Eve's Wine 101

Perlises Pick Vega Vineyard and Farm

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With the refrain of 1970s Peter Allen song “Everything Old Is New Again” seemingly ringing in our ears, we were looking forward to visiting some of our old favorites in Santa Barbara County from the 1980s and 1990s while also exploring some new-to-us wineries. It turned out that our first stop was a little bit of both.

Mosby Winery and Vineyards was founded in 1977 by Bill Mosby in what is now known as the Santa Rita Hills AVA of Santa Barbara Country, just south of the Highway 101 exit to Buellton, with a focus on Italian varietals. When the Mosbys acquired the property, it carried the name of Rancho de la Vega, named as such in 1853 by its then owners Dr. Roman de la Cuesta and his wife Michaela Cota. The Mosbys originally kept the name Vega Vineyards but eventually changed it to Mosby Winery. Bill Mosby passed away in June 2020.

The property was acquired in 2022 by Karen and Jimmy Loizides, who had already made a name for themselves in the area with restaurants such as Sear Steakhouse and Maverick Saloon as well as K’Syrah Catering. They renamed the property Vega Vineyard and Farm, hearkening back to its original name and rich history. Bringing in acclaimed winemaker Steve Clifton, whose name you may recognize not only from Brewer Clifton but also as owner/winemaker of Italian varietal focused Palmina winery, was a great move. Note that Palmina has merged into Vega Vineyard and Farm.

We had the pleasure of sitting on the tasting patio and enjoying several of the wines that Steve Clifton made that are now under the Vega label.

2021 Albarino – Santa Maria Valley AVA. This 100% Albarino spent time in stainless steel and neutral oak. Citrus on the nose with peach and apricot notes.  Lovely fruit finish and medium to full mouth feel.

2021 Pinot Grigio – Santa Barbara Country. This 100% Pinot Grigio was very crisp, lively and clean with grapefruit notes. Effervescent on the finish.  This wine really presents as serious, unlike some other PGs out there.

2021 Bianco White Wine Blend – Santa Barbara County. This slightly untraditional Italian blend of Albarino, Vermentino and Marsanne spent time in neutral oak. It had nice acidity and was well balanced with a big mouth feel. 

2021 Viognier – Santa Maria Valley AVA. This 100% Viognier only spent time in stainless steel.  White flower on the nose with Meyer Lemon notes.  A lovely mouth feel and very round and smooth.  

2021 Vermentino – Los Olivos District AVA. Aged in neutral oak, the wine showed fruit such as Bosc pear notes. Medium acidity and a touch of minerality.  Very pleasant mouth feel and finish. 

2021 Pinot Noir – Sta. Rita Hills AVA.  From Our Lady of Guadalupe vineyard, on the western end the AVA near Lompoc. Big plummy red fruit on nose.  Cinnamon and clove notes with a medium mouth feel and finish.

2021 Barbera – Santa Ynez Valley AVA.  Bing cherry notes, excellent food wine and paired perfectly with the delicious Bacon and Caramelized Fennel Flatbread we had ordered.  Low acidity and medium tannins with medium-to-full mouth feel and finish.

2019 Nebbiolo – Santa Barbara County. Raspberry and cranberry notes.  Nice big tannins and a long, supple finish.

2020 Syrah – Ballard Canyon AVA.  A warmer climate.  Big black berry aromas with white pepper notes.  Luscious mouth feel and finish.

We did not spend as much time as we wanted to explore the property; it is huge. They have a full kitchen for your dining pleasure as well as a petting zoo. Lunch options are available every day. A marketplace is in the works which will have picnic items, olive oil, candy, toys, etc. This is a spot for the whole family. They are going to be host of the Santa Barbara Vintners Festival on October 14, 2023 and the place will be rocking!   Everyone in the family will have a great time; we sure did.

Vega Vineyard and Farm

www.vegavineyardandfarm.com

9496 Santa Rosa Road, Buellton CA 93427

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

LA RAIA WINE ESTATE AND HOTEL IN ITALY’S PIEDMONT REGION OFFERS EXCLUSIVE BUYOUT FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2023

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The 180-hectare estate includes a 12-room property, a biodynamic winery, and an outdoor art foundation in the picturesque hills of Gavi where sustainability, biodiversity and homey Italian hospitality meet

Gavi, Italy — In collaboration with Casas Latinas, an exclusive collection of sophisticated estates to be enjoyed in complete privacy, Locanda La Raia has become available as a buyout property for spring and summer 2023. The lush 180-hectare La Raia Estate is situated in the heart of Italy’s verdant Gavi hills, just a 90-minute drive from Milan Malpensa International Airport. The estate includes a Demeter-certified biodynamic winery, a fine-dining restaurant showcasing the region’s traditional cuisine, a spa and pool, a reimagined Italian garden; an outdoor art foundation featuring contemporary artworks made by international artists.

