Introducing
Varietal of the Month
November: Chambourcin
If you know Chambourcin, you know why it's worthy of its own month. If you don't know Chambourcin, now is the time to give it a try. 
A cluster of Chambourcin grapes hang from the vine. Photo by James Fashing. This medium-bodied, red wine is the perfect gateway to dry red wines. Fruity (think cherry) and earthy with soft tannins, this wine is great on its own but even better with food. Pair with pork, burgers or red sauced pasta. Top it off with mushrooms to bring out the earthiness of the wine. Take Chambourcin to the tailgate, bonfire or have on hand as your go-to red house wine. This food-friendly wine is also a great option during the holidays, both for pairing with meals and for gifts. Be sure to sample this varietal or pick up a bottle next time you are visiting Missouri Wine Country! Stay tuned for more varietal education, coming in 2013!
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Pumpkin-Palooza
Pumpkin-shrimp bruschetta with goat cheese (recipe below). Photo courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens website.
Aside from being a staple in the fall decor lineup or carved into various facial expressions, fall's golden (err, orange ...) child is quite tasty, too! That's right, pumpkins can be more than delicious fodder for pies and breads. Plus, they are good for you! Missouri Wine has rounded up some interesting recipes featuring the seasonal favorite that range from appetizers to entrees to desserts!
For these recipes, canned pumpkin will work just fine. However, if you prefer to use fresh pumpkin, try to select a small to medium size pumpkin with a deep orange color. Make sure the stem is in tact and that the pumpkin does not appear bruised or "bad" on the skin. This website offers some great tips on selecting and preparing your cooking pumpkin.
Pumpkin-Shrimp Bruschetta (pictured)
Shrimp. Pumpkin. Goat cheese. Arugula. Could this appetizer be more delectable? Pick up a freshly baked baguette from your local bakery to perfect this recipe.
Pair with: Missouri Sparkling
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
This famed comfort food has reached a whole new level! Topped with walnuts and Fontina cheese, this dish will satisfy everyone at the dinner table.
Pair with: Chardonel
Pumpkin-Chorizo Pizza A delicious blend of herbs, spices and pumpkin puree replace the traditional pizza sauce for this dish. Use a pizza stone if you have one!
Pair with: Chambourcin
Pumpkin and Ginger Soup
This simple soup only uses a handful of ingredients, but packs a flavorful punch with ginger, coconut milk and a dash of chili powder.
Pair with: Vignoles
Pumpkin Chicken Chili
Slightly spicy, totally savory and perfect for a chilly afternoon! Add chicken or leave it out to make this chili vegetarian-friendly.
Pair with: Traminette
Pumpkin Pancakes
On those crisp fall nights that breakfast is for dinner, whip up these fluffy cakes. Top with syrup and crushed almonds for a sweet and savory meal.
Pair with: Concord
Pumpkin Crescent Rolls with Honey Butter
These light and savory rolls are a perfect compliment to a fall meal, or as a standalone treat. Plus, they can be made ahead if you're feeding a crowd!
Pair with: Catawba
Chocolate-Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
A match made in culinary heaven? Seems like it. Using crumbled chocolate wafer cookies as the crust, these creamy bars will be a hit at your next fall get-together!
Pair with: Vignoles
Check out this website for even more unique pumpkin-centric recipes. Enjoy!
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Gift Giving Guide - part 1 of 4
DIY Wine Items
The holidays are steadily approaching, and this season, Missouri Wine wants to give you plenty of time to find or create the perfect gift for every special person on your list. This gift-giving list features do-it-yourself items for you craft-mavens out there. Several of these items can also be purchased from online outlets such as Etsy. Get creative and have fun. There's nothing like a handmade gift from the heart!
Wine Bottle Chandelier This is a gorgeous way to "up-cycle" your old wine bottles. You can make your own chandelier to give as a gift, or purchase one, such as this light fixture, which is found on the Missouri Wine Pinterest page.
Wine Bottle CreationsDecoupage recycled bottles with paint of your choice or use chalkboard paint to personalize your gifts. You can also get creative with kitchen or bath decor and turn recycled bottles into soap or lotion dispensers. Quirky CorksFollow these steps to creating a cork bordered picture frame. Play with the size of the frame and the width of the border to make your gift unique! Include a personal message, a fun wine-related quote or a photo of you and your gift recipient !
Wine StoppersHave you seen these door knob bottle stoppers? What a useful and creative gift for the wine-lover in your life! Craft stores have a large selection of knobs, just keep in mind the size of your corks when purchasing the decorative knobs. Try this method, or use the super glue method for smaller knobs. Cork LettersThe monogram craze is still in effect! Use wine corks to create the initials of your pal by following these directions. Use red wine corks to add a little pop of color!
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White Mule Winery Receives Agricultural Achievement Award
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon presented the Governor's Award for Agricultural Achievement to Charlie Schlottach (right) of White Mule Winery. Photo courtesy of Missouri Department of Agriculture.
