Eve's Wine 101

South Coast Winery Garners 20 Awards from LA Competition

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TEMECULA, Calif. – South Coast Winery, owned by the Carter family, raised the gold standard at the 83rd anniversary of the Los Angeles International Wine Competition – winning two “Best of Class” gold medals, five other gold medals, eight silver medals and five bronze medals – stellar recognition for 20 of its wines. Sister winery Carter Estate Winery was also awarded three Silver Medals at the competition.

The 2022 Los Angeles International Wine Competition received 1,250 wines to judge, and the entrants showcase their finest domestic and international vintages through this prestigious wine event with judging taking place on March 9 to 10. Competing wines were produced in 19 countries, including: Argentina, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain and the United States.

The public will have its first opportunity to taste and learn about the award-winning wines at The Learning Centers at Fairplex, which offers an extensive wine education program at the Los Angeles County Fair being held from May 5 to 30 and attended by approximately 1 million people each year and at CHEERS!, a June fundraising event to benefit the education programs of The Learning Center.

“We are extremely proud to have been recognized by a leading, 83-year-old wine institution, being judged by a team of highly trained wine professionals and compared to so many outstanding domestic and international producers,” said Jeff Carter, president of Carter Hospitality, which owns South Coast Winery and Carter Estate Winery. “And we are pleased the Los Angeles International Wine Competition gives wine enthusiasts the chance to taste winning wines at the famous Los Angeles County Fair and its CHEERS! educational event.”

Following are the 20 South Coast Winery winning wines from the Los Angeles International Wine Competition:

Best of Class Gold Medal: Sparkling, Gewurztraminer, Temecula Valley, 94 points

Best of Class Gold Medal: Port, Black Jack Port, South Coast, 94 points

Gold Medal: Grenache Blanc, Temecula Valley 2020, 93 points

Gold Medal: Sparkling Pinot Grigio, Temecula Valley 2020, 92 points

Gold Medal: Rhone Style Blend, 20th Anniversary, South Coast 2018, 92 points

Gold Medal: Riesling, Temecula Valley 2020, 91 points

Gold Medal: Sangiovese, South Coast 2017, 91 points

Silver Medal: Viognier, Temecula Valley 2019

Silver Medal: Red Blend, Big Red Table, South Coast

Silver Medal: Red Blend, South Coast 2017

Silver Medal: Pinot Blanc, “Sur Lie,” Temecula Valley 2020

Silver Medal: Verdelho, Temecula Valley 2020

Silver Medal: Sparkling Rosé, Vineyard Rose, Temecula Valley 2018

Silver Medal: Red Blend, Meritage South Coast 2017

Silver Medal: Red Blend, Tempranillo, Monastrell, South Coast 2015

Bronze Medal: Sparkling, Spumante Diamante, Temecula Valley

Bronze Medal: Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands 2019

Bronze Medal: Chardonnay, Sans Chene, South Coast 2019

Bronze Medal: Sauvignon Blanc, Musqué Clone, Temecula Valley 2019

Bronze Medal: Gewurztraminer, Temecula Valley 2019

The Carter family’s sister winery, Carter Estate Winery, in Temecula also earned citations for three of its wines at the 2022 Los Angeles International Wine Competition:

Silver Medal: Blanc de Blanc, South Coast 2015

Silver Medal: Blanc de Noir, South Coat 2015

Silver Medal: Brut, South Coast 2015

A list of all winners and additional information is available at https://fairplex.com/competitions/wine-competition.

About South Coast Winery

The only winery among the state’s top wineries to claim the title of California Winery of the Year four times at the California State Fair Wine Competition, South Coast Winery sets the gold standard for excellence amongst California wineries, earning more than 3,000 awards since its inception in 2003. Situated on 63 lush acres, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa offers a breathtaking retreat for wine tours, romantic getaways and group events with 132 rooms and villas, a working winery and tasting room, gift shop, full-service spa and restaurant.

South Coast Winery offers a broad portfolio of 45 wine labels, the majority of which are available for sampling in its main tasting room – from robust reds such as Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Petit Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir to whites including Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Riesling. Also available are sparkling wines, dessert wines and other specialty offerings. The winery employs a staff of skilled winemakers, including master winemaker Jon McPherson and winemaker Javier Flores, both with decades of experience in the wine industry.

For more information, visit www.southcoastwinery.com.

