Eve's Wine 101

Grand Gold Medal says California Winery can make Italian approved Vermentino

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LODI, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — This year, family owned and operated, Peltier Winery & Vineyards in Acampo, California, sent their 2021 Vermentino ($18) to the motherland for judgment against producers of this lesser known varietal from around the world. They brought home a Grand Gold Medal, 95 points and a top 5 ranking from the competition that would make their Nonna & Nonno proud. The second Vermentino International Wine Concourse was held in Cagliari, capital of the Italian island of Sardinia, where about half of the world’s Vermentino is grown. The competition celebrates wineries working to uphold and improve high quality standards along with the best expressions of the varietal around the globe.

Two years after Peltier Winery was established in 2001, their first vintage of Vermentino was harvested from the winery location in the heart of California’s Lodi Appellation. After many years of learning the vineyard personality and experimentation in winemaking, Peltier has gained a reputation for their Vermentino both on the bulk market and in the bottle under their own Peltier brand. The varietal is known for its vibrant aromatics and refreshing, light body. The Lodi winery picks their Vermentino early and based on aromas to achieve those bright citrus notes and low sugar  for a smooth, easy drinking style that they (and their consumers) enjoy.

“Focusing on quality in the vineyard is what allows the natural characteristics of a varietal and the vineyard personality to show. It also means there’s no need for manipulation throughout the winemaking process” says proprietor and 3rd generation Lodi grower, Rodney Schatz. “It was also intriguing to take a chance on a lesser known varietal and see what we could do. We’re always trying to innovate and differentiate ourselves. The thing about taking a risk, is that whether the outcome is what you want or not, you learn something. We knew our Vermentino was good, this award tells the rest of the world!”

Rod has always been a thought leader in the industry and advocate for California growers having served as Chairman of the California Association of Winegrape Growers and President of the Lodi Winegrape Commission. When it comes to his own winery and vineyards, that same forward thinking mentality applies. Peltier was one of the first in the area to certify 100% of their vineyards sustainable by the Lodi Rules program and one of the first in the state to install a worm farm to treat the winery’s process water.

Rod’s Italian roots and the climate of the region where he and his family farm over 1,200 acres of vineyard contribute to the winery’s preference for Italian varietals including the Reserve Teroldego ($60), a bold red originally from the Alto Adige region, and the 2020 Teresa Marengo Pinot Grigio ($20) named after Rod’s Nonna, a woman who loved to feed her loved ones. However, it’s not all Italian wines at Peltier. They’re about producing high quality grapes from their estate vineyards, over-delivering on quality wine for the price point and continuously improving the process from grape to glass. Other must try wines that Peltier has gained a following for include their crisp Sauvignon Blanc ($18), a delicate, full of berry notes, barrel aged Pinot Noir ($30) and a Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine ($45) made in the Méthode Champenoise.

Vinitaly International Academy Celebrates 7 New Italian Wine Ambassadors

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VERONA, ITALY (PRWEB) – The Course
July 2022 marked an exciting foray into the UK and Europe for VIA. The July course was held in London and Austria for the very first time, bringing Italian wine education to two new countries. In London, the course was taught live by VIA Faculty member Sarah Heller MW at the Institute of Masters of Wine, with the satellite venue in Austria was the Weinakademie in Rust participating by live link. Managing Director of Vinitaly International, Stevie Kim, remarked, “I was delighted to be able to host our first UK edition of VIA at the Institute of Masters of Wine, a location that represents the pinnacle of wine education. Likewise, the Weinakademie in Rust presents the largest WSET program available in Europe.”

Students participated for 3 days, tasting 38 Italian wines and taking a difficult 2.5 hour exam. The result? Seven students became newly certified Italian Wine Ambassadors. London student Richard Taylor summed up his experience, “Taking the VIA Italian Wine Ambassador course moved me such a long way on in my Italian wine journey, and it is such a joy to be part of this community over the last few weeks and heading into the future.”

What is VIA
The Vinitaly International Academy certification course is recognised as the gold standard of Italian wine education. The VIA community comprises over 1000 candidates, of whom 307 have now achieved the title Italian Wine Ambassador and 15 of those are qualified as Italian Wine Experts. All elements of the course are carefully curated by the VIA Faculty team, made up of Sarah Heller MW and Henry Davar IWE, assisted and advised by scientific advisor Professor Attilio Scienza. The ethos behind the course is a sound scientific focus on the native grapes of Italy and on the characteristics of the 20 regions’ biodiversity, history, culture, and business.

