Eve's Wine 101

Tasting Le Grand Verre

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How cute are these little cylinders of French wine? Too cute! But how do they taste? Let’s rip them open to see. And let’s get some information too. Excerpts from their news release are below in italics, my notes follow each of their wine descriptions:

Inès Andrieu of Domaine de Caylus produces Le Grand Verre Domaine Caylus, a rosé blend of Syrah and Grenache from the Languedoc- Roussillon winemaking region. Andrieu inherited the vineyard from her grandfather and quickly became a champion for the importance of preserving the region’s biodiversity, converting the estate to organic farming in 1999.

Notes on the 2020 vintage: Reminded me of watermelon hard candy, fresh cut strawberry, lemon-lime fizzy soda and wet stones when I took a sniff. Then for the taste I noted those same fresh berry notes, as well as Meyer lemon, orange zest, a medium acidity and a long, lasting finish.

Another cult classic is Le Grand Verre Château Val D’Arenc, an organically certified Bandol rosé blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Cinsault produced by the young and innovative male winemaker, Gérald Damidot, in Provence. Under Damidot’s leadership the estate converted to organic farming practices in 2015 significantly enhancing the quality of the win.

Notes on the 2020 vintage: Ooh, nice nose that called up memories of silky rose petals, waterfalls, fruit cocktail and the ripest of red berries. When I had a taste some of those same notes came through as well as pears in light syrup, orange marmalade and a welcoming low acidity.

Laurence Dupuch of Château Peyredon Lagravette works in tandem with her husband Stephane to produce Le Grand Verre Château Peyredon, one of the prized wines of the LGV collection. This quintessential Haut-Medoc Crus Bourgeois blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with fruit picked from vines over 100 years old is crafted with world famous oenologist Hubert de Bouard, the winemaker and owner of Château Angelus, one of the four most prestigious Saint-Émilion estates.

Notes on the 2019 vintage: Sweet black cherry, plum, mushroom, dark chocolate, blueberry jam, green peppercorns, bark on the nose followed by flavors of dried dark berries, spaghetti sauce, lively spice, with firm tannins and a very rich mouthfeel. Felt older than a 2019, very balanced with a nice long dry finish.

Le Grand Verre Domaine Nadal Hainaut of Domaine Nadal Hainaut is Cabernet Sauvignon from the hands of husband-and-wife team Martine and Jean-Marie Nadal. The château has belonged to the family since 1900 and was fully converted to organic growing in 2010 making it a home to many new insects and birds. The Nadal’s plan to leave the estate with their three daughters Julie, Pauline, Marie and Luce.

Notes on the 2019 vintage: Red berries, dried dark fruit, powdery, perfumy, rich milk chocolate candy, and tea all on the aromas; then came the taste, which was all balanced spice and very dark fruit, smoke, some sweet prunes and very dry.

My conclusion: I would welcome having any of these wines again.

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From the Press Release

LE GRAND VERRE, CURATED SINGLE SERVE ETHICALLY MADE FRENCH WINES,

LAUNCHES IN THE US

The Predominantly Female Handcrafted and Award-Winning Proprietary Bottles Showcase French Wine

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – LE GRAND VERRE, the award-winning, single serve, ethical, proprietarily designed, and predominantly female produced boutique wine collection of France, has officially arrived on American shores. Envisioned by three French wine-loving friends, Nicolas Deffrennes, Founder, Régis Fanget, Brand and Artistic Director, and Valérian Déjours, Chief Operating Officer, the trio dreamt up LGV with one mission: to embody the culture and experience of tasting premium French wines – without the need to open an entire bottle.

The initial concept, a brainchild of Deffrennes inspired by his days as part of the wine club at Harvard University, quickly grew into an endeavor to feature solely boutique winemakers in lieu of commercial wineries. Those that use organic, ethical, or sustainable farming practices with the majority of them certified by France’s overseeing body Ecocert and Terra Vitis. Deffrennes and his counterparts aimed to make French wines more approachable by providing highly curated selections, thereby taking the onus off consumers to navigate the vast breadth of options available to them. The exclusive LGV collection represents France’s best styles, varieties and terroir from esteemed regions such as Bordeaux, Languedoc, and Provence.

Under a highly meticulous process the LGV trio tasted hundreds of wines from across France, primarily dedicating efforts toward wines crafted by almost entirely female winemakers, female-led, or female-owned estates, as well as those with distinct and long family histories of French winemaking tradition. Vetted by a panel of consumers state-side, the team oversees every step of the process from vine to bottle offering the most authentic, affordable and sustainable wines possible for oenophiles and wine newbies alike.

