Chianti Classico Consortium Announces Release of 2016 Gran Selezione Wines

September 22, 2019 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The Chianti Classico Consortium (Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico) is happy to announce the release of its 2016 vintage of Gran Selezione wines, the highest designation of the region’s quality pyramid. On July 1, the Gran Selezione wines were released upon completion of a mandatory minimum aging requirement of thirty months, including at least three months in bottle—with the 2016 vintage marking the 300th anniversary of the first delimitation of the region by Grand Duke Cosimo III de’ Medici in 1716.

First launched in 2014 as a certification superseding the already-stringent requirements for the designations of Riserva and Annata, the Gran Selezione wines of Chianti Classico represent the pinnacle of the region’s production. A Chianti Classico wine may earn the Gran Selezione distinction if its grapes are grown and bottled on the estate, produced from a single vineyard or selected from only the estate’s best grapes, aged for a minimum of thirty months with three months mandatory aging in bottle, and show outstanding organoleptic characteristics. Starting in 2014 with 33 producers, the number of estates producing Gran Selezione wines has grown to 136, with a total of 155 labels in the market, which now represents 6% of Chianti Classico’s overall production.

The result of these elevated standards for Gran Selezione is apparent in the 2016 vintage, which has received exemplary scores from the wine press. Numerous labels have so far earned 95+ points from Decanter, James Suckling, and Antonio Galloni, with the latter critic touting 2016 as a “classic vintage in the making.” Galloni went on to note: “The 2016s I have tasted so far point to a high quality vintage that may very well turn out to be profound.”

Not only are the wines of Chianti Classico thriving under the exacting criteria of the Gran Selezione designation, but they are more sustainable and environmentally-conscious than ever. A recent study conducted by the Consortium has shown new, constant, and meaningful investments in innovative environmental practices like forest management (30% of all estates), soil management (41%), water management (27%), recycling (35%), sustainable energy use (24%), and compost production (21%)—in addition to the fact that 40% of all vineyards in the appellation are certified organic.

Stewardship of the land is a longstanding, key component of the Tuscan winemaking tradition, and a practice that will ensure that the historically-important terroir of Chianti Classico will not only continue to produce world-class wines with integrity and soulfulness, but will also continue to be preserved for coming generations.

For more information, please contact Luca Venturelli of Colangelo & Partners or Silvia Fiorentini of the Chianti Classico Consortium.

About the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico:
The Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico exists to protect, oversee, and valorize the Chianti Classico denomination. Since the Consortium’s founding in 1924, the organization has changed its name and the design of its logo, the Black Rooster, which since 2005 has been the trademark of the whole denomination. As one of the premier institutional organizations in the European Union in the grape-growing and winemaking sector, the Consortium represents 96 percent of the DOCG production. The entire production chain is supervised by a public tracking system, which enables consumers all over the world to check the bottle they’ve purchased via the Consortium’s website. The Consortium also conducts research and development in the agronomic and enological fields, in collaboration with prestigious educational and research institutes. For more information, please visit http://www.chianticlassico.com.

Travaglini Gattinara – Nebbiolo in Northern Piedmont – at Angelini Osteria

September 20, 2019 by evebushman

Recently at Angelini Osteria a group of wine writers were invited to an intimate wine tasting and luncheon hosted by Cinzia Travaglini, owner of Travaglini Winery, and her daughter Alessia Collauto Travaglini. Cinzia and Alessia belong to the third and fourth generation of the Travaglini family – a renowned producer of traditional, limited production wines made in the tiny appellation of Gattinara in northern Italy’s esteemed Piedmont region.

Cinzia and Alessia will share their full U.S. range alongside a carefully designed menu, including current releases of Gattinara and Gattinara Riserva, as well as, Tre Vigne – a blend of Nebbiolo grapes from three historic vineyard sites made only in the best vintages, and Il Sogno – a unique appassimento wine, together with a few special, older vintages.

Wine and Tasting

So excited to taste the portfolio of “one of Italy’s most recognizable wines and the #1 selling Gattinara in the world.” The first thing that struck me, besides meeting the amazing mother-daughter team and before my first taste of anything was the shape of the bottles. Misshapen, like a Chateauneuf Du Pape, but with a slightly rounded front, flat back and sides, except for one notch that holds the thumb perfectly for pouring. We later learned that they designed the bottle in 1958 with the idea of both a decanter shape and one that catches sediment. No other winery has adopted their design.

Cinzia talked about the volcanic soil in the Gattinara area, its proximity to the Alps, “more fresh” weather and how each of these elements contributes to the elegance in the wine. She said it was easy to drink with all foods – which we would soon learn for ourselves.

Alessia explained that her grandfather planted vineyards in the 1920s, with a focus on quality over quantity. They produce 20 thousand cases per year.

Nebole 2013 – aromas and flavors separated by ;

We were greeted with a taste of their sparkling wine that was made from 100% Nebbiolo – as were all of the wines we were to taste – that had been vinified into a white wine. Lemon zest, talcum powder, white flower; bruised yellow apple, sawdust, lively with medium acid.

Nebbiolo Coste Della Sesia DOC 2017

Aged four months in stainless steel followed by 10 months in Slovenian oak. Can be drunk after 2 years or 40. Rose petal, stewed tomatoes, dry earth; dry red fruit, tannic, oak and a long finish.

Gattinara DOCG 2015

After stainless steel fermentation the wine underwent two years on Slovenian oak casks of different sizes. Earth, spice, dried red cherries, tree bark, barnyard; small red berries, dry, tobacco.

