ABOUT THIS BLOGWelcome to Compassionate Pairings, a blog hosted by www.winemafia.net and sponsored by www.gobblegreen.com! Veganism is oftentimes wrongly associated with a lifestyle devoid of indulgence. After all, vegans can’t enjoy most desserts, fine dinners, and wines, right? Oh contraire! Although many wine brands contain animal derivatives like isinglass, chitosan, casein, gelatin, egg albumen, and animal albumen, there are numerouswines that can be appreciated by vegan oenophiles. Each month Compassionate Pairings will highlight an exceptional vegan wine and offer a pairing special exclusively for readers of www.winemafia.net. Enjoy!
COMPASSIONATE PAIRINGS
June 2010
Fleur de California boasts a friendly, knowledgable staff, rich history, and divine vegan wines. Above is a picture of Francis and Kathleen Mahoney, the founders of Fleur de California, who have been dubbed wine “pioneers and visionaries”.
This month Compassionate Pairings is proud to present Fleur de California (http://www.fleurdecalifornia.com), which makes fine wines using no animal products or byproducts in its refining processes. Located in beautiful Napa, Fleur de California is a marvelous destination for vegan wine connoisseurs. Since its establishment, Fleur de California’s primary focus has been on the production of exceptional Pinot Noir wines. The current winemaker extraordinaire at Fleur de California, Ken Foster, has strengthened this establishment’s already strong reputation for creating top quality Pinot Noirs by implementing the use of small, open-top fermenters and new oak barrel regimes. The care that goes into the production of Fleur de California’s Pinot Noirs has been noted by wine critics internationally, and Fleur de California has received recognition from the West Coast Wine Competition, Riverside International Wine Competition, San Francisco International Wine Competition, San Diego International Wine Competition, and the Grand Harvest Awards to name a few. Most recently, Fleur de California received the 2010 Wine & Spirits Magazine award for Value Brand of the Year!
The 2007 Pinot Noir—Central Coast by Fleur de California is Compassionate Pairings’ vegan wine winner for June 2010.
The 2007 Pinot Noir—Central Coast by Fleur de California is a bright, fresh, and flavorful Pinot Noir. Get ready to enjoy the delectable taste of cranberries and cherries on your palate with the perfect hint of pepper and spice. The Gobble Green Staff has created a meal that complements this month’s unique wine winner, so set a date for an unforgettable dinner with friends and get ready to explore and indulge! Enjoy the following pairing special available to www.winemafia.net readers and check back next month for the July issue of Compassionate Pairings.
THE JUNE 2010 PAIRING KIT
The 2007 Pinot Noir—Central Coast by Fleur de California is the perfect beverage for this month’s feast. Save room for dessert, one of Gobble Green’s mouthwatering fudge brownies!
Appetizer: Tomato Basil Soup
First Course: Greek Salad
Main Course: “Meat” Loaf w/ steamed vegetables
Dessert: Fudge Brownie
Visit www.gobblegreen.com and search under the “Kits” category to order the June 2010 Wine Pairing Kit.
To order a Pairing Kit for more than six or for other catering inquiries, please email info@gobblegreen.com.
COMPASSIONATE PAIRINGS
May 2010
Alderbrook Winery’s tasting room is welcoming and the wine is all vegan!
“Thanks for your inquiry regarding any animal product usage in our wines. The answer is no: we do not use any animal products. The only wines we fine are our whites (Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay) for heat stability. The wines would be hazy if we did not, and the colloidal material from the haze tastes bitter. The fining agent we use for our white wines is Bentonite, which is a Montmorillonite clay.”
-Bryan Parker, Alderbrook’s winemaker
This month Compassionate Pairings is excited to introduce Alderbrook Winery (http://www.alderbrook.com), an award winning vineyard and winemaking production facility located in charming Healdsburg, California. Owned by the Terlato Family, who founded the Alderbrook brand in addition to four other prestigious wine labels, Alderbrook has received international notoriety for producing high quality, cruelty-free wines. The San Francisco Chronicle has awarded seventeen medals to Alderbrook wines since 2003 and the label’s Russian River Pinot Noir is regularly lauded for excellence in prestigious industry publications like Wine News and the Wine Report.
