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 19

Number 1 ©Vinesse Wine Club 2011 The SKU 17124 GrThe Officiala Newsleptter forevine Viinesse Wiine Club Members Exploring ’s Langhe Valley

How to Organize Your Home Wine Collection

The Grades of Beef and Their Wine Equivalents

Style: Why Real Maple Syrup Is So Expensive

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 www .V i n e s s e T o d a y . c o m 2 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com

Our Mission: To uncover and bring you wine gems ditor s ournal from around the world, which you’re E ’ J not likely to discover on your own, and which enhance your wine enjoyment. Steaking Claim to the Your Grapevine Team: Intrepid Wine Enthusiast, Chief Best Grades of Beef Taster and Winehound: Martin Stewart By Robert Johnson Chief Operating Officer (aka “The Buck Stops Here”): he type of beef Lawrence D. Dutra T that a restaurant Editor: serves can make all the Robert Johnson difference between a Wine Steward: memorable meal and a Katie Montgomery dining disaster. The Grapevine is published by Vinesse, 822 Hampshire Road, Suite E, Westlake Beef is graded by the United States Village, CA 91361; 1-800-823-5527. Department of Agriculture, and as Copyright by Vinesse, LLC. Printed in USA. No responsibility is assumed for loss or is the case with school work, grades damage to unsolicited materials. matter. The higher the grade, the better the beef. Be good to the planet Fortunately, most restaurants realize this and focus on only the two highest recycle grades of beef (there are eight grade recycle levels in all). If you see “USDA Prime” There are other factors to consider. listed on the menu, you’re about to When beef is dry-aged — that is, Charter Member enjoy one of the best steaks of your hung in a cold space for around three Benefits: life. More likely, the restaurant will weeks — it concentrates the flavors. serve USDA Choice, which is less That calls for a concentrated wine, The Grapevine Newsletter expensive but still of exceptional and that brings Cabernet back to the Premium wine selections at quality. forefront. members-only prices In food and wine pairing, we Cooking style also influences the Wine tasting as a participant sometimes match opposites on the wine selection. If the steak is grilled in on VINESSE’s Gold Medal aroma and flavor spectrum — for butter, for instance, you’d be amazed Award Panel example, an off-dry or slightly sweet by how nicely it would pair with a Free subscription to VINESSE’s wine with a spicy Chinese or Tex-Mex big buttery Chardonnay. That’s right: Cyber Circle Community dish. But when it comes to beef, I’m white wine with beef. Random giveaways of wine more inclined to pair “big” with “big.” Sometimes the greatest challenge and accessories So if you’re fortunate to be dining is learning what type of beef the on USDA Prime, you may as well go restaurant serves. If the grade isn’t Wine Finders Reward — all the way and uncork a big, bold listed on the menu, ask. If the identify a future wine selection and earn a reward Cabernet Sauvignon. This is no time manager doesn’t know or doesn’t for subtlety. want to tell you, you don’t have to Perfectly matched recipes for Likewise, if the beef is USDA stick around. featured wine selections Choice, you may opt instead for a After all, you wouldn’t order a Free wine tasting nice bottle of Merlot or Pinot Noir, or bottle of wine at a restaurant without perhaps a well-aged Cabernet. knowing who made it... would you? Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 3

Tips for Organizing Your Wine Cellar

ou’ll be busy with spring cleaning wines that would benefit from several months to several Y soon enough. Meanwhile, take some years of aging. Think of this area as your “wine library,” a time to organize your wine cellar (or closet place to explore every so often, or when a special occasion is coming up. Keep Cabernet Sauvignon bottles with other or rack) so you won’t have to deal with it Cabs, Merlots with Merlots, and so on. at the same time as everything else. On the other side of your storage area, place all of your The more bottles you have, the more important it is to bottles that you intend to drink sooner rather than later. keep them organized for optimum enjoyment. These are your “house wines” (wines that you enjoy often So what’s the best way to accomplish this goal? with dinner or for casual sipping), joined by bottles that Obviously, it depends on the size have been moved over from the of your collection. The bigger the “library” because their time has stash, the greater the organization come. required. But for most of us, a Rather than organizing these simple two-area approach works. wines by type, arrange them No matter how you choose to by “drink by” date. Obviously, store your wine, make sure the you don’t have to drink them bottle labels are clearly visible. You in the order you set up, but want to be able to see not only the this type of system provides an name of the maker and the type of easy-to-understand road map for wine, but also the vintage. consumption, and helps prevent On one side of your cellar, cooler, wines from being stored beyond basement or closet, place all of the their prime.

