Tag Archives: Argentina

November Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubPiattelli sparkling brutPiattelli Vineyards
Brut Nature
Méthode Champenoise
Chardonnay / Pinot Noir
Mendoza, Argentina

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Carefully crafted with the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes grown in the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. Elaborated under the traditional method, Piattelli Vineyards Brut Nature is characterized by it’s elegance and a subtle balance between the delicate floral and fresh aromas, in harmony with notes of yeast and toasted bread. The palate is presented with fine and elegant bubbles, complex and balanced acidity. Please drink between 46 ̊– 50 ̊F.

Varietal: 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
Analysis: 12.8% alcohol/volume
Residual Sugar: 4.40 g/L
pH: 3.25
Total Acidity: 6.80 g/L
Method: Méthode Champenoise
Aging: 12 months aged on the lees
Awards: 93 pts Tim Atkin 2019; 90 pts James Suckling 2019

ABOUT THE WINERY:
In the 1940s, the Giovanni Piattelli Family immigrated to Mendoza, bringing a winemaking legacy from their native Maremma in Tuscany. Their tradition and passion continue to be the strong legacy behind this prestigious wine. In the late 1990s an American businessman, Jon Malinski, met the Piattelli Family in his travels to Argentina on the hunt for lumber to import into the US. Instead of lumber, Jon found vineyards, incredible wine, amazing people, beautiful landscapes, and a country that he could not stomach the thought of leaving. Soon these two families came together and Piattelli Vineyards was born. The winery is still 100% family-owned and managed. Jon’s spirit for adventure and relentless pursuit of perfection has led to the completion of the second winery in Argentina, a massive expansion of the property, and wines of impeccable quality being enjoyed worldwide. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Piattelli Vineyards – All Rights Reserved.

andre-reign-cremantDomaine André Regin
Crémant D’Alsace Brut
Pinot Blanc
Wolxheim, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This wine’s pale yellow color is magnified by its trains of bubbles. The nose is fresh and this Crémant subsequently develops subtle floral aromas as well as those of white-fleshed fruits such as pear. The palate is beautifully harmonious with a wonderful effervescence as well as an ideal balance between acidity and sugar. The finesse of the bubbles brings suppleness and lightness to the wine. Enjoy as an aperitif, with dessert or for a festive occasion.

Terroir: Plots are intended for the production of Crémant Brut and are located on deep, loess soils, optimal for the maturation of their grapes
Appellation: Village of Wolxheim, Alsace, France
Varietal: Pinot Blanc
Guard Time: 5 years
Serving temperature: 41-42.8ºF

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Regin family has been rooted in Wolxheim for over a century, with its winemaking heritage beginning in the early 1900s. Joseph Regin, born in 1891, ran a mixed farm with a small vineyard. Later joined by his son Justin, who shifted the focus to viticulture and began bottling and marketing the family’s wine. Justin’s youngest son, André, initially trained in electrotechnics, returned to the estate in 1980 and, after his parents’ passing, took full charge of expanding and modernizing the vineyard with his wife, Catherine. Their dedication revitalized the estate, and today their eldest son, Thomas, continues the legacy, studying biology and specializing in oenology at the School of Dijon. Learn more here.

The Regin Family

Information & Photos © Domaine André Regin – All Rights Reserved.

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May Premium Club

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Araciel-Malbec-bottleBold wine Style logoCopper Cane
Araciel
Valle de Uco Malbec
Mendoza, Argentina

BOLD WINE STYLE

Deep garnet in color with abundant aromas of dried plum, black berry, and leather, followed by hints of thyme, sweet anise and black pepper. The palate is rich and complex with flavors of ripe dark fruits, chocolate cherry, thyme, and blackberry pie. This wine has a lingering fruit-forward finish with firm acidity and subtle tannins.

Varietal: Malbec
Food Pairing: Enjoy with a grilled steak with sautéed mushrooms, a spicy Cioppino, or a hamburger with blue cheese