The VIA Community, composed of all students who have ever studied the program since its inception in 2017, welcomes wine professionals and wine enthusiasts from all over the world, forming a supportive and professional network that extends far beyond the limits of the classroom and includes lasting friendships, an open forum for sharing wine information, and career opportunities. Members continue to participate throughout the year in events such as Academic Field Trips all across Italy, gathering in Verona to judge at 5StarWines and Wine Without Walls, attending OperaWine and wine2wine Business Forum, and continually increasing their knowledge and growing their connections across the wine sector.

Students who take the VIA course come from every aspect of the wine sector, including educators, journalists, importers, hospitality, retailers, and beyond. Faculty member Sarah Heller MW reflected on the impact of VIA, “We invite students to join a profound and up to the minute conversation about Italian wines and what makes them so unique in the world, giving them new tools to communicate these wines and the solid foundation to become true Ambassadors, promoting Italian wines around the world.”

Upcoming VIA Italian Wine Ambassador Courses
VIA holds satellite courses at various times during the year. The Flagship Course is held annually in Verona in the days leading up to Vinitaly International Wine and Spirits Exhibition. The next Flagship course will be held 24-27 March 2023. Applications will open in January 2023. Satellite courses in other locations around the world will be announced later in the year, through VIA social media and on the VIA website.

For more information, please visit our website at:
https://vinitalyinternational.com/vinitaly-international-academy/
Instagram: vinitaly international
To Apply: https://eventi.vinitalytour.com/en/sign-up-via/
Send us an email at: via@justdothework.it if you have further question
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About: Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) aims to be the gold standard of Italian wine education. It offers a complete educational path with standardized courses that will teach professionals and educators to master the diversity of Italian wine in a rigorous, organized manner. VIA’s main objective is to foster a global network of highly qualified professionals such as Italian Wine Ambassadors and Italian Wine Experts: in turn, they will support and promote Italian wine throughout the world. VIA was founded by Stevie Kim, Managing Director of Vinitaly International. The new VIA ecosystem avails of the guidance of Italian trade associations Federdoc, Federvini, Vignaioli Indipendenti FIVI, and Unione Italiana Vini as members of the Institutional Advisory Board. Italian vine genetics scholar, Prof. Attilio Scienza, oversees VIA’s scientific and educational direction as the Chief Scientist. VIA Faculty Sarah Heller MW and Henry Davar teach the flagship Italian Wine Ambassador course. To date, there are 307 Certified Italian Wine Ambassadors of which 15 are also Italian Wine Experts.

Wines ‘Til Sold Out (WTSO.com) Launches Premium Subscription Service

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MOORESTOWN, N.J./PRNewswire/ — Wines ‘Til Sold Out (WTSO) has a new kind of wine club subscription, the WTSO Monthly Subscription experience. In the monthly shipments, wine enthusiasts of all levels are invited to sip on 2-3 premium selections that are meticulously chosen. It highlights some rare, luxurious wines from around the world and their stories — all at a discount price that WTSO is known for providing to customers. Each set is available at the low rate of $99.99 per month. Included in the subscription service is a live virtual class, where members are encouraged to be interactive with professionals and among the community. On top of that, there’s expected to be many more exclusive events for this group.

The series to kick off the launch is a duo of Brunello. This popular Italian wine is a favorite with its 2 year minimum oak-aging process bringing out the best of the cherry flavors and a layered finish. The release of Brunellos, after a mandatory five-year period from the harvest, keeps fans anticipating each new vintage from the Tuscan vineyards. All members who subscribe during the first month will receive a limited-edition gift box. The special offer is valued over $200 and contains deluxe gifts from WTSO’s partners such as Repour Wine Savers and Gabriel-Glas.

“WTSO has a reputation of sourcing wines that meet high standards and making them widely available to consumers across the country. Our customers have expressed interest in learning the true value of wines they’re drinking. We’re listening because I think it’s important to know and understand how they’re made, the terroir, and differences in quality. This new membership extends our mission of providing accessibility to purchase and learn the narratives of all these fine wines. It makes drinking them that much more special,” says Joe Arking, Co-Founder and CEO of Wines ‘Til Sold Out.

The WTSO Monthly Subscription comes from a history of curated wine experiences that the company has developed and transformed over the years. In 2016, they introduced Weekly Tasting sets handpicked by wine partners from around the country. Together with these industry experts, they brought wine education directly to the customer through a robust YouTube channel. During the height of the pandemic of 2020, the company launched WTSO Live to bring the community together via Zoom through these curated sets. With the rise of video conferencing, this new virtual format greatly expanded the reach and convenience of the educational series.

