Wine Blog from The International Wine of the Month Club

New York Strip Steaks with Brussels Sprout Hash

January 19, 2015 by Kristina Manning

This elegant yet simple dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend dinner party that will please everyone!

Ingredients:

1 pound small thin-skinned potatoes, cut into chunks
8 ounces brussels sprouts, quartered
2 New York strip steaks (about 12 oz. each)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 1/4 teaspoons pepper, divided
2 cups slivered red onion
1/4 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves

Preparation:

1. Simmer potatoes in a large saucepan of water until tender when pierced, 8 to 10 minutes; in last minute, add brussels sprouts, cooking just until they turn bright green. Drain.

2. Preheat broiler. Rub steaks with vinegar, 1 tbsp. oil, and 1 tsp. each salt and pepper. Put steaks on a broiler pan; broil 6 in. from heat, turning once, 8 minutes for medium-rare.

3. Heat remaining 3 tbsp. oil in a 12-in. frying pan over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring as little as possible, until well browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Add potatoes and brussels sprouts and cook until browned slightly, about 4 minutes. Add wine, scraping up any caramelized bits from bottom of pan. Stir in garlic, rosemary, and remaining 1 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Serve with sliced meat.

Recipe and photo from: www.MyRecipes.com

Vegetable Soup with Basil Pesto

January 12, 2015 by Kristina Manning

Vegetable Soup with Basil Pesto is healthy, hearty, and full of flavor! Perfect to make ahead for a great lunch or quick dinner, this hearty soup will fill you up without packing on the pounds.

Ingredients:

2 medium carrots, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 large sweet onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 (32-oz.) containers organic vegetable broth
2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (15-oz.) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup uncooked mini farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
Basil Pesto (See Recipe Below)

Preparation:

1. Sauté carrots and next 4 ingredients in hot oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat 8 to 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in broth, tomatoes, zucchini, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes.

2. Stir in beans and pasta, and cook, stirring occasionally, 10 to 12 minutes or until pasta is tender. Top each serving with 1 to 2 tsp. Basil Pesto.

Recipe and photo from: www.MyRecipes.com

Basil Pesto Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups firmly packed fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, chopped
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation:

Process all ingredients in a food processor until finely ground. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 1 week.

Recipe and photo from: www.MyRecipes.com

New Year’s Resolution: Drink the World’s Best Undiscovered Wines

January 9, 2015 by Don Lahey

Some of the world’s least known grape varieties can offer the wine world’s best undiscovered treasures, so why not make 2015 the year you drink new, exotic wines beyond the usual Chardonnay and Cabernet? At least once or twice a week, make it a point to search out little-known wines and undiscovered varietals. A whole cache of exciting wines and little-known grape varietals awaits those looking for the most exceptional of wines. Here are a few of the undiscovered grape varietals wine lovers shouldn’t miss.

White Wine Grapes

Garganega might not be on the tip of everyone’s tongue, but it sure does know how to please the palate. Garganega is a grape indigenous to Northern Italy, and it is, in fact, the premium grape variety responsible for just a handful of authentic, exceptional estate-bottled Soaves. Commercial Soave contains a high percentage of innocuous Trebbiano grapes and does no justice to the elegant, rich flavor of Garganega. Unfortunately, few Soave producers make Soave from 100% Garganega, but those that do are worth seeking out. Look for Tamellini, Inama or Anselmi for exceptional Garganega-based wine.

Another little-known white grape varietal is Godello from Galicia and Bierzo in Northwest Spain. Overshadowed by Albariño, the region’s better-known grape, Godello is just beginning to emerge from its compatriot’s shadow. Godello produces a softer, richer and, often, more complex wine than Albariño. Two exceptional values in Godello grapes emanate from Casal Novo, in Valdorreas, and Pazo de Arribi, in Bierzo, though many others are worth seeking out.

Red Wine Grapes

Mencia grapes, from Spain’s cool northwest corner, deserve more recognition. Though it languished in obscurity until recently, Mencia grapes are, by most accounts, a very old varietal whose origins go back nearly two millennia. A resurgence of interest in Mencia in Spain, and now elsewhere, may make this grape the world’s next hot varietal. Mencia produces complex, potentially long-lived wines that evolve slowly, which has made some aficionados dub it the Burgundy or Pinot Noir of Spain. Losada, Dominio de Tares, and Pazo de Arribi are three especially reliable producers. Losada fashions three particularly outstanding Mencia wines in various styles and at different price points, all of which offer exceptional quality and value.

