Obsidian Wine Co. and Outdoor Adventures

March 1, 2021 by evebushman

Obsidian Wine Co, and founders, Arpad Molnar, Peter Molnar, and Michael Terrien, want to change the climate of wine and bring the experience of wine back to nature. They’re passionate about bringing wine back to its origins as a drink of the people and out of the tasting room, so to speak.

Photo courtesy Obsidian Wine.

In an effort to do just that, these avid outdoorsmen have just launched an Outdoor Adventure series. These excursions into nature will highlight the connection between the land and growing, crafting, and of course, drinking wine.

On their site you will find a handful of bookable adventures beginning in March 2021 and descriptions that you can check out here.

Upcoming Outdoor Adventures (and locations) include:

Oyster Harvest:

On March 17th, join the team out at the “Farm” in Marshall, CA at the edge of Tomales Bay where you’ll take a deep dive into their shared work together with Hog Island Oyster Company to understand shellfish and wine in their ecological context. $125 per person.

Hiking a Volcano:

On May 22nd, pack your hiking shoes and a thirst for adventure as you join the team and explore the volcanic land (surrounding Obsidian Ridge) as a professional geologist guides you through the largest flow of obsidian that you may ever witness! $125 per person.

Saffron Harvest:

On July 10th, join the team as they head over to Peace & Plenty Farm in Kelseyville, CA to witness a saffron harvest, some paella, and of course, plenty of Obsidian wine. $100 per person.

Schooner Sail the Bay:

On July 31st, mark your calendar to sail the San Francisco Bay! Beginning in Sausalito, this 80ft schooner will take you all around the bay where you’ll experience plenty of sea life and learn why keeping the water clean is vital for the wine-growing work Obsidian does. Of course, you’ll be sipping down their Rosé for the Bay (whose proceeds benefit San Francisco BayKeeper) and more! $100 per person.

Seaplane Wine Flight:

Wine, sailing, and flying- what more could you ask for? Mark your calendar for this July as you’ll have the chance to depart from Sausalito, CA on a de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver and fly over the treasured Golden Gate Bridge and breathtaking Mayacamas Mountain Range. You’ll take in the sights of Napa and Sonoma Valley and Obsidian Ridge itself- you definitely don’t want to miss this! $675 per person (minimum group size of 4).

Second Pick:

On October 16th, pack your boots and join the team in walking Poseidon Vineyard in Napa Carneros and extracting their second crop of Pinot Noir. You’ll end the day with a delicious meal and wine along Carneros Creek. If you’re lucky, you’ll be tasting the fruit of your labor in a bottle of wine about 2 years from now! $125 per person.

**PLEASE NOTE that the dates are listed are just the first dates these are offered- there will be additional dates to follow.**

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.

My Fave Wines From 2020: The Year When Drinking Wine Became Everyone’s Favorite Pastime

February 12, 2021 by evebushman

Lots pop into our heads when we think of 2020, and of course we aren’t out of the woods yet, or even close, so far for 2021. For me it was a windfall of wines sent for review, often accompanied by a Zoom tasting led by the winemaker. I (virtually) traveled to Germany, Spain, Argentina, France, Italy and more in those meetings and via my own cellar. And before Covid shut things down I did have quick trips to Los Olivos, Paso Robles and the Lompoc Wine Ghetto. Below is a collection of some of my favorite wines from 2020. If any of this sounds good to you, go find these wines!

It turns out that I had about 50 wine tastings, if not more, in 2020. These shout-outs are from EveWine101 website articles: the 2020 Gambero Rosso Master Class, 2017 Bordeaux presented by the Union des Grand Crus, Vega Sicilia collectors dinner with Pablo Alvarez, Fontanafredda Barolo, wine from New Zealand’s Waipapa Bay, Folded Hills Winery with winemaker Angela Osborne, California Wine STARS 2020, LA County Wines (Byron Blatty, Acri Wine Company, Angeleno Wine Company and Cavaletti Vineyards), Zoom tasting with Suzanne Phifer Pavitt and their 2012 Date Night Cabernet, Camins 2 Dreams, Gary Farrell single vineyard Pinots with winemaker Theresa Heredia, revisiting Montemar, catching up with winemaker Mark Cargasacchi and Jalama wines, also visiting Ampelos and Zotovich in Lompoc, Switchback Ridge via the Grand Reserves Reward Master Card, tasting from family-owned wineries with Dr. Laura Catena, Anne Trimbach, Laure Colombo and Alessia Collauto Travaglini, great wines that stole my palate but not my wallet from Guarachi Wine Partners, reviewing DAOU’s Soul of a Lion, Tenuta Montemagno sparkling Barbera, Castello di Fonterutoli with Giovanni Mazzei, Paul Kornell Sparkling…