“We care about what goes into our wine and believe that you don’t ever have to compromise when it comes to offering the authentic experience of French wine and culture to consumers,” notes Deffrennes, Founder of LGV. “While touring vineyards we were struck by each winemaker’s powerful story; they were so devoted to their vines and removing all use of pesticides, additive and other chemicals, that we in turn became their advocates, dedicating LGV to their unique backgrounds with every sip. The importance of family, legacy, powerful female-led wineries, and a tradition of ethical farming techniques, rapidly became intrinsic to who we are and what makes us passionate about what we do. It’s single-serve packaging, but with a twist: very good wine with a very rich and versatile French history to be discovered inside.”

Funded by the Burgundy region the award-winning LGV bottles are proprietarily designed and packaged in a modern way to be enjoyed anywhere, anytime – without breaking the bank. Purchased in sets of 4 ranging from $20-$30, the 6.3 oz. design of each bottle is larger than your typical pour at 6 oz., as the name Le Grand Verre suggests. The wines are also made from recyclable materials and double-coated to preserve aromas.

“From the beginning we knew we needed to maintain the high standards set forth by the incredible winemakers who joined us in our mission. Developing an elevated and vastly unique single serve bottle to showcase their incredible wines was a challenging, exciting project,” explained Régis Fanget, Brand and Artistic Director of LGV. “The final product is a tall sleek bottle and an elegant departure from the canned wine masses we’ve seen over the past few years. Partnering on this endeavor with one of my oldest and dearest friends Nick has been a pleasure, to say the least. We’re thrilled to share our French wines with American palates…”

Powerhouse female producers include Elisabeth Prataviera of Domaine de Ménard & Haut-Marin the creator of Le Grand Verre Domaine Prataviera, a Sauvignon Blanc from Côtes de Gascogne known for stellar white wines. Prataviera took over the vineyards from her mother who has helmed the estate since 1960, both following in her family legacy while allowing for innovation such as the of use organic fertilizer to preserve soil.

“…We began working with Le Grand Verre only a year ago and already feel like part of the family,” said Inès Andrieu, creator of Le Grand Verre Domaine Caylus. “We’ve worked very closely with the team; Régis Fanget was invited to visit the estate during the last harvest season. We were proud to craft our organic rosé for LGV and are currently expanding the partnership with Chardonnay, also made with organic grapes.”

Officially partnering with Baron Francois, a premier wine distributor based in New York City, LGV wines are already making waves across the East Coast including NYC, Washington, D.C., and select airports such as Newark Liberty International and LaGuardia, where assorted LGV wines are available in premium dining locations and retail outlets.

“Le Grand Verre has been one of the most successful launches of Baron Francois to date,” said Alexandre Thevenet, Director of Sales of Baron Francois. “The wines are moving much faster than anticipated for a new brand in such a unique format. With plans to expand nationwide upcoming, LGV is in a great position to become the go-to single serve wine of choice for American wine lovers across the country.”

As Deffrennes and Fanget continue to tour the vineyards, new wines will be offered and available to the US throughout the year. “What do they all have in common? Delicious French wine from the meticulous work of emerging and female vintners, crafted under organic or sustainable farming, tested and vetted with both friends and consumers across the Atlantic!” adds Deffrennes.

Explore Le Grand Verre’s Collection: https://lgvwines.com/ @legrandverre_wines #LeGrandVerre

 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.

New Wines for the Jewish New Year

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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

Mikkeller Bar San Francisco Opening

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SAN FRANCISCO /PRNewswire/ — After a tough year in the US and a long lockdown, Mikkeller San Francisco can now finally look forward to opening its doors again at the start of the new year.

“Mikkeller Bar San Francisco was the second Mikkeller Bar we opened and the start of our entire operation globally, so that place means something very special to us. It is a bar that has done really well right from the beginning in 2013, and we are of course very happy and grateful that very soon we’ll be able to invite the old regulars and other beer lovers back into the bar again,” says Mikkel Bjergsø, founder and Creative Director of Mikkeller.

Mikkeller Bar San Francisco is now one of three Mikkeller locations in California.

In addition to San Francisco, Mikkeller owns a combined brewery, tasting room and bottle shop in Miramar, San Diego, plus a bar in the Little Italy area of San Diego.

