Eve's Wine 101

Nala Robotics Changes The Way Consumers Dine on Global Dishes in 21st Century

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NAPERVILLE, ILL. (PRWEB) – Nala Robotics—an Arlington Heights, Illinois-based technology firm—is launching the world’s first fully-automatic robotic kitchen in Naperville which can cook millions of recipes from across the world without any human intervention.

With the help of robots powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), Nala can master any dish in a matter of minutes. Nala’s recipe catalog will offer dishes from chefs and celebrities around the world. Users can also upload their recipes that are coded and then replicated by Nala. It can also personalize and customize ingredients to the consumer’s liking or in the words of the company’s founder Ajay Sunkara “immortalize your grandma’s recipe,” thereby creating a one-stop eatery for every palate, across multiple cuisines.

On Nov. 11, Nala opened its first restaurant, One Mean Chicken, offering wings and fried chicken in Naperville’s Mall of India. In that same location, multiple restaurants will also be launched soon with the next being Nala’s Thai 76 and Surya Tiffins which features a South Indian breakfast menu. Sunkara’s expansion plans are to open 10 restaurant locations in 2022 and 100 by 2024. The company also partnered with several celebrity chefs to operate their ghost kitchens that are powered by Nala.

“Nala is the first AI and ML-powered multi-cuisine chef,” explained Sunkara. “Being AI-powered, the robotic chef gets better and better every single day.

The more it cooks, the more it’s going to learn and master these recipes. It is built to work 24/7; it doesn’t need a break. It’s easily scalable and trainable. It’s a workhorse.”

Creating such a menu of global cuisine as well as leveraging on technology are big food trends according to a recent article from Linchpin SEO, a Raleigh, North Carolina-based internet marketing and web agency. Additionally, Euromonitor predicted the ghost kitchen industry to be worth $1 trillion by 2030.

While there is much talk about the recent labor shortages in the restaurant industry, Sunkara believes AI could be the answer.

“AI is going to create more quality jobs and entrepreneurs through Nala’s Marketplace,” Sunkara explained. “Our Marketplace feature will help home chefs, food influencers, Michelin Stars Chefs and anyone with a good recipe to start their own their own ghost kitchen menu without having to spend thousands of dollars to build their restaurants. By simply coding their recipes into Nala’s secure database they can sell their dishes to customers at every Nala location.“

Since Nala can work 24/7, during the off-peak restaurant hours the company also plans to roll out on-the-go prepackaged foods available at local grocery stores, restaurants and convenience stores. It also plans to offer meal plan subscriptions presenting freshly prepared dishes on demand and in special categories such as gluten-free, vegan and keto among others.

“Man’s food journey started as a hunter and gatherer,” Sunkara said. “Nala Robotics brings us the next evolution in our journey where robots cook and deliver food.”

For more information, visit Nala Robotics.

About Nala Robotics:
Nala Robotics is headquartered in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and maintains strategic planning and development offices in Fremont, California, Hyderabad, Noida, and Bangalore, India, and Kiev, Ukraine

Five Prestigious Napa Valley Mountain AVAs, One Extraordinary 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

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What happens when the highest quality fruit from Napa Valley’s 5 prestigious mountain AVAs are blended together? You get 1 extra special and unique Cabernet Sauvignon! “The Five Peaks of Napa Valley” 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from The Vice Wines is finally ready to make its debut. 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, “The Five Peaks of Napa Valley” – ($150.00 / 2 x 750ml bottle set)

Napa Valley produces 4% of California’s wine, and only 5% percent of Napa’s wine production comes from mountain fruit harvested from 5 prestigious AVAs: Atlas Peak, Mount Veeder, Diamond Mountain District, Howell Mountain, and Spring Mountain District.

In 2018, an outstanding vintage, The Vice founder/winemaker Malek Amrani harvested grapes from each of these 5 uniquely different mountain AVAs and set out to craft an extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon. Each small batch was aged in select New French Oak barrels for 22 months, blended and barrel rested for a further 2 months and aged in the bottle for 12 months.