THE VINEYARDS:
This Malbec is cultivated at an elevation of approximately 3,500 feat near Alto Agrelo, in Argentina’s Valle de Uco region in Mendoza. The southern part of the valley is slightly cooler than the north, with dry conditions and abundant sunshine. Combined with gravelly loam and alluvial soils, this creates an ideal environment for growing this typically tannic and intense varietal. What sets this region apart is the enhanced physiological maturity of the Malbec grapes, which softens the tannins while leaving a rich array of phenolics. The result is a wine with a massive mouthfeel, an intensely dark color, and a perfect balance of natural acidity.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“Our journey through the Mendoza region began in 2010, when we discovered the perfect site for Malbec on the western edge of the Uco Valley, near Alto Agrelo. After successful initial trials, we committed to local production. The area’s long, dry growing season allows for extended hang-time, leading to high physiological maturity and transforming Malbec’s typically harsh tannins into a rich, soft structure. Using cryo-extraction, we enhance color and phenolic concentration. Parting ways from tradition, we saw a way to bring more character and balance to this wine using the Solera method for aging. Our solera system contains Malbecs of different ages/vintages, going back to 2015. By blending the younger wines into “la madre” (the mother-blend), we are able to craft an all-encompassing style with consistent character and quality. This process continues vintage over vintage, with a hearty percentage of the previous blend held back every year to be added to with the new vintage and continuing on its aging cycle. Controlled fermentation, extended maceration, and aging in French and American oak barrels add depth and layers of vanilla, spice, and softness. The result is a balanced, rich textured wine with exceptional depth.” – Araciel Winemakers

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Araciel Malbec from Copper Cane is the newest creation by the renowned winemaker Joseph Wagner, the visionary behind Belle Glos wines. The winery bridges two continents, crafting Albariño and Malbec wines from vineyards in California’s Santa Maria Valley and Argentina’s Valle de Uco. The name “Araciel,” meaning “Altar in the Sky,” reflects both the distance and the harmony between these two remarkable regions. Focused on hillside sites in the San Rafael Mountains and the eastern foothills of the Andes, Araciel sources fruit from cool-climate deserts where abundant sunshine, temperate conditions, and alluvial soils create the perfect environment for these varietals. The extended growing season allows Albariño to preserve its bright acidity and mineral character, while Malbec develops rich fruit, depth, and velvety tannins. Though grown at opposite ends of the globe, both wines share a balanced, fruit-forward elegance that unites them under the Araciel name.

Information & Photos © Araciel – All Rights Reserved

Bold wine Style logoPEJU-2022-Legacy-Cabernet-Sauvignon-bottlePeju
Legacy Collection
2022 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The Legacy Cabernet Sauvignon presents an expressive nose that captivates the senses from the first moment. On the palate, it reveals intricate layers of dried red fruit and nuanced cigar box notes. A delicate hint of wet stone adds a distinctive touch to the experience. The wine’s medium to full body strikes a harmonious balance between fruit and tannin structure. The finish is elegant and prolonged, with a touch of cocoa dust that lingers on the palate.

Varietal: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot
Analysis: 14.5% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Napa Valley, California
Oak: French & American oak, 40% new
Aging: 19 months
Harvest: October 2022
Winemaker: Sara Fowler
Critical Acclaim: 94 points, Decanter

VINEYARDS:
At Peju, they believe great wines are made in the vineyard and are committed to farming sustainably and naturally to preserve these properties for the long term. They are certified Napa Green at their Rutherford winery and vineyard. In 2019 all six of their estate vineyards were certified Fish Friendly Farming, as part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability.

VINTAGE:
In 2022 growers faced triple digit heat over five days in September quickly followed by rain that brought harvest to a sudden halt. Winemakers are calling the vintage “the tale of two harvests,” making it one of the more unique vintages in recent history. The typical gap between the white and red wine harvest was almost nonexistent. Winemakers describe 2022 Napa Valley red wines as having excellent structure with deep red color, opulent tannins and fruit-forward aromatics.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
In 1983, Tony and Herta (HB) Peju purchased thirty acres of vines in the famed Rutherford district of Napa Valley. They worked hard to build a winery, plant estate vineyards and raise their family. PEJU remains family-owned with Tony and HB’s two daughters, Ariana and Lisa, guiding the business today. Ariana and Lisa are bringing fresh ideas while maintaining the meticulous focus on quality that began 40 years ago. With its landmark tower and warm hospitality, PEJU Winery is an integral part of the Napa Valley landscape. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Peju – All Rights Reserved

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Renacer Punto Final Cabernet Sauvignon

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FEBRUARY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoHeart-Puton-final-organic-cabernet-bottleBodega Renacer
Punto Final
Cabernet Sauvignon Organic
Mendoza, Argentina

BOLD WINE STYLE

Intense ruby red color with violet and black highlights. Aromas of ripe cherries, currants and ripe plums complemented by roasted bell pepper and sweet spices (paprika, pepper). Noticeable fresh plum and cherry flavors. Sweet entry with ripe tannins, balanced with good acidity; elegant, persistent on the palate and long finish.

