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Madera Wines Are Winners!

August 14, 2022 by evebushman

MADERA, CA  — Each summer season the California wine world is abuzz with news from the prestigious Sunset International Wine Competition. More than 2,900 vintages vie for the annual accolades, and this year, two of Madera County’s most beloved wineries took home Double Gold!

To earn a Double Gold medal, the judges must award a score higher than 95 points. This is no easy feat amongst the distinguished applicants in this year’s field. Excitingly, San Joaquin Winery’s 2021 Toschi Vineyards Red Moscato did exactly that, earning the winery its highest award to date. In addition, Westbrook Wine Farm, located in the Sierra foothill hamlet of O’Neals, also took home Double Gold and Best of Class for the Westbrook Wine Farm NV Malmsey Dearest.

“To have a wine receive a medal here is no small achievement,” stated Debra DelFiorentino, CEO / Executive Director of the Sunset International Wine Competition. “Our competition is one of the most respected, recognized for consistently identifying the best wines produced internationally. This contest again drew top-level wines, and our hand-picked, top-quality judges determined which wines stood out as worthy of accolades.”

In addition to their first Double Gold Medal, San Joaquin Winery also earned silver medals for their Moody Press Cellars Brut Blanc de Blanc and Toschi Vineyards Family Blend at the 2022 Sunset International Wine Competition. Furthermore, the winery earned silver medals and 91 points each for the 2021 Toschi Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, 2020 Moody Press Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2019 Toschi Vineyards Pinot Noir at the California State Fair.

“We are very proud and excited to receive our latest medals, especially the Double Gold for our Toschi Vineyards Red Moscato. The Moscato grapes come from our locally farmed vineyard, which we carefully evaluate for quality from bud break to harvest,” San Joaquin Winery, Winemaker Miguel Sanchez, shared. “The hours spent monitoring this vineyard have definitely paid off! We hope you will stop by our tasting room, open seven days a week, and try these latest award-winning wines.”

Westbrook Wine Farm winemaker Ray Krause, gives thanks to his clientele (the ultimate judges) for their continued support. Westbrook Wine Farm is open for wine tasting by appointment only. Cheers!
 

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About Visit Yosemite | Madera County

Formed in 1985, Visit Yosemite | Madera County’s mission is to draw the millions of Yosemite National Park visitors to its gateway’s many businesses and attractions. We invite visitors to take a journey from the Fossil Discovery Center to the Madera Wine Trail and onward into the High Sierra. Discover incredible dining, talented tradespersons, four seasons of water sports at Bass Lake, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, and mighty adventures right up to the massive Giant Sequoia trees. Madera County is the gateway to so much more.

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: best of class, cabernet sauvignon, California, double gold, harvest, madera, medal, moscato, Pinot Noir, red wine, Sauvignon Blanc, silver medal, sunset magazine, tasting room, vineyard, vintage, wine competition, winery

Today: Grand Opening of Maria Concetto Winery Tasting Room in Calistoga

August 6, 2022 by evebushman

MARIA CONCETTO WINERY OPENS NEW TASTING ROOM IN DOWNTOWN CALISTOGA

Grand Opening Celebrations – Wine, Food and Live Music by Ke Marie on Saturday, August 6th, 2022

NAPA VALLEY, California – The new Maria Concetto Winery has opened a tasting room in beautiful downtown Calistoga in the Napa Valley and is officially welcoming guests. Located at 1367 Lincoln Avenue, the Maria Concetto Winery tasting room is ideally situated between Napa Valley and Sonoma County, less than an hour’s drive from San Francisco and Oakland. The winery offers an elegant, upscale chic aesthetic that reflects the style and vibrancy of the wines being produced by Maria Reznikova, owner and wine entrepreneur. The tasting room is open to the public by-appointment, with seated tastings available between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. Walk-ins are always welcome. 

“We are excited to be putting down roots in this sensational community,” says Reznikova. “Not only is Calistoga one of the premier wine destinations, but it is also a lovely place for guests to relax and enjoy the charming environment as they explore our world-class wines. With our portfolio of wines focusing on Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties, we offer a variety of wines for most every level of wine consumer. I love Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s one of our flagship wines; however, Moscato has become fashionable and is in high demand at our new tasting room too. I believe Calistoga is the ideal place to experience our vibrant style of winemaking, which emphasizes lush fruit, bright acidity and impeccably balanced oak.” 

The new tasting room features beautifully appointed interiors for sit-down tastings, including a VIP area and a welcoming wine bar, as well as an all-season patio for outdoor tastings. Adding to its allure, the tasting room is close to vineyards, public bike and hiking trails, and is a short distance from desirable accommodations, restaurants and other acclaimed tasting rooms. In addition to the unveiling of Maria Concetto Winery’s new home, there are other noteworthy destinations nearby, including the highly anticipated Four Seasons Resort and Residences and Solage, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection.
Maria Concetto Winery is dedicated to producing wines of integrity from Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Mendocino County.

