T o O r d e r M o r e F e a t u r e d W i n e s C a l l 1-800-823-5527 T o d a y !

Volume 23 Number 12 The ©Vinesse Wine Club 2015 The

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How to Uncork a Holiday Gift Ideas Champagne Bottle for Those Into Wine

Special Holiday Edition

Perfect Wines for 2 Festive Recipes Holiday Gatherings Guests Will Love

G e t Y o u r D a i l y D o s e o f W i n e N e w s a t http://blog.vinesse.com 2 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com

Our Mission: To uncover and bring you wine gems from around the world, which you’re Editor’s Journal not likely to discover on your own, and which enhance your wine enjoyment. Your Grapevine Team: Timely Ideas to Make Intrepid Wine Enthusiast, Chief Taster and Winehound: Your Holidays Bright Martin Stewart Chief Operating Officer By Robert Johnson (aka “The Buck Stops Here”): Lawrence D. Dutra ell, the weather outside is frightful, but the wine Editor: Winside’s delightful, and since we’ve got wine to Robert Johnson pour, there’s no need to open the door. Wine Steward: Katie Montgomery And now you know why I stick to The Grapevine is published by Vinesse, writing about wine, and leave the 822 Hampshire Road, Suite E, Westlake songwriting to the experts. Village, CA 91361; 1-800-823-5527. Copyright by Vinesse, LLC. Printed in USA. In case you couldn’t figure it out No responsibility is assumed for loss or from the cover, this is our annual damage to unsolicited materials. Holiday Edition of The Grapevine. It’s packed with entertaining reading and Be good to the planet useful information to help you get the most out of the season — which recycle means making sure that wine plays a big part in it. Need a gift idea for someone who At this most wonderful time of the is just as into wine as you are? Or Charter Member year, we’ve devoted our Cellarmaster perhaps someone you’d like to have Benefits: feature to an extremely important catch the wine bug? Our Vinesse Style The Grapevine Newsletter topic: how to safely open a bottle department is devoted to ideas for Premium wine selections at of Champagne (or other sparkling holiday gifts that have a wine theme. members-only prices wine such as Prosecco from Italy or Of course, our Cookbook page Cava from Spain). It’s important for includes a pair of recipes that are best Wine tasting as a participant two reasons: 1. The methodology described as “festive,” with suggested on VINESSE’s Gold Medal Award Panel we suggest will help you avoid eye wine pairings included. injuries caused by flying corks, and And finally, our Food & Wine Pairing Complimentary subscription 2. It will help you enjoy the sparkling feature takes a detailed look at the to VINESSE’s Cyber Circle Community wine more by transferring the bubbles perfect wines for holiday gatherings. to your glass, rather than having them That means everything from a simple Random giveaways of wine escape in a spray of foam. game-day party to an elaborate New and accessories Speaking of sparkling wine, we’ve Year’s dinner, and from a holiday Wine Finders Reward — found a restaurant in New York City brunch for a few friends to a company identify a future wine selection where the sommelier takes pairing party for dozens. and earn a reward wine and pizza seriously — and he’s I always look forward to producing Perfectly matched recipes for using Champagne for most of his this issue of The Grapevine, and I hope featured wine selections recommended pairings. You can read you enjoy reading it just as much. Complimentary wine tasting more about it in our Vinesse Hot List Happy Holidays… and Happy New department. Year! Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 3