With a name like Tannat, you would think the grape variety would garner a bit more attention. But not so. Tannat, the grape that gives us the name tannin, has remained hidden and forgotten for far too long. Although Tannat does contain an ample amount of tannin, modern Tannat is no mean monster, and is no chewier than a good Cabernet or Syrah. Indigenous to Southwest France, but more closely associated with the finest wines of Uruguay — yes, I said Uruguay — Tannat can stand on its own as a varietal, or blend harmoniously with Merlot or Malbec. Artesana, one of Uruguay’s best boutique wineries, fashions a particularly fine Tannat that is well worth seeking out. Pair it with a good steak or rich stew and you may never order Cabernet again.

Learn more about the different wine grape varietals here!

Salute!
Don

photo credits: TARLANT via photopin cc

Bursting the Bubbles: Champagne and Sparkling Wine Basics

December 30, 2014 by Don Lahey

In America, sparkling wines, and Champagne in particular, have become synonymous with celebration and holiday revelry, but fine sparkling wine can turn any Friday evening, Saturday dinner party, or mid-week meal into a special occasion. So, why wait until New Year’s or some other once-a-year celebration to bring a little sparkle into your life?

Let’s start off with the Champagne basics.

Is Sparkling Wine the Same as Champagne?

All that sparkles is not Champagne. Champagne comes in a variety of forms, including still (no bubbles) and sparkling. Since most of the world has only been exposed to Champagnes that sparkle, the name “Sparkling Wine” has been used interchangeably with Champagne and any other wine that bubbles.

How Exactly is Traditional Champagne Made?

Real Champagne hails from the Champagne district of France and is made only from proscribed grapes using a painstaking process known as the Méthode Champenoise, or the Champagne Method, a traditional method of production in which the wine undergoes secondary fermentation and ageing in the bottle. This secondary fermentation process is what makes bubbles.

What is Cava?

Cava is Spain’s answer to Champagne. The best examples are made using the same painstaking method as Champagne and are labeled as Méthode Traditionnelle, or Traditional Method. Good Cava, like Mont-Marçal Brut Reserva Cava 2011, is a proven crowd-pleaser, and constitutes one of the best buys in sparkling wine, as it can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of Champagne. This is one of the reasons why Cava is currently the #1 selling Champagne method sparkling wine in the world!

What is Prosecco?

Prosecco, the sparkling wine of Venice and Italy’s Veneto, is a light, charming wine that seems to be all the rage around the country. It is not always made in the same painstaking way as Champagne or the best Cava, but it can play to a crowd. Wedding planners and those looking for a mid-week treat take note: for a truly authentic Italian Bellini, mix white peach juice with Nino Franco Prosecco Rustico Brut, the original Prosecco introduced in the early 20^th century.

What is Brut?

Brut is normally the driest of sparkling wines in a producer’s portfolio, though some producers will offer a Brut Zero, Nature or Natural dry sparking that will be drier still.

What is Extra-Dry Sparkling Wine?

Extra-dry sparkling wine is not very dry – it’s actually sweeter than Brut, though it is not a dessert wine.

What Does Sec or Dry Mean?

Sparkling wines labeled Sec, Dry, Demi-Sec, Doux, Dolce or Sweet are quite sweet, as many of the names suggest, and are probably best served with dessert.

What Does Non-Vintage or NV Mean?

Most Champagnes and sparkling wines are products of more than one vintage. This is why they are labeled as Non-Vintage or NV.

What are Champagne Bubbles Called?

The frothy head of sparkling wine is known as the mousse. And although tiny bubbles are often considered a sign of quality, the size of the bubble can vary, so relax and enjoy.

Serving Tips

When Should You Serve Champagne or Sparkling Wine?

Most sparkling wines, and Champagne in particular, make great aperitifs and equally fine accompaniments to many kinds of foods, so don’t be shy about pairing sparkling wines with meals. However, most high-quality sparkling wines are best enjoyed early in the evening or with a meal rather than at the end of an evening or with dessert when the palate is fatigued.

What Glassware Should You Use for Champagne or Sparkling Wine?

Although tall, thin flutes remain in vogue for sparkling wine, almost any fine thin bowl-shaped glass will do. No need to run out and buy a whole new set of glasses.

How do American Champagnes Compare to French Champagnes?

Many Californian and Oregonian sparkling wines made using the Traditional Method are truly top notch. The best examples, like the Signal Ridge Bubbles Brut Sparkling Wine, can compete with high quality French Champagne at a lower price. No wonder so many French Champagne producers have set up shop on this side of the Atlantic!

How Should You Serve Champagne or Sparkling Wine?

