Eve's Wine 101

GRAND RAPIDS DISTILLER AWARDED TOP HONORS for WHISKEYS, MOONSHINES

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids-based distiller Sip Shine, LLC, which produces Sip Shine Moonshine, Kyodie Whiskey and Gannett Peak Whiskey, is the winner of twelve 2022 PR%F Magazine Awards for best brand cocktails.

The Fourth Annual PR%F (pronounced “proof”) Awards Spirits, Wine & Beverage competition winners were recently announced in the January edition of PR%F the Magazine. The judging, by beverage buyers from 18 different states, was held in November at the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The judges work as buyers for all types of outlets, including restaurants, bars, casinos, grocery stores, resorts, cruise ships and more.

Out of hundreds of competition entries, Sip Shine products earned four gold and two silver medals in the “Masked” competition and six silver medals in the “Unmasked” competition. The “Masked” designation was a double-blind tasting competition, that focused simply on the taste of the beverage and was based on a 100-point system. Gold medals were given to beverages that scored between 91-95 points. Silver awards were given to beverages scoring between 85-90 points.

The “Unmasked” competition was not only based on taste, but the total package of the product, including art design, theme, marketing, logo, look and feel, and price point.

The Sip Shine beverages that were recognized are:

Masked

• Kyodie Whiskey – Peach – Gold Award

• Kyodie Whiskey – Ravin’ Apple – Gold Award

• Sip Shine – Razz-Berry Shineade – Gold Award

• Sip Shine – Shine Berry Sweet Tea – Gold Award

• Sip Shine – Arnold Shiner – Silver Award

• Sip Shine – Watermelon Chillade – Silver Award

Unmasked

• Kyodie Whiskey – Peach – Silver Award

• Kyodie Whiskey – Ravin’ Apple – Silver Award

• Sip Shine – Arnold Shiner – Silver Award

• Sip Shine – Razz-Berry Shineade – Silver Award

• Sip Shine – Shine Berry Sweet Tea – Silver Award

• Sip Shine – Watermelon Chillade – Silver Award

Late last year, Sip Shine relocated its distilling for all brands from Iowa to Michigan. Sip Shine products can be found at many area retailers and restaurants, and the company plans to open a restaurant on the west side of Grand Rapids this summer. Sip Shine Moonshine Slushie machines can also be found at various venues including VanAndel Arena and LoanDepot Park, home of the Florida Marlins.

Sip Shine is readily available for consumers in over 30 states and nationally through online purchase on the website www.sipshine.com.

Perlises Pick Wine at Mazzocco Sonoma and a Surprise from Winemaker Antoine Favero

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As mentioned in our previous article, one of the benefits of staying at the Briar Cottage is that it made it that much easier to get to our scheduled visit with Mazzocco Sonoma winemaker, Antoine Favero. All it took was a short stroll over to the Mazzocco tasting room.

We were a little early, so Mazzocco’s tasting room attendant, Simon, got us started. His knowledge of the wines along with his droll humor helped to make the experience especially memorable. All of the wines described below except for the last two are single vineyard as designated in their names. Our visit was right after the 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Mazzocco-Sonoma, as usual, won an amazing number of medals, as indicated below – some noted are from the 2022 competition.

2020 Stuhlmuller Reserve Chardonnay – 100% Chardonnay from the flats of the southwestern edge of the Alexander Valley AVA, near the Chalk Hill and the Russian River Valley appellation boundaries. This wine spent 22 months in French Oak and had a bouquet of fragrant white peach with notes of banana and apricot. Gold Medal winner at the 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

2019 Aguilera Zinfandel – 79% Zinfandel, 21% Primitivo from the valley floor of the Dry Creek Valley AVA, next to Unti winery off Dry Creek Road. Fruit forward and very approachable with ripe raspberry notes from the Primitivo.  Gold Medal winner at the 2022 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

2019 Stone Zinfandel – 100% Zinfandel from a vineyard at 350 feet elevation of the Alexander Valley AVA next to the Frances Ford Coppola winery in Geyserville, off Highway 101.  Pretty cranberry juice color, red berry and currant notes and a medium finish.

