Tag Archives: dessert wines

June Sweet Club Iowa

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Sweet Wine Clubmoscato-bottleRuffino
Moscato d’Asti DOCG
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This sweet wine from the Piedmont region of northwest Italy has an aromatic bouquet and low alcohol content, making it an incredibly pleasant wine to drink. It is bright straw yellow in color. The nose is very fragrant and characteristic of the Moscato varietal. It showcases notes of acacia, elderberry, wisteria and citrus, followed by defined notes of peach, orange blossom and sage. On the palate, the wine delivers a pleasantly sweet taste, with flavors or sage and white stone fruit. Its frizzante wine style and balanced acidity make this wine a versatile companion for lunch, dinner, dessert, or simply on its own.

Analysis: 6% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% White Moscato
Harvest: Mid-September
Serving Temperature: 46°F to 50°F
Serving Glass: Ideally served in a high-stemmed, tulip-shaped glass, allowing the wine to touch the sip of the tongue first, where sweetness is first perceived
Pairing: Moscato d’Asti is a very versatile food companion. It pairs exceptionally well with any type of dessert; or pair with fresh bread, charcuterie, figs, melon or spicy foods.

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

HARVEST AND PRODUCTION: 
“We source the grapes for this wine from the Roero, Monferrato and Langhe regions in southern Piedmont. The first stage of Moscato production is a traditional white wine process. The second stage uses the Charmat method in which the wine undergoes a secondary fermentation in tanks and is bottled under pressure to produce light, gently sparkling bubbles and to preserve the fresh, fruit characteristics of the Moscato Bianco grapes.” – Ruffino

ABOUT RUFFINO:
Ruffino is a large wine company based in Tuscany, producing wines from several wine regions in Central and Northern Italy, including Piedmont. The winery was established in 1877 when cousins Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino took on their passion for winemaking by establishing their first winery. Today, more than 140 years later, Ruffino continues to showcase the heritage of these true Italian wines. Learn more about their history here.

© Photo by Ruffino
© Photo by Ruffino
© Photo by Ruffino

MNDASTINVTS-1000815Mondoro
Asti
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Produced entirely from white muscat (moscato) grapes grown in the strictly delineated Asti region of northern Italy, the wine has a delicately sweet character which makes it delightful and refreshing. It is pale yellow in color with fast moving bubbles. On the nose, there is a distinctive and intense aroma of honey and ripe peach. On the palate, it is an intensely sweet and fruity sparkling wine with hints of orange and candied pears.

Analysis: 7% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Moscato
Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Appellation: Asti DOCG
Vineyards: Grapes sourced from Canelli, Santo Stefano Belbo and Calosso

Pairing: Enjoy as an aperitif or with fruit-based desserts.

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

© Photo by Palm Bay International

© Photo by Palm Bay International

HARVEST AND PRODUCTION:
“The sparkling wine is created with the Asti Method. Grapes are crushed and the juice is stored at a low temperature until it is needed. When the wine is ready to be made, the grape must is warmed and fermentation takes place in pressurized tanks. Carbon dioxide is allowed to escape until the alcohol level reaches 6% and at this point, the Carbon dioxide is retained – which creates the bubbles. The fermentation continues until the alcohol has reached 7-7.5% alcohol by volume and the pressure is close to 5 atmospheres. The fermentation is stopped by chill filtration and the wine is bottled for immediate release.” – Mondoro

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May Sweet Club

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Sweet Wine ClubBroadbent_Madeira_Rainwater_NVBroadbent Selections
Rainwater Madeira NV
Madeira, Portugal

NECTAR WINE STYLE

The Rainwater Madeira has a light, toffee-scented bouquet with hints of crème brûlée. The wine highlights subtle notes of marzipan, raisin and fresh fig that become more well-defined and bold as it aerates. On the palate, it is sweet and spicy on the entry. At first, it is quite understated with smoked walnut, nougat, cumin and Chinese 5-spice. As it continues to build, the wine becomes beautifully balanced and harmonious with traces of red chillies, dried honey and walnuts at the finish.

Analysis: 19% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 98% Tinta Negra, 2% other regional red varieties
RS: 74 g/L
pH: 3.1
Total Acidity: 6.4 g/L (tartaric)
Total Sulphur: <15 mg/L
Annual Production: 20,000 cases x 12/750 ml
Winemaker: Juan Teixeira
Critical Acclaim: 90 points – Neil Martin, eRobertParker.com #202, August 2012

Pairing: Serve slightly chilled on its own or with antipastos, cheeses, or sweet desserts.