In connection with the reopening, the bar has been remodeled, which Mikkeller’s Danish designer Camilla Monsrud is responsible for. The bar has been modernized changes and that bring some color details into play, to form a soft contrast to bricks and iron beams and at the same time create a common thread to Mikkeller’s other locations, which are characterized by their Scandinavian and minimalist lines.

As something new, the premises at 34 Mason Street will also house a bottle shop, so guests will have the opportunity to buy beer and merchandise to take home from the bar. The food concept continues largely as before, with head chef Antonio García serving solid high-end bar food. In connection with the opening, Mikkeller’s brewery Baghaven, which is internationally recognized for its unique spontaneously fermented beers, will have its debut in the US at Mikkeller Bar SF.

Mikkeller Bar SF reopened in April but will have its grand opening celebration the week of July 26th.  This reopening will feature beers, food, and special events the entire week to celebrate the opening.  For a list of detailed events please visit our Social Media channels below:

https://www.facebook.com/MikkellerBarSanFrancisco
https://www.instagram.com/mikkellerbarsf/
https://mikkeller.com/locations/mikkeller-bar-san-francisco

Wine Country Network Launches The 2021 Tequila Mezcal Challenge

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BROOMFIELD, COLO. (PRWEB) – Wine Country Network, publishers of Wine Country International magazine, and producers of six professional beverage competitions have announced that the third annual Tequila Mezcal Challenge (TMC) is now accepting entries in more than sixty categories of Tequila, Mezcal and Agave spirits.

The company is organizing the TMC and selecting a prestigious panel of Tequila & Mezcal professionals consisting of Master Sommeliers, F&B Directors, Journalists, and Retailers Buyers. Several recognized Tequila Mezcal experts from around the US will participate as guest judges.

Christopher J. Davies, Wine Country Network, CEO and Co-Founder stated, “Serious tequila deserves serious recognition. Our well-rounded panel of experts will taste the Tequilas, Mezcal & Agave Spirits “double-blind” and achieve the fairest scoring results possible. We plan to separate spirits in different price points for our popular categories to maintain an even playing field. We are looking to identify the absolute best products in this exciting category!”

There are currently around 150 distilleries in Mexico, making Tequila, Mezcal, and Agave products. There are now over 1,500 Tequila brands, with more coming online every week. In 2020, top competition winners included:

  • Geu Beez Mezcal Espadin “Best of Show”
  • Cierto Tequila “2020 Hot Tequila Brand”

The 3rd Annual Tequila Mezcal Challenge will occur on November 13 & 14, 2021, at the Origin Hotel in Westminster, Colorado. The competition is now open to Craft Distillers, Merchant Bottlers, Brand Marketers, Commercial Distilleries, and Duty-Free Spirits Producers. Producers, Importers, and Distributors are now encouraged to enter their products online before November 1, 2021. For details visit: TEQMEZCHALLENGE.COM

Piper-Heidsieck Chief Winemaker Named 2021 Sparkling Winemaker of the Year

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REIMS, FRANCE (PRWEB) – At 34 years old, Piper-Heidsieck Chief Winemaker Emilien Boutillat has been named the 2021 Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at this year’s annual International Wine Challenge (IWC) held in London, United Kingdom.

Emilien joined the Piper-Heidsieck family in October 2018, taking over from renowned winemaker Regis Camus, and is the youngest chef de cave to lead a major House in the region.

His dynamic approach to winemaking has maintained the excellence and success of the House in recent times, enabled by his philosophy to balance tradition with trailblazing distinction.

As a result, Piper-Heidsieck is the most awarded Champagne House of the century*, achieving eight titles under the leadership of Regis Camus, and now a ninth with Emilien Boutillat’s latest IWC Sparkling Winemaker of the Year award.

Thrilled with the honor of the Award, Emilien stated:
“This is an important recognition of the work produced by the entire Piper-Heidsieck team and honors the legacy of my predecessors, including Daniel Thibault and Regis Camus, both of whom achieved great success during their time at the helm of Piper-Heidsieck.”

He continued:
“From the winemaking team, some of whom have been with the House more than 30 years, to the winegrowers and partners, and those involved in the production of the bottles, each of our team’s valuable contribution is what has enabled us to receive this award.”

The 2021 Sparkling Winemaker of the Year award affirms the dedication and commitment of Piper-Heidsieck to continue producing the finest blends, while working towards a sustainably conscious future within all its winemaking practices.

In its 37th year, the International Wine Competition brings together a panel of expert judges to blind taste the wide variety of wines and work in unison to discover the highest-quality blends from 52 countries.

