• Home
  • Wine 201 and About Eve
    • Full Disclosure
  • As Seen On
  • Las Vegas Highlights (Press: send your news regarding LV restaurants, bars and wineries to Eve@EveWine101.com)
  • Staff & Guests

Eve's Wine 101

  • Eve Bushman
  • Michael Perlis
  • Eve of Destruction
  • Guests

Perlises Pick: Soda Rock Winery

June 25, 2022 by Michael Perlis

A trip to the Healdsburg area wouldn’t be complete without visiting Antoine Favero. Antoine is a winemaker for several of the Wilson Family Wineries. We’ve met with him a few times at Mazzocco Sonoma in Dry Creek Valley [with a focus on amazing Zinfandels] and at Jaxon Keys in Mendocino County [love those Rhone varietals] but we felt we should expand our reporting so we agreed to meet at Soda Rock Winery in Alexander Valley, which specializes in Bordeaux varietals.

Pulling up to Soda Rock Winery should be very impressive for any first-time visitor. It sure was for us. Visible from the road is the towering figure of Lord Snort, who is directly in front of the sadly burnt-out husk of the original winery and tasting room that was destroyed in the 2019 Kincade fire. The winery building was about 150 years old and was the original site of the Alexander Valley general store and post office. Ken and Diane Wilson purchased the property in the year 2000.

By now, you might be wondering who is Lord Snort, whose photo is included with this article. Lord Snort is a 20,000 steel sculpture created by local artist, Bryan Tedrick. This is the second of his sculptures at a Wilson family winery property, being preceded by the Coyote sculpture at Wilson Winery in the Dry Creek Valley.

Lord Snort actually made his debut at Burning Man – check out this video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=edNJ_uGzlmA – and the rumor is he will be there again.

We arrived at Soda Rock a little before Antoine got there and were greeted warmly by tasting room hostess, Madison. She gave us the option of tasting in the refurbished barn or outside among the trees right next to the vineyard and we chose the latter. Although Antoine had planned an afternoon of red wines for us, Madison poured us a couple of whites to get us started.  She also brought over some cheeses and charcuterie to nibble on, which are available for purchase with your tasting.

Kenneth Carl Sparkling Brut – blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with a kiss of Pinot Meunier.  Notes of green apple, ripe pear.  Made at the Jaxon Keys winery in Mendocino but available at all of the Wilson family wineries. 

2019 Chardonnay Reserve West Soda Rock – Alexander Valley, 100% Chardonnay. Notes of lemon, blood orange and sweet honey.

By now, Antoine had arrived. It was such a pleasure to see him again. Not only is he a great winemaker but the passion he exudes for his craft is infectious. It had clearly rubbed off on Madison who continued to pour the wines and share her thoughts on them.

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Twisted Rail – Alexander Valley near Cloverdale   Named for a 2011 abandoned railroad tunnel fire that was originally built in 1898, this wine is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Merlot.  Medium color and tannin, big and bright with notes of cigar and black cherry and a dry, clean finish.

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Five Star General – Alexander Valley.   95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Merlot.  The best of the barrels for each varietal go into this.  Chocolate, blue and black berry notes with supple and subtle tannins.

2018 Malbec Reserve Runway – Dry Creek Valley near the Mazzocco winery. 77% Malbec, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon. Tangy and deep, but brightened up by the Cabernet.  Cherry, cedar and leather notes. 

2019 Cabernet Franc Warm Springs Ranch – Dry Creek Valley near Lake Sonoma, the wine is   93% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot. These vines are at 1700 ft elevation; they get stressed from the high elevation, but are cooled by the nearby afternoon marine breezes. Fruit forward and very well rounded.

2019 Meritage Alexander Valley – Sonoma County. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot. Notes of dark plum fruit along with chewiness from the Cab Franc, with a full mouthfeel and a long finish.

2019 Lord Snort – Sonoma County. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot   We might have expected a wine named after a steel sculpture of a wild boar to be frivolous, but we should have known better. This was a serious wine, with lots of depth from the Merlot

2019 Zinfandel Wentworth – Sonoma County. It wouldn’t have been a visit with Antoine without a great Zin; this one is 75% Zinfandel, 20% Primitivo and 5% Petite Sirah. It is named after Fred Wentworth, the original owner of the Alexander Valley general store that housed the Soda Rock Winery before the fire.  Tart, fruit-forward, dark fruit, chocolate and vanilla notes, tinge of nutmeg and ginger, herbaceous.

2019 Primitivo Lytton Station – Alexander Valley. 96% Primitivo, 4% Petite Sirah. Persian cucumber nose with vanilla and cinnamon notes, refreshing and cool.

We really enjoyed all of these wines and highly recommend visiting Soda Rock Winery. There is so much local history in the refurbished barn saved from the fire that we found interesting.  It made for a leisurely wine tasting afternoon.  We would be remiss if we did not remind our readers of the Children of Vineyard Workers Scholarship Fund created by Ken and Diane Wilson in 2002 in collaboration with the Sonoma County Farm Bureau. Per the website, this fund has distributed more than $500,000 in scholarships. Antoine administers this program and was excited to tell us that one of their recipients had just gotten accepted into Yale. Wow, talk about life-changing!

Soda Rock Winery

www.sodarockwinery.com

8015 CA-128, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Please note there is also a tasting room in downtown Healdsburg:

409A Healdsburg Avenue, 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.

Filed Under: Michael Perlis Tagged With: alexander Valley, aroma, Barrel, brut, Cabernet Franc, cabernet sauvignon, California, charcuterie, Chardonnay, cheese, chocolate, dry creek valley, finish, flavor, fruit, Healdsburg, Malbec, Merlot, mouthfeel, petit verdot, Petite Sirah, pinot meunier, Pinot Noir, primitivo, red wine, Rhone, Sonoma, sparkling, tannins, tasting room, vanilla, varietal, vineyard, white wine, Wine tasting, winemaker, winery, Zinfandel

Tasting pureCru Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine

June 3, 2022 by evebushman

What are the benefits of joining a Wine Club besides better pricing, supporting a winery or winemaker you love and club parties? How about member-only allocations? Wine that the public may get their hands on…or not. This is a one-bottle post on one of those special bottles: the first edition of a Brut Rose sparkling wine from winemaker Mitch Cosentino, and it’s already an award-winner! Here was the teaser:

A SURPRISE ALLOCATION JUST FOR YOU! 

Award-Winning Brut Rosé is available for a limited-time to our Members and Private Clients in this special allocation. 

There has been a lot of buzz about my new sparkling wine so thought I would share some updates. The pureCru Brut Rosé Cuvee XXI sparkling wine was made as a proof of concept and has been undergoing testing in all forms of the wine marketplace, where it is now proving to be extremely well received. I am honored to share that my first pureCru sparkling wine release took home “Best of Class”, a “Gold Medal”, and “98 Points” at the recent Los Angeles International Wine Competition.

Today, the first of its kind, pureCru Brut Rosé, will be offered as a special allocation to our members and private clients. We only made 200 cases of this limited-release non vintage sparkling and our members always get first-access….Cheers! Mitch.

Eve’s Tasting Notes

We joined Mitch’s club a year or so ago, happy to get our hands on any whites or reds they send our way. This is not only the first Rose of his for us to try, it’s also the first sparkling. Color me happy, and here goes:

The back label of the bottle revealed that the wine had 13.2% alcohol and is a Rosé of Sangiovese. We had Mitch’s Sangiovese before and had liked it too.

The color in itself was just lovely, and darker than what most people would expect; it was a deep raspberry with gold that especially dazzled as the bubbles raced to the top of the champagne flute that held my sample.

On the nose (once I poured my sample into a red wine glass to catch the aromas better than in a flute) I was excited to find stewed red fruits – lots of raspberry, white fleshy peach, pink grapefruit, cherries, biscuit, stems, wet gravel and a tiny hint of sea air.

When I tasted the wine I found an abundance of Red Delicious apple right at the start, then came waves of that same raspberry I was promised from the color and aroma, ripe Rainier cherries, red cherries and black cherries – wow, just a bushel of cherries – and the back palate revealed that same biscuit but this time with a little bit of Brie cheese during the finish. It was beautifully balanced.