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

HARVEST AND PRODUCTION: 
“Combining different wines together, we try to have a final wine with high quality. Blending helps to balance the wine, to add layers of flavors and better integrate the sugars and acids.  Blending allows us to select the best characteristics of different wines and then mix them all together to create a much better flavor profile, maintaining the consistence of quality and, off course, reduce the negative impacts, if any, that some harvest years may present.” – Broadbent Selections

Broadbent_Madeira_Fine_Rich_SweetBroadbent Selections
Fine Rich Sweet
Madeira, Portugal

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Broadbent’s Fine Rich Sweet Madeira has notes of caramel, light fruits, toasted nuts and sesame. It has a well-balanced acidity and clear, fresh aftertaste. This is a well made, uncomplicated Madeira.

Analysis: 19% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 98% Tinta Negra, 2% other regional red varieties
Residual Sugar: 106 g/L
pH: 3.42
Total Acidity: 5.18 g/L (tartaric)
Total Sulphur: 36 mg/L
Winemaker: Juan Teixeira

Pairing: Serve slightly chilled on its own or with antipastos, strong cheeses, chocolate or dessert.

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

HARVEST AND PRODUCTION:
“The harvest period started mid September, concluding the 2nd week of October. The grapes were de-stemmed, crushed and pressed. The must obtained was then allowed to ferment at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks. Fermentation stopped after 6 or 7 days by addition of neutral grape spirit (96% minimum) in order to maintain the desired sweetness degree. Vinification was made in strict accordance with traditional methods. Aged in old oak cask in the traditional “Canteiro ”system. After maturing, the wine underwent racking, fining and filtering before the blend was assembled and bottled.” – Broadbent Selections

Bartholomew Broadbent

Bartholomew Broadbent

ABOUT BROADBENT SELECTIONS:
Broadbent Selections, Inc. was founded in 1996 by Bartholomew Broadbent, who established Premium Port Wines in 1986 and is considered responsible for the reintroduction of Madeira to the United States in 1989. The company acts as the U.S. national importer, distributor and representative for wineries from around the world. Bartholomew was named one of the “fifty most influential people in the wine world.” by Decanter Magazine (June 1997). Broadbent Selections, Inc. was nominated Importer of the Year in 2005 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine and was named one of the 100 fastest growing companies in 1998 by Entrepreneur Magazine and Dun & Bradstreet. Today, he has expanded from his pivotal role in the breathtaking growth of Port and Madeira to “exert a profound influence on the US wine market” says Decanter. Learn more here.

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April Sweet Club

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Luca_Bosio_Sweet_Rosso_bottle-webSweet Wine ClubLuca Bosio Vineyards
Rosso
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Gorgeously fresh with tones of ripe berry, this wine is medium-bodied and well balanced.  It has a delicate frizzante.  With lower alcohol and lower calories, it’s an everyday drinkable wine to enjoy no matter the occasion. 

Analysis: 5.0% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Brachetto
Region: Piedmont, Italy

Pairing: Serve slightly chilled on its own or with antipastos, prosciutto, fish and white meats.

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

WINEMAKER NOTES: 
Basic Brachetto is playfully fizzy with two atmospheres of pressure and is known for having low alcohol at 5.0%, a natural range of sweetness. After fermentation, the residual sugar remains relatively high, making the wines sweeter than dry wines. Because the extra sugar stops fermentation early, non-fortified sweet reds tend to be lower in alcohol than dry wines.

Luca_Bosio_Sweet_Black_bottle-webLuca Bosio Vineyards
Black
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

A luscious, fruit forward red blend with voluptuous mouth-feel and layers of strawberries, juicy raspberry and hints of chocolate. The frizzante finish makes it superb.

Analysis: 5.0% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 95% Brachetto, 5% Raspberry, Strawberry fruit infused
Region: Piedmont, Italy

Pairing: Serve slightly chilled on its own or with antipastos, prosciutto, fish and white meats.

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
Basic Brachetto is playfully fizzy with 2 atmospheres of pressure & is known for having low alcohol at 5.0%, a natural range of sweetness. After fermentation, the residual sugar remains relatively high, making the wines sweeter than dry wines. Because the extra sugar stops fermentation early, non-fortified sweet reds tend to be lower in alcohol than dry wines.

WINERY HISTORY:
Now in its 3rd generation, Bosio Family Estates was established in 1967 by farmers Egidio and Angela. After the success of his innovative and progressive ideas, and with the support of the family, the company has taken the name of Luca Bosio Vineyards. The winery is located in the center of the Langhe region of Piedmont, Italy.

