Eve's Wine 101

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About TASTE THE DIFFERENCE PROGRAM:

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

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

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

Three Areas to Discover from “Taste the Difference”

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Alella, a small wine district in the north eastern part of Spain centers around the village of the same name just a few miles from the eastern edge of Barcelona. Alella, one of the oldest in the Iberian Peninsula, dates back to the period of the ancient Romans and occupies an area of about 230 hectares in the Maresme and Valles Oriental counties. Alella’s climate is broadly Mediterranean with noticeable variations between vineyard sites due to the orography of the terrain. The economy in the region has been traditionally based on agriculture and shipping, of particular note, viticulture and floriculture account for more than half the production within these sectors.

Winemaking emerged in the Allela area with the Romans in the 1st century AD and was sufficiently acknowledged by AD 77. However, the Romans brought more than just wine to the area, establishing roads to connect their various provinces. During the middle ages the wines of Allela’s region were favored at the Barcelona Cathedral and later became one of the highest quality wines exported to overseas colonies.

The majority of wines emerging from this region are crisp, dry, floral scented whites made from the local grape varieties including Xarel-lo, referred to as Pansa Blanca locally, Garnacha Blanca, Viura, and French varieties such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Red and rose wines throughout the region are primarily produced with Garnacha Negra as well as Monastrell, Syrah, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo. Vines in this region are planted at altitudes anywhere from 195ft (60m) to 800ft (250m) above sea level with older vines growing freely while newer vineyards have been planted on trellises. Alella wines, more than any other, are ingrained in the tradition of the Barcelona table, mainly the reborn and restless Barcelona, that have laid the foundation of today’s great region.

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The campaign “Taste the Difference: Quality Wines from the Heart of Europe” makes you discover Custoza, an Italian Controlled Designation of Origin. This program, managed by the Unione Italiana Vini, the Association of the Italian wine market, and Prodeca, the organism that supports the agri-food sector from the region of Catalunya abroad, aims to promote European PDO and PGI wines in China and US.

This premier appellation from the Italian Veneto region offers quality wines produced from world-renowned native grape varieties such as Garganega, Trebbianello, and Malvasia.

As wine consumption in the US trends toward high acid, lower alcohol wines that offer refreshment and the versatility to accompany various cuisines, Custoza DOC is uniquely positioned for success in the US market. The wines of Custoza DOC are ideal for wine consumers who love time-tested classics, and for those who seek to discover wines of unique character.

The winemakers of Custoza DOC are dedicated to producing wines of remarkable quality for tables around the world. Veneto is a region with a centuries-long history of winemaking – a tradition that’s deeply ingrained within its culture and society. Custoza DOC is a shining example of wines from the Veneto, and an emblem of outstanding Italian viticulture. The Consortium of Custoza DOC is a member of Unione Italiana Vini (UIV), the oldest commercial association representing the Italian wine market.

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Cava: The 2021 vintage will be remembered as the first in which wineries can mention on the labels where it is that the grapes are grown, since new zones and sub-zones approved by the Designation of Origin Regulatory Council came into force. These new regulations mark out three defined production areas: Comtats de Barcelona, Valle del Ebro and Viñedos de Almendralejo, along with seven sub-zones: Valls d’Anoia-Foix, Conca del Gaià, Serra de Mar, Serra de Prades, Pla de Ponent, Alto Ebro and Valle del Cierzo. To guarantee traceability, a new software platform has been set up for this campaign, as part of the digital transformation currently taking place within this Protected Designation of Origin.

The terroir-driven attempt aims to shape the perception of Cava as a wine with a multitude of territorial interpretations: a complex sparkling wine that deserves a year-long attention. This happens in a moment when the US market has become more receptive to the category of sparklings as wines suitable for everyday consumption, and not only reserved for special occasions or holidays celebrations.

A series of events run in the US these past months, including Taste The Difference Grand Tasting taking place on December 9th in New York City, have helped convey this message to trade, press and consumers. Additional tastings have focused on the new regulation to convey both grape sourcing information and minimum ageing time. The new rules establish a distinction between Cava de Guarda, which indicates wines aged for minimum 9 months on the lees, and Cava de Guarda Superior, applicable only to wines aged on the lees for at least 18 months and including under its umbrella the Reserva, Gran Reserva and Cava de Paraje Calificado. The ageing time for the Cava Reserva has also been extended from 15 to 18 months whereas the 30 months ageing requirements for Gran Reserva (30 month)and the 36 months Cava de Paraje Calificado remain unchanged.