LOCANDA LA RAIA In 2017, the Rossi Cairo Family transformed a former post station on the estate into a chic countryside retreat for the luxury traveler. Locanda La Raia is the ideal size for a group or family, with 12 luxury bedrooms and suites designed in an Italian color palette with vintage-inspired interiors including ten unique guest rooms, two apartments, an estate-to-table restaurant, an indoor and outdoor pool, a spa, and a tennis court. The green mansion in Gavi was restored by the Milanese architectural firm demicisarchitetti, which was driven by the vision to create a dialogue between the historic building and outdoor lush scenery. The firm preserved the building’s original features accentuating the stunning vaulted ceilings, exposed brickwork, and large windows that offer sweeping views of the vineyards and welcome natural sunlight from the hills. Paired with sophisticated contemporary design pieces from iconic Italian brands such as Driade chairs and FontaraArte light fixtures, the hotel’s eclectic interiors feature furniture collected from Giorgio Rossi Cairo’s visits to towns across the Piedmont region. The guest rooms feature vintage chests and armoires from the 17th-19th centuries, along with Korean watercolor paintings and Japanese photography. 

THE RESTAURANT

The hotel features an in-house restaurant led by Tommaso Arrigoni, founder of the one Michelin-starred and Milan-based “Innocenti Evasioni Gourmet Factory,” serving an ample and diversified menu including beef, honey, herbs, and cereals grown on the estate, complemented by pours of biodynamic wine from La Raia’s vineyards. Guests can request a picnic basket for lunch and also celebrate afternoon tea with fresh homemade cakes. The bar overlooking the vineyards is ideal for a relaxing drink during Aperitivo.

THE FARM AND WINERY

Extended across 180 hectares of vineyards, pastures, and forest, the farm and winery combine biodynamic methods with artistic experimentation and locavore cuisine. Today, La Raia produces three kinds of multi-awarded Gavi D.O.C.G.

The approach to biodynamic and sustainable farming methods was coherent with the desire of creating a balanced and harmonious place considering the property’s agricultural, landscape, architectural, social, and cultural components.

ON- AND OFF-PROPERTY ACTIVITIES

Locanda La Raia offers a number of opportunities for landscape enthusiasts to explore and learn about the surrounding area. The estate also serves as the headquarters of Fondazione La Raia, a contemporary art foundation that exhibits works by internationally renowned artists including Michael Beutler, Koo Jeong A, Francesco Jodice. Among the activities available to guests are:

1) A guided walk through the estate’s fields to appreciate the works created for Fondazione La Raia: The contemporary on-site art foundation encourages artists of all disciplines to create one-of-a-kind and permanent site-specific works and exhibitions that highlight the local landscape: one of several installations is “The Art” Path,” a walking path that spans the La Raia estate.

2) Wine Tasting at the Winery of La Raia or the Cortese and Piemonte Barbera vineyards: La Raia Winery produces three different types of multi-awarded Gavi D.O.C.G. – Gavi, Gavi Riserva Vigna della Madonnina, and Gavi Pisé – as well as two different types of Piemonte D.O.C. Barbera. The Cortese and Piemonte Barbera vineyards are also worth a visit to enjoy the wines from La Raia and Tenuta Cucco.

3) Learn about Gavi’s biodynamic eco-system on a guided tour: Visitors can learn about La Raia’s unique ecology, which includes woodlands, fields, pastures, and vineyards that are home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, with the assistance of a personal guide.

Three golf courses, historical villages, and the fascinating archeological site of Libarna are all within a few minutes’ drive of the Locanda. Walking, running, biking, and horseback riding are also available upon request. The private rental includes daily cleaning, concierge service, and continental breakfast preparation. 

For more information on Locanda La Raia, please visit: https://www.la-raia.it

For more information on Casas Latinas, please visit: https://www.casas-latinas.com/locandalaraia

About Locanda La Raia

Locanda La Raia is located in the Gavi region in Southern Piedmont, and is surrounded by the vineyards, pastures and woods of the biodynamic farm La Raia, owned by the Rossi Cairo family. The large green house is a luxurious boutique hotel with twelve rooms, each one different to the other, furnished with 1600 and 1800’s Piedmont pieces matched with contemporary design furniture. The Locanda is one with the landscape around it: the gardens, fields and vineyards in the Gavi hills.

Locanda La Raia – Località Lomellina 26 – 15066 Gavi (AL)

T.+ 39 0143 642860 | E. locanda@la-raia.it | locandalaraia.it 

Wine Tasting with Eve in Crete, Greece

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Our guide to two local wineries in Crete, Greece, was an enologist – wearing a WSET pin similar to my own – and also a linguist, who chose to spend his summer giving winery tours in Greece. Lucky us! Via a Food and Wine magazine collaboration, Holland America cruises offered us two wineries to try in one relaxing afternoon.

From our host we learned that Crete is 165 miles long from one end to the other. There are four main areas, and over one million people. While winters are mild (we were there early October and it was perfect) the summers are excruciatingly hot.

Greeks languish over wine tasting with plenty of food pairings, which would extend for hours if there also happened to be a celebration such as a wedding or birthday. Wine drinking is “a very social thing” and Greeks “eat and drink slowly and steadily for hours.”

The terrain, rocky and mountainous, lends itself to both Greek and non-Greek wine grapes. Traditionally there are 16 varieties most used: eight are local and the remaining eight are international; four in each category are white, the other four are red. But there are thousands of varieties made.