© Photo by Luca Bosio Vineyards
© Photo by Luca Bosio Vineyards
© Photo by Luca Bosio Vineyards

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March Sweet Club

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Sweet Wine ClubMarco-Negri-Moscato-D-AstiMarco Negri
Moscato D’Asti
Piemonte, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Pale yellow color with a fine perlage. A typical bouquet with skin citrus fruits and jasmine. It presents a good structure and sapid.

Analysis: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Moscato
pH: 3.28
Residual Sugar: 125 g/l
TA: 5.0 g/l
Sulfit: 120 mg/l
Harvest Date: Beginning of September
Vineyard Location: 11 hectare in Costigliole d’Asti – Piemonte
Oenologist: Mr. Donato Lanati
Fermentation: Stainless steel tanks
Bottling: Preserved at 28.4ºF
Vinification: After the must has been softly pressed, it is left to ferment with selected yeasts into 50 hl. autoclaves for 8-10 days, at controlled temperature. The fermentation is stopped by cooling when the desired alcohol level is reached. When bottling, the wine is filtered through micropore sterile filters to totally eliminate any yeast.

Pairing: Traditionally enjoyed with dessert, but with its low degree of alcohol, amazing sparkling fragrance, and very light sweetness; it can also be pleasant as an aperitif.

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese, such as a gorgonzola. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

ABOUT THE REGION:
Marco Negri estate, located in the heart of Piedmont, Italy, near the town of Asti, produced its first sparkling wine in 1993. Marco Negri has received their DOCG, Italy’s highest category of production, with their Moscato grapes. 

PAcRim_sweet_riesling-1-365x1024Pacific Rim
Sweet Riesling
Columbia Valley, Washington

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Refreshingly sweet with a lively mouthfeel. Bright Acidity. Fresh and fruity with flavors of pineapple and white peach. This Riesling is wonderfully aromatic with notes of honey, pear and orange blossom.

Analysis: 8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Riesling 
Residual Sugar: 7%
TA: 0.83%
Food Pairing: Ideal with fiery fare – especially Thai, Szechwan, Mexican, Middle Eastern and Caribbean cuisine.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese, such as a gorgonzola. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

PRODUCTION:
Pacific Rim’s Sweet Riesling is 100% Columbia Valley, WA grown. The soil is wind-blown loess on basalt bedrock. They use the purest winemaking possible – sustainably produced, all native yeasts, no oak, no malolactic. A perfect exploration of sweetness – covering the classic residual sugar spectrum of Riesling. 

The winery picks their Riesling grapes early (20-21 Brix). Using only native yeasts and fermenting at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks – there is no use of oak barrels or malolactic fermentation. They stop the fermentation at about 7% residual sugar, and clean the wine rapidly to retain as much freshness and fruitiness as possible. They leave a fair amount of natural carbon dioxide in the wine to create a lively mouth feel. 

ABOUT THE WINERY:
First released by Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon Vineyard in 1992, Pacific Rim Dry Riesling quickly gained a loyal following among Riesling lovers. Known for its fresh and bright characteristics, the wine was a welcome alternative to over-oaked, one-dimensional white wines. As the American palate evolved in recent years toward wines with greater complexity and crisper acidity, the popularity of Pacific Rim Dry Riesling grew. Demand and enthusiasm for Pacific Rim Dry Riesling continued to gain momentum — and the excitement around the wine inspired a radical idea… the creation a winery exclusively dedicated to Riesling. In August of 2006, a small band of Bonny Doon expats moved to the Northwest from California with a common desire to craft the best Riesling in America… thus, Pacific Rim became its own winery. Learn more about the winery here.



February Sweet Club

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saracco-moscato-enSweet Wine ClubPaolo Saracco
Moscato d’Asti
Castiglione Tinella, Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Moscato d’Asti is an indigenous aromatic wine characterized by orange, peach and lime notes, with a sweet taste rich in minerals. In color, it is straw yellow with greenish hues, fine perlage, and a slow fermentation index. On the nose it has intense orange blossom, peach and thyme flavors. The taste is intense, elegant, and lingering. The sweet sensations are well balanced with a pleasant acidity with fruity aromas — typical of Muscat grapes.

Food Pairing Recommendations: Ideal with pastries, cakes, fruit tarts, ice cream, biscuits. Also delicious with cheeses such as gorgonzola and in cocktails.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese, such as a gorgonzola. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Varietal: Moscato Bianco Canelli
Vineyards: Located in Castiglione Tinella, Santo Stefano Belbo, Castagnole Lanze, Colosso
Vinification: After harvesting, the bunches are gently pressed to extract the most flavorful juice from the outermost part of the grapes. The must is kept in stainless steel containers at -3°C, where it can be kept for months. When there is market demand, it is then transferred into autoclaves for temperature-controlled fermentation, micro-filtered for purity and then bottled to keep the freshness and flavors intact.