In SCV Elite Magazine this year I got to write about wine tasting in Paso Robles just before the shutdown. Had exceptional experiences at Thacher Winery, Tablas Creek Vineyard, Derby Wine Estates, Steinbeck Wines, Cass Wines, Eberle Winery, Oso Libre Winery, HammerSky vineyards and the Allegretto Vineyard Resort.

January started out great with my first, and last, visit and dinner at Marstons with my VP/BFF Michael Perlis, our wonderful spouses, all over lots of wine ($10 corkage!) including 2013 Audacious Grenache/Syrah/Cab blend by Law Estate, 2013 Comstock Rockpile/Sonoma County Zinfandel, 2009 Regusci Zinfandel Napa Valley…

At Wine 661: Lucas And Lewellen tasting where we sampled five of their Santa Barbara County wines, including a Rose of Pinot and a Bordeaux blend. Had a couple of wines off of the Happy Hour menu. This was not the last time I went to Wine 661 in 2020…

Now some single bottle shout outs:

Vinos Zanzonico 2017 Syrah Reserva: 100% Syrah, 13.5% alcohol, from the Valle de la Grulla area of Baja. With a regal dark purple color, I was drawn in to fantastic aromas of sweet black cherry, plum, tri-color peppercorns, layers of rich bark, milk chocolate…all very welcoming. I went in for a taste and was rewarded with a very rich and layered mouthfeel, with dark and dry blue to black fruit, grilled mushrooms, peppery spicy goodness and tannins that held my back palate at attention for a length that just would…not…quit. 99 Eve points.

2014 Old Vine Zichichi Family Vineyard Zinfandel from the Dry Creek Valley: The 14.8% alcohol didn’t translate at all to a hot wine on the palate, instead it delivered incredible substance. It started with a nose full of sweet dark plums, pipe tobacco, black licorice, toasted oak, black pepper and popcorn kernel. Going in for a taste my mouth was filled with delicious dried blueberry and blackberry, that same black pepper, tannins that held firm, and a great balance of the dark fruit and tannins to keep it lingering a long time on the palate. This was a new Zin discovery for me, will definitely be looking for it again!

Entourage by Two Papas Wine barrel fermented (1) and stainless steel (2) 2019 Chardonnay, Thompson Vineyard, Santa Barbara County: 1. Barrel: Designated by a gold wax top (the stainless has a silver wax top) I was amazed that this was a young 2019 vintage! It had lovely notes of creamy butter, pineapple, golden delicious apple and popcorn kernel that morphed into caramel apple on the palate, mild acidity, with a long, balanced and lush finish. 2. No barrel: Our stainless sibling gave off nicely scented whiffs of Meyer lemon, both cantaloupe and honeydew melon, and a little unsalted butter. When I tasted the wine I got homemade fruit cocktail, wet pebbles, low acidity and a medium finish.

2018 Kindred Rose of Pinot Noir: The color of rose gold, complete with sparkles! Then on the nose I found pink grapefruit, lemon pith, French Toast, Creme Brûlée, and Mandarin orange = all very inviting! In for a taste next, there is a very round mouthfeel, and the same citrus fruits I found on the nose – grapefruit, lemon and orange – with a medium acidity. Enjoy now, with or without food IMO!

2015 Phifer Pavitt XRoads Cabernet Sauvignon: Crushed dark cherry, wet forest floor, grilled steak and mushrooms, dark chocolate, black licorice, pipe tobacco, toasted oak, a hint of sweet cream and more all on the nose. Flavors included that same black cherry as well as blackberry, blueberry, a gamut of spices, velvety and firm drying tannins that of course require that you go back in for another sip…and another.

