Eve's Wine 101

Carpe Travel Releases Comprehensive Collection of Wine Travel Guides for United States Wine Regions

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DENVER (PRWEB) – Carpe Travel, an online resource dedicated to wine travel, has created guides for more than 30 United State’s wine regions, making it easier than ever to plan wine travel. For more than two years the pandemic has paused vacation plans, but now gas prices and inflation are becoming a greater concern for travel. Carpe Travel’s comprehensive collection of wine country travel guides enable travelers to explore wine regions throughout the U.S. – while staying within their travel and wine buying budgets.

“Most people don’t realize that every state in the U.S. produces wine – even Hawaii and Alaska. We’ve been working to build out our U.S. wine travel guides to support domestic travelers – and producers – in an effort to introduce lesser known U.S. wine regions to wine loving travelers,” said Elaine Schoch, founder and editor of Carpe Travel. “With gas prices and inflation creeping up, wine travel to Napa Valley, Bordeaux or Tuscany might be off the table. But a weekend in wine regions that are closer to home, such as Virginia, Colorado, Minnesota, and Wisconsin might not be.”

Schoch and a team of wine and travel experts have put together guides for more than 30 wine regions within the U.S., with more scheduled to release in 2022. The guides share each wine region’s history, an overview of the area, its grapes and wines as well as insider tips, wine tasting itineraries and things to do beyond the vines so travelers can curate their own wine vacation. For those seeking additional help in planning wine vacations, the company has introduced a new Wine Travel Design Program for Custom-Curated U.S. Wine Trips helping wine loving travelers create their next grape escape.

Carpe Travel also has guides for British Columbia in Canada, Mexico, Bordeaux and a variety of prominent regions in Italy. The company plans to expand its international presence in the fourth quarter of 2022.

“With the help of these guides, an individual does not have to be – or even know – a sommelier to enjoy a wine country vacation, or a stop into a winery,” said Schoch. “Our guides feature insights from local wine experts to help our readers curate their own grape escape with information on where to sip, where to stay and things to do beyond the vines.”

ABOUT CARPE TRAVEL
The goal of Carpe Travel is to provide an invaluable resource for wine lovers – from novices to experienced pros – to support them on their wine country adventures. To arm them with details on the regions, insider tips, must-visit spots, and things to see and do beyond the vines so they can curate their perfect grape escape.
For more information, please visit https://carpe-travel.com.

South Coast Winery Garners 20 Awards from LA Competition

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Canadian Gin Distiller Stadaconé Boldly Targets U.S. Market

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LIMOILOU QUÉBEC CITY (PRWEB) – Preparing to make its U.S. debut in 2022, Stadaconé continues on the epic journey of pairing its handcrafted gins with unexpected ingredients.

Set in the heart of the beguiling Limoilou neighborhood of Québec City, the Stadaconé Distillery takes its name from the Iroquoian village that existed there when European settlers led by Jacques Cartier first arrived in 1535. Motivated by this age of unbridled exploration, Stadaconé dares to offer spirits that navigate previously uncharted territory.

“History serves as our inspiration, but innovation guides our development,” says Jean-Pierre Allard, President of Stadaconé. “Since the company’s creation in 2019, our three signature gins have won twelve medals in Vancouver, San Francisco, Hong Kong and London.

We’re eager to share our distinctively flavored gins to an adventurous U.S. audience in the coming year.”

Stadaconé Noir brings to mind the maritime Spice Routes that once linked the East with the West for European traders and explorers. The addition of kaffir lime, Tasmanian berry, seeds of paradise and lavender give this gin its tropical notes. On the nose, one picks up an essence of lemongrass, while in the mouth, citrus flavors and peppery notes are discovered. Stadaconé Noir is meant to be consumed straight as it is considered a refined and luxurious treat for the senses.

