Eve's Wine 101

Green Wine Future 2022 adds “Wine For The Planet” to Program

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Miami, Florida- Green Wine Future 2022, the most important professional summit featuring sustainability and climate change for the international wine sector, announces the addition of “Wine for the Planet” (W4P) to its May 23-26, 2022, program.

W4P will showcase the wine industry’s work in protecting areas of the Earth most sensitive to the climate crisis, including:

  • Antarctica, Greenland, the Arctic
  • Coral reefs in different parts of our planet
  • The Amazon and other rainforests
  • Countries already suffering from water shortages and floods

Based on documentaries recorded and presented by W4P founder Pancho Campo and his team from the above listed regions, W4P will stream free globally during regular breaks of Green Wine Future. Those interested, may view the films through Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, where the team will highlight wine tastings in Greenland, Iceland, Antarctica, the Amazon, and the Great Coral Reef.

Wine for the Planet will show:

  • The vital importance of protecting these sensitive areas from impacts of climate change
  • That we are all interconnected throughout our planet
  • That all industries must attend to these issues, regardless of their professional activity.

“Our first expedition will take us to Greenland, the Arctic and Island where we will record amazing footage of the impact of climate change on the Inuit and the local economy, but we will also taste some wine as a gesture of the industry for protecting these extreme but very sensitive areas,” says Pancho Campo.

With many more to follow, Green Wine Future now has more than 60 confirmed speakers representing all elements of the wine business – scientists, academics, media, and celebrities will all add their own unique perspectives. These wine industry luminaries are scheduled to participate both through live and pre-recorded connections from vineyards and wineries, coupled with streaming documentaries premiering at Green Wine Future 2022.

“W4P will occur virtually from five continents containing eight of the planet’s wine regions; California, Chile, Portugal, South Africa, France, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, to minimize its carbon footprint, to ensure that it be truly global, and to avoid impacts caused by the pandemic,” says David Furer.

The promo video, Information about The Wine for the Planet program, confirmed speakers, alliances and partners, and registrations may be found at www.greenwinefuture.com.

818 Tequila Partners With S.A.C.R.E.D. to Support Agave-Producing Communities in Mexico

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Fast-Growing Tequila Brand Also Transitions to State-of-the-Art Distillery to Further Sustainability Efforts

LOS ANGELES, /PRNewswire/ — 818 Tequila, the award-winning, sustainable tequila brand founded by Kendall Jenner, announced its partnership with S.A.C.R.E.D. — a nonprofit that supports Mexican communities where heritage agave spirits are made. The rapidly-growing spirits maker has also moved their production to Grupo Solave‘s state-of-the-art distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. 818’s new distillery partner is notable for combining traditional tequila-making methods with environmental-impact innovation. This move allows 818 to continue to scale without sacrificing attention to tradition and sustainability as they roll out across the U.S.

Founded by Lou Bank, S.A.C.R.E.D. (Saving Agave for Culture, Recreation, Education and Development) hosts educational tastings and fundraises to underwrite programs that help replant agave, build libraries, ensure water security and repair damage done by earthquakes. In conjunction with S.A.C.R.E.D., 818 Tequila created the 818 Bricks Program which uses raw, post-production agave fibers, water waste and adobe soil to create bricks that can be used for building local community infrastructure like tasting rooms and schools. S.A.C.R.E.D. helps with brick production, as well as identifies the infrastructure projects for donation that serve as a value-add to local communities.

“I’m honored to work alongside 818 Tequila, especially on making adobe bricks out of agave waste and using those bricks to support Mexican communities,” said Lou Bank, Founder and Executive Director of S.A.C.R.E.D. “It’s our mission to support the people who make agave spirits, in hopes of sustaining the multigenerational wisdom and practices they inherited from their progenitors who made tequila, mezcal, and other heritage spirits. Our goal is to support the communities that are integral to agave production by working with them directly and asking them what they need.”