Champagne along with other sparkling wines are truly under pressure, so always give sparkling wine a good chill (40° or less) before opening, and remember to exercise caution while opening, pointing the bottle away from people and delicate objects.

Treat yourself or give a gift to the Champagne lover in your life with one of The International Wine of the Month Club’s four wine club memberships. Learn how our international wine clubs work here.

Christmas Cookie & Wine Pairings

December 18, 2014 by Kristina Manning

With the holidays in full swing, one thing is for sure – there are going to be holiday themed cookies everywhere! There is also going to be plenty of wine going around so here are a few pointers to help pair your wine with your favorite holiday cookie!

Sugar Cookies: Napa Cellars Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2013 – Mellow out the sweetness of the sugar cookies with the clean flavors of melon, fig, quince, tropical fruit, and fresh citrus.

Snowballs (aka Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies): Cambridge Cellars Limited Monterey Chardonnay 2013 – Our not so traditional California Chardonnay has a nice balance of Golden Delicious apples, dried pineapple and soft mineral tones.

Snickerdoodles: Magenta Cuvée Supérieure Brut Champagne N.V. – Champagne always goes well with cookies and this one is an easy, smooth-drinking wine that is perfect to help glide those tasty Snickerdoodle cookies right down. It offers up savory scents and flavors of golden apples, apricots, currants and oven baked bread straight from the oven.

Gingerbread: Freeman Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2010 – The perfect cookie for a nicely balanced Pinot Noir with bright pure berry flavors, Asian spice tones, and wood smoke.

Peanut Butter Thumbprints: Boschendal S&M (Shiraz Mourvèdre) 2012 – Melt in your mouth Peanut Butter & Chocolate pairs nicely with a complex wine like this one. The notes of dark cherries, wild berries, plum, white pepper and wood smoke waft from the glass.

Peppermint Fudge: Valle Secreto Private Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon-Carmenère 2011 – We love this big blend of Syrah (55%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) and Carmenère (20%). It offers up a staggering bouquet of blackberry, cassis, smoke, and dark chocolate, all which are framed by subtle hints of oak.

Cheers!
Kristina

Images from: www.FoodNetwork.com

The 12 Wines of Christmas

December 13, 2014 by Don Lahey

What does any self-respecting wine lover want for Christmas? Wine, of course, and the prospect of having twelve days of Christmas with which to receive an enviable supply of fine wine makes the gift all the more exciting! So, what would be a fitting selection of wine to receive for Christmas from my true love?

On the first day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
A bottle of Magenta Cuvée Supérieure Brut Champagne
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the second day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Two bottles of Bellingham The Bernard Series Small Barrel S.M.V.
A Bottle of Magenta Cuvée Supérieure Brut Champagne
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the third day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Three bottles of Cambridge Cellars Limited Monterey Chardonnay
Two bottles of Bellingham The Bernard Series Small Barrel S.M.V.
A Bottle of Magenta Cuvée Supérieure Brut Champagne
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the fourth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Four bottles of Barista South Africa Pinotage
Three bottles of Cambridge Cellars Limited Monterey Chardonnay
Two bottles of Bellingham The Bernard Series Small Barrel S.M.V.
A Bottle of Magenta Cuvée Supérieure Brut Champagne
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the fifth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Five bottles of Domaine William Fèvre Champs Royaux Chablis
Four bottles of Barista South Africa Pinotage
Three bottles of Cambridge Cellars Limited Monterey Chardonnay
Two bottles of Bellingham The Bernard Series Small Barrel S.M.V.
A Bottle of Magenta Cuvée Supérieure Brut Champagne
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