Stadaconé’s ready-to-drink Gingria is a local favorite, quickly becoming the number one seller during its first summer in Québec with more than 700,000 cans sold in less than a year. This Québec-style nod to the traditional Spanish sangria showcases Stadaconé Rouge gin, expected to launch in the U.S. late 2022, and cranberry juice as tasteful replacements for the red wine customarily found in sangria and adds a decidedly refreshing citrus twist with lemon, mandarin and orange fruit flavors. Packaged in a colorful aluminum can with only nine grams of sugar per serving, Gingria is the ideal thirst quencher at casual get-togethers and parties.

Stadaconé’s mission is to follow the example set by the explorers: to be bold and embark on a course never before taken. Visitors to the Québec-based distillery have the opportunity to share in this undertaking first hand as they are invited to participate in an interactive escape room experience that begins the guided tour. Here, hardy adventurers follow a global journey, much like that of Jacques Cartier, before finally reaching their desired destination and discovering the incomparable taste of Stadaconé gins.

About Stadaconé
Stadaconé is the leading provider of spirits, exploration, and a unique experience in Québec. The Stadaconé Distillery, located in the Limoilou district, offers a unique opportunity for guests to play an immersive game before a guided tour and tasting of its gins. The brand’s three signature gins, along with its newly-introduced Gingria, offer a taste of innovation and impeccable quality, highlighting unexpected ingredients. The Stadaconé team has a true passion for all things gin, bringing a one-of-a-kind experience to spirits. For more information about Stadaconé, please visit http://www.stadacone.com. Follow Stadaconé on Instagram at @distillerie_stadacone, and Facebook at @distilleriestadacone.

American Cheese Society Announces Dates for 2022 Judging and Competition

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DENVER (PRWEB) – The American Cheese Society Judging and Competition, the largest event of its kind for American-made cheeses, will take place May 19-20, 2022, at the TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis campus. Canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, the Judging and Competition (J&C) will be held separately from the Conference in 2022 for the first time. Following this year’s virtual 38th ACS Annual Conference (July 28-30, 2021), entries for the J&C will open in October 2021, with winners announced at the 39th ACS Annual Conference, which will be held in Portland, Oregon from July 20-23, 2022.

The ACS Competition shines the spotlight on American cheesemakers by showcasing their talents and work as leaders within the industry, both for their excellent cheesemaking and commitment to food safety. Growing from just 89 entries 37 years ago, the ACS J&C welcomed cheeses and cultured dairy products from 257 companies in 2019, when it was last held in Richmond, Virginia. Competing entries represented 35 U.S. states, 4 Canadian provinces, Mexico, and Brazil. The ACS awarded a total of 433 awards including 139 gold medals, 143 silver medals and 151 bronze medals. The 2022 event is expected to receive 1500 entries in 120 categories.

“Given the extraordinary year we’ve all had, we are very excited to welcome entries for the Judging and Competition this October,” said Lynn Giacomini Stray, board vice president of ACS. “This is a significant event which celebrates the individual efforts of talented cheesemakers who continue to collectively advance the quality and character of American cheeses, while offering our members the opportunity for valuable feedback from expert judges,” she added.

Cheeses entered in the competition will be received May 17-18, 2022, with judging from May 19-20. More information will be shared at the virtual 38th ACS Conference, which will gather artisan cheesemakers, industry professionals, purchasers, and influencers from the United States, Canada, and Europe. Registration for the “Moving Forward Together with Purpose” event remains open at https://www.cheesesociety.org/2021-conference/. The schedule of events and extensive roster of speakers offer attendees unparalleled educational and competitive advantages that they can return to without restriction until the end of October, 2021. Sponsors supporting the 2021 virtual conference include Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, DPI Specialty Foods, Gourmet Foods International, Murray’s Cheese, Whole Foods, and the American Cheese Education Foundation.

For a list of past J&C winners and judges, visit https://www.cheesesociety.org/competition-winners.

About American Cheese Society

ACS is the leading organization supporting the understanding, appreciation, and promotion of artisan, farmstead, and specialty cheeses produced in the Americas. At 2,300 members strong, ACS provides advocacy, education, business development, and networking opportunities for cheesemakers, retailers, enthusiasts, and extended industry. ACS strives to continually raise the quality and availability of cheese in the Americas. Since its founding in 1983, ACS proudly hosts the foremost annual educational conference and world-renowned cheese judging and competition in North America. ACS is a 501(c)6 nonprofit association headquartered in Denver, Colo. To learn more about ACS, please visit http://www.cheesesociety.org or contact 720-328-2788.