“As we continue our mission to find actionable ways to support Amatitán and the broader Mexican community where our tequila is produced, we’re honored to work with S.A.C.R.E.D., who has established tremendous relationships with the people producing heritage spirits in the region for generations,” said Mike Novy, 818 Tequila president and COO. “At 818 Tequila, we want to create a new standard for sustainability while also giving back to those who are so integral to our tequila-making process. Establishing a long-term partnership with Lou and his team at S.A.C.R.E.D. to expand upon the incredible work they’ve already done in Mexico really drives our mission.”

Furthering its sustainability initiative with S.A.C.R.E.D., 818 has also transitioned to work with Mexican family-owned Grupo Solave at its state-of-the-art distillery based in Amatitán, Jalisco that will allow the brand to better meet the incredible demand for its spirit. Grupo Solave sets an impressive standard for earth-first tequila production, while maintaining a commitment to traditional methods. The production process at the distillery is powered by waste using biomass boilers, which both extends the life cycle of the agave and reduces CO2 emissions.

Crafted from 100% Blue Weber Agave in Jalisco, Mexico, 818 Tequila comes in three varieties – Blanco, Reposado and Añejo and is available in select markets across the U.S. For more information and to find a local retailer or restaurant partner, visit www.drink818.com.

About 818 Tequila
Founded by Kendall Jenner, 818 Tequila is an award-winning, hand-crafted tequila brand committed to uplifting the women and men who make it. Produced using traditional methods in Amatitán, Jalisco, Mexico at a family-owned-and-operated distillery, the brand has won 16 awards across six major industry competitions, including Best Reposado Tequila from the World Tequila Awards; Platinum Award from the SIP Awards; Chairman’s Trophy from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge; Triple Gold from the MicroLiquor Spirit Awards; Top 100 Spirits from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge; Double Gold from the SIP Awards; Gold Medal from the MicroLiquor Spirit Awards; and an Innovation Award from the SIP Awards. Sustainably produced from tequilana weber blue agaves, 818 Tequila features three variations – a Blanco, Reposado and Añejo. For more information follow @drink818 on Instagram or visit www.drink818.com.

About S.A.C.R.E.D.
S.A.C.R.E.D. is a U.S.-based, 501c3 not-for-profit that improves quality of life in the rural Mexican communities where heritage agave spirits are made. Since their founding in 2017, they’ve gifted more than 35,000 agave seedlings to families in Oaxaca who are struggling to access the plants they need because of the explosion in global interest in mezcal. To learn more about this and their other programs, visit sacred.mx

Tasting Tequila Codigo 1530 Rosa Blanco

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During last month’s Nightclub and Bar show in Las Vegas I tasted Tequila Codigo 1530 “Rosa” Blanco. I learned that this particular tequila spends one month in uncharred Napa Cabernet French oak barrels and is the only tequila that has been approved to use a particular cross emblem from the Jalisco state in Mexico, as seen on the front and the bottom of the bottle. The brief tasting, and only knowing some of the stories behind the tequila, made me want to learn and taste more. Before reviewing it in full for Eve Wine 101 readers, I did a little research via their website.

Codigo 1530

Photo from the Nightclub and Bar show, credit: Edward Bushman.

Just going to their website will blow you away as it opens up with a gorgeous short film to learn how this tequila came to be, in three glorious minutes. The family in Jalisco behind it, their water source, the filtering process, organic yeast from a local bakery, no flavoring or chemicals are added and having “the right people…that have been growing agave all of their lives.”

They have five different types of tequila in their line-up – learn more about each of these award-winners via the film and the website. The Rosa is made with their Blanco that benefits from uncharred oak barrels from Napa, aged one month, and gained a beautiful color – and flavor – without any additional additives to make it so.

This recent article on VinePair shares even more interesting information: https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-codigo-1530-guide/

The Cross

From their Facebook, regarding the cross embossed on their bottles I learned, “…Código 1530 proudly bears the Jerusalem Cross as the symbol of its heritage story. This iconic cross sits atop the Jalisco Coat of Arms and dates back to 1530 when after colonial struggle, Amatitán was officially recognized as a city of New Galicia and Jalisco was given a coat of arms by the Spanish monarchy, which was anchored by the Jerusalem Cross. Código 1530’s name honors ‘Los Códigos’, the old world codes and customs that shaped and still live on in Amatitán and the Los Bajos region to this day. These values are at the core of the proud families who served this tequila in their homes, and the artisan distilling family who has been the custodian of this private tequila for generations.”