Varietal: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc
Analysis: 13.6% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.73
Total Acidity: 5.32 g/L
Appellation: Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
Grapes: From two blocks of the “Renacer” estate in Perdriel – Luján de Cuyo (950 m.a.s.l. – silt loam soils).
Vineyards:With yields of less than 8 tons per hectare.
Harvest: Hand-picked in 17 kg. at the beginning of April
Selection: Double manual selection of clusters and berries
Maceration: Cold for 3 days at 46.4ºF
Alcoholic Fermentation: Carried out with selected indigenous yeasts for 10 days in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures between 77ºF and 80.6ºF
Malolactic Fermentation: In stainless steel tanks
Aging: Young profile without contact with oak
Food Pairing: Lean red meats, grilled vegetables, lamb, cheeses such as brie, camembert, cheddar and parmesan

About the Winery:
Nestled in Luján de Cuyo—one of Mendoza’s premier regions for producing premium wines—Bodega Renacer was purposefully designed to craft high-end wines. Founded by Patricio Reich, a wine industry veteran since the late 1980s, his journey began as a partner and managing director at Viña San Pedro in Chile. Over time, his passion for winemaking deepened, inspiring him and his family to launch a new venture focused on creating exceptional wines. Established in 2003 at the base of the Andes Mountains, the winery features Tuscan-inspired architecture, pergolas, and Italian-style gardens—a tribute to its family heritage and a warm invitation to visitors. Bodega Renacer is driven by their key principles: a relentless pursuit of quality, a commitment to innovation, a strong family spirit, sustainability, and a dedication to specializing in Malbecs and Cabernets. Learn more here.

Try this wine with the following recipe…

lava-cake-rotated-blogChocolate Lava Cake

INGREDIENTS: 

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (113g)
  • 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate chopped (168g)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Butter and lightly flour 6 (4- to 5-ounce) ramekin dishes and place them on a baking sheet.
  2. Combine the butter and chocolate in a double boiler and melt over low heat, stirring until smooth. Or, place the butter and chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high, stirring every 30-seconds until melted. Whisk together until smooth.
  4. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until the sides of the cakes are firm set but the center is jiggly. Let the cakes cool in the ramekin dishes for 1 minute.
  5. Place a small dessert plate over the top of each ramekin and carefully turn it over, inverting the cake onto the plate. Let stand for about 10 seconds, then remove the ramekin to unmold the cakes. Sift powdered sugar on top and garnish with berries, if desired. Serve immediately.

Information & Photos © Bodega Renacer – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Preppy Kitchen.

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Renacer Punto Final Reserva Naranjo Orange Chardonnay

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FEBRUARY WINE CLUB:

Rich WineStylesHeart-Punto-Final-Orange-chardonnay-bottleBodega Renacer
Punto Final Reserva
Naranjo Orange Chardonnay
Mendoza, Argentina

RICH WINE STYLE

Golden orange color. The nose presents notes of ripe peach, apricot, ginger, flowers such as camomile. On the palate it has citrus flavors of tangerine peel and pink grapefruit. In addition, aromas of vanilla and bourbon can be found, the result of its brief contact with used barrels. It is vibrant, with fresh acidity and a sweet finish.

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.3
Total Acidity: 6.5 g/L
Appellation: Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
Vineyard Productivity: Yields of less than 8 tons per hectare
Harvest: Manual in 17 kg crates
Vinification: With skins, similar to a red wine fermentation, with selected yeasts in 1000 liter stainless steel tanks, at a maximum temperature of 64.4ºF
Aging: French and American oak barrels of second use
Farming: Vegan and sustainable
Winery: Family owned
Food Pairings: Lamb, pork, chicken, grilled fish, octopus, hummus, baba ghanoush, roasted vegetables and Indian curry

About the Winery:
The name Punto Final refers to the moment when the winemaking team considers that it has achieved its ultimate goal: exceptional, easy-to-drink wines that express the typicity of each varietal in an authentic way. Founded by Patricio Reich, with the collaboration of world-renowned winemaker Alberto Antonini, Bodega Renacer prides itself in bringing consumers the very best wines from South America’s unique terroirs. The winery structure itself is quite impressive, featuring a medieval tower built of rocks with state-of-the-art winemaking equipment. Renacer’s vineyards are located in a unique zone in Mendoza, Argentina, where the soil, altitude, climate and water come together to create the perfect growing environment for Malbec and other varietals. Learn more here.

