HOMEGROWN STARTUP SMELLS SWEET SUCCESS…WITHOUT THE SUGAR WITH “PROSECCO ZERO”

February 25, 2021 by evebushman

MIAMI, FL – Prosecco Zero, a new line of low-sugar rosé and brut wines, officially launched with robust distribution, rapid consumption from restaurant clients already depleting hundreds of cases per month, and an exciting marketing strategy across digital, social, influencer and traditional advertising. The product is produced in Italy from one of the region’s finest wine makers, Peninsola, and boasts a proprietary methodology for creating one of the first wines with less than three grams of sugar per liter.

The company is launched by a veritable dream team of founders and partners, including CEO Ervin Machado, a renowned Sommelier Certified with the Court of Masters, beverage director and entrepreneur.

“I have always felt that deciding between great taste and a healthy lifestyle is a false choice,” said Machado. “Prosecco Zero proves that the incredible quality of Italy can be enjoyed in a way that health-conscious wine aficionados can savor …guilt free!”

Distributed by Breakthru Beverages, a leading distributor which boasts 7,000 associates and a portfolio of premier wine, spirit and beer brands totaling more than $5 billion in annual sales.

The brand’s origin story begins with Peninsola Wines in Italy—the fabled northeastern region of Friuli Venezia Giulia to be precise. From the rocky hills up 600 meters above sea level, the vineyards yield some of the finest quality grapes known to the winemaking world. Peninsola treats cultivation with the utmost attention through modern, focused viticulture and a deep knowledge of each vine.

The first two products from the nascent brand are

Prosecco, crafted from the finest quality Glera grapes which are harvested in the hills of Italy’s Friuli Venezia Giulia region, and then fermented with our own novel approach to keep sugar content extremely low. A harmonious bouquet provides delicacy and depth of this distinguished sparkling wine that is fresh on the palate and complimented by aromas of a floral wisteria acacia and white fresh fruit.
Spumante Rosé, crafted from the finest quality Merlot grapes which are harvested in the same way. This elegant fine wine evokes aromas of the forest with a unique bouquet of strawberries and red berries emerging. Intense and persistent, it is lively and silky, delighting the most refined palates.

“It’s so exciting to experience rich history colliding with modern sensibility, as we are in essence uniting a fabled Italian region with a novel scientific process that brings fresh innovation to the marketplace,” added Machado.

ABOUT PROSECCO ZERO

Prosecco Zero was born of a fruitful partnership between Ervin Machado, a revered sommelier, beverage director and entrepreneur, and Peninsola Wines, one of Italy’s most celebrated winemakers. The collective team collaborated on a unique formula, combining rich history and tradition of quality with a novel fermentation approach to keep sugar content extremely low (less than 3 grams per liter) and your enjoyment guilt-free.

Natural Merchants, Inc. Introduces Pizzolato Rosé Prosecco DOC – First in Market Made With 100% Organic Grapes

January 14, 2021 by evebushman

GRANTS PASS, ORE. (PRWEB) – A New Wine Category – Rosé Prosecco DOC. After many years of discussion, in May the Prosecco DOC Consortium in Italy approved the introduction of Rosé Prosecco DOC. This combines two of the hottest wine trends over the past 10 years – rosé and Prosecco – and should be a big hit among sparkling wine lovers nationwide. The Prosecco Consortium anticipates total production of “up to 30 million bottles per year.” Pizzolato Rosé Prosecco Brut DOC joins the best-selling lineup of organic Proseccos from Cantina Pizzolato, producers of Italy’s number-one selling Italian organic wines.

Pizzolato Rosé Prosecco DOC is made of 90% organic Glera and 10% Organic Pinot Nero. The wine is produced using the Charmat method, vinified for two months. The rich Pinot Nero grapes, after a soft pressing, are left in contact with the skins for the period necessary to reach the brilliant pink color.

