August 2020 Wine Club Selections

• Only one bottle of each wine may be selected • Some bottles only allowed at 6-bottle membership level only • Please use online portal or email your selections BEFORE coming in to the store • A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section is at the end of this document • Bonus Wines: Members get 1st dibs on buying allocated wines

Our Virtual Tastings have taken off! We are welcoming winery owners, winemakers and other wine personalities into our world on a weekly basis. A number of wine clubbers are joining in the fun, but I’d love to see more clubbers on these sessions. These virtual tastings have been free – upon purchase of the two featured wines. I encourage you to keep track of our event calendar to see the latest virtual tastings.

August’s Wine Club Virtual Tasting will be Friday 8/14 at 7:00pm. Any wine clubbers can join this virtual tasting, but it would be more fun if you choose one or more of that winery’s selections. Wine #2 Cortijo Blanco and Wine #8 La Antigua Rioja Crianza are the August selections that will be featured that evening.

White Wines

2017 St. Christopher RIESLING AUSLESE, Piesporter Goldtröpfchen, Mosel, Germany 4 and 6 bottle levels $20 (member price $17) 100% Riesling

Q: My parents drank Piesporter Riesling because it was inexpensive, but not high quality. Why try this one?

A: Because Goldtröpfchen is one of the most prestigious vineyards not just in Mosel, but in all of Germany. Because German viticulture and viniculture has improved since your parents were swilling Piesporter.

Q: I prefer dry wines. Is this one sweet, and if so, why should I try it? A: Yes, it’s sweet, but the spine tingling acidity and the electric attack of lime, pineapple, white peach and slate, and the long finish make it complex and compelling, and a great match for traditional German cuisine, spicy Asian food or Mexican food. At 8.5% abv, it’s also great for day drinking, and is a steal for the $$.

Q: What does “Auslese” mean? A: It means “out picked”, it designates ripe grapes that have been picked from a specific cluster of berries. It’s an expensive method of harvesting, especially on Goldtröpfchen’s steep slopes. Only the best German wines are allowed to list the ripeness level on their labels.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy this vibrant white with spiced up exotic dishes like Thai red curry beef over rice; Indian coconut curry chicken with apricot couscous; lemongrass chicken with sticky rice; grilled shrimp with a squeeze of lemon juice and sliced avocados; classic bánh mì; fresh sashimi; sesame chicken with crispy vegetable tempura; shrimp and mango tacos topped with cilantro crema; and chili-lime and cumin rubbed halibut with a citrusy slaw. After dinner, enjoy a glass of this intensely aromatic white with hard goat cheeses, aged cheeses, sliced strawberries or a caramelized pear and blue cheese tart.

2017 Cortijo “Blanco” VIURA, Rioja, Spain 4 and 6 bottle levels $18 (member price $16) 100% Viura

Cortijo translates to cottage or shack, a reference to the theory that shacks can produce better wines than high flying Chateaux. (I believe in this theory!) Rather than paying for a tasting room, Cortijo’s money is spent in their vineyards. All estate fruit from Rioja Alta (vineyards in Najera, Briones, Arenzana and Hormilla). Red clay and limestone soils. Average elevation is over 2000 feet. After crushing, the skins mix with the unfermented juice for three days, before undergoing a 30 day fermention in stainless. Stainless steel fermention and aging preserve the bright and fresh flavors of lemon zest, bartlett pear, gardinia, hint of ripe figs. Cortijo Blanco will be featured in the August wine club virtual tasting – Friday 8/14 (7:00pm).

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: This easy-drinking, crisp white is the perfect partner for grilled chicken or steak salads, thin-crust brick oven pizza like Margherita with fresh basil, crispy cod drizzled with lemon and capers, angel hair pasta lightly tossed in a clammy broth, barbecued eggplant stacks and other seasonal veggies, classic Spanish Paella, grilled chicken stuffed with goat cheese and herbs served over vegetable rice, and all your raw bar favorites. It's also a perfect summer sipper all by itself though equally delightful with Spanish cheeses like this month’s Manchego, Nata de Cantabria cream, Marjorera goat and Torta de Casar, preferably accompanied by salty slices of Serrano ham and Marcona almonds.

