Eve's Wine 101

Preview of Paso Robles 2020

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We are planning a trip to Paso Robles early this year – we try and do Paso and Napa every year – although in past years it wasn’t possible due to our work schedules. This year first we will visit D.C. and then Paso, Kentucky, Italy, Greece and Turkey. This will probably be the norm for us, lots of travel, now that Eddie has retired.

Cass winery pic from Facebook, I believe Ted is on the left wearing the hat and raising his glass.

So, getting back to Paso, I wanted to share information about some of the wineries we will be visiting. And because we do go wine tasting often, the last few years we have tried to go to wineries that we have not visited with too many times – or not at all – before. (There are so many now we all really should reach a little further IMO.) However, with that said, there are two below that we have visited before, but not for a few years. Which of these have you been to, which would you re-visit and which are new for you as well:

Thacher Winery

Hadn’t heard of Thacher until I was emailing Tony Quealy at a different winery and learned that he had moved over to Thacher. Did a little research on the winery, Google and social media, and liked what I saw. So instead of seeing Quealy at his old spot we would visit him at his new spot. They are described as a “boutique” winery, with an emphasis on two of my favorites: Rhone blends and Zinfandel.

https://www.thacherwinery.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thacher.winery/

 

Tablas Creek Vineyard

Sampled lots of Rhônes from Tablas Creek at wine events over the years. All I knew about them is that they make a lot. And they’re all good. Sent them an email about visiting and they were happy to oblige, with none other than Jason Haas, partner and GM, to show us around. From Facebook I learned, “Founded by the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel and Robert Haas of Vineyard Brands in the limestone hills of Paso Robles’ Adelaida District, it produces estate grown Châteauneuf du Pape-style blends and Rhone varietal wines from its certified organic and Biodynamic vineyards.”

https://tablascreek.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TablasCreek/

 

Steinbeck Wines

Cindy Steinbeck, one daughter of owners Howie and Bev Steinbeck, had offered one of their noted “CRASH COURSE tours through the family’s expansive vineyards giving (us) an opportunity to really know the family and experience wine from the vineyard.” From their website I learned that Steinbeck “is a boutique family owned and operated winery in the heart of California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles” and that their “family has been farming for seven-generations, since 1884. (Their) ancestors were pioneers in many aspects of farming in Paso Robles, including wine grapes and wine 135 years ago…” Howie himself is known as “a leader in viticulture in Paso Robles since 1970.”

http://www.steinbeckwines.com/

https://www.facebook.com/steinbeckwines/

 

Cass Wines

Been to more than one event, and dinner, where Cass co-owner Ted Plemons poured. Plemons is one of those memorable wine personalities that make the wine tasting experience a whole lot of fun. At a recent #SaugusStrong fundraiser at our local Wine 661 wine bar, I won a luncheon for four at the winery. Planned my trip around it. Hoping for a Plemons sighting, but happy at the prospect of having the lunch – heard a lot about the great lunches there – and tasting through their current line-up of Rhônes and Bordeaux blends.

https://www.casswines.com/

https://www.facebook.com/casswinery/

 

Eberle Winery

Ben Mayo was the winemaker at Eberle when I last visited, that was 2011 (Read about our “Underground Eberle Tour” here) and a person in my party voted for a re-visit. Fast forward to more local news, founder Gary Eberle being ousted from the winery, then regained ownership, and of course their long-standing respected wines. When Gary was copied on an email to me from the winery, I mentioned we’d love even just a “sighting” or “photo op” if he’s available. This wine-fan-girl does get a wee bit excited about meeting the people that have shaped our wine industry. Time will tell if it happens! Asked what I would like to focus on for the tasting I suggested Zinfandel, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, and they also offered a tasting of “something from the library.”

https://www.eberlewinery.com/

https://www.facebook.com/eberlewinery/

 

Allegretto Wines and Vineyard Resort by Ayres

I knew the Allegretto name from visiting their grand hotel soon after it opened for a Cab Collective event weekend. This time I would be staying in one of the rooms, for two nights, so I knew I’d be getting a bigger and better insiders “feel” of the place. Additionally, I had met and tasted with Quin Cody, the Director of Wine Hospitality, at a recent STARS of Cab event put on by Ian Blackburn and WineLA.com – the wines were great, two Cabs and a Malbec, but I needed to taste more. During our visit we would have “an art tour followed by wine and charcuterie tasting in the Willow Creek tasting room.”

https://www.allegrettowines.com/

https://www.allegrettovineyardresort.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AllegrettoWines/

https://www.facebook.com/allegrettovr/

 