The vast range of awards presented by the IWC includes Red, White, Fortified, Sparkling, and Sweet Winemakers of the Year and the Own Label, Varietal, Regional, National, and International shortlists.

Lauded as the most awarded House of the century*, Piper-Heidsieck has been one of the US market’s Top Five Champagne brands for more than a decade and is poured in more than 100 countries worldwide. A House with a storied history, it was the first champagne to appear in film and has long been associated with celebration, cinema and celebrity.

An official sponsor of the iconic Cannes Film Festival for more than 20 years, and the official Champagne of the Academy Awards since 2015, a bottle of Piper-Heidsieck is opened around the world every 8 seconds.

Wines in the Piper-Heidsieck portfolio include: Brut NV ( SRP), Extra Dry ( SRP), Sublime ( SRP), Rosé Sauvage ( SRP) and 2012 Vintage Brut ( SRP).
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Wines are available nationally through fine wine retailers and restaurants. For more information or image requests, please contact Rebecca Hopkins at rhopkins@foliowine.com

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About Piper-Heidsieck:
The most awarded Champagne House of the century*, Piper-Heidsieck is celebrated for its audacity and excellence. Steeped in history, Piper-Heidsieck was born of a love story that began in 1785 with German-born founder Florens-Louis Heidsieck crafting a wine to seduce his lover. For Piper-Heidsieck, the true meaning of seduction is free from convention to innovate and to convey self-expression. The Maison continued its path of seduction winning over Marie-Antoinette, exciting the palates of speakeasy goers throughout Prohibition and even becoming Marilyn Monroe’s bedfellow with the famous actress claiming she would get up every morning with a glass of Piper. Today, Piper-Heidsieck is poured in over 100 countries and prides itself on holding dual certification of Viticulture Durable en Champagne and Haute Valeur Environnementale**. The progressive Champagne House also enjoys a colourful history of unique encounters and moments of intimacy, none more memorable than the iconic Prohibition-era which this year celebrates 100 years.

** Predecessor of Emilien Boutillat, Régis Camus awarded the title of “Sparkling Winemaker of the Year” eight times by the International Wine Challenge jury since the beginning of the century.
** VDC: Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne / HVE: High Environmental Value

About Folio Fine Wine Partners:
Founded by the Michael Mondavi Family in 2004, Folio Fine Wine Partners is an importer, fine wine agency and producer of quality wines from the world’s premier and emerging wine regions, providing sales, marketing and public relations services to wine brands from California, Italy, France, Argentina, Portugal, Spain, Washington State, Austria and South Africa. For more information about Folio Fine Wine Partners, visit http://www.foliowine.com/ or social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Prosecco DOC Consortium Celebrates The World’s Most Popular Sparkling Wine With The Fourth Annual ‘National Prosecco Week’ July 19-25, 2021

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The Prosecco DOC Consortium, the entity that oversees the production of the world’s most popular sparkling wine, is pleased to announce ‘National Prosecco Week’ (NPW) – a trade, media and consumer campaign developed in tandem with Colangelo & Partners – will return for its fourth annual celebration of Italy’s most renowned bubbles from July 19-25, 2021, and for the first time including Prosecco DOC Rosé.

The Prosecco DOC Consortium successfully pivoted to virtual activities for last year’s celebration and will continue the digital momentum for this year with virtual seminars, targeted media relations and marketing, strategic media partnerships and dynamic social media and influencer activations. All activities aim to educate media, trade and consumers on how to identify authentic Prosecco DOC, showcase the versatility and pairability of each and introduce the growing Prosecco DOC Rosé category.

Last year’s NPW reached over 148 million consumers and saw over 500 stores participating in the national retail and e-commerce promotion. Retail partners reported significant increases in sales during the 2020 promotion, from +21% to +274% when compared to the same period in the previous year. U.S. consumers continue to gravitate towards Prosecco DOC for its pleasing palate and approachable price point, evidenced by Prosecco’s continued momentum into 2021 as retail dollars in IRI channels have surged 38% in the year to date. In addition, Prosecco’s off-premise volume increased 26.5% in the 13 weeks ending March 27, according to Nielsen.