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

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

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

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

 

North-Eastern Spain experiences an extremely generous harvest

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Local harvest reports issued by Cava, Montsant and Pla de Bages appellations reveal North-East Spain has experienced an abundant and quality harvest in 2021.

Despite a longer than usual harvest due climatic factors, Cava collected 300 million kilos of grapes. According to the Regulatory Board’s Technical Services: “The grapes are in good health, with a suitable acidity and alcohol content for the production of excellent Cavas.” The 2021 vintage will be the first vintage in which wineries will distinguish their wines by the grapes’ sourcing territory, since the new zones and sub-zones approved by the Designation of Origin Regulatory Council came into force. Organic production continues to grow too, in anticipation of further quality oriented changes in PDO regulations whereby Cava de Guarda Superior wines must be made from 100% organically grown grapes by 2025. Organic Cava production has increased by more than 245% in the last 5 years, from 4 million bottles in 2016 to 13.8 million in 2020, and last year organic Cava accounted for 6.4% of the total appellation volume – in number of bottles.

A great result has been achieved also by Montsant DO appellation whose harvest amounts to 8,7 million kilos of grapes, with an increase of 50% with respect to 2020. Last time such a plentiful harvest was recorded was in 2016. The reasons for this increase can be traced back to the snowfall at the beginning of the 2021 season which allowed vines to store water, as well as to the regular summer rainfalls. As far as varieties, red grapes represent 93% of the total, 60% of which are Garnacha and Cariñena. As for white grapes, Garnacha blanca and Macabeo remain the main varieties, amounting to 90% of the total white grapes harvested.

An increase has been registered also for DO Pla de Bages, thanks to both new vineyards and a favourable season which led to 1,700,000 kilos of grapes. In this case too, regular rainfalls during all the growing season have benefited a more abundant yield and yet proper ripening of the berries.

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

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

Cava Completes an Excellent Harvest with Over 330,000 Tons of Grapes

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VILAFRANCA DEL PENEDÈS —The wineries of the D.O. Cava have finished this year’s harvest. According to the Regulatory Board’s Technical Services: “The grapes are in good health, with a suitable acidity and alcohol content for the production of excellent Cavas.”

This harvest has taken longer to complete than usual due to climatic factors. After 2020 was marked by a considerable drop in production, this year’s harvest of grapes destined to be used for Cava was around 330,700 tons.

A meticulous grape-ripening control plan was executed throughout the harvest, and on-the-ground controls were increased. The director of the Regulatory Board’s Technical Services, Luis Marco, stated: “Although the alcohol levels have been significantly lower than those of the previous vintage, the grapes have a good balance between alcohol content and acidity, which bodes well for the production of Cava.”

The president of D.O. Cava, Javier Pagés, emphasized the Regulatory Board’s determination to “continue demonstrating our strict commitment to controlling and guaranteeing the quality that characterizes the Cava designation.” In fact, 100 winery verifiers have been deployed to supervise and control the arrival of grapes from winemakers belonging to D.O. Cava. In order to guarantee traceability, a new software platform has been set up for this campaign, as part of the digital transformation currently taking place within the D.O.

The 2021 vintage will be remembered as the first in which wineries can distinguish their wines by the grapes’ territory of origin, since the new zones and sub-zones approved by the Designation of Origin Regulatory Council came into force. These new regulations mark out three defined production areas: Comtats de Barcelona, Valle del Ebro, and Viñedos de Almendralejo, along with seven sub-zones: Valls d’Anoia-Foix, Conca del Gaià, Serra de Mar, Serra de Prades, Pla de Ponent, Alto Ebro, and Valle del Cierzo.

