Absinthia’s Bottled Spirits Releases Absinthia Verte

April 22, 2021 by evebushman

OAKLAND, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Absinthia’s Bottled Spirits (@Absinthia_Absinthe), a woman-owned artisan spirits company, has released Absinthia Verte, the follow-up to its inaugural and Gold Medal-winning Absinthia Blanche.

“As an unregulated category, there are a lot of ‘crapsinthes’ on the market that use artificial ingredients and dyes to achieve the end product. Absinthia absinthes are carefully crafted according to a vintage Swiss recipe using all-natural ingredients and no sugar,” said J. Absinthia Vermut, founder and creator of Absinthia’s Bottled Spirits. “We start with a neutral spirit made from biodynamic grapes from California, and distilled that with organic herbs – fresh wormwood (artemesia absinthium), star anise, fennel seed, and coriander seed – from an organic farm in Oregon. The result is an aromatic, brilliantly clear and modern take on absinthe, launched in 2018 as Absinthia Blanche.”

To create the beautiful peridot green of the Verte, Absinthia distills the Blanche with organic artemisia pontica, anise hyssop, and lemon balm. The Verte has a natural sweetness and earthier flavor than the Blanche. It is delicious neat, on the rocks, with a splash of cold water, or in a cocktail.

“I started with the release of the Blanche because out of the still, it was delicious,” said Vermut. “Also, we knew if we released a blanche and a verte at the same time, most absinthe drinkers would gravitate to the better known verte. The blanche is so delicious that we wanted to make sure our customers tried it first – and they did.”

Absinthia Blanche has received several awards, including a Gold Medal from the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2018.

Absinthia Facts:

Farm to glass authentic absinthe from a vintage Swiss recipe
Twice distilled in California in a copper pot from biodynamic grapes and fresh herbs
110 proof (55% ABV)
Blanche SRP $44.99 (375ml)
Verte SRP $44.99 (375ml)

About Absinthia’s Bottled Spirits:
Absinthia’s Bottled Spirits is a WBENC-certified woman-owned artisan craft beverage business based in Oakland, California. The passion of founder J. Absinthia Vermut, the company began hand crafting absinthe according to an authentic Swiss recipe in 2017. Distilled in a copper pot from biodynamic grapes, grown in California, and fresh organic herbs – wormwood, anise, fennel, and coriander – from Oregon, Absinthia Blanche was awarded a Gold Medal in 2018 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Absinthe Verte was launched in 2021. Absinthia’s absinthes are distributed in key markets and available online. For more information, visit www.absinthia.com.

Follow Absinthia’s Bottled Spirits on Social Media: @Absinthia_Absinthe #Absinthia #GreenFairy

Smith-Madrone: Chard, Cab and Riesling Oh My!

April 16, 2021 by evebushman

When was the last time you tried a new wine from Napa…but wait…let me re-phrase that: When was the last time you had a wine from Napa that you never had before, that has been around since the 1970s, and that you found to be damn good? Well I was what they say “today years old” when I had chance to review three new-to-me wines from Smith-Madrone. Below are my tasting notes, information about the winery and some links for more details.

Smith-Madrone 2017 Riesling, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

Estate Bottled

This wine has the exact shaped bottle a Riesling from Germany has, long with a slender neck, meant to mimic a perfume bottle. Aromas of white flower, lemon-lime, white peach and cool, wet pebbles. The taste was not sweet, so if you are expecting an overly sweet Riesling, this isn’t it, or in other words, this is not your Mother’s Riesling. It’s all grown up and it leaves the sugar behind. Bone dry, lemonade, limeade, and fresh fruit including pineapple and melon. We had this with a Caesar Salad topped with warm grilled chicken. Perfect.