2012 Regusci Patriarch Proprietary Red: aroma: dark berries, dried leaves, figs, toasted oak and a bit o’ mint. Some of the same aromas in the flavors with the addition of dark chocolate.

2001 Giacomo Conterno Cascina Francia, a Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont…I looked for the roses, tar, licorice and red berries (notes from a professional critic) and also found tart berries, spice and tannins after decanting for 7 hours. So interesting.

Have you tried Guentota, aka the “Soul of Cuyo”, a “100-YR-OLD-VINE PREMIUM 2016 MALBEC” from Mendoza, Argentina? It’s from Belasco De Baqueano and was awarded 91 points from James Suckling. And I was far too busy lapping it up to make any tasting notes. But find it at Newhall Press Room. (Truth be told I had a LOT of wine from Newhall Press in 2020!)

2002 Joseph Phelps Insignia, I have no notes as I was also too busy drinking to take any. A stellar wine as it’s been proven vintage after vintage.

1999 Bartolo Mascarello Barolo: The nose and taste had really changed and mellowed over the 7 hours, with aromas of dried dark fruit, grilled mushroom, balsamic, dust and oak; on the palate I got both bright and dark fruit in a very fine balance.

From my local Pulchella Winery we had: Suspect sparkling wine, 2019 Latitude Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier blend, 2017 Mercenary Zinfandel blend, 2018 Witness Grenache…among others!

A note on Los Olivos: this was a non-press trip so no notes were taken. With that in mind we loved: Barbieri and Kempe are “Boutique wines made by Master Sommelier Paolo Barbieri” along with his wife Erin Kempe = bought a case! The second, Bella Cavailli Farms and Vineyard, produces some amazing wines against a backdrop of a working horse ranch, as well as some fun distilled spirits from Dorwood Distillery. Jeff Lockwood is the winemaker and his brother Jay the head distiller. We left there with both wine and spirts to enjoy at home.

A note from Wine on the Porch: During the summer months we enjoyed Hanzell Chardonnay, Saintsbury Chardonnay, Parhelion Cellars Light Pillar Chardonnay, St Supery Virtu Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc blend, Pagter Brothers 2018 Viognier, and from Hoi Polloi I snatched up their 2018 Rose of Grenache and Double-Gold Best-Of-Class 2018 Chardonnay!

A note about spirits: Yea, I wrote a lot about spirits this year too, stay tuned for a roundup of those next!

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.

Mind and Body Wines Bring Balance With Fewer Calories And Less Alcohol

February 11, 2021 by evebushman

ST. HELENA, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Mind and Body Wines – a new wine brand crafted with wellness in mind – has announced a lineup of three low-calorie, low-alcohol wines for consumers embracing a mindful, balanced lifestyle. The 9 percent alcohol, 90 calories per serving line includes Pinot Grigio, Rosé and Cabernet Sauvignon; each is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, keto-friendly, paleo-friendly and made from premier California grapes – without any flavor additives or added sugar. All three wines are now available online and at retailers nationwide for $13 SRP.

“The millennial moderation movement has taken hold, and consumers in search of balance are here to stay.” – Brie Wohld

“The millennial moderation movement has taken hold, and consumers in search of balance are here to stay,” said Brie Wohld, vice president, marketing for Mind and Body Wines. “This new wine brand answers the call of consumers everywhere who have been resoundingly reaching for a low-calorie, low-alcohol wine that better fits their lifestyles and helps them reach their wellness goals.”

Mind and Body uses traditional winemaking methods to achieve rich flavor, alluring texture and excellent balance across its portfolio. Starting with wine from premier California vineyards, Mind & Body uses a spinning cone column to remove alcohol from a small amount of the wine, while preserving the wine’s delicate aromas and flavors. Mind and Body then blends the dealcoholized wine with traditional wine to create a robust, flavorful finished product that encourages not just sipping, but savoring.