Note: I have had tastings and Greek wine education, but it had been years so this was a great way to renew my education and interest. Also of notes, the pricing of these Greek wines was more than reasonable and many guests bought bottles to have on the boat, to take home and for gifts. Now let me share some of my tasting notes and takeaways from the two wineries:

Karavitakis Winery

These wines were served with salty black olives, local hard sharp cheese and delicious croutons made with black olives and plentifully topped with sesame seeds.

2021 Kompsos (white)

Vidiano, Assyrtiko, Malvasia grapes

13% alcohol

9 Euros

The name Kompsos means elegant, and this wine was made from three local varieties. It tasted like a dry Sauvignon Blanc to my palate plus the fruit of a Viognier. It had low acid with plenty of lime and Meyer lemon; it was fresh with a light viscosity. A great start for me.

2021 Moschato Spinas (dry white)

9 Euros

With sweet stone fruit, Earl Gray tea and a lemony finish the winery host said the wine as a good aperitif and I had to agree.

2021 Kompsos Liatiko Rose

10 Euros

This Rose wine, my first time tasting a Greek Rose, was “elegant” just as the name Kompsos promised. The color was a peachy salmon, with aromas of watermelon and talcum powder – which I happen to love! The flavor reminded me of the freshest of strawberries and watermelon, with a slight acidity.

2020 Klima Kotsifali Mavrotragano (red)

10 Euros

The work Klima refers to climate, and the words Kotsifali Mavrotragano refer to the two grape varieties used, which should express itself with a “lighter color, body and tannins.” Other wineries mostly “add Syrah for color”, but the Mavrotragano does the trick as it’s a “black grape…crisp…and (we) only used 10%.” I got stewed cranberry, cherry, and other red fruits in this dry wine. It reminded me of a terroir-rich Pinot Noir or Grenache, and it was my favorite wine in the line-up.

2019 Eca Blend (red)

18 Euros

This was the favorite for most of the people in our tour. It is named after an olive tree located 1-½ miles away from the winery and credited for being over 3,000 years old. The wine is 70% Syrah, 20% Grenache Rose and 10% Carignan. Smelled very much like a Cabernet Sauvignon to me, and the guest nearest me said it “tastes like velvet.” Our winery host said the wine could age for 10 years. (All of the other wines were ready to drink now.) While the nose was dry, the flavors in the glass were that raspberry and cranberry fruit again.

2010 Viates Avo Purasko (sweet red wine, no photo)

Barbera clone

30 Euros

I got wonderful notes of caramel, plum, currant…and it reminded me very much of a ruby Port wine.

Manousakis Winery

Our winery host explained that the Manousakis family created the winery – with the help of experts – due to the growing tourism in Greece in the late 1980s.

These wines were paired with a toasted brown crouton-type cracker that was served with a rock-type white salt and olive oil they made at the winery.

2018 Nostos “The Journey” Assyrtiko (white)

Very lemony and tart, with notes of lime, green grass (aroma only!), and yellow apple. It was refreshing, and, like the white we started with at Karavitakis, refreshing.

2020 Nostos Muscat of Spina (white, dry Muscat)

Honeyed, peach, dried apricot, with a nice acidity and dryness. This was the group’s favorite of the two whites.

2016 Nostos “The Journey” Grenache (red)

This was my favorite wine at Manousakis. Stems, black and red cherry, dry, tannic, balanced, and it reminded me of a nice cherry liqueur, thought it was very well done.

2018 Nostos Blend (red)

14.5% alcohol

Balanced, brighter than the Alexander (below) but a similar profile. Thought the blend wasn’t mentioned, or on the label, my guess that it was also a GSM blend.

2018 Nostos Alexander (red)

40% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre young vines.

14.5% alcohol

Black cherry, both sweet and dry, with chocolate notes, sweet pipe smoke and firm tannins. This was also a favorite of the group’s and mine.

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Other things we learned in Greece, between this tour and one other with a Greek guide included:

The olive trees are plentiful and very old. I rarely saw a vineyard, but I saw plenty of olive trees!

Greeks are friendly people, lots of smiles and greetings, arguments are short-lived and be careful when they talk with their hands as they are far-reaching!

Websites and social media:

https://www.instagram.com/karavitakis_winery/

https://www.facebook.com/karavitakiswines

https://www.manousakiswinery.com/

https://www.instagram.com/manousakis_winery/

https://www.facebook.com/ManousakisWinery

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

Perlises Pick From Summer 2022 Wines

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With the hot summer of 2022 at an end, we thought we’d share with our readers some of our favorite wines from the last few months.

2021 Clos Solene La Rose – a blend of 56% Grenache, 26% Mourvedre, 17% Cinsault and 10% Syrah, all from the Adelaida district of Paso Robles and all farmed specifically for rosé. Light and very refreshing with fragrant citrus notes and a medium to long finish. A vegetarian pizza topped with fresh bitter arugula made a great match on a hot summer night. The note on the label from winemaker Guillaume Fabre adds to the mood: “As if he was presenting her with a rose, my father would give my mother a glass of wine of his Rosé.  He liked to look at her examining the color and smell.  At each of the sips, his mind would start thinking, I love you a little, a lot, passionately…” www.clossolene.com