“We are very excited to introduce the Prosecco DOC Rosé category to the fourth annual National Prosecco Week” commented Stefano Zanette, President of the Prosecco DOC Consortium. “As we carefully approach a world reopening, we are excited to see the personal celebrations Prosecco DOC and Prosecco DOC Rosé are meant to accompany, resuming safely. We are expanding on the success of last year’s all-digital National Prosecco Week to connect with more retailers, strategic partners and ultimately more Prosecco lovers in the U.S., which continue to grow in numbers as wine drinkers discover and explore the diversity within Prosecco DOC and its ever evolving, always timeless sense of flavor, festivity and diverse food pairing options for even the most discerning palates.”

For the first time ever, National Prosecco Week will have its own online shop, where consumers can search for and purchase Prosecco DOC from local and national retailers. This year, National Prosecco Week is partnering with wine trade media publications, SevenFifty and VinePair, to drive trade and consumer awareness through online ads, social media promotions, dedicated articles, retail incentives and more along with strategic partnerships with trade marketing agencies 3×3 and City Hive. Additionally, Grand Reserve Mastercard will serve as the official credit card sponsors of NPW with various promotions and offers for cardholders.

Prosecco DOC welcomes retailers to participate in this nationwide celebration by hosting in-store or digital promotions, educational seminars, virtual tastings, package inserts and discounts. The following renowned Prosecco DOC producers are participating in this year’s campaign, including Anna Spinato, Antonio Facchin & Figli, Astoria, Biancavigna, Bottega, Botter, Cantina Pizzolato, Cavit, Domus Picta, Fantinel, Gancia, La Gioiosa, La Marca, Le Contesse, Masottina, Mionetto, Piera 1899, Pitars, Ruggeri, Tenuta Sant’Anna, Torresella, Trevisiol & Figli, Val d’OCA, Valdo, Villa Sandi, Voga, Zardetto and Zonin.

“We are excited to participate in National Prosecco Week again,” says Doug Jeffirs, Director of Wine Sales at Binny’s Beverage Depot, Chicago’s largest wine retailer. “Prosecco DOC is a fan favorite and we saw that through our sales, which increased over 21% during last year’s National Prosecco Week, compared to the same week in 2019.”

Participating retailers will receive dynamic and educational POS materials to inspire consumer interest in the promotion. Additional benefits for retail participants include advertising support with National Prosecco Week’s top media partners, social media marketing, press support, and digital marketing. All partners will be featured on the National Prosecco Week website (http://www.casaprosecco.com).

For more information on National Prosecco Week and how to participate, please contact Amanda Torres (atorres@colangelopr.com) or Stefán Sigurðsson (ssigurdsson@colangelopr.com) of Colangelo & Partners (http://www.colangelopr.com), the agency of record in the US for the Prosecco DOC Consortium. To stay updated for upcoming events and promotions, follow Prosecco DOC on Facebook (@proseccodocusa), Instagram (@proseccodoc_usa), and the Consortium’s official US website, http://www.casaprosecco.com.

About The Prosecco DOC Consortium:
Prosecco was granted the Controlled Designation of Origin status on July 17th, 2009, and the Prosecco DOC Consortium (Consorzio di Tutela della Denominazione di Origine Controllata Prosecco) was created on November 19th of the same year to coordinate and manage the Prosecco DOC. The organization unites the different groups of manufacturers—wineries, individual and associated vine-growers, still wine and sparkling wine producers—to ensure the designation continues to grow and that the production regulations are complied with.

About Prosecco DOC:
Prosecco DOC wines come in Spumante (sparkling), Frizzante (semi-sparkling) and Tranquillo (still) varieties. The wines are made from mainly the Glera grape, native to North East Italy for thousands of years, and can be combined with a maximum of 15% of the following grapes: Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana, Perera, Glera lunga, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Nero. Prosecco Frizzante and Spumante varieties get their famous bubbles using the Secondary Fermentation production method, bottled under high pressure after fermentation in bulk tanks called autoclaves, as opposed to the traditional method, which bypasses the autoclaves and is used for other sparkling wine varieties. The end result is a brilliant straw yellow wine with fine, persistent perlage and aromas of white flowers, apple and pear. It is fresh and elegant on the palate with moderate alcoholic strength.

From August 11, 2020, the competent bodies (Italian Ministry of Agriculture) have allowed the production of Prosecco DOC Rosé, made from at least 85% Glera and 10-15% Pinot Nero only in the Spumante (sparkling) version and with the drier styles (from Brut Nature to Extra Dry). Prosecco DOC Rosé undergoes a longer second fermentation in the autoclaves (60 days as opposed to 30 days for Prosecco DOC), has a pale pink color and a fine and persistent perlage, and features aromas of white flowers, notes of apple and citrus, and scents of strawberry and raspberry. For more information regarding Prosecco DOC and Prosecco DOC Rosé, visit http://www.casaprosecco.com.