It was founded in 2020 with a focus on sourcing and producing the region’s best expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Bordeaux style reds, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Rosé of Pinot Noir and Moscato from Northern California’s top appellations. The portfolio will soon add Sauvignon Blanc and Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine.

The Maria Concetto Winery tasting room is open to guests who are 21 or over. Reservations are recommended but not required. www.mariaconcettowinery.com
PHONE:(707) 860-5774 | EMAIL: maria@mariaconcettowinery.com | ADDRESS: 1367 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga CA 94515 | Walk-ins Welcome.

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: blanc, Bordeaux, cabernet sauvignon, California, calistoga, Chardonnay, mendocino, moscato, Napa Valley, Pinot Noir, Rose, san francisco, Sauvignon Blanc, sonoma county, Sparkling wine, tasting room, vineyard, wine bar, winery, Zinfandel

New Wines for the Jewish New Year

September 2, 2021 by evebushman

Bayonne, NJ – There’s little time to catch your breath between summer and the High Holiday season this year. With Labor Day and Rosh Hashana sharing the same date on the calendar, it’s not too soon to start thinking about festive meals, gatherings with loved ones, and other traditions that go hand-in-hand with the fall Jewish holidays.

Fortunately, we’ve had another exceptional year for kosher wine production. That means there’s an excellent selection of exciting releases to choose from – and one less thing to worry about. They’re ready to serve now, so whether you’re planning to host a crowd or be a guest, you’re sure to find something deliciously suitable for the holiday table.

Wine expert Gabriel Geller, Director of PR and Manager of Wine Education for Kedem/Royal Wine, has recommendations for wines that offer quality and value across all price points.

Herzog Wine Cellars celebrates the new Jewish year with its first release of the Herzog Limited Edition Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2020 (MSRP: $60). This rich and complex white wine is the result of careful harvest planning and skillful winemaking, led by Head Winemaker Joe Hurliman. The 2020 harvest in California was marked by some of the worst wildfires the Golden State has ever known. However, thanks to Divine Providence the harvest for the Chalk Hill Chardonnay took place before the fires, and yielded fruit of the highest quality.

Geller is also enthusiastic about Herzog Special Reserve Méthode Champenoise Russian River NV (MSRP $60), Herzog’s first-ever high-end Champagne method sparkling wine, is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes grown in Sonoma’s Russian River area.

He also points to Château Malartic Lagravière Blanc 2019 (MSRP $100), the first kosher cuvée release by the Bordeaux estate. Malartic received elite Grand Cru Classé status for both its red and white wines in the 1959 Classification of Vins de Graves. Now owned by the Bonnie family, Malartic has produced several kosher cuvées of its red Grand Vin in collaboration with Royal Wine since 2003. Its sister property, Château Gazin Rocquencourt, started making kosher runs in 2015.

Another exciting release is Razi’el Syrah-Carignan 2018 (MSRP $65), says Geller. Razi’el wines scored 97 points by acclaimed wine critic James Suckling – the highest rating ever for Israeli wines. Meanwhile, Europe’s first fully kosher winery, Terra di Seta in Italy, received an unprecedented 97 points and a platinum medal from Decanter magazine for the Terra di Seta Chianti Classico Riserva 2016 (MSRP $35).

While many of this year’s newcomers are produced by classic, old-world methods, some intriguing surprises are in the mix. They include Nana Estate wines (MSRP $30-$50), grown and produced in Israel’s scorching, nutrient-poor Negev Desert. Nana earned widespread buzz even before their wines were available in the U.S.; with their innovative viticulture techniques, they’ve not only beaten the odds, but they’ve crafted a collection of distinctive and popular kosher wines.

Baron Herzog, the entry-level line of value wines from Herzog Wine Cellars retailing between $10-13, are now available with fresh, new labels. Baron Herzog wines were first launched in 1986, following the winery’s establishment in California in 1985. The elegant and classy packaging further emphasizes the care and attention the Herzog family crafts each and every wine they produce from top to bottom.  The Baron Herzog line includes an award-winning Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, a Rosé, White Zinfandel, Pinot Grigio, Old Vines Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a red blend called Aleph. Several of the wines are grown in the Herzog’s estate Prince Vineyard in Clarksburg CA, as well as from Paso Robles AVA.

Then there’s Bartenura Froscato cocktail pops (MSRP $25 per package of 12). Bartenura is no stranger to bending the rules. After introducing the wildly popular Moscato in blue cans last year, the Italian kosher producer has now released refreshing Moscato frozen wine cocktail pops. Perfect for the warmer high holiday season. 

About Royal Wine/Kedem

Founded in 1848, Royal Wine Corp. is owned and operated in the United States by the Herzog family, whose winemaking roots go back eight generations to its origin in Czechoslovakia.

Today, Royal Wine’s portfolio of domestic and international wines range from traditional wine producing regions of France, Italy and Spain, as well as Israel, New Zealand and Argentina.

Additionally, Royal Wine Corp.’s spirit and liqueur portfolio offers some of the most sought-after scotches, bourbons, tequilas and vodkas as well as hard to find specialty items such as flavored brandies and liqueurs.