Gattinara Tre Vigne DOCG 2013

Three vineyard blend, aged four years in Slovenian oak after initial time in stainless. However, for that last fourth year, 20% is aged in barrique. The wine is later blended together and then rests for an additional 10 months in bottle. Earth, grilled mushroom, incense, crushed red fruit; got that same red fruit and mushroom on the palate, gritty, dry with a long finish.

Gattinara Riserva DOCG 2013

35-60 year old estate vines, aged three years in different sized barrels of Slovenian oak, then rests in bottle for an additional year. Floral, aromatic, milk chocolate; spice, red fruit and bright.

Gattinara Riserva DOCG 2009

These last three wines may have been my favorites of the tasting. This one, a 2009 and the 2006 that follows, definitely surprised me and I commented to Cinzia how remarkably different the aromas and flavors were between the older wines and their younger siblings. I also learned from Cinzia – after I mentioned this – that these two were “considered great vintages.” 35-60 YO vines, three years in Slovenian oak and one year in bottle. Plum, bark, dark chocolate, brown sugar; layered dark fruit, tobacco, dusty and lingering.

Gattinara Tre Vigne DOCG 2006

The second “great vintage” wine came from three different estate vineyards, four years in Slovenian oak, 20% held back in barrique for the final year, then blended back in with the rest of the wine and rests in bottle for 10 months. Blueberry, blackberry, perfumy, toasted wood; plums, slightly sweet with a beautiful balance of dusty fruits and tannins.

Il Sogno 2014

100 days of drying out leaving only 50% of the water in the grapes, 40 months in Slovenian oak, in bottle for 10 months rest. The highest % of alcohol in the line-up with 15.5. Fleshy red fruit, stems, earth, mint; slightly sweet, chocolate covered black cherry, easy to drink with lots of lovely berries and tannin.

The Menu

There was no specific pairing for the foods and the wine. We had three wines per course, per se, to try. I found that the younger lighter wines were perfect with the tomato and cheese course and the Branzino, while the older reds were outstanding with the lasagna and steak. I had to agree with Cinzia, the wines paired well with all types of foods. This is the full menu:

FIRST COURSE

Insalata Caprese, Market Tomatoes, Fresh Burrata, Aged Balsamic, Basil. (Healthy portion of cheese and we all inhaled this dish.)

SECOND COURSE

Pasta Duo: Bombolotti all Norma, Eggplant, Tomato, Basil, Dried Ricotta.

Lasagna Verde “Omaggio Nonna Elvira”, Beef and Veal Ragu.

(This was truly to die for. As I’m writing this I’ve just finished the leftovers they packed up for me. I will never want plain lasagna again.)

THIRD COURSE

Choice of: Grilled Branzino Filet, Chopped Tomatoes, Sautéed Mixed Vegetables.

Grilled Organic Chicken, Roasted Potatoes, Spinach.

Grilled Hanger Steak, Arugula, Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.

(I shared the fish and steak with a couple of other people but missed out on the chicken. The fish was so delicate and so wonderful with the younger reds as I stated earlier, and the steak was delectable with the older reds. I linger over this in my mind now…)

PER FINIRE

Selection of Cheeses.

Housemade Biscotti.

(I had to skedaddle on the road so I missed this finale. I saw photos and heard from other writers in attendance that both the cheeses and the desserts were incredible.)

Photos of the food and wine here.

About Travaglini

Driven by a passion for exceptional Nebbiolo, the Travaglini family has been producing remarkable, limited- production wines in Gattinara for four generations. The Travaglini family has owned land in Gattinara since the beginning of the 19th century. The family’s winemaking tradition started with Clemente Travaglini, who was succeeded by his son Arturo, however, it was not until 1958 when Arturo’s son, Giancarlo, took the helm that the Travaglini Estate Winery was established as it exists today.

Today, the Travaglini family owns 146 acres of vineyards, 128 of which are dedicated to vines, primarily Nebbiolo, covering roughly 50% of total vineyards within the Gattinara DOCG. This small appellation lies in the rocky foothills of the Monte Rosa range, where ventilating winds blow down from the nearby Alps. Soils are rocky and rich in porphyry, granite and iron. Similar in composition to the Alps, Monte Rosa’s sedimentary rock is highly acidic, due to low levels of calcium carbonate and magnesium, and an absence of calcium. Vines grown in this rare soil produce grapes with a unique flavor profile, high acidity and firm tannins. The finished wines offer refreshing acidity, soft tannins, minerality and complexity.

https://www.travaglinigattinara.it/en/winery/

About Angelini Osteria

Gino Angelini has become known as simply everyone’s favorite Italian chef in Los Angeles, winning over the city with his authentic dishes. The Angelini brand has evolved into three divisions: dining, catering and products.

In 2001, Gino Angelini and his wife Elizabeth opened Angelini Osteria, an Italian restaurant in Los Angeles. Since opening, Angelini Osteria has become one of LA’s most celebrated restaurants. The Osteria has blazed the trail for many Italian dishes in Los Angeles, including its famous Linguine Sea Urchin and the sought after Spaghetti Norcina. To this day the Osteria remains family owned and controlled.

The Angelini’s partnered with 17-year veteran employee, Girolamo Rindone, to open a classic Italian bar, Angelini Alimentari. Angelini Alimentari is a gourmet fast-casual dining concept featuring light California-Italian inspired breakfast, lunch and dinner fare with an focus on pickup and delivery.

https://www.angelinirestaurantgroup.com/angelini-osteria

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.

