Introducing Corvezzo: New from Italy Organically Grown, Vegan Wines from the Veneto

April 12, 2021 by evebushman

MIAMI (PRWEB) – Corvezzo makes its U.S. debut with three wines: a Pinot Grigio 2019 delle Venezie DOC, a Prosecco DOC Treviso Extra Dry, and a Prosecco DOC Rosé Extra Dry Millesimato. Available nationwide, all three are line-priced, with an SRP of $13.00.

Corvezzo family photo from Social Vignerons website.

“Giovanni Corvezzo and his family farm 380 acres – large enough to be a reliable supplier, small enough for that hands-on, quality touch. This is in keeping with our philosophy at Origins Organic, which is to deliver excellent quality organically grown wines at an affordable price.” — Labid Ameri, Co-owner, Origins Organic Imports

Founded in 1960 and based in the village of Cessalto near Treviso, Corvezzo was awarded organic certification in 2017. Transition to 100% organically farmed vineyards began under third-generation owner/winemaker Giovanni Corvezzo, soon after he took over at the helm in 2009. According to Corvezzo, who describes his winery’s signature style as fresh and bright, organic farming ultimately results in thicker grape skins, leading to heightened aromas, greater balance, and superior quality wines.

Corvezzo Pinot Grigio 2019 delle Venezie DOC balances peach and tropical notes with a persistent minerality. The wine’s appealing roundness is due to the 5% aged in oak.

Corvezzo Prosecco DOC Treviso Extra Dry: Pear, green apple and acacia flowers distinguish this well-knit blend of 85% Glera, with 10% Chardonnay added for structure and 5% Pinot Bianco for greater elegance and aroma.

Corvezzo Prosecco DOC Rosé Extra Dry Millesimato: An exciting addition to this new category. Pinot Nero at 15% (the legal maximum) added to the Glera base gives the wine an intense flavor of wild strawberries and small red berries. Fresh and strong on the attack, flavors of acacia flowers and citrus linger in the long finish. To maintain freshness, the wine stays in tank only 60 days.

CORVEZZO PINOT GRIGIO 2019 DELLE VENEZIE DOC
CORVEZZO PROSECCO DOC TREVISO EXTRA DRY
CORVEZZO PROSECCO DOC ROSÉ EXTRA DRY MILLESIMATO
SRP $13 / Imported by Origins Organic Imports, Miami, FL

Origins Organic Imports is headed up by husband-and-wife team Labid Ameri and Anne Bousquet, owners of Domaine Bousquet, Argentina’s leading purveyor of organically grown wines. The Miami-based importer is dedicated to sourcing organically farmed wines from producers that share Ameri and Bousquet’s commitment to quality, conscience, and value. http://www.originsorganicimports.com

One Bottle Post: 2004 Poggio Il Castellare Brunello Di Montalcino

January 29, 2021 by evebushman

In keeping with my “Rona” series, aka more one-bottle blog posts because I can’t go out for wine, this week I give you the 2004 Poggio Il Castellare Brunello Di Montalcino, a remarkable Brunello made from Sangiovese grapes. (In my experience a Brunello take less time to aerate than their equally famous cousin, the Barolo made from Nebbiolo grapes. And I’m talking 90 minutes in a decanter for a Brunello compared to about seven or more hours for a Barolo – give or take an hour. This matters to me most as I don’t always know by 11 am what I’ll want to drink at 6pm, or worse: I do know what wine I want with dinner but the wine wasn’t ready to drink by dinner time. Back up bottles have become more important to me for this situation.)

Now back to this wine! This is the social media post I shared last month on this Brunello, with tasting notes and scores:

What great wine have you found in your glass lately? I found this in our cellar, hoping Eddie has another bottle: 2004 Poggio Il Castellare Brunello Di Montalcino, 14% alcohol, decanted for 90 minutes and oh, so good. On the nose this Sangiovese delivered dark cherry, toasted oak, black peppercorn, sweet char off a good filet, espresso, sandalwood and a sweet bread note reminiscent of a waffle cone. The taste had the same notes, very peppery, tannic with all dark fruit and dark chocolate. The finish had a nice sweet note to it as well. Did a little Googling and found that K and L has it on their wait list and sells for $46.95, which I think is a good price, Wine Spectator gave it 96 points in 2009 and awarded it the #11 spot for the Top 100 wines of the year. Cellar Tracker gave it 92, Wine Enthusiast 91. Some recommended to drink by 2013 but I thought it was great now in 2021.