HammerSky Vineyards

A few years back we stayed in a lovely farmhouse on the HammerSky property. I was smitten the property, the wines and with owner Doug Hauck, and I think you can tell from my article that ran back in 2014, The Secret Weapons at HammerSky. I’ve been wanting to get back ever since as we tasted just a few wines then, and there are plenty more in the tasting room that we hadn’t visited. This is what we missed that we won’t miss this time, “Our ultra-modern tasting room offers award-winning Bordeaux wines, hospitality and comfort for all who visit. Tall windows and glass doors emit natural light, while allowing sweeping 180 degree views of our rolling vineyards that border the lawn with café-style seating on the patio. It has been referred to as the best picnic location in Paso Robles wine country.”

https://www.hammersky.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Hammerskyvineyards/

 

Oso Libre Winery

I had originally tasted Oso Libre wines in 2016, via the LA Wine Writers. In fact, I couldn’t attend the tasting with everyone else and the winery generously offered to send wines for my review. I re-posted the review last year, and the winery commented on the Facebook link that I needed a re-visit. This is the article link —> http://evewine101.com/2019/09/10/vintage-eve-circa-9-2016-a-trio-to-taste-from-pasos-oso-libre/   I decided I needed a real “live” visit, and now look forward to trying their current wines that may include a Dry Riesling, Rose of Mourvedre, Chardonnay, Primitivo, Zinfandel, Bordeaux blends and GSMs…

https://www.osolibre.com/

https://www.facebook.com/osovino/

 

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.

Top Rhône Producer Delas Frères Opens New Winery in Tain-l’Hermitage

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TAIN-I’HERMITAGE, FRANCE (PRWEB) – Delas Frères, one of the northern Rhône Valley’s best producers, is excited to usher in a new chapter in its long history and announce the opening of its new premises in Tain-l’Hermitage. The project has included new facilities and tools essential to the company’s future growth and a new showcase site in which the Delas team will be delighted to relate the history of the company to visitors.

Founded in Tournon-sur-Rhône in 1835, Maison Delas Frères has constantly gone to great efforts to execute a strategy committed to quality and respect for the terroir. Delas Frères has been associated with the Deutz Champagne House since 1977 when it was purchased by the latter. It was given new momentum in 1993, when the Rouzaud family of Maison Louis Roederer, already the owner of several wine estates, acquired the two wine companies and entrusted their management to Fabrice Rosset, CEO since 1996. Under his management, and with the intention of taking the domaine to the next level of excellence, the company embarked on a long-term development program.

Over the last twenty years, nearly 30 million euros have been invested: harvest-handling facilities, vat room, high-tech equipment and new ageing cellars in Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, rebuilding of the drystone support walls on the Hermitage hills, replacement of 7,000 vines, consolidation of the vineyards with the purchase of several plots. In 2006, the acquisition of nearly 20 hectares in the Crozes Hermitage appellation took the total vineyard surface area now worked by Delas Frères to around 30 hectares.

Delas Frères has been historically located in Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, but in 2015, its 180th anniversary year, it acquired a property tucked away in the center of Tain-L’Hermitage. This would be the start of the next phase in the process of elevating the brand.

“Delas Frères needed a high-performing production tool that matched its ambitions and would allow it to deliver the purest expression of its prestigious northern terroirs,” said Fabrice Rosset at the time…. “and, at the same time, be consistent with the elegant efficiency of Deutz and the constellation of magnificent estates under the same umbrella” (Château Pichon Comtesse, Adriano Ramos Pinto, Domaimes Ott, Louis Roederer, Merry Edwards, Roederer Estate, etc.).

The new property, located at the foot of the l’Hermitage hill, now includes an architectural gem that lives up to the outstanding setting. The design and restoration of the facilities were entrusted to architect Carl Fredrik Svenstedt, a graduate of Harvard and the Yale School of Architecture, with a brief to respect the character of the original property and to set off the “terroirs of excellence.” In the prestigious Architecture MasterPrize competition this past October, the new winery was awarded Honorable Mention in Architectural Design and its architects won the Small Firm of the Year Award in Sustainable Architecture.

The spectacular building housing the new winery and cellars, which adjoins the former family residence and the new reception cellars, is impressive for its purity, precision and modernity. Only noble material – stone, glass and steel – has been used in its construction. The wall sculpture, created from 274 blocks of stone, seems to be almost alive with a rhythmic and harmonious undulation that appears to take the shape and mimic the Hermitage hills. In a 6,000 square-meter walled property, the venerable “Maison Delas Frères” now boasts a tailor-made, state of-the-art production facility.

In September 2019, the grapes from the northern crus were brought in to this new red wine winery in Tain-l’Hermitage for an emotional first harvest. The white wines and blends from the southern crus were taken to the Delas Frères site in Saint-Jean-de-Muzols which is still in operation.

The reception cellars, sheltered by noble stones that parallel the design around the winemaking operations, come at the end of the tour. This space is entirely dedicated to wine tastings and a retail area. It offers wine novices and wine lovers a chance to try, as well as purchase, the Delas Frères range of wines representing the finest Rhône Valley terroirs.