How to (Safely) Remove a Champagne Cork ack in the “good old days,” a team B would win the World Series, and shortly thereafter, the cameras would take you inside the winning team’s locker room. Bedlam then would ensue as Champagne bottles would be opened, with corks flying in all directions and foam spraying from the bottles. Within a few seconds, the eyes of both the TV announcer and the players would be stinging. 1. Remove the foil on the top of the bottle. Those were not tears of happiness we saw on our screens. 2. Slowly “unwind” the wire “cage” handle. After this year’s World Series, most of the Kansas City 3. As you remove the cage, quickly place a hand towel Royals players were decked out in elaborate glasses to on top of the cork. protect their eyes. A few looked like they were going scuba 4. While gently pressing down, slowly twist the cork. diving. One can only wonder whether the company that Note: You need to press down in order to counter the provided that eyewear had to pay a placement fee. pressure of the bubbles inside the bottle. The glasses would not have been necessary had those 5. Keep holding the cork with the towel while it comes bottles of Champagne been opened properly — beginning out of the bottle’s neck. with admonishment to not shake them. Shaking builds the Instead of a loud “pop,” you’ll instead hear a gentle pressure inside the bottle and can transform a cork into a “poof,” and the wine will be ready to pour. dangerous flying object. By choosing “poof” over “pop,” you’ll be protecting Step by step, here’s how to remove a Champagne cork not only your eyes, but also those of everyone else in the safely: room.

Each shipment Wine Color Mix: includes: Reds, Whites, or Both ­­— • 4 bottles of the best finds It’s Your Choice! Featured wines Made from California Frequency: in California Exclusively! Approximately • Detailed Tasting Notes • Napa • Sacramento Delta for each wine Every Other Month • Sonoma • Amador County Price: • Santa Ynez • Mendocino Only $15-$17 average per bottle plus shipping • Monterey ... and More! To learn more about this Club, call 800-823-5527 or visit www.Vinesse.com 4 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com

A Major Award for Caymus Vineyards’ Chuck Wagner

Wines that match the season Summer — wines for barbecues, picnics or just for legendary Napa Valley sipping. Fall — wines for hearty, vintner has been honored harvest-time dishes. You get the A with one of the wine world’s most idea. All wines are selected by our prestigious awards — a nice way Tasting Panel to pair beautifully to begin the holiday season. with the foods you love. The American Wine Society selected Since 1971, the AWS Award of Merit Caymus Vineyards co-founder Chuck has been given to a wine industry Each shipment includes: Wagner for the 2015 AWS Award of luminary. The basic criterion for the Merit. Wagner received the award at award is substantial and meritorious • 4 bottles of specially-selected the AWS Annual Conference’s Grand achievement in at least one phase wines Banquet on November 7. of wine activity, such as viticulture, • Detailed Tasting Notes for “Being recognized by the American enology, education, journalism or each featured wine Wine Society is a great honor,” said merchandising. Wagner, who started Caymus in 1972 For each nominee, consideration with his parents, Charlie and Lorna is given to his or her actual Wine Color Mix: Belle Glos Wagner. “After more than accomplishments in comparison to 40 years in the wine business, I’m others in the same field, and their Reds, Whites, or Mixed still learning, so the mission of AWS impact on improving the quality of Frequency: to help people discover and enjoy wine, increasing or extending the the world of wine means a lot to me consumption or appreciation of wine, 4-times per year, plus a special personally.” and so on — in other words, the sum holiday shipment Price: Winery 4-1-1 $98.99 average per Caymus Vineyards shipment including shipping The winery is located in Rutherford, Calif., and seated tastings are available by appointment. The tasting lasts approximately 45 minutes and features wines from the Wagner Family portfolio, including To learn more about the “Special Selection” Cabernet Sauvignon, along with a small this Club, call 800-823-5527 sampling of artisan cheeses. The cost is $40 per person, or visit www.Vinesse.com and reservations may be made by calling 707-967-3010. Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 5