Organic production continues to grow, in anticipation of the wineries’ current transition process, whereby Cava de Guarda Superior wines must be 100% organically produced by 2025. Organic Cava production has increased by more than 245% in the last five years, from four million bottles in 2016 to 13.8 million in 2020. In addition, last year organic Cava once again grew in importance within D.O. Cava, accounting for 6.4% of the volume (in number of bottles), confirming the upward trend of consumer interest in organic Cava.

The excellent quality of the 2021 vintage is the result of yet another year of tireless work by the wineries of the Cava D.O. and the growers.

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About D.O. Cava

With more than 70% of international sales, Cava is the Spanish D.O. which exports the most wine: its 370 associated wineries are present in over 100 countries. The D.O. encompasses more than 93,900 acres of vineyards and more than 6,800 winegrowers. Cava is a quality sparkling wine that pairs perfectly with every type of food, and is made using the traditional method, with a strict commitment to origin, land, and sustainability.

Web: Cava.wine

Facebook: facebook.com/do.cava

Instagram: instagram.com/Cava.do/

Twitter: twitter.com/DO_Cava

YouTube: youtube.com/c/doCava

Film and Wine: A Genius Pairing Showcasing Southern Oregon

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ASHLAND, OR. –Biannually, the Ashland Independent Film Festival (AIFF) hosts their most delectable and decidedly nerdy event that features local winemakers to an audience of avid art film supporters and wine-lovers. This year, Vinos Veritas: A Sparkling Garden Party, follows this 8-year tradition.

Held at the end of July under a blue bird sky in the stunning, private garden of Tika Squires, the exclusive gathering focused on the best of the best sparkling wines and champagnes, locally and internationally including Maison Jussiaume’s 2019 Oeil de Perdrix, a brut Méthode Champenoise cuvée of 50-50 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and winner of the prestigious 2021 Sunset International Wine Competition for Best Sparkling.

Guests were joined by AIFF Artistic Director Richard Herskowitz, AIFF Executive Director Phil Busse, wine maker Jean-Michel Jussiaume, of Del Rio Vineyards and his own label Maison Jussiaume, Corrie Reimer, owner of Hither Market, wine buyer Bruce Crowell of the local iconic market the Ashland Food Coop, and wine-maker Steve Grande of Wooldridge Creek Winery. Served alongside local wines from Maison Jussiaume and Wooldridge Creek Winery were Le Vigne di Alice Tajad Frizzante, Avinyó 2018 Brut Reserva Cava, Olivier Morin Tentation Brut Crémant and Marc Hebrart Premier Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne. These were paired with fromage blanc, gouda, watermelon and feta salad, herbed potatoes, pickled shrimp with fennel, homemade rye bread, and poached king salmon hand-carried in from the coast. Music was provided by Son Ravello with Paul Hume on Keyboard and Vocals.

The patron-hosted event brought in $4,000 in support of the ongoing work of Southern Oregon’s award-winning independent film festival.

With 170 microclimates and five AVAs defined by four rivers, Southern Oregon is ideal for growing a large variety of grapes. Lesser known than their Californian neighbors to the south and their Willamette Valley neighbors to the north, they produce exceptional yet accessible wine, that focus on terroir and with bottle prices at a fraction of the cost. Past AIFF wine events have dived into tempranillo, cabernet franc and pinot noir—all grown in the region.

Much like the Rogue Valley wines that Ashland Independent Film Festival showcases at their wine events, discovery and experimentation and engagement is a theme. Set in the picturesque town of Ashland, the festival offers to audience members, filmmakers, and industry representatives the rare opportunity to interact after films, at symposiums, talk backs, parties, lounges and after hours. They are beloved by movie-goers and film-makers alike for their warmth and quality, with a fiercely devoted following.

If you’re not familiar with AIFF, check out this regional gem. They are currently holding their #WorldFilmWeek of international films with online and local screenings.

Gonzalez Byass Is a Top Winery of 2021

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CHICAGO (PRWEB) – – González Byass, a family-owned producer of fine wines, Sherries and premium spirits, has been named as one of Wine & Spirits Magazine’s Top 100 Wineries of 2021.

Every year, the editors at Wine & Spirits Magazine select a diverse collection of producers from around the globe, based on their wines’ performance in the magazine’s two-step blind-tasting process. The wineries are then invited to pour their award-winning wine at the18th Annual Top 100 Tasting, which will be held in San Francisco in October 2021 and in New York in January 2022.