The Reception House, which was the former family residence, perfectly illustrates the contemporary nature of the project sought by Delas Frères with an interior design courtesy of renowned designer Julia Rouzaud. Its reception facilities include two lounges and a dining room. Eleven bedrooms for the use of Delas’ guests (partners, customers, VIPs, etc.) complete this space in which the Delas Frères team will be delighted to relate the history of the company.

Fabrice Rosset states, “We are delighted to have been able to make the most of this unique property, now practically an icon thanks to its history and its rebirth within the world of fine Rhône Valley wine. This will be the facility where we will be able to receive devotees of the brand and Rhône Valley wine enthusiasts, in style.”

The new winery and reception cellars are located at 40, Rue Jules Nadi, Tain-l’Hermitage, and is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 12:00pm and from 1:30pm to 6:30pm.

About Delas Frères http://www.delas.com/en/
Delas Frères is a winery of tradition and renewal. Founded in 1835 in the heart of the northern Côtes du Rhône, the winery has thrived with the dynamism of its original founders and their heirs and more recently, the renewed energy of the Lallier-Deutz family, owners of Champagne Deutz. Delas Frères and Champagne Deutz were acquired by Maison Louis Roederer in 1993. André Lallier retired from daily winery duties in 1996, and Fabrice Rosset, a 20-year executive with Roederer, today leads both Delas and Deutz. Delas wines are crafted by a panel of experts headed by winemaker Jacques Grange. Together, the team makes wines that have been heralded for their intensity of flavor and excellent value. The wines are imported exclusively into the U.S. by Maisons Marques & Domaines (MMD USA).

The Wine House Announces First Southern California Virtual Reality Wine Tour Featuring Three Prestigious Italian Wineries

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LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) – The Wine House, named one of the world’s best wine shops by Food & Wine, is excited to announce an exciting and immersive virtual reality wine tasting experience to Southern California on Wednesday, January 15th at 7:00 pm. The event will bring three wineries from the LUX Wines portfolio to life, offering a high-quality, 360-degree virtual reality technology viewed on an Oculus headset.

The event includes a seated tasting with virtual tours of three outstanding Italian producers: Jermann, Renato Ratti, and Allegrini. Representatives from each winery will be attending to guide participants through the tasting.

“Many of us have done vineyard tours, and I have been fortunate to visit all three wineries participating in this unique event, but I have never experienced anything like this before,” said Lance Montalto, Wine House Italian Buyer. “This VR immersion will certainly enhance participants’ wine-tasting experience by providing additional depth and understanding of the regions and wineries,” Montalto added.

This limited-seating event will offer each attendee the opportunity to use an Oculus virtual reality headset to enjoy new and unique winery perspectives, like aerial views. Participants also will enjoy nine incredible wines – three from each producer.

“Wine House customers love to explore, and they appreciate unique wine experiences,” said Bill Knight, President and Owner of Wine House. “We are always excited to present new and interesting events to our customers, and there is certainly a buzz surrounding this event since LUX held its inaugural events in New York and San Francisco,” Knight shared.

The Wine House’s Italian Virtual Reality Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting takes place Wednesday, January 15th, at 7:00 pm. Those interested in attending the limited-seating event can register HERE.

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About The Wine House:
The Wine House is a family-owned independent retailer that has been serving customers from around the world for over 40 years and was named as one of the Ten Best Wine Stores in the World by Food & Wine. Our 25,000 square foot facility in West Los Angeles, CA, has a vast selection of over 6,000 domestic and imported wines, spirits and beers that is one of the largest and well-curated collections in the country. With helpful and knowledgeable staff to help customers make their selection and a wide variety of events such as seminars, tastings, wine and food pairings – from casual, in-store tastings, to sit down dinners with winemakers from all over the world as well as in-depth seminars that lead to certifications – we provide a unique, exciting shopping environment for clients ranging in wine experience from the complete novice to the connoisseur. We are honored to be the First Call for customers seeking products or assistance with any of our wide variety of products.

One January Night wine event set for Jan 29 at Salt Creek Grille, Featuring Epoch Estate Wines and Benefits Boys and Girls Club of SCV

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For this special event Jordan Fiorentini of Paso Roble’s EPOCH Estate Wines will be pouring select wines from the winery’s collection while Salt Creek’s Chef, Tamra Levine, serves food to pair with each pour for a limited number of guests on January 29.  Ticket link https://www.scvbgc.org/wine-event/

Founded in 2004 by geologists, Bill and Liz Armstrong, Epoch Estate Wines has quickly developed a big reputation for handcrafted, small- production wines with abundant personalities from Paso Robles, CA. Located on the storied York Mountain, Epoch is an ultra-premium producer of wines from Rhone, Zinfandel, and Tempranillo varieties grown on their west Paso Robles vineyards – Paderewski, Catapult, and York Mountain. As the steward of both the historic York Mountain Winery property and the Paderewski Vineyard, Epoch is committed to the land it cherishes, the quality wines crafted, and the rich legacies now shared with the next generation of Epoch drinkers.