Running off the success of WTSO Live, the new signature tasting series takes it all to the next level. Each month provides a unique opportunity to bring the labels to life. The subscription offers an easier way to gain access into the wonderful world of wine. For instance, WTSO Monthly Subscription events hope to offer direct connection and conversations with the winemakers themselves, as well as other industry professionals. In addition, there’s direct access to the company’s in-house wine expert for further recommendations.

Current host, Marc Supsic, is a professional certified by institutions like the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and UC Davis California. He says, “I’m excited to be directly engaged with the wine community that WTSO built. We’re going to spend time with some fantastic wines that are not readily available unless you subscribe to a specific winery. The WTSO Monthly Subscription provides more access to those same prestigious brands with less fees. They’re really special wines, and I’m glad to be a part of this new journey.”

After the inaugural Brunello set, the series is slated to feature wines that will pair perfectly with seasonal holiday plans. Subscribers can be prepared to welcome Autumn with Cabernet Sauvignon, Champagne, and Burgundy wines.

For more information and to view a special introductory offer for the first shipment, visit wtso.com/wine-subscription. Learn more by following WTSO on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

About Wines ‘Til Sold Out (WTSO.com) 
Wines ‘Til Sold Out (WTSO) has a mission to create a first-class wine experience by providing accessibility to wine enthusiasts across the United States. At the core of WTSO is strong, lasting relationships throughout the industry to source a great variety of high-quality wines at the best prices. With a vast network of experts, they provide detailed knowledge and foster an engaged wine community. Known for their dedication to customer service, WTSO stands behind their brand and products by backing each and every experience with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Let’s Talk Wine Communication: wine2wine Business Forum 2022

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VERONA, ITALY (PRWEB) – A large and often over-looked field, the world of wine communication encompasses many different mediums and audiences. It is easy to see that communication impacts the entire industry, from wine producers, importers, buyers and numerous other wine-related professions. Wine communication comes in many forms, such as books, courses, labels, websites, podcasts, social media accounts, and more.

Rather than seeing wine communication simply as words, images and paragraphs, wine2wine Business chooses to examine wine communication through the lens of its people. The Forum does this by bringing together the voices of different protagonists in the realm of wine communication and providing them with opportunities for networking and face-to-face dialogue.

In the right hands, and handled in the correct way, wine communication is the element that allows wine professionals to successfully see products travel all the way from the vineyards to the glass of the final consumers. Communicating wine in the most appropriate and effective way requires a solid
understanding what medium to use, when, and with whom.

To do this successfully, it becomes necessary to integrate many different communication types, while also adapting the communication style to a company’s personality and values. With this goal in mind, wine2wine 2022 chooses to include in its program sessions that cover different types of communication, calling on the stage some of the most influential personalities in the sector. On one side we have traditional communication, with a series of sessions that will focus on conventional communication tools such as PRs, books, wine blogs and wine journalism. In this context, the goal is to understand how these traditional tools have evolved over time, which practices stopped working and what needs changing to adapt to an increasingly modern and global context.

On the other hand, it’s impossible to center a forum on wine communication without addressing the ways new digital media have heavily affected the industry and its actors. From ever-changing social media platforms and digital marketing tools to cutting-edge innovations that have paved the way for digital growth in the last few years, including podcasts and nfts, navigating the challenges and opportunities of these tools is not easy. This is even more true for a industry which is often considered traditional, elitist and unapproachable by the very same younger generation that is taking the lead when it comes to digital innovation. Following this line of reasoning, speakers such as Adam Teeter or Guillaume Jourdan will specifically center their discussion around “disruptors” in the wine industry.

In this context, it is crucial to recognize and capitalize on the marketing power of web platforms and social media apps like Instagram or TikTok, strategies that will be presented by speakers such as Amanda McCrossin and Robert Joseph. At the same time, it is essential to understand the way these news ways of communicating are opening a new way to educate and demystify wine for everyone interested in the sector, especially to those taking their first steps in the wine business. A large part of the Forum will be focused on how storytelling can and should empower diverse audiences to engage and ask more questions in a non-intimidating way, authentic way.

The topic of wine communication is intrinsically connected to the one of education, a topic dear to wine2wine Business Forum, and often addressed during the event. Wine education has been subject to an important shift after the global pandemic, which drastically changed the tools through which wine courses and certifications are delivered to students all over the world. On this topic, wine educators will share their knowledge during the event. One of the main aims of the Forum will also be instructing winery employees and wine professionals about new forms of communication and the importance of developing skills and creating roles within their organization that will leverage digital talent and improve their overall communication package.