The company owns and operates the Kedem Winery in upstate New York, as well as Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard, California, a state-of-the-art-facility featuring guided wine tours, a fully staffed modern tasting room, gift shop and catering facilities. Additionally, the winery houses the award-winning restaurant Tierra Sur, serving the finest, Mediterranean-inspired, contemporary Californian Cuisine. Follow Royal Wine Corp at @royalwinecorp and on FB https://www.facebook.com/RoyalWineCorp

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: argentina, Bordeaux, brandy, cabernet sauvignon, California, canned wine, carignane, cellar, champenoise, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, chianti classico, critic, cuvee, decanter, France, fruit, grand cru, harvest, israel, Italy, james suckling, kosher, liqueur, medal, Merlot, moscato, New Zealand, old world, Paso Robles, Pinot Grigio, platinum, points, Rose, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma, spain, Sparkling wine, Syrah, u.s., wine education, winemaker, winemaking, Zinfandel

Vera Wang Debuts Prosecco

July 11, 2021 by evebushman

NEW YORK, /PRNewswire/ — Vera Wang is proud to announce PARTY, a premium Italian prosecco made for celebrating life’s moments, big and small!

 

Photo from: Ravitz ShopRite Wines & Spirits

PARTY embodies the Bright, FUN and Fashion-Forward side of the globally renowned Designer and Style Icon…with the same bold spirit that transformed fashion by reimagining the bridal space, Vera Wang is now turning her creativity and passion for design toward how — and what — we celebrate.

“First and foremost, I am a Designer, but I am also an entrepreneur and brand builder. I’ve dedicated my entire life to designing how people celebrate, and not just their weddings – from what they wear to how they entertain, from their tableaus and tablescapes, to how they live at home – and now, what they drink! PARTY is a natural extension of what I already do,” says Vera Wang. “Why prosecco? CELEBRATION! When I think of romance, fun, laughter, joy, friendship, I think of prosecco, it is the wine that personifies emotion and sheer happiness.”

Vera Wang’s attention to detail has shaped every step of PARTY from grape to bottle. Designed to look chic on any table, the bottle is a sleek matte silver with “PARTY” in bold neon yellow letters exuding a modern, easy sensibility. The back of the bottle features an invitation to PARTY from Vera.

“This project involved input from my friends, family, even clients. A sort of family affair!”

To craft the prosecco Vera Wang looked to find a winemaker with both heritage and pedigree. She turned to the top winemaking region Piemonte, known for its sparkling wines, and to Araldica, producer of the best-selling Moscato in America. Led by second-generation winemaker Claudio Manera, it is one of Italy’s fastest-growing producers and most forward-thinking winemaking co-operative. Manera continues his father’s commitment to Italy’s winemaking traditions, preserving local varieties, protecting the environment and valuing the characteristics of each wine.

“At Araldica we celebrate our roots, land and people, balancing our drive for innovation with respect to tradition,” explains Manera. “Vera Wang has our same philosophy, making this collaboration organic for us. This wine speaks to her fresh perspective, taste, passion and dedication to crafting a premium prosecco.”

Retailed at $25, Vera Wang PARTY is crafted from 100% Glera grapes and boasts aromas of apple and stone fruit, citrus notes and fresh acidity on the palate, with a soft and fruity finish. This new prosecco offers a fresh perspective in the sparkling wine category with its crisp effervescence, coupled with a bold aesthetic and playful voice. Vera Wang PARTY is currently available, and consumers are encouraged to visit VeraWangParty.com for more information on the wine or where to purchase it.

As society reimagines what it looks like to gather, Vera Wang’s PARTY reimagines what it looks like to celebrate. It’s what we could all use right now – a little bit of fun, a little bit of joy, and a new way to commemorate life’s meaningful moments.

ABOUT VERA WANG: A native New Yorker who spent her career at the forefront of fashion, Vera Wang began a sweeping makeover of the bridal industry in 1990 with the opening of her flagship salon at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City. Today, the flagship continues to showcase collections known for sophistication, extraordinary detailing and a cool, modern sensibility.

In 2000, Vera Wang’s enthusiasm for couture resulted in the launch of her highly acclaimed ready-to-wear collection. The Council of Fashion Designers of America honored Vera Wang by naming her “Womenswear Designer of the Year” in 2005. Wang has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades but most notably she was awarded the prestigious Legion of Honor, an order of distinction by the Republic of France. The Vera Wang brand reflects her vision to create a lifestyle that goes beyond core bridal and ready-to-wear, and into publishing, fragrance, beauty, accessories and home. Driven by artistic, modern, luxurious design and a high level of customer service, Vera Wang’s collections hold impeccable customer appeal.

Vera Wang collaborates with leading global partners and manufactures the majority of its bridal collection in company-owned workrooms in the United States. www.verawang.com.