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 • Latest edition of The Grapevine newsletter Price: Only $12-$15 average per bottle plus shipping

To learn more about this Club, call 800-823-5527 or visit www.Vinesse.com 4 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com

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 Exceptional Wines Help Put members of the original Remote Winery on the Map American Cellars Wine Club were very satisfied with their ltamura Vineyards and Winery, established in 1985 monthly selections, some Aby Frank and Karen Altamura, is the only winery in wanted more, and they Wooden Valley, which is located within the Napa Valley were willing to pay for it. appellation.

The Altamuras are Napa natives who wide at its widest point. It’s located Each Élevant Society take a hands-on approach to every nine miles northeast of the town of shipment includes: step of the growing and winemaking Napa, and is reached by a winding process. Thus, a natural production mountain road that originally was • 2 or 4 bottles — your choice — limit is established and the wines show carved into what was called Napa of super-premium wines, mostly off the couple’s deep commitment to Mountain by Chinese laborers in the big and bold red varieties or reflecting the terroir of their Wooden 1800s. The valley is bordered by the blends Valley Ranch. Vaca Range to the east and “Napa • Detailed Tasting Notes for each Wooden Valley is a small, almost Mountain” to the west. featured wine round valley, approximately two miles The warm summer days in Wooden • Latest edition of The Grapevine newsletter

Frequency: Approximately Monthly

Price: $84.94 average per shipment plus shipping

To learn more about this Club, call 800-823-5527 or visit www.Vinesse.com Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 5

Valley are cooled by dramatic fog working at Caymus for five years,” banks that pour over the palisades, Altamura said. “We developed many along with mid-afternoon breezes grape varieties — from Burger to which can produce temperatures as Zinfandel — refining the concepts much as 10 degrees lower than the of soil and climatic influences, and Napa Valley average. This results in a growing for quality rather than long growing season. quantity. Wooden Valley was named for “As we worked to get the most John Wooden, a giant among men from each vineyard site, I learned at 6-foot-8, who purchased the area that it was important not to have pre- in 1852 from Jose Ignacio Berryessa conceived ideas about what to expect and became its first resident owner. from a vineyard, but rather to discover Originally from Virginia, Wooden the flavors that the vineyard offered. traveled west in a wagon train that My job now as a winemaker is to embarked from Missouri in 1846. successfully get those flavors into the Today, Wooden Valley is reminiscent bottle.” of an earlier age when cattle roamed More than 20 years later, richly Wines that match the hillsides; orchards, grain and textured Altamura Cabernet Sauvignon the season hay grew in the fertile soil; and the and Sangiovese are lauded for their children were educated in a one- intensity and silky integration of Summer — wines for room schoolhouse. Winegrapes were the elements unique to each of the barbecues, picnics or just for first planted in 1905, but pulled vineyard sites on the ranch. sipping. Fall — wines for hearty, out 30 years later during the Great Many of the early vintages of harvest-time dishes. You get the Depression. Cabernet were sourced from a historic In 1985, the Altamuras began Wooden Valley vineyard that had idea. All wines are selected by our planting 65 acres of their 400-acre been settled by members of Karen Tasting Panel to pair beautifully ranch to vineyards with a clear Altamura’s family in 1855. Frank with the foods you love. emphasis on Cabernet Sauvignon. sensed the long-term potential for this The five main soil types on the ranch growing region and began extensive Each shipment includes: lay the foundation for six distinctive site selection research within the Napa • 4 bottles of specially-selected Cabernet vineyards, all producing Valley to ensure optimal vineyard wines wines with varying texture and flavor development on the ranch. profiles, and all of which are blended They then began their adventure, • Detailed Tasting Notes for into a single wine. taming what had once been a cattle each featured wine Also planted are Sangiovese, ranch by clearing 65 acres and • Latest edition of The Grapevine Nebbiolo and Sauvignon Blanc planting to Cabernet Sauvignon and newsletter in optimal soils for each varietal. Sangiovese on six sites. Caves were • A special surprise gift Altamura’s vineyards sit at an dug and meticulous construction elevation range of 800 to 1,000 feet. began on the stone winery. Wine Color Mix: Frank Altamura’s lifelong pursuit as Lured by the natural beauty and Reds, Whites, or Mixed a winemaker is fueled by his passion rural atmosphere, the Altamuras found for viticulture. He began working with their home in Wooden Valley. Frequency: his cousin, a vineyard manager, right 4-times per year, plus a special out of high school and knew that this Winery 4-1-1 would be his life’s calling. holiday shipment