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

IICHIKO, JAPAN’S LEADING SHOCHU, ANNOUNCES “IICHIKO FOR THE WIN” COCKTAIL COMPETITION IN NYC THIS SUMMER

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New York, NY — This summer, Japan will capture the world’s attention for weeks.  iichiko, Japan’s leading barley shochu brand, is hosting a sports-inspired cocktail competition in August. Managed by Davos Brands, the competition is open to legal residents of the contiguous 48 U.S. states (and Washington, DC) ages 21 and up, with all entries submitted on www.iichiko.com/cocktailcompetition. The competition’s six finalists will be announced in July and will compete at the Grand Finale event in New York City in August. The grand prize is a trip for the winner and a guest to Tokyo and Kyushu Island, home of the iichiko distillery.

The all-star lineup of judges* for the competition are:

●      Kenta Goto, New York

●      Masahiro Urushido, New York

●      Julia Momose, Chicago

●      Jacques Bezuidenhout, New York

●      Kevin Diedrich, San Francisco

●      Natasha Sofia, Chicago 

“We are very proud that some of the most prominent bartenders in the U.S. will be part of our judging panel,” says Daniel Mandelbaum, VP of Marketing, Davos Brands. “Each of them has worked extensively with iichiko Saiten and are excited by its limitless potential for shaking up the U.S. cocktail scene. We are looking forward to the sports-inspired submissions that will showcase iichiko Saiten’s incomparable versatility and umami notes.”

Competition Guidelines and Grand Prize

●      Eligible Entrants:

●      Legal residents of the contiguous 48 U.S. states (and Washington, DC), age 21+

●      Cocktail Inspiration:

●      Favorite sport such as Gymnastics, Volleyball and Swimming

●      Judging Criteria:

  • Best showcasing of iichiko Saiten or a non-alcoholic alternative, with a minimum of 1.5 ounces used in the cocktail

  • Extent to which cocktail reflects inspiration of a summer sport

  • Name of the cocktail

  • Overall flavor and deliciousness

  • Creativity and originality

●      Ingredients:

  • Recipes must incorporate 1.5 ounces of iichiko shochu or a non-alcoholic alternative and a maximum of five additional and readily accessible ingredients, plus a garnish, to ensure reproducibility 

●      Submission Period: May – July 15, 2021

●      Finalists & Winner Announcements: 

  • Finalists will be announced July 2021

  • The Grand Finale competition will be held in New York in August 2021

  • The Grand Prize winner will be announced in August 2021

  • The Grand Prize:

    • A week-long trip for the winner and their guest (21+ years old) to Tokyo and Kyushu Island 

Tasting Notes on iichiko Saiten

On the nose, iichiko Saiten is redolent with aromas of honeydew melon, white grape, pickled watermelon rind and kabosu citrus. There are also hints of soy, white pepper and rich barley. On the palate, iichiko Saiten has a strong start and a long finish. It exudes rich umami notes of jasmine tea, white peach, minerals and earth with some citrus and a saline finish that beckons another sip. 

About iichiko

iichiko Shochu is the native spirit of Japan – a white spirit that’s incredibly rich in flavor, yet smooth and easy to drink with food. iichiko, pronounced EACH-ko, is produced on Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island. iichiko is produced by Sanwa Shurui, Co., Ltd., one of Japan’s most esteemed producers of shochu, sake and wine. iichiko Saiten is a true honkaku shochu, which is distilled only once, and no artificial additives or sweeteners are permitted. Moreover, the single distillation better preserves the flavors created during fermentation, as opposed to multiple distillations that strip them out. The brand’s portfolio includes iichiko Saiten and iichiko Silhouette. For more information, please visit www.iichiko.com and follow-on social media @iichiko_usa.  

About Davos Brands  

A wholly owned Diageo subsidiary whose mission is to build and develop the highest quality, best-in-class wine and spirits brands that create a meaningful, valuable connection with consumers. We do this through teamwork, passion, innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and relentless perseverance. The Davos Brands team members are recognized to be amongst the best performers in the industry. The team operates in a collegiate, open-structure, and dynamic mode. We think outside of the box and finds ways to obtain outstanding results through an entrepreneurial focus. Based in New York, the Davos Brands luxury portfolio is currently composed of Aviation American Gin, Balcones Distilling, Sombra Mezcal, Astral Tequila, iichiko Shochu, and TYKU Sake. Visit www.davosbrands.com/ for more information.