Pizzolato Rosé Prosecco DOC has an intense aroma, with delicate hints of white flowers, apple, pear, typical of Prosecco’s aroma, which blend with recognizable notes of red fruits. Fresh, with a lush flavor and a good acidity, the wine is savory, with a dry and persistent finish. Velvety, fresh, well balanced, and lively with an elegant aftertaste and persistent perlage. Pizzolato Rosé Prosecco pairs nicely with light appetizers, including sashimi and mild cheeses. The ABV of 11% makes this a perfect wine for everyday meals and celebrations. SRP is $18.99.

“Our estate-grown organic Glera and Pinot Nero grapes were used to produce our first Rosé Prosecco DOC and we are thrilled to enter this exciting new sparkling category,” said Cantina Pizzolato 5th generation winemaker Settimo Pizzolato. “With our own 14HA of organic Pinot Nero we are excited to be able to offer a 100% organically grown Rosé Prosecco DOC at a reasonable price. This exciting new prosecco further positions Cantina Pizzolato as one of the leading organic producers in the Veneto region.”

About Cantina Pizzolato
The Pizzolato family has been working in the agricultural sector for more than five generations, consistently living in harmony with nature and the environment. The winery combines five generations of farming history and tradition with a deep commitment to organic wine production. This consideration of the natural world creates Italian organic wines of the highest quality.

About Natural Merchants, Inc.
Cantina Pizzolato is one of many fine organic labels presented by Natural Merchants, Inc. one of North America’s leading Importers of the finest organic wines direct from Europe and South America.

Gemma di Luna Earns Top Honors From The Women’s Choice Award

December 21, 2020 by evebushman

AVENTURA, Fla./PRNewswire/ — Enovation Brands, Inc. is proud to announce Gemma di Luna has received the Women’s Choice Award establishing the brand as top in its category for exceptional consumer recommendation ratings as a wine that 9 out of 10 women would recommend to friends and family.

The Women’s Choice Award is the only award based solely on the recommendations of women, the most powerful consumer. The mission of the award is to empower women via a collective voice which identifies brands, products and services that deserve their loyalty and referrals. To earn the 9 out of 10 Recommended award Gemma di Luna was required to satisfy a two-step qualification process to achieve a greater than 85% recommendation rating in both a national survey of the brands female consumers and with a live taste testing panel.

Recommendation ratings are the pinnacle for determining true brand loyalty and love, with peer recommendations being one of the key criteria consumers say influence their choices in wine. The award enables Gemma di Luna to display the Women’s Choice 9 out of 10 Recommended Seal in the brands marketing communications. When choosing between two brands at a similar price, 95% of women say that seeing the Women’s Choice Award seal would make their purchase decision easier, which gives Gemma di Luna a powerful differentiator to stand out in the the cluttered wine marketplace. Gemma di Luna will communicate the award via special packaging, digital outreach and point of sale materials.

“We are honored to be recognized by the Women’s Choice Award,” said Giovanni Pecora, CEO of Enovation Brands. “In conceiving Gemma di Luna, we sought to bring together everything women want in wine; beloved varietals, carefully crafted and presented in beautiful packaging to infuse a bit of luxury into every day moments. This endorsement confirms we have no only achieved that goal, but also earned the trust and loyalty of our valued consumers.”

Gemma di Luna is available nationwide in Sparkling Moscato, Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie and Prosecco DOC varieties, ranging from an SRP of $14.99 – $15.99 for 750ml, as well as a 187ml single serve Sparkling Moscato at an SRP of $5.49.

About Gemma di Luna
Gemma di Luna presents the Italian Luxury Collection, a selection of wines meticulously crafted to elevate Italy’s most loved varieties from the ordinary to the extraordinary and turn everyday experiences into moments of luxury. With a soft pop of color and the sparkle of precious jewels, the bottles are as charmingly beautiful as the wine they hold, making Gemma di Luna perfect for gift giving, weddings, special occasions or simply as an everyday treat. For more info visit gemmadiluna.com.

About Enovation Brands, Inc.
Enovation Brands, Inc. is the U.S. importer of Gemma di Luna, Living Coral, VOGA Italia, Luna Di Luna, Ca’ Montini, Alberto Nani, Vegania and other Enoitalia SpA brands. Headquartered in Aventura, FL, Enovation Brands is dedicated to delivering consistently superb products in distinctive packaging at an exceptional value. For more info visit enovationbrands.com.