The Tasting

After my brief tasting at the show, though I did benefit from having “ Bar Explorer” Collin De Laval (Instagram: @tilting_at_windmills_) there with me, I looked forward to sitting over a tasting and really getting my nose and mouth wrapped around this beautiful tequila. So here you go:

Greeted by the most delicate color of rose gold, and very leggy in my glass, I was ready to search my memory of what the aromas reminded me of and found: sweet cream, cling peaches, dried dark cherries, white chocolate and biscuit. On the palate I was rewarded with tingly flavors of dried red fruits and mixed nuts, with a rich and lingering creaminess coating my palate. Going in for a second sip, and using master mixologist Richard Paterson’s technique of allowing the spirit more time in my mouth before swallowing, I noted that the flavor just got richer and multi-layered. Though there are plenty of cocktails you can make with tequila, this is one I would sip, this is heady stuff.

https://codigo1530.com/

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

Starward Australian Whisky, Penfolds and Chocolate! Oh My!

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Most of you know that Eddie and I are both wine and whisky fans, so we were thrilled to try a little Shiraz wine along with a lot of Australian whisky (all aged in wine casks) in a Zoom meeting via the Southern California Whisky Club:

Starward Tasting Room in Australia.

We are delighted to welcome David Vitale, the founder (and maker) of Starward Australian whisky, for a virtual Masterclass. Founded in 2004, in an airport hangar in Melbourne’s Essendon Fields, the Starward distillery has built a fine reputation over the years. Inspired by Melbourne’s foodie culture, Starward has developed a world-class, premium whisky that challenges people’s perceptions of what whisky can be. The distillery is focused on 3 things: whisky, culture and flavor. Starward has embraced its Melbourne roots, maturing almost all of their whisky in big, Aussie red wine barrels, and even Apera casks (basically sherry, except they can’t call it that). Although they have a foot firmly in the single malt world, they’re also not afraid to draw outside of traditional constraints.

 From Vitale and Sean O’Connell, Starward Whisky Brand Ambassador:

  1. Vitale said that “single malt is craft beer grown up” and he began his journey into scotch with Johnny Walker Black and Chivas as his “repertoire of whisky.”
  2. All of their whisky hits their sweet spot at 3 years of age, there are no aging years shown on the bottles.
  3. Water is added before aging, so they are aging the water, but it makes for a better product Vitale said.
  4. Bourbon is the number one brown spirit in Australia.
  5. If you want to know when their whisky is released you can register at their website (below) or check with Wally’s (also below).

The line-up (my tasting notes are in bold)

  1. Penfold’s Bin 2 Shiraz Mataro (2017, South Australia) – The wine, with 14.5% alcohol was spicy and filled with dark tannic fruit, quite quaffable and a great palate cleanser before tasting all the whisky.
  2. Starward Two-Fold (wheat + malted barley / red wine barrels) 40% ABV – No burn on the nose, sweet, kernel, buttercream chocolate, Bourbon like.
  3. Starward Nova (red wine barrels) 41% ABV – Again, no nose burn, pineapple, lemon bar, cream and toast with lots of spice on the palate. This was my favorite, but I really liked all of them.
  4. Starward Solera (fortified wine barrels) 43% ABV – Aged in Apera (like a Sherry) casks, menthol, pine needles, creamed corn, dried fruit with a lot of spice and cream in the long finish.
  5. Starward Wally’s Single Barrel Cask #3330 55.6% ABV – Didn’t need to really add water to the previous tastes, this one I definitely did though. (Water opens up flavors and aromas in whisky, also lessens heat.) This was a barrel chosen and carried by Wally’s. Tobacco, sweet cream, florals, huge flavors. This was Eddie’s favorite.
  6. Starward 10th Anniversary 52% ABV – Lots of cream again, apricot, suede with flavors that included spices, dried fruit and caramel.

+ Violet Crumble bar (Australian honeycomb toffee coated in chocolate) Eddie tried to steal both bars, this stuff was like crack, especially paired with the whisky!