Smith-Madrone 2017 Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

Estate Bottled

Sweet cream, vanilla bean, crème brûlée, unsweetened butter – just a lot of vanilla/dairy notes on the nose that I found really interesting. From there I also got toasted oak, caramel candy, fresh sliced apple and pears in light syrup. Wasn’t sure what to expect from the taste but in I went…and found a full and round mouthfeel, mild acidity – not as much creaminess as I expected from the nose but wholly pleasant – some earth, the pears and apple again as well as a hint of buttery corn on the cob. And hour later my husband and I were just finishing the bottle, and even with less chill on the wine, it was still being discussed. Wowza, I want this one again. I had this with a Falafel burger with lettuce, pickles and tomatoes. Again, it was perfect.

Smith-Madrone 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

Estate Bottled

Blackberry, blueberry, ash, cigar, incense, stewed mushrooms, char, earth and dark chocolate – all aromas I found on the nose. The flavors reminded me of the darkest of fruit, bursting with spices and layered with rich tannins and pepper. The finish was extremely long. I might like to lay this one down a few years and see how it develops. Was fine right now with Short Rib Ravioli.

About Smith-Madrone

Brothers Stuart and Charles Smith are the vineyard managers and winemakers of Smith-Madrone Winery. Also in the family attic is the Fetherolf family, German farmers from the Palatinate region, who came to America on the Good Ship Thistle in 1730. The name for the winery came as a tribute to the Smith brothers who pursued their dream and to the Madrone trees which distinguish the property.

In May 1971, with a partnership of family and friends, Stuart Smith bought the ‘terroir’ which today is Smith-Madrone Vineyards & winery. He was 22 years old and had just received his B.A. in Economics from UC Berkeley and was taking classes towards his Master’s in Viticulture at UC Davis. In trying to find land to plant vineyard in the Napa Valley, through a family friend he explored a forest on the remotest and highest part of Spring Mountain and discovered that the land had been a vineyard in the 1880s and in fact had been part of the wagon trail route between Napa and Santa Rosa. Today he is respected for his expertise and leadership as a mountain vineyardist.

Stuart was born and raised in Santa Monica. While pursuing his master’s at UC Davis, Stuart was the first teaching assistant for wine industry pioneers Maynard Amerine and Vernon Singleton in 1970-1971. He taught enology at Santa Rosa Junior College and Napa Valley College; he has chaired the 1986 and 2006 Napa Valley Wine Auctions. He is an active member of the G.O.N.A.D.S. (the Gastronomical Order for Nonsensical and Dissipatory Society), a group of Napa Valley vintners who started getting together for monthly lunches in the 1980s. He served on Napa County’s Watershed Task Force for several years, appointed by the Board of Supervisors; in 2006 he was appointed again by the Board of Supervisors to sit on Napa County General Plan Steering Committee, responsible for updating Napa’s General Plan, a three year project. Stu also serves as auctioneer for an Omaha (NB) charity auction every year.

Stuart served as Scout Master for St. Helena’s (Boy Scout) Troop One for many years and continues as the Troop’s Chair today. He is an avid canoeist, having canoed through the Quetico Wilderness in Canada many times and often canoes the Klamath and Trinity Rivers in California. He has five children and three grandchildren; the family includes a photographer, management information specialist, winemaker, wine marketer and a college student.

Technical Sheets

https://www.smithmadrone.com/wines/winefactsheets/factsheet_ries2017.pdf

https://www.smithmadrone.com/wines/winefactsheets/factsheet_char2017.pdf

https://www.smithmadrone.com/wines/winefactsheets/factsheet_cab2016.pdf

Winery background: https://www.smithmadrone.com/downloadables/pdfs/SmithMad-backgrounder-2021.pdf

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.

Jamie Foxx Announced as Owner of Flavored Whiskey Brand BSB-Brown Sugar Bourbon

April 7, 2021 by evebushman

DALLAS, TX – Flavored Whiskey brand BSB-Brown Sugar Bourbon announces award-winning actor, musician and entrepreneur Jamie Foxx as owner. Foxx’s leadership and a redesigned bottle usher in a new era for BSB and its two product offerings, BSB-Brown Sugar Bourbon and BSB 103.

(Photo Courtesy: Nicholas Maggio / Brown Sugar Bourbon)

As owner, Foxx will guide the creative direction and lend his entrepreneurial spirit to help further the brand’s expansion. BSB’s new packaging signifies a turning point for the brand, anchoring its position as the nation’s premier flavored whiskey with the style and sophistication to suit any gathering.