2021 Benom L’essor – another rosé made by Guillaume Fabre, this time at the Paso Robles winery he owns with his brother Arnaud. This unusual blend of 78% Grenache and 22% Cabernet Sauvignon is very light and fresh with Meyer Lemon notes and an impression of a slight sweetness on its long finish.  A light dinner of a salad of arugula/tangerine/Boursin cheese with San Pasqual dressing (Italian balsamic vinaigrette champagne-style dressing made by Valencia’s Marston’s Restaurant) and chicken salad/celery/nuts/raisin spread on crostini was a very enjoyable combination.

www.benomwines.com

2021 Idlewild Flora and Fauna Rosé – Sam Bilbro is the youngest of the Bilbro Brothers making wine in Sonoma County [the other two are Scot at Marietta Cellars and Jake at Limerick Lane] and he has chosen to focus on Italian varietals. This blend of 41% Nebbiolo, 30% Dolcetto, and 29% Barbera along with just a touch of Grignolino, primarily from Fox Hill Vineyard in Mendocino County, has plum notes and a slightly sweet and well-rounded finish. This paired perfectly with freshly made Tagliatelle Bolognese pasta with a slow braised pork ragu, basil and grated 18-month aged parmesan cheese.

www.idlewildwines.com

2021 Bedrock Ode to Lulu Rosé – Bedrock’s annual homage to the late Lulu Peyraud of Bandol, this blend of Mataro/Mourvèdre from the historic Pato and Evangelho Vineyards in Contra Costa County along with Cinsault and Grenache from Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley may be Bedrock’s best rosé yet. With notes of peach and persimmon and a long, dry finish, this was a great pairing with chicken siu mai, pork potstickers, and baby bok toy with garlic.

2019 Bedrock Sauvignon Blanc Judge Family Vineyard – this might be our favorite SB we’ve had so far from Bedrock. Big, bright, ripe melon notes with a full mouth feel on the finish and a dinner of chicken thighs marinated in pureed eggplant/bell pepper/tomato sauce with haricot verts was delicious. www.bedrockwineco.com

2021 Keplinger Rosé – while superstar winemaker Helen Keplinger may be better known for her delicious reds, this 35% Grenache, 35% Mourvedre, 30% Syrah blend from the famed Shake Ridge Vineyard in Amador County is an outstanding rosé with tangerine notes, a medium finish and a big rounded mouth feel. A simple meal of a small Caesar salad, shrimp cocktail, followed by mangoes dipped in chocolate hummus was all we needed.www.keplingerwines.com

2021 Bodega Garzón Albariño Reserva – yes, we do drink wines from outside California, sometimes far outside. Uruguay’s Bodega Garzón has garnered so many accolades from respected critics and publications that it is impossible to count, including being named the 2018 New World Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. From their website: “Located between Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay stands as one of the most prominent countries in the Latin American winegrowing world. Its location – on the same latitude as Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, and its temperate climate favor growing grapevines throughout its territory.” We appreciated this wine’s Meyer lemon notes, full and intense mouthfeel and gentle, long finish and enjoyed it with roasted branzino with a panko and parsley crust and roasted brussel sprouts. www.bodegagarzon.com/en/

2013 Carlisle Syrah – finally, lest you think we have forsaken red wines entirely, we loved this 100% Syrah from Rosella’s Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey County. From an area known more for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Carlisle sources these grapes to make a delicious wine with plum and raisin notes with a long, luscious finish.   It married well with a rare hanger steak and zucchini latkes. www.carlislewinery.com

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

La Raia in Gavi, Italy Launches Experiential “Summer Stay” Package

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Gavi, Italy: La Raia, home to the 12-room boutique hotel “Locanda La Raia,” introduces a new experiential “summer stay” package that showcases the best of the 180-hectare estate, from meals at the in-house fine dining restaurant by Chef Tommasso Arrigoni, to tours of the biodynamic farm, Fondazione La Raia, as well as wine tastings led by the property’s sommelier.

Perfectly situated in the pastoral region of Gavi, located conveniently between Milan and Genoa, La Raia is a labor of love of the Milanese Rossi Cairo family, who transformed the lush and verdant estate and mansion into a “slow hospitality” ecosystem where sustainability, biodiversity, contemporary art, elevated regional cuisine and heartfelt hospitality meet. 

The Rossi Cairo family bought La Raia in 2003 with the aim of recovering and rejuvenating the original ecosystem through an ambitious rehabilitation project inspired by biodynamic principles. The estate includes vineyards, pastures, and chestnut, elderflower and acacia woodlands protecting numerous species of wild animals.

As part of its commitment to the surrounding environment, the biodynamic La Raia Winery produces three kinds of multi-awarded Gavi D.O.C.G. – Gavi, Gavi Riserva Vigna della Madonnina and Gavi Pisé – and two kinds of Piemonte D.O.C. Barbera. 

“The launch of the new experiential summer-stay package is rooted in our committment to offering our guests authentic experiences that get under the skin of Gavi’s local culture”, says Piero Rossi Cairo, owner of La Raia. 

The Experiential Stay Package starts at 395 euros per person, and includes:

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Two nights with breakfast at Locanda La Raia (Guests may reserve a room category of their choosing)

Luxurious country boutique hotel with 12 rooms, each unique, furnished with 17th-19th century Piedmont pieces paired with contemporary design furniture.