Starward Australian Whisky website [link]

SCWC website

WSKYCVLT
SCWC Facebook

Wally’s Starward Page

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

Vintage Eve Circa 7/2018: Neat Spirits Tasting in Neat Spirits Glass!

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Earlier this year, in April, I attended the Universal Whisky Experience in Las Vegas. Besides tasting the new, rare and old, attendees also had opportunities to take classes. In one of my classes two people sitting next to me pulled out their own tasting glasses – a stemless, fat rounded shape with a wide lip at the top – as opposed to using the Glencairn crystal glasses – wider at the bottom than the top, a tall tulip shape – the majority of us were given and used for evaluation.

I had seen a lot of aficionados bringing their own glassware at events, so this was of no surprise to me. But when we left the class one of them handed me a fresh clean glass as a gift, along with a one-page information sheet. I quickly learned that no less than 20 spirit competitions had adopted the Neat tasting glass and six of my spirit mentors loved them…it was definitely my turn to give it a whirl.

It’s taken me a few months to get around to trying out their glass. But what I read intrigued me: the reduction of alcohol burn on the nose and numbing, which could only increase the enjoyment of tasting. As I almost always add a dribble of water to a rare whisky or a large cube to an every day one, I don’t have the burning or numbing problem often. But I do at events. So, here goes, and onto my test.

Aromas from Neat vs. the Glencairn

Instructions from Neat: 1. Hold glass level, nose in center of “sweet spot” at rim level, and sniff. 2. Move nose to rim edge to detect diluted alcohol (less nose burn). 3. Breathe through nose (closed mouth), do not add water. Placing nose in neck will detect nose-numbing alcohol as in traditional glasses.

Glencairn

Bunnahabhain 12 YO

No water or ice added, got the definite usual nose burn as expected.

 

Neat

Bunnahabhain 12 YO

No nose burn – if done as indicated.

 

My Conclusion

In case you are wondering, the aromas were pretty much the same for me in either glass – in this first test. While one testimony claimed that the Neat glass makes the aromas “enhancing” I could only agree as it masks the numbing alcohol agent. Another reviewer also found it to “enhance” in a food pairing, and again, I thought, heck ya, as the alcohol isn’t overwhelming the palate.

I also did have to agree with reviewers that found the glass to heighten the “purity” of any spirit, dissipating the “alcohol aroma to pick up subtleties in spirits like vodka” and I now looked forward to trying my Neat glass with different brands of vodkas, a spirit that is widely “enhanced” with many different flavors in many different cocktails. I had done a vodka tasting years ago, and many of my guests were only able to discern the amount of harshness in a vodka; it took a lot of tasting to finally get them to notice if there were other subtle flavor differences, which left me to wonder: How would my next vodka tasting go with these glasses? Something to ponder…for now I will do my pondering over the Bunnahabhain…in my Neat glass.

From the Website

In 2003, a simple glass blowing mistake created an amazing shape which displays the true expression of spirits, and launched a new, scientific approach to glass design, which we call Naturally Engineered Aroma Technology (NEAT).

Studying human olfactory physiology and applying physical and chemistry science, we unlocked the hidden dimensions of distilled spirits with a glass that enhances drinking pleasure, enjoyment, and diagnostics. Nine years, fifty two design revisions, hundreds of tastings and aroma profile studies developed NEAT, the perfect spirits glass.

Taste the Truth:  Taste and aroma are true measures of a spirit’s quality.  Alcohol burn numbs the nose and overwhelms the truth, spoiling your drinking experience. Neat eliminates nose burn and numbing, enhancing ability to detect, savor, and enjoy the subtle, wonderful aromas the distiller intended.

Science Drives Design, and Form Follows Function:  NEAT was tested against other spirits glasses under controlled, uniform conditions by University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV) Chemistry Department to verify results.  Science built a better glass.

https://twitter.com/TheNEATGlass

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvRtJRm6jxqtf6fK04MsPvA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-manska-14747113/

https://www.facebook.com/theneatglass?ref=hl

https://www.theneatglass.com/

https://www.instagram.com/theneatglass/

 

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 15k 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.