2018 Mastroberardino FALANGHINA DEL SONNIO, Campania, Italy 4 and 6 bottle levels $22 (member price $19) 100% Falanghina

The Mastroberardino family has been making wine in Irpinia (interior of Campania) for almost 200 years, but the seminal moment came after WWII, when Antonio Mastroberardino returned from war to find his family’s estate in ruins. His life’s work was restoring the winery, and bringing it to even greater heights. It’s now perhaps Campania’s most iconic winery, championing indigenous varietals of Campania, including Falanghina. Pietro Mastroberardino (10th generation winemaker) is now in charge. Stainless steel fermentation and aging. Apple blossom, white peach, ginger, fennel, basil.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy this crisp white with summer favorites such as balsamic‐glazed tomatoes, basil and Mozzarella, seared citrus scallops, lemony chicken Piccata, smoked salmon penne pasta, grilled pizza flatbread topped with summer squash and creamy Ricotta, and linguine tossed with clams, fagole and escarole. Or serve a glass alongside a lovely platter of Prosciutto, Pecorino and creamy Burrata topped with tangy tomato jam, and savor the final flavors of Summer.

2017 R. Stuart & Co. “Love” CHARDONNAY, Willamette Valley, Oregon 4 and 6 bottle levels $22 (member price $19) 100% Chardonnay

Rob and Maria Stuart met at the 1990 INPC (International Pinot Noir Celebration) in McMinnville. They quickly fell in love, and Maria moved from Chicago to McMinnville, where they founded R. Stuart in 2002 after stints at Hans Kornell and Erath. The grapes for “Love” are mostly from the aptly named Courting Hill Vineyard, with the balance from Stafford Vineyard. Neutral oak aging provides mouthfeel, along with extensive lees aging. Green apple, yellow pear, lemon zest, fennel. While Love Chardonnay is the fullest-bodied white of August club, it’s still refreshing enough to enjoy on a warm summer’s evening.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: Serve this zesty chardonnay with rich dishes such as seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc sauce; chicken with Parmesan garlic mushroom cream sauce; spaghetti alla vongole; buttery skate with beurre blanc and capers; crispy crab cakes drizzled with chardonnay cream sauce; poached salmon with a truffled cream sauce; herbed pork chops with sautéed mushrooms; grilled oysters served on charred sourdough; and moules marinières. Or simply savor a glass of this graceful white with washed-rind cheeses such as Epoisses and Soumaintrain, aged, firm cheeses like this month’s Irish Cheddar and tangy goat cheese on garlic crostini.

Sparkling Wine

NV Gruet BLANC DE NOIRS, New Mexico 4 and 6 bottle levels $21 (member price $18) 75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay

Gruet & Fils is a Champagne house, but Gilbert Gruet wanted to also establish a winery in the USA to produce traditional method sparklers. After extensive searching, they decided on New Mexico, partly because the high elevation, high diurnal swing and sandy loam soils would provide excellent ingredients in high quality production, and also because they could purchase vineyard land for a lot cheaper than on the west coast. Gruet was established in 1984, and their first wines were released in 1989. They have become one of the darlings of somms across the country. Their Blanc de Noirs spends 18 months on the lees. Strawberry, peach, cinnamon, baked pear.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy these classic bubbles solo as an apéritif or paired to perfection with everything from flash fried oysters, crispy crab cakes, truffled popcorn and calamari fritters to veal scaloppini, roast pheasant, angel hair pasta tossed with champagne-tarragon cream sauce, creamy potato leek soup, seared sea scallops with braised leeks, poached salmon over butternut squash risotto and Thai curries. This sparkler is guaranteed to light up your end-of-summer celebrations especially paired with this month’s Mount Tam cheese, Gouda, Parmesan bread sticks, buttery triple-creme cheese, fresh chèvre and bloomy rinds from Camembert and Chaource to Buche de Chevre.