Saracco Vineyards

© Photo by Saracco Winery

VINEYARDS:
A real winemaker knows how to identify plots of land in the best areas. Over the years the Paolo Saracco winery has bought vineyards in the areas around Castiglione Tinella, Santo Stefano Belbo, Castagnole Lanze and Calosso. On their 50 hectares, grapes are grown sustainably in harmony with nature and with attention to changes in the climate throughout the year. Moscato grapes are full of aroma: all processing steps in the winery are done to maintain and preserve their flavors.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
In the heart of the Moscato d’Asti, the Saracco family has produced this aromatic wine in this area since the early 1900s and cultivated their own vineyards, which is an important part of the process, creating a link with the ideal terrain for growing Moscato grapes. With the support of their founder Luigi Saracco, a family of winemakers put their aromatic Moscato wine on the market, selling wine in bulk in the spring to companies producing Vermouth. Today, the passion and professionalism shown in previous decades are continued by Paolo Saracco, Giovanni’s son and current owner, who decided to start bottling Moscato after studying oenology. And so, the ‘Paolo Saracco’ label was born. This idea has allowed wine lovers in Italy and across the globe to discover a hugely aromatic, balanced Moscato d’Asti. To learn more about the Saracco Winery, click here.

Rosso Dolce BottleSonoroso
Rosso Dolce
Trentino, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

The Rosso Dolce (Sweet Red Wine) is brilliant ruby red in color. On the nose, delicate scents of plum and violet compliment the aromas of red fruits and sweet spice. The taste is fresh vibrant and slightly frizzante, with notes of blackberry and cherry for a sensuous taste. It finishes with a touch of sweetness.

Food Pairing Recommendations: Pleasantly refreshing and food-friendly; pairs well with flavorful dishes and spicy cuisine, or even your favorite dessert! Serve chilled.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese, such as a gorgonzola. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Analysis: 7% alcohol / volume
Varietals: Teroldego, Marzemino, Merlot
Appellation: Trevenezie IGT
Residual Sugar: 100 g/I
TA: 5.30 g/l
Vinification: Each varietal is manually harvested at the perfect ripeness to preserve aromas and freshness. Following de-stemming, the juice is kept in contact with the grape skin for several days at low temperatures (cold maceration) to extract the fruit’s aroma and color. Then a partial fermentation is done at low temperature to preserve the natural sweetness, the fruity character and the fizzy style.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Sonoroso is an irresistible, delicately sweet line of wines from Northern Italy. It makes a wonderful aperitif and is also incredibly food-friendly with a variety of dishes. Learn more here.

Sonoroso

© Photo by Sonoroso Wine

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January Sweet Club

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Sweet Wine ClubAntech EspritAntech
Esprit de Bulles
Limoux, France

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This Cuvée offers a unique taste and is a local symbol, allied to traditions and history of Limoux. Its straw yellow color with swirling bubbles and sparkling reflections is already a call to party. The palate is lively with the sensation of biting into apples and grapes. Honey, scents of acacia and very ripe pear notes bring softness and voluptuousness. Serve chilled at 41- 43 °F. 

Food Pairing Recommendations: Its lightness and freshness are ideal as an aperitif or to accompany desserts with apples, pancakes, fruit pies and French King cakes.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese, such as a gorgonzola. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Analysis: 6.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Mauzac
Residual Sugars: 80 g/L
Vinification: All grapes are handpicked, carried to the fermenting room in cases of at most 660 pounds, and then immediately pressed pneumatically. The juices selected are then fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel vats set at low temperatures. The juices are then fermented until they reach a degree of 5 percent alcohol content. Effervescence is produced by the Méthode Ancestrale using only the natural residual sugars in the juice after the first fermentation in their temperature controlled cellars (57°F) over a 14 week period. Effervescence occurs and the alcohol content rises to 6-7 percent.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
Hillsides and terraces have gently sloping clay-limestone soil with Mediterranean climate and an oceanic influence. The vine age is on average 20 to 40 years old and yields less than 50 hectares. To move further ahead in their quest for finesse and elegance, the Antech Winery conducts advanced experiments on the vines. In their family vineyard, they try out new methods on their old vine-stocks on the appellation’s highest land — stony, south-facing hillsides nearly 400m above sea level, opposite to the Pyrenees. To learn more about the Antech Vineyards, click here.

