: Serve with red meat, pork loins or sausage
ABOUT CASAS DEL TOQUI:
In 1994, Château Larose Trintaudon, a major French wine producer from the Bordeaux region, partnered with traditional wine producers from the Cachapoal region in Chile and together they founded Casas del Toqui. In 2010, the Court family recaptured their legacy, adding their own distinct and unique touch to this already elegant winery. Learn more here.
Join our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!
Casas del Toqui Barrel Series Merlot
PARMESAN POLENTA WITH SAUSAGE RAGU
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. Italian sausages, casings removed
- 1 red onion, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
- 1 1⁄2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 1⁄4 cup finely chopped basil leaves
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp. fine sea salt
- 1 1⁄4 cups polenta (not quick-cooking)
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 1⁄2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
DIRECTIONS:
- Heat 2 tbsp. oil in a 4-qt. saucepan over medium-high; add sausage and cook, breaking it into small (almost meatball-like)pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned, 5 minutes. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add tomatoes and boil; simmer until thick, 30-40 minutes. Add basil, vinegar, kosher salt, and pepper; keep warm.
- When sauce is nearly ready, bring sea salt and 5 cups water to a boil in a 4-qt. saucepan; slowly add polenta and cook, stirring constantly, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy, 8 minutes. Remove from heat and add butter, 1⁄2 cup Parmesan cheese, and kosher salt. Divide between bowls and top with ragù; garnish with more Parmesan cheese.
© Recipe courtesy of Pedroncelli.
MAY WINE CLUB:
Casas del Toqui
Barrel Series Merlot
Cachapoal Valley D.O., Chile
MELLOW WINE STYLE
This Barrel Series Merlot has an intense ruby red color with hints of violet. The nose is complex and intense with notes of tobacco, chocolate and spices. It has nice tannins on the palate with interesting volume and good persistence.
Varietal: 100% Merlot
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Region: Cachapoal Valley D.O., Chile
Viticulture: Vertical espalier
Vinification: Fermentation at 80.6ºF-84.2ºF, post fermentation maceration and aged in oak barrels for 8 months.
Closure: Natural Cork
Serving Suggestion: Serve between 60.8ºF-64.4ºF
Food Pairing: Serve with game meats and casseroles.
ABOUT CASAS DEL TOQUI:
Casas del Toqui Winery was created with the intention to develop and produce high quality fine wines, to be shared both domestically and internationally. They are committed to excellence by continuously managing their quality, labor safety and environmental sustainability; allowing them to be a role model for the Chilean wine industry. Their philosophy is to achieve maximum balance, quality and identity to each of their wines, to ensure they are a direct reflection of their terroirs. Learn more about the winery here.
Join our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!
Casas del Toqui Barrel Series Semillón
CHILEAN SHRIMP AND CHEESE EMPANADAS
INGREDIENTS:
- 6 empanadas dough thawed (on Latin supermarket, on the frozen aisle)
- 1 cup raw shrimp, peeled and cleaned, without the tail
- 5 washed and finely chopped scallions white and green parts(green onions)
- ½ teaspoon chili powder or Merquén
- salt and pepper
- 1 cup of cheese coarsely grated, Havarti or Monterrey Jack are good choices
- oil for frying
DIRECTIONS:
- Make the filling: In a medium skillet, heat one tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-low heat, add the green onions and sauté until lightly browned and tender, about 3 minutes, add salt, pepper, and Merquén, stir well and add the shrimp and cook until they are getting pink. Remove from heat and let cool, add the cheese, and mix.
- Once the dough is thawed, separate carefully. Place two teaspoons of filling of shrimp and cheese. Close the empanadas, slightly wet the edge with water, and then crush with a fork to seal the border. You can also make small folds after sealing the edge, my favorite way.
- Heat oil in a deep pot to avoid splashing, test the oil with a piece of dough leftover, get out to the surface, and brown quickly in about 1 minute per side, or 400F. Place the empanadas to be fried, 2 or 3 at a time. Allow to brown on both sides, remove to a plate with an absorbent paper towel and let drain 1 minute, serve and eat hot.
© Recipe courtesy of Pilar Hernandez at Chilean Food & Garden.