Red Wine

2018 Val Dragone “Rosso” SANGIOVESE, San Marino 4 and 6 bottle levels $21 (member price $18) 100% Sangiovese

San Marino is an independent city-state surrounded by Italy. It’s east of Tuscany, about 10 miles from the Adriatic, on the border between the Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions. It claims to be the world’s oldest republic, having been founded in 300 AD. San Marino has tried to remain neutral throughout the millenia, so its more powerful neighbors will leave it alone. It’s been an amazing balancing act, as their diplomats have negotiated with the Borgias, Napoleon, Abraham Lincoln, Mussolini and others. Think of this wine as a medium-bodied wine from Tuscany or Emilia-Romagna. Aged in stainless steel. Wild cherry, red plum, violet, balsamic.

Piadina with Ricotta, Prosciutto and Arugula makes 6 small sandwiches

Ingredients: -- 6 whole wheat pita rounds -- 1 tbsp EVOO, plus more for brushing the bread -- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese -- 4 cups baby arugula (about 4oz) -- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice -- ½ lb thinly sliced prosciutto (or mortadella)

Directions: 1) Preheat oven to 225 F

2) Heat a stove top griddle or skillet until hot. Brunch both sides of each pita round with EVOO, and grill over moderate heat, turning once, until brown marks appear on the pita’s surface – about 3-4 minutes. Wrap in foil, keep warm in oven while you prepare the rest.

3) In a small bowl, season the ricotta lightly with salt and pepper. In a medium bowl, toss the arugula with the 1 tbsp EVOO and lemon juice, season with salt and pepper.

4) Arrange pita rounds on a work surface. Spread ¼ cup of ricotta on each pita round on one side of the bread. Top with prosciutto and arugula salad. Fold the uncovered side of the pita round over the filling, and cut in half. Serve warm.

2018 Poderi Luigi Einaudi DOLCETTO DI DOGLIANI, Piedmont, Italy 4 and 6 bottle levels $21 (member price $18) 100% Dolcetto

This four generation family owned winery was founded by its namesake. He bought the vineyards in 1897, convinced that agriculture was the way to lead Piedmont into prosperity. It’s said that Luigi never missed a harvest, even after becoming President of Italy (1948 – 1955). The winery is based in Dogliani, but also produces a line of cru Barolo. The fruit for their Dolcetto is from their estate Madonna della Grazie, San Luigi and San Giacomo Vineyards. Fermented and aged in a combination of steel and concrete. Blackberry, black raspberry, violet, sage, beautifully perfumed.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy this easy-drinking, food friendly red often with linguine frutti di mare, four cheese manicotti, gnocchi with marinara sauce and mushrooms, white truffle risotto, hearty bechamel lasagna, herbed veal meatloaf with rosemary whipped potatoes, flatbread topped with Prosciutto and Fontina, creamy herbed sausage risotto, braised lamb over sage polenta, classic chicken and fettucine Alfredo, mushroom ravioli drizzled with truffle oil and herb crusted pork loin with root veggies. Or simply savor a glass with classic Italian cheeses, salumi and antipasti.

2012 La Antigua Clasico TEMPRANILLO, Rioja Crianza, Spain 4 and 6 bottle levels $22 (member price $19) 70% Tempranillo, 20% Graciano, 10% Garnacha

The vines for this Crianza are 55-70 years old, located in Sierra de la Demanda (Rioja Alta). The vineyards are north facing, resulting in lower temperatures and longer ripening, so they are among the last to harvest in western Europe. For those of you familiar with Rioja labeling, this wine could qualify to be a Reserva, because it sees two years in oak (60% French, 40% American), then two years in stainless before bottling. Black raspberry, black plum, woodsmoke, vanilla, minerality. La Antigua Clasico will be featured in the August wine club virtual tasting – Friday 8/14 (7:00pm).