After the tasting I did a little more research on this particular vintage and the winery. I learned from looking at images of the winery that it would be spectacular to visit. From their Instagram I learned that they also have an incredible restaurant on their Montalcino property. On their website there are tabs for Private Dinners, their Tavern, and more.

Also, since I brought it up in my opening paragraph, in regards to length of time to decant a Barolo I searched the internet and learned that anywhere between one and two hours seemed to be the sweet spot for most vinophiles. Looking further I found that Wine Folly says two for a Brunello and three for a Barolo. So this is just an FYI for you when you want to try these varietals.

From the winery website:

In Tuscany there are places that can tell ancient stories and characters. The Baroncini family already started producing wine in 1489. So from father to son, 500 years have passed, and still today in Montalcino, Bruna and Samuele, produce wine as if to testify how time cannot scratch the traditions.

The high quality of the wines produced in the Montalcino area was already known at the time of the Etruscans, who had developed active settlements on these hills. The name “Tenuta Poggio Il Castellare” given to the company brings us back to the historical roots of the place: to the finds of an ancient settlement with the remains of houses and towers on the top of the hill of the same name.

For those that like to geek out from tech sheets, this is also from their website:

Production Area: Montalcino
Mixed Grapes: 100% Sangiovese Grosso
Terrain: Pliocene origins lands of predominantly clayey marl. They tend to reach considerable depth, offering great minerality
Growing System: Spurred cordon with dug soil
Density: 3500 vines/hectare
Average output per hectare: 45 hectolitres
Altitude: 500 metres
Microclimate: The climate is typically Mediterranean, with showers concentrated in autumn and spring. The middle hill area is frequently windy, which is ideal to keep the vines healthy. The climate is generally mild, with a high rate of sunny days during the whole vegetative phase: these conditions guarantee a gradual and complete ripening of the grapes.
Production Process: Manual harvest when the grapes are perfectly ripe. Alcoholic fermentation with controlled temperature (26°C) for about 10-12 days on the skins. Malolactic fermentation in steel vats. Refining in 2500lt Slavonian oak barrels for 30 months and in 225 lt French oak barrels for 20 months. Further refining in bottles for 4 months before the sale
Organoleptic Properties:
Colour – ruby red verging to garnet-red;
Bouquet – very intense, lingering, with hints of cherry fruit and spices;
Taste –well-balanced, with velvety tannins and a long aromatic grip on the palate
Alcoholic Gradation: 14,5% VOL
Serving Temperature: 22,0°C
Pairings: seasoned cheese, red meat, roasts, braised meat, game

Instagram: @PoggioIlCastellare

https://www.facebook.com/poggioilcastellare/

http://www.tenutetoscane.com/castellare/english/cellar-castellare.html

https://poggioilcastellare.com/

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Champagne Magazine’s 100 Best Champagnes for 2021!

January 24, 2021 by evebushman

SAN FRANCISCO /PRNewswire/ — For the tenth time, the world’s one and only Champagne Magazine and world’s largest wine information platform Tastingbook.com, put hundreds of champagnes in line and ranked the 100 best champagnes on global markets for 2021.

After days of blind-tasting hundreds of champagnes, the final results were tabulated. Any champagne making it into the Top 100 in the rigorous tasting by our editorial board can warmly be recommended.

This time the winner was one of the most esteemed prestige blanc de blancs champagne of the world – Comtes de Champagne from Taittinger and its most recent vintage 2008. Comtes de Champagne is not the newcomer on podium, as it was claimed in 2012 as the winner of 100 Best Champagnes with its vintage 2000.

“The recently-released and much-awaited Comtes de Champagne 2008 was one of the last remaining prestige cuvées from the hyped 2008 vintage to see daylight. But it was worth the wait. The first nose is radiantly fruity with gorgeous gunpowdery toastiness lingering on top of the zingy lemon, lime, peach and grass notes. Remarkable purity and finesse on this racey and mineral, slowly evolving, still super youthful Comtes packed with energy and tension,” Essi Avellan MW comments.

The second place was shared this year by two great new cuvees – Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle No. 24 and Dom Pérignon 2010. Both very solid and concentrated, still babies but drinking perfectly well already.

Although the top ten list is dominated by the well-established prestige champagnes, there are two superb finds – Laurent-Perrier Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature NV and Palmer & Co Vintage 2012.