2019 Sullivan Zinfandel – 96% Zinfandel, 4% Petite Sirah – at 300-350 elevation, this 7 ½ acre vineyard from the Dry Creek Valley AVA is within view of the Mazzocco Sonoma winery. With dark red, blackberry notes and a medium to long finish, this wine was awarded a Double Gold Medal at the 2022 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

2019 Thomas Reserve Zinfandel – 96% Zinfandel, 4% Petite Sirah from the acclaimed Rockpile AVA, near Lake Sonoma at about 1,300 feet elevation. Deep garnet color, intense plum flavor. Very lush and fruit forward with a long finish. Gold Medal winner at the 2022 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

2020 Pomo Reserve Zinfandel – 93% Zinfandel, 7% Petite Sirah also from the Rockpile AVA, this vineyard is named for indigenous people. Huge notes of red berry and bing cherry, along with jam and a touch of chocolate. Still young but very good structure and an elegant finish. Gold Medal winner at the 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

2020 Juan Rodriguez Reserve – 90% Zinfandel, 6% Primitivo, 4% Petite Sirah from the Dry Creek Valley AVA. One of the Los Tres Amigos Special Reserve bottlings. This one is named for Mazzocco’s vineyard manager. Only 3 barrels (75 cases) were produced of this truly special occasion wine. Smooth, full, rich with jammy notes and deep dark fruit.

2020 Caz – 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Zinfandel, a blend of fruit from several Dry Creek Valley vineyards. These two varietals complement each other very nicely, working in harmony to produce a rich well-balanced wine. Gold Medal winner at the 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

As always, Antoine’s wines are full-bodied and delicious, certain to please all levels of wine drinkers. Speaking of Antoine, somewhere in the middle of the tasting, he joined us. In the middle of catching up on matters both personal and wine-related, he got a certain gleam in his eyes. “What are you doing tomorrow afternoon?” he asked.

‘Nothing”, we replied.

Truthfully, we actually did have the next day’s afternoon open, although we might have changed our plans regardless if we had any.

Mazzocco Sonoma

www.mazzocco.com

1400 Lytton Springs Rd

Healdsburg, CA 95448

To be continued…

Michael and Karen Perlis have been pursuing their passion for wine for more than 30 years. They have had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show them the way and after a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as they possibly could, they had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Michael and Karen do their best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers.

Reviewing the New Smith-Madrone 2018 Riesling

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Before tasting the latest Riesling from Smith-Madrone I was reminded of a time years ago when I attended a Riesling class and food pairing. The wines were from one winery in the Mosel region of Germany (grown on steep hillsides similar to Smith-Madrone) and I remember that only the last couple of wines we sampled could be described as sweet. It was eye-opening for me at the time as I had assumed all Rieslings to be sweet, prior to taking my first wine certification classes, and was pleasantly surprised to learn that I was wrong.

I was equally – and very pleasantly – surprised when I had my first Riesling wine from Smith-Madrone. The 2017 Smith-Madrone Riesling review of mine is here and here is the fact sheet for the 2018 that I’m tasting with you today. Below are my tasting notes and below that is information from the winery.


2018 Smith–Madrone Riesling Tasting Notes

13.3% alcohol, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley

The wine is the color of pale gold, and sparkly, making it very appealing. On the nose, which I detected from about three inches away, I was reminded of sweet Meyer lemons, ripe grapefruit, wet pebbles in a stream, a touch of pineapple, talcum powder and Golden Delicious apples. I was anxious to taste the wine and immediately noted its rich mouth-coating viscosity, a lot of that Golden Delicious apple I found on the nose, as well as more pineapple, less lemon, with a mild to medium acidity that held on for a nice long finish. It wasn’t bone dry or sweet; instead it had a nice sweet spot that I thought would pair well with a cheese board, pasta in a cream sauce, fried chicken or all by itself!

From The Winery

The wine is all estate Spring Mountain District fruit, 100% Riesling, grown at an elevation of 1,300-1,900 feet, with slopes angling up to 34%. The vineyard is partially dry-farmed and most of the Riesling was planted on its own rootstock…the same hands cleared, planted, tend and make the wine…for the last fifty years.

Only 1,611 cases made. SRP is $36.00.

Winemaker Charlie Smith describes the wine: The 2018 Riesling opens with abundant floral notes buttressed by underpinnings of lime, lemon and exotic oranges. This delicate, fetching aroma leads one to expect a wine on the lighter, more delicate side and, when tasted, this expectation is confirmed. On the palate the wine is stylish and elegant, demonstrating a brilliant acidity that is at once fine and lively, tasty and fun and not the least off putting. The acid feels just right; it’s very much like biting into a delicious, crunchy Riesling flavored apple. For a wine of this delicate construction, it still manages to retain a solid core of vibrant fruit. It’s svelte and elegant, it’s drinking beautifully now and shows great promise for the future.