Try this wine with the following recipe…

apricot-glazed-chicken-dishApricot Glazed Baked Chicken

INGREDIENTS:

  • ¾ cup apricot preserves
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • 2 tablespoons melted, unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 pieces)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. In a large bowl or baking dish add the apricot preserves, mustard, soy sauce, butter, thyme, salt and pepper and whisk until well combined. Add the chicken and toss until well coated.

Information & Photos © Renacer and Weinbauer – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Life is But a Dish.

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February Wine Club Pairing Recipe

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FEBRUARY WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoHeart-Punto-Final-Cabernet-Franc-Reserve-bottleBodega Renacer
Punto Final Reserva
Cabernet Franc
Mendoza, Argentina

BOLD WINE STYLE

Intense ruby red color with violet reflections. Its aromas are of sweet spices, black pepper, cloves interwoven with soft notes of eucalyptus with a hint of pepper. As the wine opens, aromas of vanilla and chocolate appear from its aging in oak. The palate has great concentration, intensity and sweet impact, with ripe black fruit flavors and a distinctive caramel macchiato note. Soft, round tannins with good acidity and a long, lingering finish.

Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Analysis: 14.1% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.7
Total Acidity: 5.5 g/L
Appellation: Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
Grapes: From Vista Flores (1300 m.a.s.l. – calcareous and stony soils) and Perdriel – Luján de Cuyo (950 m.a.s.l. – loam soils).
Vineyards: More than 15 years old with yields of less than 8 tons per hectare
Selection: Double manual selection of clusters and berries
Maceration: For 2 days at 46.4°F
Alcoholic Fermentation: With indigenous yeasts for 12 days in stainless steel tanks at temperatures between 71.6 and 75.2°F
Malolactic Fermentation: In stainless steel tanks
Aging: In French oak barrels for 12 months
Critical Acclaims: 90 pts James Suckling 2019; 91 pts James Suckling 2017; Silver Medal 90 pts Decanter 2017; 91 pts Decanter 2014: 91 pts Robert Parker 2011

About the Winery:
Nestled in Luján de Cuyo—one of Mendoza’s premier regions for producing premium wines—Bodega Renacer was purposefully designed to craft high-end wines. Founded by Patricio Reich, a wine industry veteran since the late 1980s, his journey began as a partner and managing director at Viña San Pedro in Chile. Over time, his passion for winemaking deepened, inspiring him and his family to launch a new venture focused on creating exceptional wines. Established in 2003 at the base of the Andes Mountains, the winery features Tuscan-inspired architecture, pergolas, and Italian-style gardens—a tribute to its family heritage and a warm invitation to visitors. Bodega Renacer is driven by their key principles: a relentless pursuit of quality, a commitment to innovation, a strong family spirit, sustainability, and a dedication to specializing in Malbecs and Cabernets. Learn more here.

Try this wine with the following recipe…

pasta_valentine-blogAuthentic Cacio e Pepe (classic Roman dish)

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 lb. of dried spaghetti
  • 8 ounces of finely shredded Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper roughly ground
  • salt to taste

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Set timer, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and add the Spaghetti.
  2. Add pepper to a large sauté pan and slowly heat until you can smell the pepper.
  3. To prevent burning, add a ladle (or two) of the pasta water and let it lightly boil. Make sure the pan doesn’t go dry and burn the pepper.
  4. Add the cheese and a couple of ladles of boiling water to a bowl and mix it until it is creamy like a paste.
  5. When the Spaghetti is cooked, add it to the sauté pan with the water and pepper. Quickly stir the pasta and try to develop a sauce from the pepper and starchy pasta water.
  6. After two minutes of stirring, take off the heat and continue to stir while letting the pasta and pan cool a little, for about a minute.
  7. Add the cheese mixture while the pasta is off the heat. Stir vigorously and mix the cheese throughout the pasta.
  8. Put the pasta and cheese mixture back on a low flame and continue to stir it. If the sauce gets too dry, and one more ladle of pasta water to loosen up the mixture.
  9. Once everything is well mixed and creamy, serve immediately. When it is in the serving bowl, top with a little bit of fresh ground pepper and some more cheese.

Information & Photos © Bodega Renacer – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of Saturdays in Rome.