What fun this would be in a pairing! I’m thinking of a salad with fruit and cheese, a rare sous vide steak with a cherry reduction sauce, Pork Wellington, dark chocolate (maybe even chocolate covered cherries) or with a strawberry cheesecake. Heck, this wine would be great with just plain popcorn! I was going to have it with a mildly spiced Jambalaya myself…in about 15 minutes!

Sounds good to you? Go to the website to see if the wine is now available to the public, or join the club! I got four bottles, err, now only three! I predict my bottles will all be gone by the end of the summer!

https://www.purecruwines.com/

https://www.instagram.com/purecru_wines/

https://www.facebook.com/PureCruWinesNapa

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

Filed Under: Eve Bushman Tagged With: alcohol, aroma, award, balance, best of class, bottle, brut, bubbles, California, cheese, chocolate, club, color, finish, flavor, food pairing, fruit, gold medal, los angeles, mitch cosentino, palate, points, Rose, Sangiovese, sparkling, Sparkling wine, tasting notes, wine club, wine competition, wine pairing, Wine tasting, winemaker, winery

CA Wins at NY International Wine Competition

April 23, 2022 by evebushman

NYIWC Winners from CA in 2021

  • Aimee (Morgan Hill, CA)
    • Gold medal: Petite Sirah- Region lll 2017
    • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
    • Silver medal: Bollicine 2019
    • Bronze medal: Petite Sirah- Region V 2017
    • Individual award: Napa Petite Sirah Winery of the Year
  • Benson Marketing Group (Napa Valley, CA)
    • Gold medal: Vermouth di Torino
  • Blair Estate (Carmel By The Sea, CA)
    • Silver medal: Blair Estate Pinot Noir Morgantini Vineyard 2016
    • Silver medal: Blair Estate Rose of Pinot Noir 2019
    • Individual award: Arroyo Seco Rose of Pinot Noir Winery of the Year
  • Cameron Hughes Wine (San Francisco, CA)
    • Gold medal: Lot 746 Arroyo Seco Chardonnay 2019
    • Silver medal: Lot 765 Sierra Foothills Zinfandel 2018
    • Individual award: Arroyo Seco Chardonnay Wine of the Year
  • Clos de la Tech (Woodside, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: Domaine Lois Louise “Cote Sud”  2015
    • Silver medal: Domaine Valeta “Sunny Slope” 2015
    • Bronze medal: Santa Cruz Mountain Estates 2015
    • Individual award: Santa Cruz Mountains Winery of the year
  • DoublePlus Wines (St Helena, CA)
    • Gold medal: Rose 2020
    • Gold medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Individual award: Napa Sauvignon Blanc Winery of the Year
  • E&J Gallo Winery (Modesto, CA)
    • Barefoot Hard Seltzer
      • Gold medal: Peach
      • Silver medal: Pineapple
      • Bronze medal: Cherry
    • J Vineyards
      • Gold medal: Chardonnay 2019
      • Gold medal: Pinot Noir 2018
      • Silver medal: Brut Rosé
    • La Marca
      • Gold medal: Prosecco
    • Louis M. Martini
      • Gold medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
      • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon
      • Individual award: Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Wine of the Year
    • Alamos
      • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
    • Barefoot
      • Silver medal: Sangria
      • Silver medal: Pink Pinot Grigio
      • Silver medal: Merlot
      • Silver medal: Zinfandel
      • Bronze medal: Sauvignon Blanc
      • Bronze medal: Chardonnay
      • Bronze medal: White Zinfandel
      • Bronze medal: Moscato
      • Bronze medal: Pinot Grigio
      • Bronze medal: Moscato
    • Barefoot Bubbly
      • Silver medal: Brut Cuvee
      • Bronze medal: Brut Rosé
      • Bronze medal: Prosecco
    • Barefoot Fruitscato
      • Silver medal: Strawberry
      • Silver medal: Mango
      • Bronze medal: Watermelon
      • Bronze medal: Peach
      • Bronze medal: Blueberry
      • Individual award: Wines with Fruit Flavor of the Year
    • Barefoot Spritzer
      • Silver medal: Moscato Spritzer
      • Bronze medal: Summer Red
    • Black Box
      • Silver medal: Chardonnay 2019
      • Silver medal: Malbec 2018
      • Silver medal: Pinot Grigio 2019
      • Silver medal: Shiraz 2018
      • Bronze medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
      • Bronze medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
      • Individual award: Boxed Wine of the Year
    • Edna Valley
      • Silver medal: Chardonnay 2019
      • Bronze medal: Rosé 2020
    • MacMurray Estate Vineyards
      • Silver medal: Pinot Noir 2018
    • Prophecy
      • Silver medal: Pinot Noir 2018
      • Bronze medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Starborough
      • Silver medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Talbott
      • Silver medal: Kali Hart Chardonnay 2019
    • William Hill Estate Winery
      • Bronze medal: Chardonnay 2019
      • Bronze medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
      • Bronze medal: Chardonnay 2019
  • Fazeli Cellars (Temecula, CA)
    • Gold medal: Merlot 2017
    • Silver medal: Shiraz 2017
    • Bronze medal: Petite Sirah 2017
    • Individual award: Temecula Winery of the Year
  • Frey Vineyards (Redwood Valley, CA)
    • Frey Organic
      • Double Gold medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2019
      • Gold medal: Viognier 2018
      • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
      • Silver medal: Sun & Rain Chardonnay 2019
      • Silver medal: Pinot Grigio 2019
      • Bronze medal: Zinfandel 2019
      • Bronze medal: Chardonnay 2019
      • Individual award: California Organic Winery of the Year
    • Frey Biodynamic
      • Gold medal: Merlot 2019
      • Silver medal: Chardonnay 2019
  • Garemani Wines (Santa Barbara, CA)
    • Gold medal: Chardonnay 2019
    • Gold medal: Pinot Noir 2019
    • Silver medal: Merlot 2019
    • Bronze medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Bronze medal: Tannat 2019
    • Individual award: Central Coast Pinot Noir Winery of the Year
  • Halleck Vineyard (Sebastopol, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: Pinot Noir; Three Sons Cuvee 2017
    • Gold medal: Calandrelli Vineyard 2019
    • Gold medal: Hillside Cuvee 2017
    • Silver medal: Little Sister Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Silver medal: The Farm Vineyards 2017
    • Silver medal: Clone 828 2018
    • Bronze medal: Pinot Noir; Haas Vineyard 2017
    • Individual award: California Gewurztraminer Winery of the Year
    • Individual award: Russian River Pinot Noir Winery of the Year
  • Hartlam Winery (San Gabriel, CA)
    • Gold medal: Grenache 2020
    • Silver medal: Syrah Rosé wine 2020
    • Bronze medal: Sauvignon blanc 2020
    • Individual award: California Grenache Winery of the Year
  • Herzog Wine Cellars (Oxnard, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: American Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
    • Gold medal: Choreograph 2020
    • Gold medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Gold medal: Rosé 2020
    • Silver medal: French Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
    • Silver medal: Four Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Bronze medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Bronze medal: Pinot Grigio 2020
    • Bronze medal: Momentus
    • Bronze medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Individual award: Kosher Winery of the Year
  • Kenwood Vineyards (Kenwood, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
    • Gold medal: Six Ridges Chardonnay 2018
    • Silver medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Silver medal: Jack London Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
    • Bronze medal: Six Ridges Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Bronze medal: Six Ridges Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
    • Bronze medal: Chardonnay 2018
    • Bronze medal: Pinot Noir 2018
    • Individual award: Sonoma County Chardonnay Winery of the Year
  • Libelle Wines (St Helena, CA)
    • Gold medal: Grüner Veltliner 2019
    • Individual award: Gruner Veltliner Winery of the Year
  • Maker Wine Company (San Francisco, CA)
    • Gold medal: Chenin Blanc 2020
    • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Silver medal: Sparkling Rose
    • Silver medal: Merlot 2018
    • Bronze medal: Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Bronze medal: Rose of Grenache 2020
    • Individual award: Chenin Blanc Winery of the Year
  • Mystic Hills Vineyard (San Miguel, CA)
    • Gold medal: Unforgiven 2015
    • Bronze medal: Gran Trio 2015
    • Individual award: San Luis Obispo County Winery of the Year
  • New Clairvaux Vineyard (Vina, CA)
    • Gold medal: Moschofilero 2020
    • Silver medal: Barbera Rose 2020
    • Silver medal: Petite Sirah 2018
    • Bronze medal: Assyrtiko 2020
    • Individual award: Tehama County Winery of the Year
  • Nichelini Family Winery (St Helena, CA)
    • Gold medal: Remeber
    • Silver medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Silver medal: Engine 318
    • Individual award: Napa Rose Winery of the Year
  • Oak Farm Vineyards (Lodi, CA)
    • Gold medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Silver medal: Zinfandel 2018
    • Silver medal: Rosé 2020
    • Bronze medal: Chardonnay 2020
    • Individual award: Lodi Winery of the Year
  • Penrose Hill (Napa, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: Musa Noctuaria Rosé of Garnacha 2020
    • Double Gold medal: Trailstone Chardonnay 2019
    • Gold medal: Tintoretto Pinot Grigio 2019
    • Gold medal: Watchful Maker Bold Red Wine 2018
    • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
    • Bronze medal: Iron Arrow White Blend 2019
    • Bronze medal: Luxana Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Bronze medal: Penrose Hill Rosé of Pinot Noir 2019
    • Bronze medal: Tintoretto Sangiovese 2019
    • Individual award: Spain Rose of the Year
    • Individual award: Italy Pinot Grigio Winery of the Year
    • Individual award: Columbia Valley Winery of the Year
  • Perchance Estates (Rutherford, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard 2018
    • Individual award: Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon Wine of the Year
  • PR Farms, Inc. (Clovis, CA)
    • Gold medal: My Italian Cousin Eugenio 2018
    • Silver medal: My Italian Cousin Eugenio 2016
  • Rodney Strong Wine Estates (Healdsburg, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: Russian River Valley; Estate Rose of Pinot Noir 2020
    • Gold medal: California Chardonnay 2019
    • Silver medal: Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2017
    • Silver medal: River West Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2017
    • Silver medal: Red Blend 2018
    • Silver medal: Knotty Vines Pinot Noir 2018
    • Silver medal: Russian River Valley Estate Pinot Noir 2017
    • Bronze medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Bronze medal: Sonoma County Merlot 2017
    • Individual award: Russian River Winery of the Year
  • Vinesse (Westlake Village, CA)
    • Double Gold medal: Sangiovese 2019
    • Gold medal: Garnacha 2019
    • Gold medal: Merlot 2019
    • Gold medal: Chardonnay 2019
    • Silver medal: Merlot 2019
    • Silver medal: Chenin Blanc 2019
    • Silver medal: Bordeaux Superieur Red Wine 2018
    • Silver medal: Montepulciano 2019
    • Bronze medal: Syrah 2019
    • Bronze medal: Shiraz 2019
    • Bronze medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Bronze medal: Aglianico 2019
    • Individual award: Wahluke Slope Winery of the Year
    • Individual award: International Wine Club of the Year
  • Vintage Wine Estates (Santa Rosa, CA)
    • Gold medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
    • Gold medal: Chardonnay 2020
    • Gold medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Gold medal: Malbec 2020
    • Gold medal: Zinfandel 2019
    • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
    • Silver medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Silver medal: White Zinfandel 2020
    • Silver medal: Moscato 2020
    • Bronze medal: Sangiovese 2020
    • Bronze medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
  • VJB Cellars (Kenwood, CA)
    • Gold medal: Barbera 2018
    • Silver medal: Primitivo 2017
    • Silver medal: Nebbiolo 2017
    • Silver medal: Wellington Cellars Merlot 2017
    • Bronze medal: Wellington Cellars 1882 Zinfandel
    • Individual award: Sonoma Winery of the Year
  • WineShop At Home
    • Gold medal: Sauvignon Blanc 2020
    • Gold medal: Alcedo 2019
    • Silver medal: Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
    • Silver medal: Hero’s Blend 2017
    • Bronze medal: Black Muscat 2020
    • Individual award: Chile Sauvignon Blanc of the Year