The 2007 Old Vine Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley by Alderbrook Winery is Compassionate Pairings’ vegan wine winner for May 2010.
The 2007 Old Vine Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley by Alderbrook Winery is an exquisite zinfandel that is aged expertly for 15 months in French Oak barrels. It is a juicy beverage with spicy black pepper and brambly berry overtones. The 2007 Old Vine Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley by Alderbrook Winery is a soft wine that goes well with a variety of foods. The Gobble Green Staff has created a perfect meal to go with this month’s wine winner, so you are in for a real treat! Enjoy the following pairing special available to www.winemafia.net readers and check back next month for the June issue of Compassionate Pairings.
THE MAY 2010 PAIRING KIT
The 2007 Old Vine Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley by Alderbrook Winery is guaranteed to enhance this month’s featured spread, with a hearty first course of Gobble Green’s popular Mediterranean Couscous.
Appetizer: Red Pepper Hummus w/ Grilled Pita Bread
First Course: Mediterranean Couscous
Main Course: Gourmet “Chicken” Burger w/ Steamed Vegetables
Dessert: Peach Cobbler
Visit www.gobblegreen.com and search under the “Kits” category to order the May 2010 Wine Pairing Kit.
To order a Pairing Kit for more than six or for other catering inquiries, please email info@gobblegreen.com.
COMPASSIONATE PAIRINGS
December 2009
The staff at Cave Spring Vineyard writes, "You'll be happy to know that our wines are indeed vegan friendly. We do not use any animal, milk, egg or fish based products in the making of our wines. So please enjoy, and tell your friends!"
This month Compassionate Pairings is pleased to highlight Cave Spring Vineyard (http://cavespring.ca/), a stunning Canadian winery located in Jordan, Ontario. Established more than three decades ago by the Pennachetti family, today Cave Spring Vineyard is one of the top producers of Riesling in North America and is widely considered to be one of Canada’s finest wineries. Cave Spring Vineyard produces five types of wine: Niagara Peninsula blends, NiagaraEscarpment selections, premium Estate Bottled bottles, an exclusive CSV label made in small amounts using the finest fruit from Cave Spring Vineyard’s oldest vines, and Specialty Wines which include dessert beverages and sparkling drinks. Cave Spring Vineyard wines are all vegan friendly and have received glowing reviews in prestigious publications internationally, such as Wine Spectator, London Free Press, Chatelaine, The Globe and Mail, and The Washington Post.
The Pennachetti family makes sure that Cave Spring Vineyard contributes to the local community by hosting several events throughout the year on the winery’s beautiful grounds. Some popular gatherings include the Complimentary Sample of the Month, Wrapped Up in the Valley, and Auld Lang Wine. Cave Spring Vineyard is also a favorite location for brides and grooms, who appreciate the breathtaking outdoor scenery and the convenience of having the upscale hotel Inn on the Twenty located on the premises for wedding guests. Public tours of Cave Spring Vineyard are available daily at 3pm between June 1 and September 30 and are given at 3pm exclusively on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between October 2 and May 31.
The 2007 Riesling from Cave Spring Vineyard is Compassionate Pairings’ vegan wine winner for December 2009.
Cave Spring Vineyard is famous for its exquisite Rieslings, so we wanted to give our readers a real treat this holiday season by featuring Cave Spring Vineyard’s 2007 Riesling in our December 2009 pairing kit. The 2007 Riesling, winner of Compassionate Pairings’ vegan wine award for December 2009, boasts a full taste with hints of peach, apple, and apricot. Enjoy the following pairing special available to www.winemafia.net readers and check back next month for the January issue of Compassionate Pairings!
THE DECEMBER 2009 PAIRING KIT
Enjoy a Happy, Cruelty-Free Holiday!
Appetizer: “Meatballs”
Salad: Festive Chickpea Salad
Main Course: Holiday Seitan Roast served with Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, and Biscuits
Dessert: Pumpkin Pie
Visit www.gobblegreen.com and search under the “Kits” category to order the December 2009 Wine Pairing Kit.
To order a Pairing Kit for more than six or for other catering inquiries, please email info@gobblegreen.com.