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: acidity, aroma, finish, flavor, glera, Italy, moscato, New York, palate, prosecco, Sparkling wine, winemaker

New Ménage à Trois Sweet Collection Captivates With Sweet Semi-Sparkling California Blends

March 27, 2021 by evebushman

ST. HELENA, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Ménage à Trois – the wine brand widely credited with creating the wildly popular $10 California Red Blend category – has recently announced the Sweet Collection, a new lineup of sweet, semi-sparkling California wines. The collection – launching with Dolce Sweet Red Blend and Moscato Sweet White Blend – is the first new line from the brand since the sparkling collection debuted in 2014. These 9.5 percent ABV wines inspired by consumer desire are now available nationwide for $15 SRP.

 

“As longtime leaders in the Red Blend space, we pride ourselves on understanding the category’s consumer,” said Mark Dunlea, vice president, marketing for Ménage à Trois wines. “Our research has confirmed what we’ve long believed – consumers are looking for occasions to indulge and treat themselves. The Ménage à Trois Sweet Collection overdelivers on that market need as a uniquely sweet, semi-sparkling California wine. This new tier further emboldens our Ménage à Trois portfolio, which has proudly been recognized for releasing the No. 1 new wine item for six consecutive years1.”

Consumer support for the collection was validated with research showing strong interest in a sweeter offering from the famously indulgent wine brand. Both collection offerings emphatically invite new and existing Ménage à Trois fans to experience the sweet life. Ménage à Trois Dolce is a decadently sweet Red Blend that’s brimming with a wealth of dark blackberry and raspberry flavors, accented by warm notes of cherry vanilla. Ménage à Trois Moscato is crafted with premium grapes ripened in the California sun. The satisfyingly sweet White Blend is bursting with ripe peach and bright tropical fruit flavors that lead to a refreshing finish.

The lineup’s launch sees support from “Sweet Utopia” – a vibrant and energizing campaign reflective of a younger and more diverse audience. This creative campaign depicting a captivating wine experience will garner 35 million digital impressions within its first six months, complementing the more than 200 million impressions that the brand’s TV campaign secured during the holiday season.

Ménage à Trois’ 25-year legacy of leadership ensues with the all-new Sweet Collection – the latest line of thrilling blends carefully crafted to join the ranks of Silk, Midnight, Decadence, Gold, Limelight and the original Red Blend that started it all.

About Ménage à Trois

Since 1996, Ménage à Trois has thrilled wine fans with its unapologetically bold persona and an equally adventurous approach to flavor. Founded by two psychiatrists-turned-wine-aficionados in St. Helena, California, Ménage à Trois launched 25 years ago with two blends—one of which was a convention-shattering blend of three red varietals. In a pace-setting move that would spark a national phenomenon, Ménage à Trois fused Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon—long before blends were a trend in the U.S.—ultimately cementing the brand’s iconic status as the catalyst behind today’s wildly popular Red Blend category. Ménage à Trois wines are wholly owned and operated by Trinchero Family Estates, family-owned Napa Valley vintners since 1948. Please visit www.MenageaTroiswines.com to learn more.

Social Media Handles
Facebook: @MenageaTroisWines
Instagram: @MenageaTroisWines
Twitter: @MenageaTrois

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: abv, blend, California, finish, flavor, fruit, grapes, moscato, Sparkling wine, st. helena, sweet, white wine

Gemma di Luna Earns Top Honors From The Women’s Choice Award

December 21, 2020 by evebushman

AVENTURA, Fla./PRNewswire/ — Enovation Brands, Inc. is proud to announce Gemma di Luna has received the Women’s Choice Award establishing the brand as top in its category for exceptional consumer recommendation ratings as a wine that 9 out of 10 women would recommend to friends and family.

 

The Women’s Choice Award is the only award based solely on the recommendations of women, the most powerful consumer. The mission of the award is to empower women via a collective voice which identifies brands, products and services that deserve their loyalty and referrals. To earn the 9 out of 10 Recommended award Gemma di Luna was required to satisfy a two-step qualification process to achieve a greater than 85% recommendation rating in both a national survey of the brands female consumers and with a live taste testing panel.

Recommendation ratings are the pinnacle for determining true brand loyalty and love, with peer recommendations being one of the key criteria consumers say influence their choices in wine. The award enables Gemma di Luna to display the Women’s Choice 9 out of 10 Recommended Seal in the brands marketing communications. When choosing between two brands at a similar price, 95% of women say that seeing the Women’s Choice Award seal would make their purchase decision easier, which gives Gemma di Luna a powerful differentiator to stand out in the the cluttered wine marketplace. Gemma di Luna will communicate the award via special packaging, digital outreach and point of sale materials.

“We are honored to be recognized by the Women’s Choice Award,” said Giovanni Pecora, CEO of Enovation Brands. “In conceiving Gemma di Luna, we sought to bring together everything women want in wine; beloved varietals, carefully crafted and presented in beautiful packaging to infuse a bit of luxury into every day moments. This endorsement confirms we have no only achieved that goal, but also earned the trust and loyalty of our valued consumers.”