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: This juicy red shines served with flavorful dishes like olive oil and garlic marinated rib eye steaks over garlic mashed potatoes; roasted chicken breast stuffed with peppers, caramelized onions, and goat cheese; hearty lasagna Bolognese; and Indian spiced flank steak with roasted vegetable couscous. After dinner, enjoy a glass of this elegant red with Spanish cheeses like this month’s Manchego served on crostini with Serrano ham and Marcona almonds.

2017 Cottanera “Barbazzale” NERELLO MASCALESE, Etna Rosso, Sicily, Italy 4 and 6 bottle levels $21 (member price $18) 90% Nerello Mascalese, 10% Nerello Cappucio

In the early 1990’s, brothers Guglielmo and Enzo Cambria cleared a hazel grove on the northern slopes of Mount Etna to plant grapes. The soil is black volcanic, the elevation over 2300 feet. They first tried international varietals, then moved toward the local grapes (reds Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappucio, as well as white Carricante). The winery is named for an ancient village by their family vineyards. After Guglielmo’s passing, Cottanera is led by Enzo and the 2nd generation. Barbazzale pulls grapes from their single vineyard sites. While many Etna Rosso’s are dominated by red fruit, Barbazzale tastes more of black fruit. Blackberry, black plum, red cherry, fennel, thyme, warm earth. Stainless steel aging.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy this ripe, flavorful red with Southern Italian-inspired cuisine such as crab stuffed arancini, pasta with pesto all trapanese, Sicilian style sausage pizza, fried veal with capers and crispy olive oil potatoes, cavatelli with beef ragout, eggplant, zucchini and roasted tomato stacks topped with melted Parmesan, tuna carpaccio drizzled with lemony olive oil and capers, pasta Bolognese, Italian beef stew, grilled swordfish with caponata, rabbit cacciatore over polenta, and stuffed aubergines. This velvety red is also dreamy with Italian meats like salami and prosciutto and cheeses such as salted Ricotta, aged Provolone, Pecorini, and Piacentino.

2017 Roth Estate PINOT NOIR, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California 4 and 6 bottle levels $23 (member price $20) 100% Pinot Noir

Roth Estate was founded in 2001 to explore Bordeaux varietals in Alexander Valley, then they realized that there was a demand for Pinot Noir and began producing it from Russian River and Sonoma Coast fruit. If you visit, you can view their herd of buffalo grazing as you sip wine on their patio. The owner of Roth Estate (Bill Foley) also is majority owner of the Vegas Golden Knights, the newest NHL franchise, who made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in their first year. Their RRV Pinot is unabashedly Californian, with ripe bing cherry, red plum, strawberry, toasted oak, vanilla and nutmeg. 10 months oak (French and Hungarian – 30% new).

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: This lush and versatile Pinot pairs with everything! It’s unforgettable paired with grilled garlicky veal chops drizzled with herbed red wine sauce and served over Chanterelle mushroom risotto; mustardy barbecued herb‐stuffed pork loin topped with fruit compote; cedar plank salmon with pinot noir‐berry sauce; grilled quail with quinoa and summer vegetables; pulled pork with a ginger‐lime slaw; barbecued sesame tuna steak over sticky Jasmine rice and mushrooms; and grilled lamb chops with grilled veggie kebabs. Or savor a glass with grilled endive topped with Prosciutto and slivers of this month’s Mount Tam, St. André cheese, triple cream Brie, Port Salut or Epoisses.