Prosecco DOC Rosé Officially Approved To Begin Exporting Worldwide: The Much Anticipated Sparkling Wine To Arrive In The United States Imminently

December 6, 2020 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The Consorzio Tutela Prosecco DOC announces that the Official Journal of the European Union C 362 October 28th, 2020 hearings for the approval of the Prosecco DOC Rosé have successfully concluded. This declaration confirms it is now possible for Prosecco DOC producers to export Prosecco DOC Rosé in foreign markets, including the United States, beginning immediately.

Approximately 20 million bottles of the 2019 Prosecco DOC Rosé were produced, with 15-20% distributed in Italy. The balance has begun export to leading foreign markets, such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, East Asia, France, and the Nordic countries. There are between 40 and 50 million bottles of the 2020 vintage of Prosecco DOC Rosé in production and set to be released in January of 2021.

Prosecco Doc Rosé has been long awaited by the world’s leading wine markets. As a result of the anticipation and excitement surrounding the official release, a substantial amount of 2020 vintage has been sold “en primeur” (before the production of the wine was complete). Production regulations require secondary fermentation for at least 60 days before Prosecco DOC Rosé can be made available to consumers.

“Of the 486 million bottles of Prosecco DOC that are produced annually, approximately 80% are exported. Thanks to European recognition of Prosecco Rosé, we estimate that Prosecco DOC sales will be stimulated even more in the last quarter of 2020,” comments Stefano Zanette, Prosecco Consortium President. “I congratulate those producers who were ready to seize this opportunity, planning early so as not to be caught unprepared.”

In order to label Prosecco DOC as Rosé, producers will have to follow specific rules:

Grape varieties: Glera and 10%-15% Pinot Nero
Yields: 18 tons/hectare for Glera and 13.5 tons/hectare for Pinot Nero
Second fermentation – Martinotti/Charmat Method: minimum of 60 days; therefore, only the sparkling version is permitted. Still and Frizzante versions of the Rosé won’t be allowed
Sales authorized from the 1st of January after the harvest
Color: intense pink, bright, with a persistent foam
Residual sugar: from Brut Nature to Extra Dry, no sweet version of the Rosé will be allowed
“Millesimato” stated on the label along with the vintage (minimum of 85% of the grapes from the vintage year)

Luca Giavi, Director of the Prosecco DOC Consortium adds, “As a Consortium representing the entire Prosecco DOC production system, we thank the regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia; the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies; the General Directorate for Agriculture of the European Commission; and the MEPs (especially Paolo De Castro), who are all committed to helping people understand the great opportunity that comes with the Prosecco Rosé approval. This approval is especially critical now because of what Italy, Europe, and the whole world are experiencing.”

With the achievement of this milestone, the Prosecco DOC Consortium is already looking towards future growth. In the coming weeks, tests aimed to define the types of wine for extended secondary fermentation will occur for producers in the Trieste area. This opportunity further demonstrates the unlimited potential of the Prosecco region. The territory boasts 11,460 winegrowers, 1,192 wineries and 347 sparkling wine houses, all of whom are part of the complex system behind the success of the Prosecco Denomination of Origin (DOC), which has become a great flagship of the Italian ‘Genio’ (‘genius’) around the world.

Sampling Sparkling Barbera, and More News, from Tenuta Montemagno!

December 4, 2020 by evebushman

Barbera sparkling wine, handpicked and harvested early in the “Metodo Classic” from Tenuta Montemagno? I’ll take that. And take it I did. Two bottles from the same winery, that “refines on yeasts for 24 (TM24) and 36 months (TM36)” being their only difference. The full details are here in their press release. Below are my tasting notes, and below that is new news!