Fan Girl Alert: Margerum and Barden Tasting Rooms in Santa Barbara

September 13, 2019 by evebushman

During my Santa Barbara trip this past summer – the word trip is used lightly as we only stayed two days – my focus was on the winery tasting rooms in the Funk Zone for an article for Elite magazine.

Photo credit: Mergerum’s Facebook page.

One of the winemakers that I interviewed was Doug Margerum of Margerum Wine Company. (Photos) I’d tasted Doug’s wines, mostly Rhônes, at different events over the years but when I learned he had just opened this new tasting room I really wanted to visit. I wrote up some for the magazine, below, but also had a LOT of notes on the wines and on Doug himself. Hence, this blog article just to cover all of the bases. First, we’ll start with the section in the magazine:

From Elite Magazine

Margerum Wine Company and Barden: Not what I expected when I walked into the new tasting room for Margerum wines. First of all Doug Margerum, owner and winemaker, was there – a special treat – as my eyes also took in two stories, lots of seating, a “from the kitchen” menu (rarity in tasting rooms, and probably the only one in the Funk Zone), open in the evenings on weekend, and a tasting flight showing off all of his Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator high scorers: 2017 D Sauvignon Blanc, 2017 M5 White Rhone, 2017 Grenache, 2016 M5 Red Rhone Reserve, 2017 Black Oak vineyards Syrah and an Amaro liqueur that was also infused in an ice cream! At his second label, Barden up the road award winners included their 2018 Vin Gris of Pinot Noir, 2018 Viognier, 2017 Fonte (white blend), 2017 Chardonnay, 2018 Grenache and 2016 Pinot Noir.

Doug shared more than his wines, at both Margerum and Barden with me. He shared some of his stories. And over the years I’ve learned that connecting to a winery – how much we like the wine, how they treat us in the tasting room and knowing the stories behind some of the labels – compel us to become fans. Here’s what I learned from Doug that turned me into a bigger fan:

Each of Margerum’s wine bottles are individually hand-numbered, as they are all small lot wines and collectibles. His first vintage was 2001. (Click through the link for the website below to see some of the library wines available.)

The name Barden is Welsh for “boar’s den” and happens to be Doug’s middle name, though he wasn’t born with it. At his 40^th birthday party, he asked his friends to help come up with a suitable middle name for him. His grandmother, 89-year-old Ruth Barden, suggested that his middle name be her surname. His friends agreed.

The Margerums lost 23 neighbors during the Montecito floods.

Barden, located in downtown Santa Barbara, serves a “couture collection” of “limited release wines from the cold climate of the Sta. Rita Hills.”

Doug had been in the restaurant industry before the wine industry. The Wine Cask, his former restaurant in Santa Barbara, was sold in 2007 and he stayed on as a consultant for a few years. His restaurant experience made having a kitchen at Margerum a natural fit, and he hopes to have a full time chef in the near future.

Open just since this past May, the Margerum Tasting Room, with tastings, wines by the glass, light fare at the bar and the upstairs mezzanine, is available for private parties and special events.

*Margerum Tasting Room

19 East Mason
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

805-845-8435

www.margerumwines.com

www.facebook.com/margerumwine/

*Barden Wines

32 El Paseo in the Center Courtyard

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

805-686-8500

www.bardenwines.com

*Note: Both Margerum and Barden have tasting rooms in Buellton, this article is about the tasting rooms in Santa Barbara.

Winesong Charity Auction and Destinations in Paradise

August 17, 2019 by evebushman

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – Winesong’s 35th annual charity auction and tasting will take place September 6-7th. The event invites guests to sample the best of local cuisine and wines, while supporting the enhancement of comprehensive hospital services, and up-to-date equipment for the Mendocino Coast District Hospital. Since 1984, Winesong has brought natives and visitors together to engage in a weekend full of soothing and rhythmic instrumentals, exquisite art, world-class wines, and their lively charity auction.

The 35th annual Winesong Charity Auction & Tasting will take place at the stunning Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. The venue displays a collection of exotic and endangered flora and succulents overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Ticket holders will enjoy a diverse setlist of music genres ranging from folk to Latin. In addition, a variety of food and drink vendors will offer a large selection of luxurious and vintage wines, and local fare in the midst of a peaceful California oasis. Winesong’s main highlight is their large silent and live auctions, including original art from acclaimed California artists, as well as highly coveted international wine getaways and vacation packages. Only minutes away, Destinations in Paradise’s secluded oceanfront estate provides premier lodging for the ultimate weekend getaway to Mendocino, during Winesong or all year-round.

Experience the best of both worlds — ultimate tranquility with every modern-day convenience imaginable. Named “The Most Beautiful Community in the U.S.” by The LA Times, Mendocino is visually stunning from the mature redwood trees and crystal-clear beaches, to the only oceanfront botanical gardens in the U.S. The property is 27 miles from Camp Navarro, and at 6,385 square feet this hideaway features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, an award-winning chef’s kitchen, media room, private art gallery, and a separate guest wing.

About Winesong Charity Auction & Tasting

Winesong is an annual charity auction and wine and food tasting festival produced by the Mendocino Coast Hospital Foundation. Proceeds are used to enhance equipment, facilities and services at the Mendocino Coast District Hospital. The Diagnostic Imaging Center, Medical Evacuation Helipad, Out-Patient Surgical services, and Emergency Department Equipment are just a few of the vital areas that Winesong funds have enhanced. Since 1985, Winesong has raised over $8 million for improvements in local healthcare.