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July Premium Wine Club

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Bold wine Style logoPascual Toso Alta CabernetPascual Toso
Alta Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza, Argentina

BOLD WINE STYLE

Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced from 60 year old vines, Pascual Toso Alta has a nose and palate redolent of boysenberry and raspberry, with hints of vanilla, baking spices and chocolate. Complex and well-balanced, it is elegant in structure with gentle tannins and a lingering finish.

Analysis: 14.0% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Total Acidity: 6.07 g/L
Residual Sugar: 2.63 g/L
pH: 3.66
Appellation: Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina
Serving: Serve between 59°F and 62°F with red meats, pasta dishes or mature cheeses
Critical Acclaim: 93 pts JamesSuckling.com; 92 pts Decanter; 2022 Decanter World Wine Award Silver

WINEMAKER NOTES:
The grapes are 100% estate grown and hand-picked using small baskets. The vineyard is carefully managed to ensure the grapes reach optimum ripeness. Cold maceration takes place over 48 hours, prior to fermentation.  The winemaker process is carried out in stainless steel tanks and macerated from 15 to 20 days.  To obtain its maximum expression, the wine is softly filtered before being bottled.  Aged in new French oak barrels for 14 months, it then receives an extra six months aging in bottle prior to release.

ABOUT PASCUAL TOSO:
When in the mid 1880s Pascual Toso set out towards Argentina from its home town, Canale D’Alba, in Piamonte, Italy, he could not have imagined that he would become the founder of a winery, which is today one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in Argentina.

When he arrived in Argentina, he settled in Mendoza. As he had been closely involved in the development of his family wine business in Piedmont, he promptly saw the promising future for winemaking in the region and decided to use his expertise. Thus, in 1890, Pascual Toso established his first winery.

At the beginning of the 20th century, he decided to expand his business and acquired vineyards in Maipú. At his estate “Las Barrancas”, he built another winery, “Las Barrancas” (small Canyon) which is dedicated to producing and growing the finest grapes. Since 1890, Bodegas y Viñedos Pascual Toso has become one of the most exciting and promising Argentine wineries and remains faithful to its principles: Tradition, Authenticity, Innovation. Learn more >

Bold wine Style logoParticular_Cabernet_Franc_2019-wine-bottleBodegas Bianchi
Particular Cabernet Franc
Mendoza, Argentina

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Cabernet Franc is deep red in color with intense and lively purple hues. On the nose, there are aromas of black currant and cassis, combined with sweet spices, such as red peppers and black pepper, as well as vanilla and smokey aromas from the oak aging. It has a great structure and volume on the palate, with sweet tannins. It is elegant, with a balanced acidity and a persistent finish.

Analysis: 14.6% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 95% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec
Total Acidity: 5.7 g/L
Residual Sugar: 3.5 g/L
pH: 3.55
Region: Uco Valley, San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina
Serving: Room temperature as the perfect accompaniment to pork and beef, as well as salmon or other flavorful fish.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
The grapes come from the Uco Valley, or more precisely, from Los Chacayes, Tunuyan. This terroir is renowned for its great properties for producing high-end wines. There is a daily thermal range that brings this varietal to perfect ripeness, and a soil composition that contributes mineral notes. Together, they make this Cabernet Franc a structured and truly complex wine. The wine was aged for 12 months in French barrels; the wine was then transferred to stainless steel tanks for 10-15 days in order to allow the lees to precipitate. After stabilization, the unfiltered, final wine was bottle-aged an additional 8 months.

ABOUT BODEGAS BIANCHI:
Bodegas Bianchi is a family winery that values tradition, quality, prestige and innovation. The history and tradition of Bodegas Bianchi were made possible by owner, Valentín Bianchi. Born in Italy in 1887, Valentín was encouraged to travel to San Rafael at the young age of 23 where he began his new life on this side of the world. In 1928, Valentín achieved his life goal to have his own vineyard and open a winery, of which he named El Chiche, “the small winery of the great wines”. Determined to make the best wines, he imported European vines and adapted them to the climate and characteristics prevalent in the region of San Rafael. As a result, he gradually built a familiar winery whose name would be an authentic patrimony of Argentina: Bodegas Bianchi. Today, Bodegas Bianchi is a global brand present in more than 40 countries, continued by Valentín’s son, Don Enzo Bianchi. Learn more about their winery here.