Smith-Madrone was founded partly on the premise of making great Riesling (i.e., not to dis the Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay!), given its mountain site and steep slopes. Stu Smith describes the effort to market Riesling as Sisyphean…and to that point beginning with the 1983 Riesling vintage Smith-Madrone went where no other American winery would go for the next 17 years – changing the label from Johannisberg Riesling to “just” Riesling, and essentially outlasting the BATF and prevailing with that name.

Smith-Madrone’s Riesling is one of perhaps less than ten Rieslings grown/made in the Napa Valley.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Eve Discovers: Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC Wines

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As part of the Simply Italian Great Wines Tour, and organized by I.E.E.M. International Event and Exhibition Management, a group of over 40 wine bloggers, sommeliers and buyers attended a Master Class at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas that was devoted to the Montepulciano wine grape that is used in D’Abruzzo DOC wines. Before tasting seven organic and 100% Montepulciano wines, we learned a few things about the DOC from Master of Wine Brandon Tebbe and Davide Acerra with the Consorzio Tutela Vini d’Abruzzo. (Consorzio President Alexander Nicodemi was also in attendance.)

What We Learned

For my wine 101ers, before I give you my notes from the class let me clarify for you that the Montepulciano grape grown in the Abruzzo region of east central Italy is not the same grape found in the town named Montepulciano, which makes a wine mostly from Sangiovese grapes. Now, some of what we learned in bullet points:

  • This was the first time these wines have been tasted in Las Vegas. All are looking for importers.
  • There are approximately 250 wineries in the DOC, 10,000 grape producers, and 35 wine cooperatives.
  • The area has mountains on one side and the Adriatic Sea on the other. Lots of different terroirs. The current predominant area for vineyards is in Chieti that has gravel, sand and clay soil and is located near the sea.
  • Over 30% of the region is protected by four parks – three national and one regional. There are protected areas and nature reserves.
  • There are 1,000 square meters of grape growing area in total and its “rich in diversity” due to the big mountains on the west and the sea to the east.
  • Today we focused only on the red Montepulciano grape – 80% of the area produces this grape. The region also produces seven white grape varieties of wine.

What We Tasted

Tebbe talked us through a tasting of seven wines. He explained that they were very diverse in aromas and flavors. My husband Eddie also attended and some of the tasting notes below are his:

2021 Jasci and Marchesani AZ Agrobiologica: From a small family winery with sea-facing vineyards. Flavors were fruity, vanilla scented and quite dry. Eddie thought it was a great value at $20 a bottle, with red fruits, tannins and a medium finish.

2021 Santo Stefano by Cantine Mucci: Spent 6 months in 100% new American oak. A lot of bacon on the nose and mouth as well as black fruit and chocolate. An interesting wine. Eddie noted the ruby color, tobacco and oak on the nose, and a good balance.

2019 Rosarubra Vigne Lomanegra: This was my favorite wine in the tasting, and I had a chance to enjoy it again over lunch. A single vineyard wine, which had 24 months in barriques. It was quite juicy with black fruit, rose petals, vanilla, and just lovely to linger over. Eddie noted a lighter nose, with flavors of dark fruit, tannin and medium finish.

2019 Pasetti Tenutarossa: Grown at 1,650 foot elevation, and 12 months in bottle before release. The wine showed notes of mint, sour cherries, prunes and chocolate. Eddie got earth on the nose and dark fruit, tannins and acidity on the palate. He also thought it ageable and a good value wine at $15 to $22 a bottle.

2018 Talamonti SRL Tre Saggi: We were told that the words Tre Saggi translate to mean Three Wise Men. This wine was held for three years before release: one in 300-liter French barriques, the next in 300-liter French oak barrels and the last year was spent resting in the bottle. Both red and dark fruit, oak, and lots of tannins. On the nose Eddie got leather, a lushness, well-structured and ageable.

2018 Cantine Agriverde Plato: While the Three Wise Men took three years before release this wine was held for six: two years in stainless steel, two more in French oak barrels and the final two years resting in bottle. Lots of coffee, vanilla, cloves, cocoa adding up to a very dry and dark wine. Eddie found the wine earthy, balanced, structured and long lasting on the finish.  