The quality of all the top 100 champagnes was pleasingly high – over 70 champagnes were rated by 90 points and plus, and the average scores of the top 10 was highest ever – 95 points!

The 100 Best Champagnes tasting is an annual rating of Fine Champagne Magazine that is organised in collaboration with the world’s largest wine information source Tastingbook.com.

FINE Champagne’s TOP 10 champagnes for 2021
1. Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2008
2. Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle No. 24
3. Dom Pérignon 2010
4. Maison Mumm Cuvée Lalou 2006
5. Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2007
6. Moët & Chandon MCIII 001.14
7. Louis Roederer Cristal 2012
8. Rare Champagne Rosé Millésime 2008
9. Laurent-Perrier Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature
10. Palmer & Co Vintage 2012

Previous winners:
2020 Dom Pérignon 2008
2018 Dom Pérignon Rosé 2006
2017 Moët & Chandon MCIII 001.14 NV
2016 Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle NV
2015 Ruinart Dom Ruinart Rosé 2002
2014 Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé 2002
2013 Charles Heidsieck Vintage 2000
2012 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2000
2011 Piper-Heidsieck Rare 2002
2010 Armand de Brignac Brut Gold NV

FINE Champagne magazine’s aim with this annual ranking is to taste the vast offering on the international markets in order to select the champagnes that are showing best this very moment. The most important criterion is the quality of the champagne and its accessibility today.

More information: tastingbook.com

The Diamond of Duality: Tequila Partida Launches Añejo Cristalino

November 30, 2020 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Tequila Partida is excited to announce the launch of Partida Añejo Cristalino, the latest expression to join Partida’s award-winning portfolio. The portfolio, once described as “simply the finest line of tequilas that money can buy,” by leading spirits authority F. Paul Pacult, currently includes a Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo. Available nationwide beginning November 2020, the Añejo Cristalino is aged a minimum of 18-months before being naturally filtered through activated carbon, showcasing the complexity of both age and minerality. The Añejo Cristalino follows the launch of Partida Roble Fino, a luxury line of sipping tequilas made in partnership with Edrington’s best in cask management.

“To create Cristalino the right way, the perfect base is needed. We tasted through our portfolio and found that our Añejo retained the most interesting aromas and flavors that typically tend to disappear with longer aging time,” says Maestro Tequilero José Valdez. “With Cristalino, there’s a duality where the flavors of age–chocolate, maple–and the flavors of the field–agave, minerality–meet. This is truly an achievement of cristalino.”

Partida Añejo Cristalino is produced using fully mature blue weber agave cultivated in the Tequila Valley. The freshly harvested agaves are slowly and evenly cooked for 24 hours before they’re aged in white American oak medium toast ex-bourbon barrels for a minimum of 18 months. After the liquid finishes aging, the cristalino is naturally filtered using activated carbon to remove most of the color while still maintaining the aromas and flavors gained through aging. The transparent Añejo is then diluted with demineralized volcanic spring water until 40% ABV.

Silky and delicate with a transparent, full body and light yellow shimmers, Partida Añejo Cristalino offers sweet and woody aromas stemming from its prolonged aging process. After the intense, natural fragrance of vanilla and toasted America oak, a second layer emerges with dry fruits such as raisins, quince and figs. Flavors of butterscotch, agave, vanilla, citrus and banana encapsulate the palate before a gentle, pleasantly dry finish completes the complex tasting experience.

Cristalino is the fastest growing tequila category in Mexico which has helped tequila become the largest spirit category in the country. It’s exponential growth has led to the category’s rise in the US.

Partida Añejo Cristalino will be available nationwide and online at a suggested retail price of $59.99 per bottle.

For more information on Tequila Partida, please contact Andrew Quinzi at Colangelo & Partners (Aquinzi@ColangeloPR.com) and visit: http://www.partidatequila.com/.

About Tequila Partida

Tequila Partida is an authentic, all-natural, estate-grown premium tequila, made from 100% blue agave in the heart of Mexico’s historic Tequila Valley region. From cultivation and harvest to cooking, distillation and aging, Partida maintains exceptional standards of quality and consistency, making Partida “the finest tequila that money can buy,” according to F. Paul Pacult, the leading spirits authority in America. Partida Reposado was recently ranked as one of the top ten spirits of 2019 by the Spirit Journal, the industry’s most respected publication for spirits reviews.