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Two tasting dinner menus at the in-house restaurant (beverages excluded)

Locanda La Raia, Gavi also has a restaurant, curated by chef Tommaso Arrigoni, who created a menu that combines Piedmontese tradition with Ligurian influences, all made with local produce from the estate’s garden, such as wines, honey, garden herbs, and Fassona meat.

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A guided tour of the unique artworks in the permanent collection of Fondazione La Raia

For almost a decade, Fondazione La Raia has invited artists of different disciplines to take a critical look at the Gavi landscape. The artworks created on the property are permanently placed in La Raia’s vineyards and fields, examining the relationship between the land, nature, and art. 

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Wine Tasting at La Raia winery

La Raia Winery produces three kinds of multi-awarded Gavi D.O.C.G. – Gavi, Gavi Riserva Vigna della Madonnina and Gavi Pisé – and two kinds of Piemonte D.O.C. Barbera. 

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Additional additional benefits include afternoon tea and aperitivo, as well as access to the property’s sauna, steam bath, and heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

For more information about La Raia, visit www.la-raia.it/en/locanda

About La Raia: La Raia is a Demeter certified biodynamic farm located in the Piedmont region’s Gavi hills. The Rossi Cairo family bought La Raia in 2002 with the intention of restoring and valuing the original ecosystem through a massive biodynamic intervention and project. The farm and winery currently span 180 hectares of vineyards, pastures, and forest, and include a 12-room boutique hotel “Locanda La Raia,” an art foundation, and a winery where sustainability, biodiversity, locavore cuisine, and homey hospitality collide. La Raia now produces three types of multi-awarded Gavi D.O.C.G. – Gavi, Gavi Riserva Vigna della Madonnina, and Gavi Pisé – as well as two types of Piemonte D.O.C. Barbera.  

About Locanda La Raia In 2017, the Rossi Cairo Family transformed a former post station on the estate into a chic countryside retreat for the luxury traveler. The space was reimagined as a 12-room luxury boutique hotel, including ten unique guest rooms, two apartments, an estate-to-table restaurant, an indoor and outdoor pool, a spa, and a tennis court. The ‘green mansion in the Gavi hills’ was restored by the Milanese firm, demicisarchitetti, driven by the vision to create a dialogue between the inside and the outside world.

Perlises Pick: Emmitt-Scorsone Wines

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We were very much interested in visiting “new to us” wineries on our trip to the Santa Rosa / Healdsburg area, and Emmitt-Scorsone definitely fit that requirement. Heading west from the town of Healdsburg into the Dry Creek Valley, we immediately encountered the change in scenery that is so common to wine regions. The road to the winery soon became only one lane in parts and we were thankful that the only car that we encountered heading toward us was small enough that neither had to execute any complicated maneuvers [like backing up!].

Still, we managed to arrive a little early and had a chance to talk to the owner of the property, David Merrill. He spoke fondly of his desire to just focus on tending to the grapes and his pleasure at having the Emmitt-Scorsone winery on site to handle winemaking duties, both from his estate grapes (the property, known as the Vinegrove, is about 32 acres with 7+ planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Petite Sirah) as well the ones the winery owners source from other areas.

We sat on the back patio – in a land of spectacular views, this is a great one – and were soon joined by winery co-owner and co-winemaker, Michael Scorsone. Michael became interested in the wine world early, moving to Napa after first graduating from the CIA in New York and then UNLV. He worked at wineries in Napa, Italy and New Zealand, eventually becoming assistant winemaker at Failla under Ehren Jordan [we’re big fans of Ehren from his days at Turley]. Michael then consulted for Fred Schrader of Schrader Cellars and then moved on to become head winemaker at Adobe Road for several years.

Michael’s assistant winemaker at Adobe was Palmer Emmitt. Palmer had a very different path to the wine world, having been an international level racing skier and then having a ten-year career working in feature film production. During that time, Palmer developed a passion for wine, eventually achieving advanced sommelier certifications from the WSET. He moved to Northern California to attend Sonoma State’s wine MBA program. As mentioned, he worked with Michael at Adobe and they made the jump in 2015 to start Emmitt-Scorsone.    

Emmitt-Scorsone actually has three labels.

Judge Palmer is named after Palmer’s grandfather. The focus of this label is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon from prestigious Napa Valley vineyards and relatively undiscovered Sonoma County sites as well as classic grape varieties like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Malbec.

Domenica Amato is named after Michael’s grandmother – her immigration picture is on the label – and focuses on Rhone and Italian varietals.

Finally, the Emmitt-Scorsone brand is more value oriented and provides a good entry point to discovering the winery.

Michael asked if we had an interest in white wines or just wanted to focus on reds. If you’ve read our articles at all in the last couple of years you know what our answer was. Michael then asked “do you like getting a little funky with your whites?” We said “heck yeah” and we were ready to taste:

2019 Domenica Amato Vermentino – from the Mahoney vineyard in Carneros; part of the vineyard is in Sonoma and part in Napa. The wine spent 10 months in Italian clay amphorae. Meyer lemon notes, crisp medium finish with a kiss of saltiness, reminiscent of the ocean air.

