Dry Creek Vineyard Begins Historic 50th Harvest

September 20, 2021 by evebushman

HEALDSBURG, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Dry Creek Vineyard announced the beginning of its 50^th harvest just one day after the winery’s anniversary of 49 years of family winemaking in Sonoma County, California. This historic vintage was marked with the arrival of 10.35 tons of Sauvignon Blanc from one of the family’s estate vineyards.

The love of the Loire Valley led Founder David S. Stare to produce his inaugural 1972 Fumé Blanc, and the winery has continued to craft the varietal every harvest since. The 81-year-old Stare was in attendance at the crushpad of his family winery to sprinkle the original 1972 Fumé Blanc into the hopper for good luck for the 50^th harvest.

Stare is widely known as the first to plant Sauvignon Blanc in Dry Creek Valley, against the advice of vineyard specialists. 50 years later, Sauvignon Blanc is the most planted white grape in Dry Creek Valley. Dry Creek Vineyard has proudly produced Sauvignon Blanc each year of its history and currently features four distinct Sauvignon Blanc bottlings in its portfolio.

Stare’s daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, is currently the President of Dry Creek Vineyard and continues to lead with a “no compromises” philosophy producing appellation-focused, terroir-driven, varietal-defining wines.

“Competition is at an all time high in our industry, so being true to our wines, our vineyards and the terroir of our region is more important than ever before,” said Stare Wallace. “Instead of getting sucked into the increasing corporatization of the industry, our family winery is bucking the trends and is an increasingly rare breed.”

“We are proud to be looking towards celebrating our 50^th anniversary in 2022,” continued Stare Wallace. “Our goal is to continue forward into the future as an iconic, family-owned, heritage brand – reflecting the true essence of Sonoma County.”

Established in 1972 by David S. Stare, Dry Creek Vineyard is Dry Creek Valley’s flagship winery located in the heart of Sonoma County, California. This premier, family-owned winery is celebrating 49 years of winemaking and is led by the second generation. Dave’s daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, serves as President overseeing a successful family winemaking and grape growing business that includes 185 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards. Named one of the Top 100 wineries of 2015 by Wine & Spirits Magazine and a Top 10 Tasting Room by USA TODAY, the winery is also 100% Certified Sustainable. Dry Creek Vineyard proudly produces delicious Dry Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Meritage blends as well as a portfolio of single vineyard selections.

To learn more, visit www.drycreekvineyard.com. Connect with Dry Creek Vineyard on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Bodegas Montecillo Celebrates 150 years of History, Tradition and Quality Wines in Rioja

September 15, 2021 by evebushman

NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Bodegas Montecillo, one of the pioneering wineries in the D.O.Ca. Rioja, is excited to celebrate the winery’s 150th anniversary with a virtual event led by Winemaker and Winery Director Mercedes García Rupérez.

Founded in 1870, Bodegas Montecillo is the first and oldest winery in the town of Fuenmayor and has kept the winemaking traditions, maintaining a classic style that truly expresses the region’s identity and perpetuates the vision of the founder, Celestino Navajas. Bodegas Montecillo has consistently delivered wines with the personality that embody the land combined with the expertise of over a century-old vineyard.

García Rupérez joined Bodegas Montecillo in June 2008, the culmination of a 16-year wine career, following posts in Osborne’s Malpica Estate and other wineries in Chile. After 10 years working to update Bodegas Montecillo’s wines without ever losing their essence, tradition or roots, Mercedes and her technical team have developed stringent, precise and respectful wine growing techniques that maintain the brand’s traditions, while delivering a newer, unique expression.

“We are thrilled to celebrate 150 years of our winery; authenticity and consistent quality have brought us to this moment,” says García Rupérez. “Montecillo uses cutting-edge winemaking technology that allows us to make timeless wines that respect our identity. But, really, the most modern and daring act that we carried out for our anniversary is simply paying homage to the way that our founders made wines and keeping traditions alive.”

The invite-only 150th celebration will be exclusively for trade and media to explore Bodegas Montecillo’s historic Rioja roots and learn more about the traditions that exemplify the vineyard’s legacy. Rupérez will lead a tasting of current releases and classic vintages, as well as introduce wines that will be available in the market by early 2022. Participating guests will receive a special edition gift box of exemplary wines, including the Montecillo 150 Aniversario Gran Reserva 2005 Selección Especial. Faithful to their philosophy of seeking excellence, Bodegas Montecillo crafted the ‘2005 Selección Especial’, and is releasing limited quantities exactly 15 years since its harvest, placing this wine within reach for the delight of the most discerning palates.