Formal viticultural training began Altamura Vineyards Price: at Sterling Vineyards in 1976, as he and Winery began to explore what winemakers 1700 Wooden Valley Rd. $89.95 average per were looking for from the vineyard. Napa, CA 94558 shipment plus shipping This concept was further developed 707-253-2000 from the winemaker’s perspective at To learn more about The winery is not open to the Caymus with mentor Charlie Wagner. this Club, call 800-823-5527 “Growing up in Napa Valley and public. Please call to inquire surrounded by farming, my most about current vintages. or visit www.Vinesse.com influential experience came from 6 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com

The Hidden Secrets of Italy’s Langhe Region

iedmont, Italy’s largest winegrowing region, hides Abbiazia dell’Annunziata; and in the P within itself the Langhe, a self-contained and unique shops located in the castle of Grinzan. landscape wedged between the Ligurian Apennine to the , the hometown of one- south, the Tanaro River to the west and north, and the time Italian President Luigi Einaudi, is admired as much for the Dolcetto province of Asti to the east. which comes from its wine cellars as The Langhe offers a varied the winegrower, the central figure of for the neoclassical brick buildings of landscape of hills and valleys of this land which produces Italy’s most its most famous architect, Schellino. remarkable fertility and beauty which famous wine, Barolo, from the local Diano D’Alba is another name have given rise to a refined culinary Nebbiolo grape. associated with the richly flavored tradition. You may come across the Vineyards are everywhere in the Dolcetto wine. “Langhe” name when tasting some Langhe, from Grinzane to Monforte, of the distinguished products made from Serralunga to Barolo, from there: the Barolo, Barbaresco, Dolcetto Castiglion Falletto to , and Moscato wines; the and from Novello to . hazelnut and the delicious sweets that Winegrowing is a continuous effort it inspired; or the Alba truffle. which shapes and changes both the Every hill chain and valley has its landscape and the inhabitants of the own unmistakable identity and has Langhe. produced its own dialect, customs and When contemplating the process traditions, all of which add up to a of winemaking, you will discover small universe rich in surprises. the continuity of ancient traditions, ■ The Langhe of Barolo and the signs of an ancient farming Dolcetto — On the main square of civilization whose products and La Morra, itself a balcony boasting artifacts can be admired in the wine one of the most spectacular views cellars of Grinzane, La Morra and of the Langhe, rises a monument to Barolo; in the farming museum of the TTOURINGOURING TIPS TIPS Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 7