A powerful young Cab. Dark, ripe, intense and deeply concentrated. Even with an additional year of bottle aging in our cellar, this one is years from peaking. Leather, game meat, hickory and licorice are currently wrestling one another, backed with waves of blackberry, fig, boysenberry and black currant. The massively tannic mid-palate shows the strength to age. The back half kicks in with apple wood, dark cacao and cedar that linger into a lengthy finish. – Malek Amrani, The Vice Founder/Winemaker

Open and decant it to enjoy now, age it for years to come, or wrap it up for the holidays—the silk-printed gold bottle alone makes it gift-worthy.

The ABV is 15.00%. 384 cases were produced. All wines by The Vice are low in sulfites, made with sustainable farming and winemaking practices and are certified vegan.

About The Vice Wine

The Vice is a Napa Valley luxury wine brand made in small batches. Each batch is crafted from single grape varietals sourced from hand selected vineyards that best express the grape varietal and the region that it comes from. The Vice is a result of passionate labor, sustainable farming, a long expertise of the wine industry and a current understanding of the consumer’s wine trend. The Vice is about as personal of a brand as it gets. Everything is done by the founders. We drive the truck to get our fruit, we crush, bottle, label; we do everything by hand when possible. We design the labels, work the market, and sell the wine. We believe that the best wines in the world aren’t the most expensive ones. We thrive at providing the best quality wine at the best value. For more information visit thevice.com and follow on @thevicewine.

Introducing Mezcal Rosaluna, an Earth Agave Spirit With a Smooth Finish

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LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) – Made in a small Mexican village in Oaxaca, Mexico, Mezcal Rosaluna has officially launched in the United States and is available online and in-store. The handcrafted Mezcal is produced from self-grown agave and offers complex notes of both citrus and tropical fruits, combined with a hint of agave smoke and a silky smooth finish. Available in 750 milliliter bottles, the blend is 40% alcohol by volume and is certified vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, zero carb, plant-based, and carbon neutral.

Mezcal Rolsaluna is created by a brother and sister duo from the quaint town of Santiago Matatlán, which is often referred to as “The World Capital of Mezcal.” Their family perfected the craft of creating Mezcal over the course of six generations, leaving the sibling duo with the ability to grow, farm, ferment, and distill agave from seed to bottle; the result of this is a fully-integrated process that is both sustainable and carbon neutral. The process begins by planting baby agaves and nurturing them for eight years, with hand-cleanings and constant maintenance of fresh, Matatlan soil. After eight years, the heart of the agave is harvested by removing the leaves and extracting just the sweetest part: the piña in the middle. These are then taken to an underground pit and carefully placed atop a stone-buried fire to be roasted for up to five days (adding that cooked, smokey flavor to the Mezcal). These roasted pineapples are then taken to a mill to extract juices and fiber, and are then fermented with water for up to eight days. Finally the remains are distilled, with the head and heart of the first distillation going back in for a second round, separating alcohol from water to truly enhance the purity of the Mezcal.

The result of this process is a robust Mezcal designed with intricate layers of complimentary flavors, all highlighted by a smooth finish. Its aroma is built on tropical fruits and notes of citrus, cinnamon, and ginger, all of which pair beautifully with the caramel notes of the roasted agave hearts. Mezcal Rosaluna pairs well with numerous drinks and fruits including cranberry, coffee, and grapefruit, while also leaving room for experimentation and design. The makers themselves have lovingly crafted 16 unique cocktail recipes that include Mezcal Rosaluna, including the Pink Moon Paloma, the Topo & Luna, and the Seventeen Fifty. No matter how it’s mixed, every sip is a beautiful and intricately woven blend of flavors that is the result of generations of refinement from the World Capital of Mezcal.