Gov. Jay Nixon recently recognized Charlie Schlottach and White Mule Winery with the Governor's Award for Agricultural Achievement. The award "honors outstanding farmers, growers and processors for their work with agricultural commodities and their communities," according to a Missouri Department of Agriculture press release. In the same release, the Governor was quoted: "Agriculture has always been, and will always be, the heart of Missouri's economy, and agri-tourism businesses like White Mule Winery are a big part of the reason why," Gov. Nixon said. "Missouri farmers create jobs, support their communities and grow our economy. The farmers, ranchers and producers of Missouri are moving our state forward through innovation and are creating new opportunities for our future. Missouri's Director of Agriculture, Dr. Jon Hagler accompanied Gov. Nixon as they toured White Mule Winery and presented Schlottach with a certificate that recognized his support of Missouri agriculture and his contributions to Missouri's agri-tourism industry. White Mule is located in Owensville, Mo., just off Highway 50. The winery opened in 2011 and boasts several acres of grapes, a Bed and Breakfast next door, and of course, a pair of white mules. To learn more about the Governor's Award for Agricultural Achievement and Missouri's agricultural economy, please visit MO.gov.
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New Wine Trail
Mississippi River Hills
Photo courtesy of the Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail.
Six Southeast Missouri wineries have joined together to create Missouri's newest wine trail, Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail, and the group is planning a number of enjoyable events to enhance the appeal of the region as a winery destination.
Wineries on the trail include three in Perry County, The Barrens Winery in Perryville, Hemman Winery in Brazeau and Tower Rock Vineyard and Winery in Altenburg, and three in northern Cape Girardeau County, Rothbrick Winery in Jackson, Hunter Valley Winery in Cape Girardeau and Apple Creek Winery in Friedheim, which plans to open in November.
"The six wineries are alike in that we all are family owned and operated, but each has its unique appeal. Together we offer a diversity of experiences and wines, from dry and semidry varieties to sweet and fruity offerings. Among the six of the wineries, there's something for everyone," said Bonnie Hemman, co-owner of Hemman Winery and original organizer of the trail.
The trail's first event, "A Taste of the Holidays," is scheduled 12 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 10 and 11. Each of the six wineries will offer a fine wine perfectly paired with a savory holiday treat, ranging from cheese fondue to glazed meatballs to desserts. Event tickets are now available at each of the wineries. A ticket purchased in advance is $20, and $25 if purchased the days of the event; a ticket for a designated driver is only $15. Ticket price includes a souvenir wine glass, while supplies last.
Participants can start the trail event at any of the six wineries, and those who have their ticket stamped at all six wineries during the two days are entered to win a lavish gift basket.
"We invite folks to kick off the holiday season with an event that allows them to visit six wineries over two days' time to sample a variety of wines, delicious foods and a range of experiences," Hemman said.
Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail is Missouri's eighth wine trail. It winds 40 miles, from the center of Perry County southward through northern Cape Girardeau County. While there is beautiful scenery to behold, the trail has easy access to U.S. Interstate 55 and U.S. Highway 61 and is only 75 miles south of St. Louis and less than 10 miles north of Cape Girardeau. Information about the trail is available at mississippiriverhillswinetrail.com.
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Winetail Recipes
Paris of the Plains Cocktail Festival
The 2012 Paris of the Plains Cocktail Festival was held August 22nd - 27th in Kansas City. The week-long festival celebrated KC's best bartenders, restaurants, bars, music and more. New to the 2012 festival was a showcase of Missouri Wines at the Winetails Dinner on Saturday, August 25, at The American Restaurant. The remarkable dinner was designed by Chef Debbie Gold, and was paired with cocktails made with Missouri wines. The "wine-tails" were created by Doug Frost, Jamie Jamison and the staff of the American Restaurant.
We will feature these creative drink recipes throughout the next few Missouri Wine newsletters. Impress your friends with these wine-tails at your next holiday event!
French American 75
Serve in a Champagne Flute
1 oz. Plymouth Gin
1 oz. simple syrup
1 oz. fresh lemon juice
Top with about 2.5 ounces of Missouri Brut (this recipe used Les Bourgeois Brut)
Ted Kilgore's Summer Sage-Collins
3 oz. Missouri Traminette (this recipe used Noboleis Traminette 2011)
¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
½ oz. St. Germain elderflower liqueur
½ oz. Green Chartreuse
¼ oz. Batavia arrack
2 dashes Fee Brother's Grapefruit Bitters
6 - 8 sage leaves
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State Fair Recipe Winners Wrap Up
Here are the third place winners from the Missouri Wine Just Desserts contest and Cooking With Missouri Wine contest from the 2012 Missouri State Fair. We had some delicious dishes this year and appreciate everyone who entered. Until next year, keep on cooking with Missouri Wine! Cooking With Missouri Wine 2012 Third Place: CHICKEN PENNE PASTA Tami Walk, Sedalia, Missouri 
Just Desserts Contest 2012 Third Place:
BLACKBERRY PIE WITH BLACKBERRY WINE Maxine Griggs, Sedalia, Missouri  These recipes have not been tested by Missouri Wines.