© Photo by Antech Winery

© Photo by Antech Winery

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Family owned and independent for six generations, The Antech Estate dedicates itself to the elaboration of Sparkling wines in Limoux’s legendary sparkling area. The Antech Estate distinguishes itself with their distinctive style – from the elegance of its bubbles to the commitment of its action. To learn more about Antech Winery’s history and their team, click here.

Les_Arroucats_Cuvee_VirginieChâteau Les Arroucats
Cuvée Virginie
Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, France

NECTAR WINE STYLE

A fleshy, powerful, elegant wine with beautiful aromas and a good length. To drink now as an apéritif, with fat liver, poultry or apricot tarts; or to lay down for 5 years.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese, such as a gorgonzola. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 87% Sémillon, 10% Sauvignon, 3% Muscadelle
Harvesting: Hand picked by successive sorting 
Yields: 35 hl/ha
Winemaking: Traditional winemaking in cement and stainless steel vats
Aging: In vats during one to two years
Annual Production: 20,000 bottles per year for this cuvée

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
The Vineyard sits on about 22 hectares of land. The soil is on a panoramic plateau composed of fossilized oysters, located at 110 meters from the sea – called Clayey-calcareous soils. The average age of the vines is about 40 years old.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Located in the district of Sainte Croix Du Mont, the estate was created after the war by Mr. Labat. From 1990 to 2000, his daughter, Annie Lapouge committed to develop and modernize the estate. Annie’s daughter, Mme Virginie Barbe now runs the estate.

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December Sweet Club

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Sweet Wine ClubKiona Red Mountain Ice WineKiona Vineyards
Chenin Blanc Ice Wine
Red Mountain AVA
Washington

NECTAR WINE STYLE

While the Red Mountain AVA is known for big, powerful red wine, it’s also an exceedingly good place to grow white varietals. The Kiona Estate Vineyard has four acres of Chenin Blanc planted in a depression, ensuring a consistent freeze year-in, year-out. We don’t pick Ice Wine until the grapes are naturally frozen in the vineyard, typically picking in the early morning hours before the sun rises.

Ice Wine is one of the world’s most elusive and delicious elixirs. Kiona prefers to use Chenin Blanc, a varietal that allows for robust acidity and intense green and tropical fruit flavors. Kiona’s philosophy with this wine is to emphasize acidity over outright sweetness, a tactic that ensures a balanced, crisp wine that dances on the tongue.

Food Pairing Recommendations: Ideal with fruit desserts, including pastries and tarts.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese, such as a gorgonzola. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Analysis: 9% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.26
TA: 8.63 g/L
Residual Sugars: 175 g/L
Vineyard Source: 100% Kiona Estate, Red Mountain, Washington
Vineyard Blocks Planted: 1976, 1983
Varietal Composition: 100% Chenin Blanc
Winemaking: 100% Stainless, 31.3º Brix @ Harvest

PRODUCTION: Heat accumulation tracked slightly behind the previous vintage on Red Mountain. Bloom occurred slightly ahead of historical averages, and during ideal weather conditions. Crop loads were heavy going into the summer, resulting in the need to perform additional thinning. Weather during harvest (September-October) was ideal. It’s a stellar high acid and high sugar vintage.

Photo by John Vitale of Washington Tasting

Photo by John Vitale of Washington Tasting Room Magazine


ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
While Red Mountain is known for big, powerful red wines, it’s also an exceedingly good place to grow white varietals. The Kiona Estate vineyard has four acres of Chenin Blanc planted in a depression, increasing the likelihood that we are able to produce Ice Wine. They don’t pick the grapes until they are naturally frozen in the vineyard, a process that concentrates the sugar and flavor to unprecedented levels.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
In 1975 John Williams and Jim Holmes’ families planted the first vineyard on Red Mountain, an area now known for producing some of the world’s most powerful, opulent wines of distinction. For three generations their families have worked side by side, hand in hand to craft exciting, vineyard-driven wines that capture the essence of Red Mountain. Learn more about Kiona Vineyards here.

Photo by Mark Roberts
Photo by: Kiona Estate Vineyard
Photo by: Kiona Estate Vineyards
Photo by Kiona Vineyards and Winery

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November Sweet Club

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Sweet Wine ClubIl MoscatoMionetto
Il Moscato
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Founded in 1887 by Francesco Mionetto in the small village of Valdobbiadene, Mionetto has an established reputation for quality, tradition and innovation. In the heart of the Prosecco region, Mionetto produces exceptional wines with consistent national and international acclaim.

Mionetto’s Il Moscato has a bright, golden, straw yellow color; persistent nose reminiscent of aromatic grapes; elegant, sweet, delicate palate. Overflowing with stone fruit aromas such as peach and apricot, with slight floral overtones On the palate, it tastes of bright juicy fruit with a refreshing zing from the delicate bubbles. The persistent, fine bubbles enhance the taste experience.