“I’ve always lived by the rule that life is short, and you need to go out and do what you want to do. Owning a brand that brings sweet life to the party has always been a goal and with BSB we’re making it happen,” said Foxx. “Before the quarantine I watched bottles of BSB disappear at all my celebrations and knew this was a brand I wanted to bring into the spotlight. Anyone who tries BSB is going to love it just like I do.”

BSB is an ultra-smooth, award-winning flavored whiskey that features distinct notes of brown sugar and cinnamon. BSB and BSB 103 are ideal for sipping, shooting and mixing in cocktails.

“We are extremely fortunate that Jamie was introduced to our brand at one of his legendary parties,” said Sean M. Penn, CEO of BSB Spirits. “I have no doubt that Jamie will lead BSB to new heights. We can think of no better creative force than Jamie, and we look forward to watching him introduce BSB to the world.”

Founded in Washington state in 2016, BSB is a genuine product of the U.S. and is currently available nationwide online and at the finest retailers. BSB is distributed nationally by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.

For more information, please visit https://brownsugarbourbon.com/.

About BSB – Brown Sugar Bourbon

The BSB brand family consists of BSB-Brown Sugar Bourbon & BSB 103. BSB-Brown Sugar Bourbon, a two-time winner of the “World’s Best Flavoured Whisky” award, blends ultra-smooth bourbon with just the right amount of brown sugar and cinnamon. At 60 proof, it is perfect for sipping, ideal for shooting and optimal as the main ingredient in your favorite cocktails. BSB 103 is the big brother to BSB-Brown Sugar Bourbon. At 103 Proof, it is one of, if not the only, overproofed flavored whiskeys on the market today. BSB 103 uses the same ingredients as little brother, but with a bolder whiskey taste.

About BSB Spirits

BSB Spirits is a fast-growing sales and marketing company focused on the introduction and development of innovative new brands into the beverage alcohol category.

About Jamie Foxx

Foxx recently won “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture” at the NAACP Image Awards and received a SAG Award nomination for “Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role” for his riveting performance in Just Mercy for Warner Bros. He can currently be seen in both Disney/ Pixar’s Soul on Disney + and Netflix’s Project Power. Foxx is producing and set to star in They Cloned Tyrone and is executive producing and starring in Netflix’s father/daughter comedy series Dad Stop Embarrassing Me, which is based on his relationship with his oldest daughter, Corinne Foxx who also produces the series. Foxx and his producing partner, Datari Turner just announced a first look deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Releases from Castello di Fonterutoli with Giovanni Mazzei and Eve!

December 11, 2020 by evebushman

Another week, and another great opportunity for a Zoom meeting, this time with a winery in Italy, Chianti Classico to be exact:

…Giovanni Mazzei debuts three new Chianti Classico Gran Selezione releases from Castello di Fonterutoli, the historic Tuscan estate where his family has been making wine for 24 generations. Castello di Fonterutoli’s vineyards are situated within the territory of three adjoining Chianti Classico municipalities: Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Radda in Chianti. Beginning with the 2017 harvest, the Mazzei family launched a new approach to its Sangiovese-based range of wines, aimed at highlighting the biodiversity of these three terroirs in three Chianti Classico Gran Selezione wines, each with its own inimitable character.

What We Learned from Mazzei

The wines we would taste were from different vineyards and varied terroirs. These were to highlight a new approach to Sangiovese winemaking. In over two dozen generations of making wine – back then it was talked about in barrel now it’s talked about in bottle – there has been an evolution to the winemaking.

The different vineyards, see the photo of the map, cover three districts and include seven vineyard zones. Each give different “aromatics, elegance and power.” There will be discernable little differences between the different districts. We were one of the first to sample these wines. Mazzei then invited us to visit, said he would love to take us through all of the vineyards in his Land Rover to see it for ourselves. Who doesn’t want to do that?