Canadian wine auction sets world record: $17,625 for single bottle of 1992 Screaming Eagle

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CALGARY, ALBERTA (PRWEB) – Within two months of launch, IronGateAuctions.com has set a world record, fetching the highest price ever paid for a 750 mL bottle of 1992 Screaming Eagle according to Wine Market Journal, the industry’s most comprehensive resource for wine auction trade values and market information. The Californian cult legend sold for $17,625 CAD (including 17.5 per cent buyer’s premium) during Iron Gate’s most recent online wine auction, which ran from May 11 to 18. The auction yielded strong prices in all categories with an impressive offering of Bordeaux and Burgundy leading the way, grossing $673,510 overall, including 17.5 per cent buyer’s premium.

Photo: California Wine Report.

“The results from our latest online commercial wine auction are clear: Canada can compete on the world stage for vintage fine wine,” says Warren Porter, President and Founder of IronGateAuctions.com. “Canadian consignors now have a reliable channel to sell their prized collections and can reach a broad base of energetic buyers who are thirsting for these rare, coveted wines. It’s a dream come true for me that IronGateAuctions.com is helping to put Canada on the fine wine auction map.”

Total sales of the seven-day auction came in at 90 per cent of the high estimate. According to Porter, this is a good price position for buyers and sellers alike.

“We believe our online auction sales results send a strong signal to both consigners and buyers,” says Porter. “Canada is an attractive market for collectors looking to sell wines of impeccable quality and there is great value available for buyers of vintage fine wine.”

More highlights from IronGateAuctions.com’s most recent commercial auction include:

  • 99% sell through rate
  • 631 wine lots sold
  • 4,648 bids placed with 1,750 placed in the last four (4) hours
  • Notable lots sold include a single bottle of 2009 Jean-Louis Chave, Hermitage, Ermitage Cathelin selling for $8,255 CAD
  • $673,510 CAD in auction gross sales with 17.5 % buyer’s premium

IronGateAuctions.com’s Fall auction season will kick-off in September 2021. Interested wine buyers can register at IronGateAuctions.com for regular updates and early access to catalogues and information about upcoming auctions. Canadians looking to consign wines can contact Warren Porter directly at warren@irongate.wine.

IRONGATEAUCTIONS.COM – HOW IT WORKS:

  • Auction catalogues are posted online for preview one week prior to opening bids
  • Bidding is anonymous, simple and secure
  • Register at IronGateAuctions.com with name, phone number and email address
  • Registrants can create their own auction item wish list and make anonymous bids throughout the duration of an auction
  • Bidders will receive email and/or text notifications for bids, outbids and won
  • Bids can be placed from anywhere across Canada
  • Online auction catalogues can be searched by producer, region and sub-region, vintage and appraisal value
  • The platform features a real-time countdown clock that will track the time remaining in auction down to the second
  • No cost to register and place bids
  • Successful bids will be charged a 17.5% buyers’ premium, well below the auction industry standard of 20% to 22.5%. Purchases are also subject to a 5% sales tax, the lowest in Canada and another benefit of hosting in Alberta
  • Once the auction closes and purchase are finalized, IronGateAuctions.com transfers title to each successful bidder at which point they are contacted by a shipping company who will make arrangements on the bidder’s behalf

About Iron Gate – Private Wine Management:
Founded in 2004, Iron Gate Private Wine Management offers fine wine collection management, off-site wine storage, cellar and wine appraisals, traditional and virtual wine auction services both commercially and for registered charities via IronGateAuctions.com, an Alberta corporation. In 2017, Iron Gate launched IronGate.Wine, a U.S.-based online wine retailer offering Canadian wine collectors access to sell on the secondary wine retail market in the U.S.