Like the lifestyle it supports, this trio is beautifully balanced; their flavor profiles defy what’s expected from low-calorie, low-alcohol wines. Mind and Body Pinot Grigio is light, crisp and refreshing, bursting with tropical fruit flavors and aromas. Its delicate floral notes mingle with ripe pear, peach and melon on the nose, leading to flavors of bright citrus, white peach and tropical fruit. Mind and Body Rosé shows a pale pink hue in the glass, while the nose brims with floral aromas. The fresh and vibrant palate offers flavors of fresh strawberries, complemented by a crisp, refreshing finish. The full-bodied Mind and Body Cabernet Sauvignon exudes dark, enticing aromas of ripe blackberries and juicy raspberries. Notes of dried herbs and vanilla complement robust black cherry flavors and lead to a smooth, rounded finish.

Those looking to welcome Mind and Body Wines into their wellness routines this January are encouraged to visit VinePair.com; the publication is starting the new year off on the right foot with Mindful Drinking Month, presented by Mind & Body. Throughout the month of January, VinePair – the largest and widest-reaching beverage publication, reaching more than 31 million people monthly – will examine Mind & Body within editorial coverage, infographics and Podcasts that are dedicated to finding a healthy balance in all aspects of life.

This January and throughout the year, consumers can feel confident when reaching for the premium low-calorie, low-alcohol wine brand backed by Trinchero Family Estates, the leader in the reduced alcohol and alcohol-removed wine space for nearly 30 years. With all of the flavor and far less guilt, Mind & Body is the perfect partner for taking on wellness goals and living life to the fullest this year and years to come.

About Mind and Body Premium Low-Calorie Wine
Mind and Body Wines are dedicated to empowering you to live your best life. Our premium, low-calorie, low-alcohol California wines are carefully crafted to deliver a delicious wine experience that complements your mindful, wellness-focused lifestyle. Crafted using traditional winemaking methods, a small portion of Mind & Body Wines utilizes an innovative approach called the spinning cone column to remove some of the alcohol while preserving the integrity of the flavors. The finished Mind & Body Wines are delicious California wines that are 90 calories per 5 ounce serving, 9 percent alcohol, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO and made with no added sugar. For more information, visit mindandbodywines.com.

Social Media
Instagram: @mindandbodywines
Facebook: @mindandbodywines

Vintage Eve 7/2018: What Did I Find at The Latest Garagiste “Urban Exposure” in Santa Monica?

February 9, 2021 by evebushman

Garagiste festival co-founders Stewart McLennan and Doug Minnick (locals know Doug from his shared wine tasting room in Downtown Newhall, Double Trouble) as well as countless experienced volunteers, succeeded once again to bring nearly 50 small producing wineries under one roof – Santa Monica Bay Women’s Club – to be discovered by wine lovers.

Left to right: Erik Siering, Mark Wasserman, me, Paul Quinn and James Schreiner.

(Photo: My favorite people – and wine – at Vinemark Cellars and TW Ferm Co! — left to right: Erik Siering, Mark Wasserman, me, Paul Quinn and James Schreiner.)

Urban Exposure features artisan winemakers from across California, including Paso Robles, Santa Barbara County, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma, Los Angeles County and more. The Garagiste Festival is Los Angeles’ only wine festival that exclusively features high quality wines from commercial California ‘garagiste’ winemakers, offering Angelenos a unique opportunity to discover hard-to-find wineries, taste hundreds of their wines, and meet the winemakers…Over 70% of the wineries pouring at the festival do not have tasting rooms, and most are not on “wine country” maps and difficult to find except at the Garagiste Festival.

Pretty sure I’ve covered every Garagiste event that has been produced in Los Angeles for the past five years, as well as a couple in Paso Robles. I look forward to trying the new vintages from wineries we’ve discovered before, and wines from new wineries added to the event. This year I tried to taste as many Rare and Reserve offerings as I could as well, before palate fatigue set in.

Will now share a few of my take-aways (oh how I wish I could’ve taken some of the wine home with me!) from the event. (Too thirsty to read on? Shoot over here to see the event photos.)

Wineries Tastes (I have only noted the wines I enjoyed – keep in mind I did not try every wine that was offered at every winery table.)

Bellante Family Winery: 2016 Viognier, Los Olivos, Camp 4 Vineyard, and 14.9% alcohol.

Betwixt Wines: 2012 Grenache, Boer Vineyard, Sonoma (sold out) and 2010 Syrah.

