Author Archives: mcginnessalex

Sonder Grenache Blanc

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Butternut Squash GratinButternut Squash Gratin

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter plus more for the baking dish
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 1 garlic clove thinly sliced
  • 1 ½ pounds (about 1 large) butternut squash peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, and thinly sliced between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick
  • ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup fresh bread crumbs
  • ¾ cup grated Comté cheese
  • few chives finely chopped (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter a 10-inch (25-centimeter) baking dish.
  2. In a large sauté pan or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened and translucent, 4 minutes.
  3. Add the butternut squash slices and nutmeg and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Transfer the squash mixture to the baking dish. Smother with the cream, sprinkle with the bread crumbs, scatter the cheese on top, and dot with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, cut into pieces.
  5. Bake until the surface is golden and bubbly and the butternut squash is tender, 30 to 40 minutes. Serve immediately, sprinkled with the chives, if desired.

© Recipe courtesy of Leite’s Culinaria.

NOVEMBER WINE CLUB:

Sonder-Grenache-Blanc-bottleSilky styleSonder
Grenache Blanc
Columbia Valley, Washington

SILKY WINE STYLE

From the Boushey and Carthage vineyards, the Grenache Blanc grapes were fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks and a single used Hungarian oak barrel. No malolactic fermentation and aged sur lees for 5 months.

Varietal: 100% Grenache Blanc
Analysis: 11.8% alcohol / volume
Total Acidity: 5.9 g/L
pH: 3.19
AVA: Columbia Valley
Vineyards: Boushey and Carthage

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Sonder wines are driven by simplicity and authenticity, creating wines that are minimally intervened to showcase each vineyard and the nuances that mother nature may bring to each vintage. They strive to create wines they love to drink: bright, playful, juicy and delicious. Learn more about the winery here.

Photos and information © Sonder Wines – All Rights Reserved.

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November Sweet Club Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubCoastal Charm_Pumpkin SpiceCoastal Charm
Pumpkin Spice

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Fall in love with the great taste of spiked Pumpkin Spice Latte. Sweet pumpkin and cinnamon flavors are complemented by warm spices and the great taste of a creamy latte.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Pairing: Perfect on the rocks, neat or mixed to make the perfect cocktail.

Coastal Charm_Peppermint BarkCoastal Charm
Peppermint Bark

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Delightfully fresh peppermint flavor pairs with the indulgent tastes of chocolate and creamy latte.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Pairing: Enjoy on the rocks, neat, mixed in your favorite cocktail, or even poured over ice cream.

Information © Coastal Charm – All Rights Reserved.

Sweet ClubLove the Sweet life?
“Wine” not try our Sweet Club! 

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November Premium Wine Club

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Greywacke_PinotNoir-bottleMellow style logoGreywacke
Pinot Noir 2019
Marlborough, New Zealand

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Imagine a black forest cake, chock-full of juicy cherries and Black Doris plums, served up with a generous dollop of blueberry compote, laced with nutmeg and cloves. This is a deeply colored Pinot Noir, exuding lush, ripe fruit – highly fragrant with a cedar-like spiciness and hints of hot-smoked nuts. The palate is dense and generous with rich fruit, fine tannins and a delicious spicy finish.

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Total Acidity:  5.2 g/L
pH: 3.70
Aging: Individual clones were barrel aged separately for 11 months, prior to blending in late February.
Bottling: November 2020

VITICULTURE:
All fruit was grown in Marlborough’s southern valleys and principally sourced from the Yarrum Vineyard, situated on the Brancott/Ben Morven ridge. Typical of this sub-region, the wind-blown loess soils are comprised of clay-loams with differing degrees of gravel content. The various source blocks are cultivated to a mixture of Pinot Noir clones, predominately the Dijon clones 115, 777 and 667, with smaller parcels of UCD5 and AM 10/5. The vineyards are primarily hillside plantings trained to two-cane VSP (vertical shoot positioning) with a high vine density of 3800 plants per hectare.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes were hand-harvested and chilled overnight prior to hand sorting. Most of the fruit was then destemmed into open-top fermenters, the majority of which also had a percentage of whole-bunch inclusion. The fruity was left to soak on skins prior to the onset of indigenous yeast fermentation, then plunged daily. After fermentation, the wine was pressed, racked and filled into French oak barriques (30% new).