The Wines and Tasting Notes (Some of the notes are ones I agreed with but made by Mazzei or another participant in the Zoom.)

Badiola Gran Selezione 2017 – from the estate’s highest altitude vineyards, below the 12^th century church of La Badiola. SRP $99 From the tech sheet: Aged 16 months in French oak barrels (500L, 30% new), then finessed for five months in concrete tanks before bottling. JAMES SUCKLING, 96 points, July 2020. 94 PTS WINE ADVOCATE 8/20 .92 PTS VINOUS 9/20. 91 PTS DECANTER 2/20. Our notes: Red cherries, red currant, spice, toasted oak, earth; same tart cherries, brambly.

Castelllo di Fonterutoli Gran Selezione 2017 – made from a selection of the best vineyard plots surrounding the hamlet of Fonterutoli. SRP $74. From the tech sheet: Aged 18 months in French oak barrels (500L, 50% new), then finessed for four months in concrete tanks before bottling. JAMES SUCKLING, 96 points, July 2020. 93 PTS WINE ADVOCATE 8/20. 92 PTS VINOUS 9/20. Our notes: Robust red fruit, black cherry, more brambly than the Badiola, lavender, peppery; full bodied, dry red fruit with silky tannins.

Vicoregio 36 Gran Selezione 2017 – a blend of 36 different Sangiovese biotypes (aka clones) deriving from 50 years of research, from the single Vicoregio vineyard. SRP $99. From the tech sheet: Aged 18 months in French oak barrels (500L, 50% new), then finessed for four months in concrete tanks before bottling. 95 points WINE ADVOCATE, August 2020. 95 PTS JAMES SUCKLING 7/20. 94 PTS VINOUS 9/20. Our notes: Thick, rich, raisins, prunes and other dark fruit; tannic, dry, “grip” and velvety.

Giovanni then shared the soon-to-be-released Siepi 2018 Toscana IGT, a 50/50 blend of Sangiovese and Merlot that was first produced in 1992. SRP $130. From the tech sheet: 70% of the wines are aged in new French barriques (Merlot: 18 months; Sangiovese: 16 months), then blended and aged an additional 4 months in concrete tanks. The wine is bottle aged for 4 months before release. 94-96 POINTS, WINE ADVOCATE, August 2020. Our notes: Really pretty nose, red to blue fruit, earth, smoky; complex, balanced (probably due to Merlot influence), silky, black fruit, chocolate, very drinkable now.

About Castello di Fonterutoli

In the Mazzei family since 1435, Castello di Fonterutoli stretches across 1,600 acres of rolling Tuscan countryside in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone, taking in 7 areas under vine that cover a total of 290 acres. The seven vineyard zones are themselves broken down into no less than 120 plots which lie at an altitude of between 230 and 570 metres above sea level. Vineyard cultivation is entirely manual, up to and including the grape harvest, with vine care solutions tailored to each plot. Our centuries-old acquaintance with this territory, combined with more than half a century of research, has allowed us to base our range on36 biotypes of Sangiovese, 18 of which are mass selections exclusive to Castello di Fonterutoli. No other Chianti Classico winery can boast this level of biotype diversity.

The 2017 Vintage

It’s hard to remember such a remarkable season as 2017, when a succession of challenging weather events demanded all our instinct and expertise. A frost around 20 April was followed by a spring and summer when it hardly rained at all, with summer temperatures hitting the high notes and inducing a water stress that limited grape growth and reduced bunch weight. Towards the end of the season we took a gamble, waiting for September rains, and were rewarded with 130mm of rainfall in twenty days, which together with an abrupt fall in temperatures (with lows reaching 5 °C) gave the grapes new vigour. Grape quality was therefore good overall with peaks of excellence, far exceeding our pre-rainfall expectations, though yields were down 35% on the yearly average.2017 turned out to be of those ‘textbook’ years when great experience and a careful monitoring of every single vineyard, on a tailored, plot-by-plot basis, were essential to winemaking success.

www.palmbay.com

www.taubfamilyselections.com

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

October 5, 2020 by evebushman

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

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

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

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

11 Things You Might Not Know About Mionetto:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quintessa Introduces Inaugural Decade Release with 2010 Vintage

September 30, 2020 by evebushman

ST. HELENA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Quintessa is honored to announce its inaugural Decade Release, a library release that consists of a limited number of bottles of 2010 Quintessa set aside to evolve for one decade in the caves where it originated. First made exclusively available to Quintessa Vineyard Circle members in 3-packs of 750ml bottles and in 1.5 L (magnum) bottles, the Quintessa Decade Release is now available in highly limited quantities in the wholesale market.