Tasting Notes

Tenuta Montemagno 24 (TM24)

The color of rose gold, with teeny tiny energetic bubbles. The aromas included fresh apricot, raspberry, strawberry, biscuit, cheddar, talcum powder and ash. Same strawberry fruit in the flavor as well as crisp Meyer lemon and pink grapefruit. Liked the balance of fruit and mild acidity. This was my favorite of the two.

Tenuta Montemagno 36 (TM36)

A little less color, more like salmon, with the same exuberant bubbles. This one gave off hints of cherry, fruit cocktail, jasmine flowers, cream and a toasted wood on the nose. Tasting it I got that same cream but also a slight tart cherry and limeade. Same great balance with possibly a little more acidity, however it was mild. I shared these two with Prosecco-loving guests. They took photos and will be seeking them out.

News: The Indigenous varieties of Tenuta Montemagno: Grignolino d’Asti doc – Ruber

Ruber is the Grignolino d’Asti of Tenuta Montemagno. It is another great witness of the valorization of Monferrato indigenous varieties that is one of the beliefs of TM philosophy.

When we talk about this grape, the connection to our farmer and wine growers’ roofs is immediate. Grignolino is a rare and difficult grape to cultivate and to vinify. This wine is renowned since the Middle Ages with the name of Barbesino – from Latin Barbexinus and its existence attested by the XIII century citations, reported in the archives of Casale Monferrato. The current name’s etymology could find its origin from the Asti dialectical noun gragnola or grignole, meaning the numerous seeds in the grape, which is definitely one of its traits.

The challenge of Tiziano Barea and the Oenologue of Tenuta Montemagno was, at first, to transform the Grignolino, this ancient and “farmer” wine, into a contemporary one, preserving the original identity and organoleptic structure.

The vineyard reserved for the Grignolino cultivation has South-Southwest exposure and the characteristic soil’s composition, made of calcareous clay with slightly silty marls are the environment where it grows up, on vines of 30 years old, Guyot trained.

The grapes are worked by hand as well as by hand are harvested. The vinification process has been studied to valorize the “plus” of the Grignolino and to balance them with the innate astringency. The first step is to eliminate 2 of the 4 seed of the bounce then, the long maturing with skin contact brings out the full aroma of dried roses and the aromatic complexities of wild strawberry, wild berries and, in particular, raspberries.

Ruber is the name that identifies the Grignolino d’Asti of Tenuta Montemagno. Ruber – from Latin, it is the color, ruby red, transparent and eyes catching.

Ruber is the successful and contemporary Grignolino d’Asti of Tenuta Montemagno: the taste profile reveals the personality of a wine that is uninhibited and versatile in terms of food pairing, fairly mouth-filling, with tannins that are present but not aggressive, a suitably crisp, dry finish, and a good follow-through with the fruity notes that appear in the bouquet.

Ruber is the expression of Tenuta Montemagno wine making style, solid and convincing, that looks at the tradition with a modern eye but without useless stretches and with concrete and constant high quality.

In every glass of Grignolino, we find the important oenological story of Piedmont. Ruber is a red wine of friendly character, able to let us enjoy the aperitif – when served lightly chilled, the fish based dishes and the classical recipes of the Piedmont’s cuisine, as the medium seasoned cheese, the Muletta – typical salame of Monferrato, and the Agnolotti – stuffed pasta.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in 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 Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Mionetto Prosecco for Holiday Gifts? Sure! For Yourself and Everyone Else On our List!

October 5, 2020 by evebushman

It’s been quite the year, to say the very least. And having to endure your aunt’s ‘famous fruitcake’ while also having to explain to your distant relatives why you’re still single via Zoom is more than enough to drive anyone up the wall. Luckily Mionetto is here to help with a few refreshing sparkling wines from the Prestige and Luxury collections. From the perfect holiday pairings, luxurious gifts, and stocking stuffers galore, Mionetto has you covered this holiday season – or perhaps just keep the bottle for yourself?

Mionetto Prestige Brut ($14 750ml / $4 Mini 187ml) Made from 100% Glera grapes from the province of Treviso, an area renowned for high quality Prosecco, this sparkling wine offers a luminous straw yellow hue and stylish mousse. The palate is marked by aromatic notes of honey and white peach. For stocking stuffers, you should start with Mionetto’s signature mini bottles ($4). The classic ribbon beautifully displayed across the bottle means there’s no need to wrap. You can even customize with notecards displayed around the bottle’s neck.