Valentin Bianchi Winery

Bianchi Family Photo

Don Valentin Bianchi

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February Bubbly Club

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Bubbly Wine ClubGustave_Lorentz_Cremant_dAlsace_Brut_Rose_Fact_new-format_JCGustave Lorentz
Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé
Alsace, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Cremant d’Alsace Rosé is made from Pinot Noir, which is full of charm and elegance. It makes a refined aperitif and an ideal cocktail or reception drink. Fresh and discreetly fruity, it inspires a host of gastronomic matches. This refined wine also works with hot and cold seafood appetizers, chicken, pork and other white meats & game, as well as some desserts. Serve chilled.

Analysis: 12.3% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir
Total Acidity: 5.6 g/l
Residual Sugar: 7.8 g/l
Producer: Gustave Lorentz
Region: AOC Alsace
Country: France

WINEMAKING:
The grapes are carefully selected and vinified according to “Methode Champenoise.” After traditional fermentation “vin de base” in tanks, a second fermentation (“prise de mousse”) takes place in the cool cellars. It does not undergo malolactic fermentation. Aging is done “sur lie” between 14 and 18 months, with daily bottle rotation, going from a horizontal to vertical position, in order for the yeast deposit to accumulate in the neck of the bottle. At the time of “degorgement,” the neck is frozen and, enclosed in ice, the sediment is ejected by natural pressure, after which the bottle is corked and wired.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Founded in 1836, Maison Gustave Lorentz owned 33 hectares of land on the hillsides of Bergheim in the heart of the Alsace wine region, 12.8 hectares of which are classified Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim, and 1.75 hectares Grand Cru Kanzlerberg. The first mention of the Lorentz family in the commune of Ribeauvillé dates back to the end of the Thirty Years’ War in the second half of the 17th century. They were innkeepers or coopers as well as ‘gourmets’, the old name given to wine merchants, which afforded them an important status in the local community. In 1748, winegrower and blacksmith Jean-Georges Lorentz was the first to settle in Bergheim, which later became the heart of our domaine. His son, Pierre Lorentz, was married to the youngest daughter of the Mayor of the time (Nicolas Schmitt). Generations passed with the birth of Jacques Lorentz in 1798 and Charles Lorentz in 1836. This same year, Maison Lorentz was founded in the commune of Bergheim. Today, Georges Lorentz has the honor of managing the estate, seven generations later. To learn more about Gustave Lorentz Winery and family, click here.

Gustave Lorentz Vineyard

© Photo by: Gustave Lorentz Winery

Alma 4 Alma 4
Blanc de Blanc
Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Alma 4’s Blanc de Blanc Chardonnay is greenish yellow in color with slight tints of gold. It has persistent and delicate chains of small bubbles. The nose is quite shocking. It has strong flavors of fruits, such as fresh pear, as well as some citrus notes of mandarin peel and Kinoto. The fruit is balanced, the yeast is subtle, and the wood flavor is complex. On the mouth, it is creamy and fully. There is a harmony of sugar to acidity with an exotic fruit finish. It is long and complex. Intense and fresh. This sparkling wine is tasted with the 5 senses.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 100% Chardonnay
Residual Sugar: 4.7 g/l
Acidity: 7.05 g/l
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Appellation: Uco Valley
Vineyard: Sustainably farmed – 1200-1550 meters in elevation
Production:Traditional method (Champenoise) using direct pressing. Fermentation begins at 59-64.4ºF for 20 days. 15% of Chardonnay is fermented in French oak barrels. No malolactic fermentation. The second fermentation is in bottles between 57.2º F and 60.8º F.
Disgorgement: Performed manually
Time on Yeasts: 40 months

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Alma Cuatro (or Alma 4) began in 1999 as an experimental sparkling wine-making project led by four young people from Mendoza, with a strong investigative spirit: Mauricio, Agustín, Marcela and Sebastián. With passion, perseverance, friendship and work, these four friends came together to create a line of sparkling wines made by second fermentation in the bottle — combining innovation with the avant-garde method. Learn more about these four friends and owners here.

