Wine of the Month: Via Ferrata

Via Ferrata means by way of iron and is also known as a rock climbing style, but more importantly Via Ferrata is September’s Wine of the Month!  My personal favorite, Via Ferrata, is a smooth, soft-bodied red wine with lingering berry notes and 2.5% residual sugar.  Joan's suggested recipe pairing this month is a relish which can be used as a side dish. 

Cranberry Pineapple Relish

20 oz. can of crushed pineapple

6 cups of fresh cranberries

1 1/4 cups of sugar

1 cup chopped walnuts

1 tablespoon of lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon of cloves

Drain pineapple juice.  Mix together 1 cup pineapple juice with 1/2 cup Via Ferrata and 1/2 cup water.  Pour liquid into a saucepan.  Add cranberries and sugar, stir until sugar has dissolved.  Continue cooking for about 10 minutes until cranberries pop open and mixture becomes thick.  Remove from heat.  Add walnuts, lemon juice and cloves.  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.  Yields 6 cups.