■ The Langhe of Barbaresco — The These are the most secluded parts gentle hills which enclose the Tanaro of the Langhe, more like mountains vinesse Valley and form a gateway to the than hills and rich in mushrooms, town of Alba are the first harbinger of chestnuts and undisturbed a rougher, more mountainous Langhe. silence. The High Langhe Meadows, The sun-drenched slopes produce woods and hazelnut groves fill Nebbiolo grapes which, after maturing the landscape of the High or Alta in oak barrels in one of the many Langa, which can be reached from wine cellars that dot the hills, will Alba through Montelupo, Serravalle, become Barbaresco wine. , and Sale The slopes that remain hidden in Langhe. List the shade are covered with woods Side trips may lead you to Lequio Hot Chianti Winery Tour. and hide another Langhe delicacy: the Berria, , 1The Fontodi wine estate in Alba truffle. From the top of its hill, , , , Panzano-in-Chianti, north of the small town of enchants with , , Siena, offers a wonderful tour that its Roman and Baroque buildings, or , where the includes a visit to the cool cellar and opens the view upon the lands of search for a special rustic restaurant and ends in a tasting room that another famous wine, Moscato. or a local treat — such as Tuma offers breathtaking views of the ■ The Langhe of the Moscato — cheese from Murazzano or hazelnut surrounding vineyards. Because This area stretches across the hills cake from any of the local bakeries production is limited, Fontodi’s of , Cossano, — has become a favorite weekend amazing “Super Tuscan” wine, and Mango, and has been activity. known as Flaccianello della Pieve, made famous by the writer Cesare Lodging in the Langhe offers may not be available to taste. But Pavese, who was born in Santo numerous options. Locals recommend the Chianti Classico definitely will Stefano Belbo in 1908. The art the Hotel Villa Beccaris, which sits on be, and it alone is worth the trip — of Pavese remains linked to this a hill overlooking a vast expanse of along with the gorgeous scenery, of landscape, whose beauty he has sung grapevines. Room rates begin at $294. course. in his novels A House on the Hill, For a memorable meal, visit 39-055-852005 Holiday in August, and The Moon and Belvedere restaurant, which also Hot New Sonoma County Tasting the Bonfire. offers vineyard views. The classic 2Room. Audelssa Estate Winery ■ The Langhe of the Piedmont cuisine includes selections opened its new tasting room Hazelnut — Located at such as vitello tonnato, porcini and in time for the holiday season. the confluence of the Bormida and white truffles. The elegant space is located in Uzzone Rivers is the capital of the And when in Barolo, be sure to the historic Poppe Building in Langhe round hazelnut. The hazelnut check out the museum that is devoted “downtown” Glen Ellen, Calif., is celebrated during an August festival to the wonders of viticulture. After all, a small town in Sonoma County. when the perfume of the hazelnut you ventured to the Langhe for the Designed by co-owner Linda cake fills the winding streets of quaint wine; the friendly accommodations, Brewer and Denise Nelson, the Cortemilia. fabulous dining and magnificent stylish room occupies 1,000 Of Roman origin, the town of scenery are just a bonus. square feet and provides visitors Cortemilia boasts a small architectural with a beautiful setting to sample jewel, the church of the Pieve For Further Audelssa’s wines. Madonna, and a medieval tower with Information www.audelssa.com the remains of a castle that overlooks Hot Wine Book. With so many Hotel Villa Beccaris the town. wonderful wines coming out of Starting from Cortemilia, you may Monforte d’Alba 3 www.villabeccaris.it Argentina these days, it was only follow the course of the Uzzone River, a matter of time until someone encountering the quiet stone-built Belvedere Restaurant published a comprehensive towns of Pezzolo, , La Morra book about touring Argentine Gorrino and . Further still, www.belvederelamorra.it wine country. That book is Vino you’ll come upon the sanctuary of Argentino, written by Laura Catena, Todocco. Along the course of the river General Information who was born in Argentina and Bormida, you’ll pass through Torre www.piemonteitalia.eu educated in the United States. Bormida, Levice, and then www.chroniclebooks.com . 8 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com

wine Vinesse Style AtoZ Maple Syrup n case you were wondering why that bottle of pure I maple syrup is priced more like a brick of pure gold orizontal Wine Tasting. A these days, it’s all about cycles. tasting of a group of wines from H As Dana Wildes, a fourth- difficulty estimating when that the same vintage or representing generation Vermont maple syrup period will arrive, and the ultimate the same style of wine (such as all producer, result is less Chardonnays). recently told sap. cewine. Canadian wine made National This creates a Ifrom frozen grapes. (Canada has Geographic perfect storm: It trademarked the term as a single magazine, “We takes 40 gallons word. In other parts of the world, it go through of sap to make cycles, and a single gallon is two words.) we’re in a of syrup. Less ustin. A winery in Paso Robles, cycle.” sap means less JCalif., recently acquired by Many believe syrup, and less Fiji Water. Known primarily for that climate syrup, combined a Bordeaux-style blend known as change is the primary culprit, as the with high demand, means sky-high “Isosceles.” critical springtime “freeze-thaw” prices. process that sap goes through has Once you’ve had real maple syrup orbel. A Sonoma County maker declined by about 10 percent (or 3.2 — whether dark, light or medium Kof sparkling wine. days) in the past 40 years. in hue — there’s no going back to ieu-dit. French term for a named Simply stated, the process supermarket brands of syrup that involves a maple tree’s sap freezing contain little or no maple. And that vineyard site, typically below L overnight as air temperatures dip, only exasperates the problem by Grand cru level. and then thawing out during the further increasing demand for the uscadine. A variety of wine, warmer daylight hours. Knowing real thing. Mpopular in Arkansas and a when to “tap” the trees — when For a pancake, waffle or French few other states, that’s noted for its the sap is at just the right stage — toast lover, it’s a gastronomic and somewhat “foxy” quality, while also takes years of experience. But even economic conundrum with no easy being sweetly refreshing. veteran syrup producers are having solution.