About Edrington

Edrington’s vision is to give more by building the world’s leading portfolio of exceptional super premium spirits. Edrington owns some of the leading Scotch whisky and rum brands in the world, including The Macallan, The Famous Grouse, Highland Park, The Glenrothes and Brugal. Edrington Americas added Tequila Partida to its portfolio in 2017 and Wyoming Whiskey in 2018.

Edrington Americas is headquartered in New York, NY with regional offices in Chicago, Miami and Orange County. To learn more visit https://www.edrington.com, and to find our brands visit https://www.findourspirits.com.

Pulchella Releases 2019 Rogue Rose Tonight!

July 10, 2020 by evebushman

Locals! Tonight is the night to get your hands on Pulchella’s new Rose before it’s sold out! Details from the winemakers:

With a beautiful color of deep rose gold, the nose offers lovely fruit aromas of just ripe strawberry, nectarine skin, effervescent watermelon water, and a touch of citrus zest before notes of hibiscus, orange blossoms, rose petals, and the slightest touch of white pepper on the back end. On the palate entry, right off the bat you get a lovely viscous mouthfeel which quickly widens to an expansive fruit forward mid palate of rich cherry, Gaviota strawberry, white peach flesh, and the return of lovely watermelon character before acid carries you away to a finish of minerality and lingering red fruit. A truly delicious rosé and a perfect pairing for a hot summer day!

$35 bottle, 20% off for club members.

http://pulchellawinery.orderport.net/wines/current-releases

Visit the Tasting Room at 24261 Main Street, Downtown Newhall from 4 to 7 PM Friday, July 10 or 1 to 4 pm Saturday, July 11 to purchase your bottle. (These will also be the tentative hours from now on, until winery tasting rooms can re-open in LA County safely.)

Technical Notes:

Varietal: 52% Syrah, 46% Grenache, 2% Viognier

Vineyard: Briarwood

AVA: Templeton Gap District, Paso Robles

Harvest Date: October 11^th, 2019

Fermentation: All 3 varietals crushed together, 24-hour cold soak, then lightly pressed into stainless steel for a low and slow fermentation. No malolactic fermentation.

Aging: 7 months – 100% stainless steel

Production: 50 cases

ABV: 15.1%

Cellar Time: Drink now! We would normally say drink this wine very cold, however, the flavors and aromas become more open for interpretation after the temperature creeps up slightly. Drink this wine at your personal preferred rosé temperature.

Vintage Variation: Let’s talk about the obvious: where’s the Tannat? We had some minor Tannat issues at Bella Collina during the 2019 vintage, and we simply didn’t get enough fruit to support making a rosé on top of our red program. This is the first time since 2016 that our rosé hasn’t been made with 100% Tannat. And you know what… that’s okay, because the 2019 is a damn good wine! For 2019, we decided to make a Highs and Lows inspired rosé of Syrah and Grenache. And for good measure we through in a little Viognier to the co-fermentation. All in all, the 2019 is a very comparable wine to our Tannat rosés, but with a little added richness in the fruit department. The color is also a touch different, leaning more to rose gold hue than fire engine red hue. This vintage definitely falls outside the lines of traditional rosés and that’s exactly what we look to do: push the boundaries! No rules!

Tasting St. Supery…again?

June 12, 2020 by evebushman

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

2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Estate Grown and Bottled

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

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

2018 Vertu

Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc

$30 retail, 13.5% alcohol

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

2018 Rose, Estate Grown and Bottled

Grape unknown

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

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

About St. Supery

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

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

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

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

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.

Vintage Eve 8/2017: Sampling Khortytsa Platinum Vodka and Odessa VSOP Brandy

May 26, 2020 by evebushman

Not familiar with spirits from Ukraine? No worries, neither am I, which made it that much more delightful to receive not one but two different samples for review: a vodka and a brandy. My tasting notes on each are below, followed by some information on each. Below that you will find a martini I made using both, inspired by trying something new, and I call it the Khortytsa Meets Odessa Martini.

Khortytsa Platinum Vodka Tasting

Very clean aromas that reminded me of sliced Persian cucumber, a wisp of clove, black licorice and maybe even a bit of lime. The spirit alone on the palate presented flavors that called up memories of lime, vanilla bean, toasted marshmallow and licorice. Very nice. 89 Eve pts.