Wine Spectator raves, “Winemaker Jordan Fiorentini makes beautiful Rhône-style wines.”

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate exclaims, “Epoch’s wines succeed in capturing all the power of which western Paso Robles is capable, but for all their structure, extract and ripe fruit, they’re beautifully balanced and texturally refined, with new oak very much taking a back seat to the grapes and the vineyards. Fiorentini is clearly passionate and a perfectionist, and I’m sure Epoch is only going to go from strength to strength in coming vintages.”

The event will also feature exclusive auction items available only that evening.

Hosted by: Carl & Terry Kanowsky. Hors d’oeuvres provided by: Salt Creek Grille 

A Special Auction Package Offered by Epoch Estate Wines

Founded in 2004 by geologists, Bill and Liz Armstrong, Epoch Estate Wines has quickly developed a big reputation for handcrafted, small- production wines with abundant personalities from Paso Robles, CA. Located on the storied York Mountain, Epoch is an ultra-premium producer of wines from Rhone, Zinfandel, and Tempranillo varieties grown on their west Paso Robles vineyards – Paderewski, Catapult, and York Mountain. As the steward of both the historic York Mountain Winery property and the Paderewski Vineyard, Epoch is committed to the land it cherishes, the quality wines crafted, and the rich legacies now shared with the next generation of Epoch drinkers.

Experience theEpoch winemaking journey firsthand with this weekend package. Your stay can accommodate two couples for a weekend (three days and two nights) in Epoch’s Vineyard Suites, a two-bedroom abode on the York Mountain property that the Armstrongs now cherish as personal guest quarters. Both suites are beautifully restored, each boasting a queen bed, a full bathroom, and the most breath-taking views of the California Central Coast off their back patios. The Vineyard Suites come stocked with amenities including a mini- fridge, Keurig Coffee Maker, toaster, and microwave as well as breakfast items and snacks.

During your stay, you are invited to visit Epoch’s new Tasting Room, located down the road from the Vineyard Suites to enjoy a complimentary flight tasting for four people. Here you will learn more about Epoch and the history Bill and Liz are preserving on the historic York Mountain property, home to the first bonded winery on the Central Coast. This unique and coveted experience also includes a private tour of their York Mountain Vineyard and a barrel tasting at Epoch’s state-of-the-art winery. The Epoch team will be happy to assist in recommending other great wineries and restaurants in the Paso area for you to enjoy during your visit. Finally, to put the winners in the mood for their trip to Paso, you will walk away from the Santa Clarita Valley Boys and Girls Club Wine Tasting event with a signed magnum of Epoch wine!

This package accommodates up to four people for two nights and does not include airfare, transportation, or meals. Dates must be mutually agreed upon by all parties.

Awarded to the highest bidder. Value: Priceless. Donated by Epoch Estate Wines

Randall Grahm Earns Top Consumer Honor

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St. Pete Beach, Fla. –Randall Grahm, founder of Bonny Doon Vineyard, received the American Wine Society Award of Merit at the organization’s national conference in St. Pete Beach, Fla., earlier this month.

In an acceptance speech, Mr. Grahm humbly and humorously discussed several particularly vivid career failures over the past 35 years, as well as plans for the future at his estate vineyard in San Juan Bautista, CA.  But the audience of 600 applauded him for his decades of innovation and successes.

Randall Grahm. Photo from Wine Enthusiast

The AWS’s Award of Merit is the highest consumer honor conferred on individuals in the wine industry, recognizing contributions that have enhanced wine appreciation and enjoyment. Since 1974, the AWS has presented this award annually to leaders in winemaking, viticulture, marketing, journalism, or merchandising.

“Mr. Grahm has influenced wine styles, packaging, and marketing in enduring ways,” said AWS Executive Director David Falchek, citing Mr. Grahm’s pioneering experiments with Rhone grape varieties, his early embrace of Stelvin closures, and his innovative marketing, as with his flagship Rhone-style blend, Le Cigare Volant.

“Randall Grahm has been at the forefront of introducing new grape varieties, hastening the adoption of alternate closures, and marketing wine in fun, innovative ways,” Falchek said. “He is known as one of the industry’s great characters, but he has also been a force in shaping the wine industry for the better.”

When asked for a comment on this, his most recent accolade, Mr. Grahm said, “I am greatly honored by this acknowledgment from the AWS, but respectfully suggest that the real hard work is still yet to be doon.  I look forward to many more productive years in this industry.”

The American Wine Society is the oldest and largest organization of wine consumers in the United States.

Vintage Eve: My Favorite Wines and Cocktails from 2016

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In writing wine and spirit reviews, which include comprehensive tasting notes on appearance, aroma, flavor and sometimes a score, it would be remiss for me not to explain that even when I’m not working on an article I will still employ some of these same methods when drinking wine for pleasure with friends or at a large commercial tasting event. Those wines, sans actual notes, are the ones I want to share today.