Kozuba and Sons Distillery Emerges as Industry Leader with Award-Winning Craft Spirits

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ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. (PRWEB) – The Kozuba family began their humble distillation journey in Poland when Zbigniew “Papa” Kozuba, now Founder and Master Distiller, was tinkering with traditional Polish cordials. In 2014, Papa and his sons Matthias and Jacob Kozuba moved the operation to the states to build upon tradition, innovate, and grow their spirits business in the American market. Since their move, the Kozuba family has become one of Florida’s most well-respected and premier, family-owned craft distilleries. True to their reputation, Kozuba & Sons Distillery was named 2020 Florida Distillery of the Year by the New York International Spirits Competition.

The New York International Spirits Competition 2020 Florida Distillery of the Year award recognizes the leadership of Kozuba & Sons Distillery, their expert craftsmanship and high-quality spirits created at their St. Petersburg-based facility. “We are very honored to have received this award,” Matthias Kozuba, Founder, CMO and Distiller says. “We have seen a lot of growth in the past six years, and we are proud of the premium spirits we craft, as we honor our family tradition.”

Kozuba & Sons Distillery utilizes recycled water, distributes spent grain to local farmers to eliminate waste, and operates their steam-heated stills by way of a gas-powered boiler to limit energy consumption. These measures reduce their overall emissions and set a positive example for the spirits industry. In addition, their B Square Vodka, Coast Vodka, and Camo Box Vodka all feature “bag-in-box” Better Planet Packaging. This packaging creates less pollution and has higher levels of recyclability. Along with their sustainable packaging, Kozuba & Sons Distillery aims to educate and encourage consumers to learn about sustainable packaging, recycled materials, and reducing package waste in the spirits industry.

“As a small, family-operated craft distillery, we are thoughtful with our approach to distilling our spirits, as well as the environmental impact of our operation,” says Papa. “From our packaging to our water use and energy conservation practices, we take a holistic approach to sustainability.”

Kozuba & Sons Distillery has received numerous accolades this year that honor their craft distillery and premium spirits. The arts and culture newspaper, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, bestowed upon them the “Best Distillery” award in their Best of the Bay Awards issue. And the New York International Spirits Competition yielded impressive results for their Kozuba High Wheat Rye Whiskey 6 Years Old, with a Gold Medal. They also received Bronze Medals for their Starkus Light Whiskey, Cranberry & Juniper Vodka, and corn-based Vodka. Now, as the 2020 Florida Distillery of the Year, Kozuba & Sons Distillery offers a variety of award-winning spirits, including vodka, whiskey, bourbon, and traditional Polish cordials.

About Kozuba & Sons Distillery
Founded in 2005 in Poland, Kozuba & Sons is a family-run distillery that produces premium spirits. Now at home in St. Petersburg with over 15 years of experience, the Kozubas are focused on sharing their passion with the American market, beginning with Florida. Kozuba & Sons’ handcrafted, small-batch spirits are made from the finest ingredients using meticulous processes. Each bottle possesses the trademark Kozuba essence: a striking combination of quality, craftsmanship, and taste. To learn more about the Kozuba & Sons Distillery, please visit http://www.kozubadistillery.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram: @KozubaDistillery

Dalmore and Gonzales Byass Sherry With Women Who Whiskey LA!

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“The Sherries of Gonzalez Byass: DNA of The Dalmore” was the name of the Zoom presentation organized by Women Who Whiskey LA I attended recently. This is an excerpt from the invitation:

We are beyond excited to welcome back Craig Bridger, Head of Education for The Dalmore Single Malt Scotch, who will co-host this intimate virtual class with Claire Henderson, Senior Brand Manager for Gonzales Byass Sherry…Women Who Whiskey Los Angeles is honored to host this exclusive event: an in-depth exploration of two historic liquids and a century-long partnership. Craig and Claire will discuss the unique relationship between these two noble houses — a relationship critical to the sumptuous character so beloved in The Dalmore whose signature chocolate and orange character is imbued with rich and nutty flavors from the sherry…

We will start with a boozy Dalmore cocktail then explore the interactive flavor influences of these powerhouse spirit brands with a dram each of The Dalmore 12 yo, The Dalmore 15 yo and The Dalmore 18 yo as well as a dram each of three Gonzales Byass Sherries.