Stroll through the lush Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens while enjoying vintages poured by world-class wineries from Mendocino, Sonoma, Napa, and beyond, and food from some of the finest regional finest food purveyors. The tasting is accented by various music groups performing a variety of styles, including jazz, classical, blues, calypso and folk rock.

About Destinations in Paradise

Destinations in Paradise is a luxurious resort company with properties in Mendocino California, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and Hawaii. Destinations in Paradise is a pristine getaway for any suave wanderer, couple or family. The perfect travel escape amidst panoramic natural scenery, the luxury retreats offer extraordinary experiences to guests, whether having a whale shark encounter, hiking in national parks, swimming with dolphins, art and wine festivals, enjoying contemporary and local art collections, and observing a rare sea turtle hatching release. Full service amenities such as a personal Paradise Butler are available to accommodate guests’ every need, helping them to achieve maximum relaxation during their stay.

Destinations in Paradise is a proud auction sponsor of Winesong Charity Auction & Tasting.To find out more about Destinations in Paradise, please visit: Destinations in Paradise.

For more information on Winesong, visit http://winesong.org/

http://www.mchfoundation.org/ or email winesong@mchfoundation.org.

Bordeaux’s Crus Bourgeois Du Médoc Announce the Finalists Of The 2016 Official Selection Crus Bourgeois Du Médoc Cup

June 15, 2019 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The Crus Bourgeois du Médoc (http://www.crubourgeois.com), one of the oldest and most prestigious classifications in Bordeaux, are pleased to announce the twelve finalists, and overall winner of the 9th edition of Crus Bourgeois du Médoc Cup for the 2016 Official Selection.

Hosted annually in conjunction with French publication, le Point magazine, this year’s Crus Bourgeois du Médoc Cup was held at the Matmut Atlantique Stadium in Bordeaux, with the winner and laureates announced on May 14 at Vinexpo Bordeaux. Over 166 of the Left Bank’s top Cru Bourgeois classified châteaux participated in the hotly contested cup, with smaller, upstart producers pitted against the more established and renowned châteaux as part of a match play-style competition over multiple rounds of tasting.

In total, twelve châteaux were selected during the competition to move on to the final round of judging for the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc Cup, and they included:

Château Cambon la Pelouse, AOC Haut-Médoc
Château Campillot, AOC Médoc
Château Cap Léon Veyrin, AOC Listrac-Médoc
Château le Crock, AOC Saint-Estèphe
Château la Fortune, AOC Margaux
Château Lestage Simon, AOC Haut-Médoc
Château Maurac, AOC Haut-Médoc
Château Moulin de Blanchon, AOC Haut-Médoc
Château Reverdi, AOC Listrac-Médoc
Château Ricaudet, AOC Médoc
Château La Roque de By, AOC Médoc
Château les Tuileries, AOC Médoc

Following the final round of judging, The patron of the Cup, Véronique Rivest (Best Sommelier of Canada in 2006 and 2016, Best Sommelier of the Americas in 2012) along with other notable wine journalist from around the world, awarded the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc Cup to Jean-Pierre Marie of the Haut-Médoc Producer Château Cambon la Pelouse for their 2016 vintage offering.

Since 2013, the number of Crus Bourgeois du Médoc distributed in the U.S. has grown from 130 to 200. Today, nearly 70% of the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc are available on the U.S. market and in most fine wine stores throughout the country. Each bottle is authenticated with a QR code sticker that guarantees the quality of the wines that are bottled and enables Cru Bourgeois wines to be easily identified.

About the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc
The Crus Bourgeois du Médoc (http://www.crus-bourgeois.com) form the largest family of Bordeaux crus from some of the most prestigious appellations of the Left Bank. This family brings together vineyards with widely differing profiles and terroirs that satisfy a drastic set of requirements. Thanks to its yearly blind selection process, the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc guarantee consumers a standard of quality for every bottle that proudly bears the “Cru Bourgeois” label.

Blanc De Blancs Event June 19

June 10, 2019 by evebushman

Beverly Hills, California – wineLA presents Los Angeles’ premier white wine showcasing event, Blanc de Blancs, a tasting par excellence in all white decor and attire at The Peninsula Beverly Hills on June 19.

A spectacular occasion for both the burgeoning and seasoned enthusiast, Blanc de Blancs provides an experiential glimpse into the refinements of the white wine category, featuring an abundant procession of educationally-driven seminars and experiences, as well as a Grand Tasting of over 100 white wines at this elegant, all white themed affair!

● Educational seminars and experiences
● All white attire
● All white decor
● All white wineProducers Featured: Dom Pérignon, Ruinart, Moët & Chandon, Laurent-Perrier, La Crema, Cambria Estate, Brewer-Clifton, Seabold Cellars, Copain Wines, Champagne Henriot, Bouchard Père et Fils, William Fèvre, Stonestreet, Matanzas Creek, Bernardus, Mail Road, Cloudy Bay, Newton, LAW Estate, J.J. Vincent, Cuvaison, Pol Roger, Domaine Faiveley, Pascal Jolivet, Famille Hugel, Olivier Leflaive, Hecht & Bannier, Long Meadow Ranch, Stony Hill, Domaine Schlumberger, Famille Perrin, Miraval Provence, Château De Beaucastel, La Vieille Ferme, Domaine & Maison Alexandrins, Schloss Lieser, Reichsrat Von Buhl, Weingut Pfeffingen, Weingut Ökonomierat Rebholz, Schäfer-Fröhlich, Hans Wirsching, Becker Estate.
Consumer tickets & packages range from $50-$300. Grand tasting, special sessions and seminar experiences are available for individual purchase, listed below.