2016 Cocktails on the Roof.

Why? Because sometimes we make our buying choices dependent on numerical scores from critics. While that is fine, especially if you have found a critic that has a similar palate as yours (you agree with his scores) it also reduces the time spent trying wines on your own, and finding them not to be enjoyable, which can be costly.

Some pals have also reached out to me, believing they will like what I like, and have asked me to share my favorites. So this article is for them as well. (Please keep in mind these are wines and cocktails I enjoyed in 2016 alone.)

And now, without further adieu:

Remarkable vintage years I did note – so it will be easier if you want to duplicate the experience – I found via my Facebook photographs: 1863 Reserva Velha Barbeito Bual Madeira, 2003 Tramin Cerveny (Czech dessert wine), 2000 Don Melchor Puente Alto Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003 Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes d’Or Brut Champagne, 2004 Robert Mondavi Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012 Chateau de la Gardine Chateauneuf du Pape, 2014 Turley from Howell Mountain, Pesenti Vineyard and Dogtown Vineyard, 2003 Joseph Phelps Insignia and a 2006 Backus, 2015 Trombetta Chardonnay, 2015 J. Lohr White Riesling, 2005 Robert Mondavi Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Beckmen Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon and their 2013 Cuvee Le Bec, 2007 Kosta Browne 4-Barrel Pinot Noir, 2013 Beekeeper Zinfandel Rockpile Appellation, 2005 Chateau Canon, 2013 Hearst Pergola Petite Sirah, 2014 Poet’s Leap Riesling, 2012 Concrete Old Vine Zinfandel, 2012 Kynsi Pinot Noir, 2012 Colome Estate Malbec, 2012 Dilecta Unorthodox, 2013 Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel, 2013 Summers Andriana’s Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2011 and 2013 Cabernet Franc all from Crocker and Starr.

In general, wines that I enjoyed but didn’t note the various vintage years were from Backus, Insignia, Le Mistral, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon (all from Joseph Phelps club membership), Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, every vintage of Phifer Pavitt DateNight Cabernet Sauvignon, various Del Dotto wines, all wines from Stolpman Vineyards, Silver Oak, Carlisle Mourvedre, Pure Cru wines by Mitch Cosentino, non vintage Champagne Jacquart, Pulchella Zinfandel, Stillman Petite Sirah, Regusci Patriarch, Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon, Cakebread Cellars Pinot Noir, Larner Vineyard, Ferrari Trento, Derby Wine Estates, Oso Libre, Frick, Mystic Hills, Calcareous, Workman Ayer Defacto Red Rhone blend, Jaffurs, Epoch Estate, Whalebone, Casa Dumetz, Zaca Mesa, Tercero, Four Brix, Central Coast Group Project (CCGP), Dry Creek Vineyard Zinfandel, Cellardoor Winery Blueberry wine, wines that my local winemakers serve up every year at Sunset in the Vineyard…

Cocktails: Everything I could get my hands on at Cocktails on the Roof, which included these three award winners: Bourbon Bramble from Newhall Refinery, Trader Vics inspired Mai Tai at Salt Creek Grille Valencia and the Manhattan from Olive Terrace Bar and Grill. I also enjoyed: the Manhattan made by 12 Bottle Bar authors Lesley and David Solmonson, Frozen Margaritas, single barrel tequila and Horchata at solita, Bloody Mary at Egg Plantation, Perfect Rob Roy from The Social, Cucumber Soju Cocktail served up by Xevichez Sushi Bar, Black Manhattan at Bacari PDR, a Moscow Mule I made with Cherry Ginger Beer and a Negroni with St George Gin, Bowen’s Whiskey, Black Momma Vodka, whatever I get to taste with the L.A. Scotch Club and a 10 year old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon I nabbed from a pal.

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.

Crittenden Estate of Australia Wins Top Honors in 2020 BRIT/FIVS International Sustainable Winegrowing Competition

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FORT WORTH, TEXAS (PRWEB) – The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) in partnership with FIVS, a global public policy federation serving the wine, spirits, and beer sectors, are pleased to announce the winners of their 2020 International Sustainable Winegrowing Competition. Topping this year’s competition is Crittenden Estate of Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia, based on the winery’s on-going programs addressing the three elements of sustainability – environmental, economic, and social – as well as its wine’s flavor.

Founded in 1982 by Garry Crittenden, Crittenden Estate farms 27 acres in Dromana and is proud of its multi-generational family farm commitment to preserving the land while producing high-quality wine.

Among Crittenden’s many sustainable accolades are abandoning the use of chemicals in the vineyard for an innovative program of inter-row cover crops and soil cultivation; a twelve-month composting program to maintain soil health; introducing bees to the property to fertilize desirable fruit trees and supporting a diverse agricultural population of plants and insects while combating wasp species; reducing energy costs by sixty percent cost with the installation of solar panels; and reclaiming and reusing water through Crittenden’s water treatment plant.