MAY WINE CLUB:
Casas del Toqui
Barrel Series Semillón
Cachapoal Valley, Chile
SILKY WINE STYLE
This Barrel Series Semillón is wheat yellow in color. There are notes of citric fruits, white pear and honey on the nose. The palate is light, nice and fresh.
Varietal: 100% Semillón
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Region: Cachapoal Valley, Chile
Viticulture: Vertical espalier
Vinification: Fermentation at 80.6ºF-84.2ºF, post fermentation maceration and aged in third use oak barrel for two months
Closure: Screw cap
Serving Suggestion: Serve between 50ºF-53.6ºF
Food Pairing: Serve with fresh cheeses and seasoned shrimps
ABOUT CASAS DEL TOQUI:
The Cachapoal Valley is renowned worldwide for its Mediterranean weather, where the Coastal Range and the Andes create one of the best soils in the region to produce high quality wines. The terroir of Casas del Toqui includes a wide range of soil types. Each plot of land is handled individually according to the unique characteristics of the terroir, which through a coordinated harvest, vinification and barrel management allows Casas del Toqui to keep individual lots to show the purest expression of each varietal. Learn more about the winery here.
Join our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!
May Premium Wine Club
El Toqui
Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon
Cachapoal Valley D.O., Chile
BOLD WINE STYLE
This Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon is deep red in color with hues of ruby. On the nose, there are notes of ripe cassis, black cherry, black pepper, roasted coffee bean and dark chocolate. The palate is firm, with sweet and ripe tannins and a long, elegant aftertaste.
Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Cachapoal Valley D.O., Chile
Viticulture: Vertical espalier
Vinification: Fermentation at 80.6ºF-84.2ºF, post fermentation maceration and aged in oak barrels for 14 months
Closure: Natural Cork
Producer: Casas del Toqui S.A.
Serving: Serve between 60.8ºF-64.4ºF
Food Pairing: Serve with grilled meats and game meats
El Toqui
Private Collection Carmenere
Cachapoal Valley D.O., Chile
BOLD WINE STYLE
The Private Collection Carmenere wine is deep red in color with shades of violet. It has very complex aromas of black fruits, plum, orange peel, cherry and spice dressing that carry accents of dark chocolate and vanilla. The palate is soft with a generous volume. There are tannins that are present, but are soft with a very balanced acidity. It is long and complex, delivering flavors very similar to those on the nose.
Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Carmenere
Appellation: Cachapoal Valley D.O., Chile
Viticulture: Vertical espalier
Vinification: Fermentation at 80.6ºF-84.2ºF, post fermentation maceration and aged in oak barrels for 14 months
Closure: Natural Cork
Producer: Casas del Toqui S.A.
Serving: Serve between 60.8ºF-64.4ºF
Food Pairing: Serve with lamb chops and rosemary, pork ribs, pasta and cheeses.
ABOUT CASAS DEL TOQUI WINERY:
In 1994, Château Larose Trintaudon, a major French wine producer from the Bordeaux region, partnered with traditional wine producers from the Cachapoal region in Chile and together they founded Casas del Toqui. Recently, their legacy was recaptured by a Chilean family with a great passion for wine, contributing with their own unique and distinctive mark.
One of the country’s most famous valleys, the Colchagua Valley is set at the heart of the central valley and the icon of wine production in Chile. It’s a fairly new wine-producing region, but quickly gaining reputation as Chile’s ‘Napa Valley’. Sandwiched between the Andes Mountains and the Coastal Mountain range, the Colchagua Valley’s volcanic and granite soils merge with a Mediterranean climate. The vineyards are situated in the hills of a sub-region that combines the freshness of the Pacific with the vibrant minerality of the quartz and granite soils.. Learn more about their winery here.
Join our PREMIUM WINE CLUB, enjoy amazing wines every other month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!
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April Beer Club: Iowa
NoCoast Beer Co.
Barrel Aged Smokey Row Coast
Coffee Porter
Oskaloosa, Iowa
Made in collaboration with one of NoCoast’s favorite coffee shops, Smokey Row. This deep, robust, rye porter is brewed at NoCoast and diligently aged in Wild Turkey whiskey barrels for 11 months. It is then steeped with Smokey Row’s Tanzania peaberry coffee to impart aromas of rich oak, chocolate, coffee and whiskey. There are additional notes of spicy rye with a slight fruitiness, and a subtle acidity.