Handcrafted in the foothills of Oaxaca Mexico, Mezcal Rosaluna is an authentic agave spirit developed over the course of six generations. It is self grown, processed, and distilled without GMOs, gluten, or carbs, making it vegan, plant-based, and carbon neutral. Bottles are available to purchase on Drizly and ReserveBar, with more information available on https://mezcalrosaluna.com/.

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

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

Corvezzo family photo from Social Vignerons website.

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

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

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

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

Corvezzo Prosecco DOC Rosé Extra Dry Millesimato: An exciting addition to this new category. Pinot Nero at 15% (the legal maximum) added to the Glera base gives the wine an intense flavor of wild strawberries and small red berries. Fresh and strong on the attack, flavors of acacia flowers and citrus linger in the long finish. To maintain freshness, the wine stays in tank only 60 days.
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CORVEZZO PINOT GRIGIO 2019 DELLE VENEZIE DOC
CORVEZZO PROSECCO DOC TREVISO EXTRA DRY
CORVEZZO PROSECCO DOC ROSÉ EXTRA DRY MILLESIMATO
SRP $13 / Imported by Origins Organic Imports, Miami, FL

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

Guillotine Vodka’s Heritage Edition Included in “The Best Vodka Brands To Buy Right Now”

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MARINA DEL REY, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Guillotine Vodka had a pretty successful summer season. Throughout the summer the brand had heavily promoted and highlighted their Originale, an ultra-premium vodka made from the finest Champagne-region grapes. This vodka has a light and clean finish, offering notes of citrus with hints of almond and toffee. However, the star of this past summer season was the Heritage barrel-aged vodka. To no one’s surprise, this amber-colored vodka continues to steal the show, receiving validation from global news outlets.

Guillotine Heritage barrel-aged vodka has been listed as #3 by the acclaimed New York-based magazine, Rolling Stone in their “The Best Vodka Brands To Buy Right Now” article. Recognized for their opinions on popular culture, Rolling Stone emphasized the demand for Guillotine Heritage and reinforced the brand’s credibility by noting the uniqueness and sophistication the Heritage possesses, comparing it to a fine cognac.

The article goes on to highlight the brand’s success, stating: “Guillotine is ideal for anyone who’s already developed a palate for vodka and is looking to try something new. It’s been lauded by experts and the public alike, earning a Double Gold Medal at the consumer-judged SIP Awards in 2019.” The Rolling Stone article was then re-published by Yahoo!, more than doubling its exposure to an audience that may be familiar with vodka, but not necessarily aware of this new French vodka that claims to be A Cut Above Le Reste.

Guillotine Heritage Barrel-Aged Vodka is a unique aged vodka that is matured in Cognac and Armagnac barrels made from very special Limousin oak, adding notes of cinnamon and toffee with hints of mandarin orange and licorice. Made in a 100-year-old distillery using a mix of ancient methods and modern savoir-faire, Guillotine Heritage Vodka is an ultra-premium spirit unparalleled in quality, taste, and joie de vivre.

Guillotine Heritage Barrel-Aged Vodka is the only French vodka from Champagne-region vineyards that is aged in oak barrels, instilling Guillotine Heritage with its unique aromas, increased roundness, and golden amber hue. Smooth and clean, with subtle woody notes complemented by hints of spice, vanilla and cinnamon, this exceptional vodka has just the right amount of umami.

Guillotine Heritage Barrel-Aged Vodka is crafted with care using artisanal techniques steeped in France’s rich history of fine wines and spirits. The process starts by handpicking and de-seeding world-renowned grapes, slowly pressing them, patiently distilling them, and expertly preserving their essence. The taste and finish of Guillotine are the results of mingling white and black grapes such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay.

About Guillotine Vodka

Guillotine is a revolutionary French vodka created exclusively from the Aÿ-Champagne region’s finest pinot and chardonnay grapes. Founded by Paul Berkmann in 2016, the brand’s mission is to introduce the world to the finest artisanal spirits, starting with ultra-premium vodkas that are unparalleled in quality, taste, and joie de vivre. Guillotine is 100% natural, vegan-friendly and gluten-free, containing no coloring or flavoring additives, no glycerol, and no citric acid.