About the New York International Wine Competition:

The NYIWC is part of the International Beverage Competition (IBC) series, a unique group of wine, beer, and spirits competitions taking place in New York City, Berlin, Melbourne, and Hong Kong annually. The judging panels at all IBC competitions consist entirely of active trade buyers, including sommeliers, cicerones, retail store buyers, distributors, importers, restaurant beverage directors, and more. The organizers of the competition feel that these judges, whose livelihood rely upon their skill set, truly know what the consumer wants, as they receive on a daily basis the feedback from the consumer of what is good and what will sell. The carefully selected judges taste the products in a blind tasting format, judging the products by both category and price.

From Founder Adam Levy:

“We’re the only international beverage competitions where all the judges are real trade buyers who are judging by category and actual price. These judges are buyers from the top New York Area liquor stores, restaurants, hotels and more. The submissions in 2021 were exceptionally good, and the judges were excited to be able to sample such a wide range of well-executed traditional styles of alcohol, as well as some more inventive products from all over the USA and internationally. Many of our judges discovered new products that they will be incorporating into their inventories in the coming year.”

View the full list of 2021 winners, learn more about the judging panel, and find information about submitting products for next year’s competition at https://nyiwinecompetition.com. In addition to the annual competition series, the IBC also publishes The Alcohol Professor – an online “homeroom” for the beverage trade and the enlightened consumer to learn about all things bibulous. Visit https://www.alcoholprofessor.com/ for thoughtful, in-depth articles about wine, beer, spirits, and more.

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: award, bronze medal, brut, bubbles, cabernet sauvignon, California, Carmel, Chardonnay, gold medal, hard seltzer, Lodi, Napa Valley, New York, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, prosecco, Rose, san francisco, Santa Barbara, sierra foothill, silver medal, vermouth, wine competition, wine judge, Zinfandel

Tasting Six Valdobbiadene Prosecco!

January 21, 2022 by evebushman

Who likes sparkling wine? The ultimate wine for celebration, and celebrated as a wine that can go with any food, when I was offered six bottles of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco (the Glera grape) Superiore D.O.C.G. – a very affordable and reasonably low-alcohol sparkling wine from Italy – I said yes! This is how it went:

  1. Col Del Forno

My notes: Poured into a Champagne flute and I see nothing but bubbles racing to the top for a few minutes. Always exciting. Noted a color of pale hay. Aromas of toasted biscuit crackers, white peach, grapefruit, lemon-lime, and a nice hefty slice of banana cream pie. On the mouth it was all fresh bright citrus fruit, unsalted butter, fine mineral water, limeade and pink grapefruit. A shame to waste in a cocktail, in my opinion, I enjoyed this sipper before dinner quite well.

From Andreola.eu: Col Del Forno is a Valdobbiadene DOCG with exclusive characteristics drawn from soil with layers of clay, sand, pebbles and conglomerates formed by Karst phenomena over 100,000 years ago, prior to the last ice age. 100% Glera grapes.

  1. Canevel Brut

My Notes: Also poured into a Champagne flute and I noted a bit larger bubbles and less of them than the Col Del Frono – nothing wrong with that, just an observation – and a pale gold color. Aromas that reminded me of white flowers, cheddar cheese, wet pebbles, white peach, fresh yellow corn, talcum powder and kiwi. The taste made me think of carbonated lemon soda, fruit cocktail, cling peaches with a fresh and delicate finish that just made me want to have more.

From Canevel.it: Sparkling wine with a lively mousse and fresh aromas of fruit and flowers. Delicate but firm on the palate with good acidity and long-lasting aromas that are reminiscent of the nose. 100% Glera grapes, 11% alcohol.