About Khortytsa Platinum Vodka

Ukraine’s famed Khortytsa (Hor-Ti-Tsa) Vodka is recognized as one of the world’s leading vodkas, but is still a relative newcomer to the American market, imported to the United States by Global Spirits USA.

Although new to the US market, the Khortytsa Distillery is well known globally. In fact, it was named among the world’s best distilleries at the 2014 New York International Spirits Competition (NYISC). Only 19 of the world’s leading distilleries were recognized with this high honor… It uses a local organic filter containing schungite (a unique natural mineral) which allows it to get as close as possible to the structure of natural water. The filtration process is further enhanced with special birch and alder-tree charcoal and quartz sand sourced near the famous Ural Mountains.

Odessa VSOP Brandy Tasting

Much easier to get aromas and flavors from a brandy over a vodka – as the latter is supposed to be clear and tasteless. The Odessa had aromas of orange peel, cream, sweet pears, caramel, milk chocolate covered macadamia nuts, honey and toasted almond – if you are a Good Humor ice cream fan this one is for you. On the palate – so smooth, with very little burn, I got the same sweet cream and nut qualities as on the nose, with a lingering honeyed finish. Wholly very pleasant. Would love over vanilla ice cream. 94 Eve pts.

About Odessa VSOP Brandy

Odessa is named after a major seaport in the Ukraine, known as the “pearl of the Black Sea,” which was founded in 1794 by a decree of the Empress Catherine the Great… The Shustov Distillery is considered one of Europe’s largest distilleries to use traditional Alembic Charentais copper pot stills, and has the biggest production capacity not only in the Ukraine and CIS countries, but also in Europe. It remains the oldest brandy distillery in the Ukraine and houses the country’s largest collection of oak barrels with over 60,000 barrels made from French, Hungarian and western Ukrainian oak.

Odessa is produced from spirits distilled from white grape varietals including Rkatsiteli, Aligoté and Pinot varieties…(and) is distilled using the traditional French “Charentais” – or double fractional distillation – in copper pot stills. The heart of the distillate is then carefully selected to be bottled and aged, enhancing the delicate and refined aroma that is the signature of its white grape varietals. The spirit then ages in oak barrels for at least five years.

Khortytsa Meets Odessa Martini

When I make a Martini it’s two parts the main spirit, typically gin or vodka, and ¼ part vermouth. When I want to switch things up I replace the vermouth with other spirits or liqueurs like Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur, Rhum Clement or Lillet Blanc, so it seemed a good mix to do the same here. It came out just as I expected, a vodka martini with just the right touch of toasted marshmallow and roasted macadamia nut – without the sweetness that other martinis can have if they were to add these ingredients.

Two parts Khortytsa Platinum vodka

¼ part Odessa VSOP Brandy

Pour over ice in martini shaker

Garnish with lemon slice

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

Discovering Mionetto Prestige Prosecco with the Wine-y Women

April 10, 2020 by evebushman

Was sent several bottles, minis and 750ml, of Mionetto Prosecco for review. As is my habit when I receive quite a few bottles at once I contact the Wine-y Women Unwind Meet-up group for sampling with me. The wines came with information on pricing and tasting notes. Will share the collective tasting notes from the group as well below.

From the Winery

Founded in 1887 by Francesco Mionetto in the small village of Valdobbiadene, Mionetto has an established reputation for quality, tradition and innovation. In the heart of the Prosecco region, Mionetto produces exceptional wines with consistent national and international acclaim.

Mionetto Extra Dry Organic

The Glera grapes for this wine are from a certified organic winery in the town of Vazzola in the hills of Treviso. The winery practices organic farming techniques and grows the grapes without synthetic chemicals and fertilizers. An explosion of green apple, pineapple and orange on the palate with a refreshing crispness from the delicate bubbles.

Group Notes: The color of pale hay. Aromas of apple, peach, toast, cheddar, mown grass and Starburst lime candy. In the mouth we got a mild acidity with lots of apple juice, peach, pear and some minerality. Most of the ladies that drink regularly chose this as their favorite.

Mionetto Prestige Brut ($14 750ml / $4 Mini 187ml)

Made from 100% Glera grapes from the province of Treviso, an area renowned for high quality Prosecco, this sparkling wine offers a luminous straw yellow hue and stylish mousse. The palate is marked by aromatic notes of honey and white peach. For the ever-lasting couple, you can’t beat this bottle of classic brut.