1% for the Planet Member Bandit Wines Donates $104,000 to Environmental Nonprofits

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ST. HELENA, Calif./PRNewswire/ — Bandit Wines, the wine brand designed with exploration in mind, today announced its $104,000 donation to environmental nonprofits within the 1% for the Planet network. The donation follows Bandit Wines’ July 2019 commitment to donating one percent of annual sales to the 1% for the Planet organization’s network of nonprofit partners – each banded together to preserve the beautiful American landscapes that keep Bandit fans exploring. In further support of the cause, Bandit Wines today announced a Wine Seltzer line comprised of Rainier Cherry and Honeycrisp Apple offerings, both donning the 1% for the Planet logo and contributing to next year’s donation.

 

“Since we first introduced Bandit wines in lightweight, eco-minded Tetra Paks in 2003, we’ve made protecting the environment our mission,” said Charles Bieler, co-founder of Bandit Wines. “Partnering with 1% for the Planet in 2019 helped us continue that cause, and we’re proud to help fund the environmental nonprofits that need our help. Looking toward next year, we hope to increase our donation with proceeds from our latest launch, Bandit Wine Seltzers.”

Inspired by northwest flavors, Bandit Wine Seltzers are made by winemakers for fellow wine enthusiasts and adventurers with just a few primary ingredients: California Pinot Grigio wine, sparkling Napa Valley water and all-natural favors. Rainier Cherry – made with Rainier Cherry juice – and Honeycrisp Apple are gluten-free, vegan, 90 calories, 4 percent ABV and available now, at $8.99 SRP per four-pack.

One percent of proceeds from Bandit Wine Seltzers and the existing Bandit Wines lineup will continue to benefit organizations such as National Park Foundation and Protect our Winters – both organizations close to the hearts of founders Charles Bieler and Joel Gott. Bieler and Gott aim to make the brand’s 2021 contribution even more impactful, with the help of Bandit’s fans.

Bandit fans wishing to support and further 1% for the Planet’s mission can purchase Bandit’s Wine Seltzers and its seven existing wine varietals. The wines – spanning Pinot Grigio to Cabernet Sauvignon – are packaged in convenient, easy-to-tote, easy-to-seal Tetra Pak packages depicting a unique American outdoor landscape. Visit www.banditwines.com to learn more about how 1% for the Planet partner Bandit Wines contributes to environmental causes.

About Bandit Wines

Bandit Wines is the brainchild of Charles Bieler and Joel Gott, a rogue winemaking pair who forged a partnership in 2003 to bring their passion for great wine and their thirst for exploration together in convenient, easy-to-tote 1L and 500mL Tetra Pak cartons. Bandit’s lightweight box design and twist-to-open cap make it an adventure-ready wine that stays fresh and uses natural resources responsibly. Bandit is available nationwide in seven popular varietals—Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Rosé, Merlot, Red Blend and Cabernet Sauvignon—each featuring unique, custom illustrations that inspire outdoor adventure and appreciation of America’s treasured landscapes. New to Bandit’s portfolio are Bandit Wine Seltzers, available in Rainier Cherry and Honeycrisp Apple flavors in portable 12-ounce cans. For more information visit www.banditwines.com.

About 1% for the Planet

1% for the Planet is a global organization that connects dollars and doers to accelerate smart environmental giving. Through business and individual memberships, 1% for the Planet inspires people to support environmental organizations through annual membership and everyday actions. They advise on giving strategies, certify donations, and amplify the impact of the 1% for the Planet network.

Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, members have given more than $265 million to environmental nonprofits to date. Today, 1% for the Planet is a network of more than 4,000 members and thousands of nonprofit partners in more than 90 countries. Look for the logo to purchase for the planet and learn more at: www.onepercentfortheplanet.org.