Founded in 1835, González Byass is a family-owned, collection of wineries that spans across Spain’s most important wine producing regions. The González family has been dedicated to making fine Sherries and brandies in Jerez, Spain, creating such well-known brands as Tío Pepe Fino Sherry and Lepanto Brandy de Jerez. Today, the fifth generation of the González family continues to build the winery and brands, including: Bodegas Beronia (Rioja and Rueda), Dominio Fournier (Ribera del Duero), Cavas Vilarnau (Cava), Finca Constancia (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla), Finca Moncloa (Vino de la Tierra de Cádiz), Viñas del Vero (Somontano) and Pazos de Lusco (Rías Baixas). In each of these regions, González Byass seeks to make the highest quality wines respecting the local terroir and the environment.

“We are thrilled for this honor,” says Nicolás Bertino, CEO and Country Manager of González Byass USA. “After a turbulent year, González Byass never lost focus on making the best wine we could make, aiming for excellence. It is wonderful to be recognized for the hard work and dedication by one of the leading wine publications in the United States.”

González Byass and the other winners were announced on Wine & Spirits Magazine’s website on August 18, 2021. The González Byass Cuatro Palmas Amontillado 2020, which received 98 points from Wine & Spirits Magazine, will be poured at both of the Top 100 Tasting events.

About González Byass USA
González Byass USA is a Chicago based importer for a strategically selected portfolio of fine wine and spirit brands from around the world including Spain, Chile, Italy and Austria.

González Byass USA is the US subsidiary of González Byass headquartered in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. González Byass is a family-owned, collection of wineries founded in 1835 which spans across Spain’s most important wine producing regions.

Today the fifth generation of the family are the custodians of many exceptional brands having built the company into a family of wineries which produces wine in some of Spain’s most famous regions; Bodegas Beronia (Rioja and Rueda), Dominio Fournier (Ribera del Duero), Cavas Vilarnau (Cava), Finca Constancia (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla), Finca Moncloa (Vino de la Tierra de Cádiz), Viñas del Vero (Somontano) and Pazos de Lusco (Rías Baixas). In each of these regions the family strives to make the best possible quality wines respecting the local terroir and the environment. At the same time the company has also expanded its interests further in the premium spirits business and has created pioneering brands such as The London No.1 and Nomad Outland Whisky to complement the Spanish brandies in the portfolio Soberano and Lepanto. In recent years, the family have expanded outside of Spain purchasing the quality vineyards of Viñedos Veramonte in Chile. Organically farmed vineyards producing cool climate wines from Casablanca and complex reds from Apalta.

González Byass USA also represents a number of international wineries in the US market including from Austria Domäne Wachau, and from Italy Pranza, Caldora, Cantine Cellaro, Vesevo, Vigneti Del Salento and Tenute Rossetti. In addition, Harveys Bristol Cream and Fundador Brandy de Jerez and El Recuerdo and Señorio mezcals were recently added to the portfolio, as well as Mexican brandies from Pedro Domecq: Presidente and Don Pedro.

For further information, please visit: http://www.GonzalezByassUSA.com.

The production of Cavas de Guarda Superior of the D.O. Cava will be 100% organic by 2025

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Spain’s most exported Designation of Origin announces a turning point in sustainability as a result of its new regulations, the most demanding in the world for quality sparkling wines made using the traditional method.

The new Master of Wine, Álvaro Ribalta, moderated a pioneering roundtable focused on organic and biodynamic viticulture and oenology in Cava, a joint effort by D.O. Cava to “guarantee the conservation of the territory and the future of the sector for generations to come”.

Vilafranca del Penedès, April 2021 – The D.O. Cava has announced today that by 2025 the production of Cavas de Guarda Superior, a category of the highest quality that includes Cavas Reserva (minimum 18 months of ageing), Gran Reserva (minimum 30 months of ageing) and Cavas de Paraje Calificado (from a specific area and with a minimum of 36 months of ageing), will be 100% organic.