Mionetto Prestige Rosé Extra Dry ($14 750ml / $4 Mini 187ml) This deeply luscious sparkling rosè is the result of soft pressing of red grapes. The wine offers a peach blossom luminosity, accompanied by a fine, lively perlage. This wine is known for its intense fragrances, like holding an edible bouquet of violets, raspberries, strawberries, and wild flowers – a perfect pairing for your holiday table. Serving this cuvée with a grilled turkey breast or fish (or a variety of fish on the Feast of Seven Fishes) is sure to be a recipe for success.

Mionetto Luxury Cartizze DOCG ($40) This elegant Cartizze boasts luminous golden tones and delicate beads of tiny bubbles. A majestic, multi-faceted bouquet releases seductive impressions of apple and pear alongside notes of citrus and glazed almond. On the palate it is crisp, well-balanced, and elegant. The perfect gift for anyone special in your life.

11 Things You Might Not Know About Mionetto:

Mionetto was founded in 1887 by winemaker Francesco Mionetto in Valdobbiadene, the heart of the Prosecco region, just north of Venice.

As one of the areaʼs oldest wine producers, Mionetto has long-standing relationships with vineyard partners, ensuring a consistent supply of quality grapes year after year.

Mionettoʼs mantra is absolute freshness. Itʼs the only Prosecco producer to bottle on demand – as soon as an order comes in and not a moment sooner.

Mionetto Prestige Brut is made from 100% Glera grapes. In 2009, the Glera grape was renamed from Prosecco.

Mionetto Organic was the first Prosecco made from organically-grown grapes.

Mionetto Rosé is not a Prosecco yet, but it will be soon! The Prosecco Consortium approved the release of Prosecco Rosé and itʼs expected to hit U.S. shelves in January 2021.

There are 49 billion bubbles in one bottle of Mionetto and the cork pops at a speed of 25MPH!

Prosecco has fewer calories than most wine—especially Mionetto since itʼs one of the driest Proseccos—and many believe itʼs actually good for you. In moderation, Prosecco can improve blood vessel function.

Prosecco is not always bubbly. It can be made in sparkling, semi-sparkling, or still, but all Mionetto Proseccos are sparkling or semi-sparkling.

Just like the grade of the wineryʼs rolling hills, the Mionetto label is set at the same 27 degrees to honor its origins and history.

The Mionetto winemaking tradition continues today under winemaker Alessio Del Savio, who studied as Francescoʼs grandson, Sergio Mionettoʼs, protégé for over 15 years.

Prosecco DOC Consortium Announces Third Annual ‘National Prosecco Week’

July 9, 2020 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The Prosecco DOC Consortium, the entity that oversees the production of the world’s most popular sparkling wine, is pleased to announce that ‘National Prosecco Week’ (NPW) will return for its third year from July 20-26, 2020.

To adapt to the impact of COVID-19, The Prosecco DOC Consortium has pivoted to support its multiple partners through a strategic combination of online activities to ensure the health and safety of Prosecco DOC consumers in the U.S. This celebration of Prosecco DOC will include nationwide digital retail promotions with a full digital media and marketing program, strategic media partnerships and influencer activations, such as Instagram Live tastings, virtual seminars, and e-commerce retail promotions. All activities will seek to educate media and consumers about Prosecco and showcase its ability to be enjoyed in a variety of occasions and with a wide range of cuisines.

While all wine sales have been impacted by on-premise closures, Prosecco is experiencing a boost; off-premise sales are up 39% YOY for the nine-week period ending May 2 and Wine.com reported a 503 percent increase in sales for Prosecco DOC wines. The U.S. is the world’s third-largest market for Prosecco, behind only Italy and the U.K. By the end of this year, Prosecco is expected to account for over half of all imported sparkling wine volume in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

“Prosecco sales in the U.S. have been steadily growing since 2009 and looking at the data we can confidently say that if these figures keep on this trend, America will become our first export market” commented Stefano Zanette, President of the Prosecco DOC Consortium. “During these challenging times, the Consortium’s support in this year’s third annual National Prosecco Week is crucial and has prompted us more than ever to promote the Denomination in this key market with a creative approach.”