BeerStyles: Dark & Roasty
Style: Coffee Porter
ABV: 7.7% alcohol / volume
ABOUT NOCOAST BEER CO.:
Rooted in Midwest pride, NoCoast Beer Co. lives off the motto, “Friends over trends, land over sand, and beer over everything!”. In 2016, Head Brewer, Chuck Crabtree put together a crew of like-minded, passionate, beer enthusiasts and raised their glasses to the official launch of the brewery. Today, the NoCoast facility houses brewing, cold brewed coffee, and mobile canning operations. Learn more about the team behind the beers here, and follow them on Untappd.
Lil Beaver Brewery
California Beavin’
IPA
Bloomington, Illinois
West Coast Style India Pale Ale.
BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter
Style: IPA – American
ABV: 7% alcohol / volume
ABOUT LIL BEAVER BREWERY:
Years ago there was a young, eager Lil Beaver who enjoyed beer, but grew tired of the commercial offerings in his neck of the woods. After awhile, Chad Bevers (aka the Lil Beaver), decided it was time to hone in on his own beer making skills and start his own craft brewery – which opened in 2017. Learn more about the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.
WeldWerks Brewing Co.
JuicyFish
Double IPA
Greeley, Colorado
This Hazy Double IPA is made in collaboration with Pinthouse in Austin, Texas. It is made as a mashup of WeldWerks’ Juicy Bits and Pinthouse’s flagship hazy IPA, Electric Jellyfish. It is brewed with Citra, Lotus, and Azacca Hops for huge bursts of papaya, guava, pineapple, grapefruit and apricot, all supported by a silky-smooth mouthfeel.
BeerStyles: Hoppy & Bitter
Style: Hazy Double IPA
ABV: 8.6% alcohol / volume
ABOUT WELDWERKS BREWING CO.:
Like many other great businesses do, WeldWerks started as a hobby in a garage. In 2009, Co-founder and head brewer, Neil Fisher, began home-brewing with his friends. Once a month, everyone would get together to brew, learn and enjoy each other’s company. By 2014, Neil had entered into the Big Beers, Belgians and Barley wines festival. Prior to this competition, friend, and no-CEO and co-founder, Colin Jones, made an agreement with Neil, promising to consider opening a brewery if Neil were to bring back a medal. Eleven months and two medals later, the first beers were poured at WeldWerks Brewing. Today, all of WeldWerks beers are produced in their downtown Greeley location on their 15 bbl 3-vessel steam brewhouse. They have produced 300+ unique beers in just four years across a nearly infinite range of styles. Learn more about the brewery here, and follow them on Untappd.
MORE Brewing Company
Huntley Helles
Lager
Villa Park & Huntley, Illinois
Named to honor the home of their Huntley facility, this German-style lager is brewed with soft water, along with a variety of German malts and hops. The beer is then lagered in their horizontal tank, giving the beer a soft mouthfeel with a pleasant malt profile and hints of noble hops.
BeerStyles: Crisp & Clean
Style: Lager
ABV: 4.5% alcohol / volume
ABOUT MORE BREWING CO.:
Named after their town in Villa Park (previous known as Ardmore), MORE Brewing Company is a craft brewing with locations in Villa Park & Huntley, Illinois. They specialize in hop-saturated ales, flavorful imperial stouts, and a variety of unique lagers. Learn more about the their locations here, and follow them on Untappd.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR BEER CLUB >
April Cheese Club: Iowa
Bonvallis
Mahón Semi-Cured Cheese
Menora, Spain
Named after the port of Mahón on the Minorca (or Menorca) Island in Spain, this cow’s milk cheese is produced by various small farmers organized in a cooperative. This semi-hard artisan cheese is pale yellow in color and has a nutty and sweet aroma. It is buttery, fruity, sharp and salty in taste. During maturation, the cheese is hand rubbed with butter, paprika and olive oil to give it its traditional orange exterior. The Mahón cheese is sold at different ages ranging from 2 months to 10 months. This cheese was awarded with Bronze and Silver medals at the 2014 and 2011 World Cheese Awards.
WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Pairs well with this month’s Wine Club wines, or enjoy with a FRUITY Tempranillo or Rioja; or a SILKY Albariño wine. Enjoy with craft beers that are crisp, such as a Pale Ale or a Cider.
WINESTYLES: Fruity or Silky
BEERSTYLES: Crisp and Clean
SERVING RECOMMENDATION:
Spaniards call this a table cheese because it is versatile with almost all foods. It can be served alone as an appetizer or dessert, or with fresh fruit and nuts on a cheese board. It also can be melted beautifully to give life to sandwiches or burgers.
Quorum
Idiazabal Smoked Cheese
Northern Spain
Named after the village of Idiazabal, this Smoked Cheese is a traditional farmhouse hard cheese made from raw sheep’s milk in the Basque and Navarra regions or Northern Spain. In the old days, the Basque shepherds lived in small mountain huts, and could only age their cheeses within their stone chimneys – giving the cheese its traditional smokey flavor. Today, the cheese is produced in more modern ways, however, the process is still all-natural to give the cheese it’s smokiness – usually slowly ripened and naturally smoked with beech or cherry wood. Its compact texture and smokey flavor are reminiscent of burnt caramel and bacon. The cheese has a vibrant bouquet of aromas with rich, buttery flavors on the palate.
WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Serve with any of this month’s wine club wines, or enjoy with a FRUITY Tempranillo or Rioja, or with a SILKY or RICH Chardonnay. For beer, enjoy with a crisp Pale Ale.
WINESTYLES: Fruity, Silky, or Rich
BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean
SERVING RECOMMENDATION:
Enjoy with thinly sliced, fresh bread or melt in the oven as a complement for grilled meats, salads or as a key part of an elegant meal.
Don’t let your Wine Club go home alone!
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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 >
April Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa
Merryvale Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California
BOLD WINE STYLE
The Merryvale Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and dark with aromas of black fruit, coffee and toast. On the palate, it highlights flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry with toast, coffee, and spice; with a long velvety finish.
Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Napa Valley
Certifications: Sustainable Practices, Certified Sustainable, Napa Green, Vegan, and Non-GMO
Food Pairing: Enjoy with a classic sirloin, beef short rib or other braised dishes such as grilled lamb, or portobello mushrooms.
Critical Acclaim:
- 92 points, CS WE
- 91 points, JS (2017)
- 91 points, EC WE
- 91 points, WS
- 92 points, W&S (2016)
- 92 points, WS
- 92 points, WE (2015)
Merryvale Vineyards
Profile
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California
BOLD WINE STYLE
The Merryvale Vineyards Profile wine has aromas of savory herbs, dark chocolate, roasted notes, black and red fruits. On the palate, there are complex fruit and herb flavors, with velvet texture, fine grained tannins, and a long savory finish.
This iconic proprietary red represents the pinnacle of Merryvale vineyards and winemaking. Intensity, refinement, and balance define this Cabernet Sauvignon dominant red blend. Sourced exclusively from the steep slopes of the Profile Estate Vineyard at the eastern edge of the St. Helena AVA. Exceptional terroir, vine-by-vine viticultural practices and small lot artisanal winemaking. Consistently awarded and highly-scored by critics.
“A terroir selection, the flagship 2017 Profile offers a classic nose of ripe blackcurrants, scorched earth, tobacco, cedar, and dried spices. This carries to an elegant, beautifully balanced 2017 with plenty of mid-palate depth, building yet polished tannins, and a great finish. It’s a classic, more savory, nuanced 2017 that will evolve for two decades.” – 94 points, Jeb Dunnuck, January 2021
Analysis: 14.7% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Napa Valley
Varietal: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot
TA: 5.7 g/L
pH: 3.87
Certifications: Napa Green, Sustainable
Vineyard: Profile Estate Vineyard
Cooperage: 80% new from the center of France
Élevage: 23 months
Harvest Dates: September 11th through 18th
Food Pairing: Beef, lamb, duck as well as rich, savory pasta dishes with portobello or shiitake mushrooms and roasted shallots.