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: • Latest edition of The Grapevine newsletter • Santa Ynez • Mendocino Only $12-$15 average per bottle plus shipping • Monterey ... and More! To learn more about this Club, call 800-823-5527 or visit www.Vinesse.com Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 9

vinesse® appellation showcase Castilla-La Mancha

Join us for an incredible wine journey! Each Shipment Takes You to a Different Corner of the Wine World! Taste Exquisite Boutique ocated in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, Castilla-La Wines... Savor Each Country’s LMancha is the “homeland” of the most daring and famous Winemaking Tradition... and literary knight: Don Quixote of La Mancha, main ambassador Collect Some Souvenirs! of an unknown land — a land that hides surprises in every corner, on every valley, plain and mountain. Each shipment Any of the five provinces that shape Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot also is includes: the Castilla-La Mancha community is becoming fashionable. worth a visit, discovering its customs Critics are still heralding the • 6 bottles of specially selected and festivals, its rich craftsmanship imminent coming of age of this wines from one country or and its varied gastronomy, region, but what most fail to realize is region of the wine world underwritten by products with a that it already has arrived. • Detailed Tasting Notes for each “Guarantee of Origin.” You can’t talk about Castilla- The big daddy of them all is aptly La Mancha without mentioning a featured wine named D.O. La Mancha, the largest Spanish classic, D.O. Valdepeñas. • Latest edition of The Grapevine single wine region in the world. Its Situated in the south of La Mancha, newsletter gargantuan dimensions spread into Valdepeñas has been known for its four different provinces, allowing false reds or “aloques” — wine made for not only lots of wine, but a great from a mix of mostly white grapes Wine Color Mix: deal of variety, too. with a few reds. But Valdepeñas fell Reds, Whites, or Mixed The most widely planted grape is out of style as the demand for true a white variety called Airén. It has quality rosé increased. Now, its “real” Frequency: never been highly regarded, but reds, made mostly from Tempranillo, when given a little pampering (and offer very good quality for the price 6 times per year some modern technology) this tiny of a beach ball. fruit can produce very tasty and Castilla-La Mancha also is home Price: crisp wine. to Spain’s first private wine regions, $122.94 per shipment That said, the future of La called vinos de pago — single- Mancha’s fame resides in its estate wineries with their own rules plus shipping reds. Winemakers employ mostly and regulations: D.O. Dominio de Tempranillo (often called Cencibel Valdepusa and D.O. Finca Elez. The To learn more about in these parts, so don’t be confused wines are more select, as can be the this Club, call 800-823-5527 by the wording on the label), but prices, but they are some the best or visit www.Vinesse.com increased blending with Cabernet Castilla-La Mancha has to offer. 10 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com

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Percentage of the acreage in Napa County that is planted to grapevines. That’s roughly 45,000 out of 485,000 9 acres devoted to winegrowing. he Rutherford Dust Society How many of America’s TBoard of Directors has states have wineries? I can’t strengthened its long-standing Qimagine that Alaska, for commitment to supporting instance, would have any. local community projects in the Rutherford AVA by increasing Better start imagining! There its donations overall by over actually is winemaking 60% in 2010. This includes a Aactivity in Alaska, just as 95% increase in donations to the there is in each of the other 49 states. historic Rutherford Grange to assist As recently as 1975, there were 16 with its restoration project. “We states where no wine was made. No are strong believers in supporting the community in which we live,” says more. Quality varies widely from RDS President Robin Baggett. “Rutherford is a small community with a big region to region and state to state, heart, and we are committed to offering a helping hand.” The society is but there is “homegrown” wine to be spearheading the effort to restore the Napa River and its ecosystem. had regardless of which state border you may pass. ver hear of Pierre Peters Champagne? How about EJean Milan? Or Larmandier-Bernier? Chances are good ver the years, the wine clubs that you haven’t, unless you frequent hip restaurants and Oof Vinesse have featured notice them on the by-the-glass list. The aforementioned numerous bottlings crafted at sparklers are among the group of wines known as “Grower wineries owned Champagnes,” and while they may not always be as by South Africa refined as the more famous names in French sparkling wine pioneer wine, they can be packed with personality. In the Graham Beck. Champagne region, there are approximately 19,000 So we are growers, most of whom farm very small plots and sorry to report sell their crop to the big Champagne houses. But Beck’s death about a quarter of those growers keep their crop and at the age of make their own bottlings, typically in very small 80, following a quantities — rarely enough to export to the United long battle with lung cancer. Most States. So when you have an opportunity to sample a of Beck’s wine production was “Grower Champagne,” give it a try. And enjoy your centered in the Stellenbosch and meal, because chances are you’ll be in a very good Franschhoek growing areas of South restaurant. Africa.