2017 Cantina Frentana Costa Dei Trabocchi Vallevo: Our last wine was the oldest, proving that these wine could and should age. I found sour cherry notes in both the aroma and flavor, with the addition of spice and vanilla. This wine showed more fruit over tannin for Eddie, with a good balance and long finish.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Review: Piper Sonoma Brut NV

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Love reviewing bubbly, and this time it was a Piper Sonoma Brut NV from Sonoma! Below are my tasting notes, information from the winery and a Brut-ish cocktail recipe for those that dare! (Note: my sample arrived packed in Styrofoam, which left a bit of “snow” on the bottle. I left it for the photograph as it was winter and I thought it apropos!)

Piper Sonoma Brut NB (SRP $22)

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes

Evaluated in a wine glass as opposed to a flute, the bubbles clung to the edges and center of my glass and the color was a pale lemon yellow. Aromas reminded me of peach, cantaloupe melon, kiwi, Bananas Foster and a wet sandy beach, all very interesting. Going in for a taste I noted fleshy ripe peaches, pears and lots of lemons, then toasty French bread with orange marmalade jam. A mild to medium acidity allowed for an extensive length that simply danced on my palate until I returned for another taste. Nicely done.

From the Winery

For nearly 40 years, Piper Sonoma has been handcrafting sparkling wines using Méthode Traditionnelle, the same technique used to craft the best Champagnes, but with a personality that is pure Sonoma. Here, creativity and individuality can run rampant, tempered only by an ingrained respect for the land and community.

It’s delicious on its own and is the perfect foundation for memorable mimosas, as well as seasonal cocktails like our “Winter in Sonoma” (recipe below and attached).

Winter in Sonoma

3oz Piper Sonoma Brut NV

1oz Gin

1oz Fresh clementine juice (1 juiced clementine)

1/2oz Winter simple syrup

1tsp fresh ginger zest Rosemary sprig

*Serve in coupe glass*

Instructions: Combine all ingredients (except Piper Sonoma) in ice-filled mixing glass and stir until cold. Strain into glass and top with Piper Sonoma Brut. Garnish with Clementine wheel and rosemary sprig.

Winter Simple Syrup (recipe makes 1 cup):

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

1 tsp whole cloves

2oz fresh ginger chunks

1 rosemary sprig

Instructions: Combine water, herbs and spices in a saucepan and bring to boil. Simmer for 10 minutes, then add sugar. Once sugar has dissolved, remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes before using. Strain syrup into container. Can be stored in refrigerator for 2 weeks. 

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Sidewalk Side Spirits Wants a Bite of the Flavored Whiskey Market

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NEW ORLEANS /PRNewswire/ — Spirits Brand Incubator company, Sidewalk Side Spirits, on the heels of their highly successful launch of their Gambino’s King Cake Rum Cream, announces the creation of Hardhide Ponchatoula Strawberry Whiskey.

Sidewalk Side Spirits to take a bite out of the flavored whiskey market with Hardhide Ponchatoula Strawberry Whiskey

Hardhide Ponchatoula Strawberry Whiskey is a blend of 3-year wheat bourbon, American light whiskey, Cocktail & Son’s Lemon Strawberry Syrup, and fresh Ponchatoula Strawberries. It’s blended at 86 Proof in New Orleans at the Porchjam Distillery. Not an underproof, sugar bomb of artificial flavors like so many others, Hardhide is a flavored whiskey for whiskey lovers. Delicious in Lemonade, on the rocks, or in a Strawberry Old Fashioned, Hardhide makes for a tasty, smooth cocktail. Perfect for home entertaining or any bartender’s tool kit.

“Ponchatoula is known as the Strawberry Capital of the World,” said John Eason, CEO of Sidewalk Side Spirits. “Through our whiskey, we hope to tell the story of this beautiful town known for strawberry farms, the World-Famous Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, and its beloved Alligator named Hardhide, who lives smack dab in the middle of downtown Ponchatoula”.

Hardhide’s beautiful packaging was inspired by a commissioned original painting by renowned New Orleans artist, Frenchy. Frenchy is a fixture in and around New Orleans and famous for his artwork and philanthropy.