11am – Champagne Session
The celebration starts with a POP! Hosted by Master Sommelier, Christopher Miller, leading a discussion on Luxury and Prestige Cuvées and the future of Champagne in the wine industry, and in the world. Ambassadors and experts sample and explore wines from Dom Pérignon – Plenitude 2, Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2007, Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2009, Champagne Henriot Vintage 2008, Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle MV, Champagne Pol Roger Cuvée Prestige Sir Winston Churchill 2006. Only a few tickets are available for this gathering.

12pm – Chardonnay Salon
Master Sommelier Nick Metsel will lead the topic of “Typicity, Terroir, and Tells,” and will be joined by winemakers, brand ambassadors and experts, such as, Greg Brewer of Brewer-Clifton, Steven Rogstad of Cuvaison, Chris Miller (Seabold), William Fèvre, Cuvaison, and Newton Vineyard.

1:30pm – Autres Blancs is hosted by Master Sommelier and Seabold Cellars (CA) winemaker Chris Miller, joined by the representatives of Cloudy Bay (New Zealand), Pascal Jolivet, Mosel Riesling, Domaine Schlumberger, and Perrin Family (Rhône, FR) providing industry insights on “other” whites.

2pm – Medi-Tasting hosted by international speaker and mindfulness educator, Elisha Goldstein Ph.D., is Champagne Henriot’s creation of a unique fusion on the art of tasting and meditation. Showcasing: Champagne Henriot’s Blanc de Blancs NV, Vintage 2008, and Hemera 2005.

3pm – Winemaker Panel is sponsored by Jackson Family Wines. Greg Brewer (Brewer-Clifton/Diatom), Jill Russell (Cambria) and Jen Walsh (La Crema) showcase Chardonnays from California regions Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Maria Valley, and Anderson Valley in a discussion of the evolution of the American Chardonnay palate and palette. As consumer awareness increases for the “other-than-fruit” characteristics of which this rarified variety is capable, the conversation around food pairing, style, pricing and service morphs before our eyes…again!

The 5pm VIP+ Ticket includes the Champagne Henriot Medi-Tasting session hosted by international speaker and mindfulness educator, Elisha Goldstein Ph.D. Wines showcased: Champagne Henriot’s Brut Souverain NV, Blanc de Blancs NV, and Vintage 2008. This ticket provides early access to the Grand Tasting, including the 6pm entry special hour of luxury Cuvées and served with a buffet dinner.

The 6pm Ticket includes access to the Grand Tasting with an exclusive tasting hour of Luxury Cuvées from Dom Pérignon, Laurent-Perrier, Pol Roger, Champagne Henriot, and Ruinart; served with a buffet dinner.

The 7pm Ticket provides access to the Grand Tasting paired with tray-passed appetizers and the opportunity to bid in the The T.J. Martell Foundation silent auction containing collectable and large format wines.

The 9pm patio after-party concludes with desserts and live music by Alanna & These Fine Gentlemen.

For more information about Blanc de Blancs or to purchase tickets – visit www.blancdeblancsla.com Ticket prices subject to change as the event date approaches.

About wineLA

wineLA is about enhancing the wine culture of Los Angeles one event at a time. To do so, wine must be in rhythm with food, fashion, and music, while also reflecting the geography, architecture and atmosphere of centers of interest. Los Angeles is a giant playground with an amazing array of venues, spaces, wine bars, restaurants, beaches, rooftops, gardens, and magical views. We are a part of the L.A. lifestyle, the wine lifestyle, and we celebrate the people, the places and the passion!

About T.J. Martell Foundation
A silent auction containing many collectable and large format wines 100% benefits T.J. Martell Foundation, the music industry’s largest charity funding innovative medical research focused on finding cures for children’s leukemia, cancer and AIDS. The charity sources and supports early-stage research projects aimed at developing more effective clinical treatments for patients who otherwise might not be supported. Learn more at tjmartell.org.

About The Peninsula Hotel:

The only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star-rated hotel in Southern California every year since 1993, The Peninsula Beverly Hills offers 194 guest rooms, including 38 suites and 16 private villas, nestled among lush tropical gardens in the heart of Beverly Hills. The Peninsula is located at the intersection of Wilshire and South Santa Monica Boulevards and within comfortable walking distance from the legendary Rodeo Drive.

https://www.winela.com/blanc-de-blancs

Vintage Eve Circa 5/2016: NASA Wine Education, Champagne AOC, Part Two

May 14, 2019 by evebushman

Last week readers got their first lesson, via a seminar I attended from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA) on Champagne, this week we complete the lesson with some more “Details, Myths and News” and, finally, a tasting. Our NASA lecturer, once again, was Diego Meraviglia.

The Échelle des Crus Rating System

Échelle des Crus is a 1-100 point scale for the labeling of grapes, not the wine, in Champagne.

Villages rated at 80 points. (264 wineries)

Premier Cru rated between 90 to 99 points. (43 wineries)

Grand Cru rated at 100 points. (17 wineries – and warrant the highest prices.)