Regarding the future of wine business, it seems that wine communication will gain increasing importance. Wine producers especially are moving away from concentrating exclusively on the production process within the winery and in the vineyards, and beginning to focus on the large audience out there waiting to engage with wineries and wine brands that are willing to ramp up their marketing and start selling themselves in a more personal and direct manner.

The next evolution in the wine industry will be driven by how well businesses and professionals in the sector can use these new models and strategies to acquire more customers, connect with them and keep them. While the preliminary program will be presented in July, the speakers and topics that will be presented during the two day event will be revealed gradually over the next few weeks, both on the website and on the social media pages of wine2wine Business Forum 2022. https://wine2wine.net/?lang=en
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About: wine2wine Business Forum is a dynamic international wine industry forum organized by Veronafiere and held annually in Verona, Italy, since 2014. wine2wine Business Forum 2022 will take place on November 7th and 8th at the Palaexpo in Veronafiere, Verona. The event is a key reference point for wine producers and wine professionals eager to develop and grow their wine business worldwide. wine2wine Business Forum provides unique opportunities to share ideas on the most important issues facing the rapidly evolving wine industry and to connect with wine professionals and experts. The forum takes place over two days and features keynote sessions, seminars, and interactive workshops which aim to equip participants with practical tools to improve their business. Speakers are renowned experts in their field and among the brightest minds in the wine world from Italy and abroad. Additional information is available at http://www.wine2wine.net or by emailing wine2wine@justdothework.it.

The Second Edition of The “Barolo En Primeur” Charity Auction To Take Place on October 28, 2022

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The Barolo en Primeur auction will take place on October 28, 2022 at the Grinzane Castle in Piedmont, Italy, and will stream live to New York City. Like the first edition, the auction will feature 15 barriques, each yielding approximately 300 bottles of the most recent Barolo vintage, 2021. The event is organized by Cassa di Risparmio di Cuneo Foundation in partnership with the Consorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani, representing almost 540 wine producers in Piedmont, Italy, in collaboration with Christie’s global auction house, and internationally renowned wine critic, Antonio Galloni.

The first edition of Barolo En Primeur was an international success, raising an impressive donation of 660,000 euros for 17 charities. All donations were awarded directly to projects in the non-profit field, as selected by the organizers and donors.

“With this operation, the only one of its kind, CRC Foundation has created a charity event at the national and international level, focusing on a single territory, its beauties, singularities and products of excellence, creating an innovative event that will generate important social benefits,” commented Ezio Raviola, President of Cassa di Risparmio di Cuneo Foundation.

The 15 barriques that will be available at auction contain wine made from grapes from the historic Cascina Gustava Vineyard, Grinzane, a four-hectare (9.8 acres) vineyard dedicated solely to Nebbiolo, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The wine was produced and vinified by Donato Lanati, the internationally renowned enologist.

Again, this year the proceeds will be donated to social projects and initiatives in the fields of health, research, the arts and culture, as well as those promoting social inclusion and safeguarding of the Italian cultural heritage.

“The Barolo En Primeur event represents an initiative of highly scientific, educational and human value, capable of combining various aspects: the promotion of the wine-growing area, of which the vineyard is the mainstay, research with in-the-field teaching, and the important social aims pursued by the CRC Foundation,” explained Lanati.

In addition to the 15 barriques, this second edition will include participation from wine producers of the Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe and Dogliani Consortium, who will auction a selection of the most prized bottles of Barolo and Barbaresco coming from prestigious villages of both appellations, which include 10 lotti comunali (seven lots of Barolo 2021 from different Comuni (municipalities) and three 2021 Barbaresco lots).

“The Barolo en Primeur charity event is not only of great historical and social importance but is also highly significant for the Barolo wine sector, which is projected at an international level,” added Matteo Ascheri, President of the Consortium for the Protection of Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe and Dogliani.

The 300 bottles from each barrique and the bottles from the wineries will be ready in 2025, following the mandatory aging process for Barolo, and will be numbered and marked with a label specially created by an internationally renowned artist. This is a unique opportunity for wine connoisseurs, collectors, investors, and philanthropists, who are invited to take part in an international charity initiative that showcases one of the most world-renowned Italian wine appellations, its values of quality and sustainability, its territory, and the good causes that will benefit from it.