Hardhide Ponchatoula Strawberry Whiskey will be distributed by RNDC in Louisiana, Texas, Florida, and Georgia. Best Brands will distribute the brand in Tennessee. More states to come online after the next strawberry harvest in Q1 of 2023.

In the spirit of giving back, Sidewalk Side Spirits will form “Friends of Hardhide”, a charity that will donate 2% of the profits to the care and improvement of Hardhide’s quality of life. Artist Frenchy will be selling replicas of the original Hardhide art and be donating a portion of those proceeds to the “Friends of Hardhide” as well.

ABOUT SIDEWALK SIDE SPIRITS

Sidewalk Side Spirits is a spirit’s brand incubator company founded in 2020 by spirits industry veteran John Eason and the owners of Cocktail & Son’s, Lauren Myerscough, and Max Messier. It’s 1st brand was a collaboration with Gambino’s Bakery, the King of King Cakes to create award winning, Gambino’s King Cake Rum Cream. To know more go to www.sidewalksidespirits.com

Tasting Argentina’s Domaine Bousquet Reserve Certified Organic Wines

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I’ve sampled wines from Argentina before, and organic wines from the area as well, so when I received bottles of new 2021 vintages of a Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec all from organic fruit found in the Uco Valley I looked forward to trying them. The winery, Domaine Bousquet, sent some information and I found more details on the wines from their website that I’ve shared here. My tasting notes are also below.

From the Winery

Domaine Bousquet’s 100% estate-grown/bottled wines from the winery’s Reserve line is the foundation on which the Domaine Bousquet winery was built. Domaine Bousquet’s 667 acres of vineyard has been certified organic from the get-go, and now twenty-five years on…Domaine Bousquet’s Reserve wines hail from estate vineyards planted at elevations of 4,000 feet and up and offer older vines, great body and concentration, structured tannin in the reds, a deep flavor and increased aging capacity. All three enjoy nationwide distribution (including Southern in OH, and Burke Beverage in IL)

Tasting Notes

Domaine Bousquet Reserve Certified Organic Chardonnay 2021 / SRP $18

From tech sheet: 100% Chardonnay, 13% alcohol, made with “purchased organic fruit from the Uco Valley in the high Andean foothills”, unoaked, sandy loam soil. 90 points and Best Value award from Wine Spectator.

EB: Sparkly gold in the glass, enticing. Sweet Meyer lemon, pineapple chunks, Mandarin orange, cold wet stones, white pepper all on the nose while the flavors included bruised yellow Delicious apple, lemon-lime hard candy, with both fresh citrus and tropical fruits, a nice mouthfeel, mild acidity and great viscosity.

Domaine Bousquet Reserve Certified Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 / SRP $18

From tech sheet: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% alcohol, made with “purchased organic fruit from the Uco Valley in the high Andean foothills”, unoaked, gravel and sandy loam soil. Best Value award from Wine Spectator. (The bottle also had a gold sticker on it that read 91 points from James Suckling.)

EB: Crushed blueberry, ripe blackberry and somewhat sweet plum fruits on the nose, followed by wet rich earth, tree bark, grilled mushroom, black licorice and my spice rack – when my husband Eddie opens up everything to season a steak. The taste reminded me of those same dark fruits I found in the aromas, as well as a hint of grilled green bell peppers, a lot of spiciness, some sweetness and gripping tannins. Considering how young this Cab is I found it very approachable and drinkable now.

Domaine Bousquet Reserve Certified Organic Malbec 2021 / SRP $18

From tech sheet: 100% Malbec, 14% alcohol, made with “purchased organic fruit from the Uco Valley in the high Andean foothills”, unoaked, sandy soil. 90 points from Wine Spectator. (The bottle also had a gold sticker on it that read 91 points from James Suckling.)

EB: Very dark purple opaque color, with notes of earth, blue to black fruit, black pepper, tobacco, very dark chocolate and espresso on the nose. Tasting the wine I was met with juicy dark fruits, a good mouthfeel, lots of spice, tannins and a lingering finish that held a strong balance of both the fruit and spice.

More From the Winery

Domaine Bousquet: Transformation + Sustainability, High-altitude Terroir, Organic Fruit and a French-Argentine Profile

A 1990 vacation in Argentina was all it took. For third-generation winemaker Jean Bousquet (Boo-SKAY), it was love at first sight. The object of the Frenchman’s desire: the Gualtallary Valley, a scenic, remote, arid terrain high in the Tupungato district of the Uco Valley in Argentina’s Mendoza region, close to the border with Chile. Here, where the condors fly and not a vine in sight, Bousquet discovered his dream terroir, an ideal location in which to nurture organically grown wines.