There is no Pinot Meunier in Premier or Grand Cru regions. The AOC broke this rating system in 2010, allowing for more flexibility in the region, but you will still find Premier Cru and Grand Cru designated Champagnes. It is the thought that a winemaker may not put out the same effort in the Villages as say Premier or Grand Cru, as his wine is thought a lesser quality. Now the field is more even.

Details, Myths and News

Some of how Champagne was made: Fermentation was arrested due to the cold temperature in the region. The yeast was then dormant and resuscitated in the Spring to ferment again. Wines exploded in the cellar until the “methode (or traditional method of) champenoise” was born. Secondary fermentation then occurs in the bottle, sealed and then laid down in cellar.

Flutes: Throw them out, Diego says, they were invented for visual only, cannot get the aromas.

Disgorgement dates: look for this date now shown on some bottles; it will be an indicator of knowing how long the wine may have been sitting on a store’s shelf.

Whether you have a vintage or NV Champagne – it’s meant to be drunk at their release, not to be put in your cellar. Degrading starts at disgorgement. One year in the cellar won’t kill it.

If you plan to visit and taste in Champagne you will be greeted by miles of tunnels, wet, chalk on the ground and, “at the end of the day the Champagne is aged for you” because of the terroir and ready for consumption.

Types of Producers (look for these acronyms on Champagne labels)

CM is a co-op of growers working with a winemaker.

NM is merchants (Negotiants) that produce with their own grapes, and also buy, the vast majority of brands.

RM is a small house that grows and uses 95% of their grapes. A grower-producer is one that some will look for, and make 5% of the wine.

RC and MA are others, but rarely seen except for Trader Joe’s or Costco.

Tasting Notes separated by ; (Diego’s notes in parenthesis)

NV Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Reserve (CM) $29.99

Golden delicious apple, pale lemon juice, unsalted butter; same apple on the nose carried through to the palate, lemon lime, with a short finish. 88 Eve pts. (Diego mentioned the yeast, lemon, toasted almonds aromas, and felt this was a good priced entry-level Champagne.)

NV Paul Georg Blanc de Blanc Premier Cru Brut (CM) $36.99

Cheddar cheese, canned pineapple, cedar, wheat toast; sharp, tart, pineapple, bitter lemon with a long finish. 88 Eve pts. (100% Chardonnay grapes. And a Blanc de Blanc will be known for its creamy qualities.)

NV Veuve Clicquot Brut Rose $64.99

Lavender soap, raspberry, unsalted cracker; raspberry again, white pepper, short finish, pleasant. 89 Eve pts. (Pinot Noir dominates, wild strawberry, cherry on the nose. Rose are fruitier and less yeasty than the others.)

NV Billecart-Salmon Demi Sec

Brown sugar, Brie cheese, pink lemonade; honey, lemon soda, French bread, hard candy. 90 Eve pts. (Smoother, lowered effervescence, a Great Gatsby era wine.)

NV Pierre Paillard Blanc de Noirs “Les Maillerettes” Grand Cru (RM) $54.99

Biggest yet, jasmine flower, clean, wet pebbles, salty, apricot; chilled fruit cup, pineapple, peach, pear, my favorite of the day so far. 91 Eve pts. (Pinot Noir only.)

NV Pierre Peters Cuvee de Reserve Grand Cru Blanc de Blanc (RM) $54.99

Hawaiian pineapple, lemon hard candy, steely; Italian lemon ice, lemon zest, tingling and resonating finish. 90 Eve pts. (20 vintages blended together, called the Solera Method, make up this wine. One of the top five producers. Chardonnay is strong in this wine.)

2008 Louis Roederer Brut ($63.99)

Blue cheese, bruised apple, cream, croutons (want a salad); Biting, tart, apple cider. 89 Eve pts. (Pinot 70% and Chard 30%, 37% of wine is vinified/fermented in oak. No malolactic. Four years of aging before release, and six months after disgorgement.)

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. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Laurel Glen Vineyard to Host Signature Sonoma Valley 2019 Retrospective

April 4, 2019 by evebushman

Glen Ellen, CA – Laurel Glen Vineyard, is pleased to announce it will host a very special tasting during the third annual Signature Sonoma Valley vintage retrospective, during the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance’s flagship weekend event series. The iconic Sonoma winery will host the tasting at its eponymous Sonoma Mountain estate vineyard on Saturday, May 18, 2019 (from 2-4:30pm).

The tasting will bring together wine aficionados and collectors for an extremely rare showcase of Laurel Glen vintages across four decades. Current winemaker Randall Watkins will be joined by the estate’s founding winemaker, Patrick Campbell, as well as Proprietor and Managing Partner Bettina Sichel and winegrower Phil Coturri to provide ‘behind the vine’ perspectives. This special event will be moderated by Esther Mobley, wine critic and journalist at the San Francisco Chronicle, who will provide insight and perspective on the nuances of each vintage.

“We could not be more thrilled to host this year’s retrospective tasting,” says Sichel. “We are especially honored that Esther Mobley has accepted our invitation to moderate, and look forward to an illuminating discussion. We recently tasted through the 15 vintages we’ve selected to pour and were impressed with how well they showed. I cannot wait to share these rare wines with a new audience at Signature Sonoma on May 18th!”