National Prosecco Week will be partnering with top wine trade media publications, SevenFifty and Wine Enthusiast to drive awareness to each of the participating Prosecco producers, as well as a robust promotional campaign with trade marketing agency 3×3.

“The Prosecco DOC Consortium plays an integral role in protecting the integrity of the appellation and deepening the understanding of Prosecco as a quality wine from a specific terroir,” said Enore Ceola, CEO of Freixenet Mionetto USA. “Now in its third year, it’s exciting to see how National Prosecco Week has grown in popularity among both the trade and consumers through its fun and approachable take on education, and Mionetto is proud to be a participant in this year’s activation.”

Prosecco DOC is now welcoming retailers to participate in this nationwide celebration by hosting promotions that encourage understanding and trial of Prosecco DOC. The following renowned Prosecco producers are participating in this year’s campaign, including Biancavigna, Genagricola, La Marca, Mionetto, Piera Martellozzo, Valdo, Santa Margherita, Val D’Oca, Villa Sandi, Zardetto and Zonin.

Participating retailer promotions can include educational seminars, virtual tastings, package inserts, discounts, and other initiatives. Participating retailers will receive engaging and educational POS materials to ignite consumer interest in the promotion. Additional benefits for retail participants include advertising support with National Prosecco Week’s top media partners, social media marketing, press support, and digital marketing. All partners will be featured on the National Prosecco Week website (http://www.casaprosecco.com).

National Prosecco Week aims not only to celebrate Prosecco but to serve an important educational purpose, teaching consumers and press how to identify authentic Prosecco and the many different ways to enjoy it.

For more information on National Prosecco Week and how to participate, please contact Julie Canevari (jcanevari@colangelopr.com) or Stefán Sigurðsson (ssigurdsson@colangelopr.com) of Colangelo & Partners (http://www.colangelopr.com), the agency of record in the U.S. for the Prosecco DOC Consortium. To stay updated for upcoming events and promotions, follow Prosecco DOC on Facebook (@proseccodocusa), Instagram (@proseccodoc_usa), and the Consortium’s official US website, http://www.casaprosecco.com.

About The Prosecco DOC Consortium:
Prosecco was granted the Controlled Designation of Origin status on July 17th, 2009, and the Prosecco DOC Consortium (Consorzio di Tutela della Denominazione di Origine Controllata Prosecco) was created on November 19th of the same year to coordinate and manage the Prosecco DOC. The organization unites the different groups of manufacturers—wineries, individual and associated vine-growers, still wine and sparkling wine producers—to ensure the designation continues to grow and that the production regulations are complied with.

About Prosecco DOC:
Prosecco DOC wines come in Spumante (sparkling), Frizzante (semi-sparkling) and Tranquillo (still) varieties. The wines are made from mainly the Glera grape, native to North East Italy for thousands of years, and can be combined with a maximum of 15% of the following grapes: Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana, Perera, Glera lunga, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Nero. Prosecco Frizzante and Spumante varieties get their famous bubbles using the Secondary Fermentation production method, bottled under high pressure after fermentation in bulk tanks called autoclaves, as opposed to the traditional method, which bypasses the autoclaves and is used for other sparkling wine varieties. The end result is a brilliant straw yellow wine with fine, persistent perlage and aromas of white flowers, apple and pear. It is fresh and elegant on the palate with moderate alcoholic strength. For more information regarding Prosecco DOC, visit http://www.casaprosecco.com.

PROSECCO DOC: March Data confirms a Positive Trend in Line with the Consortium’s Forecast before the Pandemic

May 4, 2020 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – As of April 1, 2020, the available production of Prosecco DOC amounts to 2,217,000 hectoliters and, if necessary, an additional amount of 550,000 hl, which was stocked during the 2019 vintage as a reserve, can be added and bottled to face increased demand.