We Learned While We Tasted

We did indeed start with Bridger showing us how a Royal Sour, aka Whiskey Sour, is made (recipe at the end of this article). I found this helpful as I had never made this cocktail with an egg white. Bridger knows his way not only around The Dalmore and has exceptional bartending skills as well. Then, onto the tasting and lesson!

Gonzalez Byass Familia de Vino and The Dalmore

In three small wine tasting glasses we sampled the Alfonso, Apostoles and Matusalem sherries. Almost immediately we noted similar aromas and flavors found in The Dalmore definitely came from these three different sherry casks that they had aged in. Quite remarkable. Also of note, even though the three sherries grew sweeter on the nose as we tasted through them, that didn’t transfer to high sugar in the mouth.

“What makes us definitive (is our use of) exclusive casks and…the one of a kind sherry casks from Gonzalez Byass,” Bridger began. Henderson, from Scotland, added in arich Scottish tone, “This presentation is (to show) why the sherry cask is so important.” She also noted that Scots drank fortified wine as regular wine would spoil. The fortified wine, of course, was Sherry. The Highlands were littered with sherry casks that were then used for storage, transportation and of course, whisky. The Dalmore was one of the first to do it. (The photo shows a 23 yo in a sherry cask.)

Henderson went on to explain that Gonzalez Byass was established in 1936 in Jerez, Spain. The area is dependent on rainfall as you’re not allowed to irrigate Sherry vines. That lack of rainfall means the roots have to dig deep for water, and accounts for more salinity. Finally, Sherry is aged in American oak casks.

Alfonso had notes of almond, caramel, dried apply and vanilla. The Apostoles reminded me of a Port with some candied apple and that same almond. Finally the Matusalem, my favorite, had aromas and full flavors that included coffee, toast, cream, oak, milk chocolate, hazelnut and prunes.

The Dalmore 12 yo was an entire bowl of fancy roasted and slightly salted nuts, vanilla bean and a hint of banana. The 15 yo, my favorite of the three, had a sweeter nose; rounder, more fruit, creamy, with a little toasted almond and pineapple. And the 18 yo, following a trend, had the sweetest nose, with lots of toasted oak and more spice. Simply outstanding.

My conclusion was exactly what Bridger and Henderson were going for: One could easily see the corresponding notes between the Sherries and the whisky. 

The Royal Sour (Recipe)

2 oz – Scotch (ideally, The Dalmore 12 or Port Wood)

3/4 oz – Fresh squeezed lemon juice

1/2 oz – Demerara Simple Syrup

1 small egg (or 3/4 oz aquafaba/liquid from canned chickpeas for vegan options)

Black walnut bitters (or Angostura)

Ice

A cocktail shaker (a mason jar will work)

 

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.

21st Amendment Brewery Announces New Craft Hard Seltzer Brand: SOMA Hard Seltzer

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San Francisco, Calif. — 21st Amendment Brewery pays homage to the South of Market (SoMA) neighborhood they’ve called home for 20 years with a new hard seltzer brand: SOMA Hard Seltzer (100 calories, 2g carbs, 0g sugar). Founded in 2000, 21st Amendment’s brewpub is among the pillars of the Northern California craft beer scene located in SoMA, the new heart of the city. SOMA Hard Seltzer‘s 6-Pack design commemorates the originality of the neighborhood from its stencil artwork and murals by local artists to downtown’s angular landscape to the revitalization of the area with new live/work spaces and restaurants. The perfect mix of grit, renewal, and natural beauty, SoMA reflects a modern renaissance happening in metropolitan enclaves across the country such as Brooklyn, LoDo in Denver, and others. SOMA Hard Seltzer celebrates home, no matter where you might dwell.

Masterminds of beloved fruit beers (i.e. Hell or High Watermelon), 21st Amendment’s SOMA Hard Seltzer carries on their infatuation with watermelon for a clean, crisp all-natural seltzer that also comes in enticing flavors such as Guava & Passion Fruit, Mango, and Black Cherry. 21st Amendment’s craft hard seltzer line is executed with the same level of innovation as their acclaimed beer portfolio.