Websites & Social Channels:
irongatewine.com | IronGate.Wine | IronGateAuctions.com
Twitter: @irongatewine
Instagram: @irongatewine

Union of Sweet Bordeaux Wines Announces Participation in the New Campaign “The Charming Taste of Europe” in the U.S. and Canada

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The Union des Vins Doux de Bordeaux has announced the start of a new communication program in Canada and the U.S. to promote its wines and territory in conjunction with other exquisite European products, such as the wines from Abruzzo, Italy, the cherries from Rachi Pieria, and kiwis from Kavala in Greece.

“The Charming Taste of Europe” is a three-year campaign promoted by the Vini d’Abruzzo consortium, the Union of Sweet Bordeaux wines, the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Kavala (EAS Kavala), and the Agricultural Cooperative of Rachi Pieria “AGIOS LOUKAS,” co-financed by the European Union. This campaign will focus on raising awareness of these high-quality products in the American and Canadian market.

With the slogan, “Enjoy it! It’s from Europe,” this campaign will awaken the senses and create a new culinary consciousness by connecting food, cultures, and territories.

“We are very honored to be a part of this European project,” says Daniel Sanfourche, Union des Vins Doux de Bordeaux President. “It will showcase the heritage, gastronomy, and know-how of Europe through three countries: Italy, Greece and France. The cultivation of quality products is a major issue for our organizations. From juicy kiwis, to cherries and sparkling Abruzzo wines, the campaign will make its symbols shine in the hearts of American and Canadian consumers.”

Starting in the spring of 2021, these agricultural jewels of Europe will be the protagonists of numerous initiatives and events dedicated to consumers, media, and trade professionals both in the U.S. and Canada to educate these markets about their merits, elevate quality standards, and thus increase their competitiveness and create new export opportunities.

Some of the most important appointments of 2021 include the participation in New York’s Restaurant Week and the Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco. Throughout the year, there will be seminars and educational activities with sommeliers, culinary schools, and clubs, together with some dinners dedicated to trade and media.

To learn more about “The Charming Taste of Europe Campaign,” visit charmingtasteofeurope.eu, where it highlights the characteristics of the selected European products. Pages dedicated to “The Charming Taste of Europe” can be found on all main social networks, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. The Consortia invites everyone to join the social media campaign using the hashtag #charmeu.

About the Union des Vins Doux de Bordeaux:
The Union des Vins Doux de Bordeaux is an association of four organizations, ODG des Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieurs, ODG des Premières Côtes de Bordeaux et Cadillac, ODG des Liquoreux de Bordeaux, and ODG des Côtes de Bordeaux Saint Macaire, that ensures the protection of origin and quality standard of the sweet wines produced in 8 appellations of the Bordeaux region: Bordeaux Moelleux, Bordeaux Supérieur, Cadillac, Cérons, Côtes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire, Loupiac, Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, and Sainte-Croix-Du-Mont.

With a diversity of soils that are perfectly drained and its favorable microclimates, the sun-drenched terroirs of Sweet Bordeaux were predestined for success. Their 8 appellations (Protected Designations of Origin) stretch over slopes on both banks of the Garonne, and the river plays a crucial role in the creation of an ideal microclimate. Notably, the morning mists that generate in the fall enable the development of the Botrytis Cinereal fungus, the secret to the riches of the great sweet Bordeaux wines.

The golden wines of Bordeaux are produced from their own unique sets of soils, gentle slopes, and a terroir which features different degrees of gravel, clay varying types of sand, and limestone that reside over an alluvial filled bed.

This exceptional terrain gave birth to the varietal aromas of the Sémillon, Sauvignon, and Muscadelle grape varieties.