Throughout the rest of the US campaign, Bodegas Montecillo will host several in-person events, tastings and restaurant promotions aimed at educating media, trade and consumers.

About Bodegas Montecillo
Bodegas Montecillo was born in Fuenmayor, one of the towns with the longest history and tradition in the Rioja Alta. Bodegas Montecillo crafts quality wines with a unique personality, through their state-of-the-art location and the selection of the best raw materials to deliver age-worthy wines. Today, it symbolises the philosophy of the winery: a vocation and a character, stemming from the origin and foundation of what is found in the vines. Bodegas Montecillo manages to be coherent and offer consistent quality year after year, thanks to the rigorous selection of grapes, deep experience of aging in barrels and bottles resulting in wines that stand out for their elegance, complexity and balance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION and TO PARTICIPATE:

Bodegas Montecillo – Director of Communications
María Castro – maria.castro@osborne.es
http://www.bodegasmontecillo.com
M. +34 670 92 2008

HALL Wines in Napa Valley Heads to Guana Island (BVI) for Unique Food & Wine Program in January 2022

September 7, 2021 by evebushman

Celebrated California Wine Brand Owned by Craig & Kathryn Hall to Collaborate on Gastronomic Program in the British Virgin Islands

from January 12 – 14, 2022

(British Virgin Islands) –Guana Island, the award-winning resort in the British Virgin Islands, is collaborating with renowned California wine brand, HALL Wines, to offer a three-day Wine Program from January 12 – 14, 2022. The program will bring some of HALL’s most celebrated vintages as well as its Director of Winemaking, Megan Gunderson, to Guana for a dynamic program for travelers and food- and wine-lovers alike.

The HALL team will work closely with Guana’s Executive Chef to prepare a program celebrating the flavors of the California wines alongside the island’s natural bounty. Director of Winemaking for HALL Wines, Megan Gunderson, will work with the culinary team to create special menu pairings inspired by the flavors of Guana. She will also personally pour wines from across the HALL Family Wine brands portfolio including HALL, WALT and BACA Wines, and be available to chat with guests about the brand’s extensive West Coast vineyards, and the winemaking process.

The Guana culinary team will be creating new menus for the program, pulling as many ingredients as possible from the island’s orchard, including fresh herbs, fruits, vegetables and microgreens. The four-acre orchard has been recently expanded to include three new greenhouses and is home to tropical fruits such as breadfruit, soursop, and papaya as well as more exotic items such as lemongrass and pomegranate. Guana guests also enjoy fresh fish from the surrounding waters, including grouper, yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi.

The three-day program will kick off with a Beach BBQ pairing Caribbean-inspired flavors with WALT Wines, known for single vineyard Pinot Noirs, complemented by live music from a local band. The following day, Gunderson and Guana General Manager Jason du Plessis will host a formal al fresco dinner, offering tastes of some of the most celebrated bottles from the HALL wine collection, including the bold Cabernets for which they are known. Gunderson will be on-hand to personally discuss each vintage, guiding guests through an educational and flavorful evening. The program will conclude the following day, with a guided tour of the orchard and an invitation to try some lesser-known vintages, matching HALL Wines with just-picked produce and tropical fruits that are only found in the Caribbean.

HALL and WALT Wines offered during the immersive experience will be available to order throughout the program. As with all visits to Guana, meals and activities prepared as part of the wine program will be included in the cost of a room. Rates at Guana start at $890 per night.

For reservations or more information on the events, call (800) 544-8262.

# # #

ABOUT GUANA ISLAND

One of the few private islands in its part of the world, Guana remains the most unspoiled jewel of the British Virgin Islands. Our 850 acres, seven beaches, mountains, gardens, organic orchard, dozens of hiking trails, and even our flock of flamingos are the exclusive domain of a handful of guests for the duration of their stay. In this setting, where the sparkling Caribbean meets the vast Atlantic, you’ll find first-class dining, accommodations, and service in a tradition of low-key luxury perfected through nearly a century of family stewardship. For more information or reservations, visit www.guana.com or call (800) 544-8262.