Caymus Vineyards co-founder Their desire to Chuck Wagner do something truly special, and make the finest wines they can, drives them to try new techniques, refine & practices, and continue to improve the quality of their wines. Charlie Wagner Sr. began as a “home the fastest-growing winemaker” in the club in vinesse 1960s, using grapes history! total of accomplishments over a period planted behind their farmhouse, and of time. today his son, Chuck Wagner, continues A club for people who enjoy “Chuck Wagner started Caymus to make world-renowned Caymus a touch of sweetness in Vineyards with his parents at a time Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley. their wines. when Napa Valley was barely on the To date, Caymus is the only winery map, and he played a huge role in to ever receive Wine Spectator’s Wine Wines that are lighter in style, changing that,” said John Hames, of the Year award twice. Each time, it sometimes sparkle, Executive Director of the AWS. was for its “Special Selection” Cabernet occasionally blush, and are “Today, Caymus is a leading producer Sauvignon bottling. simply fun to drink. of Cabernet Sauvignon, but Chuck is Chuck’s oldest son, Charlie, makes still a farmer at heart, with a humility Mer Soleil Chardonnay in the Santa Wines selected from top that belies his success. On many Lucia Highlands of Monterey County, regions around the world. days, he can be found doing what he and Conundrum, which has set the loves best — tending to the vines and benchmark for luxury California wine Each shipment working alongside his kids.” blends for more than 25 years. Son The Wagners come from a long line Joseph makes Belle Glos Pinot Noir, includes: of grape growers and winemakers, sourced from three prestigious coastal • 2 bottles of delicious with a farming legacy that can be appellations of California. Chuck’s traced back nearly 160 years in the daughter, Jenny, recently joined the light-and-sweet wines Napa Valley. It has been more than family business, producing Emmolo • Detailed Tasting Notes for each 40 years since they founded Caymus Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc and featured wine Vineyards, and today the family is Merlot. proud to showcase a collection of With such a talented group of wines that have a reputation for younger Wagners already producing Wine Color Mix: quality and consistency, sourced from world-class wines, the family’s wine the premiere wine growing regions of legacy figures to be enhanced for many Mostly White; Occasionally California. years to come. Blush/Pink or Sparkling Past AWS Award of Merit Recipients Frequency: Approximately In receiving the American Wine Society’s Award of Merit, Chuck Wagner Every Other Month joined a prestigious list of fellow vintners and wine industry contributors: • Konstantin Frank • Warren Winiarski Price: • Leon Adams • Vincent Petrucci Only $15–$17 average per bottle • Maynard Amerine • Ann C. Noble plus shipping • Harold Olmo • Peter M.F. Sichel • Andre Tchelistcheff • Mike Grgich • Robert Mondavi • Kent Rosenblum To learn more about • Louis P. Martini • Zelma Long this Club, call 800-823-5527 • Vernon Singleton • Gina Gallo or visit www.Vinesse.com 6 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com Have a Zinful Good Time in California’s Lodi Region

Old head-trained Zinfandel vines.

ocated between San Francisco and the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lodi wine country Lmakes a great day trip — or a destination in its own right. Over the past decade, fourth- over vine growth through careful soils rich in granitic-based minerals and fifth-generation winegrowers irrigation management. This unique that lend complex flavors to the wines dedicated to the soils and vines have combination allows Lodi grapes to of Lodi. brought creative winemaking and reach physiological ripeness with Historically, the vineyards were cutting-edge technology to the region, minimal impact upon the land. developed in the fine sandy soils and that has catapulted Lodi into the Lodi’s diverse soils were formed surrounding the community of Lodi. spotlight. thousands of years ago through It’s there, along the banks of the The Lodi appellation has a classic geological events and alluvial waters. Mokelumne River, where the majority Mediterranean climate, featuring Two major rivers originating in of Lodi’s century-old, own-rooted warm days and cool evenings. the Sierra Nevadas feed the Lodi Zinfandel vineyards can be found. Situated 100 miles directly east of appellation: the Mokelumne and Recent expansion has driven San Francisco Bay at the edge of Cosumnes. These rivers have brought vineyards into previously undeveloped the San Joaquin/Sacramento River portions of the appellation. Much of Delta, cool delta breezes provide the this growth has been in the rolling region with a reliable, natural “air hills along the eastern edge of the conditioning” throughout the growing region, where a diverse range of season. This perfect climate allows older, lower fertility soils are found. Lodi winegrowers to consistently craft These ideal winegrowing soils range a diverse set of delicious full-flavored from heavier and clay-based in the wines that display a refreshing natural south to well-drained and stony acidity. in the north. The area is noted for Lodi receives the majority of its producing well-structured red wines 17 inches of annual rainfall (in with rich mouthfeel, along with lively, non-drought years) during the refreshing whites. winter months. This relatively dry Lodi is predominately a red growing season reduces pest and winegrowing region, with disease problems, and provides approximately two-thirds of the winegrowers with precise control TTOURINGOURING TIPS TIPS acreage dedicated to red varieties. Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 7