“SOMA Hard Seltzer is brewed with our craft roots in mind. We spent six months working to get the flavors and taste just right. Unlike other hard seltzers, 21st Amendment’s is made using a natural fermentation process giving it a cleaner flavor. SOMA Hard Seltzer is NOT made with grain neutral spirits, and then diluted with water. Many hard seltzers made that way have a metallic and artificial taste. SOMA Hard Seltzer is brewed with Virginia Dare natural flavors, a 90-year-old New York company making wonderful products for the beverage industry,” says Shaun O’Sullivan, Co-Founder and Brewmaster.

Nico Freccia (Co-Founder/CEO, 21st Amendment Brewery) adds, “SOMA Hard Seltzer is wonderful for the active on-the-go individual who is looking for a craft ‘better-for-you’ beverage. It does not fill you up with its 100 calories and 2 grams of carbs with zero sugar.”

Hot summer days are upon us, and whether you’re enjoying your time inside or venturing outdoors, SOMA Hard Seltzer brings a taste of home wherever you roam.

SOMA Hard Seltzer is available now in all 30 states where 21st Amendment distributes. For more information and to find some using our beer finder, please visit www.21st-Amendment.com.

For more information, please visit:
www.21st-amendment.com
@21stAmendment

GOfermentor® wins innovation award for the Wine Industry

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FAR HILLS, N.J. /PRNewswire/ — The GOfermentor is an example of an industry outsider bringing a new perspective and expertise to winemaking and challenging how things are being done. Vijay Singh is a biotech engineer, who revolutionized the way pharmaceutical fermentations are done by introducing a single use sterile bag to replace stainless steel. Now he’s bringing the same concept to winemaking and is harvesting medals for his winery as well as significant production advantages.

“The wine industry can be slow to change, so it is invigorating to have experts like Vijay Singh come into the industry and bring their fresh approach and knowledge from another industry to winemaking. It is not often that you see new solutions that are at once cost saving and quality enhancing. The GOfermentor has the potential to cause a paradigm shift for small lot winemaking.” – George Christie, President Wine Industry Network

When grapes are crushed, they are placed into a one ton GOfermentor single use bag and the unit is programmed to automatically perform punchdowns at regular intervals. The automation reduces labor, and the frequent mixing action also eliminates temperature gradients within the fermentation, with the result that sulfides from yeast retooling are not observed. The plastic bag protects the wine from unwanted exposures from yeast, oxygen, smoke, and bacteria from the outside environment.

At the end of fermentation, the GOfermentor presses the grapes, leaving behind the pomace in the biodegradable plastic bag for easy disposal. The disposal of the bag means savings on labor and time spend cleaning as well as a 90% reduction in water usage. The GOfermentor is a paradigm shift in winemaking that many winemakers will likely be hesitant to accept, but the low cost and barebones infrastructure required to use the GOfermentor makes it easy to try with a very low investment.

“Traditional wineries are 90% janitorial and 10% winemaking. With the GOfermentor and SmartBarrel racking system, we changed that to 90% winemaking and 10% cleaning.” – Dr Vijay Singh, Inventor

About GOfermentor

The GOfermentor is an advanced winemaking system for artisanal and small batch (< 1 ton) production. Many units are in use worldwide. Automated punch and built-in press reduces cost and labor. Single-use technology minimizes water usage. US patents 9260682, 9611452, 9802805, France 14 61410, Australia 2014268161. Others pending.

For more information, visit www.gofermentor.com

Spain’s LeDomaine Resurrects Monk’s Organic Vegetable Garden of 900 Years Ago

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Sardón de Duero, Spain:  Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine is channeling its historic roots ‒ and providing guests with the ultimate locally sourced, organic and flavorful produce in the property’s restaurants ‒ with the creation of a large vegetable garden adopting the sustainable techniques and methods used by the abbey’s original monk inhabitants in the 12th century.

Chef Segarra in Vegetable Garden.