Alma 4 Friends

© Photo by Alma 4

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Winery Spotlight Series: Jan. 27th Finca Decero

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finca-decero-logo-alpha Virtual Wine Tasting Event on Zoom and Facebook LIVE

Finca Decero

Mendoza, Argentina

Wednesday, January 27, 2021 6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a virtual Winery Spotlight tasting event, with Chief Commercial Officer, Stephanie C. Morton-Small, and Winemaker, Tomás Hughes, from Finca Decero in Mendoza, Argentina. During our virtual event, Stephanie and Tomás will be guiding us through a tasting of the following 7 wines:

Zoom Facebook Live
  • Owl & the Dust Devil Malbec 2017
  • Owl & the Dust Devil Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
  • Owl & the Dust Devil Icon Blend 2016
  • Decero Mini Ediciones Cabernet Franc 2017
  • Decero Mini Ediciones Petit Verdot 2015
  • Decero Mini Ediciones Tannat 2015
  • Decero Amano 2016
Be sure to RSVP at your local WineStyles location or on Eventbrite.  Pre-order your wines in advance at your local participating WineStyles location and taste alongside Stephanie and Tomás with a front seat on Zoom! Or watch on our Facebook LIVE event.
Decero Wines_Blog About Finca Decero:
Born of the world-class vision of Swiss owner Thomas Schmidheiny, Finca Decero is an acclaimed wine estate located in a one-of-a-kind Remolinos vineyard in Agrelo, Mendoza. Finca Decero, once a bare patch of soil in the Argentine foothills of the Andes, is now a one-of-a-kind vineyard, where each vine is nurtured by hand and winemaking is without compromise. As Decero means ‘from scratch’, they are fortunate to be free from constraints of tradition, developed an ‘amano’ or ‘by hand’ approach that is human, sustainable and sensitive to nature. The winery treads lightly in an environment that they have come to know intimately, almost inch by inch. Only in this way can the unique natural attributes of the Remolinos vineyard and Agrelo, shine through in the single vineyard wines, handcrafted from scratch. Learn more about Finca Decero here.
© Photo from Finca Decero
© Photo by Finca Decero
© Photo from Finca Decero
Stephanie C. Morton-Small – Chief Commercial Officer
Stephanie-Morton-Small

© Photo by Finca Decero – Stephanie Morton-Small

Experiencing wine at some of the greatest estates of France during time spent in Bordeaux, Burgundy and Aix-en-Provence was the seed from which Stephanie’s career in wine grew. After graduating from University of London, time in the UK wine trade was followed by nearly a decade in international sales and marketing roles based in Australia and further consolidated by an MBA. Having been a Director of a group of some of the finest and well established wineries in Australia, Stephanie was attracted to moving away from the “established” to start something “from scratch”. The long-term vision of Thomas Schmidheiny and the quality of every aspect of Finca Decero, from the ground up, formed a unique attraction which caused Stephanie to move to Argentina in 2007. Learn more about her story here.
Tomás Hughes – Winemaker
Tomas-Hughes

© Photo by Finca Decero – Tomás Hughes

Tomás has spent most of his career focused on making fine wines from Mendoza, first with the team at Achaval Ferrer then at Clos de Chacras. However, not to leave his travels behind, in 2006 Tomás visited Australia working a vintage with Peter Lehmann and visiting vineyards and wineries throughout the Barossa, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley and Adelaide Hills before returning to Mendoza to take up the position of senior winemaker, working with Daniel Pi at Trapiche, responsible for their highest tier of red and white wines. Joining the Finca Decero team as winemaker in 2014, Tomás finally realized a long-held dream of working daily at one with nature, explaining: “For me, joining Finca Decero is a reflection of who I am and what I have learned over the years about the inextricable link between the earth and wine.” Learn more about his journey to become a winemaker here.

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

Finca Decero Mendoza, Argentina

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

Finca Buenaventura Aureo Cabernet Sauvignon

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Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

© Karina from Cafe Delites

“The easiest Brussels Sprouts recipe for the holidays! Roasted Brussels Sprouts need little amount of prep work, ingredients and cooking time to make them absolutely incredible.” – Karina

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts washed and dried
  • 4 ounces (120 g) diced bacon or pancetta
  • 1/4 cup good olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic crushed or finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or more to serve

DIRECTIONS:

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a large baking pan with nonstick cooking oil spray or a light coating of oil. Set aside.
  • Trim the ends of sprouts and cut in half lengthwise.
  • Arrange brussels sprouts, any loose leaves, bacon and garlic on the pan. Drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Toss well and spread mixture out in a single layer.
  • Roast sprouts, turning once through cooking, until tender with charred edges. The bacon will be cooked and crispy (about for 25-30 minutes).
  • Toss with the balsamic vinegar. Adjust taste with extra salt and pepper, if needed. Serve immediately.
  • © Photo and Recipe courtesy of Karina at Cafe Delites

NOVEMBER WINE CLUB:

Bold wine Style logoAureo cabernet SauvignonFinca Buenaventura
Aureo Cabernet Sauvignon
Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina

BOLD WINE STYLE

All Finca Buenaventura wines come from their single vineyard, each one has a special treatment in the vineyard to achieve a different result. Each has its own identity. Each wine is the best expression of each type of soil in the of land. Each small micro terroir is different: stony, alluvial, sandy, mixed, volcanic terraces, and limestone spots. All are irrigated by defrosted water from the Andes Mountains, giving amazing mineral notes to the wine. This blessed spot in Uco Valley has 300 sunny days per year with very high temperatures during the day and very cold temperatures at night. The common thread between all of the wines is the consistent warmth, the cool nights, and the long growing season. Most of Finca Buenaventura’s wines are weighty and bold in structure, while also having floral nuances. Their wines are vibrant and exuberant on their own, and do not need cosmetic, excessive oak to mask the fruit.

The ripeness of the fruit is the most outstanding quality of this wine. The nose highlights intense red fruit aromas of raspberries, cherries, pepper and vanilla. The flavor ends sweet in the mouth with flavors of jam.

Sergio Sergio Giménez

Winemaker: Sergio Giménez

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 13.9% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.7
Acidity: 5.4 g/L
Residual Sugar: 2.8 g/L
Aging: French & American Oak
Harvested: Middle of April
Altitude: 3680 feet
Winemaker: Sergio Giménez

“Located at the foot of the Andes Mountains in the best sub-zone of Mendoza, Uco Valley, we named our winery for life’s Great Adventure. Our wines are unique as a result of growing grapes that drink pristine snowmelt and sun bathe under the blue sky at high altitude. Our estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a taste of this magical place. We made this wine to share with you, as you create your own journey.” – Winemaker, Sergio Giménez

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Finca Buenaventura Aureo Chardonnay

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Caramelized Onion, Apple and Brie Tartlets

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INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 3 Medium Onions, thinly sliced (about 7 cups)
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp Minced Fresh Thyme
  • 1 Sheet Frozen Puff Pastry
  • 1-6 oz. Granny Smith Apples (peeled, quartered, cored, thinly sliced, crosswise)
  • 2-6 oz. Wedges of Chilled Brie Cheese (rind removed, cheese cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices, each slice cut crosswise into thirds)

DIRECTIONS:

  • STEP 1: Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until deep golden brown, about 30 minutes. Mix in thyme. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cool. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate).
  • STEP 2: Roll out pasty on lightly floured work surface to 12-inch square. Cut pastry lengthwise into six 2-inch-wide strips. Cut strips crosswise into 2-inch squares, for a total of 36 squares. Place pastry squares, spacing apart, on 2 large baking sheets. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
  • STEP 3: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spoon 1 1/2 teaspoons onion mixture atop each pastry square. Top with 2 apple slices. Bake until pastry is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Top each square with 1 piece cheese and bake just until cheese melts, about 3 minutes. Transfer to serving platter.
  • © Recipe from Bon Appétit (December 2000 Catalog)

NOVEMBER WINE CLUB:

Silky styleAureo ChardonnayFinca Buenaventura
Aureo Chardonnay
Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina

SILKY WINE STYLE

Finca Buenaventura was established in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina, sitting 1174 meters above sea level at the foot of the Andes Mountain Range. With great passion and commitment the Finca Buenaventura team began an innovative project by buying the land and getting to know each sector and soil of their 100-hectare area. Their farm is a fusion of the best terroir in Argentina and people committed to a project of excellence, respect for nature, teamwork, and honesty.

This wine is a greenish yellow Chardonnay with golden reflections. The nose expresses typical fruit aromas of the variety: pear and green apple combines with very attractive mineral notes. The mouth shows all of its fruity profile with freshness and liveliness, while having volume and roundness. Its acidity adds freshness, which is expressed in a long, deep and tasty finish.

Winemaker: Sergio Gimenez

Winemaker: Sergio Gimenez

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Acidity: 6.37 g/L
Residual Sugar: 1.80 g/L
Aging: 100% in French oak
Harvested: By hand, first week of March
Altitude: 1,200 meters above sea level
Winemaker: Sergio Gimenez

“We feel that as we got off the train of family’s tradition passed down from our parents, we went our own path and followed our own dreams and passions. That is why we will be “Descarriados“ for the rest of our lives; and this is what we leave our children: follow your dreams and work hard to achieve your goals.” – Winemaker, Sergio Gimenez


Wine club logoJoin our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn More >