With altitudes ranging up to 5,249 feet, Gualtallary occupies the highest extremes of Mendoza’s viticultural limits. Fast-forward to the present and wine cognoscenti recognize it as the source of some of Mendoza’s finest wines. The same could not be said when Jean Bousquet first set eyes on this cool-climate locale. Back then, it was virgin territory: tracts of semi-desert, nothing planted, no water above ground, no electricity, and a single dirt track by way of access. Locals dismissed the area as too cold for growing grapes. Bousquet, on the other hand, reckoned he’d found the perfect blend between his French homeland (high acidity, cool climate) and the New World (sunny, with a potential for relatively fruit-forward wines). Another distinct plus: land prices at the time were approximately 1/25th of those for property in more established districts of Mendoza.

Undeterred by the challenges, Bousquet returned to France and, between visits to Argentina, set about divesting himself, bit by bit, of virtually everything he owned, including the family winery and vineyards in Pennautier, near Carcassonne in Southwest France.

“You know you’re making the biggest mistake of your life, don’t you?” said the real estate broker, as Bousquet inked a contract in 1997 to buy just shy of 1,000 acres in this beautiful, but desolate location. “What are you doing?” teased daughter Anne, an economist by profession, from her home in Massachusetts: “Buying a beach? All sand, no sea?” “Anne: they (the locals) just don’t get it,” was Bousquet’s response.

Bousquet was neither the first nor the only wine producer to have his interest piqued by the Gualtallary Valley. But what sets him apart is that he succeeded where several other better financed, well-known names notably did not. What Bousquet seized upon, but others failed to grasp, was the singular importance of water. Water is hard to come by in Gualtallary. Technically, the area is desert. But Bousquet had done his homework, so his first task in 1998 was to dig a well – all 495 feet of it. Two years in the making, its completion was followed by the planting of vines. Other investors in the region, meantime, watched their hopes fade, chiefly due to an inability to extract water or secure water rights.

As and when the need arose, Bousquet would sell off portions of his initial 988 acres, retaining just 173 acres by the time he released his first vintage in 2005. Bottle by bottle, money was raised to buy a vat or equipment. Today, Domaine Bousquet is housed in a striking modern winery, complete with a hospitality area and restaurant, and the property accounts for 667 acres planted under vine.

Bousquet’s daughter, economist Anne Bousquet, and her husband Labid al Ameri, a trader with Fidelity in Boston, found themselves increasingly drawn to the cause, and the opportunity it offered to put their shared philosophy on sustainability to the test. After a 2002 visit, the couple began to invest in Domain Bousquet. A devaluation of the Argentine currency rendered land prices cheap and Argentine exports competitive. In 2005, al Ameri joined his father-in-law full time, helping to build the winery. Anne continued her work as an economist before joining the company in 2008. In 2009, the couple moved to Tupungato full-time, assuming full ownership in 2011.

For Anne and Labid, sustainability encompasses more than organic fruit or a reduced carbon footprint. It includes economic sustainability for the surrounding community. When the couple set up home in Tupungato, the area was a rural backwater (still is), abandoned by a failing central government. That necessitated building an infrastructure from scratch. The Bousquets joined an alliance of local wineries in funding construction of a new road providing better access for employees, deliveries and a small, but growing number of tourists. The couple also immersed themselves in training a workforce new to winegrowing and office work. Every detail had to be thought through, from transport for employees who didn’t own a car to micro-loans for continuing education. Today, success stories abound. Domaine Bousquet’s head of purchasing, for example, started out as an 18-year-old high school graduate on the bottling line. The wine industry has transformed the Tupungato economy, but Domaine Bousquet was there first, and Anne and Labid count this among their proudest achievements.

With the U.S. today Domaine Bousquet’s primary market, Anne and Labid now live in Miami, with their daughter Eva., and alternate in spending one week every month at the winery in Tupungato.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

CELEBRATING 26 YEARS OF LODI WINE AND CHOCOLATE, FEBRUARY 3-5

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LODI, Calif., – Northern California’s beloved Lodi Wine & Chocolate returns February 3-5, 2023, for another decadent and delicious weekend. There’s no better time to fall in love with the winegrowing region than by sampling renowned Lodi wines and delectable chocolate pairings during this festive weekend! 