Producing sweet wines requires a huge amount of patience and is not without risk for the winegrower, but thanks to the unique, hands-on approach to the production method, it provides a fabulous human adventure that goes back more than 400 years. Today, over 350 families help to perpetuate and protect these unique ancestral skills, and they cannot wait to meet you!
For more information, visit sweetbordeaux.com/en

About Colangelo & Partners:
Colangelo & Partners (http://www.colangelopr.com) is the leading fine wine and spirits integrated communications agency in the United States, sought after by top brands and industry players for the quality of their results, creativity, and return on investment. The professionals at Colangelo & Partners work with integrity and passion to influence how US audiences perceive their clients: Earning consistent, high-quality positive media coverage; organizing signature events; strategizing and executing standout digital campaigns; and implementing trade programs that strengthen relationships within the industry. Colangelo & Partners’ clientele includes global, instantly-recognizable brands and passionate, up-and-coming vignerons and distillers; regional and national institutions; and technology and e-commerce companies innovating in the beverage alcohol sector.

Vinexpo America and Drinks America Plan A Joint Debut In New York, March 9-10, 2022

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Where the wine and spirits world meets in America: Vinexpo America and Drinks America plan a joint debut in New York, March 9-10, 2022

PORTLAND, Maine – Diversified Communications and Vinexposium has announced two co-located events—Vinexpo America and Drinks America—that will reunite the beverage alcohol industry in person, under one roof, in 2022.  The trade-only expos will be held March 9-10, 2022, in the new Hall 3 at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Together, they promise to attract top buyers and decision makers from across North America, the largest and fast-growing beverage-alcohol-consuming market in the world.

Vinexpo America is a repositioning of the former Vinexpo New York, which for three years served as the premier international exhibition for wine and spirits professionals in North America before a 2021 pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In its new form, Vinexpo America will focus exclusively on wines, with representation from all of the world’s top-producing regions.

Drinks America is a brand-new expo created in response to a forecasted continuing rise in consumption of spirits and ready-to-drink beverages. It will feature a wide array of spirits, beer and sake from producers across the globe as well as beverage alcohol accessories and services.

Both events will provide U.S. and Canadian buyers access to new and established brands that are looking to expand distribution, network and meet with existing customers in North America. From conferences to master classes, two full days of educational programming will address issues relevant to both the wine and spirits worlds.

For attendees, Vinexpo America | Drinks America offers the advantage of one registration for full access to both shows’ exhibits, programming and events—a great value that also optimizes efficiency as they can meet with producers from around the world in one location over two days.

Exhibitors will benefit from visibility to all buyers, decision makers and influencers from both events, plus unlimited free guest invitations. A new business matchmaking service will facilitate one-to-one meetings during the two-day exhibition.

“We’re excited to renew our partnership with Vinexposium and come back to New York in 2022 with a brand-new, greatly enhanced offering,” said Mary Larkin, president of Diversified Communications USA. “Bringing together Vinexpo America and Drinks America in a single meeting place will enable us to serve the entire U.S. wine and spirits communities—an especially welcome opportunity after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the industry’s major exhibitions in 2021.”

“The launch of our events in the United States in 2022 is designed to coincide with the resumption of trade between Europe and the USA. Under a new name, Vinexpo America aims to embrace the entire North American market, alongside Drinks America. It has become crucial to offer our customers a comprehensive business platform that matches the scale of the American continent and includes spirits, craft drinks and beers alongside wine,” stresses Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium.

More information regarding the 2022 event will be announced in the coming months.

About Vinexposium

Owned jointly by Comexposium and Vinexpo Holding, Vinexposium is the world’s leading organiser of wine and spirits trade events. Vinexposium offers an enhanced range of high-performance events, tailored to different market segments, with a portfolio of iconic and recognised events: Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris, WOW! Meetings, Vinexpo America & Drinks America, Vinexpo Hong Kong, WBWE Asia, Vinexpo Bordeaux, Vinexpo Shanghai and WBWE Amsterdam, as well as Vinexpo Explorer and World Wine Meetings.

About Diversified Communications

Diversified Communications is a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities, and digital and print publications. As producers of these market-leading products, Diversified Communications connects, educates, and strengthens business communities in over 15 industries including: renewable energy, healthcare, natural and organic, food and beverage, and technology. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, USA, with divisions and offices around the world, Diversified Communications remains a privately held, third-generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit www.divcom.com

Jaw Dropping Results Breaking for BTI’s 2020 Whisk(e)y Awards

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CHICAGO /PRNewswire/ — Beverage Testing Institute, conductors of the oft-imitated first international spirits competition in the United States, has completed its evaluation of 2020’s Best Whiskies. Twenty-one all-trade blind tasting panels assessed the spirited contenders for quality in the BTI Lab using its proprietary methodology and custom software.

