Blog

The best lasagna I’ve ever eaten!

I rarely follow a recipe when I cook, it’s a testament to what my mother has taught me in the kitchen; to be resourceful and creative!  I like to read cook books, look up recipes online (WineAccess has recipes and pairings), and then combine all the A-list ideas into my own creation.

This is how I made the best lasagna I have ever eaten! (Yes, I am bragging a little)  Everyone knows how to make a standard lasagna, and it is fairly easy to spice-up and re-invent.  Here is what I did to create the best lasagna EVER:

  • After the pasta has been boiled, rinsed in cold water and patted dry; toss in olive oil
  • Use half ground beef and half Italian sausage (removed from casing) for the meat-tomato sauce layer
  • Blend 2 chipotle peppers with some adobo sauce and add to the tomato sauce mixture (and 1 cup of red wine)
  • I made one layer of mushrooms in a heavy cream sauce with loads of garlic (and 1/4 cup white wine)

The only negative to this recipe (and most lasagnas) is the amount of dishes; but after 45 min at 350, dishes were done and I was ready to eat!

You might be wondering what wine to pour with this caloric feast?  Lasagna is very friendly with wine, a versatile dish that will pair well with several varietals, from many regions and all for different reasons.  A simple pairing formula to follow: your wine should either compare or contrast to your meal’s weight, texture, or flavour.  Here are a few favourites from the WineCollective archive,  that I think are matches made in lasagna heaven.

 

Wrongo-dongo

Wrong Dongo 2010

Varietal: Monastrell
Region: Jumilla, Spain
Approximate Price: $21

The spice from the Italian sausage and chipotles are paired well with the peppery nature of Shiraz or boldness of a Spanish Monastrell.

“There is some signature Spanish earthiness and spice on the mid-palate before the wine ends on some fairly rounded tannins.  This wine is not a casual sipper, it is a huge food wine. Pair with BBQ, big red meat or something equally hearty such as pasta in a tomato sauce.” -WineCollective Staff

 

Alias---chardonnay

Alias Chardonnay 2009

Varietal: Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc
Region: California
Approximate Price: $18

Match the creamy texture and richness of the cheese and garlic cream sauce with a slightly oaked and acidic Chardonnay.

“… surprisingly crisp with a very good acidity profile. The oak and vanilla notes are there but take a backseat to lemon or grapefruit citrus notes, which are complimented by stone fruit such as apricot and perhaps nectarine.” -WineCollective Staff

 

Elu

St. Supery Elu Meritage 2006

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Region: Napa Valley, California
Approximate Price: $71

The weight fullness of pasta won’t be overshadowed by an equally big wine like a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.

“Silky tannins, great, cleansing acids, and a great sense of balance from start to finish.”-Tom Firth, Wine Access National Tasting Panel Member @cowtownwine

 

Galterra---2007

Castello Sonnino Galterra 2007

Varietal: Sangiovese, Merlot
Region: Tuscany
Approximate Price: $31.59

However, when in doubt, go Italian! The high acidity of the tomato sauce pairs best with a well-balanced, acidic Sangiovese or Chianti.

“Galterra is made from a blend of 65% Sangiovese and 35% Merlot, to give an intense dark ruby-coloured wine with a spicy nose and hints of licorice and black pepper… a very versatile wine to pair with food and complements almost anything with tomato-based sauces, red wine sauces, ratatouille, mushrooms and bell peppers, eggplant dishes, spicy sausages such as pepperoni pizza…” –Linda Garson, Calgary Wine Examiner

 

All wines shown can be found at Willow Park Wines & Spirits!

 

 



Wine To The Rescue

WineCollective was pleased to attend and participate in an event that is very near to our hearts. Wine To The Rescue, an evening of awareness, fundraising, food and wine, hosted by Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS).  This was the second annual Wine to the Rescue event, benefiting the efforts of AARCS and Okotoks Pound Rescue, helping to find loving homes for dogs in need. Amber was there representing WineCollective, volunteering and pouring some of our favourite wines for the thirsty bidders.

  

Held at the  Gerry Thomas Art Gallery in the Beltline neighbourhood of Calgary,  some the groups’ most famous rescue pooches were in attendance. There was also a silent auction, great food and of course wine!


2 for 1 California Wine Tasting Deal!

Any WineCollective member can grab an exclusive deal for the California Wine Festival happening at 7pm on Friday, June 3rd at Willow Park’s Bonaventure store (10801 Bonaventure Dr SE).

Two people can get entrance to the Festival for $40 – a 50% savings and try some of the most exciting wine to come out of California!

Simply email events@willowpark.net or phone 403-296-1640 ext 4, to secure your tickets. Mention you are a WineCollective member for your 2 for 1 offer.


2 Free Tickets to a French Wine Tasting? Mais Oui!

In conjunction with our partners at Willow Park Wines & Spirits, we have a fantastic spring offer for any WineCollective member who loves French wine!

Simply email us at thecellar [ at ] winecollective.ca and we’ll reserve you two free tickets (an $80 value) to the “French Fling” at Willow Park’s Bonaventure store on April 8th at 7pm. There will be over 50 wines served and you get to sample many French cheeses as well.

All you need to be is a current WineCollective member and the tickets are yours. We have 40 tickets to give away to our members, so if you’re interested let us know!

Here is a bit more information about the fantastic wine tasting:

Once again, we have our most anticipated spring festival! This French Fling Festival makes French wine easy to enjoy and understand. Forget about the grape varieties and enjoy the flavours and diversity of these French wines by their regional characteristics. French cheeses are specially ordered and over 50 wines will be poured from Loire Valley, Champagne, Chablis, Alsace, Burgundy, Rhone Valley, Languedoc, and Bordeaux. Chef Richard Desnoyers, of the specialty grocery “Flavours of the World” will provide delectable French foods from his selection of rare meats and cheeses.