ABOUT HALL FAMILY WINES

HALL Family Wines produces high quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel under the HALL, WALT and BACA brand monikers. Owned by Craig and Kathryn Hall, the family-owned winery produces artisan wines that express the unique and diverse character of the wine country’s soils and climates through meticulous attention to detail in the vineyards and throughout the winemaking process. The family’s luxury wine portfolio, led by Winemaker Megan Gunderson sources fruit from some of the most prominent vineyards up and down the West Coast and includes eleven Estate vineyards– Sacrashe, Bergfeld, Hardester, T Bar T Ranch, Atlas Peak, Rainin, Dellar-Freidkin, Cook, Bob’s Ranch, Clos Pepe and The Corners. The HALL St. Helena winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California in 2009 and earned another LEED® Gold certification for its high-tech production facility and Tasting Room in 2014. Since the inception of HALL in 1995, the three luxury wine brands have earned over 600 ratings of 90 points or above from the industries top critics, including five 100-point scores from the industry’s most notable wine critics. Visit www.hallwines.com, www.waltwines.com, www.bacawines.com for more information, or call 707-967-2626.

Trivento® Ascends to #1 Argentine Wine Brand in the World

September 4, 2021 by evebushman

MENDOCINO COUNTY, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Bodega Trivento announced it is now the world’s top-selling Argentine wine brand following a 2020 report from global consulting firm IWSR Drinks Market Analysis. Achieving combined global retail and e-commerce sales of more than US$250 million, the Malbec powerhouse known as the House of Wind doubled sales performance over the past five years to obtain the top spot in the global ranking.

Contributing to the brand’s momentum are enhanced sustainability initiatives such as Trivento’s new B Corp Certification

Founded in 1996, Trivento specializes in acclaimed Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon from some of the most sought-after high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza. Contributing to the brand’s global momentum are ongoing strategic investments in infrastructure, vineyards and people to drive recognized quality in the glass; a focus on expanding distribution in key markets; the development of highly visible, brand-relevant partnerships in regional markets; and enhanced sustainability initiatives and consumer-relevant green credentials such as Trivento’s recent B Corp Certification.

Trivento CEO Marcos Jofré credits this worldwide milestone to the extended Trivento team, noting that “we are very proud of this achievement, and it is the result of the efforts of so many people, from our workers in the vineyards to those who represent our wines in international markets.”

Trivento U.S. – Leveraging Excellence, Tech and Partnerships in Equal Measure
Imported to the U.S. by Fetzer Vineyards, Trivento Reserve Malbec (SRP $11) is an 11-time Wine Enthusiast Best Buy and the #3-selling Malbec, while the brand overall is a Top-5 premium Argentine import. The collection continues to grow mindshare and momentum stateside through enhanced availability including traditional, online and delivery-focused retail channels, tech-forward marketing, and as the official partner of Major League Soccer (MLS) team Inter Miami CF.

“It’s exciting to see Trivento take its place as the leading Argentine wine brand in the world,” noted Rodrigo Maturana, senior vice president of marketing and international business for Fetzer Vineyards. “A focus on ensuring our wines are available wherever U.S. consumers are, along with technology plays that elevate our marketing—from augmented reality soccer experiences to virtual winery tours—gave us a boost in recent years and continues to create tailwinds for Trivento, now even more broadly available thanks to enhanced distribution.”

Global Growth Credited to Sustainable, Long-Term Market Development
In addition to successes in the U.S., key markets fueling Trivento’s growth include the UK, where Trivento Reserve Malbec is the number one-selling red wine, while Trivento as a brand counts among the top 10-selling wine brands overall; Brazil, which notched sales growth of 88%; and South Korea, where 2020 saw a remarkable 935% increase in sales. Partnerships in key markets with the likes of Discovery Channel (UK and Mexico), and Major League Soccer (the U.S., where Trivento was the official wine of MLS through 2020) further boosted visibility and engagement with the brand.

In Argentina, Trivento continues to enhance its foundation for future growth, strengthening sustainability commitments with—among other initiatives—completion of the largest winery solar array in the nation, and investing in winemaking infrastructure and vineyards. The recent purchase and ongoing revitalization of a winery and circa-1940 villa in iconic Luján du Cuyo expands Trivento’s winemaking footprint in a prime terroir and complements ongoing excellence at Trivento’s celebrated winery and visitor center in Maipú. With a venerable collection of critically lauded wines at every price point now topping sales rosters worldwide, Trivento is poised to deliver further momentum on its latest significant accolade.