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Winetinerary
Ozark Mountain Wine Trail and Beyond
The Ozark Mountain Wine Trail is located in southwest Missouri and is comprised of nine wineries within the Ozark Mountain AVA (American Viticulture Area). Established in 2007, the OMWT has grown as more wineries are added to the area. There are several other wineries throughout the southwest region of the state that are not on the trail, too! So download that Missouri Wine app, round up your friends and start exploring!
Begin your wine trail journey at 7C's Winery, located in Walnut Grove, and browse their gift shop after sampling their wines. Your next stop will be Tyler Ridge Vineyard Winery, in Springfield, when you can relax on the porch after tasting wine in their refurbished farmhouse (built in 1905). Also in Springfield is OOVVDA Winery, which offers a variety of wines to sample, including some great fruit wines! Then head east to Whispering Oaks Vineyard and Winery, located in Seymour, Mo., and take in the picturesque scenery.
The next part of your trip starts at Lindwedel Wine Garden, located in Branson. Enjoy a peaceful visit as you overlook the bustling city below before traveling to Lewsi Winery, in Galena. At Lewsi, taste small-batch wines while overlooking Table Rock Lake. Head northwest to Williams Creek Winery, in Mount Vernon, Mo., where you'll sample wines in a relaxed atmosphere right off of I-44. Nearby, is White Rose Winery, in Carthage. Doubling as a Bed and Breakfast, you can stay for an afternoon or an entire weekend! Your last stop on the OMWT is Keltoi Vineyard, located in Oronogo, Mo. Cap off your journey by relaxing at this peaceful 40-acre winery, taking in the scenery and sampling hand-crafted wines.
While you're in Branson, be sure to visit Mount Pleasant Winery, where you can bottle your own wine, and Stone Hill Winery, where visitors are guided through the step-by-step process of winemaking. Mountain Grove Cellars, located in Mountain Grove, Mo., is a winery supported by the Missouri State University Campus at Mountain Grove. Tasting is by appointment only.
A fun journey awaits! As always, it's a good idea to call the wineries on your list ahead of time to confirm hours, and don't forget to download the Missouri Wine app for easy navigation. Enjoy!
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Winemaker Connection
Brian Hutson of Twin Oaks Vineyard & Winery
For our latest installment of the Winemaker Connection, Brian Hutson of Twin Oaks Vineyard & Winery took the time to answer our questions. Be sure to pay attention to his favorite food and wine pairing below!
How long have you been making wine? "I have been a winemaker for six years." How and where did you learn to make wine? "Mostly I was self taught. I love wine and winemaking, so I have always done lots of reading. I found the VESTA program, and their instructors, to be very helpful." What did you do before becoming a winemaker (if anything)? "Before becoming a winemaker, I had been a fish farmer. I have always loved the outdoors and farming. My family also had a steer operation, which I helped with. Farming is in my blood." Describe yourself in three words. "I see myself as dedicated, adventurous and honest." What is your favorite wine to make? "My favorite wine to make is Traminette. It's always a little bit of a challenge." What is the toughest challenge about winemaking in Missouri? "With the Missouri weather, fighting against frost, mold and drought is always a fight. Ending the season with quality fruit is always a big challenge." Is winemaking an art or a science? Or both? "Both art and science. Chemistry is very important, but I love the science of blending and the various flavors the wine develops." What is your favorite food and wine pairing? "My favorite pairing is with my Mom's turkey at Thanksgiving. Mom bastes the turkey continuously while baking with our Traminette Dry. It is so juicy and tender ... we all love it! We serve the turkey with a chilled bottle of Twin Oaks Traminette dry and for our family that likes a sweeter wine, our Twin Oaks Semi-Sweet Vignoles." If you didn't make wine, what would you do? "If I were not a Winemaker, I would be a professional fisherman. In my spare time, I compete in Bass tournaments."
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Passport Program ending soon
Time is running out to receive credit for your current Missouri Wines passport! Participants have until December 31, 2012, to acquire stamps and codes and enter them into the online program to receive credit for winery visits.
Stay tuned for details on a new passport program beginning in 2013.
Thank you for making this program such a success! If you have any questions, please call 800-392-9463 or email missouri.wine@mda.mo.gov.
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Locapair
Chambourcin (sham-bor-san)
The Chambourcin grape is a French-American hybrid. The grapes produce a dry to semi-dry red wine that has spicy, earthy characteristics and fruity aromas. It pairs well with pork dishes, red sauces and sausages.
The apple, dried cranberry and cinnamon flavors in this baked dessert will dazzle your taste buds. An earthy, fruity Chambourcin will compliment the richness of this dish.
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Out and AboutWhat are you doing this weekend? Check out these great events at a Missouri Winery near you! |
Vino Vocab
Big: A wine is described as big when it is full of body, flavor, color and acidity.
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Award Winners
Have you checked out the 2012 Missouri Wine Competition winners? Click here to see our ultimate list of Missouri wine stars!
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