  1. Casa Farive Extra Dry

My notes: This time I used a wine glass, which is sometimes thought better to evaluate aroma and flavor over a Champagne flute. (The bubbles however can’t get as “excited” running up the wider glass.) Also of note is the bottle shape, as you can see in the photos it is shorter and wider, which would make it hard to cellar but Proseccos don’t need to be aged in my opinion. Now, onto the aromas, this time I got green apple, lemon zest, fresh honeydew melon, a light cream and ocean mist. Going in for a taste and I was rewarded with a lively mouthfeel of the freshest and juiciest of chilled fruits, a bit sweeter than the first two. bracing but mild acidity and a pat of butter on the finish. Another great aperitif to enjoy before dinner.

From Cantinevedova.com: This Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG wine, made exclusively from Glera grapes, is perfect to cheer up your aperitifs, with its fresh, soft taste, on a savory and harmonious finish. 11% alcohol.

  1. Col Del Lupo Dry – Deligo

My Notes: Back to a regular wine glass I noticed both small and larger bubbles working their way to the top, not as many and over quickly, but that may be due to the vessel I chose. Dried apple slices, pineapple, cream, buttered toast, some salinity and vanilla bean on the nose; and bruised fruit, apples, pears in syrup, sweet pink grapefruit and a little of that salinity I found on the nose all on the mouth. Interesting differences – other than the salinity – between the aroma and flavors made this one something to linger over.

From Coldellupo.it: “Dry” sparkling wine produced using the Martinotti method. 100% Glera, high hill vineyards between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. Organically farmed. 11.5% Alcohol.

  1. Graziano Merotto Brut

My Notes: This one I drank with a friend, hers in a Pinot Glass (as she would soon switch over to her favorite red) and mine in a Bordeaux glass. She knew I was taking notes at her first sip commented, “Very bubbly, it tickled me” that I just had to share. From me I found it very pale in color, between light and gold hay. Aromas wafted up from my glass included kiwi, vanilla milkshake, cheddar cheez-it crackers and my friend noted yeast. While we tasted, alongside prosciutto wrapped mozzarella cheese, I noted red Delicious apple, green stems, malted milk and a medium acidity. While this one was a Brut, and the others dry or extra dry, it was quite sweet.

From Merotto.it: Production area: Col San Martino, 100% Glera, 11.5% alcohol.

  1. La Farra Extra Dry

My notes: Observed just oodles of fast moving tiny bubbles racing in my Champagne glass. The color was close to a pale gold with notes of a sweet powdery perfume, caramel apple, crisp sea air and a little bit of orange slices on the nose. This was my last Prosecco to review so I lingered over the tasting and found fresh tart berry fruit, pineapple chunks, lime soda and a long finish. Wholly enjoyable.

From Lafarra.it: From a “Cru” of grapes located on the hills of Farra di Soligo. Harvest is by hand, stainless steel vats, Charmat method.

About
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G., is the flagship wine of the Veneto region in Italy, and it is most representative of the high elevation winegrowing area, having always been synonymous with the start of the meal as an aperitif, and now foodies are discovering its versatility throughout the meal.

While Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. wines tend to be priced slightly higher than traditional Prosecco, the wines are still immensely affordable given the quality, making them desirable for a range of consumers.  Their versatility and lower alcohol by volume are also in keeping with today’s trends towards lighter alcohol and more diverse cuisines being enjoyed at the American table.

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.

Filed Under: Eve Bushman Tagged With: acidity, alcohol, aperitif, aroma, brut, bubbles, color, dry, finish, flavor, fruit, glera, Italy, palate, prosecco, soil, Sparkling wine, sweet, tasting notes, wine glass, Wine tasting

Eve Finds Perfect Taste Balance with this Perfect Pairing: Piave DOP Cheese and Spumante Garda DOC

November 19, 2021 by evebushman

Well this was a new one: Being offered a selection of Italian sparkling and still wines, the cheeses to pair them with and all coming from the same part of Italy! Not something I get delivered every day so I said yes. Below I’m sharing the invitation, my tasting notes and further information:

Photo: Ed Bushman

Fall is here, and everyone is ready for a new tasty experience: Europe’s Perfect Pairing is here to be your next favorite pairing partner. If you are interested in tasting the perfect pairing of Garda sparkling wine and Piave cheese, I would be happy to send you samples… (of) convenient, delicious, and authentic northern Italian products for your Autumn gatherings.

For the Tasting

Use your next dining occasion to explore some of these styles, laying out a spread of delicious Piave cheeses. Taste the fresh and mild flavors of subtle Mezzano D.O.P. (61/180 days) and rich Piave Stravecchio (aged more than 12 months), the bright and vibrant Garda Spumante DOC will cleanse their palates between bites. Removing Piave cheese from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving, will allow for it to be at the perfect temperature to enjoy. 

Garda Spumante DOC wines are just as delicious as easy to drink as well; simply pop the cork, pour, and enjoy. The elegant, refreshing flavors perfectly complement the richness and intensity of your Piave DOP cheese board, and vibrant, fun-loving bubbles add just the right touch to a casual or festive gathering.

My Notes on the Garda Wines, Cheeses and Pairing

Collezione Riondo Brut NV: Pretty sea glass green glass bottle is very eye-catching, the wine itself is a very pale gold with a slight silvery-green sparkle on the edge. Aromas that wafted up through the tiny bubbles included candied pears, French baguette, apple pie, talcum powder and wet sand from a freshwater beach. In the mouth I got lively green apple, honey, lemon and sugary limeade.

Pjafoc Vino Spumante Extra Dry White: Palest yellow of all in color, with tiny bubbles hanging onto the edge of my glass for a very long time. Aromas reminded me of creamy butter, fresh cut cucumber for crudité, white peach, biscuit and overturned dry earth. For the taste I noted that lemon-lime again, pineapple, freshly cut apple slices and a general sense of coolness. A wine to enjoy outdoors on a hot day. The wine had a creaminess as well as a medium acidity, and a very long length on the palate.

2020 Azienda Agricola Prendina Pinot Grigio: The color was a soft yellow with some sparkle, then I noted bruised apple, dust, stone fruit, dry earth and freshly cut pears on the nose. Tasting the wine I was reminded of fruit cocktail in juice, just peeled orange, tangerine, lime zest and lingering citrus fruits.

2020 Cantina Colli Morenici Chardonnay: Light yellow in color, then on the nose there was some sweet Meyer lemon, unsalted butter, grapefruit and ash followed by bright flavors of yellow apple, lemon-lime soda, a nice round mouthfeel, mild acidity and medium finish. I really liked the freshness on this one.

Mezzano D.O.P. (61/180 days) described as fresh and mild.

With the Collezione Riondo Brut NV: Taking a sip of the Riondo first, then taking a bite of the cheese, it was indeed mild, but then rinsing the wine over the cheese, the cheese grew much sharper, nuttier and creamier for me in the mouth, which made the pairing interesting and elevated the pairing. (Note: I’ve had bubbles and cheese before. I either wasn’t paying attention – which I now will do – or this is specific to these cheeses and these sparkling wines!)

With the Pjafoc Vino Spumante Extra Dry White: Doing just as I did above, rinsing the wine over the cheese, I found the pairing similar, maybe not as sharp but certainly sharper with the wine than alone. And again, the pairing elevated the whole experience.

Piave Stravecchio (aged more than 12 months) described as bright and vibrant

With the Collezione Riondo Brut NV: Even though a younger cheese it had a bit more layers on the palate – nutty, salty, briny – then with the wine I noted salt was really heightened, which was nice with the bubbly wine.

With the Pjafoc Vino Spumante Extra Dry White: The saltiness and nuttiness came out in the cheese with the wine, again, as it did with the Riondo. As an observation, these are both hard cheeses, so when you roll the wine over the cheese it also softens it. Again, making the experience something to linger over.

More

After spending too much time cooped up indoors, everyone is ready to take their gatherings and meals to a new tasty level, and Europe’s Perfect Pairing is just begging to be your next favorite pairing partner. Hailing from beautiful northern Italy, Piave DOP cheese and Spumante Garda DOC wines share distinctive origins, deep history, and authentic production techniques—and they are the perfect palate complements for one another. Simple and portable, yet utterly delicious, elevate your taste buds with this sparkling and cheesy dynamic duo.