About Carter Hospitality Group

Established in 2011, Carter Hospitality Group, LLC. is a family-owned hospitality company with four hotels and resorts as well as three wineries across the United States. Based in Orange County, California, the company manages and owns a portfolio of luxury properties including South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Temecula, California; Carter Estate Winery and Resort, Temecula California; and Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa, Texas Hill Country. Carter Hospitality Group additionally serves as the owner-franchisee for Red Lion Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista South, Orlando Florida. For more information, visit www.carterhospitality.com.

Bordeaux Reports Historic 67% Annual U.S. Sales Increase

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BORDEAUX, FRANCE (PRWEB) – Bordeaux producers are feeling optimistic about the U.S. wine market. The Bordeaux Wine Council (C.I.V.B.) reports that year-end 2021 sales of Bordeaux wines in the U.S. increased 67% in value to peak at $395 million (349 million euros), and 24% in volume to reach 247,000 HL as compared to 2020. The 2021 results represented the highest volume sales increase of Bordeaux wines to the U.S. over a 12-month period since 1985.

The United States was the second largest export market for Bordeaux wines, by volume and value. The recognition of quality and affordability of the 2018 and 2019 Bordeaux wine vintages, as well as the suspension of the 25% tariffs on French wines contributed to the acceleration of Bordeaux wine sales and bodes well for the future. These strong business results coincide with new benchmarks in sustainability: as of fall 2021, more than 75% of Bordeaux vineyards are certified sustainable, an all-time high which has driven positive trade and consumer recognition.

“We are thrilled with our sales results in the U.S.,” said Bernard Farges, President of the Bordeaux Wine Council (C.I.V.B.) “It is a credit to the people of Bordeaux and our many U.S. partners to have overcome recent challenges and create opportunity for growth across such a wide range of Bordeaux wines.”

The strong growth reveals sustained momentum for the Bordeaux category in the U.S. wine market. Upward sales trends have impacted 65 of Bordeaux’s diverse AOCs (Appellations d’Origine Contrôlées), and all wine styles: reds, dry whites, rosé, sweet, and sparkling wines. While red wines remain the most prominent category, dry white Bordeaux wines have become increasingly popular: the U.S. is now the number one market for dry white Bordeaux, representing 5.2 million bottles in annual sales. Overall, American consumers have supported growth across a wide range of Bordeaux wines ranging from more affordable, everyday selections to classified growths from prestige AOCs such as Médoc (Pauillac, St. Estèphe, Saint Julien, Margaux), Graves and Saint-Émilion.

To support positive trends, the Bordeaux wine region is committed to continuing investment in dynamic U.S. marketing and education campaigns that support increased consumer and trade awareness, including outreach to young consumers and buyers who place a high value on sustainability.

ABOUT Bordeaux Wine Council (C.I.V.B.)
Bordeaux Wine Council (C.I.V.B.) was created by the French Law dated August 18, 1948. It unites representatives from the three families in the Bordeaux wine industry: winegrowers, merchants and traders. The CIVB’s 4 missions:

  • Marketing mission: stimulate demand for Bordeaux wines, recruit new, younger consumers and ensure their loyalty to the brand. Provide education for the trade and strengthen relationships.
  • Technical mission: build knowledge, protect the quality of Bordeaux wines and anticipate new requirements related to environmental, CSR and food safety regulations.
  • Economic mission: provide intelligence on production, the market, the environment and sale of Bordeaux wines around the world.
  • The industry’s general interests: protect the terroirs, fight counterfeiting, develop wine tourism.

Purity Breaks Top 10 Brands of Premium Priced Vodka in the United States

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ELLINGE CASTLE, Sweden /PRNewswire/ — Purity is now a top 10 super premium priced vodka brand in the United States based on 26-week Nielsen dollar sales.

Purity Connoisseur 51 Reserve Organic Vodka is made from natural ingredients, its prize-winning flavors come from the combination of organic barley and wheat, distilled slowly with low heat multiple times. The heart of Purity Connoisseur 51 Reserve is distilled 51 times to maximize flavor as well as smoothness. As a family- owned, craft, organic distillery we are so pleased when consumers and critics alike praise Purity for its quality versus more industrial producers.

PURITY is committed to making the best tasting, highest rated organic spirits in the world. Purity has earned hundreds of international awards in blind tasting as well as sustainability.

Purity Vodka is comprised of three award winning straight vodkas. In 2021 all Purity Vodka offerings earned a 93+ point rating and Purity Connoisseur 51 Organic Vodka took top honors with a 95-point rating. The highest rated Vodka the last 5 years by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

PURITY is now available for purchase in store and online in more than 25 US States.