Gemma di Luna is available nationwide in Sparkling Moscato, Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie and Prosecco DOC varieties, ranging from an SRP of $14.99 – $15.99 for 750ml, as well as a 187ml single serve Sparkling Moscato at an SRP of $5.49.

About Gemma di Luna
Gemma di Luna presents the Italian Luxury Collection, a selection of wines meticulously crafted to elevate Italy’s most loved varieties from the ordinary to the extraordinary and turn everyday experiences into moments of luxury. With a soft pop of color and the sparkle of precious jewels, the bottles are as charmingly beautiful as the wine they hold, making Gemma di Luna perfect for gift giving, weddings, special occasions or simply as an everyday treat. For more info visit gemmadiluna.com.

About Enovation Brands, Inc.
Enovation Brands, Inc. is the U.S. importer of Gemma di Luna, Living Coral, VOGA Italia, Luna Di Luna, Ca’ Montini, Alberto Nani, Vegania and other Enoitalia SpA brands. Headquartered in Aventura, FL, Enovation Brands is dedicated to delivering consistently superb products in distinctive packaging at an exceptional value. For more info visit enovationbrands.com.

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: award, florida, moscato, Pinot Grigio, prosecco, Sparkling wine, varietal

Vintage Eve 3/2017: Idaho Wine Country and the Wine-Y Women

February 4, 2020 by evebushman

I studied just a half page on the wines of Idaho when I was preparing to be tested (and pass) my American Wine Specialist® Certification course last year. Frankly, I was pretty intrigued by all of the U.S. states that found a way to make wine that fit their location, climate and soil conditions.

But I  didn’t expect to receive an entire case of wine from Idaho to taste and review. To do that, in a timely manner, I called in the “Big Guns” to help me: The Wine-y Women Unwind meet-up group led by Kathy Lockhart. Within three hours of her announcement, of a guided tasting and lesson for free (the wine was free, so it wouldn’t be right to charge for the tasting) our class was booked. The only thing we asked the 20 ladies in attendance to do was to bring a dish to share, and be prepared to take notes on aroma and flavor, with some help from me, so I could write up this article as a “collective tasting.” 

Idaho Tasting Notes

(The first three or so descriptors in both aroma and flavor are mine, additional descriptors are notes from the Winey Women, overall favorites also noted.)

  1. Cinder Small Lot Series Sauvignon Blanc, 2014

Aromas: Dried pineapple, honeydew melon, apricot, peach, Meyer lemon, green Granny Smith apple, grapefruit, pear, pepper, stone.

Flavors: The same flavors we found in the aromas also presented in the palate as well as black and white pepper and oak.

 

  1. Fujishin Family Cellars Reserve Viognier, 2015

Aromas: Fruit cocktail, pear, tangerine, apple, floral, vanilla, strawberry, kiwi, passion fruit, almond, eucalyptus and lychee.

Flavors: Lavender, same fruit again as we found on the nose, as well as lavender, lemon, and cloves, with a back palate that was slightly bitter and earthy.

 

  1. Hat Ranch Winery Dry Moscato, 2015

Aromas: Honeysuckle, Meyer lemon, kiwi, orange, tropical fruit, melon, lavender soap, grapefruit, cinnamon, yeast.

Flavors: Lemon twist, limeade, grapefruit, shorter finish.

 

  1. Clearwater Canyon Cellars Estate Syrah, 2014 (Favorite #1)

Aromas: Blue to black fruit, raspberry, milk and dark chocolate, black pepper, dark cherry, prune, cigar, oak.

Flavors: Spicy, jam on toast, cherry, plum, coffee, raisins, chocolate, cedar, black pepper, juniper, ginger.

 

  1. Crossings Winery Cabernet Franc, 2012

Aromas: Pinot Noir like, with tart cherry, teriyaki beef jerky, smoke, marshmallow, prune.

Flavors: Tart bright cherries, strawberry, spice, meaty, slightly sweet, leather, pepper, oak.

 

  1. Sawtooth Estate Winery Trout Trilogy Carmenere, 2013

Aromas: Luxardo cherry, mint, plum, vanilla, white pepper, blackberry, black cherry, raisin, cinnamon, artichoke, leather, earth.

Flavors: Big, spicy, red fruit, plum, blackberry, spice, vanilla, pepper, cedar, earthy, dry.

 

  1. Bitner Vineyards Tempranillo, 2013 (Favorite #2)

Aromas: Chocolate covered cherries, blackberry, raisin, rose petals, perfumy, oak.

Flavors: Bright to dusty fruit, spice, cherry, cloves, cardamom, dried fruit, long finish.

 

  1. Huston Vineyards Malbec, 2014

Aromas: Tobacco, black licorice, dried blueberry, blackberry, fig, suede, mushroom, wet earth.

Flavors: Lingering blueberry, blackberry, black pepper, jam, chocolate, leather, wet earth, woody, licorice, tannic.

 

  1. Ste. Chapelle Panoramic Series Petit Verdot, 2012

Aromas: Dusty chocolate, blueberry, black cherry, white pepper, plum, prune, toasted marshmallow, black currant, spice, cream, oak, violet, mint.