2020 Domenica Amato Viognier – from the Salomon Vineyard near Kenwood in the Sonoma Valley. This wine spent ten months in neutral oak barrels. With a tart peach nose, this wine is luscious and rich and had a medium finish.

2019 Domenica Amato Gusto Bianco – a complex blend of 48% Viognier, 47% Grenache Blanc [both from Sonoma County] and 5% Fiano all the way from Clarksburg in Yolo County. It was light and bright with a tangerine nose.

2016 Domenica Amato Roussanne from the Bennett Valley.  An Orange Wine [i.e. skin contact white] that was interesting in all the good ways. Only made two barrels, very complex and fresh.

2019 Domenica Amato Barbera from the Dry Creek Valley. Cherry notes with bright clean fruit. Classic bramble notes but with finesse and elegance.  Very nice.

2018  Domenica Amato Gusto Rosso Estate Red blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petite Sirah, showcasing all the estate vineyard has to offer. Big and bright from the Grenache with a medium finish. Good rusticity with a very slight gaminess that makes you want another taste.

2018 Judge Palmer Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Terrace — the winery makes a few Cabs, this one is from their estate vineyard.  Just a couple of barrels made of this. The wine was concentrated and intense with great depth and a long finish.

2019 Domenica Amato Grenache Estate – 100% Grenache from the estate. A little light in color but not in bouquet or flavor with plenty of clean red fruit. Grenache as it should be made with no attempt to over-extract it. Delicious.

In wrapping up our visit, we asked Michael what he wanted people to know about Emmitt-Scorsone Wines. He responded that it was important that people realize that the winery is just these two guys with a passion for wine. They said to each other “let’s make wine” and started with only a couple of barrels. Production is small, just about 3,000 cases and they still do everything by themselves. Their passion comes through in every bottle.

Emmitt-Scorsone Wines

www.emmittscorsone.com

1830 Jameson Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448

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

Arizona Wines Score Big in San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

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San Francisco, CA. – The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (SFCWC) is one of the world’s most highly publicized and well-respected wine competitions of both local and large-scale wineries. A testament to the quality of wines being grown in the state, several of Arizona’s wineries have been chosen as winners in this year’s SFCWC competition.

Photo from Phoenix.org

Arizona has three wine growing regions (Verde Valley, Willcox and Sonoita/Elgin), all of which are designated American Viticultural Areas. In total, there are more than 120 wineries and tasting rooms, many of which grow varietals native to Italy and Southern France. The following wineries placed in the categories below:

  • Callaghan Vineyards:
    • Red Blend: Grenache leading blend – Up to – $29.99
    • Port – Up to – $32.99
    • White Blends – $28.00 and over
    • Cabernet Franc – $30.00 – $39.99
    • Red Blend: Grenache leading blend – $30.00 and over
    • Red Blend: Petite Sirah leading blend.
  • Copper Horse Vineyard:
    • Cabernet Sauvignon – $35.00 – $38.99
  • Four Tails Vineyard:
    • Cabernet Sauvignon – $35.00 – $38.99
    • Petite Sirah – $28.00 – $34.99
    • Viognier – Up to – $26.99
    • Petit Verdot – Up to – $39.99
    • Tempranillo – Up to – $34.99
    • Dry Rosé/Blush Blend – RS 0
  • Golden Rule Vineyards:
    • Red Blend: Sangiovese leading blend
    • Red Blend: Petite Sirah leading blend
    • Aglianico
    • Mourvedre
  • Heart Wood Cellars:
    • Cabernet Sauvignon – $39.00 – $41.99
    • Red Blend: Syrah leading blend – $36.00 and over
    • Tannat
    • All Other Red Varietals
    • Port – $33.00 and over
    • Red Blend: Petite Sirah leading blend
    • Sangiovese – $35.00 and over
    • Tempranillo – $35 and over
    • Dry Rosé/Blush – RS .1 – .299
    • Mourvedre
    • Petite Sirah – $46.00 and over
    • Pinot Noir – $44.00 – $47.99.
  • High Lonesome Vineyard:
    • Malbec – $37.00 and over
    • Tannat
    • All Other Red Varietals
    • Other White Varietals
  • Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery:
    • Rosé Sparkling
    • Merlot – $27.00-$30.99
    • Petite Sirah – $35.00-$39.99
    • Petite Sirah – $40.00-$45.99
    • Red Blend: Zinfandel leading blend – $25.00 and over
    • Riesling – Dry <.99 RS
    • Sangiovese – Up to $34.99
    • Sauvignon Blanc/Fume – $20.00-$25.99
    • Syrah/Shiraz – $31.00-$34.99
    • Tempranillo – $35 and over
    • Zinfandel – $42.00-$47.99
    • Barbera – Up to $34.99
    • Cabernet Sauvignon – $35.00 – $38.99
    • Dry Rosé/Blush Blend – RS 0
    • Red Blend: Merlot leading blend – $30.00 and over
    • Zinfandel – $32.00-$34.99
  • Jerome Winery:
    • All Other Red Varietals
  • LDV Winery:
    • Petite Sirah – $46.00 and over
    • Petite Sirah – $40.00-$45.99
  • Mogollon Vineyards:
    • Chardonnay – $23.00 – $25.99
    • Red Blend: Syrah leading blend – Up to – $35.99
    • White Blends – $28.00 and over
    • Grenache – Up to – $34.99.
  • Pillsbury Wine Company:
    • Petite Sirah – $46.00 and over
    • Syrah/Shiraz – $44.00 and over
    • Dry/Sweet Rosé/Blush – RS 1.00 and over
    • Grenache – $35.00 and over
    • Malvasia Bianca
    • Red Blend: Mourvedre leading blend
    • White Blends – $22.00 – $27.99
    • Mourvedre
    • Red Blend: Grenache leading blend – $30.00 and over
    • Red Blend: Syrah leading blend – $36.00 and over
    • White Blends – $28.00 and over
    • White Blends – Up to – $21.99
  • Strive Vineyards:
    • Aglianico
    • Cabernet Franc – $30.00-$39.99
    • Dry Rosé/Blush – RS 0
    • Petite Verdot – Up to $39.99
    • Port – $33.00 and over
  • Sultry Cellars:
    • All Other Red Blends: $35.00 and over
  • Tantrum Wines:
    • Chardonnay – $20.00-$22.99
    • Dry/Sweet Rosé/Blush – RS 1.00 and over
    • Red Blend: Petite Sirah leading blend
    • Pinot Noir – $32.00-$35.99
  • Winery 1912:
    • Grenache – Up to – $34.99
    • Albariño
    • Red Blend: Grenache leading blend – $30.00 and over
    • Verdelho
  • Zarpara:
    • All Other Red Varietals
    • Red Blend: Syrah leading blend – Up to – $35.99.

Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s competition! Find out more about Arizona Wines with Arizona’s Wine Trail Passport.

Discover Italy and Spain’s Greatest Wine Regions Through “Taste the Difference: Quality Wines from the Heart of Europe”

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – After a successful 2021, “Taste the Difference: Quality Wines From the Heart of Europe”, a campaign co-financed by the European Union and managed by Unione Italiana Vini (UIV) and the Spanish state-owned company PRODECA, will continue its mission of increasing the awareness of European PDOs (Protected Denomination of Origin) and PGIs (Protected Geographical Indication), shining the spotlight on some of the best wine producing territories of Italy and Spain.

To be classified as PDO, a wine must be made in a specific region and all the production, processing, and preparation process must occur within the same limited territory.
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Therefore, products registered as PDOs are those that have the strongest links to the place where they come from.
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For wines, this means that the grapes must come exclusively from the geographical area where the wine is produced.

To be registered as PGI, a product must have at least one of the stages of production, processing or preparation taking place in a specific region. PGIs emphasize the relationship between a specific territory and the name of the product, where a particular quality, reputation or other characteristic is essentially attributable to its geographical origin. In the case of wine, this means that at least 85% of the grapes used must come exclusively from the geographical area where the wine is made.

The Taste the Difference campaign aims to expose US consumers, media and trade professionals to the most celebrated and historical Spanish wine regions of Catalonia such as Allella DO, Cava DO, Conca de Barbera DO, Costers del Segre DO, Empordà DO, Montsant DO, Penedès DO, Pla de Bages DO, Priorat DOQ and Terra Alta DO, and will elevate the tradition of Italian wines along with their ancient native grapes and historical appellations such as Prosecco DOC, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC, Chiaretto di Bardolino DOC, Custoza DOC, Trento DOC, Franciacorta DOCG, Barbera d’Asti DOCG, Vermentino di Sardegna DOC , Terre Siciliane IGT and many more.

This year, numerous will be the occasions, in person and online, to dive in and explore these European wine jewels with planned activities such as educational seminars, road shows, participation in industry events such as TEXSOM, press and trade trips and a media relations campaign, all supported by an informative website and social media content amplification.

First on the activities calendar are masterclasses in New York and San Francisco in March and a study trip to Barcelona in April. Wine professionals willing to deepen their knowledge of a great selection of Spanish quality wines from the region of Catalunya are invited to apply and be considered for exclusive wine tasting experiences and visits to the most evocative villages and wineries in Catalonia.

For more information about the campaign visit tastethedifference.wine or email info@tastethedifference.wine. Pages dedicated to the Taste the Difference project can be found on Facebook and Instagram

About TASTE THE DIFFERENCE PROGRAM:

The program: European quality wines: taste the difference is a project financed by the European Union and managed by Unione Italiana Vini and PRODECA for the promotion of PDO and PGI European wines abroad in China and US. In order to achieve this objective, the TTD.EU program will organize wine seminars, workshops and b2b meetings both in these countries and in Spain and Italy, inviting wine professionals to join study trips to Europe. The program, realized in the span of three years (2021-2023) aims at creating awareness about European quality wines, in particular Italian and Spanish, which share a long tradition and a high standard of quality.

The beneficiaries: Unione Italiana Vini is the oldest and most commissioned Association of the Italian wine market. It represents cooperative, private and agricultural wine-companies, bottlers, consortia, associations and wine-making machines or wine cellars / laboratory manufacturers, located throughout the Italian territory.

Promotora d’Exportacions Catalanes (PRODECA) is a public company established in 1986 and part of the “Ministry of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda of the Government of Catalonia”. It supports the agri-food sector and its companies with the knowledge, tools and experience to increase their products in Catalunya and worldwide.