COMPASSIONATE PAIRINGS
November 2009
Proprietors Dick and Mary Ferraro say “our wines do not contain any animal ingredients and animal products such as isinglass and gelatin are not used in the processing/filtration of our wines.”
This month, Compassionate Pairings turns the spotlight on Ferraro Cellar (http://www.ferrarocellar.com), a winery in Newberg, Oregon. Ferraro Cellar was established in 2002 by Dick and Mary Ferraro, who personally operate the vineyard with sons Tony and Dominic. The Ferraro family is particularly proud of creating truly handcrafted wines which reflect the commitment, care, and gentle handling that goes into each bottle. Although Ferraro Cellar is a relatively new winery, the Ferraro family’s passion for wine coupled with the vineyard’s ideal location in the heart of the Columbia Valley Appellation has resulted in excellent wines which are already gaining notice. Tours of the Ferraro Cellar vineyards are only available with advance request, but the Ferraro Cellar tasting room located at the Dark Horse Wine Bar is ideal for tasting the wines produced by this small, meticulous family operation.
The Mista Rosa from Ferraro Cellar is Compassionate Pairings’ vegan wine winner for November 2009.
Ferraro Cellar specializes in premium red wines. One of their premier products is the Mista Rosa, which is a full bodied blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Mista Rosa, the November 2009 Compassionate Pairings’ vegan wine award winner, is a dry wine with fruity nuances. It is the perfect beverage to serve with your vegan Thanksgiving dinner, as it will enhance each course with its smooth, subdued taste. Enjoy the following pairing special available to www.winemafia.net readers and check back next month for the December issue of Compassionate Pairings!
THE NOVEMBER 2009 PAIRING KIT
Mista Rosa from Ferraro Cellar paired with a Vegan Thanksgiving spread by Gobble Green is sure to leave even omnivore guests satisfied. Enjoy a Happy, Cruelty-Free Thanksgiving!
Spoil yourself this Thanksgiving with a four course spread from Gobble Green.
Appetizer: Vegetable & Tofu Pot Pie
Soup: Tomato Basil Soup
Main Course: Vegan Turkey with Cranberry Sauce
Dessert: Pecan Pie
Visit www.gobblegreen.com and search under the “Kits” category to order the November 2009 Wine Pairing Kit.
To order a Pairing Kit for more than six or for other catering inquiries, please email info@gobblegreen.com.
COMPASSIONATE PAIRINGS
October 2009
Proprietor Kay Simon says “We at Chinook Wines are aware of concerns regarding animal products in wine, and for that reason NONE of our wine offerings contains any animal-based fining agents.”
This month, Compassionate Pairings is proud to feature Chinook Wines (http://www.chinookwines.com/). Located in the cozy town of Prosser, Washington, Chinook Wines is a stunning facility which is clearly operated by a passionate staff with extensive viticulture expertise. Chinook Wines was founded by husband and wife team Clay Mackey and Kay Simon in 1983 and has since blossomed into one of the premier North American vineyards for wines derived from Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Semillon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Cabernet Franc is especially difficult to grow and requires a great deal of care and attention from the moment that the fruit bursts forth until the final product is securely bottled. Chinook Wines has mastered the difficult production of Cabernet Franc. For this reason, Compassionate Pairings’ October 2009 vegan wine award goes to Chinook Wines’ 2007 Yakima Valley Cabernet Franc.
One of the wine varieties mastered by Chinook Wines is Cabernet Franc.
The 2007 Yakima Valley Cabernet Franc washes over the palate with an invigorating taste combination of sweet berries and rustic oak. This marvelous beverage is a wonderful introduction to Cabernet Franc and is sure to delight casual dinner guests and picky oenophiles alike. Enjoy the following pairing special available to www.winemafia.net readers and check back next month for the November issue of Compassionate Pairings!
THE OCTOBER 2009 PAIRING KIT
2007 Yakima Valley Cabernet Franc from Chinook Wines paired with a Gourmet Vegan Four Course Meal by Gobble Green
Enjoy warming vegetable soup and delicious lasagna from Gobble Green with the heavenly 2007 Yakima Valley Cabernet Franc from Chinook Wines.
Appetizer: Stuffed Red Pepper
Soup: Signature Vegetable Soup
Main Course: Lasagna
Dessert: Dark Chocolate Cake
Visit www.gobblegreen.com and search under the “Kits” category to order the October 2009 Wine Pairing Kit.