Social Media

Facebook: @BanditWines
Instagram: @BanditWines
Twitter: @BanditWines  

 

Irreverent Wine Launches Great Tasting Wine in a Recyclable Pouch

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WALLA WALLA, WASH. (PRWEB) – Earth-loving, social, and health conscious wine lovers can now reach for the pouch vs. the bottle with Irreverent Wine (http://www.irreverentwine.com), a new monthly “Farm to Glass” sustainable wine subscription service. The new approach ships wine in a recyclable pouch to reduce the carbon footprint of wine by 80 percent, keeps great-tasting wine fresh longer once opened, and surprises wine drinkers monthly with high quality handcrafted blends from sustainable vineyards.

Photo from Irreverent Wine’s Facebook page.

Irreverent takes environmental impact seriously, while also obsessing to surprise members with exclusive wines that are crafted without added sugars and are gluten-free, vegan, FODMAP, keto and paleo-friendly. Subscribers are offered everything from Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio to interesting International-inspired blends. Members never get the same wine twice, so there’s always an element of delight and wonder, but without the waste generated with traditional bottles.

“Every year 70 percent of wine bottles (3 billion bottles) end up in landfills because they are hard to recycle and there’s not enough demand for recycled glass,” said Chris Dukelow, former Seattle technology executive turned chief winemaker and founder at Irreverent Wine. “Bottles don’t make wine taste better, so why are we using them other than those purchased for aging? By eliminating wine bottle production and partnering directly with sustainable vineyards, we can reduce wine’s environmental impact while also keeping wine natural and delicious for consumers.”

The Best Sustainable Monthly Wine Subscription
With so many wine clubs and wine delivery services, there’s no shortage of options for wine lovers to consider. Irreverent distinguishes itself from the wine club landscape by first making high quality wine, and second, by uncorking the bias and prejudices against wine in a bag or pouch. The company partners with the very best independent vineyards committed to Earth-friendly farming practices in renowned Washington and Oregon wine regions to make, source, and blend world-class wines with no unnecessary sugars, chemical additives, or manipulations.

The wine is then shipped in recyclable pouches that keep oxygen sealed out and freshness sealed in for up to four weeks after opening. The pouches are self-standing, can be kept on the counter or in the refrigerator, and are more durable, lighter, and friendlier to the planet than glass. An easy-to-use spigot allows members to enjoy the convenience of a smaller portion of wine at their leisure and never worry about finishing a bottle before it goes bad. The pouches are also perfect for social gatherings, camping, or other outdoor events.
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How Membership Works
First, members sign up by selecting the types of wine they would like to receive monthly. Members can opt-in to receiving reds, whites, or blends, and order 1.
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5 liter (two bottle equivalent) or 3-liter pouches (four bottle equivalent). Wine quality is similar to what you would get in a $30 bottle of wine, but delivered monthly at a 20-30 percent discount for an exceptional value. Members pay between $41-$49 monthly for 1.5 liter subscriptions (two bottle equivalent) and $59-$65 for 3.0 liter subscriptions (four bottle equivalent). Additional pouches can also be added easily to monthly deliveries that start at $39. Members have flexibility to purchase additional pouches or customize recurring monthly shipments for special occasions, including pouch size.

About Us
Born in the heart of the Walla Walla valley, Irreverent Wine is an eco-friendly monthly wine subscription service that delivers better wine, for a better world. Founded by 30-year technology industry veteran Chris Dukelow, Irreverent Wine is on a mission to change the way wine is packaged, shipped, sold, and enjoyed one-glass-at-a-time. In the U.S. alone, over 4 billion wine bottles are purchased annually, and the manufacturing and transport of these bottles emits approximately 10 billion pounds of CO2-equivalent emissions. By partnering with independent and sustainable vineyards, putting great-tasting, low carb, gluten-free, vegan, FODMAP, keto, and paleo- friendly wines in recyclable pouches, the company offers a unique “Farm to Glass” model that reduces the carbon footprint of wine by 80 percent. For every pouch delivered, Irreverent will donate $2 to EcoTrust, which has a mission to create economic opportunity, social equity, and environmental well-being. For more information, visit http://www.irreverentwine.com.