From small US artisans, to Canadian distilleries, to Kentucky powerhouses, here are some of the best of category winners:

Colorado’s Old Elk Distillery came out with gloves on. The 15-year Old Elk Straight Rye and Old Elk Straight Wheat dressed to impress winning Gold and leading their categories. The secret to Old Elk’s success? We think it’s likely the combo of the lifetime experience of Master Distiller Greg Metze (38 years at Seagram’s Distillery) and the exceptional palate of Head Distiller Kate Douglas.

Also, from the “The Centennial State”, the Boulder Bottled-In-Bond American Single Malt from Vapor Distillery set the bar for what ASMW can produce with its 95-point, Gold Medal winning, liquid treasure.  Nods to The QuintEssential ASMW from Iowa’s Cedar Ridge Distillery for a great showing as well at 93 points.
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For the Blended Rye Whiskey category, Utah’s High West Double Rye! received a golden accolade solidifying its place as a bar and consumer top-performer.

Rye Whiskey craft dominators Old Potrero from California and Evanston Illinois’ FEW Rye Whiskey excelled at 94 and 92 points, respectively. And Kentucky stalwart, Wild Turkey Rye 101 shined as an expert expression of the Rye persuasion.

There’s no denying that there’s something about that Kentucky limestone-filtered, “branch” water… The big winner was Kentucky scion Doc Swinson’s 15 Year Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which grabbed the only BTI Platinum Medal—the beverage world’s ultimate honor for a spirits brand.

Heavy-medal-laden Kentucky distillery, Sazerac belted out some big Bourbon anthems. Their Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel, Weller Full Proof and Stagg Jr. all hit 95-point high notes.

The Knob Creek 12-Year-Old 100 Proof Bourbon from Clermont Kentucky’s legendary Jim Beam Distillery not only proved that it provides great bang for the buck, but with an sensational 95-point score, will make your taste buds sing.

Flavored Whiskey nods go to the Michigan craftsmen at Journeyman Distillery for their 92-point Field Rye Fig Flavored Whiskey and the from-left-field, only-in-America Skrewball Peanut Butter Flavored Whisky, which are both delicious and far more than just guilty pleasures.

For the full list of BTI’s 2020 North American Whiskey Results visit their free consumer buying guide Tastings.com: http://www.tastings.com/Calendar-Spirits/Review-2020-09-01-North-American-Whiskey.aspx

Across the pond in the World Whiskey Review a record 7 Platinum BTI Medals were awarded to Midleton, Redbreast, Jameson and Kavalan this year. Kavalan from Taiwan shows off its whisky finishing and how their liquid gold and barrels benefit from the region’s warmer temperatures.

Do you know about Jameson’s Bow Street 18 Year Old Cask? It made our judges’ knees buckle as they fell in love with it. At 96 points, gifting this beaut will ensure that your in-laws write you into their will.

Midleton’s Dair Ghaelackh Knockrath may be difficult for Americans to pronounce but even harder to put down. Savory, warming and a spiritual experience.
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Consistently golden Aberlour grabs 5 gold medals.

On our radar, newcomer Archie Rose from Australia will be a collector’s dream whiskey as we suspect the brand grow and get better and better and better. Slightly peated Irish Blended Whiskey The Legendary Silkie is highly recommended.

The takeaways?

  • No matter the size of the budget of the consumer, delicious North American drams are plentiful.
  • Digging for gold? Get lucky in Kentucky.
  • Ready to venture beyond the bluegrass state? Craft distilleries Journeyman and FEW deliver and show that craft spirits producers have truly honed their technique and distilling skills.
  • Learn to leave the Steakhouse Single Malts to the uninspired. Instead try Aberlour, the malt of the individual.
  • And if you do have some extra dough to dish out for some quality whiskies—our results show, they should be Irish.