information. The Visitor Center vinesse also features an expansive tasting bar with a wide selection of Lodi appellation wines, an educational demonstration vineyard, and a gift shop stocking List handcrafted products and Lodi Hot Hawaii Wine List. On the giftware. 1 island of Hawaii, the Sheraton Lodi Wine & Visitor Center. The Visitor Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay Center provides has developed a wine list inspired It’s home to all of California’s leading a great introduction to the delicious by the lava rock surrounding Rays varieties, and has long been the wines of the Lodi appellation. Expert on the Bay and the Kona coast. If a leading producer and California’s best- staff members lead guests through a wine is made from a region noted kept-secret for Cabernet Sauvignon, guided tasting of some of the region’s for its volcanic soils, it’s eligible for Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc finest wines. Eight wines are offered this list. To date, the lineup includes and Zinfandel. daily, and the selections are rotated selections from Volcano, Hawaii; While there are more than 100 weekly. Napa, Calif.; Dundee Hills, Ore.; and varieties of winegrapes that call Zinfandel goes great with good ol’ the Italian growing areas of Soave the soils of Lodi home, there is one fashioned barbecue, and if you’re in and Campania. variety in particular that the region town during the week, grab lunch at www.sheratonkona.com hangs its wine hat on: Zinfandel. Tin Roof BBQ. The smoked pulled Crushing nearly 40 percent of pork sandwich and tri-tip chili with California’s total Zinfandel crop each cornbread are amazing. Folks at the Hot Wine Festival. In the world- year, it’s no wonder that Lodi has Visitor Center will be able to provide 2 class skiing destination of Aspen, been dubbed the “Zinfandel Capital directions — guaranteed. Colo.? Yes… but not until next June. of the World” by those in and outside After visiting a few wineries, remain The 2016 Food and Wine Classic in of the region. One of the reasons that on theme by having dinner at Zin Aspen is scheduled for June 17-19, makes Lodi Zinfandel grapevines so Bistro. It’s a quaint hole-in-the-wall but be aware that tickets go on sale special is the sheer age of the vines. restaurant located in a tiny shopping December 9. The majority of the region’s gnarly, center on Lodi Avenue, one of the www.foodandwine.com/classic old head-trained (growing without a town’s main thoroughfares. Whether trellis system) Zinfandel vines were you’re looking for fresh fish, pasta or Hot Pizza Wine. We normally planted as far back as the late 1880s steak, Zin Bistro has something for recommend a spicy California to early 1900s. everyone. 3 Zinfandel when pairing wine with When it’s time to explore this A visit to Lodi wine country will pizza. But at New York City’s Marta exciting region, start your day at reward the senses with stunning restaurant, master sommelier Jack the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center to scenery, good food and great wine. Mason has curated a list of around pick up a wine trail map, and chat You’ll have so much fun, it’s almost… 50 sparkling wines to complement with a guide for the latest winery Zinful. the Roman-style pizzas. “The Champagne has bright acidity that’s For Further Information very refreshing,” Mason told Food and Wine magazine. “When you

Lodi Wine Tin Roof BBQ Zin Bistro take a bite of pizza topped with salty & Visitor Center 171 S. Guild Ave. 722 W. Lodi Ave. cheese and a tangy red sauce, then 2545 W. Turner Road Lodi, CA 95240 Lodi, CA 95240 have a sip of rosé Champagne, it’s Lodi, CA 95242 209-366-1128 209-224-8223 just explosive.” 209-365-0621 Open Weekdays, Open for Dinner, www.martamanhattan.com Open Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 5-8:30 p.m. 8 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com