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Established in 2009, Greywacke (pronounced Grey-wacky) is the Marlborough label of the Judd family and the name of New Zealand’s most abundant bedrock – an understated grey river stone that is found throughout Marlborough’s rivers and alluvial vineyard soils. While the company now exports their wines all over the world, the winery is still very much a family affair; the ethos remains ‘keep it simple and hands-on’ with a small, dedicated team running the company at their headquarters, located in the heart of Marlborough’s Omaka Valley. All vineyards are sustainably managed and their fruit is sourced from mature vineyards in prime viticultural sites across Marlborough’s sunny South Pacific climate. Learn more about the winery and its team here.

> Click here to watch Greywacke’s Story <

Bold wine Style logoPenley-Helios_Cabernet_bottlePenley Estate
Helios Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Coonawarra, Australia

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Cabernet Sauvignon is powerful, yet restrained with incredible depth, complexity and finesse. The dark fruits, combined with the savory notes and focused tannins result in a pure expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose is complex, supporting French oak and full of cassis, mulberry, violet and licorice. The palate is quite bold and generous, driven by notes of succulent fruit and savory, textural tannins with great length.

Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Total Acidity:  6.6 g/L
pH: 3.5
Critical Acclaim: 95 pts. Wine Enthusiast; 94 pts. Wine Spectator

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Located in the center of Australia’s most famous Cabernet region, Coonawarra, the Penley Estate continues a family tradition that spans five generations. Owners and sisters, Ang and Bec Tolley have 240 acres planted atop the Terra Rossa soils, where they constantly strive to make wines with carefree souls, that celebrate the fruit and honor the vine. In words of their mother, they want every bottle of their Coonawarra wine to… “Grow up and be fascinating”.  Learn more about the family history and winemakers here.

> Click here to watch Penley’s Story <

© Information from Greywacke and Penley Estate – All Rights Reserved. 

Wine club logoJoin our PREMIUM WINE CLUB, enjoy amazing wines every other month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

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November Bubbly Club Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubPhilippe_Fontaine_Champagne-brut-millesime-bottlePhilippe Fontaine Champagne
Brut Millésime 2015
Champagne, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

A bright yellow hue with subtle reflections of copper, this elegant and fine Champagne offers aromas of lychee and peach. On the palate, this wine is lively and bright with a soft texture of almond paste, brioche, and subtle notes of blueberries.

Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Terroir: Balnot sur Laignes and Les Riceys: 30 year old vines and marly soils from the superiors Jurassic era
Elevation: 590 feet
Farming: Sustainable farming
Aging: 48 months sur latte
Bottled: At the estate, minimum 3 months before release
Food Pairing: Enjoy with this Smoked Salmon Tart recipe. Or serve as an apéritif, with sushi, Oaxacan food, or desserts.

ABOUT PHILIPPE FONTAINE:
Located in Balnot-sur-Laignes in the Côtes des Bar region, Champagne Philippe Fontaine is all about history of family and tradition.  The Fontaine family has indeed been cultivating their land for centuries.  Nowadays, Philippe, his daughter Salomé, and her husband Louis-Antoine run the estate.  Most of the vineyards are located in the prestigious Les Riceys part of the region.  All of Philippe Fontaine Champagnes are handcrafted at the estate, small production, sustainably farmed, and represent a tremendous value in the Grower Champagne category.

Information ©  Philippe Fontaine and JP-Bourgeois – All Rights Reserved.

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November Beer Club: Iowa

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Untitled Art Red Velvet Stout with red velvet cake slice

Untitled-Art-Red-Velvet-Stout-beer-canUntitled Art
Red Velvet Cake Stout
Waunakee, Wisconsin

Pastry stout made with cocoa nibs, coconut, beet juice for color, natural and artificial flavors.