Convinced that Quintessa had all the quality elements as an estate to be a true Napa Valley classic, the only thing missing was an understanding of the wine’s capacity to age and improve with time. So in the summer of 2012, shortly after bottling the 2010 vintage, proprietors Agustin and Valeria Huneeus decided to set aside a limited number of bottles of the 2010 vintage to rest undisturbed in perfect conditions without leaving the estate.

“Wine has the capacity to reflect a place like no other, as grapes have the singularity of being fully connected to where the vines grow, including the soil, geology and the unique climatic conditions of that particular vintage,” said Estate Director Rodrigo Soto. “The resulting wine is a time capsule, and over the decade that this wine has transformed in the bottle, it clearly demonstrates that the evolution is not only real but also special and unique.”

The 2010 vintage is evidence of this incredible transformation, with black bright cherry and floral layers to dried herbs, anise & violets. From a supple silky texture to integrated layers of spice, followed by a long mineral finish. Having the time to age wine in the bottle brings balance and multiple dimensions to the glass, making the pleasure of drinking wine a completely different experience.

The 2010 growing season in the Napa Valley began with cooler than average temperatures and plentiful rainfall, which pushed bud break, flowering and fruit set back nearly two weeks. Mild, cool temperatures continued into summer which made meticulous canopy management essential to encourage consistent flavor development. Two late summer heat spikes helped the small, concentrated berries develop toward a later than average harvest.

At twenty years old in 2010, Quintessa’s biodynamic and organically farmed vines had the knowledge to work with mother nature and thrive through the seasons. Beginning on October 5th, the fruit from the Quintessa property was harvested with patience and precision to create a wine of elegance and balance, worthy of the first Decade Release.

To acquire or learn more, please visit quintessa.com/decade-release. For media inquiries, please contact Josh Zoland (jzoland@colangelopr.com) or Rachel Keigley (rkeigley@colangelopr.com) of Colangelo & Partners.

About Quintessa – http://www.quintessa.com
Quintessa is a world-class wine estate in the heart of Rutherford, Napa Valley. Inspired by the old-world Estate model, Quintessa crafts a single wine each year that expresses the Estate’s diversity and transforms the soil, vines, climate and energy into something greater than those individual elements. In order to capture the purest expression of place, Quintessa has practiced organic techniques since its founding in 1989 and transitioned to biodynamic practices in 1996.

When founders Agustin and Valeria Huneeus first set foot on the pristine, uncultivated property, they believed they had found something absolutely unique from what they had seen in Napa before. They knew that the land, spread over five hillsides, with different soil types and exposures, encompassed tremendous diversity that would lead Quintessa to become a world-class wine estate akin to the first growths of the Old World. Today, the Estate is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carménère on 26 vineyard blocks. Since its first vintage in 1994, Quintessa has quickly become globally recognized as a benchmark of the Napa Valley.

Vintage Eve Circa Jan 2018: Review of Joya Sangria

September 15, 2020 by evebushman

Had an interesting chat a few weeks ago with one Eamon McDonald, the Founder and CEO of Joya Sangria. I had some experience with both house bar made and commercially produced bottle made Sangrias, however I never did a review. Now was my chance.

Eamon said that his imported Sangria was made with Spanish grapes and a small percentage of sugar. Serve chilled, over ice, with add ons like fruit and it would also lend itself to a cocktail.