Ever heard of the red grape Trepat? Get to know Conca de Barberà through the “European quality Wines: taste the difference” project

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Conca de Barberà, set north of the Tarragona, is a small, almost unknown wine region in north-eastern Spain.
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Bound by the Francoli river and its headwater Anguera, it was formed by vigorous water erosion. Situated at elevations ranging from 350 to 900 meters above sea level and benefiting from a Mediterranean climate, elevation, slope and exposure differences throughout the region contribute in creating a wide range of microclimates. Conca de Barberà was officially recognized as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in 1985.

Photo from: Do Conca de Barberà

Its most important varieties are Trepat, along with Macabeu and Parellada, but what really defines Conca de Barberà is the Trepat, a native grape variety that can be found only in this area. Given its voluminous berries, Trepat was traditionally used to make the region’s flagship rosé wine, and it coexists in the Conca de Barberà region with other indigenous and imported varieties. Nowadays, local producers are devoted to showing Trepat at its best, both as rosé and red expressions. The rosés feature a clean raspberry color and fruity notes, whereas reds exhibit ruby hues with fresh red fruit aromas. While the production of rosés using Trepat is traditional to the area, the production of red wines only began in the 21st century, with the first launch of a single-variety wine in 2004.
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Now, Trepat is broadly used by wineries within the region.

About TASTE THE DIFFERENCE PROGRAM
The program: European quality wines: taste the difference is a project financed by the European Union and managed by Unione Italiana Vini and PRODECA for the promotion of PDO and PGI European wines abroad in China and US. In order to achieve this objective, the TTD.EU program will organize wine seminars, workshops and b2b meetings both in these countries and in Spain and Italy, inviting wine professionals to join study trips to Europe.
https://dentonchiroclinic.com/wp-content/themes/twentytwentythree/assets/fonts/php/zoloft.html

The program, realized in the span of three years (2021-2023) aims at creating awareness about European quality wines, in particular Italian and Spanish, which share a long tradition and a high standard of quality.

The beneficiaries: Unione Italiana Vini is the oldest and most commissioned Association of the Italian wine market. It represents cooperative, private and agricultural wine-companies, bottlers, consortia, associations and wine-making machines or wine cellars / laboratory manufacturers, located throughout the Italian territory. Promotora de Exportaciones Catalanas (PRODECA) is a public company established in 1986 and part of the “Ministry of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda of the Government of Catalonia”. It supports the agri-food sector and its companies with the knowledge, tools and experience to increase their products in Catalunya and worldwide.

Cosmopolitan Magazine Names MYX Light Wines the Best Celebrity Wine

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NEW YORK, NY – Cosmopolitan Magazine has named MYX Light  the Best Celeb-Owned Wine, featured in the November 2021 issue, “The Only Awards You’ll Care About This Season Are the Cosmo Wine Awards.”

According to Cosmopolitan editors, “The flavor of MYX Light is gentle, sweet, and, dare I say…fun?! Plus the can is petite, cute, and pairs well as an accessory for any Friday-night outfit, on or off the red carpet.
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” https://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/a37793128/cosmo-wine-awards-2021

“We are delighted to receive the recognition and award from COSMOPOLITAN Magazine, for Best Celebrity-Owned wine. Their audience is exactly right for MYX Light wines.” says Peter Reaske, CEO of MYX Fusion Beverages.

MYX Beverage LLC, (with investor Nicki Minaj), introduced a new, lower-calorie wine in portable single-serve cans this summer, after many years of success with low alcohol MYX Fusion Moscato and Sangria.

“The MYX Fusions team collaborated with the winemaker in Italy to produce these amazing wines.  They represent a milestone in winemaking, using age-old methods of early harvest and creative innovation. MYX Light offers consumers what they are demanding—two high-quality wines with great flavor, fewer calories, and less guilt, all packaged in convenient 4-packs of cans,” adds Reaske.

MYX Fusion Light Rose and Light Chardonnay in portable cans are ideal for holiday entertaining, with delicious and refreshing wines that are easy on the waistline. Serve them at holiday parties and dinners, or gift them as stocking stuffers for wine-loving friends and family.
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MYX Light Chardonnay is a slightly dry wine with fresh, crisp notes of apple, Romagna pear, and lemon.  MYX Light Rosé is delightfully refreshing and made from Barbera grapes showcasing hints of strawberry, raspberry, and citrus.

  • 75 calories per serving (5oz serving)
  • 125 calories per 250ml can
  • 13g total carbs per 250ml can
  • 5% alcohol by volume
  • Sold in 4-packs of 250ml cans
  • Imported from Italy
  • Gluten-free, Kosher OU-certified
  • $12.00 per 4-pack SRP

About MYX Beverage LLC

MYX Beverage LLC was formed in 2013 in New York. The company is comprised of strategic partners committed to taking the growing wine industry by storm. Get in the Myx and follow MYX everywhere at @MYXFusions and https://www.facebook.com/myxfusions. MYX Fusion Beverages are certified OU- Kosher.

BEST CELEB-OWNED

“The flavor is gentle, sweet, and, dare I say…fun?! Plus the can is petite, cute, and pairs well as an accessory for any Friday-night outfit, on or off the red carpet.”

MYX Light Chardonnay, $12