The awarded wine was Crittenden Estate’s Cri De Coeur 2017 Pinot Noir, a new, premium wine that showcases Crittenden’s viticulture and winemaking efforts.

“The Crittenden family has taken great pride in working their land for two generations and in that time their wines have won the accolades of Australia’s food and wine critics,” said Dr. Ed Schneider, BRIT’s president and executive director. “The combination of sustainable programs with the family’s love of the land has produced a wine that’s truly outstanding.”

“To win such a prestigious international award, particularly given the caliber of our fellow entrants is very humbling for us,” said Rollo Crittenden, second generation winemaker at Crittenden Estate. “We’re passionate about our sustainability and regenerative programmes and delighted that they have been recognised in this way by BRIT/FIVS. There is no doubt these efforts contribute directly to an increase in the quality of wine we produce, and we will continue to strive further on both our land care and wine advances over the generations to come.”

Additional BRIT/FIVS sustainable awards went to:

Gold Medals

  • Vina Cono Sur, Santiago, Chile. Submitted Cono Sur Organic Red Blend.
  • C. A. Henschke & Co., Keyneton, South Australia. Submitted Henschke Mount Edelstone 2015.

Silver Medals

  • Herdade dos Grous, Albernoa, Portugal. Submitted Herdade dos Grous Red.
  • Valdivieso, Santiago, Chile. Submitted Valdivieso Eclat Vigno 2010.

Bronze Medals

Platinum Multi-brand Award

“A big round of applause goes to all of our 2020 winners,” says Greg Hodson, President, FIVS. “From their sustainable programs in the field to their progressive workforce and community programs, to being good leaders and stewards within the global wine industry, we congratulate their achievements.”

When entering the competition, wineries provide a self-assessment of their organization’s accomplishments in sustainable winegrowing, winemaking, and ecopreneurial/social responsibility practices. They describe their organization’s conservation efforts in the field and in their operations; how they have sought to minimize waste, how water is reclaimed, and how the winery extends conservation efforts to its customers and communities. They also are asked to submit a wine sample that best represents their sustainable efforts for a tasting by the judging committee.

Because the BRIT/FIVS award is the only international award of its kind, it is of primary interest to wineries who are taking a leading role in their community/region/country by embracing sustainable practices. Sustainable winegrowing programs are by nature ongoing, so a key component of each program involves its continual improvement process.

Presentation of the BRIT/FIVS glass sculpture award to Crittenden Wines will be made in Fort Worth on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, during BRIT’s Vine to Table award dinner and fundraising event.

The 2021 BRIT/FIVS International Sustainable Winegrowing Competition begins in the summer of 2020. Details of the 2021 competition will be posted on the BRIT web site, http://www.BRIT.org/wineaward and on the FIVS web site, https://www.fivs.org.

Gambero Rosso ‘Winery of the Year 2020’ Honor Goes to Frescobaldi Toscana

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The renowned wine producer Frescobaldi Toscana has been named ’Winery of the Year’ by Gambero Rosso, Italy’s premier authority on wine, and recently joined the Altagamma Foundation, a cooperative of Italian luxury brands across multiple sectors. These recognition’s confirm Frescobaldi’s commitment to high quality production and excellence.

Established in 1986, Gambero Rosso is the world’s most trusted resource on Italian food, wine and travel. Frescobaldi was recognized for its historic legacy for quality wine production, strategic expansions and continued growth across all their estates.

“We bestowed the award of “Winery of the Year” upon Frescobaldi for its success in combining tradition with strategic vision and innovation, for its unceasing drive for absolute excellence and uncompromising attention to detail, from the selection of the grapes to label design,” said the official statement by Marco Sabellico, Gambero Rosso Guide Editor, together with English Language Editor Gianni Fabrizio. They continue, “Their commitment, particularly obvious in recent years, to bringing out the unique qualities of each terroir and the professionalism of their staff find few peers in the Italian and international wine world. Here are a family and a winery that are worthy ambassadors to the world of Italy and its values”.

“Our philosophy, Cultivating Toscana Diversity, means that each of our wine estates has its own managing director, and its own winemaker as well, usually a young professional with international experience. Nicolò D’Afflitto, our winemaking director since 1990, coordinates all these operations,” stated Frescobaldi Group President Lamberto Frescobaldi. “Our unwavering intention is to showcase the talents, if you will, of every single terroir, and of every individual vineyard, assisting the vines, for example, to find their own balance, in natural processes that privilege the use of non-chemical fertilizers and grasses in cover-cropping. That of course also involves meticulously planned and executed winemaking efforts, all overseen by our winemaker and technical director, Nicolò d’Afflitto”.

Earlier this year, Frescobaldi Toscana joined some of the top luxury consumer brands and wine producers of Italy as a member of the Altagamma Foundation, where they represent the winemaking sector. Founded in 1992, the mission of Altagamma is to contribute to the growth and competitive success of Italy’s high-end creative and culture industries as well as the country’s economic development. Notable members include Gucci, Fendi, Ferrari, Versace, and Alfa Romeo.