ABV: 11.7% alcohol / volume
Style: Imperial Stout / Double Pastry
Beer Style at WineStyles: Dark and Roasty

Untitled-art-Mochi-mango-sour-cream-craft-beer-canUntitled Art
Collaboration with Great Notion
Mochi Mango Cream Sour
Waunakee, Wisconsin

Gluten free sour with passionfruit, mango and vanilla soft serve.

ABV: 6% alcohol / volume
Style: Gluten Free Sour
Beer Style at WineStyles: Sour, Tart & Funky

ABOUT UNTITLED ART:
Untitled Art collaborates with different artists, friends, and breweries all around the world to produce drink concepts and styles that showcase their diverse work. From Sparkling Water to Craft Beer, every can or bottle is wrapped in artwork specifically made for that drink to create something you will love. Check them out on Untappd, or learn more about their company here.

RAR-reaper-beer-canRAR Brewing
Reaper Imperial Double IPA
Cambridge, Maryland

Imperial Double Indian Pale Ale with Amarillo and Azacca hops.

ABV: 8.3% alcohol / volume
Style: Double IPA
Beer Style at WineStyles: Hoppy and Bitter

ABOUT THE RAR BREWING:
Located on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, RAR Brewing was founded in 2013 by a couple of local boys brewing local beers. The team built their brewery in an 80-year-old former pool hall and bowling alley producing 10 barrels of brews at a time all while maintaining the history of the building. Check them out on Untappd, or learn more about their company here.

lil-beavery-brewery-punkin-canLil Beaver Brewing
Punkin π Imperial Ale
Bloomington, Illinois

Who doesn’t love Pumpkin Pie? Well, most people that do, do enjoy it with whipped cream, which is the flavor experience Lil Beaver Brewing attempted to create with this brew. Only available once a year, don’t miss it!

ABV: 8.9% alcohol / volume
Style: Imperial Ale
Beer Style at WineStyles: Malty and Sweet

ABOUT THE LIL BEAVER BREWING:
Years ago there was a young, eager Lil Beaver who enjoyed beer, but grew tired of the commercial offerings in his neck of the woods. After awhile, Chad Bevers (aka the Lil Beaver), decided it was time to hone in on his own beer making skills and start his own craft brewery – which opened in 2017. Check them out on Untappd, or learn more about their company here.

Photos and information © Untitled Art, RAR Brewing, and Lil Beaver Brewing – All Rights Reserved.

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November Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubParmigiano_ReggianoG. Cravero Parmigiano Reggiano Bra, Italy

This cheese is unlike your typical parmesan. It’s smooth, creamy, lush, sweet, buttery, aromatic, fruity and mouthwatering. Because it is so unique, this cheese is recommended to served alone, or as the star of your cheese board – not to be grated atop your dishes.   WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS: This cheese pairs beautifully with a glass of Prosecco. It will also pair well with any of the wines from our November Wine Club Selections. For beer, look for a light Pilsner or Lager.  WINESTYLES: Bold, Mellow or Silky BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean ABOUT G. CRAVERO: Founded in 1855 by Giorgio Cravero, the Cravero family have been carefully selecting and maturing the very best Parmigiano Reggiano in their own cheese caves in Bra, Piedmont, Italy. For the past five generations, the traditions have been passed down from father to son, each perfecting the craft of cheese aging. Today, their cheese is packed up and shipped out to more than 20 different countries across the globe. The Cravero family works with a select group of small-scale producers in the Tuscan Emilian Apennine region to buy their cheese; it’s this local pasture and forage that lends the milk to be so creamy, soft and subtly sweet.  After the selected cheeses have been aged for about 12 months, they are brought to the Cravero maturing rooms in Bra, where the magic really starts to happen. From here, the team pays close attention to the changing seasons for the next 24 months to guarantee the unique nature of their product.
Giorgio Cravero Cheese Caves
Parmigiano Reggiano Aging
Giorgio Cravero Cheese Tasting
Giorgio Cravero Cheese Caves – Parmigiano Reggiano
Giorgio Cravero and his previous generations.
In June of 2022, we (owners, Bryan and Andrea McGinness, a few of our WineStyles guests, and myself) had the opportunity to tour Cravero’s facility during our trip to Northern Italy with Cheese Journeys. We met with the current owner, Giorgio Cravero (the third Giorgio since 1855), who showed us around, what he considered to be, his small family business. Their twenty-foot high aging rooms (or caves), house around 5,000 wheels of cheese – a capacity that seemed daunting to us, however, Cravero explained to be “tiny” in comparison to other affineurs (someone who practices the art of caring for, ripening and aging the cheese). Learn more about their family history here. Information © G. Cravero – All Rights Reserved.