2018 Callaway Cellars “Ely” CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Paso Robles, California 4 and 6 bottle levels $20 (member price $17) 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Zinfandel

Ely Callaway, whose family founded Callaway Gardens, established Callaway Vineyard & Winery in 1969 in Temecula. He sold in in 1981, and used the proceeds to start Callaway Golf Company. When I played golf, my favorite club was a Callaway “Great Big Bertha Hawk Eye” Driver. “Ely” is produced by Callaway Cellars, an offshoot of the orginal Callaway Vineyard & Winery. While this wine is labeled Cabernet Sauvignon, it tastes more like a red blend. The 12% Zinfandel (from Dry Creek) brings ripe juicy black fruit to the blend. Blueberry, blackberry, milk chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon. 10 months oak (70% used French, 30% new American). The tannins are medium. This is would be perfect for an eat-over-the-plate juicy burger, but it’s NOT a steak wine.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: This lush red is simply decadent with burgers topped with smoky bacon, sharp Cheddar and caramelized onions; cabernet braised short ribs over white Cheddar polenta; pulled pork BBQ with Alabama white sauce and buttered corn; classic lasagna Bolognese; grilled pork loin with blackberry sauce and seasonal vegetables; wood fired pizza topped with Italian sausage, bacon and ham; braised short rib sliders with caramelized onions, aged gouda and smoked aioli; and crispy pork belly and cilantro tacos. Or simply savor this velvety red with this month’s Red Leicester, Gruyere, Comté, aged Gouda, Pecorino, Manchego or aged Cheddar.

2018 Maison Noir “In Sheep’s Clothing” CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Columbia Valley, Washington 4 and 6 bottle levels $23 (member price $20) 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

André Hueston Mack left his career at Citicorp Investment Service to pursue his passion for wine. After stints as a somm at The French Laundry and Per Se, André founded his wine company. It was first called Mouton Noir, but a certain Bordeaux 1st Growth took exception to the name, so he renamed it Maison Noir. You gotta love this photo from the label! 60% of the fruit for “In Sheep’s Clothing” comes from Red Mountain, the other 40% from Wahluke Slope. 10 months in French oak (25% new). Cassis, blueberry, black cherry, dried sage, thyme. For those of you choosing between Ely and In Sheep’s Clothing … this is a bigger, more complex wine.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: This classic cabernet is simply delicious paired with peppery aged New York strip with garlicky mashed potatoes; grilled ribeyes topped with gorgonzola butter and buttered corn; steak au poivre smothered in Cognac sauce and braised spinach; coffee braised short ribs over aged cheddar potatoes; smoked brisket with creamy macaroni and cheese; and bison burgers stuffed with blue cheese and topped with crisp bacon. This flavorful cabernet likes equally concentrated cheeses like this month’s Red Leicester, aged Gouda, this month’s Irish Cheddar, Reblochon and Le Moulis.

2019 Ampeleia “Unlitro” RED BLEND, Tuscany, Italy (1-LITER BOTTLE) 6 bottle level $28 (member price $25) 50% Alicante Nero, 20% Carignano, 15% Mourvedre, 10% Sangiovese, 5% Alicante Bouschet

Ampeleia has “Toscana” on the label, but their vineyards are in Colline Metallifere, a set of mineral rich hills overlooking Maremma. The winery was established in 2002 by three friends, including winemaker Elisabetta Foradori, famous for her work with Teroldego. It’s a biodynamic wine, and the varietals were harvested and vinified separately, then blended. Aged for 6 months in concrete. 10% of the wine sees carbonic maceration. This is about as summery as it gets for red wine. It comes in a 1-Liter bottle, with only 12% abv, so it’s made for serving outside with a slight chill, as you dine alfresco on grilled chicken or Sicilian grouper. The minerality and earthiness make it a “food wine”, not a “cocktail wine”. Red raspberry, strawberry, rhubarb, sassafras, turned earth.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: This food-friendly, summer-perfect red is best enjoyed with a slight chill and shared with friends! Enjoy a glass on summer picnics served with grilled tarragon chicken salad; Sicilian-Style grouper with olive tapenade; braised veal cheek ravioli with shaved Parmesan; chicken Marsala with mushrooms; Gruyere and wild mushroom quiche; pasta Bolognese; Prosciutto, melon and Burrata flatbread; pepperoni pizza; Speck, Genoa salami and Fontina panini with fresh herbs; butternut squash ravioli with brown butter sage sauce; herb roasted chicken with crisp potato wedges; pork tenderloin with Herbs de Provence and sautéed apples; and chicken tagine with apricot and olive couscous. Or simply savor this porch pounder with smoked Pancetta and mild Italian cheeses like Provolone, Mozzarella and Asiago.