For a full list of BTI’s 2020 World Whiskey Review along with detailed tasting notes and cocktail recommendations visit: http://www.tastings.com/Calendar-Spirits/Review-2020-08-01-Scotch-Irish-and-World-Whiskey.aspx

About BTI: Beverage Testing Institute was founded in 1981 with the mission of making the beverage industry better, one brand at a time. Creators of the first international spirits competition in the U.S. they have a rotating monthly category call for their unbiased, professional published reviews. For more information about BTI’s reviews, competitions and other services visit: www.bevtest.com

Amorim Cork America announces the addition of Vinoseal to their portfolio

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Napa – Amorim Cork announced in mid-2019 an agreement with Czech Republic-based Preciosa Group for the acquisition of a 50% stake in Vinolok, the manufacturer of technical glass and crystal stoppers for premium wine, spirits and mineral water.

The Preciosa Group will retain the remaining 50% stake. The deal, which grants Amorim access to Vinolok’s management, will complement Amorim Cork’s product portfolio, leveraging its unsurpassed global distribution network to achieved further growth for the easy-to-open, convenient glass stoppers designed for the premium and ultra-premium segments of a wider market.

Vinolok is trademarked as Vinoseal in the US and Canada and this product will be an extension to the portfolio of Amorim Cork America from 2020 onwards. The historical association of cork and glass is expected to lead to further gains in sustainability, convenience and design in premium and ultra-premium wine and spirits packaging.

This brings together corks and glass as two key components in the history of wine and spirits to a complete new level.

Universal Packaging, the previous distributor will continue to be part of this renewed effort to grow and develop the Vinoseal business in the North America market.

Commenting on the deal, the Amorim Cork America General Manager Pedro Fernandes noted that “We are excited with this new challenge and there is so much in terms of sustainability, convenience and premium package innovation shared by cork and glass that we feel this is a natural extension to our efforts to continue to develop strategic partnerships in the wine and spirits segments”. Ales Urbanek, Vinolok’s CEO added that “The whole team at Vinolok is very excited about working with Amorim to continue to grow and develop the business, as well as with the possibility of continuing expanding our capacity. The identity of Vinolok will be reinforced because we now have an industrial partner that will complement our knowledge and presence in the world’s premium wine and spirits market”

With annual sales of approximately 16 million Euros and a highly-skilled work force of about 170 people, Vinolok will continue to be headquartered in the Czech Republic’s so called “Crystal Valley”, where the world’s best Bohemian crystal has been made since 1550.

About Corticeira Amorim:
Tracing its roots back to the XIX Century, Amorim is today’s the world’s largest cork company with annual revenues in excess of 760 million euros, generated in more than 100 countries. With the industry’s most robust R&D+i budget, Amorim applies its specialist knowledge to this centuries-old traditional culture, developing a vast portfolio of 100% sustainable products that are used by blue-chip clients in industries as diverse and demanding as wines & spirits,
aerospace, automotive, construction, sports, interior and fashion design. Completely natural, reusable and recyclable, cork is extracted from the cork oak tree (Quercus Suber L.) in nine-year cycles without ever damaging the trees that cover 2.2 million hectares in the Western Mediterranean Basin.

About The Preciosa Group:
The Preciosa Group is a leading international glass manufacturer. For decades Preciosa has brought, and continues to bring, new blood to the art of glassmaking through creative ideas, colour and their brilliant glass and crystal components. The Preciosa Group know-how allows for one-of-a-kind, awe-inspiring chandeliers and elegant jewellery. People in over 140 countries worldwide admire The Preciosa Group craft and the products it helps create.