Food Pairing Recommendations: Ideal with fruit, pastries and tarts.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Bubbly’ section pair well with soft or pungent cheeses, such as a Brie and Camembert. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Analysis: 7% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Moscato
Residual Sugar: 70 g/l
Acidity: 6 g/l
Winemaker: Francesco Mionetto

ABOUT THE WINERY:
In 1887, master winemaker Francesco Mionetto opened the winery in Valdobbiadene, in the heart of the Prosecco area, just north of Venice. His love and passion for the region and its wines are still to this day a fundamental value for this unique winery. Mionetto has become a flagship for the area and a shining example of Prosecco production on the international scene.

From the very beginning, Mionetto has always been a modern and innovative winery able to anticipate trends, while maintaining a strong bond to the traditions of its homeland, a feature which still today sets it apart from other sparkling wine producers.

Photo by: Mionetto Winery

PRODUCTION:
In 1982, the Mionetto family introduced autoclave fermentation by switching to the Charmat method, which allows for better preservation of the flavors and aromas of Prosecco and other sweet wines. After an initial soft pressing and the temperature-controlled first fermentation that takes place at the facilities of their selected producers, using the Charmat method, the second fermentation takes place in autoclaves instead of individual bottles. This additional temperature-controlled fermentation is recommended in order to help maintain the freshness and aroma of the grape in the bottling phase.

The winemaker’s job is not only to produce a high quality sparkling wine, but to maintain the relationships with local farmers who provide the grapes. Mionetto is fortunate to have relationships with vineyard owners that date back for generations. The strength and longevity of these relationships are what greatly affect the quality and quantity of grapes provided to a winery. 

THE TERRITORY:
Mionetto has become a flagship for the area and a shining example of Prosecco and Moscato production on the international scene. The beauty of the hills takes in many physical forms. While some slopes roll gently towards the valley, others are much steeper. For protection from the prevailing cold alpine winds and icy rains from the North, vines are on Southern slopes. Southeast slopes are best; they face the morning sun, benefiting from the early sunlight and a morning jolt of CO2, needed for sugar production. The climate is generally temperate: the area is protected by the Alps to the North and warmed by the winds of the Adriatic Sea to the East, mitigating the temperature in summer and producing rainfall that favors the proper growth of vines. In late summer, the area is characterized by great temperature variations between day and night, enabling the growth of aromatic substances in the grapes as they mature. Learn more here.

Photo by: Mionetto Winery

Croft Fine Tawny PortCroft
Fine Tawny Port
Douro Valley, Portugal

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Vivid tawny-red color. Nose of ripe mellow fruit with aromas of figs and prunes set off by an attractive woody and spicy character. Smooth and round on the palate, full of rich jammy flavors.

Food Pairing Recommendations:
Ports are very versatile and can be used for cooking sauces to roasted beef or lamb; or added in desserts for dimension and silkiness.  When simply drinking this port, keep it for desserts, or pair with more savory dishes such as Pâtés, Blue Cheeses, or Walnuts. Check out Croft’s recommended recipes and pairings here.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with strong cheeses, such as a Stilton and other Blue cheeses. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Analysis: 20% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Blend
Residual Sugar: 100.6 g/l
Acidity: 3.37 g/l

Production:
The Fine Tawny is drawn from a reserve of fine wood ports which have been aged for up to three years in seasoned oak casks, each holding about 650 liters of wine. The individual wines are then blended to guarantee consistency of quality and house style. Croft Fine Tawny is bottled for immediate drinking.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Croft is one of the most distinguished of all Port houses. Founded in 1588, it is the oldest firm still active today as a Port wine producer. The company is renowned above all for its Vintage Ports as well as for its range of wood aged reserves and tawnies, time-honored styles refined by skill and experience passed down the generations.

As important as its history, traditions and vineyards, is the fact that Croft remains a family company, dedicated to the production of the finest Ports of all styles, from full bodied reserve Ports to the iconic Croft Vintage Ports prized by the connoisseur and collector.

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Sweet Wine ClubLa Cantina Pizzolato - Moscato DolceLa Cantina Pizzolato
Moscato Dolce
Treviso, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

The Organic and Vegan Dolce, or sweet, Moscato Sparkling Wine of the “So Easy” line is one of the trendiest wines in La Cantina Pizzolato’s range. Bright gold color. Aromas of honeysuckle, ripe apricot, and angel food cake with a round, vibrant, sweet medium-to-full body and a smooth, refreshing, medium-length peach nectar, sweet apple, orange marmalade, and honey finish with no oak flavor. A balanced and floral Moscato that is sure to please fans of the varietal.