wine Vinesse Style AtoZ HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS s there a wine lover on your holiday gift-giving list? Not sure what to get him or her? Allow us to make a ce Wine. Although it has slightly I Idifferent requirements for this few suggestions… classification depending on the n Keep an eye out for upcoming Vinesse Cyber country, this is a sweet wine made Circle offers. We have curated collections of from last-of-the-harvest grapes with many types of wine and to accommodate many high sugar levels. interests. There’s bound to be a collection that matches the interests of someone on your list. eroboam. A large bottle that holds P.S.: Be on the lookout for our famous “Grab Jthe equivalent of six standard Bags,” which enable you to purchase a lot of sized (750-ml.) bottles. wine for not a lot of money, and to spread good cheer to numerous friends with one simple purchase. abinett. German term for a wine n As a general rule, a bottle of wine should never Kof quality — typically the best of be placed on a tablecloth — unless you don’t Germany’s dry Riesling wines. care about staining that tablecloth. Wine bottle coasters, which are available in a array of styles oire. A French wine region known and with an endless variety of artwork, protect Lprimarily for Chenin Blanc, the tablecloth and make great gifts. Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. n Nothing says “wine country” like a vineyard scene from Tuscany. Whether it’s a small watercolor in a frame for hanging in your kitchen, or aceration. After crushing, this a colorful depiction on kitchen towels, if it has a Tuscan theme, it’s almost Mis the process of allowing grape guaranteed to be appreciated. skins and juice to ferment together. ■ Bottle openers. No kitchen drawer can have too The goal is to enhance color, aromas many corkscrews. Also consider more sophisticated and tannins. devices that can make popping a cork a snap. n Wine-themed notecards. Great for ose. Another word for the communicating with fellow wine-loving friends Nbouquet, or aromas, of a given throughout the year, and available in the gift shops wine. of many winery tasting rooms.

The one that started it all!

• Hand-crafted gems produced by little known or small estates • Limited-production bottlings • Under-the-radar wines you won’t find in supermarkets Each shipment includes: Wine Color Mix: Reds, Whites, or Both ­— Your Choice! • 6 bottles from all over the wine world Frequency: Monthly • Detailed Tasting Notes for each featured wine Price: Only $12-$15 average per bottle plus shipping

To learn more about this Club, call 800-823-5527 or visit www.Vinesse.com Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 9

vinesse® appellation showcase

Join us for an incredible wine Alexander Valley journey! Each Shipment Takes You to a Different Corner n 1841, Cyrus Alexander arrived in an untamed valley of the Wine World! I to manage the Sotoyome Rancho, a Mexican land grant owned by a San Diego sea captain, Henry Delano Taste Exquisite Boutique Fitch, and his wife, Josefa Carrillo. Wines... Savor Each Country’s Winemaking Tradition... and As payment for his services, middle decades of the 20th century. Alexander received 9,000 acres on Nearby Healdsburg, formerly Collect Some Souvenirs! the eastern side of the valley, where known as “The Buckle of the Prune he built his home. He also planted Belt,” is now a genial gateway to a Each shipment an orchard, constructed a tannery, world-class wine region. and built the first grain mill in the Located at the northern end of includes: area. And he planted a vineyard. Sonoma County, the Alexander • 6 bottles of specially selected In the three decades following the Valley is 22 miles long and varies wines from one country or Gold Rush of 1849, the population in width from two to seven miles. of Alexander Valley grew quickly. There are 76,900 acres of land, of region of the wine world By 1875, some 230 acres were which 15,000 acres are planted to • Detailed Tasting Notes for each devoted to vineyards. premium wine grapes. featured wine Over the next half-century, more On the hillsides to the east settlers discovered this rich land and west, and adjacent to the and good timber. Early residents Russian River winding along the planted wheat, grazed livestock, valley floor, the valley is home Wine Color Mix: and grew fruits and vegetables. to a diversity of microclimates As families acquired land and that support the growth of Reds, Whites, or Mixed farming techniques improved, many varieties. Over the years, valley farmers began to specialize winegrowers have learned the Frequency: in prunes. As late as the 1960s, optimum places to cultivate each 6 times per year the valley was blanketed in white particular grape. prune blossoms each spring, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes thrive Price: the Prune Blossom Tour brought from the valley floor all the way up visitors from far and wide. the rolling hillsides and mountain $139.99 per shipment Labor intensive, prone to weather ridges. The gravelly loam soils including shipping damage, and vulnerable to price straddling the river encourage competition from elsewhere, prunes Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and gradually gave way to grapes. Merlot to flourish. Alexander Valley To learn more about Family wineries and grape growers also is home to Zinfandel and this Club, call 800-823-5527 suffered during Prohibition, but Rhone varieties, including Syrah or visit www.Vinesse.com began to plant grapes again in the and Viognier. 10 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com