With Garda DOC wines, there’s no corkscrew required: Covering 10 historical appellations on the shores of Lake Garda, this DOC centers around sparkling wine production. Gentle, rolling hills curve around the southern end of the large lake, where cool breezes and abundant sunshine produce perfectly ripened grapes with freshness and acidity. White Garda Spumante DOC wines are typically based on Chardonnay, Garganega, Pinot Grigio, and Trebbiano, while rosé Garda Spumante is based on Pinot Noir, Corvina, and Merlot, and both may be made in the traditional or Charmat method.

In the beautiful alpine province of Belluno, the intensely flavored Piave DOP cheeses are made. A hard cow’s milk cheese, Piave DOP is named after the Piave River, which traces its way from mountaintops to the plains, winding its way through the land used to create these distinctive cheeses. A long tradition of dairy and cheese making has been passed down through the generations in this area, and modern cheesemakers use these traditional methods to craft five age designations of Piave DOP cheese…

About the Partner Organizations

THE GARDA DOC was founded in 1996 to underline the value of the varietal wines of the 10 historical appellations of the Garda area between Lombardy and Veneto. www.gardadocvino.com 

Consorzio Di Tutela Del Formaggio Piave DOP

The Consortium for the Protection of Formaggio Piave (Consorzio per la Tutela del Formaggio Piave in Italia), with offices in Busche di Cesiomaggiore (BL), was established in 2010 to protect the PDO (DOP in Italian) from misuse, counterfeiting, and unfair competition. The Consorzio also has the task of protecting the

typicality and the peculiar characteristics of Piave cheese, promoting it on all markets – both national and international – and upholding it by providing product information to consumers. www.piavecheese.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 (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.

Filed Under: Eve Bushman Tagged With: aroma, brut, bubbles, Chardonnay, cheese, color, finish, flavor, food pairing, Italy, nose, Pinot Grigio, salinity, Sparkling wine, Spumante, still wine, tasting notes, wine pairing

A Chard and a Brut Cuvee Met…In My Kitchen

August 13, 2021 by evebushman

It’s summertime and the living is easy, that’s how the saying goes and it’s a good time to discover some white wines I haven’t had before. The two we are looking at today come from different California AVAs and are also different varieties. We have a Chard from Santa Barbara County and a sparkling from the Arroyo Grande Valley.

2019 Qupe Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, “Y” Block

Aromas: Freshly sliced lemons, pineapple, mown grass, cheddar cheese, milk, wet concrete. Flavors: Lively fresh citrus and stone fruits, lemon zest, limeade, toasted oak, mild acidity, long finish. Classic chardonnay in style, structure and flavor. Paired with Shrimp Scampi and it served well as a palate cleanser between bites indeed.

An excerpt from the website:

HONORING THE CHUMASH

The name “qupé” was chosen to honor the Chumash, the indigenous people of the Golden State’s Central Coast and Channel Islands.

In Chumash, “qupé” refers to the poppy, a flowering plant traditionally used for food and medicine. In 1903 the California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) was officially designated the state flower, and every spring masses of the bright orange blossoms still blanket local hills and back country.

Read more here https://www.qupe.com/

##

Non-Vintage Laetitia Sparkling Wine, Brut Cuvee, Arroyo Grande Valley

Aromas: Pineapple, bruised yellow Delicious apple, mown grass and wet pebbles.  Flavors: Sweet notes of apple, pear, Maraschino cherry, pineapple and biscuit. Enjoyed with cheese and charcuterie. An easy sipper.

An excerpt from the website:

ABOUT OUR CENTRAL COAST WINERY

Since 1982, the Laetitia Vineyard & Winery has produced elegant wines that champion the exceptional character and diversity of the Arroyo Grande Valley AVA. Originally founded by an established French Champagne house, the Laetitia estate carries on in the longstanding traditions of Burgundy and Champagne with a focus on small-lot Pinot Noir and sparkling wines. Valuing legacy, balance, innovation, and sustainable practices from harvest to glass, the Laetitia team works meticulously from vintage to vintage to ensure that every bottle of Laetitia wine is as expressive as the coastal land from which it originates.

Read more here https://www.laetitiawine.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 (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.

Filed Under: Eve Bushman Tagged With: aroma, Arroyo Grande Valley, ava, brut, California, charcuterie, Chardonnay, cheese, finish, flavor, food pairing, fruit, Oak, palate, Santa Barbara, Sparkling wine, structure, tasting notes, variety, vintage, wine pairing, Wine tasting

Piper-Heidsieck Chief Winemaker Named 2021 Sparkling Winemaker of the Year

August 3, 2021 by evebushman

REIMS, FRANCE (PRWEB) – At 34 years old, Piper-Heidsieck Chief Winemaker Emilien Boutillat has been named the 2021 Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at this year’s annual International Wine Challenge (IWC) held in London, United Kingdom.

Emilien joined the Piper-Heidsieck family in October 2018, taking over from renowned winemaker Regis Camus, and is the youngest chef de cave to lead a major House in the region.

His dynamic approach to winemaking has maintained the excellence and success of the House in recent times, enabled by his philosophy to balance tradition with trailblazing distinction.

As a result, Piper-Heidsieck is the most awarded Champagne House of the century*, achieving eight titles under the leadership of Regis Camus, and now a ninth with Emilien Boutillat’s latest IWC Sparkling Winemaker of the Year award.

Thrilled with the honor of the Award, Emilien stated:
“This is an important recognition of the work produced by the entire Piper-Heidsieck team and honors the legacy of my predecessors, including Daniel Thibault and Regis Camus, both of whom achieved great success during their time at the helm of Piper-Heidsieck.”

He continued:
“From the winemaking team, some of whom have been with the House more than 30 years, to the winegrowers and partners, and those involved in the production of the bottles, each of our team’s valuable contribution is what has enabled us to receive this award.”

The 2021 Sparkling Winemaker of the Year award affirms the dedication and commitment of Piper-Heidsieck to continue producing the finest blends, while working towards a sustainably conscious future within all its winemaking practices.

In its 37th year, the International Wine Competition brings together a panel of expert judges to blind taste the wide variety of wines and work in unison to discover the highest-quality blends from 52 countries.

The vast range of awards presented by the IWC includes Red, White, Fortified, Sparkling, and Sweet Winemakers of the Year and the Own Label, Varietal, Regional, National, and International shortlists.

Lauded as the most awarded House of the century*, Piper-Heidsieck has been one of the US market’s Top Five Champagne brands for more than a decade and is poured in more than 100 countries worldwide. A House with a storied history, it was the first champagne to appear in film and has long been associated with celebration, cinema and celebrity.

An official sponsor of the iconic Cannes Film Festival for more than 20 years, and the official Champagne of the Academy Awards since 2015, a bottle of Piper-Heidsieck is opened around the world every 8 seconds.

Wines in the Piper-Heidsieck portfolio include: Brut NV ($45 SRP), Extra Dry ($45 SRP), Sublime ($50 SRP), Rosé Sauvage ($60 SRP) and 2012 Vintage Brut ($80 SRP).

Wines are available nationally through fine wine retailers and restaurants. For more information or image requests, please contact Rebecca Hopkins at rhopkins@foliowine.com

###

About Piper-Heidsieck:
The most awarded Champagne House of the century*, Piper-Heidsieck is celebrated for its audacity and excellence. Steeped in history, Piper-Heidsieck was born of a love story that began in 1785 with German-born founder Florens-Louis Heidsieck crafting a wine to seduce his lover. For Piper-Heidsieck, the true meaning of seduction is free from convention to innovate and to convey self-expression. The Maison continued its path of seduction winning over Marie-Antoinette, exciting the palates of speakeasy goers throughout Prohibition and even becoming Marilyn Monroe’s bedfellow with the famous actress claiming she would get up every morning with a glass of Piper. Today, Piper-Heidsieck is poured in over 100 countries and prides itself on holding dual certification of Viticulture Durable en Champagne and Haute Valeur Environnementale**. The progressive Champagne House also enjoys a colourful history of unique encounters and moments of intimacy, none more memorable than the iconic Prohibition-era which this year celebrates 100 years.