“To become a Top 10 Super Premium Vodka brand indicates we have earned the recommendation of expert retail and on-premise partners. It also means consumers are responding favorably to the Purity taste and quality promise,” says Purity Vodka Inc CEO Andy Kullhem.

Mathias Tönnesson, Master Blender at Purity Distillery says: “Our main ingredients, Swedish wheat, and malted barley, are carefully selected without any chemical cultivation or processing. We believe that by using organic ingredients it creates a much better tasting vodka, and of course, is better for the environment. We also value the quality of the water that we use and believe it’s crucial to the taste. Most brands use only distilled water, which removes any of the natural nuances, sediments, and flavors that help bring out the complexity of the vodka. At Purity, we use naturally soft Swedish water, and as a result, it blends with the other ingredients creating a complex, characterful, and truly unique spirit.”

Purity Connoisseur 51 Organic Vodka. Available in 750mL, 1.0L, and 1.75L For the true connoisseur, this is our most refined and exquisite vodka. Incredibly smooth and distinctive, our flagship spirit requires very little to enjoy all the nuance and flavor that the world’s finest vodka has to offer. When it’s this good, you don’t need anything but time to enjoy it.

Purity Signature 34 Organic Vodka. Available in 750mL, 1.0L, and 1.75L
Perfectly balanced, our signature edition has won more than 150 international awards and is recognized for its character, smoothness, and ability to be enjoyed neat or blended for unforgettable cocktails. Signature 34 Edition is our original vodka, with a decade spent refining the number of distillations required by our master distiller, Stefan Magnusson, to create this extraordinary spirit.

Purity Estate 17 Organic Vodka. Available in 750mL and 1.75L
Estate 17 Reserve is a versatile and full-bodied ultra-premium vodka and is the perfect partner for making unforgettable cocktails. The heart of the Vodka is distilled 17 times, it is smooth enough to enjoy neat but really shines when blended with other distinguished ingredients.

For more information, please visit www.puritydistillery.com

About Purity Distillery – the home to the world ́s best tasting Vodka & Gin  At the Swedish family-owned Purity Distillery we only have one motivation – to produce the best tasting spirits imaginable. It’s a simple statement to make but much harder to achieve. For the last decade, every decision is based on that one criterion. From choosing the best organic ingredients and mineral-rich soft natural water to spending years refining our unique distillation process. Every step matter, because the taste matters. That’s all that counts.

Kilinga Bacanora, An Agave Spirit from Sonora, Mexico, Launches in the U.S.