The current situation is therefore in line with the long-term estimates elaborated by the Consortium before the health emergency caused by Covid-19, and the reserve stock of Prosecco DOC will allow it to cover the demand of the market till the next harvest, should the production suffer a slowdown.

“At the moment, we are aware of the dramatic situation of some realities, particularly those producers with a short supply chain and those who do not operate with mass retailers. As a consortium, we want to express our solidarity and availability to evaluate possible solutions, but I don’t feel the need to generalize these situations to the whole denomination,” states Stefano Zanette. “I am very concerned about the rumors spread by some industry operators, who paint exaggerated scenarios for the sole purpose of ticking commercial conditions to their advantage, creating a damage to our whole system. These speculative actions are particularly deplorable, especially in the situation we are experiencing.”

Zanette states it clearly, “The situation is under control and the data confirms the expected trend; tapping into the stored reserve stock is a remote hypothesis at the moment: in a logic of long-term safeguarding of value, that wine will be made available only in the event of an actual need for the denomination and certainly not to favor the speculative actions of some operators.”

“In regards to the 2020 harvest, fertility is expected to be lower than the average of the last 10 years and many variables could still happen from now to September, such as late frosts or hailstorms.”

“It should also be considered that the main objective to aim for in a situation like this is market stability and the Consortium has all the legal tools to intervene and pursue market it.”

In other words, the Prosecco Doc Consortium, considers it to be premature to adopt restrictive measures to both the 2019 and 2020 production offers. However, if the situation does not get better in the next few months, they will intervene immediately and are ready to do so.

The Consortium Prosecco DOC appreciates the efforts made by the Mipaaf (Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies), regions and trade associations to handle this crisis. They are trying their best to provide market solutions and retrieve resources, considering the possible decline of the overall wine consumption in Italy due to the Coronavirus. It’s necessary to take measures to financially help those companies who were most affected by the coronavirus outbreak and, furthermore, to limit the products that are superfluous in the market. Hopefully such proaction will support valuable output and decrease less valued wine productions on a regional basis.

Finally, regarding promotion and enhancement strategies, under these circumstances, the responsible authorities should design financial tools to allow wineries and consortia to have the necessary liquidity to invest after the Covid-19 emergency is over, when those who will arrive first and will operate with greater momentum and energy will prevail among others.

Discovering Mionetto Prestige Prosecco with the Wine-y Women

April 10, 2020 by evebushman

Was sent several bottles, minis and 750ml, of Mionetto Prosecco for review. As is my habit when I receive quite a few bottles at once I contact the Wine-y Women Unwind Meet-up group for sampling with me. The wines came with information on pricing and tasting notes. Will share the collective tasting notes from the group as well below.

From the Winery

Founded in 1887 by Francesco Mionetto in the small village of Valdobbiadene, Mionetto has an established reputation for quality, tradition and innovation. In the heart of the Prosecco region, Mionetto produces exceptional wines with consistent national and international acclaim.

Mionetto Extra Dry Organic

The Glera grapes for this wine are from a certified organic winery in the town of Vazzola in the hills of Treviso. The winery practices organic farming techniques and grows the grapes without synthetic chemicals and fertilizers. An explosion of green apple, pineapple and orange on the palate with a refreshing crispness from the delicate bubbles.

Group Notes: The color of pale hay. Aromas of apple, peach, toast, cheddar, mown grass and Starburst lime candy. In the mouth we got a mild acidity with lots of apple juice, peach, pear and some minerality. Most of the ladies that drink regularly chose this as their favorite.

Mionetto Prestige Brut ($14 750ml / $4 Mini 187ml)

Made from 100% Glera grapes from the province of Treviso, an area renowned for high quality Prosecco, this sparkling wine offers a luminous straw yellow hue and stylish mousse. The palate is marked by aromatic notes of honey and white peach. For the ever-lasting couple, you can’t beat this bottle of classic brut.