The Secret Garden Distillery Announces Appointment of ImpEx Beverages as its Exclusive US Importer

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The Secret Garden Distillery is proud to announce they have joined forces with ImpEx Beverages, a California based spirit importer, to bring their award-winning gins from Edinburgh to the USA.

The first shipment will soon find its way into specialty retailers across the USA.  The expressions for this launch include Damask Rose & Juniper, Lemon Verbena & Juniper, and Pink Elderflower, Jasmine, & Juniper.   Each of these bring with them a unique experience for the American consumer, as the nurture and love for each botanical shines through with every sip.

Damask Rose & Juniper

A lovely golden gin with aromas of rose and hints of juniper. It tastes like Turkish Delight with some light citrus and candied cherry. It’s a gorgeous, delicate gin that is as refreshing as it is beautiful.

Perfect serve: Pour over ice and mix with a premium light tonic water and watch it naturally transform from a shimmering gold to a lovely pink in honor of this noble rose’s petals.

Lemon Verbena & Juniper

Crystal clear gin with aromas of citrus, lemon sherbet, and hints of herbs. Its zesty flavors are intermingled with juniper.

Perfect serve: Pour over ice and mix with a premium light tonic water. Garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint.

Pink Elderflower, Jasmine, & Juniper

A delightful salmon pink gin with aromas of orange and pink grapefruit. On the palate it’s quite exotic with citrus and sweet orange flavors. All the sweetness is coming from the natural residual sugar of the plants.

Perfect serve: Pour over ice and mix with a premium light tonic water and watch it change from salmon pink to a brighter vibrant pink. Serve with a slice of pink grapefruit.

Hamish Martin, Founder of the Secret Garden Distillery, said: “I am so delighted to be working in partnership with ImpEx Beverages as our exclusive distributor in the US. They have embraced our beliefs and truly understand our ethos and our one true value; to be rooted in nature. I started the business with a dream, to create a Garden that works hand in hand with nature, using no chemicals whatsoever and actively encouraging our wild indigenous plants. These magical plants and herbs offer an array of natural flavors that work so well together in our gins. There are no added sugars, artificial colorings, flavorings, or preservatives, just nature distilled. We hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoy making them.”

Andre de Almeida, Managing Director of Secret Garden Distillery said “This is an exciting time for The Secret Garden Distillery, as we embark on the next stage of our journey. Hamish has built a unique business proposition underpinned by his passion for nature which is at the heart of everything. Working in partnership with ImpEx Beverages is an important step in sharing our story with Herb Garden premium gin consumers across the world. We are very excited for the future and our partnership with ImpEx Beverages.”

When speaking to Sam Filmus, President of ImpEx Beverages, he said, “We could not be more pleased to embark on this adventure with The Secret Garden Distillery.  These amazingly unique gins and the team behind them are sure to bring delight to US Consumers looking for something more than just your average gin.  Add to this the way the natural botanicals react to tonic water and change the color of the spirit, you have a real crowd pleaser.  We look forward to seeing the US fall in love with Herb Garden Gin, just as we have.”

About The Secret Garden Distillery

The Secret Garden Distillery lovingly crafts every bottle from seed to sip, and create unique tasting gins full of natural flavors and aromas with no added sugars, artificial colorings, flavorings or additives. Always with a commitment to better their sustainability credentials and impact on Mother Earth.

The Secret Garden Distillery was founded by entrepreneur and herbologist Hamish Martin, on a 7.5-acre site based on the outskirts of Edinburgh with its very own gin botanical garden.

Hamish and his wife Liberty originally purchased the site in 2012 with the dream to create The Secret Herb Garden, filled with plants, using no chemicals whatsoever, working hand in hand with nature and encouraging wild indigenous plants to flourish. Hamish, who had previously worked in the wine and spirits trade, started to experiment with herbs and spirits to demonstrate how remarkable nature is in naturally delivering flavour and color. By October 2017, the Secret Garden Distillery was established.

The Secret Herb Garden has over 600 naturally and sustainably grown varieties of herbs and plants, including a wide range of junipers, angelica and a dedicated apothecary rose garden. All plants are lovingly cultivated and hand harvested to ensure the highest quality. The botanicals are dried naturally at 37 degrees, distilled and then bottled at 43% ABV (for the US Market only) as they believe this is best for the floral flavors to harmonise with the gin. The garden is maintained with no chemicals – they only use plants to heal plants. They also ensure nature gets its fair share, and currently leave a percentage of plants unharvested to create wildlife habitats to feed and encourage wildlife and allow their 11 colonies of bees to have their fill too.