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Sonora, Mexico – Mexican spirits brand, Kilinga, announces the U.S. launch of their award-winning Bacanora, an agave spirit native to the state of Sonora, Mexico. Bacanora has been enjoyed for over 300 years, but has not been shared beyond Mexico until now.
Kilinga is a boutique, family-owned Bacanora distiller and brand founded in 2018 by Rodrigo Bojorquez Bours in Álamos, Sonora, Mexico. Inspired by and named for his mother, Kilinga, La Señora Kilinga is the vibrant matriarch and heart of the family. The company’s first official bottling was in the fall of 2019 which was awarded silver at the San Francisco Spirits Competition. It is the first officially designated Bacanora by the Consejo Sonorense Regulador del Bacanora available in the United States, and the second brand in Mexico to have the authentic Bacanora designation.
“Kilinga speaks to the grandeur of the Sonoran desert,” says Kilinga Bacanora Founder Rodrigo Bojorquez Bours. “We wanted to create a smooth, bright Bacanora that evokes the beauty of the region to agave aficionados everywhere.”
Rodrigo is not only the founder of Kilinga but also its Maestro Bacanorero. He fell in love with his hometown spirit after having tried a refreshingly bright expression made by a local rancher–it wasn’t like any mezcal he had before, and not close to what tequila tastes like. It has its own unique history born in the mountainous northeast of Sonora over 300 years ago. It survived prohibition (it was illegal to distill Bacanora until 1992) and received its Denomination of Origin in 2000. This intrigued Rodrigo and he was enthralled with the idea of making a Bacanora of his own, one reflective of the desert blooms unique to the Sonoran terroir.
Kilinga harvests their agave at different stages of maturation which makes each of their Bacanoras one-of-a-kind. Every bottle of Kilinga is numbered and signed by Maestro Bacanorero Rodrigo. He has perfected the art of distilling and polishing Bacanora after years of R&D, education and hands-on experience, resulting in a flavor distinct to Kilinga. Made using native Agave Angustifolia Haw unique to Sonora, where the desert meets the sea and mountains, Kilinga Bacanora is infused with local terroir and aromas. Furthermore, Kilinga only uses agave cultivated on their own family-run farm for superior quality and authentic taste. With the family’s roots in agriculture, the brand carefully practices safe, sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming. They truly believe in working with nature, not against it.
Kilinga’s eye-catching packaging is another nod to the Sonoran desert. The packaging reflects the color palette seen in the region’s natural landscape with captivating blues, shades of greens, and pops of violet, red, pink, orange, and yellow. The label captures the untamed beauty, wilderness and irrepressibility of the desert, mountains and sea. It also celebrates the feminine in honor of La Señora Kilinga and the women in the family, who are so strong and inspiring.
The portfolio features four handcrafted, small batch Bacanora expressions, all double distilled for crystalline purity. Kilinga will launch with the Bacanora Silvestre and Bacanora Blanco expressions this Spring 2022 and will release aged expressions in the near future.
Bacanora Silvestre
Made with wild 7-8 year old Agave Angustifolia Haw, the young, green plants give Silvestre the lightness of a springtime bouquet. At 80 proof (40% ABV), it is clear with aromas of wildflowers, violets, and green agave. It is very floral and vibrant on the palate with herbal notes and a subtle violet finish in the aftertaste. SRP: $64.99
Bacanora Blanco
Handcrafted with capón of 10-12 year old mature Agave Angustifolia Haw, Blanco is imbued with the rich sweetness of an autumn campfire. Presented at 84 proof (42% ABV), it exudes deep aromas of caramel, toasted agave, soil, and wildflowers. It tastes of boldly toasted caramel and agave, flowers and minerals with a subtle, balanced finish. SRP: $54.99
Bacanora Reposado
Artfully aged in American White Oak barrels at 80 proof (40% ABV), Reposado is a unique experience for agave aficionados. This expression is an evolution of the Bacanora Silvestre, which allows the floral notes to harmonize with the oak. Evoking Sonoran wildflowers and fresh herbs with hints of vanilla and agave followed by a smooth, clean, woodsy finish that lingers.
Bacanora Añejo
This rare Bacanora is bold and complex having been aged in ex Baja red wine French Oak casks for a decadent depth of flavor. This expression is an evolution of the Bacanora Blanco allowing the deep caramel aromas to develop into a toasted caramel flavor profile. Bottled at 88 proof (44% ABV) it has a sweet, earthy nose with delightful hints of dark chocolate, tobacco, vanilla, and charred sugar flavors present.
La Señora Kilinga enjoys her Bacanora served up, slightly chilled, and accompanied by a slice of orange dusted with cinnamon. Maestro Bacanorero Rodrigo Bojorquez enjoys his served neat with a kumquat.
Kilinga Bacanora can be found at select restaurants, bars and liquor stores in California, Colorado, New York, and New Jersey with online retail to come. The company plans to expand distribution to major markets in TX, IL, TN, MD, DC, SC, GA, and FL through the rest of 2022.
For more information, please visit https://kilingabacanora.com/kilinga-en/, or follow the company on Instagram and Facebook.

Really Good Boxed Wine Announces Master Sommelier Endorsement With Its National Launch

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HEALDSBURG, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Really Good Boxed Wine, the new direct-to-consumer wine brand whose mission is to elevate the quality of boxed wines, announces the release of its 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon from a Certified Sustainable in Practice (SIP) vineyard in Paso Robles.

“Andy Myers, the first Master Sommelier to become affiliated with a boxed wine.”

This is the brand’s first broadly available release after two limited releases of a 2020 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, each time selling out in a few days. Really Good Boxed Wine is available as either a one-time purchase or as a monthly subscription.

The launch of the latest varietal comes with an endorsement from Andy Myers, the first Master Sommelier to become affiliated with a boxed wine. He found his love of wine while working at the three Michelin Star Inn at Little Washington and never looked back, later spending almost a decade as the beverage director for Chef José Andrés ThinkFoodGroup.

The Master Sommelier diploma is the highest distinction a professional can attain in fine wine and beverage service. There are only 269 Master Sommeliers worldwide, including 172 in the United States, with many sommeliers dedicating their lives to achieve this elusive designation.

“Boxed wine has gotten a bad rap from wine drinkers who perceive it as being inferior,” said Myers. “But since most of today’s wines don’t need to be aged in a bottle, it makes sense to take high-end wines like those offered by Really Good Boxed Wine and create better and more sustainable packaging, without inhibiting the drinking experience. I was thoroughly impressed with all of the wines Really Good Boxed Wine is releasing, and am excited to be part of their journey.”