Ahead of Barolo en Primeur 2022, Antonio Galloni, who tasted the wine of each barrique, will publish his tasting notes in Vinous Media, so that potential bidders can read his opinion about how these rare wines capture the essence of Barolo and of the Gustava Vineyard, and their long ageability.

“The event offers collectors an unprecedented opportunity to participate in a philanthropic initiative of great importance and to benefit from a barrique of Barolo of the 2021 vintage, obtained from a specific parcel within a historic vineyard,” noted Antonio Galloni, Founder & CEO, Vinous. “Bidders should be encouraged by the rarity of the wines, the specially commissioned works of art and charitable causes, and all this contributes to making this initiative truly special.”

Information on how to take part in the auction can be found at http://www.fondazionecrcdonare.it

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About the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Cuneo: On 24 January 1992, the Cassa di Risparmio di Cuneo Foundation was established, a private and independent non-profit body pursuing aims of social and economic benefit and promotion. The Foundation is inspired by philanthropic aims and makes contributions to public and private non-profit organizations as well as directly promoted projects in the fields of education, welfare, culture, local development, health, scientific research and sport. The initiatives are supported by the resources deriving from the management of the Foundation’s assets, which comfortably exceed one billion euros.

The Foundation’s activities aim to contribute to the development of the communities in its area, supporting their capacity for innovation and strengthening their cultural and educational offerings, so as to create more united and supportive social conditions. Teamwork in synergy with the territory, alongside the third sector and public bodies, in collaboration with citizens and institutions. With Barolo en Primeur, CRC Foundation has created a charity event at national and international level, focusing a territory, its beauties and singularities, creating an innovative event that can generate important social benefits.

About the Consorzio Di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani: Founded in 1934 and representing over 500 wine producers across multiple appellations, the consortium is committed to the management, protection, and promotion of the Langhe, Alba, and Dogliani wine denominations. The Consortium ensures high quality by a set of formal production guidelines for the entire winemaking process, from agronomy to market surveillance. The Consortium continues to perform periodic sampling of wine products on the market to prevent fraud and to protect the wines’ authentication and reputation. Barolo & Barbaresco are registered trademarks in many countries throughout the world.

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.

Explore Australia’s South West – Wine Folly Releases Margaret River Region Guide

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SEATTLE (PRWEB) – Wine Folly, the leading digital wine education platform, has announced the launch of the Margaret River Region Guide, the first comprehensive digital guide to the Margaret River Wine Region in Western Australia and the first of its kind in Asia Pacific.

“This kind of access and exploration of a remote and high-class wine region is exactly the kind of unique education experience we’re striving to bring to wine learners. This guide is driven by the wine producers of the region and showcasing wines that might never enter the awareness of the North American market,” said David Gluzman, CEO of Wine Folly.

Margaret River Wine Association CEO, Amanda Whiteland says, “Margaret River is a breathtaking wine destination that enjoys a textbook perfect climate for fine wines. The region’s 100 cellar doors, gourmet culinary experiences, stunning coastline and nature attracts over 1.5 million overnight visitors per year.

We are confident that beginners to wine experts will enjoy learning more about the Margaret River wine region with Wine Folly in their fun and playful approach to wine education.”

Wine Folly’s Region Guides enables learners to explore wines, wineries, and regions around the world from anywhere in the world. Producer data is supported by exclusive content created by award-winning author Madeline Puckette and Wine Folly’s Head of Wine Education, Christine Marsiglio MW.

Margaret River is the eighth Region Guide produced by Wine Folly in a constant pursuit to change wine education and discovery.

Wine Folly Region Guides

  • Margaret River
  • Walla Walla Valley
  • Napa Valley
  • Argentina
  • Alto Adige
  • Sicily
  • Bordeaux
  • Paso Robles

Margaret River is one of the most isolated wine regions in the world, but despite this it makes some of Australia’s most noteworthy wines. The producers of the region are considered boutique – many of them only producing less than 5000 cases annually. Rare wines and breath-taking coastal landscapes are waiting to be discovered in the new Wine Folly Region Guide.

Wine Folly has a few more exciting regions to showcase in 2022 and is currently booking new region guides for 2023.

About Folly Enterprises
Folly Enterprises are the people behind the Wine Folly (winefolly.com) and Global Wine Database (gwdb.io) brands. We’re focused on producing compelling user experiences and products that have a significant impact on the wine industry.

Wine Folly connects people to wine. Through online discovery, people connect with the stories and people who are making great wines. The site offers educational products, engaging content, and a web portal to a progressive, knowledge-driven wine culture.