The retrospective will commence with Laurel Glen’s debut 1981 vintage, and include a curated selection of 15 vintages spanning four decades that demonstrate the winery’s consistent depth, elegance and focus. The winery’s signature sophisticated style has never wavered since it joined the ranks of first generation “cult” Cabernets from California in the 1980s, and – thanks to the ongoing policy of holding back a portion of cases upon release – Laurel Glen has become known for its deep library of wines from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s; many of which are featured on some of America’s most prestigious restaurant wine lists, including French Laundry in the Napa Valley, Mastro’s Steakhouse in Houston and Gotham Bar & Grill in New York City.

Though tickets for the Signature Sonoma Valley retrospective are nearly sold out, Laurel Glen will also offer a special library flight the weekend of May 17-19 in the estate’s Glen Ellen tasting room. The Cabernet Sauvignon vintages offered in the flight will evoke the spirit of the retrospective and include the 1986, 1999 Reserve, 2006, 2009, 2012 Lot 44. Cost will be $75 per person and guests should plan to reserve at least 48 hours in advance.

Laurel Glen wines will also be featured in the Legends: Collector’s Dinner at 6:30pm on May 18th, the capstone event of Signature Sonoma Valley, which celebrates the heritage vineyards of the region. Tickets can be purchased here.

Signature Sonoma Valley is an exclusive, four-day immersion into the acclaimed wines, historic vineyards and welcoming community of Sonoma Valley. Tickets for all events are now on sale and available at SonomaValleyWine.com/Signature-Sonoma-Valley. Seating is limited and all events will sell out, so early purchase is strongly recommended. For more information, please call 707.935.0803 or visit SonomaValleyWine.com.

“Signature Sonoma Valley shapes how wine collectors view Sonoma Valley as a wine region, and we could not be more thrilled to showcase over three decades of Laurel Glen vintages in the capstone retrospective tasting,” said Maureen Cottingham, Executive Director of the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance. “Our greatest hope is that guests will leave Signature Sonoma Valley with a deeper connection to our vineyards and an appreciation for the caliber of wines coming out of Sonoma Valley, and Laurel Glen’s impressive track record more than supports that message.”

About Laurel Glen Vineyard
Laurel Glen Vineyard wines have a proven track record for longevity and grace. They are among the most sought-after examples of classic California Cabernet Sauvignon, and can thus offer a true study in how the variety can perform from a great vineyard site.

Originally planted to mixed red varietals by German immigrants at the end of the 19th century, Laurel Glen vineyard was replanted to Cabernet Sauvignon in 1968 on the eve of a modern proliferation of vineyards in California. Today, the 14-acre estate is farmed organically and planted entirely to Cabernet Sauvignon, and in particular the Laurel Glen clone of Cabernet Sauvignon, certified as a unique clone by the University of California at Davis.

In 2011, Bettina Sichel, a veteran of the California wine industry, became the steward of Laurel Glen Vineyard. Among other quality oriented improvements, she has overseen the vineyard’s transition to CCOF organic certification in 2014.

About the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Foundation
The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA) is a non-profit trade organization serving more than 500 members who share a mission to promote awareness of Sonoma Valley’s grapes, wine, and history as the birthplace of the California wine industry. Sonoma Valley comprises six of the 17 American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) of Sonoma County: Bennett Valley, Los Carneros, Moon Mountain District, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Mountain, and Sonoma Valley. The Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Foundation (SVVGF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has raised more than $25,000,000 through Sonoma Wine Country Weekend and supports youth and children for future success, preserving our environment, and improving health and welfare of our local communities. For more information on the SVVGA and SVVGF, please visit www.SonomaValleyWine.com.

Tasting Titus…with Eric Titus

March 22, 2019 by evebushman

It is impossible to know every great winery in Napa, or in any reasonably sized wine region, in my opinion. So I didn’t feel too terrible that I was unfamiliar with Titus Vineyards – though this year they are celebrating “50 years of farming in Napa Valley.” I was ready to rectify this in a tasting with fellow #LAWineWriters over 12 bottles of vintages between 2006 and 2017 and lunch at the Viviane in the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Titus Vineyards is located in St. Helena AVA at the base of Howell Mountain on the Silverado Trail. The winery is family owned and originally sold their fruit to wineries such as Beaulieu Vineyards, Cuvaison and Charles Krug. Now 75% of their farming goes directly into their own wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot. The focus: Cabs and Bordeaux blends.

The vineyards have been farmed for over 150 years, with the Titus family purchasing the property in 1968 and having their first harvest in 1969. Their first proprietary vintage was 1990. They strive for a “light carbon footprint” according to Titus, using “hand crews” for harvest.

Eric Titus surrounded by members of my #LAWineWriters group

Tasting

Aromas and Favors separated by ;

2016 Andronicus (a tragedy by William Shakespeare)

Cabernet Sauvignon Blend with Cab Franc and Petit Verdot.

Dark sweet cherry, plum, black pepper, mushroom, earth; nicely balance of both fruit and pepper, tannic, long finish.

2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, Napa Valley

Similar aromas as the Andronicus, also dark berry, green peppercorn, pipe and char; dark fruit, forest floor and a great balance. One of my favorites in the tasting. (Balance, due to being blends in my opinion, was going to be a positive and predominant factor in these wines.)

2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

Perfumy, violet, mocha, plums; velvety, spice up front yet delicate, dry. (This one had some Cab Franc and Zinfandel.)

2016 Cabernet Franc

Balance, chocolate, dried dark berries, stewed mushroom, milk chocolate; dry, dark, peppery, spice and chocolate. Another favorite.