Group Notes: Light lemonade in color, with notes of peach syrup, pink grapefruit, bubble gum and wet stones. Flavors included lemon-lime hard candy, lemonade again and a little hint of cherry.

Mionetto Prestige Rosé Extra Dry ($14 750ml / $4 Mini 187ml)

This deeply luscious sparkling rosè is the result of soft pressing of red grapes. The wine offers a peach blossom luminosity, accompanied by a fine, lively perlage. This wine is known for its intense fragrances, like holding an edible bouquet of violets, raspberries, strawberries, and wildflowers.

Group Notes: Peachy salmon color, the group got Maraschino cherry, strawberry, Mandarin orange and lime on the nose followed by similar tastes on the mouth with the addition of dried cranberry and pomegranate. This was the crowd favorite.

Vintage Eve March 2017: The Rosé of Tannat, A First for Pulchella Winery

February 11, 2020 by evebushman

Well of course I coaxed local winemaker Steve Lemley from Pulchella Winery into letting me taste their – co-winemaker Nate Hasper definitely had his hand on this one – first ever 100% ROSE OF TANNAT that had YET TO BE RELEASED just so I could get your taste buds watering. It may be in bottle, it may even be in the tasting room before their ever-popular Viognier runs out, so pay attention:

Pulchella Rosé of Tannat

Bella Collina Vineyard, Adelaide District, Paso Robles

Bottled by Pulchella Winery, Santa Clarita

15.5% alcohol

The back label reads:

Some may question her nature, but are ultimately seduced by attraction. Away from the pack she moves, forging a new path.

Now, that’s a hell of a teaser. Time to taste!

Tasting

Compared to the color of the bright spring tulips I placed the wine bottle next to, I’d have to begin by saying the wine was the color of ripe strawberries with a touch of red peach fuzz. And while some Rosé wine can go anywhere from pale peach to pink, when I see one this deeper color, a rarity, I know I’m in for a treat.

Of the aroma, which I conferred with my husband on, we got raspberry, strawberry, peach and something that reminded me of rain-washed pavement.

The taste would be a favorite among Francophiles with mild acidity and delicate fruit that included that strawberry, of course, as well as the same raspberry we found on the nose, stewed red fruits, white pepper and mineral elements.

As we thoughtfully sipped the wine, on our front porch one of those hot evenings we enjoyed this past March, we thought how the colors of one of those red glowing sunsets would compare with our wine. We also thought, as we grew hungry for dinner, how nice the wine would pair with hard cheeses or a Margherita Pizza topped with fresh tomato sauce and buffalo mozzarella cheese.

Current Releases

As this wine may not be available in a widespread release right away this is what is currently available:

2013 Racket

Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat

Adelaida District, Paso Robles

2013 Red, White and Blue

Field Blend/ Co-Fermented.

El Pomar District, Paso Robles

2014 Awakening

Tannat, Petite Sirah

Paso Robles.

2014 Block 6 Reserve

100% Syrah

La Vista Vineyard, Adelaida District, Paso Robles

(Club members only)

2015 City Slicker

Zinfandel, Petite Sirah

Paso Robles

2015 Decorus

100% Syrah

Pipestone Vineyard, Willow Creek District, Paso Robles

2015 Mercenary

100% Zinfandel

Paso Robles

2016 Drifter

100% Viognier

Terra Mia Vineyard, Willow Creek District, Paso Robles

Of their 2016 vintages the winemakers said, “The #2016vintage is beautiful: heavily extracted, intense and well structured. We are stoked to show these wines off next year! #WorthTheWait”

The Tasting Room is located at 24261 Main Street, Newhall (old downtown historical district), 91321. They are open Thursday through Saturday from 5pm to 10pm and Sundays 12pm to 5pm. Tasting is free for members! Hours sometimes vary, they are closed on major holidays, so keep an eye on their social media for updates or call them at 661-799-WINE. You can bring in your own food or order from nearby restaurants, there is no kitchen at the tasting room. (Reserve as spot on their patio or in the bar if you have a large party of 8 or more, or want to book a private event.)

https://www.facebook.com/pulchellaWinery/

https://www.instagram.com/pulchellawinery/

http://www.pulchellawinery.com/

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

Volcanic Wines International Concludes Successful Second Annual ‘International Volcanic Wine Conference’

August 4, 2019 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Volcanic Wines International (http://www.volcanicwinesinternational.com) held its second annual ‘International Volcanic Wines Conference (IVWC)’ on June 5th, 2019 at the Stewart Hotel in New York City. Hosted by John Szabo, Master Sommelier and award-winning author, the event followed the success of the first International Volcanic Wine Conference in March 2018 and Szabo’s definitive book on the subject, ‘Volcanic Wines: Salt, Grit and Power,’ published in 2016. Exclusively for qualified wine trade and media, over 250 industry professionals attended the event.