Winesellers, Ltd. Releases Tiamo Organic Dry Wine Spritzers

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CHICAGO (PRWEB) – Award-winning importer Winesellers, Ltd. introduces two new additions to their Tiamo Organic range from Italy – Tiamo Organic Dry Rose and Dry White Wine Spritzers in 250ml cans; just in time for the kickoff of Summer. The organic dry wine spritzers are both low alcohol (5 percent ABV) and low calorie (90 per can), crafted for the modern wine consumer looking to lead a balanced and healthier lifestyle. As we say, #LiveLifeLoveLifeTiamoLife.

Tiamo wine spritzers are created with premium wine made from organic grapes from the best growers in Italy, then blended with sparkling water and a touch of organic cane sugar (2g/can and 3g/can in the White and Rose, respectively). These new Tiamo Spritzers are not only organic, low alcohol and low calorie; they are vegan-friendly, gluten-free and contain no artificial flavors or sweeteners. The dry style and absence of unnecessary flavors makes these spritzers the ideal choice for consumers looking for a no-frills, mindful beverage that also tastes like wine! They are refreshing and crisp wine-based cocktails with a bit of fizz, a smart alternative for health-conscious drinkers.

Jordan Sager, Co-President of Winesellers, explains, “Consumers are becoming more selective by seeking moderation, but also authenticity with their beverage choices. Tiamo has always been a highly innovative and responsible brand with a history of producing top organic certified wines and offering them in sustainable, alternative packaging. These organic dry-style wine spritzers represent the next phase in that development to cater to the evolving demand within this category.”

Tiamo Organic Spritzers will be available nationally starting early May in 4-packs of 250ml cans, with a targeted national retail price of $14.99. The new canned spritzers will join Tiamo 375ml still wine cans currently available in national distribution.

ABOUT TIAMO ORGANIC
Tiamo, which simply means “I Love You” in Italian, is a line of wines, made with organic grapes that represent top quality wines from the best growers in their respective regions. The selection includes a Prosecco that is sourced from vineyards near the village of Valdobbiadene, a crisp but fruit forward Pinot Grigio that comes from vineyards near Treviso in the Veneto region, a beautifully soft Chianti from Montespertoli, which lies in the heart of the Tuscan countryside and a full bodied and robust Barbera from Lombardy. All the Tiamo wines are sourced by the owners of Tiamo, Melvyn & Jane Master, their son Charlie Master and the Sager family.

ABOUT WINESELLERS, LTD.
Founded in 1978 by Yale Sager, Winesellers, Ltd. is a second generation, family-owned and globally recognized importer, and marketer of fine wines to the U.S. market. The company’s portfolio represents the finest quality of wines in their respective price category and has widespread distribution in all 50 U.S. states. The Winesellers, Ltd. portfolio includes producers and brands from Argentina, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and other countries worldwide.

For more information, visit http://www.winesellersltd.com and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Discovering Folded Hills Winery – Plus Winemaker Angela Osborne

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Once again the #LAWineWriters met up at Napa Valley Grille in Westwood to have a wine paired luncheon. This time organizer and fellow writer Cori Solomon invited us to taste through some new Rhone wines – Grenache predominant – from a winery in the Santa Ynez AVA: Folded Hills Winery Farmstead Ranch.

We were greeted by the owner, Kim Busch, and general manager Tymari Lore on the patio of the restaurant. There were no less than nine wines for us to try, along with a six course meal created by Chef Ben Diaz. (See photos here.)