** Predecessor of Emilien Boutillat, Régis Camus awarded the title of “Sparkling Winemaker of the Year” eight times by the International Wine Challenge jury since the beginning of the century.
** VDC: Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne / HVE: High Environmental Value

About Folio Fine Wine Partners:
Founded by the Michael Mondavi Family in 2004, Folio Fine Wine Partners is an importer, fine wine agency and producer of quality wines from the world’s premier and emerging wine regions, providing sales, marketing and public relations services to wine brands from California, Italy, France, Argentina, Portugal, Spain, Washington State, Austria and South Africa. For more information about Folio Fine Wine Partners, visit http://www.foliowine.com/ or social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: award, blend, blind tasting, brut, champagne, dry, England, France, Rose, Sparkling wine, u.s., varietal, vintage, wine competition, wine judge, winemaker, winemaking

Bubbly with #ClinkDifferent

July 9, 2021 by evebushman

The latest educational wine tasting event from Clink Different “celebrated all things sparkling from Germany and Bordeaux (with) a virtual tasting of Crémant de Bordeaux and German Sekt.” We were greeted in the Zoom presentation by Cecile Ha from the Bordeaux Council. Ha shared that both Germany and Bordeaux created white, red and sparkling wines, benefitted from a young generation of both male and female winemakers, and both are also well known for healthy tourism in their respective wine regions. Ha then introduced our host for the event, New York Sommelier and Martha Stewart Living wine expert Sarah Tracey.

Tracey shared that all of the four sparkling wines we were to taste “checked off all of the boxes” in being delicious, fun and affordable. She had presented a food pairing for each sparkler which I will share in our tasting notes below. For this tasting I enlisted help from local pals and Friends Who Like Wine in The Glass founders Vashti and Stephen Roebuck.

The Bubbles

Celene NV Cuvee Amethyste

60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc. Region/AOC: Crémant de Bordeaux. SRP: $12. Importer: Fine Wine and Good Spirits.

From Tracey: Bordeaux Crémant AOC can be made with both white and red Bordeaux grapes, they spend 12 months in traditional aging methods and there are 214 growers in the appellation. This example was a Blanc de Noir, meaning a white wine from red grapes, and should be drunk within one to two years of bottling. Aromas and flavors: yellow plums, persimmon, honeysuckle. Suggested pairing: green olives, oysters, something salty/briny and creamy.

From our group: We found the choice of red Bordeaux grapes unique, but the flavor was all sparkling with no hint of red fruit: apple, French toast, sweet Meyer lemon, white peach and wet pebbles. A steal and a conversation starter for $12.

 

Markus Molitor NV Riesling Sekt

100% Riesling. Region/AOC: Mosel. SRP: $19. Importer: Banville Wine Merchants.

From Tracey: Sekt is the word for sparkling in German and there are different quality levels. In the 1800s German winemakers traveled to France to learn how to make sparkling wine. The Mosel region is known for Riesling, is the oldest, has very steep inclines and red volcanic slate soil. Aromas and flavors: Pear, peach, white pepper and nectarine. Suggested pairing: Prosciutto due to its fat and saltiness, working well against the acidity in the wine.

From our group: Cantaloupe melon, biscuit, cool asphalt and milk aromas, with flavors of peach, Red Delicious apple, sweet creamed corn and a nicely carbonated 7 Up. I’d totally buy this one for $19.

 

Calvet 2018 Brut Rose

100% Cabernet Franc. Region/AOC: Crémant de Bordeaux. SRP: $18. Importer: Monsieur Touton.

From Tracey: 31% of Crémant de Bordeaux are Rose wines, with over 100 wine growers planting specifically for Rose Crémant. There has been a 13% increase in the past 10 years making Rose. The grapes for this wine were manually harvested and manually pressed. Aromas and flavors: Raspberry, wild strawberry and tannins. Suggested pairing: milk chocolate with 40% to 50% cacao, the tannins in both make the pairing work. Also goes well with Prosciutto.

From our group: Very pretty rose gold color with bubbles racing their way to the top of my glass. On the nose there was icy peach, cantaloupe melon, red berries and wet river rock; followed by flavors of freshly sliced peaches, more melon including Honeydew, sweet ripe pears and an interesting minerality that played on my palate for a long finish.

 

Raumland Cuvee Marie-Luise Brut 2013

100% Pinot Noir. Region/AOC: Rheinhessen. SRP: $46. Importer: German Wine Collection.

From Tracey: This wine is made by “The Pope of Sekt”, has a cooling influence from the climate as well as chalky soil. This was the “premium” wine in the line-up. Aromas and flavors: fresh, minerality, saltiness. Suggested pairing: Drunken Goat cheese and any other “zingy” cheeses.

From our group: Green apple, cheese toast, almond cookie, white peach, Hawaiian ginger flower, citrus oil and hints of crisp slate. This was the favorite amongst the people in the Zoom tasting.

 

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.

Filed Under: Eve Bushman Tagged With: aoc, aroma, Bordeaux, brut, bubbles, Cabernet Franc, cheese, chocolate, clink different, cremant, education, flavor, food pairing, friends who like wine in the glass, Germany, Merlot, Mosel, olive oil, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Rose, sekt, somm, sommelier, Sparkling wine, tasting notes, wine grower, wine pairing, Wine tasting, winemaker

Eve + Friends Taste Through Gambero Rosso’s Tre Bicchieri Tour

April 9, 2021 by evebushman

Once again, as I sometimes do, I get an invitation so remarkable I share the details with you. This is one of those times. Three cases of award-winning Italian wines to be tasted and reviewed over three zoom meetings in two weeks. This was literally the best two weeks I have spent over the last 52 weeks of our Covid year.

The tasting featured exceptional wines that have been awarded the coveted 2021 Tre Bicchieri designation, a designation given to only 1% of the top wines of Italy… 

Just some of my favorites from the three tastings!

Tasting 3 of 3 (I’m starting with these as this was my favorite case. Note: Sup is Superior, Cl. is Classico, Ris. is Riserva)

Ottella-Veneto-Lugana Molceo Ris. 2018 EB: Notes of ripe apple, sweet limes, riverbed, minerality, fresh and balanced. Right out of the gate – I liked this first wine.

Perla del Garda-Lombardia-Lugana Sup. Madonna della Scoperta 2017 EB: Bruised apple, cream, salinity, stone, butter – Chardonnay-like. I liked this wine even more. 

Tacchino-Piemonte-Barbera del M.to Albarola 2016 EB: Big dark fruit, black pepper, spicy with a beautifully balanced mouthfeel, my first red of the day and another on my favorite list.

Badia a Coltibuono-Toscana-Chianti Cl. 2018 EB: Bright red fruit, tart cherries, dust, rose petals, stemmy. This would be liked by my Pinot friends for sure.

Barone Ricasoli-Toscana-Chianti Cl. Gran Selezione Colledilà 2017 EB: Rich red fruit, balanced fruit and spice, earth, minerals, dry.

Tenuta di Arceno-Toscana-Chianti Cl. Ris. 2017 EB: Much darker on the nose and palate then the last two. Dark dry berries, espresso, dark chocolate, spice, drying tannins.

Tenuta Monteti-Toscana 2016 EB: Made with Petit Verdot, Cab and Cab Franc, this may have been my favorite wine of the day. Aged dark fruit, bark, cigar, sweet char, extra-long finish.

Piaggia-Toscana-Carmignano Ris. 2017 EB: Pungent dark fruit, rich, spicy, peppery, a hint of mint. A blend of Sangiovese, Cab and Merlot, and you guessed it, another favorite in the tasting.

Aria di Caiarossa-Toscana 2016 EB: A beautiful nose filled with rich fruit, pepper, concrete, toasted oak and sweet berry. A blend of Cab, Cab Franc and Merlot and yep, another one I wanted more of.

Tenuta di Sesta-Toscana-Brunello di Montalcino 2015 EB: A powerhouse of a wine with notes of dusty mature fruit, a lively palate that included cream and oak, heightened by floral notes and a fresh garden of herbs and flowers on the nose.