Food Pairing Recommendations:
This wine can be served with all types of desserts and especially with creamy desserts. Suggested also as an aperitif with some fresh fruit or herbal and spicy cheeses.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with an herbal cheese, such as a gorgonzola. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Analysis: 6.5% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Moscato I.G.T.
Varietal: 100% Moscato (Muscat)
Residual Sugar: 89 gr/l
Acidity: 5.4 gr/l
Critical Acclaim:

  • Silvier Medal at AWC Vienna 2017
  • Silver Medal at IWSC International Wine&Spirits 2017
  • Diploma di Merito at Mostra Vini Triveneto of Camalò 2018
  • Silver Medal at 42° Mostra del Vino of Candelù 2017
  • DAMA D’ORO and PREMIO “TULLIO DE ROSA” as Best Sparkling wine at Enoconegliano 2017
  • Admission to the book 5StarWines of Vinitaly 2018 with 90/100
  • Bronze medal at Decanter World Wine Awards 2018

 

Photo by La Cantina Pizzolato

Production:
Using soft pressing, the must remains in steel pressurized tanks, with Charmat method for 2 months, reaching up to a pressure of 2.5 atm. The bottle has been covered with a sleeve that recalls the bubbles with a floral design and communicates its personality from the first impact. Packaging is completely recyclable as the sleeve can be removed.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Founded in 1981, the company initially focused on the cattle industry and the cultivation of kiwi, peaches, strawberries, apples and pears. Grapes and wine eventually became their top selling products. In 1987, the winery started to bottle their own way – mainly producing Verduzzos, Merlots and Cabernets. Motivated by the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to drink healthy wines, the winery obtained their organic certification in 1991, the year in which the certification system was born in Italy. By 2012, the Pizzolato winery had achieved their Vegan certification. Since then, many sustainable choices have been consolidated, towards a organic innovation of the entire winery, as well as of the product.

Owner, Settimo

Owner, Settimo Pizzolatool

The present owner, Settimo Pizzolato, has many years of experience enriched by five generations that preceded him. His organic farming allows him to have good health and the ability to enrich the organic treasure that his company has. He balances the ecosystem of his land with the organization of his winery to create a wine that is a result of healthy natural grapes from his vineyards. These grapes create a wine that will remind you the tradition and well being when you taste it. Learn more about Pizzolato Winery here.

“It’s been more than thirty-five harvests and I feel like I have lived so many lives; each year, each vintage is an adventure in itself, difficult, unique and unforgettable. We want to produce a wine that is suitable for everyone, can be paired with every meal, vegan or not; the most important thing is that it must be a good wine.“ – Settimo

Photo by La Cantina Pizzolato: Family
Photo by La Cantina Pizzolato: Organic Vineyards


Botani MuscatJorge Ordóñez & Co.
Botani Muscat Frizzante
Sierras de Málaga, Spain

NECTAR WINE STYLE

A delicate, lightly sparkling wine with a flowery, exotic nose characterized by aromas of lychee and stone fruit. This wine is 100% Muscat of Alexandria – one of the oldest clones of the Muscat family and one of the only remaining genetically unmodified vitis vinifera cultivars remaining in the world today. The seafaring Phoenicians transplanted this grape from Alexandria, Egypt to Málaga 3,000 years ago.

Food Pairing Recommendations:
Enjoy this versatile liquid gold nectar of the gods on its own or with strong cheeses, figs, pâtés, pastries and desserts. This wine should always be enjoyed well chilled.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with strong cheeses, such as a blue cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Analysis: 9.5% alcohol / volume
Denominacion de Origen: D.O. Málaga & D.O. Sierras de Málaga
Varietal: 100% Muscat of Alexandra
Critical Acclaim:

  • 89 pts. Jeb Dunnuck
  • 89 pts. Wine Enthusiast Magazine
  • 87 pts. Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Production:
Planted on multiple old mountainside vineyards. The vineyards in Málaga are the most extreme in all of Europe. The mountainside vineyards are planted at inclinations of up to 70°. There is no terracing, ladders, or mechanization to assist with the harvest. The winery uses traditional dry farmed viticulture and organic Gobelet trained vines. Everything is cultivated completely by hand, with minimal human intervention; the majority of the vines receive no treatments whatsoever. Primary fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks using wild yeast. Secondary fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks following the Charmat method of sparkling wine production.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Sierras de MálagaBodegas Jorge Ordóñez Málaga, located in Ordóñez’s hometown, was founded in 2004- a partnership between Ordóñez and the Kracher family of Austria. The winery was founded with the goal of resuscitating the centuries long tradition of winemaking in Málaga, which was destroyed by the phylloxera plague in the 19th century. It was Jorge’s dream to champion his home region and restore it to its former glory.