“This year’s conference really focused on the educational side of the subject. The opening session in particular, an exploration of the chemistry of perceived and measurable minerality, really captured the attention of attendees, said John Szabo MS. “The Soave workshop explored aspects of viticulture; the Vesuvius workshop dug deep into history and archeology, while the vertical tasting of Galardi explored the ageability of volcanic wines – all critical aspects of the category. And of course, there were hundreds of exceptional wines to taste and compare and contrast. “It’s very satisfying to see how the volcanic wine movement — and the annual conference— continue to gain traction and attract interest.”

The IVWC began with an opening presentation hosted by John Szabo and Benoît Marsan Ph.D., Chemistry Professor at the Université du Québec in Montréal and Wine Chemistry Specialist. Szabo and Marsan presented the results of their joint research study related to minerality, exploring the presence of succinic acid in volcanic wines and its influence on perceived saltiness. Throughout the afternoon, members of the wine trade and press participated in additional unique workshops highlighting different volcanic wine regions, as well as a walk-around tasting.

“It was a terrific opportunity to take a deep dive into the complex interaction between vines and volcanic soils, both through tasting and talking with vintners from around the world,” said Tara Q. Thomas, Executive Editor of Wine & Spirits Magazine, the media partner for the event. “The session with Professor Marsan, who gave a crash course in inorganic chemistry, was an extra bonus, offering us a deeper understanding of the many ways soil chemistry can affect what we taste in our glasses.”

Regional seminars included “Earth, Ash and Fire: Three Decades of Galardi from the Roccamonfina Volcano,” sponsored by The Winebow Group; “Soave, A Volcanic Agricultural Heritage,” sponsored by the Consorzio Tutela Vino Soave; and “Vesuvius Lacryma Christi Stories,” sponsored by the Vesuvio DOP Consorzio Tutela Vini. During the tasting workshops, winemakers and experts from these regions delved deeply into the factors that makes these volcanic wines special.

Volcanic Wines International continues its mission of exploring the defining characteristics of volcanic wines. The conference acted as a catalyst for the volcanic wine community, bringing together producers from all over the world and raising the profile of volcanic wines, defined as a unique category of wines produced under some of the most extreme viticultural conditions on the planet. During the conference, guests were able to sample wines from over 60 wineries and 23 volcanic wine regions, and engage with some of the world’s leading volcanic wine experts during workshops.

“It was a great event, offering insight into the world of volcanic wines,” said Tara Empson, CEO of Empson USA, which showed wines from Soave producer Tenuta Corte Giacobbe Dal Cero. “The seminars tied together the many factors that help shape and characterize these remarkable wines. The grand tasting was diverse, as there were volcanic wines from many parts of the world, which helped attendees understand the similarities and differences of these wines.”

For more information and the latest updates, visit Volcanic Wines International’s official website http://www.volcanicwinesinternational.com, and follow VWI’s Facebook (Volcanic Wines International) and Instagram (@volcanicwines_intl) pages.

About Volcanic Wines International (VWI)
The mission of Volcanic Wines International is to take the leading role in defining and establishing a Volcanic Wine Movement, and to provide educational and promotional opportunities for volcanic wine producers internationally. Volcanic Wines International also plans to establish the volcanic wine brand as a premium category of high quality wines with a true sense of place.

About John Szabo
John Szabo is a Toronto-based author and wine critic, and in 2004 was the first Canadian to add the Master Sommelier credential to his name. He was named ‘Canada’s best-known sommelier’ in Meininger’s Wine Business International, and he is a partner and a wine critic for WineAlign.com and freelances widely. In addition to Volcanic Wines, Salt, Grit and Power, his book titles include Pairing Food and Wine for Dummies and Sommelier Management. John also works as a restaurant consultant, and speaks and judges internationally, when he’s not making a few dozen bottles of wine from his vineyard in Eger, Hungary.