Flavors: Dry fruit, raspberry, raisin, plum, black currant, cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate, vanilla, pepper, almond, marshmallow, tannic.

 

  1. Williamson Orchards & Vineyards Sangiovese, 2012

Aromas: Raspberry, cherry, fig, vanilla, tobacco leaves, cinnamon, caramel, rosemary, fig, sweet.

Flavors: Dried fruit, red currant, spicy, pepper, musty, earthy, sweet tobacco, nutmeg cinnamon, perfumy, nuts, mint, dry.

 

  1. Indian Creek White Riesling, 2015

Aromas: Pears in syrup, pineapple, orange blossom, tropical fruit, peach, apricot, lime, ginger, hibiscus, white pepper, honey, rose petals, steely and wet stones.

Flavors: Lemon hard candy, kiwi, pineapple, pear, honey, syrup, sweet strawberry, orange, almond.

 

  1. Koenig Vineyards Botrytis Single Berry Select Late Harvest Riesling, 2014 (Favorite #3)

Aromas: Apricot, sweet pink grapefruit, pear, mango, passion fruit, honey, floral, vanilla.

Flavors: Viscous, peach, pear, apricot, orange, marmalade, caramel, jam, freshly cut hay.

 

From The Idaho Wine Commission

Rich, fertile volcanic soils. Abundant sun and water. High-elevation vineyards. An ideal climate, with winter dormancy and a warm growing season. Idaho wineries benefit from all of these natural advantages and more. Simply put, Idaho is a great place to make wine.

Oregon and Washington welcomed Idaho to the Northwest wine party in 2007, when the Snake River Valley became Idaho’s first American Viticultural Area. Idaho winemakers have a blank slate, in an absolutely gorgeous corner of the Northwest, that’s more affordable than other territories. Idaho is like Oregon was 20 years ago: as-yet undiscovered and finding its way. The market isn’t crowded, and it’s delightfully unrestrained by convention.

This leaves Idaho winemakers free to focus on their own private journey and simply make the best wine they can without worrying about it having to meet a particular flavor profile. They can make obscure varieties of wine that people will take to fast if done well.

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.

Filed Under: Eve Bushman Tagged With: american, aroma, Cabernet Franc, Carmenere, climate, flavor, idaho, Malbec, moscato, petit verdot, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, soil, Syrah, tasting notes, Tempranillo, vineyards, vintage, Viognier, Wine tasting, wine-y women, winemakers

Did Eve Get an Education and Tasting from the Simply Italian Great Wines Tour 2019?

November 8, 2019 by evebushman

Once again I sat in traffic, this time to and from the Melrose area from Santa Clarita, for the sake of wine education and tasting. Why do I do this? I usually enjoy it and want to share information with you lovely readers. (Starting to re-think all of these events due to the driving. Asking now: would you prefer I just wax poetic with commentary and wine reviews? Email me with your opinion: Eve@EveWine101.com)

Italian Sparkling class

Now, to get back to the current task at hand, the Simply Italian event had no less than five classes offered every hour starting at 10 am. I missed the first and last, missed the walk around tasting completely but attended three educational seminars that included tastings: the sparkling wines from Friuli, wines from Franciacorta and then one on Asti, Asti Secco and Moscato d’Asti wines.

Sparkling Wines from Friuli

The Friuli Grave DOC is in the northeastern area of Italy, founded in 1972, with approximately 5,000 acres of pebbly stone soil terroir. It is the largest DOC in the region, 90% of the vineyards are on plains, 70% of the vines are white grape varietals and they have low yields. We tasted: La Delizia Spumante Cuvee Brut, “Jader”, Tenuta Bosco Albano Spumante Ribolla Gialla Brut Nature, Piera 1899 Spumante Ribolla Gialla Brut “Onedis”, Antonutti Spumante Rose Extra Dry, Albino Armani Pinot Grigio 2018 DOC Friuli Grave, I Magredi Pinot Grigio 2018 DOC Friuli Grave, Vistorta – Conte Brandolini Pinot Grigio 2018 DOC Friuli Grave, Tenute Tomasella Friulano 2013 “Le Bastie” DOC Friuli Grave and Fossa Mata Sauvignon 2018 DOC Friuli Grave. All had lovely fresh fruit to bruised fruit aromas, apple to apple cider, some spice, cream, minerality and/or balance. My favorites that I would definitely purchase if I found on a wine list or in a shop would be the Spumante Rose Extra Dry from Antonutti, Pinot Grigio 2018 DOC Friuli Grave from Albino Armani and the Friulano 2013 DOC Friuli Grave from Tenute Tomasella.

Wines of Franciacorta

Managing Director/Sales Director Riccardo Ricci Curbastro lectured on the Federdoc – which is the National Confederation of Voluntary Consortia for the Protection of the Designations of the Italian Wines that was established in 1979. We saw the former and new pyramid of Italian wines, labels, numbers and Designation of Origin (DOC) areas.