About ImpEx Beverages

In 2008, a new chapter began for Sam Filmus, after years in the business captaining JVS Imports. With ImpEx Beverages, his vision was to import premium and rare Spirits from around the world, with a special emphasis on the best of what Scotland has to offer.

In 2018, Chris Uhde joined Sam as his business partner in ImpEx Beverages and together they have expanded the portfolio and vision for ImpEx.

Now, ImpEx boasts an impressive portfolio, including some of the most notorious small to medium sized distilleries and independent bottlers.

ImpEx Beverages imports Whisky, Gin, Rum, and Mezcal from Scotland, Belgium, Wales, Japan, Israel, and Mexico with future anticipated additions from unexpected destinations. We also feature a fine line of Liqueurs and Cordials produced in the US.

Regardless of your preference, you are sure to find something that pleases from the ImpEx Beverages Portfolio.

For more information on where to find these amazing craft gins, please email office@ImpExBev.com.

Tia Maria Expands Portfolio With The Launch Of Award-Winning Tia Maria Matcha Cream Liqueur

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – World-famous Tia Maria Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur is excited to announce the launch of Tia Maria Matcha in the U.S. Market. Already creating buzz in the trade, Tia Maria Matcha was awarded a Gold Medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Awards. Created with natural Japanese green matcha tea extract, Tia Maria Matcha is a uniquely fresh yet indulgent liqueur. The green matcha tea extract provides a natural caffeine and floral twist on the creamy liqueur.

“With the launch of Tia Maria Matcha, we are bringing our consumers a truly unique product while infusing excitement into the brand. Matcha is extremely popular in coffee shops and it is known around the world for its earthy notes and natural caffeine, so pairing it with our premium Tia Maria flavor was a complimentary fit.” said Ignacio Llaneza, Vice President Brand & Trade Marketing at Disaronno International LLC.

Tia Maria Matcha encourages consumers to slow down from busy schedules and “take your matcha time.” Reinforced with the hashtag #takeyourmatchatime. Tia Maria Matcha proposes a new ritual by mixing two teaspoons of sugar and one teaspoon of matcha powder in a dish and rimming the glass of their Tia Maria Matcha serve. With an ABV of 17%, it is an ideal drink of choice for any occasion whether served over ice or used as a rich ingredient in cocktails like the Matcha-Tini.

“Tia Maria continues to strive to meet a younger consumer audience and we’re looking forward to introducing the concept of a mindful Matcha ritual through Tia Maria Matcha,” said Ignacio Llaneza. Tia Maria Matcha has a standard retail price of $24.99 and will be available nationwide in 750ml bottles.

The perfect Tia Maria Matcha serves include:
Tia Maria Matcha Ritual
Method:

  • Mix two teaspoons of sugar and one teaspoon of matcha powder in a dish
  • Chill your glass for 10 minutes or wait until you have moisture on the glass
  • Dip the glass rim into the mix of matcha powder and sugar
  • Fill the glass with ice and add Tia Maria Matcha

Matcha-Tini
Ingredients:

  • 40 ml Tia Maria Matcha
  • 40 ml Vodka

Method:

  • Create your perfect green matcha rim on half of a coupe or martini glass
  • Pour Tia Maria Matcha and vodka into a cocktail shaker. Top up the shaker with ice.
  • Shake the ingredients together. Pour in the contents of the shaker using a strainer and sieve into the glass.

About Tia Maria
Tia Maria dates back to the mid-17th century, when a beautiful young Spanish aristocrat fled the turmoil colonial war brought to the island of Jamaica. Her maid saved one family treasure, a small jewelry box with black pearl earrings and an ancient manuscript with the recipe for a mysterious liqueur. The recipe was named after the courageous woman. Tia Maria was born. The recipe lay dormant for many years before being rediscovered in the 1940s by Dr. Kenneth Leigh Evans, who began to produce and market it. From this day forward Tia Maria has been a favorite for coffee liqueurs lovers the world over and it was even used in the very first Espresso Martini recipe over forty years ago. Their newest launch, Tia Maria Matcha, which earned a gold medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, aims to refresh the brand image of Tia Maria giving new excitement to the brand and targeting the contemporary drinkers with their premium cream liqueur and natural matcha tea extract.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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