2011 Finca Allende TEMPRANILLO, Rioja, Spain 6 bottle level $30 (member price $26) 100% Tempranillo

Founded in 1986 by the exuberant Miguel Ángel de Gregorio, Finca Allende is located in Briones, a hilly area in Rioja Alta. (It was not my intention to feature three August wines from Rioja Alta … lol … but sometimes wine club has a life of its own.) Allende translates to “beyond”, because Miguel’s philosophy is to “go beyond” to create the best wines possible. He’s known as Spain’s first terroirist. 14 months new French oak. Cranberry, red raspberry, boysenberry, cedar, tobacco. For those of you choosing between La Antigua Clasico and Finca Allende, know that Finca Allende is fuller bodied.

Lizette’s Food Pairing Suggestions: This balanced, yet powerful red is best paired with authentic Spanish flavors from Manchego‐stuffed pork loin with Romesco sauce and saffron‐scented chorizo albondigas (meatballs) to tender lamb cutlets dusted with pimenton and traditional garlicky pork roast. This reliable red is capable of standing up to robust, spicy dishes and complex flavors like Moussaka, Rogan Josh, Shepherd’s pie, Indian curries, Moroccan tagines and even chili con carne and Mediterranean‐style fish stews. Or simply serve this elegant Spanish red alongside a cheeseboard with regional selections like this month’s Manchego, Mahon or Zamorano.

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THE VINO VENUE WINE CLUB FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between the 4 and 6 bottle Club Levels? The 6 bottle level provides Vino Venue 50% more “purchasing power” than the 4 bottle level each month, therefore, the 6 bottle level will include wines that retail as much as $40 or more. The 6 bottle level also includes more free tastings each year. However, both levels are amazing values, as you will see.

2. Can I choose any wines listed in the document? Yes; as long as you stay within the parameters of your membership, i.e. if you are a 4-bottle member, you may only select four bottles listed as “4 and 6 bottle members.” However, you can always purchase additional bottles, 6-bottle level or otherwise, as your member price.

3. When am I notified of the selections? Around the 1st of each month you will receive an email with a link to our online ordering portal, containing the same information about the monthly wines. The same email will also have a link to this document.

4. Can I choose more than one bottle of each type of wine? No; in order for the economics to work on this low margin program, only one bottle of each type is allowed. However, you can always purchase additional bottles at your member rate anytime.

5. When do you need my selections back? We love to know about your selections asap. Please realize that some of the wines are in very short supply (hidden gems usually are) and if you wait too long you may miss out on them.

6. When can I pick up the wine? When the document is emailed to you to make your selections, you will also be provided a “pick up date” within that email. The wines are usually ready for pick-up on a Friday early in each month (sometime between the 4rd and the 10th).

7. Can I authorize someone else to pick up my wine? Yes

8. What day of the month is my Credit Card charged? The 1st day of each month; the charge will come through as VV Dunwoody LLC or Vino Venue

9. How do BONUS wines work exactly? Special wines, for which we receive either an allocation or an incredible cost basis, are offered to Club Members at discounts which have been over 50% OFF. These selections are outside of your monthly allotment, and paid for when you pick up your wines.

Here is a helpful hint on how one of your members uses her Club Membership:

“Attached is a picture of my January wine all ready to go into my wine cooler!! It really is a great 5 minute fix to know where I got a bottle of wine or what it will taste like!!” ~ Mary Ann