If this information is of interest to you read more here. Of the wines, I was very pleased to enjoy them all and look forward to having them again: NV DOCG Brut, NV DOCG Rose Brut, 2013 Curtefranca DOC Rosso Vigna Santella del Grom (a blend of Cabernet Franc, Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Barbera), 2011 Sebino IGT Pinot Nero (100% Pinot Noir – the grapes arrived in 1967 – that had intense black fruit and spice with an earthy long finish) and 2016 Rontana – Sangiovese Colli di Faenza DOC.

Asti, Moscato D’Asti and Moscato

Never been a sweet wine fan other than the honey-ed sauternes from Bordeaux, and, betting like other winos, turned up my nose to Moscato. After this lesson and tasting, I’ve had second thoughts. We learned about the Enjoy European Quality (EEQ) which was founded in 1932 and their project to promote Italian wines, salami and cheese. Their catchy motto is Pour it, Slice it, Cut it.

(If you want to learn more check out their website.) Now if they had brought the cheese and salami to my table somehow I would’ve loved it, suffice it to say, I enjoyed the Pour It on this day. We were told that the wines all had a lower alcohol content – which is great for food pairing – with floral, lime and rarer sage notes. We tasted through: 2017 “Bric Prima Bella” Asti DOCG Extra Dry, 2014 Asti DOCG Dolce Millesimato, 2018 Valamasca Moscato D’Asti DOCG, 2018 Moscato D’Asti DOCG and 2018 Abbazia Moscato D’Asti DOCG.

www.ieemusa.com 

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

Filed Under: Eve Bushman Tagged With: barbera, brut, Cabernet Franc, cabernet sauvignon, Carmenere, doc, eve bushman, Italy, los angeles, Merlot, moscato, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Sparkling wine, wine education, Wine tasting

Vintage Eve Circa 3/15: Several Firsts at Celestino Ristorante & Bar

May 8, 2018 by evebushman

Where does one begin after their first dining experiences at Celestino Ristorante and Bar? The seasonal mushroom menu that included my first experience tasting truffles? Meeting Partner and Executive Chef Calogero Drago? Tasting “only three percent of the menu” but possibly the best as recommended by our server? Pairing Italian Cabernet Sauvignon and Italian Syrah with a meal that began with Sicilian rice croquet and ended with Panna Cotta vanilla custard and strawberries…wait, that dessert was served with a small glass of chilled Italian Moscato dessert wine. Egads, lets just get started!

The Dishes and Wine Pairing

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Photo from Celestino Facebook page.

As is our custom in a restaurant that is new to us, we asked our server for advice on their best dishes and wines (in this case he offered them to us by the glass) for each. We began with an item not on the menu: Sicilian Rice Croquet paired with a 2011 Vitiano Cabernet Sauvignon. Our waiter said not to “judge at first page, like a book” and see how the wine worked with the food (as we all know Italian wines are made for food).

The wine was not as big and bold as a domestic Cabernet and paired with the soft, warm and inviting creamiest of provolone cheese in the croquet – it subtly complemented it. My husband Eddie said the wine opened up more with the oil and fat in the dish, I found it to be a pleasant palate cleanser.

Then we made a selection from the Seasonal Mushroom and Truffle Menu: Veal Carpaccio with Shave Fresh Truffle and Pecorino Cheese, paired with the same Vitiano Cabernet. Neither of us had had Veal Carpaccio or Truffle before. This was a treat! I picked up the aromas of the dish from at least a foot away, though no one item overpowered the other in flavor once I dived in – except the capers of course! Having no point of reference on what truffle tastes like (and no, for my food 101ers, it’s not chocolate) this root, this mushroom, had the strength of flavor of the finest cured meat, and against the firm cheese and delicate veal it was simply a wonderful discovery.

Next we moved over to main dishes, that we had split so we could try each other’s dishes. We ordered the Ossobuco all Milanese with Saffron Risotto and Risotto with Fresh Porcini Mushroom (our waiter exchanged the Risotto with Homemade Wide Pappardelle noodle so we didn’t have too much Risotto) both paired with a 2012 Adesso, made from the Nero d’avolo grape our waiter said was “an ancestor” to the Syrah grape.

Trying the wine on its own I noted great spice and dark fruit, yet very balanced with low acid and good tannin structure.

(This is where I must take a breath. When you look over the photo album on Facebook, you will see a shot of tricolored drying pasta. The Pappardelle noodle was cooked perfectly al dente, I had to wonder how they could do this. Eddie figured it’s because the noodles don’t need to be rehydrated, and cooks faster. But still, 90 seconds or 100 seconds, they have it down to a science.)

Now, back to noodle nirvana. Starting with the Pappardelle I thought it was comfort food at its finest: creamy, milky, buttery and meaty too, courtesy the flavorful mushrooms. Yet we were told that the only liquid in the sauce was white wine. There was NO cream in the dish. What made it taste like this? Our waiter came to our aid again and said that when made with fresh Porcini mushrooms it’s the mushrooms alone that makes the dish creamy.