Byron Blatty: Mark’s brand new Rose of Grenache, LA County, $27 and 2016 Tremor blend of Grenache, Syrah and Merlot, LA County, $58.

Caliza Vineyards: 2013 Estate Grenache, Paso Robles, only 50 cases made, $75

Cutruzzola Vineyards: 2012 Riesling, Riven Rock Vineyard Estate, San Luis Obispo County, 12.5% alcohol, 450 cases, $28 and the 2015 Riesling with 128 cases and $30.

Dusty Nabor: “K” Super Secret Syrah, Ballard Canyon, 27 cases, $45 and 2016 Super Secret Grenache, Ballard Canyon, 27 cases, $45.

Frisco Cellars: 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast, Yattes and DiPietro Vineyards, $56.

Gordenker Wines: 2012 Sylvia Drive Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, $68. (Parker gave this wine 93 points.)

Hoi Polloi: Everything: Pinot Noirs and Syrah! Love Minnick and happy to support local business!

Kaleidos Wines: 2014 Praying Mantis, 100% Syrah, Paso Robles, 88 cases, 15.6% alcohol, $65.

Leverage: 2014 Trajectory, GSM, Paso Robles, 85 cases, $60.

Parmeson: 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, 149 cases, $60.

Pulchella Winery: My all-time favorite local winery was serving up their Rose of Tannat, “Rogue Rose of Tannat”, Bella Colina Vineyards, 120 cases, $35 as well as six 2016 releases.

Record Family Wines: 2013 Reserve Merlot, Paso Robles, 100 cases, $35.

Siela Wines: 2015 Chardonnay Dry Creek Valley. (SF Chronicle Wine Competition gave this a Silver in 2017, I would’ve given it a Gold.)

TW Fermentations: 2014 “Cultivator” Bordeaux Blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Paso Robles, 14.7% alcohol, $68 and a Malbec with 14.9% alcohol.

Vinemark Cellars: All 2014s: Reserve Pinot, $41; Cabernet Sauvignon, $32; “Mezzanotte” Primitivo/Petite Sirah blend, $32.

Volatus Wine: 2015 White Rhone Blend, $25; 2016 Bolter Rose blend of Tannat, Grenache and Viognier, $14; and Reserve Red blend of Syrah and Malbec, Paso Robles, 65 cases, $45.

All Wineries

Alma Sol+, Ann Albert, Ascension Cellars+, Bellante Family Winery+*, Betwixt Wines, Brophy Clark, Byron Blatty+, Caliza Vineyards, Cavelletti Vineyards, Cloak & Dagger+, Cutruzzola Vineyards, Domaine Kreger, El Lugar Wines, Frisco Cellars*, Golden Triangle, Gordenker Wines, Hoi Polloi+, In Vino Musicas+*, Kaleidos Wines, Kitson Wines*, LA Wine Project+, Lavender Oak Ranch+*, Magna Vita Cellars, Malibu Ridge+*, Marin’s Vineyard, Mastro Scheidt, Metrick Wines+, Monochrome Wines, Murder Ridge, On Your Left, Pulchella Winery+, Record Family Wines*, Siela Wines*, Stolo Family Winery, Sweezter Cellars+, Sycamore Ranch+, The Blending Lab+*, Tlo Winery, Torch Wines, TW Fermentations, Vinemark Cellars+, Volatus Wine, Wildwood Oak Winery* (*First time pouring at the festival, +Based in LA County)

Festival Sponsors: ETS, Glenn Burdette,, Farm Credit, Laffort, Digital Dogma, mWEBB Communications, Travel Paso, Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. For sponsorship info, email info@garagistefestival.com.

Keep track of where the next Garagiste festival will be offered here: http://garagistefestival.com

For special discounts and updates on Urban Exposure, Taste of Garagiste mini-tastings and other Garagiste Festival events and news, sign up for The Dirt at http://garagistefestival.com/sign-up/,

Follow on Twitter (@GaragisteFest) or Facebook (http://on.fb.me/1rgBC80).

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 15k 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.

Five Romantic Cocktail Recipes to Get Sparks Flying This Valentine’s Day

February 4, 2021 by evebushman

Valentine’s Day is coming up and our options are limited, but who says staying in can’t be sexy? Drinks retailer The Bottle Club has rallied together five of their most popular cocktails to help you ignite romance this Valentine’s.

