Monterey, Calif. June 2014 — HandCraft Artisan Collection celebrates summer with an entertaining guide featuring their award-winning white wines – Chardonnay and Inspiration White. Founder Cheryl Indelicato, third generation California vintner, launched HandCraft Artisan Collection with her longtime friend and Winemaker Alicia Ysais. The wines showcase Cheryl’s family roots by blending Italian heritage varietals with classic California wines.
HandCraft Chardonnay is blended with a touch of Malvasia Bianca, adding lovely white floral aromas. Inspiration White has a splash of Pinot Grigio creating a crisp wine with juicy notes of melon, nectarine, peach and a touch of lemon zest making it a refreshing wine to enjoy alone or paired with food.
Easy Recipes
Cheryl, an avid cook and consummate hostess, enjoys having friends and family at her Monterey home in the summer months and prefers to make low-maintenance, delicious hors d’oeuvres that are sure to satisfy with a chilled glass of white wine. “It’s all in the details,” says Cheryl, when asked to share some of her tips. “My guests always appreciate the small touches, like a bouquet of peonies on the patio or the handcrafted napkin rings at each place setting. I am from a large Italian family, and when feeding a crowd, I like to prep the night before and make delicious dishes that can be enjoyed family-style, and that are easy for guests to take home!” Her favorites include Roasted Corn and Black Bean Salsa paired best with Chardonnay; Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella Skewers; and Creamy Dill Dip with Crudité, with both HandCraft white wines.
Roasted Corn and Black Bean Salsa
Pairing: HandCraft Chardonnay
- 2 cups roasted corn
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsps jalapenos, diced
- 3 Tbsps cilantro, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 Tbsps lime juice
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and serve with tortilla chips
Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella Skewers
Pairing: HandCraft Inspiration White or Chardonnay
- 15 cherry tomatoes
- 15 basil leaves
- 15 Bocconcini (small fresh mozzarella balls)
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Sea salt
- 15 brochettes (small skewers)
Spear a cherry tomato with brochette skewer, follow with a basil leaf, then a Bocconcini. Repeat until all 15 are made. Place on a platter and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar; salt to taste.
Creamy Dill Dip
Pairing: HandCraft Chardonnay or Inspiration White
- 11Ž2 cup light sour cream
- 1Ž2 cup low fat mayonnaise
- 1Ž2 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1Ž4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1Ž2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsps Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper
In a bowlcombine all ingredients; add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, radishes, jicama, and cucumber.
Gift Guide
HandCraft wines are not only affordable and approachable, but also incredibly accessible nationwide. “With their crisp and fruit forward flavors, HandCraft’s white wines are perfect for sipping on a warm summer day by the pool or with good food and friends for an impromptu dinner party,” says Cheryl.
Perfect for enjoying alone, or paired with food, the wine also makes a great gift for any host or hostess:
HandCraft Chardonnay, a blend of Chardonnay grapes showcases floral and sweet honey aromas with soft hints of lemon zest, green apple, and toasty oak. The wine has been featued in Wine Enthusiast as a “Best Buy, 88 points”. With a price point at about $10, this medium-bodied wine is balanced with good acidity and a round mouthfeel, which makes it an ideal summertime gift.
HandCraft Inspiration White is a Gold medal award winner. With aromas of bright citrus, honeysuckle, peach, apricot, and green apple, this wine is best paired with strong flavors. Inspiration White is a perfect gift for those who like sweeter blends, since it’s composed of Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Moscato and Pinot Grigio.
About HandCraft Wines
HandCraft Artisan Collection wines are crafted by Delicato Family Vineyards, a family-owned California winery founded in 1924. Three generations of the Indelicato family have guided grapes from vineyard to bottle. Delicato Family Vineyards is steadfastly committed to producing and representing wines of the highest quality in accordance with sustainable winegrowing practices. Launched in early 2012, the HandCraft Artisan Collection celebrates Cheryl Indelicato’s California home and Italian heritage. For more information about HandCraft Artisan Collection visit www.handcraftwines.com, or find HandCraft on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HandCraftWines