Now, if you’re keeping up we have one more – and incredible – main dish and then dessert. Try to hold on because here comes Ossobuco alla Milanese with Saffron Risotto paired with 2003 Cersus 100% Sangiovese. Our waiter had asked if we wanted a domestic wine or a big Italian, we chose the big Italian because we had enjoyed the others so much before this. On its own I got aromas of dirt, blackberry, cigar…and dare I say mushroom? The taste was all blue and black fruit, balanced pepper, firm tannins and a staggeringly long finish.

Now, onto the tenderest of veal framed by an equally tender risotto. Both were creamy, and both gave into the wine cutting right through them, making you want to dive back into the dish over and over again even if…you are getting a tad full.

So here it is, dessert: Panna Cotta Vanilla Custard Over Strawberries paired with a chilled Italian Moscato dessert wine. Our waiter said there was a great selection of desserts, but this one, the Panna Cotta, would not be found anywhere else. Reminded me of a vanilla bean in fresh whipped cream though denser, custard though softer, a crème Brûlée without the hard shell. The flavor of the vanilla and strawberries against the orange in the Moscato was something to relish and linger over. And that we did.

The Atmosphere

We were early diners so we could select a booth or table, and we chose a spot close to the kitchen to watch things. At one point we were quietly serenaded in Italian as workers went about their business. Nice.

I took a tour around and was pleased to fine more than one dining room and a beautiful outdoor patio complete with an arbor, lights and a young boy that wanted to be in my photos.

At one point our waiter announced, “The Capitan, Senior Drago is here” and we watched as Partner and Executive Chef Calogero Drago went from table to table to greet his guests, making the evening that much more special for all. And yes, we got another photo.

In Conclusion

We want to try more Italian Cabernets, we want to try the other 97% of the menu, and we want to go back for my birthday.

The Details

Celestino Ristorante & Bar – 141 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101 – 626.795.4006  –

Website: http://celestinopasadena.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CelestinoPasadena

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelestinoOnLake

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/CelestinoOnLake

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years.  She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a guest judge for the L.A. International Wine Competition.  You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Filed Under: Eve Bushman Tagged With: bar, cabernet sauvignon, cheese, chef, food pairing, grape, Italy, menu, moscato, palate, pasadena, restaurant, Sangiovese, Syrah, tannins, wine pairing

Motivations and Preferences of Consumers Who Drink Rosé

September 13, 2017 by evebushman

Yountville, CA (PRWEB) – The Wine Market Council announced it has completed its Rosé Wine Consumer Survey, a survey that was conducted to get a closer look at the consumption habits of rosé drinkers.

Eve sampling Rose.

“Nielsen data shows that rosé has grown 57% in sales dollars over the 52 weeks ending June 17, 2017, outpacing the overall wine category which is growing at 3% annually,” said Danny Brager, Senior Vice President of the Beverage Alcohol Practice Area at Nielsen and Chair of Wine Market Council’s Research Committee. “This Wine Market Council survey looks at the subject of rosé from the consumer’s point of view, providing members with more insight into the experiences, motivations and preferences of rosé drinkers.”

The survey was conducted among respondents sourced from Survey Sample International (SSI). The study polled 838 U.S. adults over the age of 21 who drink wine at least once a week and drink rosé at least occasionally.

The report on the survey is available to Wine Market Council members. However, several key findings from the survey include the consistency of consumer consumption, as well as wines consumers say they would substitute for rosé.

Some 60% of those respondents indicated they drink rosé consistently throughout the year, while 23% of them reported they drink rosé much more during the warmer months of the year. Only 12% of the respondents said they drink rosé infrequently, including every few months or several times a year.

Wine Market Council also found that when respondents were asked what wine they would substitute for rosé if they were in the mood for rosé but it wasn’t available, survey participants most often said they would choose Moscato/Muscat (38%), Chardonnay (36%) or Pinot Grigio/Gris (32%). Three in ten or fewer would choose a red blend (31%), Riesling (29%), White Blends (29%), Pinot Noir (28%), Champagne/sparking (28%), Sauvignon/Fumé Blanc (21%), or Gewurztraminer (10%).

The complete 2017 Rosé Wine Consumer Survey and all resulting data are now available to Wine Market Council members.
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To become a member or inquire about membership visit the Wine Market Council website WineMarketCouncil.com or email Wine Market Council Membership Director, Mark Chandler, with your inquiries at mchandler(at)winemarketcouncil(dot)com. Media questions and requests should be sent to contact(at)teplinnuss(dot)com.

About Wine Market Council
Wine Market Council was established in 1994 as a non-profit (501c6) trade association whose mission is to grow and strengthen the wine market in the U.S. on behalf of all segments of the industry by providing ongoing U.S. wine market research. More information can be found at WineMarketCouncil.com.

Filed Under: Guests Tagged With: alcohol, Chardonnay, drink, moscato, muscat, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Rose

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Eve Bushman

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

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