2016 Zinfandel

Blueberry, sweet charred wood, pipe, wet earth, dried leaves; welcoming spice and a very rich palate. Another favorite for me to note.

2017 Sauvignon Blanc

Golden delicious apple, lemon, minerals, zingy; lemon-lime, peach, pear, low acid, balanced. (There is a bit of Viognier in the blend, which may have accounted for the fruit and low acid. Titus said it was used to “knit together a lot of fruit.”) Very nicely done.

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

Blue to black fruit, pipe, plum, sweet earth; dry, balanced, dark fruits, port-like.

2010 Cabernet Sauvignon

Crushed black cherry, dark chocolate, tri-color peppercorns, redwood; red fruit, smoke, oak, incredible balance. This was also a favorite in the tasting.

2012 Petit Verdot

Sweet blue fruit, ripe blackberry, ash; dried berries, tannin and that perfect balance again.

2009 Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Voluptuous, sweet and dark fruit, dark chocolate, spice; big tannins and long length.

2010 Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Sweet aromas of cherry candy, fruit and charred steak; black cherry, earth, dry, dark, tannic.

2012 Napa Valley Lot 1 (proprietary blend)

Hello spice, earthy, wood, blue and black fruit; big, dry, tannic and a slight musty quality. Very welcoming on the mouth. Titus called it his “chocolate mousse of wines (and) more about hedonism.”

Conclusion

Clearly, I missed Titus in my Napa adventures and am thrilled to have been able to meet with Eric Titus, learn about their winery and taste these exceptional vintages. My suggestion: get some.

Titus Vineyards

2971 Silverado Trail N, St. Helena, CA 94574

707-963-3235

http://www.titusvineyards.com/

https://twitter.com/TitusVyds

https://www.facebook.com/titusvineyards/

Casa Ferreirinha Wins Top Honors

March 11, 2019 by evebushman

FORT WORTH, Texas (PRWEB) – The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT®) is pleased to announce Casa Ferreirinha, a Portuguese reference brand in Douro Wines, as its platinum medal winner in BRIT’s 2019 International Award of Excellence in Sustainable Winegrowing competition. Casa Ferreirinha topped the field this year based on the winery’s ongoing sustainable programs that address both the three key factors of sustainability – environmental, economic, and social aspects — as well as superior wine taste. Five additional wineries – two from the U.S., two from Italy, and one from Portugal, also won awards based on their strong sustainable programs.

Casa Ferreirinha’s current sustainability accomplishments include: vineyard certification by the International Organization of Biological Control (IOBC) Integrated Production (IP) standards; growing floristic biodiversity as a means of promoting natural enemies of grapevine pests like the grape moth; preservation of indigenous grapevine varieties like the Touriga Nacional; use of renewable energy (hydro, wind, and solar); aggressive short-term plan for reduction in CO2e emissions; and education, medical, and insurance programs available to its workforce. The vineyard has been working towards this award for almost a decade. In 2009, Casa Ferrreirinha was a founding member of the Portuguese Association for Grapevine Diversity (PORVID), a non-profit association promoting biodiversity and managing the preservation of indigenous grapevine varieties like the Touriga Nacional.

Casa Ferreirinha is a pioneer brand in the production of Douro Wines. Innovation married with tradition, as well as the profound knowledge of the Douro Region, are the guarantee of exceptional wines such as Vinha Grande, Quinta da Leda, Callabriga and Barca Velha.

“Casa Ferreirinha and its parent organization, Sogrape Vinhos, have put together an impressive sustainability program culminating with the outstanding taste and quality of its Quinta Da Leda wine,” said Dr. Ed Schneider, BRIT’s president and executive director. “From their sustainable programs in the field, to their progressive workforce and community programs, to being good leaders and stewards within the Portuguese wine industry; we congratulate their achievements.”

“Sogrape has been for a long time promoting excellence sustainable practices at environmental, economic and social levels. This recognition reaffirmed by BRIT means to us an acknowledgment of our work in this field, in particular of all sustainability programs of Casa Ferreirinha (this year awarded platinum) and Sandeman, cherishing not only the progress in viticultural practices, but also on the initiatives applied to the winemaking processes, or even on social programs to workers and community,” said António Oliveira Bessa, board member at Sogrape Vinhos, SA. “We believe that, more and more, sustainable production and consumption will be a distinctive factor of Sogrape brands.”

The awarded wine was Casa Ferreirinha’s Quinta da Leda, 2015

Additional BRIT sustainable awards went to the following outstanding wineries:

Gold medals

Sandeman, Avintes, Portugal. Submitted Sandeman Vintage Port 2016
Tasca D’Almerita, Palermo, Sicily, Italy. Submitted Il Tascante 2015 – Tascante Estate
Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery, Platte City, Missouri. Submitted Estate Norton 2016
E. & J. Gallo Winery, Modesto, California. Submitted J Vineyards Pinot Noir 2016. Gallo receives special recognition for its corporate-wide, multi-brand sustainability programs and for the organization’s industry leadership.

Silver medal

Ruffino, Pontassieve, Italy. Submitted Riserva Ducale Oro

Presentation of the platinum award to Casa Ferreirinha will be made in Fort Worth on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 during BRIT’s Vine to Table dinner and auction fundraising event.

Competition for the new BRIT/FIVS international sustainable winegrowing award beginning in 2020 starts May 2019. All competition rules, judging criteria, and submission dates remain the same. Please check the BRIT web site for details: http://www.brit.org/wineaward