About Bodega Trivento
Rooted in the energy of Argentina’s passion for wine, Trivento—meaning three winds in Spanish—is synonymous with expressive, terroir-driven Malbec that paints a vivid portrait of Mendoza’s high-altitude vineyards in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. The character and quality of each wine is guided by the spirited vision of Chief Winemaker Germán Di Cesare, who honors the varied soils, mountain snowmelt and powerful winds that shape Mendoza’s vines.

Four distinct Trivento collections highlight the unique characteristics of two coveted sub-regions in Mendoza, Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley: Eolo, a single-vineyard luxury Malbec from century-old vines; Golden Reserve, a passionate expression of treasured and historic Malbec vines; and Reserve, a beloved collection crafted predominantly from estate vines that includes the ascendant Maximum Red Blend and the #3 best-selling Malbec in the U.S. Founded in 1996 and today a Certified B Corporation, Trivento welcomes visitors to experience the wine and culture of Mendoza at Bodega Trivento in Maipú or through a virtual tour of the winery’s modern art space, vineyards and barrel room. Learn more at trivento.com.

SOURCE Trivento US

Tasting Le Grand Verre

September 3, 2021 by evebushman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the Press Release

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

LAUNCHES IN THE US

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Wines for the Jewish New Year

September 2, 2021 by evebushman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Royal Wine/Kedem

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

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

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

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

The Hilt Estate Opens Highly Anticipated Tasting Room: The Barn at The Hilt Estate

August 30, 2021 by evebushman

Lompoc, Calif.—The Hilt Estate, one of Santa Barbara County’s premier wine estates and producer of JONATA and The Hilt wines, has opened its highly anticipated tasting room, The Barn at The Hilt Estate. Designed by renowned architect Howard J. Backen and Silvia Nobili of the firm Backen & Gillam Architects with interiors by Amber Lewis of Amber Interiors Design Studio, the venue will offer one of region’s most diverse lineups of wine in a space that overflows with sophisticated yet unassuming California farmhouse elegance.

Designed to highlight the agricultural foundation of The Hilt’s dramatic 3600-acre property and the wines grown and made from the unique estate, guests are encouraged to travel to The Barn along the scenic Highway 1, an open and undeveloped coastal stretch that echoes California’s unmatched natural beauty. The Hilt Estate is located just miles from the Pacific Ocean in the far south-west corner of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA winegrowing region and is comprised of three vineyards, Bentrock, Radian and Puerta del Mar. The property consists of a large tree-lined hill and vineyard extending outward. Using the natural geography of the property as a guide, the winemaking and hospitality buildings on The Hilt Estate are intentionally separated to define their uses. The winemaking production follows along the base of the hill and the hospitality barn comes out and sits among the vineyard. The new, state-of-the-art 50,000 square-foot gravity fed winemaking facility is where form and function in winemaking truly connect for long-time winemaker Matt Dees and his team, and where they will now produce the distinct wines of JONATA and The Hilt.

The reclaimed historic barn is home to the hospitality and tasting spaces and was updated using reclaimed woods and metals from the original structure. The interior speaks to the rustic beauty of the environment, with vintage textiles and leather. With wines available from two renowned estates—JONATA and The Hilt—numerous spots are available for curated tasting experiences, including a communal living room, and two themed rooms inspired by the individual wine estates. All the materials and finishes used in the hospitality barn are a direct tribute to the people of the area who have made their living off the land. The Hilt room features cool-toned artwork from Jack McConville, representative of the windy and unpredictable nature of the rugged estate. The JONATA room features warm-toned artwork from Gwen O’Neil to reflect JONATA’s warmer climate and sandy soils. The venue also features a professional kitchen, as well as numerous outdoor spaces to accommodate special events.

Several tasting flights are available, offering experiences for wine loving novices and collectors alike. Selections range from the vibrant chardonnay and pinot noir wines of The Hilt in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA to JONATA in the Ballard Canyon AVA’s portfolio of structured estate-grown blends from varieties such as cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and syrah. Exclusive to The Barn, guests may also taste each of the estate’s limited, experimental and library bottlings. Those looking to experience something truly unique will have the opportunity to discover some of the The Hilt’s more avant-garde wines, ranging from Pét-Nat to Botrytis chardonnay. The wines are estate-grown via cutting edge farming and winemaking practices, and authentically express Santa Barbara County’s vines, climate and unique soils.