Global Wine Database is a platform for wine data. Specifically, accurate wine information sourced directly from wine producers globally. Accurate information helps the industry at every level from farm to table.

5StarWines – the Book, helping Italian producers reach a global audience

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VERONA, ITALY (PRWEB) – The sixth edition of 5StarWines & Wine Without Walls took place from April 1st to 3rd, in the days preceding Vinitaly 2022, the prominent wine trade fair in Verona, Italy. The wine selection event consists of three days of blind tasting, where an international jury of wine experts evaluates the participating wines, assigning a score to each wine, using a 100-point scale.

The wines that obtain a score of 90 or higher are published every year in the official guide 5StarWines – the Book. The guidebook is an important marketing tool that can be consulted online in digital format and is distributed in paper format at the main industry trade fairs, B2B meetings, tastings and masterclasses. The goal of 5StarWines is to provide constant promotional opportunities to the selected wineries, projecting them on the international wine stage. The Digital Catalog provides an opportunity to be introduced to 10,000+ top buyers of the Vinitaly Community, 200+ selected journalists, 290 Wine Ambassadors of the Vinitaly International Academy, 100+ international judges, and wine experts, as well as key influencers from all over the world.

The guidebook aims to put the selected companies directly in contact with professionals across the wine industry, an important opportunity for smaller wineries that struggle to approach international markets. A paperback copy of the guidebook is sent to all the selected producers, along with a set of stickers displaying their official score and a personalized diploma, providing producers with all the resources they need to self-promote at the main trade events.

The 2023 edition of 5StarWines – the Book is currently being finalised and will be published shortly. In the meantime, the list of selected wines is available on the event’s official website (https://www.5starwines.it/?lang=en). The list is divided into two sections, 5StarWines and Wine Without Walls (dedicated to certified organic, biodynamic wine or produced by companies adhering to sustainability protocols/certifications).

This year more than 2,300 wines took part in the selection, of which 960 will be published in the book (651 for the 5StarWines category and 309 for Wine Without Walls). As Bernard Burtschy (one of the six General Chairs) explained: “By the number of wines presented and their variety, the 5StarWines & Wine Without Walls selection is a first-class observatory of mostly Italian wines providing an in-depth check-up on the Italian wine industry. There are very few places to indulge in a real psychoanalysis of Italian wine as intensive as 5StarWines & Wine Without Walls”.

The inclusion of wines in the book is only one of several promotional activities reserved for the selected wineries and their products. In fact, while awaiting official publication, the wines are promoted on various social media channels (@5StarWines is present on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn). Two social media posts are dedicated to every single wine selected. In the first, the photo of the bottle is presented with additional information about the producer (including region of production, email or social media address and score obtained). In the second post, the tasting note composed by the international jury is shown. These posts are designed to be easily shared, not least on the company’s own channels.

The selection also includes the awarding of special Trophies to wines and companies that achieved a particularly distinguished score in their category. 5StarWines – the Book, in collaboration with the Italian Wine Podcast, has carried out interviews dedicated to the Trophy winners. During the interviews, producers have a further opportunity to talk about their products and current and future projects. The Italian Wine Podcast, launched in 2017 and is now rapidly approaching 3 million listens, and is a well-known resource among wine professionals and wine lovers all over the world.

A series of interviews with Trophy winners, published every Tuesday on the Italian Wine Podcast, is available online on major podcast platforms (Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcast, …) and are collated in the series “Wine, Food and Travel with Marc Millon” (available at: https://soundcloud.com/italianwinepodcast/sets/food-wine-travel-with-marc).

The interviews released so far include:

  • Ep. 917 Luigi Gagliardini of Moncaro | Wine, Food & Travel With Marc Millon;
  • Ep. 926 Giovanni Brumat of Cantina Toblino | Wine, Food & Travel With Marc Millon;
  • Ep. 935 Alberto Pezzuoli of Azienda Agricola Pezzuoli| Wine, Food & Travel With Marc Millon;
  • Ep. 950 Elisa Centanni of Vini Centanni | Wine Food & Travel With Marc Millon;
  • Ep. 962 Andrea Milese of Ferrowine | Wine, Food & Travel With Marc Millon.