­ In victory, you deserve Champagne. “ In defeat, you need it.” — Napoleon Bonaparte

What does the word “Reserve” mean on a wine Qbottle label? My only regret in life is that I didn’t Technically… and legally… drink enough Champagne. nothing, presuming it’s a “ Awine that’s made in the United States. Other countries have ” laws or at least guidelines governing — Robert Noecker the use of certain language on bottle labels, but not here in America.

he late summer and early fall harvest season gets the most attention Tin the world of wine. But important activities take place in vineyards throughout the year, including the winter, and especially in vineyards where environmentally friendly practices are embraced. The most important 17.6 vineyard practice during the winter is pruning, and it requires highly skilled The maximum temperature, workers. The purpose is to guide the vine in certain directions and for in degrees Fahrenheit, at particular purposes. In Napa Valley, for example, much of this work is done which grapes may be legally by vineyard workers who are year-round employees. And sometimes pruning decisions are made for less-than-obvious reasons. For instance, some vintners picked for ice wine may prune their Merlot vines a full two weeks later than normal in order to in Canada. align the stages of growth with the later-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon, which is Merlot’s frequent blending partner.

WINE 101: HOW TO DRINK WINE: It seems like the most basic of wine’s aromas by exposing it to air. all tasks. Simply pour wine into a 3. Smell the wine. And don’t be glass, bring the glass to your lips… dainty about it. Stick your nose as and drink. far as you can into the glass, and Indeed, that’s really all that’s then take several short sniffs. What involved in drinking wine. But if you smell ultimately will “connect” you really want to experience and with what you taste. enjoy wine to its fullest, it takes 4. Take a sip. Think about the just a little more “work.” giving it a chance to “breathe.” flavors and other ways you might Here’s a step-by-step approach to 2. Swirl the wine in the glass. describe it. drinking wine the right way: Place the stem of the glass between 5. Think about the after flavor. Is 1. Pour the wine into a large your thumb and index finger, and it pleasant? Does it last for several glass. You want the wine to fill gently allow the wine to slosh seconds? A long after flavor is one up no more than half of the glass, around. This will help release the sign of a top-quality wine. Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 11