You meet a great person at a festival, (then don’t see) him for “a year and you need to get the conversation started... That’s the time for a great bottle of wine. That gets you talking. — Mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile of Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers, quoted in W”ine Spectator. Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 11

food & wine pairings

FERRARI-CARANO & WINE DINNER

here’s no better way to enjoy fine wines than at the fastest-growing T a dinner featuring a menu that was developed specifically to complement those wines. club in vinesse history! We like to share wine dinner ■ First Course — Mixed Sonoma menus with you to help get your Valley Organic Greens with candied A club for people who enjoy creative juices flowing in the kitchen walnuts, crispy veal sweetbreads and a touch of sweetness in — because every dinner is better quince balsamic vinaigrette. Wine: their wines. with wine, and spectacular with the 2005 Reserve Chardonnay, Carneros. right wine. ■ Second Course — Roasted Wines that are lighter in style, The date was September 13, 2008. Duck Breast on Swiss chard with a sometimes sparkle, It was the annual Sonoma County fig gastrique. Wine: 2006 Sky High occasionally blush, and are Wine Country Weekend. The Ferrari- Ranch Pinot Noir, Mendocino Ridge. simply fun to drink. Carano winery was hosting a special ■ Entrée — Rack of Sonoma Lamb Wines selected from top Harvest Dinner starring five of its PreVail Reduction Sauce, with gratin wines. potatoes and butter braised garden regions around the world. Here’s a look at the menu on that carrots with thyme. Wine: PreVail magical evening... Back 40, Alexander Valley. Each shipment ■ Appetizer Course — Scallop ■ Dessert — White Chocolate includes: Carpaccio with basil oil and opal Apricot Crème Brulee with vanilla- basil. Also, Seared Day Boat Scallop infused apricots and topped with a • 2 bottles of delicious with garlic crème and pea shoots. white chocolate custard. Wine: 2006 light-and-sweet wines Wine: 2006 Fiorella Chardonnay, Eldorado Gold, Sonoma County. • Detailed Tasting Notes for each Russian River Valley. featured wine • Latest edition of The Grapevine newsletter Wine Color Mix: Mostly White; Occasionally Blush/Pink or Sparkling Frequency: Approximately Every Other Month Price: Only $12 average per bottle plus shipping

To learn more about this Club, call 800-823-5527 or visit www.Vinesse.com 12 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com The Grapevine

CABERNET BEEF STEW 7. Take meat out of the stew pot and reserve. Pour rest of the liquid through a strainer into another pot. Beef stew is a wonderful wintertime dish, and this 8. Degrease the cooking liquid. version is made with and pairs perfectly with Cabernet Sauvignon. 9. Taste the sauce. Salt and pepper to taste. 10. Mix cornstarch and water together. Add this to Ingredients the stewing liquid, and bring to a boil, stirring until • 3½-lbs. boneless stew meat, cut into 1½-in. thickened. squares 11. Add meat back in and serve. • Flour, salt and pepper • 3 tablespoons cooking oil • 2 cups sliced onions JUMBO SHRIMP w/HERB BUTTER SAUCE • 1 cup sliced carrots This recipe serves 4, and matches beautifully with • 4 cups Cabernet Sauvignon California Chardonnay. • 2 cups beef stock • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and diced coarsely Ingredients • 16 jumbo shrimp • 2 cups stewed tomatoes • Salt and black pepper, to taste • 2 bay leaves • 2 sticks butter • 1 teaspoon dry thyme leaves • 1 teaspoon tomato paste • 2 tablespoons cornstarch, dissolved in • 1 teaspoon lime juice 2 tablespoons cold water • 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley Preparation • 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill 1. Dry meat and coat in flour; discard excess. Salt and • 2 tablespoons finely chopped basil pepper meat to taste. • 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives 2. Heat oil in a large stewing pot. When oil is very hot, • 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic add meat in a single layer. • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 3. Brown meat 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until it’s • A few drops of Tabasco, to taste brown on all sides. Take out meat and reserve. • ¼ teaspoon Paprika 4. Add 2 tablespoons oil to pan and add onions and Preparation carrots. Saute vegetables until golden, stirring as 1. Preheat grill to high. needed. 2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. 5. Add some wine to stew pot, scraping browned bits 3. Place on grill and cook until crisp, about 2 to 3 and pieces off bottom of pan. Add meat back in along minutes per side. Place on dish and keep warm. with the rest of the wine, the stock, garlic, tomatoes, 4. Melt butter in medium saucepan. bay leaves and thyme. 5. Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, and simmer 6. Bring the stew to a simmer and cover. Simmer 2½ to 3 on low heat for two minutes. hours, until meat is very tender when pierced by a fork. 6. Pour over cooked shrimp and serve.

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