12-Wines-of-Christmas-2 On the sixth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Six bottles of Valenciso Rioja Reserva
Five bottles of Domaine William Fèvre Champs Royaux Chablis
Four bottles of Barista South Africa Pinotage
Three bottles of Cambridge Cellars Limited Monterey Chardonnay
Two bottles of Bellingham The Bernard Series Small Barrel S.M.V.
A Bottle of Magenta Cuvée Supérieure Brut Champagne
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the seventh day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Seven bottles of Chappellet Cervantes Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Six bottles of Valenciso Rioja Reserva
Five bottles of Domaine William Fèvre Champs Royaux Chablis
Four bottles of Barista South Africa Pinotage
Three bottles of Cambridge Cellars Limited Monterey Chardonnay
Two bottles of Bellingham The Bernard Series Small Barrel S.M.V.
A Bottle of Magenta Cuvée Supérieure Brut Champagne
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the eighth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Eight bottles of Domaine de Saint-Guirons Pauillac
Seven bottles of Chappellet Cervantes Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Six bottles of Valenciso Rioja Reserva
Five bottles of Domaine William Fèvre Champs Royaux Chablis
Four bottles of Barista South Africa Pinotage
Three bottles of Cambridge Cellars Limited Monterey Chardonnay
Two bottles of Bellingham The Bernard Series Small Barrel S.M.V.
A Bottle of Magenta Cuvée Supérieure Brut Champagne
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the ninth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Nine bottles of Rosenthal The Malibu Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Eight bottles of Domaine de Saint-Guirons Pauillac
Seven bottles of Chappellet Cervantes Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Six bottles of Valenciso Rioja Reserva
Five bottles of Domaine William Fèvre Champs Royaux Chablis
Four bottles of Barista South Africa Pinotage
Three bottles of Cambridge Cellars Limited Monterey Chardonnay
Two bottles of Bellingham The Bernard Series Small Barrel S.M.V.
A Bottle of Magenta Cuvée Supérieure Brut Champagne
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the tenth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Ten bottles of Denis Dutron Mâcon-Fuissé
Nine bottles of Rosenthal The Malibu Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Eight bottles of Domaine de Saint-Guirons Pauillac
Seven bottles of Chappellet Cervantes Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Six bottles of Valenciso Rioja Reserva
Five bottles of Domaine William Fèvre Champs Royaux Chablis
Four bottles of Barista South Africa Pinotage
Three bottles of Cambridge Cellars Limited Monterey Chardonnay
Two bottles of Bellingham The Bernard Series Small Barrel S.M.V.
A Bottle of Magenta Cuvée Supérieure Brut Champagne
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the eleventh day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Eleven bottles of Querciola Sori Barolo
Ten bottles of Denis Dutron Mâcon-Fuissé
Nine bottles of Rosenthal The Malibu Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Eight bottles of Domaine de Saint-Guirons Pauillac
Seven bottles of Chappellet Cervantes Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Six bottles of Valenciso Rioja Reserva
Five bottles of Domaine William Fèvre Champs Royaux Chablis
Four bottles of Barista South Africa Pinotage
Three bottles of Cambridge Cellars Limited Monterey Chardonnay
Two bottles of Bellingham The Bernard Series Small Barrel S.M.V.
A Bottle of Magenta Cuvée Supérieure Brut Champagne
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the twelfth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Twelve bottles of Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royale Brut Champagne (because you can never have enough great Champagne)
Eleven bottles of Querciola Sori Barolo
Ten bottles of Denis Dutron Mâcon-Fuissé
Nine bottles of Rosenthal The Malibu Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Eight bottles of Domaine de Saint-Guirons Pauillac
Seven bottles of Chappellet Cervantes Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Six bottles of Valenciso Rioja Reserva
Five bottles of Domaine William Fèvre Champs Royaux Chablis
Four bottles of Barista South Africa Pinotage
Three bottles of Cambridge Cellars Limited Monterey Chardonnay
Two bottles of Bellingham The Bernard Series Small Barrel S.M.V.
A Bottle of Magenta Cuvée Supérieure Brut Champagne
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

These amazing wines come from my true love, The International Wine of the Month Club™, and I would enjoy these exceptional wines with the partridges and the pears from the pear tree.

Sherried Wild Rice Soup

December 11, 2014 by Kristina Manning

This Sherried Wild Rice Soup is creamy, filling, and just overall fantastic. Hearty enough to be served by itself, it’s the perfect soup to warm you on those cold winter nights!

Ingredients

1/4 pound bacon, diced
2 russet potatoes (about 1 lb. total)
1 cup wild rice
1 cup diced onion
6 cups fat-skimmed chicken broth
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or dried thyme
1 cup dry sherry
1 cup whipping cream
Salt and pepper

Preparation

1. In a 4- to 5-quart pan over high heat, stir bacon frequently until crisp, about 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Discard drippings from pan or save for other uses.

2. Meanwhile, scrub and peel potatoes. Cut into 1/2-inch chunks.

3. In same pan, combine potatoes, rice, onion, 4 cups broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is tender to bite, 1 to 1 1/4 hours.

4. Add remaining 2 cups broth, sherry, and whipping cream. Bring to a boil over high heat, mashing any potato chunks against the side of the pan with a spoon. Reduce heat and simmer to blend flavors, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.

5. Ladle soup into bowls. Top equally with cooked bacon. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Note: If making up to 1 day ahead, cover soup and bacon separately and chill airtight; to reheat soup, stir occasionally over medium-high heat until steaming.

Recipe and photo from www.MyRecipes.com

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