Critical Acclaim:
- 93 points JS
- 92 points WE (2017)
- 95 points WA
- 94 points JS
- 92 points W&S
- 91 points WS
- 91 points WE (2016)
- 93 points WA
- 93 points JS
- 92 points WE
- 90 points WS (2015)
ABOUT THE REGION:
Napa Valley is considered one of the premier wine regions in the world and America’s most celebrated region. Defined by the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges and influenced by its proximity to San Pablo Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the Napa Valley enjoys a dry Mediterranean climate, long dry summers and cool evenings, perfectly suited to the growing of fine wine grapes. The resulting wines are richly flavored with vibrant fruit flavors and texture.
© Merryvale Vineyards, Winemaker – Andrew Wright
ABOUT THE WINEMAKER:
Winemaker, Andrew Wright, grew up in the Sonoran Desert, knowing very little about wine and the winemaking industry throughout his early life. It wasn’t until a random trip to the Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York that Andrew uncovered a passion for the winemaking industry. He consumed volumes of wine literature (and of course, the wines they described), expanding his palate and shaping his philosophies today. Andrew began his winemaking career at Callaghan Vineyards, planting vines in the high desert outside of Sonoita, Arizona – he worked several growing seasons here before entering the cellar of Arizona Stronghold. Andrew is thankful for these early experiences in the frontier, as they forged a deep appreciation for his hard work, experimentation and winemaking with intention.
In 2012, Andrew moved to Napa Valley and worked in the vineyards and cellars of Harlan and BOND Estates, Promontory, The Napa Valley Reserve, Fruition Sciences, and their clients (which included Merryvale at the time). Today, as the Winemaker at Merryvale Vineyards, Andrew is in charge of the production at the St. Helena winery. He oversees all of the winemaking operations for Merryvale wines and deeply believes that winemaking is the synthesis of philosophy, agriculture, science and art. Learn more here.
ABOUT MERRYVALE VINEYARDS:
Home to the first winery built following the Repeal of Prohibition in 1933, Merryvale Vineyards was part of the early fabric of the Napa Valley Wine Industry. Their collection of hand-crafted wines elegantly express the heritage, terroir, vineyards and subregions of Napa Valley. Learn more about the winery here.
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April Sweet Club Iowa
Bellafina
Pink Moscato Rosa
Delle Venezie IGT, Italy
NECTAR WINE STYLE
Bellafina’s Pink Moscato is pale pink in color. It highlights notes of melon, peach and red berries, with a bouquet that is typical of the Moscato grape. The wine is sweet and aromatic.
Analysis: 8.0% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Moscato Rosa
Residual Sugar: 75.0 g/L
Total Acidity: 5.8 g/L
Appellation: Delle Venezie IGT
Area of Production/Origin: Veneto Region and Friuli Venezia Giulia Region
Harvest: First half of September
Serving Suggestion: Serve at 45ºF-50ºF
Food Pairing: Delicious by itself or with a variety of antipasti, soft cheeses, and desserts with berries and cream – such as pastries and cakes
WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with a creamy cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.
VINIFICATION:
The vinification of rose wines is characterized by a short and cold maceration. The juice is then removed from the skins where it has picked up pale and delicate red hue without extracting too much tannin and retaining the natural freshness and aromatic complexity of the wine. Fermentation takes place at the controlled temperature of 64ºF. After a period of storage, a careful coupage follows to obtain the Moscato Rosé Frizzante cuvée. The base-wine is transferred to tanks where exact amounts of must and selected yeasts are added to obtain the desired levels of pressure, alcohol and residual sugar (Martinotti/Charmat method). This is followed by cold stabilization.
ABOUT THE WINERY:
Bellafina comes from the union of two Italian words – “bella” meaning “beautiful” and “fina” meaning “fine” or “delicate”. Their wines are a perfect reflection of the Italian lifestyle; lightly sparkling and easy drinking, making for the perfect pairing to any cuisine. Bellafina has been bottled by Casa Vinicola Botter since 1928. Today, the Botter family is managed by the family’s third generation. They continue to produce wines under environmentally friendly policies and with innovative production techniques, specializing in wines from Veneto.