The Barn at The Hilt Estate will initially offer four tasting options, which are fully tailored to the guests’ preferences. Tasting fees begin at $50 per person and average $85. Upon making a reservation guests will be contacted by a knowledgeable wine expert to determine their interests and facilitate a unique and memorable wine experience.

Tastings:

La Tierra “The Earth” ($50): Crafted as the perfect introduction to wines of both JONATA and The Hilt, this flight presents a selection of six of the most popular wines from both estates.
The Point ($50): Drawing inspiration from nearby Point Conception, The Point features six wines from The Hilt that pay tribute to the profound impact of the Pacific Ocean on The Hilt’s wind-whipped estate.
Jalama ($85): Derived from a Chumash word meaning “bundle,” the Jalama flight captures an elevated collection of seven wines from both The Hilt and the JONATA estates.
Seven Crossings ($85): An in-depth exploration of the southwest corner of the Sta. Rita Hills, featuring seven pinot noir and chardonnay wines from The Hilt Estate.

Reservations must be booked in advance, either online or by calling (805) 564-8581. Tastings may be scheduled during one of two time slots, 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

About The Hilt Estate
In 2014, The Hilt acquired the historic 3,600-acre Rancho Salsipuedes, setting the stage for the ultimate home of The Hilt Estate. Located in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in northwestern Santa Barbara County, California, the property is home to three distinct vineyards: Radian and Bentrock, on the original Rancho Salsipuedes, once known as Rancho Cañada de Salsipuedes, and Puerta del Mar, which surrounds the winery. To best appreciate the wines made by The Hilt Estate, ideally one would visit these dramatic and even extreme vineyards where the grapes are farmed. Just as all great wines tell the story of their place of origin, The Hilt’s pinot noirs and chardonnays are the bold expressions of the unique estate. By employing innovative viticultural practices, selecting clones strategically, and making the most of the coastal influence, winds, and soils, Winemaker Matt Dees is pushing the vineyards to the hilt of their potential and creating wines that are lively, fresh, and well structured.

For more information on The Hilt Estate, please visit www.thehiltestate.com

Follow on Social Media:
Hashtag: #TheHILT #TheHILTEstate
Instagram: @thehiltestate

About JONATA Estate
Born in 1998 out of a desire to explore and expand world-class winegrowing in Santa Barbara County, JONATA is an estate like no other. Set amongst the rolling hills in the moderate climate of the Ballard Canyon appellation in Santa Ynez Valley, the 600-acre site is home to 84 acres of vines and over 12 grape varieties planted in Careaga sand. More than just a vineyard, most of the property is comprised of ancient oak trees, gardens, fruit orchards and diverse variety of animal life. Through years of farming the estate at the highest standards, the winery team, led by long-time winemaker Matt Dees, has tirelessly forged its own path. JONATA has gained recognition from collectors and critics alike for making captivating wines which authentically express the estate’s vines, climate and unique soils.

For more information on JONATA Estate, please visit www.jonata.com

Follow on Social Media:
Hashtag: #JONATA #JONATAEstate
Instagram: @jonataestate

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

August 3, 2021 by evebushman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wines in the Piper-Heidsieck portfolio include: Brut NV ($45 SRP), Extra Dry ($45 SRP), Sublime ($50 SRP), Rosé Sauvage ($60 SRP) and 2012 Vintage Brut ($80 SRP).

Wines are available nationally through fine wine retailers and restaurants. For more information or image requests, please contact Rebecca Hopkins at rhopkins@foliowine.com

###

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

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

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

Orange is the New Napa from The Vice Wine

July 2, 2021 by evebushman

Years ago I attended an orange wine seminar led by old-world Italian winemakers. Interesting stuff. Orange may now be the new pink here in the states as the mecca of all U.S. winemaking areas, the Napa Valley, has theirs. The one to try: The Vine Wine orange wine made from Semillon grapes, named Brooklynites. See below for information on the wine, how the name originated and some tasting notes I collected.