To explore the full benefits of the event, and find additional information regarding the promotion of the selected wines, consult the 5StarWines & Wine Without Walls website: https://www.5starwines.it/strumento-di-marketing/?lang=en.
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About: 5StarWines – the Book is the annual wine selection organized by Veronafiere, held in the lead-up to the biggest Italian wine fair in the world. The event is now in its sixth edition. 5StarWines – the Book is a blind tasting aimed at shedding light on wineries investing in the improvement of their products. During the event, a highly qualified panel of wine professionals will taste and score — using a 100-point scale — participating wines. In the 2022 edition, over 2,300 bottles took part in the competition and 960 were selected for inclusion in 5StarWines – the Book. The Guide is a useful tool both on the promotional and commercial side. It introduces international buyers and wine lovers to new wine products of great value. It guarantees wine quality and it maintains and certifies their value at an international level.

Roundup: Your Favorite Cocktail Recipe to Make At Home

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Haven’t done a “round-up” article in a long time. That’s where I ask pals on social media to answer a question for me, and that I’ll be sharing the results in a blog post. I had this idea, about what cocktails we like to make at home,  when my sister-in-law made me one with a lovely rose-shaped ice sphere from Four Roses bourbon. So this is what I got when I asked others:

Janet B, “Ice, vodka, strawberry lemonade crystal light and diet ginger ale. Mimi’s Happy Juice.”

Marla L, “I love special ice and Four Roses is my favorite. And I’m with you – one large cube, one good bourbon and maybe an orange rind. Simple and clean and spirit forward, that’s my go to.”

Laura G, “I call this a Sunflower – recipe is from the bartender from Matteo’s restaurant in the Venetian. Equal parts: 1 ounce each of elderflower liquor – St. Germain, lemon juice, gin, Pierre Ferrand orange Curacao. Rinse the martini or coupe glass in absinthe (this is key). Shake the ingredients above in a cocktail shaker and serve with a lemon twist. It’s phenomenal.”

dtlaweekly, “Shot in a Styrofoam cup.”

Michelle T, “We enjoy a Penicillin, especially in the Spring/Summer months…2 ounces blended Scotch, 3/4 ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice, 3/4 ounce honey-ginger syrup, 1/4 ounce Islay Scotch and a lemon peel for garnish. We are loving our pellet ice maker in certain cocktails.”

Jeannie L, “This week, I’m doing 2 shots of my Bombay gin, about 2 fingers of cranberry juice, 2 fingers of tonic water, and 3 ice cubes. I stir that up and put it in the freezer for a slushy feel to it.”

Donald H, “Headed to Venice this summer so I’ve been on a Aperol Spritz exploration: 3 oz. Aperol, 3 oz. Prosecco, 1 oz. club soda, orange wedge and ice.”

Tony H, “A quarter ounce cognac, ¾ ounce ginger ale, Angostura bitters and ice. Was shown to me by the person at Remy Martin and it’s lovely.”

Richard H, “Bloody Mary: 1½ oz. of Vodka, 4 oz. Tomato juice or V8 juice, 1/2 tsp. of Horseradish, 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce, 1 dash of hot sauce, black pepper, stick of celery and a lemon wedge.”

Lisa B, “One of my summer favorites is the Siesta Cocktail: 2 oz. silver tequila, 1/2 oz. Campari, 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice, 3/4 oz. fresh grapefruit juice, 1/2 oz. simple syrup. Garnish: slice of grapefruit peel.”

And the cocktail with the most unique ingredient list goes to Derek A, with “This has become the favorite in my home bar it’s very nice! The Obsidian: 1½ oz. Casa Dragones Blanco tequila, ¾ oz. cinnamon bark and star anise syrup, ½ oz. lime juice, a pinch of edible charcoal, Prosecco. Dry shake all ingredients, then shake with ice. Double strain into a rocks glass with one large ice cube. Top with Prosecco… I make my own syrup it’s really easy and it has an amazing flavor. The charcoal is from activated charcoal supplements from Amazon that I just open up and pour in to the mix it’s very easy.”

Mark H, “My dating life in college wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun if it weren’t for my Singapore Sling recipe! I rarely make much other than margaritas or whiskey (bourbon or rye) on the rock(s) at home nowadays. I also made a great Pina Colada but stopped when calories became an issue! Then there was the Mai Tai laundry sink recipe for big college parties. From memory the Singapore Sling: 2 oz. gin, 4 oz. sweet and sour, 4 oz. Club soda, 1/2 shot Grenadine syrup, cherry brandy floater and stir. After two of those, dates found me irresistible! P.S. A bartender at Sebastian’s in San Luis Obispo circa 1975 gave the recipe to me. I’m indebted to him!”