Ercole
Moscato d’Asti DOCG
Piedmont, Italy
NECTAR WINE STYLE
Ercole (pronounced AIR-KOH-LAY) means “Hercules” in Italian. Crafted in a fun, juicy, mouthwatering style in northern Italy, this white Moscato wine is aromatic and floral. There are earthy notes of honey and stone, along with fruity layers of green apple, pear, pineapple and other tropical notes.
Analysis: 5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Moscato, Muscat Blanc
Region: Piedmont, Italy
Allergens: Contains sulfates
Food Pairings: This Italian Moscato d’Asti would pair beautifully with an aperitif or fruity dessert
WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an aged cheese such as a cheddar or a gruyere. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.
ABOUT THE WINERY:
Made by The Piedmont Guy, Ercole is their line of everyday wines that honor the work of the Italian wine growers. Made possible by the generations-old cooperative of local growers in the Monferrato area, Ercole wines are produced with sustainably farmed fruit to reflect the authenticity and beauty of their origins. The cooperative behind Ercole works mainly with old vines ranging from 30-50 years old; all of which adhere to the European Union rule for sustainable farming. None of these growers use systemic treatments or chemicals; and both vinification and bottling are certified vegan. Learn more here.
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Costa Lusa IG Lisboa Red Wine
Shepherd’s Pie
INGREDIENTS:
- For the Potatoes:
- 1 ½ pounds russet potatoes
- ¼ cup half-and-half
- 2 ounces unsalted butter
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 egg yolk
- For the Meat Filling:
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced small
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ pounds ground lamb
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons freshly chopped rosemary leaves
- 1 teaspoon freshly chopped thyme leaves
- ½ cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
- ½ cup fresh or frozen English peas
DIRECTIONS:
-
Peel the potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch dice. Place in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Set over high heat, cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, uncover, decrease the heat to maintain a simmer and cook until tender and easily crushed with tongs, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Place the half-and-half and butter into a microwave-safe container and heat in the microwave until warmed through, about 35 seconds. Drain the potatoes in a colander and then return to the saucepan. Mash the potatoes and then add the half and half, butter, salt and pepper and continue to mash until smooth. Stir in the yolk until well combined.
-
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
-
While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the filling. Place the canola oil into a 12-inch sauté pan and set over medium high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the onion and carrots and sauté just until they begin to take on color, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and stir to combine. Add the lamb, salt and pepper and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 3 minutes. Sprinkle the meat with the flour and toss to coat, continuing to cook for another minute. Add the tomato paste, chicken broth, Worcestershire, rosemary, thyme, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer slowly 10 to 12 minutes or until the sauce is thickened slightly.
-
Add the corn and peas to the lamb mixture and spread evenly into an 11 x 7-inch glass baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, starting around the edges to create a seal to prevent the mixture from bubbling up and smooth with a rubber spatula. Place on a parchment lined half sheet pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 25 minutes or just until the potatoes begin to brown.
© Recipe courtesy of Alton Brown from Food Network.
APRIL WINE CLUB:
Costa Lusa
Lisboa Red Wine IG
Lisboa, Portugal
BOLD WINE STYLE
Ruby red in color with red fruit aromas, the IG Lisboa red wine has a rounded palate with ripe tannins and an elegant finish.
Varietal: Touriga Nacional, Aragonez and Castelão
Analysis: 13% alcohol / volume
Region: Lisboa, Portugal
Total Acidity: 5.5 +/-1
pH: 3.5 +/-0.5
Fermentation: Fermented in small, stainless steel vats
Serving Temperature: 60.8ºF-64.4ºF
Winemaker: Carlos Eduardo
REGION:
The Geographical Indication (IG) Lisbon is one of the most important Portuguese wine regions, in terms of vineyard area and wine production. Formed by gentle hills, of low relief, IG Lisboa extends from the capital of Portugal to the north, along the coast. The multifaceted region encompasses several denominations of origin, ancient and modern, with distinct characteristics. The climate is temperate, influenced by the Atlantic ocean, with relatively mild summers, and warmer and drier in the areas protected by Montejunto mountain.
Join our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!
WineStyles Tasting Station 