Speri-Veneto-Amarone della Valpolicella Cl. Sant’Urbano 2016 EB: This may have been the one wine I had enjoyed in the past and did again today. This one was velvety, just perfect with fruit, spice and dust, with a lovely lightly sweet long finish.

Tenuta Sant’Antonio-Veneto-Amarone della Valpolicella Campo dei Gigli 2016 EB: Our last wine of the day had a big nose filled with plums, prunes, oak, cigar, cigarette and smoke. Another great wine.

For the first two meetings I benefitted by having two collectors and two sommeliers joining me. The notes below are from Steve Roebuck, SR, Founder of Friends Who Like Wine in the Glass Facebook Group, edited down a bit due to space, with only additions from me as EB in italics. 

Tasting 1 of 3:

2019 Bortolomiol Valdobbiadene Brut lus Naturae SR: Ocean spray/salt on the palate with warm pears and apples, hints of wet river rock blending with lemon, bread, almonds and grassy notes. EB: Fresh fruit cocktail and Golden Delicious apple. My first favorite of the tasting.

2019 Biancavigna Conegliano Valdobbiadene Rive di Soligo Extra Brut SR: Bouquet of marzipan, apple, pear, creamy oats, brine, lime, peach and minerals. The wine had bright acidity but lacked depth and harmony. EB: Bruised fruit, minerality, earth and a marked tartness.

2019 Borgoluce Valdobbiadene Rive di Collalto Extra Brut SR: Aromas of warm pears, apricots, brine, wet slate and almond paste. The wine was balanced with nice layers of fruit, minerals that gave way to a lovely finish with hints of candied ginger. EB: Wet pebbles and cream.

2018 I Campi Soave CI. Campo Vulcano SR: A hint of petroleum and notes of lemon, lychee, wet gravel, nutmeg, grass and a nice earthiness. The wine had a lovely refreshing finish with a crisp note of pineapple. EB: Tropical fruit, Meyer lemon, and no acidity. Another fave for me.

2018 Leonildo Pieropan Soave CI. Calverino SR: Lovely aromas of salted ginger, white pepper, white peach, fuzzy kiwi and wet minerals.  The wine was intriguing with more lovely layers of peach, ginger, bitter chalkiness, baking spices and a nice savory quality. EB: Fresh citrus fruit, a sweeter nose that grew over time and great balance. My second favorite of the day.

2018 Tenuta Luisa Friuli Isonzo Friulano I Ferretti SR: Hints of beeswax, lemon zest, wet minerals, brine, apple, white peach, pear, almonds and band-aid. The palate was clean with hints of white peach, wet stones, cut herbs, with a touch of almond paste on the finish. EB: Lemon-lime.

2019 Tenuta Stella Collio Friulano SR: Wafting from my glass was a bouquet of honeysuckle, peach, apricot, buttered popcorn, anise seeds botrytis and a slight hint of burnt molasses. The wine was rich on the palate with integrated acidity that gave balance and structure to the wine. There was a luxuriousness to this wine, yet it was restrained and elegant. EB: Honey, churned butter, apricot. And another I really liked.

2018 Edi Keber Friuli Venezia Giulia Collio SR: An alluring bouquet of honey, apricots, brine, cinnamon, and anise seeds. On the palate there was a nice level of acidity that interwove through layers of tropical fruits, melon, honey and savory baking spices. Not as rich as the last wine but soft and elegant. EB:Favorited by one of the somms, lively lemon and a hint of licorice.

2019 Tiare – Roberto Snidarcig Friuli Venezia Collio Sauvignon SR: Typical old word aroma of Cat Pee blending in with hints of grass, salt, minerals, wet rocks, tree sap, slate, white peach, and spring flowers. The taste was crisp with nice acidity that lent balance to the palate, giving off hints of white peach, pear, wet slate, lemongrass and salted minerals. EB: Stone fruit, grass and earth.

2019 Bosco Del Merlo Veneto Sauvignon Blanc Turranio SR: This came across like a new world Sauvignon Blanc with a bouquet of honeycomb, lemon, apricot, bell pepper, white flowers and freshly cut herbs. The wine had lovely acidity that harmonized playfully on the palate with hints of lemongrass, apricot, honeysuckle, bell pepper and soft herbs. EB: Lemon rind, earthy, tart acidity. 

2019 Cantina Kurtatsch Aldo Adige A.A. Sauvignon Kofl SR: The aromas coming from the glass were bold and constructed a bouquet of burnt matchstick, grinding stone, burnt popcorn and smoldering car tire. EB: Mown grass.

2018 La Roncaia Friuli Venezia Giulia- Eclisse SR: Briny minerals, peach, fennel, gun flint, and savory spices and somewhat muted. EB: Bright citrus fruit, cream.

Tasting 2 of 3:

Part Two from Steve Roebuck, SR, and only additions from me, as EB, in italics.

Cusumano-Sicilia-Etna Bianco Altamora 2019 SR: Notes of peach, apricot, brine, kiwi, lime and wet limestone. The wine displayed a plush creamy palate with a hint of lemon drop hard candy on the finish. EB: Floral.

Pala-Sardegna-Vermentino di Sardegna Stellato 2019 SR: A bouquet of white flowers, white peach, brine, wet river rocks, honeydew melon and lemongrass. It had a nice level of acidity that allowed for hints of white peach, melon and a touch of honeysuckle on the finish. EB: This was another favorite amongst our somms. Very floral, lemon peel, kiwi. 

Surrau-Sardegna-Vermentino di Gallura Sup. Sciala 2019 SR: Aromas of Spring flowers, honeydew melon, brine and apricot. Similar on the palate with crushed gravel and lime notes. EB: Pear, salinity and minerality.

Feudo Antico-Abruzzo-Tullum Pecorino Biologico 2019 SR: An interesting bouquet of fresh cut fennel, baked bread, cheese yeast, pears, brine, limestone and lemons. A nice acidity that brought harmony to the layers of orchard fruits that played off the crisp minerals. EB: Our somm liked this one as well, found it savory. Lots of fruit and earth.

Tenuta Terraviva-Abruzzo-Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Giusi 2019 SR: The wine  seemed a bit off to me; however, the bouquet gave off aromas of strawberries, cranberries, lime and gunflint. EB: Cooked fruit.

Valle Reale-Abruzzo-Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Vign. di Popoli 2015 SR: A lovely bouquet of dusty earth, coffee, pepper, cherries, pine nuts and Jolly Rancher hard candy. Medium plus in body with rounded tannins that gave way to hints of cherries, dusty earth, minerals and soft herbs. EB: Balanced.

Poggio Le Volpi-Lazio-Roma Rosso Ed. Limitata 2017 SR: An expressive bouquet of cherries, espresso, white pepper, prunes and molasses. Full bodied with rounded tannins and a palate displaying hints of cherries, prunes, cut dill and wood. EB: Dark fruit, spice and incense. 

Donnachiara-Campania-Taurasi 2016 SR: An alluring bouquet of cherries, coffee, caramel, herbs, vanilla, burnt sugar and cassis fruit. Full bodied with gripping tannins that painted the palate with hints of dark berry fruit, earthy minerals, herbs, spice and a touch of caramel.  EB: Our two collectors liked this one. Espresso, dark dusty fruit – black cherry – and tannins.

Felline-Puglia-Primitivo di Manduria Zinfandel Sinfarosa Terra Nera 2017 SR: A rich bouquet of blackberries, cherries, toffee, coffee, pepper, bell pepper, molasses and notes of raisins. Full bodied with gripping tannins that brushed the palate with hints of dark berry fruit, coffee, white pepper, dusty earth and herbs. A nice level of extraction going on that brought richness to the wine. EB: Sweet tobacco, rich and layered, ash. My husband’s pick of the day.

Coppi-Puglia-Gioia del Colle Primitivo Senatore 2017 SR: Notes of cherry, powered chocolate, coffee, dried herbs, white pepper, bell pepper, decaying forest floor, graphite, brine and dusty earth. The wine was medium plus in body with gripping tannins that gave way to hints of cherries, chocolate, bitter coffee, herbs, and lead pencil. EB: Tri-color peppercorn, blackberry jam, more fruit than spice, balanced.