This milestone is the result of the demanding new regulations that the D.O. Cava has introduced, the most exacting standards in the world for quality D.O. sparkling wines made using the strict traditional method. With their enforcement, the D.O. Cava strengthens its qualitative foundations by committing to 100% organic, long aging, vineyards with a minimum age of 10 years, production limited to 10,000 kilos of grapes per hectare, mention of the year of harvest on the bottle, and rigorous traceability (guaranteed from grape harvesting to bottling).

All these controls aim to ensure the conservation of the territory and the future of the sector for generations to come, consolidating the growing trend of organic wine, which is also gaining more importance within D.O. Cava itself. Javier Pagés, president, confirms that “D.O. Cava is evolving. The number of bottles of organic Cava produced has now reached 13,780,711 units, 34.09% of which corresponds to Premium organic Cava.” He highlights the considerable effort of the D.O. in promoting organic production. “We know that both the consumer and the market are demanding it. This care and preservation of the territory is something with which we identify closely.”

The Cava D.O. towards organic production, for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly world

The D.O. Cava’s firm commitment to ecology and biodynamics was reflected at a recent roundtable discussion “The D.O. Cava towards organic production, for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly world,” moderated by Álvaro Ribalta Master of Wine.

During the session, in which five organic and biodynamic wineries from DO Cava took part, representing the wide range of the appellation, the most important aspects of ecology applied to the vineyard and winery were analyzed, from soil management to marketing, concluding that its benefits are extraordinary.

Special emphasis was placed on relevant issues already being actively discussed in D.O. Cava, such as the conservation and development of terroirs, biodiversity and landscapes, responsible water management, and the measurement and reduction of the carbon dioxide footprint or greenhouse gases that affect global warming. The benefits of using recyclable and compostable materials in both bottles and packaging (recycled paper, non-polluting inks and plant-based plastics, among others) were also addressed.

The speakers who brought their considerable experience and knowledge to the roundtable were Eva Plazas (Vilarnau oenologist), Mireia Pujol-Busquets (Alta Alella assistant manager), Salvi Moliner (Oriol Rossell oenologist), Marta Casas (Parés Baltà oenologist), Toni Cantos (Juvé & Camps oenology director) and Isabel Vidal (vine and wine sector spokesperson for the agricultural union, Joves Agricultors i Ramaders de Catalunya).

D.O. Cava, committed to origin, land and sustainability

With more than 60% of sales to the international market, Cava is the Spanish D.O. that exports the most wine: its 370 associated wineries are present in over 100 countries. The D.O. encompasses more than 38,000 hectares of vineyards and more than 6,800 winegrowers. Cava harmonizes perfectly with every type of gastronomy, and is made using the traditional method, with a strict commitment to origin, land, and sustainability. 

Web: Cava.wine

Facebook: facebook.com/do.cava

Instagram: instagram.com/Cava.do/

Twitter: twitter.com/DO_Cava

YouTube: youtube.com/c/doCava

Award-Winning Winemakers Bob Lindquist, Louisa Lindquist, Laurent Gruet Collaborate as Winemaking Team in the Birthplace of the American Wine Experience

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ALBUQUERQUE, NM — The all-star cast of winemakers are each prolific in their own right, but the collaboration in the land of enchantment raises the bar.

“This team brings a wow factor to the Vara experience, one that we cannot wait to share with both wine enthusiasts and those that have a newfound passion for wine,” says Xavier Zamarripa, Co-founder and President of Vara. “Bringing these artists together at the pinnacle of their careers to create something that is magical in the birthplace of the American Wine experience – this is a dream come true for Vara.”

The group, helmed by Vara Winery co-owners Doug Diefenthaler and Xavier Zamarripa, will play off of each other’s expertise, celebrating the eclectic and vast experience each brings.

“There is such an amazing synergy between Doug, Bob, Laurent, and I,” says Lousia Lindquist. “We all have a long history in the wine industry and when you bring that together you have a stellar team that has mutual respect and admiration for the experience we bring to the table. We all have known each other since the late 80’s and have a bond that allows us to understand each other – and makes us stronger together.”