food & wine pairings Holiday Parties

ÉLEVANT

society™

It’s not for everyone. Is it for you? Vinesse created the Élevant Society to meet members’ demands for super-premium wines. While virtually all members of the original ust because Thanksgiving has come and gone for American Cellars Wine Club another year, it doesn’t mean the party season is over. J were very satisfied with their In fact, for many people, it’s just beginning. monthly selections, some You know you’ll be renewing your gym membership after the first of the wanted more, and they year, so why not make it really worthwhile by enjoying what’s left of 2015 while you can? There are several more reasons for celebration remaining were willing to pay for it. before the clock strikes midnight on January 1, and wine can — and should — be a part of all of them. n New Year’s Eve — Before you pop those corks with Ryan Seacrest or Each Élevant Society Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin, plan a buffet meal so guests can serve shipment includes: themselves and gather around the flat-screen at their leisure. With a number • 2 or 4 bottles — your choice — of dishes from which to choose, guests will need wines known for their food of super-premium wines, mostly affinity. Plan to have a not-too-oaky Chardonnay and an off-dry Riesling on hand, and for red wine fans, open bottles of Sangiovese and Pinot Noir. big and bold red varieties or blends n Company Party — Although some companies now shy away from • Detailed Tasting Notes for each serving alcohol at their holiday parties, many still do. Wine is a responsible choice because it’s low in alcohol compared to spirits. With so many featured wine palates to please, it’s best to go with a bright, refreshing white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, and a smooth, easy-drinking red wine such as Merlot. n Holiday Brunch — This is an opportunity to trot out old family favorites Frequency: and experiment with new recipes. Because of the time of the day (late morning, in most cases), you can feature both breakfast and lunch items. Of Approximately Monthly course, no brunch is complete without sparkling wine, as it matches nicely with a wide variety of dishes, and refreshes the palate as well. Those tiny Price: bubbles also make it fun to drink. $85.99 average per n Game-Day Tailgate Party — You don’t have to go to a football game shipment including shipping and sit in the parking lot in order to partake of that Midwest and East Coast tradition of setting up a grill outside on a cold fall or winter day. Your backyard will do just fine, and you’ll also enjoy much more pleasant To learn more about bathroom facilities when nature calls. With grilled fare — from big, spicy this Club, call 800-823-5527 brats to thick, juicy steaks — Zinfandel makes the perfect pairing partner. or visit www.Vinesse.com 12 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com The Grapevine

TURKEY GRILLED BRAISED BRISKET CHEESE SANDWICHES Make this part of a classic Hanukkah dinner — and You have leftover turkey following the big holiday feast. don’t forget the latkes (potato pancakes), chunky It’s cold outside. The football game is about to come on applesauce and jelly donuts! This recipe makes 6 TV. You’re hungry, and so are three of your best friends. servings, and this dish pairs with Sangiovese, Syrah or These sandwiches are easy to make, and pair perfectly Malbec. with Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio or Chenin Blanc. This Ingredients recipe yields 4 sandwiches. • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil Ingredients • 3-lb. boneless beef brisket, well trimmed • 4 tablespoons butter, melted • 1 large onion, chopped • 8 slices whole wheat bread (not too thick) • 1 3/4 cups beef broth • Four 3/4-oz. slices processed American cheese • 1 pound carrots • 8 vertical slices of dill pickle • 1/4 cup brown sugar • Leftover white meat turkey, cut into small slices • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice • 12 to 16 red onion rings • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon • Four 1 1/2-oz. slices Wisconsin sharp (aged) cheddar • 1 teaspoon salt cheese • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Preparation • 1 1/4 cups dried prunes, pitted 1. Using a pastry brush, butter each slice of bread on one Preparation side, and place 4 slices, buttered side down, on a work 1. In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. surface. 2. Add the brisket and brown on both sides. 2. Place on each of these slices one slice processed 3. Add the onion around the brisket and cook, stirring, American, 2 slices dill pickles, turkey slices, 3 to 4 red until the onion is tender (about 5 minutes). onion rings and 1 slice of cheddar. 4. Add the beef broth and bring to a boil. 3. Top with the remaining 4 bread slices, buttered side up. 5. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer 2 hours. 4. Lightly butter and heat a griddle or heavy skillet until 6. Add the carrots, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, hot. salt and pepper. Cover and cook until the brisket is 5. Place 2 sandwiches in the skillet and weight with fork-tender (about 45-60 minutes). another heavy pan or skillet. Brown slowly on one side 7. Uncover, add the prunes, and cook until prunes are for 2-3 minutes before turning, with a spatula, and tender (about 5 minutes). grilling the other side until brown and cheese melts. 8. Slice the brisket across the grain and serve topped with (Note: It may be necessary to add a bit more butter to the carrots, prunes and sauce. the skillet.) 6. Repeat with remaining two sandwiches. Serve immediately.

As a Member, You Can View Your Account Online For full details about your account, including your personal shipment history, charge amounts, and more, please visit www.Vinesse.com and log on via the “Your Account” link at the top right. TO ORDER CALL TOLL-FREE: 800-823-5527 HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM TO 5PM PST Vinesse 822 Hampshire Rd., Suite E, Westlake Village, CA 91361 • www.Vinesse.com