Pink Heather Cocktail

1) The Royal Sidecar

There is something romantic about the royal sidecar cocktail. It’s sweet and tangy taste will be sure to add a striking touch to your Valentines. Impress your date with this simple yet effective cocktail. Recipe below.

Ingredients

35ml Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal Miniature
30ml Cointreau Orange Liqueur Miniature
15ml Fresh lemon juice
Ice

Method

Shake Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal with Cointreau, lemon juice with ice
Strain into your best coupe glass
Enjoy

2) Nutella Martini

If your date has a sweet tooth, this is the perfect cocktail for your Valentine’s date night. It could even save you making a dessert (or perhaps not). You probably haven’t thought about putting your favourite nutty spread in a cocktail, but booze and Nutella is a match made in heaven. Recipe below.

Ingredients

400ml whole milk (or swap out for nut milk)
2 (very) heaped scoops of Nutella
1 heaped spoonful of cocoa powder
3 shots of vodka
2 shot Amaretto
Ice
Additional Nutella & chopped hazelnuts (for garnish)

Method

Gently heat the milk in a pan, with the Nutella and cocoa powder.
Stir until smooth and sufficiently warmed through
Leave to cool
Spread some Nutella onto a side plate, and cover another plate in chopped hazelnuts.
Dip the rim of your glass into the chocolate and twist
Once dipped in the Nutella, dip the glass into the pile of nuts
When your chocolate milk is nice & cold, pour into a cocktail shaker and add the vodka and Amaretto
Shake it and enjoy!

3) Pink Heather Cocktail

For whisky drinkers, it can be difficult to find delicious and romantic cocktail recipes – well look no further than the pink heather cocktail. Whip this up for your whisky loving date and you’re sure to have a good night. Recipe below.

Ingredients:

2 oz Scotch Whisky
1 oz strawberry liqueur
Top with sparkling rose wine
Strawberries for garnish

Method:

Pour the whisky and the strawberry liqueur into a chilled champagne flute
Top up with sparkling wine

4) Pomegranate Whisky Sour

Drinking pink doesn’t need to be all about the rosé. A good one for those who don’t like wine this Valentine’s, you can mix it to create a delicious pink cocktail so you don’t miss out on a rose-tinted summer. Drink pink with whisky? Hell yeah!

Ingredients:

2 oz of bourbon
1 oz of pomegranate juice
½ oz of simple syrup
1 oz lemon juice

Method:

Add ice to a cocktail shaker
Fill with bourbon, pomegranate juice, lemon juice and simple syrup
Shake well
Pour into an old-fashioned glass

5) Fruity Strawberry Daiquiri

This fruity cocktail can be made with fresh and/or frozen strawberries and is the ultimate refreshing drink to get the party started this Valentines. The sweetest of them all! You won’t go wrong with a Strawberry Daiquiri.

Ingredients:

4 medium frozen strawberries
4 medium fresh strawberries
1 tbsp lime juice
1-2 tbsp white sugar
50 ml white rum

Method:

Add all ingredients into the blender and blend.
Pour into a glass.
Garnish with lime and strawberry.
Enjoy!

Tip: Add some ice cubes to make a larger drink or to mellow the strawberry flavour.

All credit to The Bottle Club: https://www.thebottleclub.com/

Perlises Pick What Wines We Are Drinking At Home – Part 1

January 30, 2021 by Michael Perlis

I’ve seen many wine article titles referencing the pandemic, many with riffs on Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s Love In The Time of Cholera or even One Hundred Years Of Solitude. I didn’t want to go down that road, but I did want to share what wines Karen and I have been drinking over the last several months.

Karen Perlis, Heidi Wiedeman, Carey Babcock and Janell Dusi — photo by Mike Ortiz (2012, photo from this website.)

Our wine habits had actually shifted a couple of years ago. This may come as a shock for regular readers of this ZinFan, but we have been trying to practice eating a lighter diet and the color of the wines followed suit – mainly Whites and Pinks with Reds reserved for less frequent heavier meals and restaurant dining.

Fortunately, there are lots of great W&Ps to choose from, many from wineries that are already our favorites. Because it turns out, great winemakers make great wine, period.