“Entering Altagamma means that Frescobaldi joins the ranks of Italy’s finest brands”, says Lamberto Frescobaldi. “Those who share a common DNA which boasts of a higher level of performance and that elevated Italian lifestyle, which in a unique way marries together the culture and creativity of our Italy. We look forward to involving ourselves in the foundation’s shared initiatives and to dedicating our team to the mission of gaining appreciation across the globe for the world-class products of the regions of which we are ambassadors.”

About Frescobaldi Toscana | en.frescobaldi.com
Frescobaldi Toscana, the leading wine producer of Tuscany and one of the most historic and respected wine companies in the world, combines centuries of tradition with progressive winemaking techniques and practices. Founded in the 14th century and a supplier of wines to the royal courts of Europe for generations, Frescobaldi Toscana is still a family-owned company today. Comprised of seven distinct estates totaling approximately 1,300 hectares, Frescobaldi Toscana produces terroir-driven wines utilizing only the grapes grown in its own vineyards. The company continually upgrades and modernizes its grape growing and winemaking operations, maintaining a relentless focus on producing unique wines that express the individuality of each unique terroir from which they are produced.

Casanova di Neri Wine + Chef Giancarla Bodoni at Bar Toscana = A Taste of Tuscany

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It was one of the nights that I will not be forgetting anytime soon. I knew we would have “lovely hors d’oeuvres made by Chef Giancarla, accompanied by the Casanova di Neri wine tasting” at one of my favorite places: Bar Toscana, but I was ill-prepared for tasting a Brunello di Montalcino that had not yet been released, never had food made by Chef Giancarla Bodoni that came all the way from the “Medieval village” created by Monteverdi Tuscany or met up with the movers and shakers for all three businesses.

Di Neri on the left, Chef Giancarla in white and a bit of Chef Luca on the right.

Just hitting the key points and heavy hitters blew my mind, here is my Facebook post:

W O W. It was one of those nights that can’t be covered in one social media post or one article. The short story is: we were one of the first in the U.S. to taste the 2015 Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova Brunello di Montalcino well before the 2020 release, meet and learn from 3rd generation family member and general manager Gianlorenzo Neri, meet and taste foods made by Executive Chef Giancarla Bodoni of Monteverdi Tuscany – a boutique hotel and culinary academy, meet Michael L. Cioffi the owner of Monteverdi Tuscany, get a chance to say hello to Kathie and Mike Gordon the owners of Toscana, Bar Toscana and S.Y. Kitchen (and vintners as well), and Chef Luca Crestanelli of S.Y. Kitchen…

Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova was a Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator, 100/100 from Robert Parker and 100/100 from James Suckling…to name just a few of their accolades. (Public Facebook link for photos are here.)

More Details

Fearful of missing anything, below you will find excerpts of news sent to me regarding each involved – Casanova di Neri, Monteverdi Tuscany and Toscana. These are just some of the notes I made at the event:

Gianlorenzo Neri, the third generation of the Neri family to work the winery, said that the 2015 is one of the best they’ve made in the past 20 to 25 years, with incredible potential for aging and drinkability now. The consortium had to approve the early release for the tastings, and had slapped a “sample” label on the bottles.

The vineyard was previously home to sheep before Neri’s grandfather planted grapevines there, the name roughly translates to Farmers of the Neri Family, and their home and offices are all in the same place. Neri said that he and his brother attended a high school for winemakers.

This tasting was part of a Taste of Tuscany tour through Brentwood, Santa Ynez and Napa Valley; introducing wine lovers to the new wine and food pairings by Executive Chef Giancarla Bodoni of Monteverdi Tuscany. Hotel owner Michael L. Cioffi commented that everything comes from the land, “the Tuscany of your dreams” with a landscape of green and gold that show vineyards, olive trees, and poppies. It all “reflects the majesty of the land.” The hotel is made from all reclaimed materials (part was a former school building and restored village) as it’s “important to part of the land they’re in.” It was “the land that captivated” Cioffi, just like the Neri family captivated him. Besides their marvelous Chef Giancarla in residence at Monteverdi Tuscany, famed Chef Nancy Silverton will be coming in March to cook at their academy. Chef Giancarla added, “Food grows everywhere” in Italy and she “ loves to teach, to share…is (her) true heart and soul.”

Restaurateur Kathie Gordon said that they take great pleasure in feeding people…and creating an enjoyable evening to remember; Casanova di Neri does the same thing with their wines. (Later Kathie shared their own wine: 2014 “Cocobacio”, Dove Meadow Vineyard, Bellebob Slope, Los Olivos District. The wine is a red blend of estate grown grapes, this vintage was 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Sangiovese and 30% Syrah with 13.9% alcohol. The wines are cellared and bottled for them at Andrew Murray Vineyards. It was a lovely wine and available only at their restaurants.) 