Cheese_springDon’t let your Wine Club go home alone! Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club!  Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely!  Click to learn more >

Winery Spotlight Series: November 9, 2022

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Goosecross logo

Goosecross Cellars
with Guest Speaker, Christi Coors Ficeli
Yountville, Napa Valley, California

Wednesday, November 9, 2022
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event featuring Goosecross Cellars wines and guest speaker Christi Coors Ficeli, Co-Owner of Goosecross Cellars. She will be joining us LIVE on the big screen sharing the six wines below.

Wines Tasted:

  1. Goosecross Sauvignon Blanc
  2. Goosecross Chardonnay
  3. Goosecross Merlot
  4. Goosecross Proprietary Red Blend
  5. Goosecross Zinfandel
  6. Goosecross Cabernet

To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please call your local participating WineStyles store. Or, if you prefer to attend remotely, pre-order a wine tasting kit to-go from your local participating store and watch/taste along with us on Zoom!

Nov-9_Goosecross_bottles_Facebook

About Goosecross Cellars:

Located in Yountville, California, Goosecross Cellars sits in the heart of the Napa Valley. The winery dates back four decades and is now owned by Christi and Dave Ficeli – husband and wife duo who always wanted to have a small family winery that they could pass down from one generation to the next. Christi and Dave’s love for wine is reflected in the grapes they grow and the wines they make; with the guiding vision and experience of their winemaker, Bill Nancarrow, they are able to create distinct, vineyard-driven wines that respect the roots and history of the Napa Valley soil. Learn more about the winery’s history and philosophy here.

© Photo by Goosecross Cellars
© Photo by Goosecross Cellars
© Photo by Goosecross Cellars

About Christi Coors Ficeli, Co-Owner:

The great, great granddaughter of beverage industry pioneer, Adolph Coors, Christi Coors Ficeli was raised in an entrepreneurial family that always put an emphasis on achieving your dreams through vision, dedication and collaboration. Christi got her first taste for the wine business in 1998, when she joined the team at Gallo Winery (where she also met her now husband, wine industry executive, David Ficeli). After leaving Gallo, Christi went on to receive her MBA from the University of Denver before joining the Coors family business. She held many positions at Coors Brewing that brought her and Dave to Napa, Denver and eventually Chicago (although nothing felt quite like home in the way Napa did). Finally, in 2012 Christi, with the help of family funding, developed a business plan and set out to find a Napa Valley Winery – which eventually led her to Goosecross in the spring of 2013. Christi and Dave have since purchased the Goosecross Winery from the Coors Family and their dream lives on to create something special for themselves, their kids, and all those that visit the winery.  Learn more about Christi and the Goosecross Team here.

Christi © Photo by Goosecross Cellars
© Photo by Goosecross Cellars
© Photo by Goosecross Cellars
© Photo by Goosecross Cellars
Christi and Dave © Photo by Goosecross Cellars

Photos and information © Goosecross Cellars – All Rights Reserved.

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting with Christi Coors Ficeli
Goosecross Cellars
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST
Cheers!
WineStyles.com

VirtualTaste-9627

© Photo by Goosecross Cellars

Winery Spotlight Series: October 12, 2022

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Robert_Craig_logo

Robert Craig Winery Spotlight
with Guest Speaker, Elton Slone
Napa, California

Wednesday, October 12, 2022
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event featuring Robert Craig wines and guest speaker Elton Slone, President and CEO of Robert Craig Winery. He will be joining us live on the big screen sharing the six wines below.