J Dusi Wines (www.jdusiwines.com) is a great example. We’ve been fans of Janell Dusi’s wines ever since we tasted her first commercial vintage of Zinfandel from the iconic Dante Dusi Vineyard in Paso Robles. She makes several other great Reds as well, including various red blends, a Carignane and a Zinfandel from the Benito Dusi Vineyard, some only available to club members.

But for white wine, we really often look no further than what has become somewhat of our house wine, the J Dusi Pinot Grigio – crisp, clean and a great accompaniment to all manner of seafood and pasta dishes. And while I try not to focus too much on price, this wine is extremely well-priced, even more so by the case [and even more so if you are a club member].

And if it is Rosé that you are craving, Janell makes a fine one, a Rhone blend that is as complete as you’ll find anywhere.

The above two wines are both great for any occasion, but if you are looking for something a little more upscale, try the Paper Street Clairette Blanc.

Paper Street is definitely not a second label to J Dusi. Rather, it is a label in its own right, as well as the name of the Paper Street Vineyard, a property on the west side of Paso Robles in the Willow Creek AVA, acquired, cleared and planted by the Dusi family in 2013. Wonderful wines are coming from this vineyard, not just from Janell but from other Paso Robles wineries too, to great accolades. Currently, Janell makes a Zinfandel, a red Rhone blend and a 100% Mourvedre from this vineyard, as well as the aforementioned Clairette Blanc. Clairette Blanc is one of the lesser known [at least to me] white Rhone grapes but it shouldn’t be – this version is as rich and elegant as anything you could ask for.

We’ve been drinking a lot more wines at home, which I’ll write about soon.

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 30 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also President of MCP Financial, which provides outsourced controller services. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or mcpfinancial@aol.com.

Champagne Magazine’s 100 Best Champagnes for 2021!

January 24, 2021 by evebushman

SAN FRANCISCO /PRNewswire/ — For the tenth time, the world’s one and only Champagne Magazine and world’s largest wine information platform Tastingbook.com, put hundreds of champagnes in line and ranked the 100 best champagnes on global markets for 2021.

After days of blind-tasting hundreds of champagnes, the final results were tabulated. Any champagne making it into the Top 100 in the rigorous tasting by our editorial board can warmly be recommended.

This time the winner was one of the most esteemed prestige blanc de blancs champagne of the world – Comtes de Champagne from Taittinger and its most recent vintage 2008. Comtes de Champagne is not the newcomer on podium, as it was claimed in 2012 as the winner of 100 Best Champagnes with its vintage 2000.

“The recently-released and much-awaited Comtes de Champagne 2008 was one of the last remaining prestige cuvées from the hyped 2008 vintage to see daylight. But it was worth the wait. The first nose is radiantly fruity with gorgeous gunpowdery toastiness lingering on top of the zingy lemon, lime, peach and grass notes. Remarkable purity and finesse on this racey and mineral, slowly evolving, still super youthful Comtes packed with energy and tension,” Essi Avellan MW comments.

The second place was shared this year by two great new cuvees – Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle No. 24 and Dom Pérignon 2010. Both very solid and concentrated, still babies but drinking perfectly well already.

Although the top ten list is dominated by the well-established prestige champagnes, there are two superb finds – Laurent-Perrier Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature NV and Palmer & Co Vintage 2012.

The quality of all the top 100 champagnes was pleasingly high – over 70 champagnes were rated by 90 points and plus, and the average scores of the top 10 was highest ever – 95 points!

The 100 Best Champagnes tasting is an annual rating of Fine Champagne Magazine that is organised in collaboration with the world’s largest wine information source Tastingbook.com.