The weekend culminates in the Sunday Winemaker’s Toast on February 5 at Wine & Roses with a showcase of Lodi’s white, rosé, and sparkling wines. Chefs at the boutique resort will be preparing carefully crafted small bites from locally sourced ingredients to complement the days’ wine selections. Tickets to all weekend events are limited and expected to sell out.  

“Lodi Wine & Chocolate continues to be a popular event for visitors as well as locals,” said Stuart Spencer, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission. “The event provides multiple opportunities to interact with our winegrowing community and sample a diverse selection of Lodi-grown wines in a fun and festive atmosphere.” 

Lodi Wine & Chocolate was founded in 1997 with the goal to promote and elevate the region and its wines. In addition to providing marketing value and a fun and welcoming atmosphere for wine enthusiasts, the event serves as an important fundraiser for programs in education, research, and sustainable viticulture which are operated by the Lodi Winegrape Commission to the benefit of Lodi’s winemaking community. To date, the event has welcomed more than 100,000 guests and generated over $2 million in support of these programs. 

Tickets for all events are now on sale and can be purchased online at lodiwineandchocolate.com. Tickets to Friday Evening Experiences are $125 per person and the experience varies by winery. Saturday tickets to Winery Tours are $75 per person and includes admission to all participating wineries. There is no cost for designated drivers attending Saturday Winery Tours. Tickets to Sunday’s Winemaker’s Toast are $95 per person and includes small bites and live entertainment. All tickets to weekend events include a commemorative wine glass, chocolate treat from CocoTutti Chocolates, and wine tastings. All attendees, including designated drivers, must be 21 years of age or older to attend.

About the Lodi Winegrape Commission, event organizer

Established in 1991, the Lodi Winegrape Commission represents the common interests of Lodi winegrowers with programs in marketing, education, research, and sustainable viticulture.  The Commission collectively and effectively promotes Lodi’s vibrant, multi-generational farming community and California’s most dynamic wine region. Comprised of nine commissioners and nine alternates, the board of directors provides direction and input on behalf of the region’s 750 winegrowers. For more information about the Lodi Winegrape Commission, visit lodigrowers.com. 

About CocoTutti Chocolates, chocolate partner

Since 2010, CocoTutti has been producing delicious and colorful, individual chocolates.  Recipes for the majority of CocoTutti’s fine chocolates have been handcrafted from scratch by owner / chocolatier Elyce Zahn and utilize house made jams and marmalades made from organic, locally sourced fruit or house made peanut or hazelnut butter.  To learn more about CocoTutti, visit cocotutti.com. 

About the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA)

A historic winegrowing region since the 1850s, Lodi is perfectly situated 40 miles south of Sacramento and 90 miles east of San Francisco. Lodi’s Mediterranean climate and distinct soils allow its growers to cultivate 125 winegrape varieties, making Lodi the most diverse winegrowing region in the United States. The region also serves as home to 85 boutique wineries specializing in small-lot, handmade wines that have garnered major awards at domestic and international wine competitions. 

Lodi is naturally a leader in sustainable viticulture. Created by California farmers and accredited by world-renowned scientists, LODI RULES is America’s original sustainable winegrowing program. Held to a high standard of scientific rigor and excellence, the program emphasizes environmentally and socially responsible practices, while keeping economic feasibility in mind for long-term business success. Today, there are more than 55,000 acres certified throughout California, Washington, and Israel. For more information about the Lodi AVA or LODI RULES, visit lodiwine.com and lodirules.org. 

Eve Reviews: Prosecco Superiore DOCG From the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Region

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Just last year, January 2022 in fact, I reviewed six Valdobbiadene Prosecco. Recently I was offered a new set of four to review. It’s no secret that I’m a Prosecco fan for many reasons: The price point makes Prosecco approachable to wine lovers, the aromas and flavors are always fresh, they make great cocktails (see a new recipe below) and of course bubbles are great for any occasion or no occasion at all! Read my tasting notes on the latest wines here, all are organic and from the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Region.

Bortolomiol “Ius Naturae”

Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G.