What we learned about the winery:

  • The vineyards are situated further south than any other vineyards in the Santa Ynez AVA and provide for cooler climate wines.
  • The winemaker, Angela Osborne, is also known for her A Tribute to Grace wines.
  • Their wine club is called “The Fold” and is very event-centered.
  • If you like French Rhônes, many of which are lower in alcohol than the American version, know that the Folded Hills wines we tried ranged from low to mid-range at 12.10% alcohol to 14.5%, with most hovering at about 13%.
  • They launched in April 2017 and you can taste the wines in their Montecito tasting room or at the estate in Gaviota.
  • This is a small production winery, with 5,500-6,500 case production, and they tend to “sell out fast.” Owner Kim Busch added, “Yes we do sell out of most our wines, all but 2 of which are purposely higher production.”
  • If you visit the winery you will not only see vineyards but also fruit trees and farm animals.

According to their brochure the wines “have no residual sugar and one gram or less of carbs, no commercial additives, minimal sulfur, only native yeast, are grown organically following the biodynamic calendar, made from grapes that are 95% estate grown, hand harvested using sustainable practices in the vineyard, are vegan, and crafted consciously to be lower in alcohol…” as well as being family owned.

Below are my tasting notes on the wines and food pairings:

ONE

Beet Tartare: Yuzu, hazelnut chimichurri, radish, nasturtium, country bread.

2018 Lilly Rose Grenache: 100% Folded Hills Grenache. Salmon in color, aromas and flavors of pink grapefruit, apple, lemon, graphite. Loved the beets and the Rose cooled down the heat of this dish.

 

TWO

The Nomad Flatbread: Salmon belly, crème fraiche, escabeche, radish, chervil.

2018 August White: 68% Folded Hills Grenache Blanc, 32% Area 51 Roussanne. White flowers, pears in light syrup, concrete, mild acidity. I loved the salmon – and had seconds – with this white Rhone.

 

THREE

Apple and Brie Flatbread: Granny Smith, picked red onion, triple crème brie, prosciutto, heirloom tomato velouté.

2018 Estate White Santa Ynez Valley: 50% Grenache Blanc, 25% Marsanne, 25% Clarette Blanche. Apple, peach, butter, toasted oak, crisp and clean mouthfeel, and my favorite white in the tasting. Loved the apple notes in the wine with the apples in the flatbread.

 

FOUR

Mary’s Free-Range Chicken Wings: Thai passion fruit chili, petite frisee, Heirloom radish, cilantro.

2017 August Red: 67% Grenache, 33% Syrah. Very perfumy aromatics, velvety red fruit, black cherries, big and tannic – especially when compared to the other red wines. My fellow writers oohed and awed over the pairing; it was quite nice with the spices on the chicken.

 

FIVE

Yellowfin Tuna: bubu arare, porcini crema, truffle ponzu, maitake.

2017 Cluster Grenache: Whole cluster Grenache, 100% Folded Hills. Cherry cola, green peppercorn and a nice easy drinker.

2017 Estate Grenache: 100% Folded Hills Grenache. Cherry liqueur, brambles, minty and dry.

2017 Grant Grenache: 92% Grenache, 8% Syrah. Raspberry, bright, oak and tannic.

All were really nice with the tuna, and as it was served cold it was a perfect picnic as we were outdoors on a cool day with low alcohol wines. These last two Grenache were my favorites of the reds.

 

SIX

Charred Te Mana Lamb: honey nut squash, baby kale, pine nut relish, au poivre.

Twice Fried Brussels Sprouts: Balsamic, parmigiano reggiano, togarashi, shaved bonito.

2017 Stolpman Syrah Ballard Canyon: 100% Stolpman Syrah. Strawberry, richly oaked, cola, tart.

2016 G.S.M.: 80% Folded Hills Vineyard, 20% Thompson Vineyard. 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre. Red berries, ash, long finish.

Both wines were very nice with the lamb and Brussels Sprouts, if I could have eaten more I would have!

 

https://foldedhills.com/

https://www.facebook.com/foldedhills/

https://napavalleygrille.com/

https://www.facebook.com/NapaValleyGrilleWestwood/

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.