Wines Tasted:

  1. Robert Craig Chardonnay, Gap’s Crown Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, California
  2. Robert Craig Affinity Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
  3. Robert Craig Howell Mountain Cuvée, California
  4. Robert Craig Howell Mountain Merlot, Napa Valley, California
  5. Robert Craig Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, California
  6. Robert Craig Howell Mountain Zinfandel, Black Sears, Napa Valley, California

To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please call your local participating WineStyles store. Or, if you prefer to attend remotely, pre-order a wine tasting kit to-go and watch/taste along with us on Zoom!

Oct-12_Robert-Craig_bottles

About Robert Craig Winery:

Founder Robert (Bob) Craig began his long and storied career at The Hess Collection in the 1980s. In 1990, Bob Craig founded his eponymous winery on Howell Mountain with three friends from business school. In 2004, CEO Elton Slone joined the winery and became a full partner in 2007. Following Bob’s retirement in 2012, Slone has continued to move the business forward with the other three founding partners. Known for producing small-lot, site-expressive wines from high elevation vineyards, Robert Craig Winery consistently garners high scores and positive accolades from the wine press. Learn more about the winery’s history here.

© Photo by Robert Craig Winery
© Photo by Robert Craig Winery
© Photo by Robert Craig Winery
© Photo by Robert Craig Winery

About Elton Slone – CEO and President:

Since his arrival at Robert Craig Winery in early 2004, Elton Slone has continued the Craig’s commitment to producing properly expressive cabernet sauvignons from mountain vineyards in the Napa Valley. His career spanning nearly three decades in the luxury wine industry have made Elton a fan of single vineyard, cellar worthy wines that display balance, nuance and complexity. Today, he spends much of his time traveling around the country to share the Craig word and wines with other wine enthusiasts. He brings his passion for old world wines to the new world of Craig with a production philosophy based on site expression. Learn more about Elton and the rest of the Robert Craig team here.

© Elton Slone – President and CEO of Robert Craig Winery
© Photo by Robert Craig Winery

Photos and information © Robert Craig Winery – All Rights Reserved.

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 
Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.
Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting with Elton Slone
Robert Craig Winery
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST
Cheers!
WineStyles.com

October Beer Club: Iowa

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BeerClubLogo

Weekends-at-bronziesThe Veil Brewing Co.
Weekend at Broznies
Richmond, VA

Citra DIPA with a bunch of pineapple purée added.

ABV: 9% alcohol / volume
Beer Style: Hoppy

Veil_Brewing_Co_Dirt_Nap_Bottle_ShotThe Veil Brewing Co.
Dirt Nap³
Richmond, VA

Dirt Nap³ is a triple dry-hopped DIPA with Mosaic, Citra, Nelson, and Galaxy hops. Incredible depth of flavor showcasing the best hops from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. There are concentrated notes of Melon, grapes, passionfruit and pineapple.

ABV: 8.8% alcohol / volume
Beer Style: Hoppy

Veil_Brewing_Co_Sunshine_Sorbet_Tastee_Bottle_ShotThe Veil Brewing Co.
Sunshine Sorbet Tastee
Richmond, VA

Sunshine Sorbet Tastee returns! This smoothie-style, sour ale is a brewed with milk sugar and conditioned with peach, pineapple, and passionfruit. It tastes like a summer cocktail slushy, tropicana fruit juice and sunshine in a glass.

ABV: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Beer Style: Sour, Tart & Funky

ABOUT THE VEIL BREWING COMPANY:
Founded in April 2016, The Veil Brewing Co. focuses on hop forward beers, high gravity and barrel aging, lagers, wild ales and spontaneous fermentation. They are dedicated to quality and strive to provide a unique drinking experience through all of their beers. Check them out on Untappd, or learn more about their company here.

The Veil Brewing beer pour

Photos and information © The Veil Brewing Company – All Rights Reserved.