Really Good Boxed Wine’s founder Jake Whitman concurs with Myers’ mission to revamp the image of boxed wine while helping to address the wine industry’s carbon emissions due to bottle manufacturing.

“Really Good Boxed Wine’s goal is to create the best boxed wine in the United States, and we’re beyond thrilled that Andy loved our wine enough to endorse it after trying it,” said Whitman. “Far from mass-produced, commercially farmed grapes, our wine is directly sourced from respected vineyards and award-winning winemakers. I believe boxed wines are one of the clearest ways to help reduce the carbon impact of packaging in our industry, and our hope is Andy’s incredible palate and Master Sommelier credentials will help educate consumers on the quality of our wine.”

Whitman followed, “Our team of sommeliers and industry experts tasted more than 50 options to find the perfect wine for our January release, ultimately landing on our new 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles. We can’t wait to share it with the world.”

Each 3 Liter box of Really Good Boxed Wine, the equivalent of four bottles of wine, sells for $65, or $16.25 per bottle. Wines of this caliber typically retail for a minimum of to per bottle.

Consumers enjoy up to a 60% savings versus comparable premium wine bottles, since packaging costs and shipping are significantly lower.

Really Good Boxed Wine’s next varietals include a 2021 Pinot Noir Rosé from the Russian River Valley in February, followed by a 2021 Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County in March. For more information, visit https://www.reallygoodboxedwine.com.

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About Really Good Boxed Wine:
Really Good Boxed Wine combats the misconception that high-quality wine can’t be put in a box. They partner with world-class vineyards and award-winning winemakers to make ultra-premium wine, put it in the boxed wine format, and sell it direct-to-consumer through http://www.reallygoodboxedwine.com. It’s boxed wine you actually want to drink.

Flying Dogs Beer: Non-traditional optics of pink beer in clear bottles make the brewery’s latest high ABV release pop

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FREDERICK, MD. (PRWEB) – Maryland’s Flying Dog Brewery is coming out swinging in 2022 with the release of Super Hook Fruit Punch Sour, an amped up imperial that looks as good as it tastes. Super Hook’s deep pink liquid, that offers high pucker and low bitterness, is on full display in new clear glass bottles wrapped in original Ralph Steadman artwork.

Super Hook marks the first line extension of the brewery’s popular Vicious Hook Fruit Punch Sour, originally released in 2020 as a Brewhouse Rarity, Flying Dog’s annual series of innovative beers developed internally by staff. Flying Dog has doubled down on Vicious Hook’s fruit punch promise to create a higher-octane sour exploding with juicy, tropical fruit flavors. Super Hook has all the delicious pucker of Vicious Hook, now with more power behind the punch at 10% ABV.

“Our team in the brewhouse had fun amping up the Vicious Hook line to create something that both looks and tastes really unique,” said Ben Clark, Brewmaster at Flying Dog Brewery. “This is a really approachable beer with an ABV you don’t often see in the kettle sour category.”

This versatile and easy to drink sour will stand out on store shelves thanks to its distinctive deep pink color. Consumers will catch a glimpse of this hue through the beer’s new clear glass bottles, a rarity in the craft beer world. Flying Dog’s R&D team and expert brewers developed special processes with innovative techniques to ensure Super Hook stays delicious in the clear glass format.

Super Hook’s optics emphasize how blurred the lines have become between beer, wine and spirits with the advent of products like seltzers, canned cocktails and flavored malt beverages. In addition to appealing to consumers who favor sour ales, currently the 3rd fastest growing craft style in the United States (according to data sourced from Information Resources, Inc.), Super Hook’s taste and style are universally appealing to consumers of these categories looking for a delicious, fun adult beverage.

“The flavor profile of Super Hook has appeal across the beverage category, but the visual intrigue of the beer is what makes it stand apart and ultimately why we were excited to launch this innovative brand,” said Ben Savage, Chief Marketing Officer at Flying Dog Brewery. “The unique presentation of pink beer in clear bottles will pop on store shelves and pique the curiosity of even the most traditional craft beer consumer.”

Plastered across the colorful bottle are two new Ralph Steadman characters that bring the beer’s one-two punch of sweet and tart to life. These visceral illustrations will be the consistent aesthetic of the Vicious Hook line, appearing on additional products to be released later this year.