Brut Millesimato

Organic, 100% Glera Grape, 11.5% alcohol

EB: Evaluated in a wine glass instead of a Champagne flute so more aromas can open up, I first noted a pale gold color and lots of teeny bubbles racing to the top of my glass. The nose reminded me of fresh cut cantaloupe, lemonade, kiwi fruit, slightly sweet cream and pebbles washed with rain. The flavors that raced over my tongue were extremely fresh citrus and melon, the mid palate got a bit of acidity but not too much, and all of that fresh fruit lingered throughout the long finish with the addition of a hint of sweetness. 

Rive di Collalbrigo – Costa “Il Colle”

Conegliano Valdobbiadene

Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G.

Extra Dry Sparkling Wine

100% Glera Grape

Organic, 11% alcohol, harvested by hand.

EB: Very light yellow in color with a medium amount of small bubbles. Aromas included peach, pear, limeade and a pleasant powdery perfumy quality. In the mouth I noted the same aromas with the addition of lemon, apricot, 7-Up soda, with a medium amount of acidity, and a medium to long finish. (Note: I normally use the word medium sparingly. When I look back at my notes here I think that for this wine the medium reference can also be replaced with the idea of balance. The wine had a fine balance.)

2021 Amor Soli

Spumante

Grapes: Garganega, Glera and Chardonnay

Organic, 11.5% alcohol

EB: Pretty light gold, with tiny bubbles popping to the top center of the glass. Yellow peach, Brioche bread, sliced Golden Delicious apple, a hint of pineapple and unsalted butter on the nose, followed by flavors of cherry, apple, fresh apricot, lemon and lime. Nice acidity, balance and a long finish. Like most Prosecco this wine would be great as a starter with a cheese plate.

La Gioiosa Et Amoroso

Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G.

Extra Dry Sparkling Wine

Organic, 11% alcohol

EB: Very pale yellow gold, with tiny bubbles rising to the middle and edges of my wine glass. Pretty fruit – sweet peach, apricot, apple, orange, pineapple and melon – all on the nose! Full mouthfeel and beautiful viscosity, with all of that same fresh fruit I found on the nose, and in the mouth it was like a homemade fruit cocktail. As this was the extra dry Prosecco I did expect more sweetness than the others I reviewed here, and was pleasantly surprised that though it had that sweeter quality, it was just a touch and equally enjoyable as those I tasted first.

Negroni Sbagliato Cocktail Recipe

How about a Negroni with Prosecco instead of gin, still keeping the Campari and sweet vermouth? If you are looking for a lower ABV cocktail this would fit the bill! It’s called a “Negroni Sbagliato” and the recipe is simple: Fill your choice of glass with ice, add 1.5 ounces of sweet vermouth, add 1.5 ounces of Campari, top with Prosecco and garnish with an orange slice or peel. I rounded everything up to two ounces of each, including the Prosecco. Delish!

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Reviewing Coppa Cocktails Cosmopolitan and a Trip to the 1980s

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When I see a Cosmopolitan cocktail offered on a bar menu I’m immediately swept into the 1980s and an episode of Sex in the City. This is a good thing, as I loved the 80s and that show! So when offered a bottle of a pre-mixed “Coppa Cosmo” that’s “a blend of Dutch vodka with triple sec, cranberry, and lime juices” I said heck ya!

Come to find that the brand, Coppa Cocktails, also makes a Pina Colada, Strawberry Daiquiri, Mojito, Mai Tai, Sex on the Beach and a Margarita. That covers a lot of favorites! But let’s get back to the Coppa Cosmopolitan for now, and my review below.

I poured three shots (it’s a low ABV) of this premade Cosmo into my Martini shaker, filled with ice, shook like mad and then strained it into an iced coupe glass. Noting a very pretty color, like the watermelon or peach flavored Jolly Rancher hard candy. Aromas included the cranberry (juice) and orange (from the triple sec), lime soda as well as memories of a sweet fruit cocktail in syrup. The flavor mirrored the aromas, and if you like your cocktails on the sweeter side, without too much alcohol, this one fits the bill perfectly!

I’ll be keeping an eye out for the other flavors come summer as they all sound perfect to have by the pool, beach, picnic and to share with other gal pals!

From Coppa Cocktails

Coppa Cocktails are ready-to-serve, bartender quality cocktails, and their Cosmo in particular blends premium Dutch vodka with triple sec, cranberry, and lime juices. Convenience and quality are hand-in-hand with Coppa Cocktails!

https://www.coppacocktails.com/en-us/our-cocktails

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.