46 new members join the Native Grape Odyssey

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VERONA, ITALY (PRWEB) – The Native Grape Odyssey (NGO) Maestro course in Tokyo which ended on December 6th, 2019, marked the last educational initiative of the Native Grapes Academy (NGA) project for the current year. The course took place over five days, similarly to the previous Canadian (15-19 September) and Russian (28 October – 1 November) editions. After four intense days of lectures and tastings on Italian and Spanish wines and grape varieties, participants took a final exam consisting of theory questions and the tasting of a red and a white wine.
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Upon successful completion of the course, 46 participants obtained the “European Quality Wine Hero” title, with the “hero” appellation symbolizing the role that these trained experts will have to fulfil to represent Italian and Spanish wines among consumers in Japan.

Participants were selected among all applicants for their knowledge of Italian and Spanish grapes and wines. The course served the purpose of providing additional, in-depth knowledge about these two viticultural traditions. Kaitani Ikuko, journalist and author of Italian wine and food publications, commented, “I feel like all the scattered knowledge I had gathered occasionally during my winery visits in Italy, one-day seminars, and through books has now finally come in an orderly manner.” Many participants also commented on the uniqueness of the NGO Maestro Course in the Japan market for its thorough analysis of all regions as well as treatment of wines and grape varieties that are little-known internationally.

The training provided by the NGO course as well as the inclusion of participants in an international community will allow to create official representatives of Italian and Spanish wine in Japan. Roddy Ropner, director of Wellspring Wines and teacher of the NGO Japan course, stated, “I think there is already a high level of knowledge on Italian and Spanish wines in Japan, but the market seems to be stable. Especially for the Italian wines, most of the sales seems to be concentrated on Italian restaurants. What we can try to do is creating more opportunities to sell to private customers and also more opportunities to sell to Japanese restaurants. That’s why we need ambassadors of the Italian and Spanish wine quality.”

Regarding Spanish wines in particular, Ropner added, “I think that one of the troubles with Spanish wines is that there have been a lot of changes in the last 20 years, so the styles have changed quite a lot; you’ve gone from traditional styles to modern styles. So often it’s difficult to know what to expect from wine, and this can create confusion for the consumers. NGO Maestro participants have now acquired the knowledge to demystify it for the public.”

Irving So, instructor at the Academie du Vin and co-teacher of the NGO Maestro Japan, also provided his insights into the perception of Italian and Spanish wines in the Japanese market and the importance of education, “In Japan, usually what is sold is the best-known wines, like Brunello or Nebbiolo. However, there are so many wines of high quality that are still not known in this country. We need experts that know the grapes well and can be ambassadors of Italian and Spanish wines.
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Another important learning moment of the NGO week was the Walk-Around Tasting, which took place on Friday December 6th. Whereas during the course students tasted one major example of a wine coming from a specific denomination, in the Walk-Around Tasting additional wines from the same denomination were made available, thus allowing students to fully understand the diversity of styles and wine-making techniques. Moreover, this event gathered more than 100 wine experts and trade professionals working in Tokyo and furnished them with the opportunity to network and meet local importers. Wines for the tasting were provided by leading food and beverage import companies in Japan along with wine trade associations.

The Tokyo event marked the end of the NGO initiatives for 2019, yet for 2020 the project will increase its activities scheduling wine seminars and Walk-Around Tastings in 5 different cities for each target country (Canada, Japan, and Russia) for a grand total of 15 high-level training and tasting events. In 2020, moreover, the NGO Web App piloted in 2019, will be further expanded. The App allows users to create and share tasting notes and stay in touch with the community of course participants. Additional information on NGO activities can be found on the official website nativegrapeodyssey.com and by following the project’s social media channels.

About: Native Grape Odyssey (NGO) is a brand of the Native Grapes Academy (NGA) project. NGA is a project financed by the European Union and managed by Unione Italiana Vini and Interprofesional del Vino de España (OIVE) for the promotion of PDO and PGI European wines abroad, in particular in three countries: Japan, Canada and Russia. In order to achieve this, the NGA educational program will organize wine seminars, workshops and b2b meetings both in these countries and in Verona, Italy, inviting wine experts and influencers from these countries. These events realized across the span of three years (2019-21) aim to create awareness about European native grapes abroad, as well as the wines produced from them, in particular Italian and Spanish wines, which share a long tradition and a high standard of quality.