Jorge Ordóñez Málaga produces its dry and sweet wines from Muscat of Alexandria; one of the world’s only remaining ancient (genetically uncrossed) grape varieties and the most important for commercial wine production. The Muscat of Alexandria vineyards used by Jorge Ordóñez Málaga were planted between 1902 and 1974 on un-terraced mountainside vineyards. The vast majority of steep vineyards in Europe have terraces or are mechanized in some way to protect workers and assist with harvest; the vineyards in Málaga, however, have remained untouched. All pruning and harvesting is done by hand, and mules carry six 33 pound boxes up the slopes at a time. An absolutely heroic form of viticulture.

Photo by Jorge Ordóñez Selections: Vineyards in Málaga
Photo by Jorge Ordóñez Selections: Hand Harvesting

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September Sweet Club

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Sweet Wine ClubBenguela Cove - Noble Late HarvestBenguela Cove
Noble Late Harvest
Hermanus, South Africa

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This wine has a medium straw color with heady notes of honey blossom, orange peel, pineapple and dried peaches. The lovely sweetness of the wine is balanced with a lingering finish while still remaining fresh and crisp on the palate.

Region: Walker Bay, Hermanus, South Africa
Analysis: 9.50% alcohol / volume
Residual Sugar: 190.00 g/L
pH: 3.17
TA: 8/30 g/L
Critical Acclaim: 4.5/5 stars in 2016 Platter’s South African Wine Guide

Food Pairing Recommendations:
Enjoy this versatile liquid gold nectar of the gods on its own or with strong cheeses, figs, pâtés, pastries and desserts. This wine should always be enjoyed well chilled.

ABOUT BENGUELA COVE LOGOON WINE ESTATE:
Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate is a 200 hectare lifestyle farm and exclusive luxury estate situated in Walker Bay, Hermanus. Overlooking the Bot River Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean these unusual maritime conditions ensure that this unique terroir produces outstanding quality grapes.

VINEYARDS:
Benguela Cove’s close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean results in a cooler median daytime temperature and in cool maritime winds that caress the vineyards at night. This favorable climate, use of covered crops and the direction in which the vines face aid in the slow ripening of these grapes. The Sauvignon Blanc grapes’ exposure to the cool ocean mist helps to create conditions under which botrytis cinerea (noble rot) can flourish, producing grapes of concentrated intensity.

Photo by Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate: Penny Streeter OBE (Owner) & Johann Fourie (Winemaker)


WINEMAKING:
The grapes are harvested, pressed, centrifuged, and then held as a cold juice at 28 degrees Fahrenheit. The juice is fermented at various intervals throughout the year, which allows the wine to remain fresh and delicate throughout the entire fermenting process. The Stella Rosa family uses this technique to capture the fresh flavors of natural blueberry distillates & purées for their Blueberry wine, and an off-dry Rosé, busting with fresh flavors for their Watermelon wine. Both Stella Rosa Blueberry and Watermelon contain natural carbonation. The juice is fermented in Charmat-style, pressurized tanks, and as the alcohol is created, so is the carbonation. Once the desired sweetness is achieved, the wine is centrifuged and bottled. The alcohol level stays at approximately 5% and contains 6-10% residual sugar. Its natural acidity and low pH strike the perfect balance with the wine’s natural sweetness.

Benguela Cove Vineyard

Photo by Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate

VINIFICATION AND MATURATION:
The botrytis cinerea grapes were meticulously selected and harvested by hand. On arrival at the cellar, further hand selection and sorting of botrytis infected bunches was done. Destemming was followed by 24 hours of cold maceration and thereafter the fruit was pressed several times to extract the highly concentrated juice. After settling, fermentation occurred in both stainless steel tanks and 225-liter French oak barrels (20%) at 16°C. This process took three weeks until the desired sugar/acid balance was reached. Fermentation was stopped by filtration and the wine was then chilled.

VINTAGE:
A cool ripening period, and especially low night temperatures, contributed towards exceptional quality and flavor. The favorable conditions resulted in exceptionally flavorful and intense Sauvignon Blanc with good acidity. The harvest had the earliest start in decades and resulted in one of the best vintages for white wines with above average quality. Warm weather in August resulted in earlier bud break, after which a warm, dry and windy summer kept vineyard growth under control and accelerated ripening by approximately two weeks. The dry weather also led to one of the healthiest seasons in years.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with strong cheeses, such as a blue cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

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