Super Hook Fruit Punch Sour, launched by Flying Dog with the campaign mantra “Beer, Now in Full Color” to emphasize the vibrant and energetic brand, will be sold year-round in 6-packs of 12oz bottles and should start appearing on store shelves by mid-January. Consumers are encouraged to visit the brewery’s Beer Finder to locate inventory near them: flyingdog.com/beer-finder.

About Flying Dog Brewery:
As one of the fastest-growing regional craft breweries in the United States, Flying Dog has been brewing world-class beer that pushes the confines of traditional styles for 30 years. Flying Dog attracts everyone from craft beer connoisseurs to those just catching the wave with up to 20 styles available at any given time. Introduced to Flying Dog by the Gonzo writer Hunter S. Thompson, artist Ralph Steadman has produced original art for Flying Dog’s labels since 1995. Recent accolades for Flying Dog include its Pale Ale ranked as the #1 American Pale Ale in the U.S. by The New York Times. For more information, visit http://www.flyingdog.com.

Barolo and Barbaresco World Opening Event Is Back With 2022 Edition In Los Angeles

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LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) – The Consorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani, the association representing over 500 wineries in Piedmont, Italy, is pleased to announce the second annual edition of Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening in Los Angeles. The upcoming event will feature the most recently released vintages of Barolo and Barbaresco, 2018 and 2019, respectively. The Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening is a unique occasion to learn more about the two iconic red wines of Piedmont. Through this comprehensive event, the consortium aims to increase awareness and build excitement in the United States market by providing direct encounters with the most influential wines of these famous appellations.

BBWO 2022 will begin on April 28th with a preview tasting for Master of Wine, critics, sommeliers and journalists from Europe and the United States to analyze the overall quality of the 2018 and 2019 vintages. The tasting will be followed by an exclusive gala reception in Hollywood at Paramount Pictures Studios, featuring a celebration of Piedmontese food and wine culture.

On April 29th, at the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, over 150 producers will present their Barolo and Barbaresco wines to press, trade, and consumers with a walk-around tasting. Both the Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG appellation wines will be poured during the tasting, as well as select single-vineyard labels.

“After the tremendous success of the inaugural event, we are thrilled to return to the United States with the second edition in Los Angeles this year,” said Matteo Ascheri, President of the Consortium. “The Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening is an incredible opportunity to present our wines, our traditional food and our culture to the most influential wine personalities in the United States, ​​our highest-volume export market.”

The renowned Barolo and Barbaresco wines, often called the “king and queen” of the Langhe region where they are made, are produced from 100 percent Nebbiolo grapes. Age-worthy and complex, these wines have a long history of production in Piedmont and express the nuances of the region’s microclimates. In addition to the Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG appellations, producers may use the term MGA (Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive) on qualifying labels to indicate single-vineyard bottlings. The Grand Tasting will feature an area dedicated to these MGA wines.

The Langhe region, situated in the southern part of the Piedmont region between the Alps and the Apennines mountains, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the cultural history of its vineyard-covered hills, a manifestation of wine traditions that have evolved since pre-Roman times, yet remain central to the daily economic activity and social life of the region. The region’s distinctive microclimates and unique geological soil types can be tasted in the glass year-after-year, making the Langhe home to some of the world’s most respected wines, among them Barolo and Barbaresco. To uphold the quality of these wines and its land, the Consortium maintains strict agriculture guidelines, such as the yield per hectare planting regulations set in 2011.

The event will also include cheeses of Fontina Valle d’Aosta PDO, and rice of Biella and Vercelli Barraggia PDO. Over two days, participants will have the chance to take a culinary journey to Italy, tasting Barolo and Barbaresco wines paired with Fontina PDO cheeses and risotto prepared with Baraggia rice. The Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening event is part of the European campaign “Top Tales: A piece of Europe on your table,” created to increase awareness of these three PDO products in the United States market.

For more information about the Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening events, contact BBWOevents@colangelopr.com, for media inquiries contact merland@colangelopr.com.

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About Top Tales: Top Tales is a project supported by the European Union aimed at promoting Fontina DOP from Valle d’Aosta, Rice di Baraggia Biellese e Vercellese DOP, as well as the DOCG’s Barolo and Barbaresco. The European communication campaign Top Tales: A piece of Europe on your table, is designed to increase the awareness of the three DOP products in the United States market.