2015 Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova Brunello di Montalcino Tasting Notes

Velvety aromas of plum, black pepper, figs, earth and a hint of eucalyptus followed by flavors of red to black fruit, bright but with good tannins, structure and balance. The bottle had been open for a few hours but not decanted.

About Casanova di Neri

Founded in 1971 by Giovanni Neri, Casanova di Neri Winery has become one of the most respected wineries in all of Italy. Upon the passing of Giovanni, his son, Giacomo, took over the reins in 1991 and today is recognized as one of the wine industry’s most influential producers. Wine critic James Suckling calls Giacomo “one of the masters of Brunello.”

This family-run cellar owes its success to a solid track record of powerful, luxuriant Brunellos and to the exclusive crus, Tenuta Nuova and Cerretalto… the wines of Casanova di Neri are renowned for their elegant, modern style and enjoy a steady flow of accolades from specialty magazines and contests the world over. In 2006, the Wine Spectator named their Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova 2001 the #1 Wine in the World, calling it “one of the best examples of the recent winemaking renaissance in Tuscany.” Casanova di Neri wines repeatedly score 100-points.

About Monteverdi Tuscany

Monteverdi Tuscany is a luxury boutique hotel centrally located between Rome and Florence, offering stunning panoramic views of the Val d’Orcia region of Tuscany, a UNESCO World Heritage Site…the six-year-old hotel is not confined within a single building but instead is dispersed throughout an idyllic, medieval village, with rooms and suites tucked in among authentic and fastidiously maintained properties. With its transformative restoration complete, the hotel now comprises eighteen individual rooms and suites plus three elegantly appointed villas…in addition, Monteverdi Tuscany boasts an award-winning farm-to-table restaurant, a Culinary Academy, a piano lounge and terrace bar, a separate enoteca and Library Bar, outdoor swimming pool and indoor heated spa pool, an award-winning holistic spa, yoga studio, a modern gym, an art gallery, and a beautifully restored 700-year-old church that serves as Monteverdi’s performing arts venue.

About Toscana

The talented culinary team at Toscana has firm Italian roots. Executive Chef Luca Crestanelli was born and raised in Verona, Italy, where he received his Culinary Arts degree…he was invited to work for the Gordon family, launching Bar Toscana in 2010. In 2013 the three partnered to open a third restaurant, S.Y. Kitchen in Santa Ynez, California.

The Gordons are grateful for the longevity of their restaurant and are actively involved in the management of Toscana, the adjacent Bar Toscana, Nerano in Beverly Hills and S.Y. Kitchen in Santa Ynez, California where they call home…

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.

Visionary Chilean Winery VIK Awarded 2019 Wine Star

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SANTIAGO, Chile /PRNewswire/ — Wine Enthusiast Magazine revealed their 20th Annual Wine Star Awards this past month, naming VIK, in Millahue Chile, the inaugural Wine Star for ‘Best Winery Experience.’ The award celebrates wineries offering more than just superb wines in a beautiful setting, but those that provide an unforgettable immersion in wine lifestyle.

Photo from VIK’s Facebook page.

VIK is the first winery to be awarded this accolade. Wine Enthusiast Founder and Publisher Adam Strum extolled the achievement, saying, “From world-class pours and exceptional food to stunning architecture, boutique accommodations, cultural activities and more, VIK goes above and beyond offering one-of-a-kind, wine-centric wine tourism experiences.” Wine Star Award winners reflect the industry’s highest standards. Winners will be featured in the magazine’s December 31st Best-of-Year issue, and at January gala.

VIK is meticulously curated and designed to delight. Guests visiting for the day or staying at one of three spectacular on-site accommodations, Vik Chile, Puro Vik, or the Vik Cabin can explore the vineyard on horseback, taste a flight of exquisite wines at the altar to VIK, and learn culinary techniques from VIK’s exceptional and inspired Chef. “VIK redefines what a luxury winery experience can be,” said the winery Co-Founder Carrie Vik. “Awards like the Wine Star show how close we are to achieving our goal of joining the pantheon of the world’s great wines.” Visionary entrepreneurs Alexander and Carrie Vik trail-blazed Chile’s Millahue Valley, planting the first commercial vines in 2006, opening the Vik Chile retreat in 2014 and releasing the first VIK vintage to the public in 2015.

To visit the winery and reserve a tasting or book accommodations at Vik Chile, visit www.vik.cl.

About VIK
VIK is changing the world of fine wine. A pioneer of Chile’s Millahue Valley, located within the Cachapoal Valley, VIK is one of the most highly-awarded new vineyards in the world. Guided by holism and the stewardship of nature, the winery and vineyard employ exclusively sustainable practices. VIK wines are available internationally both through the winery website and through valued trade partners. First planted in 2006, VIK wines have been recognized with critical acclaim and are featured on leading Top 100 lists. To learn more, visit www.vik.cl

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