“The chance to utilize my over 40 years of experience here on the Central Coast of California to source the best cool climate Iberian varietals, and to effect a winemaking style that reflects a traditional, handcrafted, and balanced approach to wines that are delicious, structured, and complex is something that I am excited to continue to bring to this partnership,” said Bob Lindquist. “Wines that on one end are drinkable now, and on the higher end able to age for many years in the cellar.”

Laurent Gruet comes from generations of Méthode Champenoise winemaking. Like his father Gilbert Gruet, quality is Laurent’s top priority and it underscores his winemaking passion. After coming to the United States at 18 from France, not speaking a word of English, Laurent introduced Méthode Champenoise to New Mexico receiving the highest accolades. A long time friend of Doug, he now comes to Vara with the same passion, bringing three decades of experience.

“In joining the Vara team as the sparkling winemaker and partner, it is a unique opportunity to fuse our collective passion for making wine,” said Laurent Gruet. “Working with such a dynamic team allows us all to better ourselves and make the most exceptional wines. You have to believe you can do it – and we have the energy behind us. Stay tuned for what’s coming next as we go back to basics and craft brand new wines.”

“I have had the great fortune of knowing Laurent Gruet and Louisa and Bob Lindquist as great friends and business associates for over 30 years. Individually they’ve all been a profound and significant influence on the American wine experience.” said Doug Diefenthaler, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President at Vara Wines. “It’s both humbling and exciting to welcome them as Vara’s winemaking team and I look forward to tasting this Vara magic for years to come.”

Vara is an international family of Spanish and American wines and spirits celebrating the origin of the American wine experience through the historical connection of Spain and New Mexico. Vara co-founders Doug Diefenthaler and Xavier Zamarripa regularly travel to Spain and are committed to growing and locating the best fruit for Vara’s Spanish wines and cava. They have spent years developing partnerships with wine growers in Spain, and various American vineyards including New Mexico. Under the direction of Vara’s winemaking team, winemakers Bob and Louisa Lindquist, Vara acquires fruit from the highest quality growers of Spanish grape varieties in the U.S. The harvested fruit is brought to our New Mexico facility where the wines are made and aged in individual lots until Bob and Louisa assemble the final cuvees. With the addition of Laurent Gruet overseeing sparkling wines, Vara is poised to continue producing the very best quality wines at any price for every consumer’s taste and interest.

Some Wines have a Story. Vara has a History.
The history of wine in New Mexico is over 390 years old and is as rich and complicated as its colorful landscapes. In 1629, 140 years before the first Missions of California were established and planted, a Franciscan friar named García de Zúñiga and a Capuchín monk named Antonio de Arteaga planted the first European wine grapes in what is now the U.S. at a pueblo in the Rio Grande Valley of the Province of New Mexico. The cuttings brought to the new world by missionaries from Spain were of a Vitis Vinifera grape variety known as Listán Prieto, or the present-day Mission grape. This variety has been continuously grown and is still harvested in New Mexico today.

ABOUT VARA WINES
VARA is an international family of Spanish and American wines celebrating the origins of the American wine experience thanks to the historical connection of Spain and New Mexico. Some wines have a story, we have a history. Visit www.varawines.com

Vara Winery and Distillery Takes Home Gold Medal at Sommeliers Choice Awards

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ALBUQUERQUE, NM — A panel of high-profile sommeliers and wine directors awarded Vara Winery & Distillery a total of six medals at the 2020 Sommeliers Choice Awards, including a gold medal for their Silverhead Brut Cava.

Medals were awarded to those wines that meet very specific judging criteria, with a goal of identifying wines that should become additions to restaurant wine lists. Wines will be judged by Food Parability, Typicity, Value, Quality, and Package.

“We’re really excited that our Vara Silverhead Brut Cava scored so highly on the various factors making it a great wine for the consumers to enjoy in restaurants,” said Doug Diefenthaler, co-owner at Vara Winery & Distillery. “We really put a lot of emphasis on creating a wine with broad consumer appeal, and one that wine drinkers will enjoy for a variety of different occasions. This award is really a validation of our winemaking expertise.”

The top two questions that sommeliers were attempting to answer as they judged the wines were: “Would we stock this?” and “Will the consumer buy the 2nd glass”. Each wine had to score among these 5 criteria to get the best score: F (Food Parability Score) + T (Typicity Score) + Q (Quality Score) + Value Score (V) + Package Score (P) = Sommeliers Choice Awards Final Score.

