November 2024 Wine Club Blog

As we wrap up another year filled with laughter, great wines, and cherished memories, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Your passion and camaraderie have made our Wine Club a true family. Here’s to more shared bottles, lively conversations, and unforgettable moments in the year ahead. Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a fabulous 2025! Cheers!

“During our Thanksgiving dinner, we love to enjoy a crisp, refreshing white wine that complements the rich flavors of the meal. As Christmas approaches, we have a cherished tradition of toasting with a warm, mulled spiced wine before opening gifts. The comforting aromas create a festive atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to gather around the tree, sharing joy and anticipation as we sip on this cozy drink, surrounded by loved ones and the glow of holiday lights.”

“We joined Linganore’s Wine Club not long before I got pregnant. For nine months, we got to know the Wine Club family, and I watched my wife, Andi, enjoy all my tastings. When our daughter was born, Wine Club pickup was just four days away, and I wasn’t about to miss it! My family was in town, and we brought them to introduce our daughter, Lisy (four days old and four pounds), to our new wine family. It was such a fabulous time, and I finally got to enjoy my own glass, which tasted like heaven in that moment!”

Saperavi-Braised Beef with Root Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes

• 1 cup Saperavi wine

• 2 cups beef broth

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 carrots, sliced

• 2 parsnips, sliced

• 1 potato, diced

• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

• 2 bay leaves

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Beef: In a large bowl, combine the beef cubes and Saperavi wine. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.

2. Brown the Beef: Remove the beef from the marinade (reserve the marinade). Pat the cubes dry with paper towels. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, browning on all sides. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

4. Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the reserved marinade, beef broth, carrots, parsnips, potato, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

5. Braised Bliss: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.

6. Serve: Remove the bay leaves and thyme stems. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside crusty bread or over creamy polenta.

Enjoy your Saperavi-infused dish! This rich, flavorful meal pairs perfectly with a glass of Saperavi to bring out its deep, fruity notes.

Mountain Berry Sweet Wine Sorbet

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Mountain Berry

• 1 cup water

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries) for garnish

• Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and let it cool.

2. Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled simple syrup, Mountain Berry sweet wine, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.

3. Freeze the Mixture: Pour the mixture into a shallow dish (like a 9×13 baking dish) and place it in the freezer. After about 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up any ice crystals.

4. Continue Freezing: Return the dish to the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork until it becomes fluffy and fully frozen. This will take about 2-3 hours.

5. Serve: Once the sorbet is ready, scoop it into bowls or glasses. Garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves, if desired.

6. Enjoy: Serve immediately for a refreshing dessert that highlights the fruity notes of the Mountain Berry!

Sparkling Vignoles Winter Fruit Crisp

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 3 cups mixed winter fruits (such as pears, apples, and cranberries)

• 1 cup Sparkling Vignoles

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Crisp Topping:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Fruit Filling: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the mixed winter fruits. Add the Sparkling Vignoles, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until the fruits are well coated.

2. Make the Crisp Topping: In another bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a fork or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts.

3. Assemble the Crisp: Pour the fruit filling into a greased baking dish. Evenly spread the crisp topping over the fruit.

4. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.

5. Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, along with a glass of Sparkling Vignoles.

This cozy dessert captures the essence of winter with its warm spices and seasonal fruits.

About Wendy

Wendy has been the Wine Club Manager at Linganore Winecellars since 2019. A local resident with her children and two adorable pups, Wendy’s passion for wine knows no bounds. She dedicates herself to enhancing the Wine Club experience and orchestrating unforgettable events. With a knack for top-notch customer service, Wendy is your go-to for any inquiries. Feel free to reach out anytime and get all your questions answered with a smile.
Email: wineclub@linganorewines.com | Phone: 240-394-1836