And one more from Mark H, “Another favorite version of ‘Walk The Plank’ is 1 shot each of dark rum, spiced rum, Kahlua and Frangelico. Serve in a 4 oz. plus shot glass.”

Deb N, “Since I am Canadian I will give you a Canadian drink, a Bloody Caesar: vodka, Clamato juice, lime juice, celery salt, Tabasco, Worcestershire, and a green bean for garnish.”

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.

Tuscan Women Cook Cookbook Shares One of Italy’s Most Popular Desserts

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 Who wouldn’t love to sit in the sun at an outdoor café in Italy sipping a chilled glass of wine and eating a favorite Italian dessert?  Now you can. Coleen Kirnan, owner and host of Tuscan Women Cook, the unique and popular culinary vacation located in the heart of Tuscany, brings the cuisine and culture of this delightful region to home kitchens with her cookbook, 

Tuscan Women Cook: Nonnas ▪ Memories ▪ Recipes (2021/softcover $35.00/ISBN: 978-0-578-82523-3).  

With a forward by Valerie Bertinelli, the cookbook celebrates the generational recipes shared by the nonnas of Montefollonico during the week-long Tuscan Women Cook culinary program.

As we head into summer try this unique and delicious take on a classic Italian dessert. Tiramisù, one of Italy’s most popular desserts, is usually made with espresso as a key ingredient. Tiramisù translates to “pick me up,” due in no small part to the surge of caffeine that comes with every creamy bite.   

Tuscan Women Cook presents a tiramisù recipe that replaces coffee with fresh strawberries and Alchermes, a bright crimson Italian liqueur which is still made today by the Santa Maria Novella pharmacy in Florence with the exact same recipe formulated back in 1743. It is infused with a variety of common spices, along with the most unusual ingredient, dried insects, which contributes to its vivid scarlet color.  If you want to leave out the Alchermes you can.  The recipe will still be authentically delicious without it. Substitute Fragoli wild strawberry liqueur or Chambord. 

STRAWBERRY TIRAMISU Serves 8

Guests of Tuscan Women Cook love this strawberry tiramisù served at Ristorante 13 Gobbi in Montefollonico. It’s become a house specialty as a result of a partnership the restaurant forged with an organic strawberry farmer near their restaurant. Strawberries are in peak season right now.

Ingredients:

For the cream: 500g mascarpone cheese, room temperature500ml heavy cream 5 egg yolks 3/4 cups granulated sugar  

For the strawberries: 2 1/2 cups of strawberries, chopped1/3 cup Alchermes liqueur,* Fragfoli wild strawberry liqueur or Chambord1 tablespoon sugar 2-3 tablespoons rum 1 cup orange juice  1 box dry ladyfingers (Pavesini brand preferred**)

Put the strawberries, Alchermes liquor, sugar, rum, and orange juice in a bowl. Set aside. With a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks, sugar, mascarpone, and heavy cream on medium speed for 5-10 minutes, until creamy. In a small bowl, strain the strawberries and keep the juice in a separate bowl. Dip the ladyfingers in the juice (a quick dip, you don’t want them to be soggy), and arrange cookies on bottom of a baking dish. 

Cover with half the cream mixture, then cover with the chopped strawberries, repeat cookies for another layer, and cover with remaining cream mixture. Decorate it top with strawberries just before serving and dust with powdered sugar. Chill for 2-3 hours before serving. It can stay chilled for up to 2 days. *

Alchermes is a scarlet-colored Italian liqueur made by infusing neutral spirits with sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla, and other herbs, and Kermes, a small parasitic insect. ** Pavesini ladyfingers may be difficult to find in stores. However, they are readily available online. Other brands may be substituted. 

“The Tuscan Women Cook cookbook is a collection of delicious, shared family recipes from our beautiful nonnas and the wonderful restaurants of Tuscany. But it also contains favorite memories associated with cooking and our glorious days spent in Montefollonico,” Coleen says. 

“Most of these dishes were created centuries before we ever tasted them, refined by each generation of family cooks who adjusted the ingredients to the agricultural and technological changes that inevitably took place with each new branch of every family’s tree.” Filled with beautiful photos of Montefollonico and recipes, chapters in Tuscan Women Cook cookbook cover Starters, Soups, Pasta, Meat, Vegetables, Desserts, and Drinks. Want a taste of Tuscany without renewing your passport?

Tie on an apron and try delicious and authentic recipes that have been handed down from generations of the best family cooks in Montefollonico, Italy. For more information on Tuscan Women Cook and their cookbook, visit their website, www.TuscanWomenCook.com.