The gold winning Silverhead Brut Cava has a brilliant light-yellow color with fine well-released bubbles forming a continuous bead and a fantastic crown. The nose is youthful and fresh with pleasant fruity and floral aromas. This bubbly is very pleasant on the palate with a mildly dry fruitiness and a nice persistence of liveliness. The finish is clean and very well balanced, inviting you to another taste.

Along with the gold winning Brut Cava, Vara also received medals for Vara Garnacha, Garnacha Rosado, Tempranillo, Viura, and Albariño.

Sid Patel, CEO of event organizers Beverage Trade Network, pointed out the significance of having world-class sommeliers choose the wines they think customers will most enjoy drinking, “The idea of the Sommeliers Choice Awards is to put the best judges forward to evaluate the best on-premise wines for the consumer. We were very pleased with the quality of the wines we received in the first year of the competition.”

Vara’s award winning wines are available to ship directly to your door at varawines.com. You can enjoy in person at our tasting room located at 315 Alameda Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87113.

ABOUT VARA WINES
VARA is an international family of Spanish and American wines celebrating the origins of the American wine experience thanks to the historical connection of Spain and New Mexico. Some wines have a story, we have a history. Visit www.varawines.com

About Sommeliers Choice Awards
Medals were awarded to those wines that meet a very specific judging criteria, with a goal of identifying wines that should become additions to restaurant wine lists. Wines were judged according to criteria such as how well they pair with food items in addition to their overall versatility. Highest marks were awarded to wines that provide value for money at their respective price points. To learn more about the judging process, please visit SommeliersChoiceAwards.com

Codorníu Signs A Five-Year Agreement With Over 170 Growers Of Organic Grapes In Penedès

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NEW YORK, NY (PRWEB) – Raventós Codorníu, Spain’s oldest producer of wines and Cavas with a history dating back to 1551, has announced that the renowned Cava producer Codorníu, the oldest Spanish winery to make sparkling wine using the traditional method, has signed a five-year agreement with more than 170 winegrape-growing families from the Penedès region to buy the production of selected 100% organic parcels, which add up to nearly 3,500 acres.

Photo: Forbes

With this unprecedented milestone for the sector, Cataluña’s oldest winery once again proves its commitment to viticulture and its conversion to organic farming.

“Our intention with these contracts is to consolidate our relationships with the winegrape growers and show that we consider them as part of our family, and that during the next five years, they can deliver their grapes to Codorníu worry-free,” stated Ramón Raventós, CEO of Raventós Codorníu. “Furthermore, Codorníu is also firmly committed to working in a collaborative manner, giving access to all the knowledge and labor of our technical team to ensure the best quality is achieved” added Raventós.

Codorníu also understands the essential role that this collective work plays in ensuring the final quality of its Cavas, and has underlined the importance of working together in order to attain excellence from the origin.

At an event celebrating the agreement as well as the end of harvest, presentations were also made to put forward ideas for improvement, setting new goals and presenting initiatives aimed at reinforcing the great teamwork that has been carried out over the last decade between local winegrape growers and the winery. This undertaking was reflected in the great results obtained in the 2019 harvest.

Sergi Molinari, a winegrape grower from Penedès, summed up: “I feel very positive about the agreement, as this commitment between the growers and Codorníu ensures that we are working together towards a common goal, that the project has a future that benefits both parties.” He added: “This agreement is a stake in our continued working relationship, giving us peace of mind and ensuring the prosperity of the sector.”

About Raventós Codorníu

Raventós Codorníu is Spain’s oldest producer of wines and Cavas and is a symbol of continuity, innovation and of remaining true to its origins. The company has five centuries of history (since 1551) and experience that combine tradition and modernity. This has resulted in the creation of leading wineries in the respective wine regions where they are located, capable of innovating and meeting the growing demand for exceptional Cavas and wines. With close to 7,500 acres of estate vineyards and 17 prestigious wineries spread across Spain, Argentina and California, Raventós Codorníu is one of the world’s leading companies in viticulture and winemaking expertise.