The location between the abbey and the river is not only ideal because of the fertile soil and abundance of water, but is the very spot where the monks had their vegetable garden almost 900 years ago. More than 90 vegetable varieties, including 10 different types of tomato, are currently being grown. This is a test year, studying how crops behave and coexist, that will determine what is planted going forward.

“We have resurrected the monastic model of working the land at Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine with an organic, sustainable and biodynamic vegetable garden that is in tune with the natural environment of the estate,” said CEO Enrique Valero. “We already have an abundant harvest of lettuces, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, beets and much more that our chefs are turning into delicious dishes for our guests.”

“The vegetables we grow at LeDomaine, in the ultra-fertile soil by the river, are of the highest quality with rich, deep and mouthwatering flavor,” said Chef Marc Segarra. “Having our own exceptional produce has added a new dimension of taste to our menus, as well as allowed us to be extra creative,” he added. “It’s currently zucchini season, for example, and we are preparing a unique version of Pasta Carbonara with roasted zucchini that is a huge hit with our guests.”

In following the biodynamic monastic model, which seeks to live in harmony with the rhythms of the universe, the vegetables are sowed in conjunction with seasonal patterns, traditional crop calendar principles are applied, and farming tasks are carried out following the phases of the moon and the location of the stars. An efficient drip irrigation system, perfected over time at Abadía Retuerta’s vineyards, saves water in the vegetable garden:  One to three hours and just two days a week are enough to water the vegetable garden.

The garden is organized into six different areas, each with one or more rows. The first is dedicated to aromatic and medicinal plants, which were used centuries ago by the monks.  They are grown in barrels from the winery cut in half – adding a special charm to the vegetable plot. The second row is for the flowers that are used as centerpieces and bouquets in the hotel and, in a critical function, help to preserve the natural balance of the garden:  flowers attract insects that pollinate crops and feed on the bad insects which cause diseases.

Several sections —with five rows— are devoted to vegetables grown in very large raised beds with organic sheep manure. Next are four rows of soil covered with compost, where crops are planted in much greater density and rotated.  Lastly, a mixed area combines flowers, fruit trees and crops that need more space such as pumpkins, melons and watermelons. The flavorful produce enhances the menus of all the hotel’s restaurants including the Vinoteca small-plates wine bar, the Cloisters spring and summer courtyard restaurant, and the One-Michelin-Star Refectorio restaurant.

About Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine

Dating from 1146, the Abadía Retuerta estate https://www.abadia-retuerta.com/en/ is nestled on 1,730 fertile acres in the heart of Spain’s Duero wine region. It is a unique destination offering a grand travel experience that combines a luxurious hotel with award-winning wines, exceptional gastronomy, an exclusive Spa and an array of unique experiences.

Imbued with the charm and lore of a by-gone age, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine is among the most highly rated hotels in Europe, taking guests back in time while immersing them in the comforts and luxuries of today’s most savvy hospitality. Acclaimed for its award-winning single terroir wines, Abadía Retuerta Winery is among the most advanced in Europe in combining ancient wine-making traditions with cutting-edge technology and sustainability.

Santuario LeDomaine Wellness & Spa is a nurturing and innovative sanctuary of holistic healing and wellness featuring ultra-luxurious facilities and a ground-breaking Spa Sommelier concept where the guest’s personalized treatment program is based on a blind tasting of Abadía Retuerta wines.

The Refectorio, the abbey’s original dining hall with a vaulted Gothic ceiling and a 17th-century fresco, today is a One-Michelin-Star sanctuary of haute cuisine. Vinoteca serves dishes, tapas and small plates prepared with the high-quality ingredients of the region, enjoyed with the noble Abadía Retuerta wines.  Seasonal dishes from salads to grilled meats are enjoyed al fresco in the spring and summer months in the Cloisters courtyard. Among the amenities and activities: 24-hour butler service, mountain biking and horseback riding on the estate, tours of the winery, helicopter rides to view the ancient landscape from the air, and falconry displays.

The Abadía Retuerta estate is a two-hour drive or train ride from Madrid. For further information and reservations: www.abadia-retuerta.com/en/;  reservations@ledomaine.es; Tel. +34 98 368 0368.