The Vice Wine Releases Rare Orange Wine From Napa

Orange is the New Napa with The Orange of Semillon, “Brooklynites”, 2020

The fervor for old world style orange wines, once known as the ‘sommelier’s favorite’ because of their distinct color, story and ability to pair with many foods. The Vice Wine, an all Napa Valley wine producer has released one of the few orange wines to come out of the appellation.

Orange of Semillon, “Brooklynites”, 2020 is the name given to this gorgeous Orange of Semillon produced from a small vineyard in Napa and picked in 2020 right before the fires and ensuing smoke.

Sometimes known as ‘skin-contact white wines,’ orange wines are made by macerating white grapes with their skins, thereby lending the wine an orange hue. With the skin contact, the wine becomes more nuanced and layered thanks to the tannins and phenols released from the skins. The Vice Wine’s Orange of Semillon was made by leaving the juice and skins in contact for 21 days in two concrete eggs, before removing the skins for the rest of the eight-month fermentation using wild yeasts, much the way old-world orange wines were made for hundreds of years.

Everything The Vice Wine does is by hand and the team members themselves are integral in every step of the winemaking process. Work hard and passionately enough, like The Vice Wine team members and Brooklyn-natives Carly and Kenny, who support founders Malek Amrani and Torie Greenberg Amrani every step of the way, and there may just be a special wine named after your hometown.

Orange of Semillon, “Brooklynites”, 2020 – Napa Valley ($28.00/750ml)

The Orange of Semillon has structure and bright acidity as well as a full-bodied mouthfeel. Tropical on the nose with papaya, banana, kumquat and ginger, the wine gives way to citrus and dried apricot in the mouth. Unfiltered, unfined, this wine is a pure example of Napa Valley’s unique terroir.

The perfect wine to accompany dishes from charcuterie boards to Asian cuisine. The wine is made from 100% Semillon grapes, with an ABV of 13.7%. 249 cases were produced.

Eve, and Friends, Tasting Notes

Tasted first with one winemaker and a sommelier that found: Malolactic creaminess, rich mouthfeel and incredible viscosity, crisp with a playful acidity, oily slightly weighted texture and a tannin level that played nicely for this style of wine. A complex flavor of tropical fruit and wet stone. Balanced and ready to enjoy. I tasted the wine with family, poolside, and we found it lighter than expected, with extremely low acid compared to some other white wines like a Sauvignon Blanc, lovely fruit that reminded me of chilled fruit cocktail in a light syrup, apricot and fleshy peach. Perfect for a pool or picnic day!

About The Vice Wine

The Vice Wine 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 wines 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 Wine 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 thevicewine.com and follow on @thevicewine.

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.

American Airlines Chooses Six New Wines To Serve on New Flights from NY, Miami & Dallas to Tel Aviv, Israel – and Two are Kosher

June 17, 2021 by evebushman

(Bayonne, NJ) – For those heading to and from Israel, it’s the best news since the kosher meal option: American Airlines is now serving fine kosher wines in all cabins on all of its new flights between New York’s JFK International Airport and Tel Aviv.

Photo: MamaLikesToCook.com

And starting on June 4, All Miami and Dallas passengers will be able to order from American’s kosher wine list as well.

The panel tasted many different wines (hey, it’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it!) and narrowed the new selections down to six wines – only two of which are kosher certified – and both kosher varieties come from the esteemed House of Herzog.

Nathan Herzog, President of Royal Wine Corp. – which is owned and operated in the United States by the Herzog family – was not surprised to see the prestigious Herzog name on American’s kosher wine list. “After all, the Herzog family’s winemaking roots go back nine generations. They produce world-class wines that just happen to be kosher.”

Herzog said, “Royal and Herzog Wine Cellars are excited to partner with American Airlines. Their decision to offer high-end kosher wines shows how committed they are to this new route.”

Travelers on American can order the Baron Herzog Chardonnay, a full-bodied white featuring fragrant notes of apple blossom and honeysuckle and flavors of ripe peach, tangerine, and a hint of caramel.

Those who prefer red wine will savor the soft, rich Herzog Lineage Cabernet Sauvignon with its aroma of black cherry, boysenberry, and tobacco. Both wines are perfect companions to foods of all kinds and will definitely set the mood for an Israeli sojourn.

About Royal Wine/Kedem

Founded in 1848, Royal Wine Corp. has been owned and operated in the United States by the Herzog family, whose winemaking origins go back more than 200 years in Czechoslovakia.

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

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