Group Notes: Light lemonade in color, with notes of peach syrup, pink grapefruit, bubble gum and wet stones. Flavors included lemon-lime hard candy, lemonade again and a little hint of cherry.

Mionetto Prestige Rosé Extra Dry ($14 750ml / $4 Mini 187ml)

This deeply luscious sparkling rosè is the result of soft pressing of red grapes. The wine offers a peach blossom luminosity, accompanied by a fine, lively perlage. This wine is known for its intense fragrances, like holding an edible bouquet of violets, raspberries, strawberries, and wildflowers.

Group Notes: Peachy salmon color, the group got Maraschino cherry, strawberry, Mandarin orange and lime on the nose followed by similar tastes on the mouth with the addition of dried cranberry and pomegranate. This was the crowd favorite.

Vintage Eve Circa 2/2017: Gambero Rosso and the Tre Bicchieri U.S. Tour

January 14, 2020 by evebushman

Produced by my wine pal Mark Newman, CEO and Founder of Accolade Brands Inc., the Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri Tour stopped inside Santa Monica Airport’s Barker Hanger this past week. This is what I was able to soak up having just barely recovered from a flu bug that bit me, those in bold were standouts:

Vignalta

Colli Euganei Rosso Gemola 2004

Colli Euganei Fior d’Arancio Passito Alpianae 2012

Colli Euganei Rosso Gemola 2011

Serafini and Vidotto

Montello e Colli Asolani II Rosso dell’Abazia 2013

Montello e Colli Asolani Phigai 2013

Bollicine Rose Brut

Ferghettina

Franciacorta Pas Dose 33 Ris. 2009

Franciacorta Brut Milledi 2012

Franciacorta Rose Milledi

Viticoltori Speri

Amarone della Valpolicella Cl. Vign. Monte Sant’Urbano 2012

Monte Del Fra

Custoza Sup. Ca’del Margo 2014

Valpolicella Cl. Sup. Ripasso Lena di Mezzo 2014

Amarone della Valpolicella Cl. Lena di Mezzo 2012

Guerrieri Rizzardi

Amarone della Valpolicella Cl. Caldarote 2011

Michele Chiarlo

Barbera d’Asti Sup. Nizza La Court 2013

Masi

Amarone della Valpolicella Cl. Vaio Armaron Serego Alighieri 2011

Amarone della Valpolicella Cl. Costasera Ris. 2011

Fojaneghe Rosso 2012 – Bossi Fedrigotti

Tenuto Del Cerro

Nobile di Montepulciano Ris. 2012

Nobile di Montepulciano 2013

Nobile di Montepulciano 2015

Marotti Campi

Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Cl. Salmariano Ris. 2013

Lacrima di Morro d’Alba Sup. Orgiolo 2014

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Cl. Sup. Luzano 2015

Ruggeri and C

Valdobbiadene Extra Dry Giustino B. 2015

Valdobbiadene Extra Dry Giall’Oro

Prosecco Brut Argeo

Assuli

Lorando 2015

Astolfo 2014

Besi 2013

A slideshow of some of my favorites can be seen here.

See the entire list of wineries here.

Excerpts From The Invitation

The Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri Tour is the world’s premier Italian wine showcase. Please join us for the ultimate, industry tasting of Italy’s highest-rated wines! Nearly 200 Italian wineries will pour wines awarded the coveted “Tre Bicchieri” (“three glass”) designation, exclusively for members of the wine trade; additional wines will also be shown, including some of the year’s “top value” wines from Italy.

30TH ANNIVERSARY “GUIDE TO ITALIAN WINES” CELEBRATION

Come taste Italy’s “best of the best”, meet the winery representatives, and celebrate the 30th anniversary of Gambero Rosso’s legendary wine guide, the Vini d’Italia. Featuring more than just reviews of Italy’s finest wines, Vini d’Italia covers the brilliant, passionate individuals who devote their lives to winemaking. Today, more than 70 expert tasters comprise the team that blind-tastes 45,000+ wines annually. Of these many thousands of wines, fewer than 1% achieve the Tre Bicchieri designation.

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