When I received my samples I waited until I had a group over to sample with me. Collectively, these are our notes from the first tasting, the second tasting two days later was just me:

Joya White Sangria

12% ABV

Aromas of pineapple, grapefruit and pleasant floral notes, followed by the same fruit flavors on the mouth with the addition of honey. A nice mouth-coating viscosity allowed the flavors to linger. I could see this over ice with a slice of orange.

Reopened the same bottle two days later: Got more aromas of hard candy, maybe apple and lemon, while on the mouth I tasted the same pineapple and grapefruit, but also the addition of lemon-lime. I still wanted to add an orange slice but now I also wanted a little spritz too.

Joya Red Sangria

12% ABV

This had received 90 points from Tasting Panel and all agreed that it was tasty. With aromas of dried black cherry, plum and earth that were followed up in the mouth with a much drier taste than the White Sangria. The same cherry and plum fruit but also some plump raisin.

Reopened the same bottle two days later: Maybe a bit more black fruit on the nose – blackberry for sure – as well as some of that raisin I had only noticed on the palate the first time, wet earth and stone. Tasting it a second time there was a new layer of juicy ripe blueberry.

Note on the reopened tastings

I’ve done this before, just to see how a wine may fare after being opened for a day or two. Sometimes the new aromas and flavors can be attributed to how you would view aging and/or aeration, however sometimes, which may or may not be the case here, I find more when I get the chance to study again. Clearly, you will need to do your own study of Joya to see if you agree!

From Joya

JOYA® Sangria is a Spanish jewel that will excite any palate. In fact, the word JOYA is Spanish for jewel.

Its origins are in the small town of La Puebla de Almoradiel, nestled between the rolling hills and vast plains of Castilla La Mancha. Here, in the corner of Spain known for its winemaking traditions since before the time of Don Quixote, a prestigious family winery is transforming noble grape varieties into this vibrant, authentic and Premium Sangria layered with all-natural essences of fresh Mediterranean fruits.

JOYA® is distinct from other Sangrias on the market today due to its fuller-bodied 12% ABV, versus competitors at 7.0% to 8.5% ABV. Why does this matter? Simple. JOYA® Sangria will maintain its great taste and alcohol down to the last drop – even after cooling with ice. It’s a fuller taste you and your guests will appreciate.

JOYA® Sangria is ready to drink. Serve chilled or over ice. Garnish with fresh fruit if desired.

See their website for pairing suggestions and cocktail recipes too: www.joyasangria.com

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

Irreverent Wine Launches Great Tasting Wine in a Recyclable Pouch

June 17, 2020 by evebushman

WALLA WALLA, WASH. (PRWEB) – Earth-loving, social, and health conscious wine lovers can now reach for the pouch vs. the bottle with Irreverent Wine (http://www.irreverentwine.com), a new monthly “Farm to Glass” sustainable wine subscription service. The new approach ships wine in a recyclable pouch to reduce the carbon footprint of wine by 80 percent, keeps great-tasting wine fresh longer once opened, and surprises wine drinkers monthly with high quality handcrafted blends from sustainable vineyards.

Photo from Irreverent Wine’s Facebook page.

Irreverent takes environmental impact seriously, while also obsessing to surprise members with exclusive wines that are crafted without added sugars and are gluten-free, vegan, FODMAP, keto and paleo-friendly. Subscribers are offered everything from Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio to interesting International-inspired blends. Members never get the same wine twice, so there’s always an element of delight and wonder, but without the waste generated with traditional bottles.

“Every year 70 percent of wine bottles (3 billion bottles) end up in landfills because they are hard to recycle and there’s not enough demand for recycled glass,” said Chris Dukelow, former Seattle technology executive turned chief winemaker and founder at Irreverent Wine. “Bottles don’t make wine taste better, so why are we using them other than those purchased for aging? By eliminating wine bottle production and partnering directly with sustainable vineyards, we can reduce wine’s environmental impact while also keeping wine natural and delicious for consumers.”