To order a Pairing Kit for more than six or for other catering inquiries, please email info@gobblegreen.com.
COMPASSIONATE PAIRINGS
September 2009
Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery proprietors proudly state that vegans “can enjoy our wines without hesitation!”
This month, Compassionate Pairings is shining the spotlight on Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery (http://www.brysestate.com/). Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery is a boutique establishment located in Traverse City, the heart of Michigan’s majestic wine country. The climate is ideal for winemaking on Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula, which experiences fewer weather extremes than the rest of the state due to its proximity to Lake Michigan. Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery proprietors Walter and Eileen Brys personally planted their first vines in 2001 and officially opened their tasting room in 2005. Today, the vines take up a 31 acre expanse on the 80 acre Brys Estate property. Brys wines have received numerous accolades including a Gold Medal from the Tasters Guild International, Double Gold from Michigan Wine & Spirits, Gold Medal from the Jefferson Cup, and Best Wine Discovery from the Wine Appreciation Guild.
The vineyard at Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery is now 31 acres.
Brys Estate wines are entirely grown and bottled on the property. In fact, Brys is the only winery in Michigan which currently meets the highest standard of 100% Old Mission Appellation. The vineyard produces Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The 2007 Pinot Noir/Riesling, a sweet wine from Brys, received the coveted Gold Medal at Indy International and is Compassionate Pairings’ featured vegan wine of September 2009. The 2007 Pinot Noir/Riesling has a tropical flavor with a touch of tangy citrus. Enjoy the following pairing special available to www.winemafia.net readers and check back next month for the October issue of Compassionate Pairings!
THE SEPTEMBER 2009 PAIRING KIT
2007 Pinot Noir/Riesling from Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery paired with a Gourmet Vegan Four Course Meal by Gobble Green
Enjoy scrumptious pasta salad and delicious sesame tofu and vegetables from Gobble Green with the sweet 2007 Pinot Noir/Riesling from Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery.
Appetizer: Vegetable spring roll
Salad: Pasta and Vegetable Salad
Main Course: Sesame Tofu and Vegetables
Dessert: Carrot Cake
Visit www.gobblegreen.com and search under the “Kits” category to order the September 2009 Wine Pairing Kit.
To order a Pairing Kit for more than six or for other catering inquiries, please email info@gobblegreen.com.
COMPASSIONATE PAIRINGS
August 2009
a’Becketts is an English vineyard that is approved by The Vegan Society.
This month, Compassionate Pairings is proud to highlight the English vineyard a’Becketts (http://www.abecketts.co.uk). Located in the scenic village of Littleton Panell, a’Becketts produces fine vegan wines using Pinot Auxerrois, Reichensteiner, and Sevyal Blanc grapes for whites and Pinot Noir and Dunkelfelder grapes for reds. Vineyard owners Paul and Lynn Langham have a passion for winemaking and are dedicated to providing consumers of a’Becketts wine with top quality beverages sans animal byproducts. Their efforts have been recognized with accolades from the prestigious English and Welsh Wine of the Year Award Competition and the Wessex Vineyards Association Wine of the Year Competition. The 2005 Estate Blend, a dry white wine comprised of 55% Reichensteiner and 45% Pinot Auxerrois, from a’Becketts actually received the coveted Gold Medal at the Wessex Wine of the Year Competition in 2006 and is Compassionate Pairings’ featured vegan wine of August 2009. The 2005 Estate Blend is smooth and aromatic with fruity undertones. Enjoy the following pairing special available to www.winemafia.net readers and check back next month for the September issue of Compassionate Pairings!
THE AUGUST 2009 PAIRING KIT
2005 Estate Blend from a’Becketts Vineyard paired with a Gourmet Vegan Four Course Meal by Gobble Green
Enjoy a main course of nutritious and delicious Pasta Primavera from Gobble Green with the exquisite 2005 Estate Blend from a’Becketts Vineyard.
Visit www.gobblegreen.com and search under the “Kits” category to order the August 2009 Wine Pairing Kit.
To order a Pairing Kit for more than six or for other catering inquiries, please email info@gobblegreen.com.