Pietradolce-Sicilia-Etna Rosso Archineri 2017 SR: Hints of dried cherries, leather, menthol tobacco, mint and pomegranate. Medium plus in body with layers of fruit that harmonized nicely with hints of olives, cedar and dusty minerals. EB: Like a Pinot Noir with stewed cherry, brambles and rich earth.

Cottanera–Sicilia-Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo 2016 SR: A vibrant bouquet of rose petals, cherries, coffee, chocolate, bell pepper, brine and cedar. Medium plus in body with gripping tannins that gave way to a palate painted with hints of cherries, pomegranate, chocolate, earthy forest floor, minerals and wood. EB: Again, like a Pinot Noir, with pungent berry fruit.

These are links to the two photo albums Roebuck made:

https://www.facebook.com/roebuck.steve/posts/10221692263527457

https://www.facebook.com/roebuck.steve/posts/10221704825561500

Social Media Handles

@bortolomiol_proseccosuperiore @biancavigna_prosecco @borgoluce
@icampiwinery @pieropanwine @tenutaluisa @tenutastellacollio @edi.keber
@tiarevini @boscodelmerlo @cantinakurtatsch @laroncaia @cusumanowinery @palawines @vignesurrau @feudo.antico @tenutaterraviva @valle_reale @poggiolevolpi @donnachiarawinery @agriculturalfelline @vinicoppi @pietradolce @cottanera @ottellawinery @perladelgarda.official @luigi_tacchino @badia_coltibuono @ricasoli1141 @tenutadiarceno @tenuta_monteti_official @piaggia_winery @caiarossa @tenutadisesta @speriwinery @tenutasantantonio

https://www.gamberorossointernational.com/wines/

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.

 

Filed Under: Eve Bushman Tagged With: acidity, aroma, brut, Cabernet Franc, cabernet sauvignon, chianti classico, color, education, flavor, fruit, gambero rosso, Italy, length, Merlot, red wine, Reserve, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling wine, spice, Super Tuscan, tannins, tasting notes, tuscan, tuscany, white wine, Wine tasting

Vintage Eve Circa 9/2018: What Wines Would You Stock if You Owned a Wine Bar?

March 9, 2021 by evebushman

Recently a pal that used to live in Santa Clarita had called me as he was opening a wine bar where he lives now in Texas. He didn’t want advice on anything other than what wine I would want if I were to visit his bar.

Since he had moved to Texas a few years ago he had been working in real estate, spent some time working in a large wine store, met more ex-pats (people that had come from California too) and ran a large wine tasting group. I didn’t offer any advice on how to open his bar as he had it covered. But I took to Facebook to ask my local pals what they would want stocked in the shelves if they owned a wine bar. They had some really great ideas! These are some of their comments:

THE WINE LIST

This is a compilation of just some of the wines my pals would stock their wine bar with:

Jonata, Potek, Scar of the Sea, True Believer, Andremily, Mail Road, Stolpman, Kimsey, Roark, The Paring, The Hilt, Spear (all Santa Barbara).

So many – Crémant, Melon d’ Bourgogne, Cru Beaujolais, Cahors, Brunello, Valtellina, Vin Santo, Madeira to name a few.

There is never enough Syrah anywhere. Still gets short shrift in the marketplace, which is a shame.

I am a sucker for Roussanne and other Rhone varietals. I love Grenache and Viognier too. Zaca Mesa and Stolpman make fabulous Roussanne.

I would like to see some Gruet Brut Rose or some blends that you can’t buy at a grocery store.

Belle Glos and Domaine Carneros Pinots, plus some Australian, Spanish and Chilean cabs.

Quintarelli, Casanova, Pine Ridge, Ridge, Tolo, Foxen…

On a wine list I look for value since they have to mark it up so much. Burgundy and Barolo would be nice but I’d go to the off the beaten path wines – Cru Beaujolais (France), Ripasso, Valpolicella, Sicilian wines. For those who like big jammy wines – Shiraz! Whites – I like to see Rose from France, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and Sancerre (France). If there is a Somm I give them a price range and let them know what I like. Never have been disappointed.

Bernardus Sauvignon Blanc, Frogs Leap Cab, Rombi Cabernet, Bookenoogen Pinot and Heller Merlot.

Under $100: Cade Cabernet Sauvignon, Campesino Syrahs and Pinot Noirs, Shafer One Point Five, Grgich Hills, Turley Zins, Prisoner, Orin Swift, Patz & Hall pinots, Flowers, Mantanzas Creek Chards, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Tablas Creek and Justin.

Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir is hands down one of the best Pinots out there.

Lone Star Wine Cellars and Landon Winery are two wineries in McKinney Texas. I haven’t been there in a few years. But, remember the wines were pretty good. They have tasting rooms in historic downtown McKinney TX.

Also would love to have more orange wines on menus. I’m glad it’s becoming a trend.

Would love to see more wines from Paso Robles and the Santa Ynez area. Roblar in Los Olivos is one of my favorite wineries and reasonably priced in my opinion. There are so many smaller vineyards in both of these areas to explore. Tired of seeing Kendall Jackson and the like in many of the restaurants/wine bars. Pretty much I would love to taste wines that I would not be able to find at Bev Mo, not that they have bad wines, but just not interesting ones…

Le Vigne Vineyards has some wonderful wines, Justin cabs of course, Clos Solene, L’Aventure and RN Estate are some of my favorites. All from Paso.

Justin makes a great Malbec I have been enjoying! I’m typically a Cab girl myself.

For whites: Dry Rieslings (German or Alsatian), Sancerre, South African Sauvignon Blanc, and Austrian Gruner Veltliner (as opposed to Hungarian). For reds: I love the less stereotypical Italian reds such as Nero D’Avola and pretty much any red from the Piedmont region.

I’m always excited to see Barbera and GSM’s when I visit a place that I am planning to drink wine at. I also enjoy having a good port or cream sherry available if I am visiting the wine bar after dinner and I want to end the night with a dessert-like treat.

Where wines started … Italy!

I have a rather long list, but most are red wines from the Paso Robles region, Lompoc and Santa Ynez regions as well: Longoria Wines, Tercero Wines, Eberle Winery, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Amalie Vineyards in Oregon, Ascension, Bass Note Sangria, Sanford, Sculpterra, Castlerock, Cutruzzola Vineyards, Joel Gott, Cass, Hoi Polloi Winery, San Antonio Winery (official), Michael David…I love all reds, depending on winery, but my go tos are usually Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Cab, Beaujolais, and red blends. I love our California wines!

Something interesting and different. Also some local TX wines.

From me: This is ONE of my own picks, because I voted for it as our Best of Show at the Global Wine Awards, from Martellotto Winery: https://martellotto.com/products/martellotto-riserva-il-capoccia-happy-canyon-of-santa-barbara

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.

Filed Under: Eve Bushman Tagged With: Australia, Barolo, beaujolais, brut, burgundy, cabernet sauvignon, California, Chile, Facebook, Grenache, Gruner Veltliner, gsm, Italy, Malbec, Merlot, nero d'avola, New Zealand, noir, Paso Robles, Rhone, Rose, Roussanne, Sancerre, Santa Barbara, Santa Clarita, Santa Ynez, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, somm, spain, Syrah, texas, Viognier, wine bar, wine list, Wine tasting

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 6
  • Next Page »

Recent Posts

Drive Through Paso Robles – A Book Review

A few weeks ago I received an email from Naushad Huda, the “Voice of Modern Wine … [Read More...]

  • Hillick and Hobbs’ Finger Lakes Estate Set to Open, As Announced by Winemaker Paul Hobbs
  • Sippd Launches Referral Program for Wine Lovers
  • Eat Local in the Nordics: Top Culinary Experiences For All

Sign up for wine

Sign up to receive the Dear Wine Friend weekly eNewsletter and receive the Five Worst Wine Mistakes - Easily Corrected - FREE
* = required field

powered by MailChimp!

Eve Bushman

Eve Bushman, owner Eve’s Wine 101 and Eve Bushman Consulting.

Featured Video

SPONSORS

 

 

Copyright © 2022 · News Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in