The Best Sustainable Monthly Wine Subscription
With so many wine clubs and wine delivery services, there’s no shortage of options for wine lovers to consider. Irreverent distinguishes itself from the wine club landscape by first making high quality wine, and second, by uncorking the bias and prejudices against wine in a bag or pouch. The company partners with the very best independent vineyards committed to Earth-friendly farming practices in renowned Washington and Oregon wine regions to make, source, and blend world-class wines with no unnecessary sugars, chemical additives, or manipulations.

The wine is then shipped in recyclable pouches that keep oxygen sealed out and freshness sealed in for up to four weeks after opening. The pouches are self-standing, can be kept on the counter or in the refrigerator, and are more durable, lighter, and friendlier to the planet than glass. An easy-to-use spigot allows members to enjoy the convenience of a smaller portion of wine at their leisure and never worry about finishing a bottle before it goes bad. The pouches are also perfect for social gatherings, camping, or other outdoor events.

How Membership Works
First, members sign up by selecting the types of wine they would like to receive monthly. Members can opt-in to receiving reds, whites, or blends, and order 1.5 liter (two bottle equivalent) or 3-liter pouches (four bottle equivalent). Wine quality is similar to what you would get in a $30 bottle of wine, but delivered monthly at a 20-30 percent discount for an exceptional value. Members pay between $41-$49 monthly for 1.5 liter subscriptions (two bottle equivalent) and $59-$65 for 3.0 liter subscriptions (four bottle equivalent). Additional pouches can also be added easily to monthly deliveries that start at $39. Members have flexibility to purchase additional pouches or customize recurring monthly shipments for special occasions, including pouch size.

About Us
Born in the heart of the Walla Walla valley, Irreverent Wine is an eco-friendly monthly wine subscription service that delivers better wine, for a better world. Founded by 30-year technology industry veteran Chris Dukelow, Irreverent Wine is on a mission to change the way wine is packaged, shipped, sold, and enjoyed one-glass-at-a-time. In the U.S. alone, over 4 billion wine bottles are purchased annually, and the manufacturing and transport of these bottles emits approximately 10 billion pounds of CO2-equivalent emissions. By partnering with independent and sustainable vineyards, putting great-tasting, low carb, gluten-free, vegan, FODMAP, keto, and paleo- friendly wines in recyclable pouches, the company offers a unique “Farm to Glass” model that reduces the carbon footprint of wine by 80 percent. For every pouch delivered, Irreverent will donate $2 to EcoTrust, which has a mission to create economic opportunity, social equity, and environmental well-being. For more information, visit http://www.irreverentwine.com.

Tasting St. Supery…again?

June 12, 2020 by evebushman

Haven’t been to St. Supery on Highway 29 in Napa for a while, not since we had a book signing there a few years back for one of the Wine Dogs books I had written an essay for. Last year I wrote about Chef Tod Kawachi, their creative in-house chef for Napa Valley Life Magazine. It’s a welcoming winery with a lovely tasting room and beautiful landscaping. Happy to return, virtually for a tasting of this trio:

2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Estate Grown and Bottled

$22 retail for the 2019 (2018 not available on winery website.) 13.5% alcohol.

Lots of lime, tangerine, white peach and a slight bit of cream on the nose, followed by flavors of limeade, lemon zest, fruit cocktail, some minerality and a high acid allowing for a medium length.

2018 Vertu

Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc

$30 retail, 13.5% alcohol

This may have been my favorite in the tasting. Similar to a white Bordeaux due to the varietals Semillon (sweet) and Sauvignon Blanc (dry) they chose to use. The wine had fresh notes of Meyer lemon, stone fruit, mown grass, wet stones and a bit of creamy Brie cheese on the nose. I tasted fresh citrus, Italian lemon soda, with a nice mild acidity, a mineral-filled long finish, balanced and with a perfectly round mouthfeel.

2018 Rose, Estate Grown and Bottled

Grape unknown

$20 retail for the 2019 (2018 not available on winery website.) 13.5% alcohol

Watermelon in color, I noted raspberry, crushed strawberry, pear and cold wet stones on the nose. In the mouth I got strawberry soda, bruised yellow apple, a mild acidity and pleasant mouthfeel in a medium length finish.