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October Bubbly Club Iowa

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Bubbly Wine Clubgerard_bertrand_cuvee_thomas_jefferson_BottleGérard Bertrand
Thomas Jefferson
Cremant de Limoux Brut
France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Chenin and Chardonnay grapes bring texture and balance, with the Chardonnay also providing the fine bubbles. The Chenin adds vivacity and enhances the impressive longevity of the Cremant. This wine reveals a beautiful, golden yellow robe. It has a complex, aromatic nose with hints of white flower, honey, green apple and toast. It is crisp with elegant structure on the palate, where the fine texture of the bubbles complements the wine naturally.

Varieties: Chardonnay, Chenin, Pinot Noir, Mauzac
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Appellation: AOP Crémant de Limoux, France
Serving Temperature: 50ºF
Pairing: Enjoy as an aperitif or with goat’s cheese (Cabecou, Pelardon, Rocamadour), and sweet desserts.

VINIFICATION AND MATURING:
The grapes are harvested early by hand, in order to retain a good level of acidity. Upon arrival at the winery, the fruit is immediately pressed in a pneumatic pressing machine. The must is transferred to the vats for alcoholic fermentation, using the same process used for still wines. The wine is then transferred to sealed bottles for fermentation, in accordance with the champagne method. To finish, the winemakers will disgorge the bottles and perform the traditional dosage, which is very precise in order to keep a real freshness and wine balance.

SPECIAL NOTES:
Limoux is the area where sparkling wine originated. In 1531, the monks of Saint Hilaire discovered the first wine with bubbles. Situated in the foothills of the Pyrenees, these vineyards benefit from the cool conditions required to make sparkling wines of quality. This exceptional quality had even found an echo across the Atlantic at the White House. Indeed, Thomas Jefferson, was Limoux’ greatest admirer, and he discretely cultivated his love for France and for Limoux sparkling wine. Actually, wine from Limoux was the only sparkling wine to be found in his personal cellar. –  Gérard Bertrand Winery

gerard_bertrand_cremant_rose_825Gérard Bertrand
Heritage Cremant de Limoux
An 825 Brut Rosé
France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This wine is beautiful, salmon-pink in color with glimmering reflections. The nose has a complex bouquet with long-lasting aromas of red fruit (such as strawberry and raspberry), backed with hints of toasted bread. The bubbles are delicate with an extraordinary vivacity on the palate, with a rich, indulgent texture.

Varieties: Chardonnay, Chenin, Pinot Noir
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Appellation: AOP Crémant de Limoux.
Serving Temperature: 50ºF
Pairing: Perfect served as an aperitif, or accompanied with delicately smoked fish, both savory, sweet or spicy dishes, or even with red fruit desserts.

VINIFICATION AND MATURING:
The grapes are harvested when their acid-sugar balance reach their best. The fruit is transferred to the winery and immediately pressed in a pneumatic pressing machine. In addition to the reinforcement of the perception of freshness and balance, the dosage is very precise. The Pinot Noir grapes are not macerated, in order to preserve their color. The must is transferred to the vats for an alcoholic fermentation, using the same process used for still wine. After the malolactic fermentation in the vats, the wine is blended and then transferred to the barrels to mature for 8 months.

SPECIAL NOTES:
Gérard Bertrand reveals the history of the great terroirs of the South of France. The first written trace of the Abbey of Saint Hilaire date back to 825. The Abbey is located near Limoux and is famous for having housed the monks who discovered the secrete of effervescent wines. – Gérard Bertrand Winery

ABOUT GÉRARD BERTRAND WINERY:
Now in the fourth generation of winegrowers, in 1987 Gérard Bertrand took over the family business at Domain d Villemajou after the unexpected death of his father. Five years later, Gérard founded the Gérard Bertrand wine company to develop a range of wines from the South of France. Today, the Gérard Bertrand group is comprised of 15 different wine estates. Since 2002, Gérard Bertrand has been committed to biodynamic viticulture, as it allows him to reinforce the balance of the vine and its environment. Learn more about his story here.

Information © cheese.com and igourmet.com – All Rights Reserved.

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