About the Consorzio Di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe E Dogliani: Founded in 1934 and representing 537 wine producers across multiple appellations, the Consortium is committed to the management, protection, and promotion of the Langhe, Alba, and Dogliani wine denomination. The Consortium ensures high quality by a set of formal production guidelines for the entire winemaking process, from agronomy to market surveillance. The Consortium continues to perform periodic sampling of wine products on the market to prevent fraud and to protect the wines’ authentication and reputation. Barolo & Barbaresco are registered trademarks in many countries throughout the world.

About Consorzio Tutela Fontina: The Consortium was created in 1957 to protect Fontina DOP, its production and distribution. The entity releases the Fontina DOP trademark on every wheel of Fontina produced following the Consortium’s rules.

About Consorzio Tutela Riso di Baraggia Biellese e Vercellese: the rice from Biella and Vercelli was awarded the PDO status in 2007 after the European Union verified its unique quality and nutritional characteristics. Today, the denomination covers 22,000 ha of paddy fields across 28 communes.

Duke Spirits, Committed to Philanthropy in the Spirit of John Wayne, Introduces New Grand Cru Tequilas to Reserve Line-up

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NEWPORT BEACH, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Duke Spirits is riding high with a new Grand Cru tequila release and a wave of popularity for the legend behind the label: John Wayne, affectionately known as “The Duke.

” Duke Spirits, makers of Duke Grand Cru Bourbon and Rye Reserves, worked with son Ethan Wayne to craft Duke Spirits Grand Cru Tequila, three new ultra-premium single estate tequilas from the highlands of Jalisco. Duke Tequila is launching with a $50,000 donation and will donate a portion of all proceeds to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation.

Made at an historic distillery in Jalisco, Mexico, the new limited-edition Duke Grand Cru Tequila collection was finished in the same French oak wine barrels used to finish Duke Grand Cru Whiskeys, creating a unique and exquisite flavor profile inspired by John Wayne’s personal memoirs, recipes and spirits collection. Duke Grand Cru Founders Reserve Reposado, Extra Añejo, and six-year-old Commemorative Extra Añejo Limited Edition, commemorate John Wayne’s love for Mexico, his connection to the land and his pursuit of the perfect tequila.

“It is an honor to launch Duke Tequila and share part of his story with consumers throughout the United States,” said Chris Radomski, Founder of Duke Spirits. “John Wayne loved authentic spirits, and spent many years on location in Mexico, developing a profound love for its people and culture. He gave back to so many in his lifetime and we are proud to support his family’s living legacy with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation.”

Duke Spirits is connecting with consumers nationwide through a series of TV spots. Son Ethan Wayne discovered his father’s lost memoirs, liquor collection and special blends sealed since 1979. The Duke was often quoted as saying that if he was going to have a drink, “it had better be a good one.

” Together with Duke Spirits’ Founder Chris Radomski, Wayne reveals the personal stories that inspired the family. Click here to view Duke Spirits on Fox Business and Fox News.

The new limited-edition Duke Grand Cru Tequila collection includes Duke Grand Cru Founders Reserve Reposado (SRP: $64.99), Extra Añejo (SRP: $149.99), and six-year-old Commemorative Extra Añejo Limited Edition (SRP: $249.99). Visit Duke Spirits website and connect with us for interviews and more information.

Limavady Named Best Irish Whiskey

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LIMAVADY, NORTHERN IRELAND (PRWEB)  – Limavady Single Barrel Whiskey, a game-changer in the Irish whiskey category, is pleased to announce top honors awarded by the spirit industry’s leading competitions. One of Ireland’s oldest whiskeys dating back to 1750, Limavady made a remarkable comeback earlier this year, and is now celebrating four Gold Medals from the Beverage Testing Institute, Whiskies of the World, The Drinks Business Awards and John Barleycorn Awards, as well as being named “#1 Irish Single Malt” by the Beverage Testing Institute and 2021’s “Best Irish Whiskey” by John Barleycorn. Limavady will be expanding across the United States and launching in key international markets in 2022.

Darryl McNally, Master Distiller

In 2021, Limavady launched in Northern Ireland, California, Florida, Washington, Arizona and Colorado. In 2022, Limavady will expand its presence in the United States, with the brand launching in Texas, Illinois, Georgia, and Maryland in February, as well as abroad, with the addition of Australia and the UK this Spring. It can be found in premium bars, restaurants, and retailers with a SRP of $49.99 per 700ml bottle.

“We are honored to have won several of the industry’s top awards, bringing an immense amount of pride to me and the Limavady team. We look forward to expanding the brand’s availability across the United States and internationally,’ says Darryl McNally, Master Distiller and Founder, Limavady Irish Whiskey. “The foundation for Limavady has been reestablished and I couldn’t be happier with all the momentum behind it, both in the US – one of the world’s most exciting markets for Irish whiskey – and back at home in Northern Ireland.”