About St. Supery

St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery produces 100% estate grown, certified Napa Green wines, focusing on sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, and additional red Bordeaux varietals.

Located in the renowned Rutherford growing region at the heart of Napa Valley, the winery combines French château tradition with Napa Valley terroir – producing the highest quality estate wines and providing exceptional experiences to all guests.

Guests and their well-behaved dogs are welcome 10:00am – 5:00pm, except on a few major holidays. Reservations are preferred.

8440 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford, CA 94573. Winery Phone: 707.302.3488 https://stsupery.com https://www.facebook.com/stsupery/

Perlis Picks: Some Wine History Books

May 23, 2020 by Michael Perlis

I find myself reading more lately, so I thought it was a good time to catch up on some books to review and suggest to our readers.

We’re going to start by going way back.

Painting by Ferdinand Deppe, photo credit California Historical Society.

In Tasting the Past: The Science of Flavor and the Search for the Origins of Wine, journalist Kevin Begos chronicles his first taste of a red wine from his hotel mini-bar in Jordan made by the Cremisan Winery and Monastery. The wine and winery were both unfamiliar to him [and definitely to me and I expect probably to you too]. That bottle set him off on a multi-year, multi-country quest to learn about the grape varieties that went into the truly old-world wines, many of which are not known of at all in the United States, such as Jandali, Hamdani and Baladi. Tracing the history and combining that quest with a healthy dose of wine science results in a fascinating story that left me wanting to learn more. Told in an engaging and witty style, Begos is definitely someone I’d like to share a bottle of something obscure and interesting with.

Tasting the Past: The Science of Flavor and the Search for the Origins of Wine

By Kevin Begos

https://www.amazon.com/Tasting-Past-Science-Flavor-Origins/dp/1616205776

Jumping forward (a lot) is Crush: The Triumph of California Wine by John Briscoe. This book traces the history of wine in California from the 1700s, with the theme of the crises over which the California wine industry has triumphed. While Prohibition might be the first thing to come to mind, the author also discusses the San Francisco earthquake, world wars and phylloxera, as well as economics and politics, as impediments over which the California wine industry has been ultimately triumphant. Briscoe, who lives in San Francisco, is himself a poet, lawyer and author of other published books as well as being co-owner of the fifth oldest restaurant in the United States – Sam’s Grill.

Crush: The Triumph of California Wine

By John Briscoe

https://www.amazon.com/Crush-Triumph-California-John-Briscoe/dp/1943859493/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1588273558&sr=8-1

About the only thing not covered in great depth about California wine in Crush is the story of wine in our own Los Angeles area. Thomas Pinney nicely fills that gap with The City of Vines: A History of Wine in Los Angeles. I first became familiar with Mr. Pinney’s work when I read his exhaustive two volume A History of Wine in America (which I highly recommend). This book enables Pinney to provide a much more micro analysis of how much wine dominated our local area and environs. Of course, I had known for some time that the wine industry in L.A. today is a mere shadow of what it used to be, but I had not realized to what extent this was true. The list of street name origins alone is enough to drive this point home. Alas, those are mostly about all we have left of that legacy. Many factors contributed to the demise of the Los Angeles wine story – prohibition, rising real estate values, population changes, Pierce’s disease are just some of them.

The City of Vines: A History of Wine in Los Angeles

By Thomas Pinney

https://www.amazon.com/City-Vines-History-Wine-Angeles/dp/1597143987/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=city+of+vines&qid=1588273634&sr=8-1

The last part of City of Vines touches a little on the resurgence of winemaking in LA County, with mentions of Rosenthal and Moraga along with Reyes up here in the Santa Clarita Valley. But followers of Eve’s Wine 101 know there is a lot more than that going on. In the SCV alone we have Pulchella, Hoi Polloi, Pagter Brothers, to name just some of them. Farther northeast is Golden Star and down in Los Angeles are Byron Blatty as well as Angeleno in downtown L.A., among others. While these developments were probably not considered significant enough at the time to be included in the book, there is actually even more going on, which I will tell you about soon.

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