FINE Champagne’s TOP 10 champagnes for 2021
1. Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2008
2. Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle No. 24
3. Dom Pérignon 2010
4. Maison Mumm Cuvée Lalou 2006
5. Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2007
6. Moët & Chandon MCIII 001.14
7. Louis Roederer Cristal 2012
8. Rare Champagne Rosé Millésime 2008
9. Laurent-Perrier Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature
10. Palmer & Co Vintage 2012

Previous winners:
2020 Dom Pérignon 2008
2018 Dom Pérignon Rosé 2006
2017 Moët & Chandon MCIII 001.14 NV
2016 Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle NV
2015 Ruinart Dom Ruinart Rosé 2002
2014 Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé 2002
2013 Charles Heidsieck Vintage 2000
2012 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2000
2011 Piper-Heidsieck Rare 2002
2010 Armand de Brignac Brut Gold NV

FINE Champagne magazine’s aim with this annual ranking is to taste the vast offering on the international markets in order to select the champagnes that are showing best this very moment. The most important criterion is the quality of the champagne and its accessibility today.

More information: tastingbook.com

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.

Vintage Eve Circa 5/2018: A Trio of French Rosé Reviewed

December 15, 2020 by evebushman

I’m a sucker for Rosé wine, especially when the temperatures go up and the days are longer. It’s almost like an aperitif to have before dinner for us, on the front porch, as we watch our neighbors slowly filter by walking their dogs or walking themselves. So, this week, now that I’ve got you in a relaxed mood I hope, I give you three Rosé wines to virtual sample through me, and then go out and find for yourselves:

Château de Berne Inspiration 2017, $20

12.5% alcohol

70% Grenache Noir, 20% Cinsault, 10% Syrah

Color: Pale rose gold.

Aroma: fruit cocktail, peach, fresh sweet watermelon, pear, a cool stream running through a lush forest.

Flavor: Tingly (medium acid) hit me first, then fresh ripened apple, steely/concrete, much more fruit on the back palate and a finish of lemon-lime.

88 Eve pts.

From Tech Sheet: Château de Berne Inspiration a light, yet fragrant Grenache-dominant wine that will elevate any meal or happy hour with friends. The grapes are sourced from Château de Berne’s 330 acres of vineyards as well as trusted growers with whom the estate has long-term relationships. The warm Mediterranean climate, vineyard altitudes of 820-1,082 feet and limestone and clay soils produce grapes that are concentrated while still retaining fresh, juicy acidity. After harvest, the Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grapes undergo cold soak maceration for 2 to 3 hours, to produce the pale pink color for which Provence is world-famous. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks for 2 to 3 weeks before bottling.

Château de Berne Emotion 2017, $16

12.5% alcohol

50% Grenache Noir, 25% Cinsault, 25% Syrah

Cork: Synthetic cork that reminded me of a white marshmallow, this was a first for me.

Color: Very pale pink.

Aromas: Bright and aromatic fruit, citrus, lemon tart, cut pineapple, talcum powder.

Flavor: tart peach and pear, lemon, lime, sweet pineapple, mild to medium acidity.

88 Eve pts.

From Tech Sheet:

The grapes are sourced from Château de Berne’s 330 acres of vineyards as well as trusted growers with whom the estate has long-term relationships. The warm Mediterranean climate, vineyard altitudes of 820-1,082 feet and limestone and clay soils produce grapes that are concentrated while still retaining fresh, juicy acidity. After harvest, the Grenache Noir, Cinsault and Syrah grapes undergo cold soak maceration for 2 to 3 hours, to produce the pale pink color for which Provence is world-famous. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks for 2 to 3 weeks before bottling.

Ultimate Provence Urban Provence 2017, $23

12.5% alcohol

45% Grenache Noir, 35% Cinsault, 15% Syrah, 5% Rolle

Color: rose gold, Swarovski crystal.

Aroma: peach, pink grapefruit, sweet ripe raspberry, plum, hard candy, cream, talcum powder, wet stream pebbles.

Flavor: fruit forward, strawberries and cream, but of tropical fruit, medium acid, mildly sweet finish.

90 Eve pts.

From Tech Sheet: Urban Provence is a dry rosé combining Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Rolle into a refreshing dry wine with bright red fruits balanced by spice. The grapes are harvested from Ultimate Provence’s 100-acre estate near the village of La Garde-Freinet, where the sandstone soils produce concentrated, aromatic fruit. After harvest, the grapes undergo cold soak maceration for 2 to 3 hours, to produce the pale pink color for which Provence is world-famous. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks for 2 to 3 weeks before bottling. The gorgeously etched bottle is reflective of the product inside: beauty, craftsmanship, quality and originality.

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, 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.