About Limavady Single Barrel Irish Whiskey

Limavady Single Barrel Irish Whiskey, one of Ireland’s oldest whiskeys dating back to 1750, is reborn and breaking new ground for the fast-growing Irish Whiskey category. Darryl McNally, international recognized Master Distiller, and descendant of the Limavady Distillery’s 18th century operators is leading the revival in partnership with WhistlePig Whiskey, declaring a new era of Irish Whiskey with Single Malt quality and Single Barrel distinctiveness. For additional information please visit http://www.limavady.com and follow @limavadyirishwhiskey on Instagram, @limavadywhiskey on Twitter.

Slow Wine Announces Its 2022 Us Tour, Welcoming New Wineries From Italy And The United States

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NEW YORK (PRWEB)  – The acclaimed Italian wine organization, Slow Wine, announces the return of its annual multi-city event series in the United States. The series celebrates the publication of the international 2021 Slow Wine Guide, which originated in Italy as the sustainable beverage branch of the Slow Food movement. Events will be held in San Francisco, Seattle, Austin, Miami, and New York, between January 24th and February 2nd, 2022.

Photo: from Slow Wine Guide’s Facebook.

The Guide’s Italian wine section continues to grow substantially, as more environmentally-focused wine producers join their peers in the Slow Wine movement. A total of 1,958 Italian producers are featured in the Guide this year. Slow Wine’s United States membership has also grown significantly, guided by US Editor and esteemed wine educator, Deborah Parker Wong, and her team of dedicated field coordinators. For the first time ever, the United States portion of the 2021 Guide will stand on its own as an individual publication, separate from the Italian wineries, boasting 285 wineries from California, Oregon, Washington and New York. Slow Wine is keeping this format for the upcoming 2022 edition, published by Goff Books.

The Slow Wine Tour will be back on the road in the United States in early 2022, thanks to the dedication of the guide’s Editor in Chief, Giancarlo Gariglio, and his team. The tasting events will showcase more than 75 wineries from Italy and the United States, welcoming hundreds of wine professionals in San Francisco (January 24th), Seattle (January 25th), Austin (January 27th), Miami (January 31st), and New York (February 2nd). Slow Wine will be one of the first international wine organizations to host a large-scale event series in the country post-Covid-19, continuing its vision of uniting the Italian and American wine industries through clean viticulture.

The mission of Slow Wine, a non-profit organization, is to promote “good, clean, and fair” wines, in a time when climate change has never been more evident nor more threatening to winegrowers and winery owners. In a further commitment to sustainable agriculture, Slow Wine partner wineries have signed a Manifesto created by the Slow Wine Coalition, a united global network of wine industry members who are dedicated to supporting a wine revolution driven by environmental sustainability, protection of the land, and rural, social, and cultural growth. The Coalition will meet for the first time in Bologna, Italy, from February 26th to March 1st, 2022 during the Slow Wine Fair for four days of conferences and tastings.

In an effort to modernize the Guide and create additional transparency between the wineries and consumers, the 2021 Slow Wine Guide now features unique QR codes for select wineries, which direct readers to video interviews with the winemakers and the Slow Wine editorial team.

About Slow Wine
The Slow Wine Guide evaluates over 2,000 Italian wineries, and over 300 American – including a small selection from Slovenia – and treats each with the utmost respect and attention. The Slow Wine team prides itself on the human contact it has with all producers, which is essential to the guide’s evaluations. While other guides limit their relationship to a blind tasting and brief write-up, Slow Wine takes the time to get personal with each winery in order to create a well-informed, detailed review of the wines themselves and the people behind the production. Slow Wine selects wineries that respect and reflect their local terroir and practice sustainable methods that benefit the environment. For the first time ever, those wineries that receive the snail or the official Slow Wine seal are 100% free of chemical herbicides, a quality that the Slow Wine Guide continues to passionately support.

About Colangelo & Partners
Colangelo & Partners specializes in premium food, wine and spirits brands, and has long-established relationships with the key press that drive these business categories and help determine the industry leaders. Agency principals have years of experience in retail and distribution as well as communications, a rare combination that gives Colangelo & Partners invaluable insights into consumer purchasing behavior. The agency focuses on “closing the loop” between creative communications programs, distribution, promotion, publicity and the consumer in order to maximize the efficiency of its communications programs and deliver measurable results.