June Sweet Club: Iowa

Sweet Wine Clubbartenura-moscato-bottleBartenura
Sparkling Moscato
Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This delightful sparkling Moscato is sweet and balanced like perfectly ripe fruit. Persistent mousse of fine bubbles over a light straw color with aromas of bursting grapes, juicy peaches, honeysuckle and a hint of yeast. On the palate, this wine is refreshingly balanced with notes of apple, honey, melons and tropical fruits.

Varietal: Moscato

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Bartenura is an international wine brand renowned for its iconic blue bottle Moscato and a diverse portfolio of Italian wines. Since its introduction, Bartenura has become a prominent name in the wine industry, recognized as one of the most successful kosher Italian wine brands globally. Its offerings include a variety of wines such as sparkling Moscato, semi-sweet red wines, and innovative products. Learn more here.

Recipe Recommendation:

Sparkling Moscato Sangria:
Ingredients:

  • 4 ½ oz Bartenura Sparkling Moscato
  • ½ oz vodka (optional)
  • ½ oz dill infused simple syrup
  • ½ oz orange juice
  • fresh strawberries
  • green seedless grapes
  • lemon wheel

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Combine the vodka, dill simple syrup, and orange juice, add the fruit and let it rest for at least 2 hours in refrigerator.
  2. Just before serving, add well chilled Bartenura Sparkling Moscato.
  3. Serve in a chilled wine glass.

Information & Photos © Bartenura – All Rights Reserved.


Pacific-Rim-Riesling-bottle-orangePacific Rim & Co.
Riesling
Columbia Valley, Washington

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Flavors of apricot and jasmine with a balanced crispness and sugar level.  A bouquet of jasmine, pear and apple.

Varietal: 100% Riesling
Analysis: 11.5% alcohol / volume
Total Acidity: 6.8 g/L
Residual Sugar: 25.2 g/L
Appellation: Columbia Valley, Washington
Pairing Recommendations: Perfect with spicy Thai and Mexican dishes, even rich cuisines like French and German.
Critical Acclaim: 

  • BestBuy – Wine Enthusiast (2022)
  • 90 pts – Wine Enthusiast (2021)
  • BestBuy – Wine Enthusiast (2012)
  • BestBuy – Wine Enthusiast (2011)
  • 90 pts – Wine Enthusiast (2010)

Production Technique:
Grapes are picked early (21-22.5 Brix), fermented at cold temperatures for 30 days, and then aged in stainless steel tanks. Fermentation is stopped at 2% residual sugar to retain as much freshness and fruitiness as possible. A slight lift of natural carbon dioxide in the wine creates a lively aroma.

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… creating 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.

Recipe Recommendation:

(It’s a battle of the Sangrias!)

White Summer Sangria
Ingredients:

  • 1 green apple, cored and chopped
  • 1 orange, sliced, then cut into quarters
  • 1 lime, sliced
  • 1 peach, sliced
  • ½ cup raspberries or cut strawberries
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ½ cup triple sec or brand,
  • 1 (750 ml) bottle of Pacific Rim Riesling wine
  • Mint for garnish (optional)

Directions:

  1. Place all fruit in a large pitcher. Add wine, orange juice, and triple sec and stir
  2. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours
  3. Serve in glasses with ice and some of the fruit.

Information & Photos © Pacific Rim & Co. – All Rights Reserved.


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June Sweet Club: Iowa

Sweet Wine Clubmoscato-dasti-bottle-imageRisata
Moscato d’Asti
Moscato Bianco di Canelli
Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Risata Moscato d’Asti is seductively sweet, boasting juicy stone fruit, tart citrus and floral honey flavors. It’s a fresh and fragrant wine.

Analysis: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal:
100% Moscato Bianco di Canelli
Perfect Pairings: Appetizers, tiramisu or a kid-free staycation

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Reach for a soft cheese such as a brie. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Risata_Post_CosmoPunchMix Things Up – Wine Cocktails!

Risata Cosmo Punch:

  • 2 parts Risata Moscato d’Asti
  • 2 parts ginger ale
  • 1 part vodka
  • 1 part frozen pink lemonade
  • 1 part cranberry juice
  • .5 part Triple Sec

Directions:

  • In a large pitcher or a large punch bowl, combine all ingredients. Serve drinks over ice and enjoy as yummy summer sipper!

Risata Peach wine bottleRisata
Peach
Moscato

Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Savor the lusciousness of Risata Peach, a semi-sweet wine, bursting with flavors of ripe, juicy peaches and a hint of apricot. Light-bodied and crisp on the finish, this refreshing wine is best served chilled.

Analysis: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal:
100% Moscato
Perfect Pairings: Salads, cake or a night of “me time”

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Pair this fruity, semi-sweet wine with a rich, nutty hard cheese such as Parmigiano Reggiano. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Mix Things Up – Wine Cocktails!

Rista Peach Sangria drink recipePeach Sangria:
(Makes 4-5 servings)

  • 1 part Risata Peach Wine
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 peach, sliced
  • 1 cup berries
  • 1/3 cup orange liqueur
  • 1 cup club soda
  • garnish: edible flowers

Directions:

  • Add fruit and orange liqueur to a pitcher and gently muddle with a wooden spoon. Add Risata Peach wine, club soda, and ice, then stir. Divide into glasses and serve with edible flowers, if desired. Credit: The Social Sipper.

Risata_Blueberry-bottle-imageRisata
Blueberry
Brachetto
Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Relish in the wild and fresh flavor of Risata Blueberry, a refreshing semi-sweet wine, with intense flavors of fresh blueberry and a soft hint of cherry. Serve lightly chilled.

Analysis: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal:
100% Brachetto
Perfect Pairings: Fresh fruit, grilled meats, or a little late night retail therapy.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: For a savory cheese pairing, reach for a feta cheese. The saltiness of this cheese can enhance the sweetness of the blueberries and create an interesting savory contrast. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Mix Things Up – Wine Cocktails!

Risata-Berry-Wine-SlushieBlueberry Wine Slushie:
(Makes 4 servings)

  • 2 cups Risata Blueberry wine
  • 3 cups frozen mixed berries
  • ¼ cup elderflower liqueur
  • 1 cup ice
  • garnish: berries, edible flowers

Directions:

  • Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Divide into glasses and garnish with frozen berries and edible flowers, if desired. Enjoy immediately. Credit: The Social Sipper.

About the Winery:
The word ‘Risata’ means ‘laughter’ in Italian. The team behind Risata thought it would be fitting for a line of delightfully sweet and bubbly wines made to be enjoyed on nearly any occasion. Sourced from the finest vineyards in Italy, Risata wines are premium quality wines that are designed to elevate any moment. Their Moscato d’Asta was introduced to the U.S. in 2006 and has grown to be the most sought after Moscato d’Asti in the country. These wines are delicious on their own or mixed into a tantalizing cocktail! Learn more here.

Photo and Information © Risata – All Rights Reserved


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June Sweet Club: Iowa

Sweet Wine ClubSchmitt-Late-Harvest-Riesling-bottleSchmitt Söhne
Riesling Spätlese (Late Harvest)
Mosel, Germany

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Germany’s harvest is typically a month later than other wine regions, allowing for a long ripening season.  Their Late Harvest Riesling is made from grapes that remain on the vine, where they continue to ripen and intensify in flavor and picked several weeks after the main harvest. The result is a delicious concentration of fruit, with flavors of apricots and peaches coupled with enough acidity to give it a firm and juicy mouth feel.

Analysis: 8-8.5% alcohol / volume
RS: 46-50 g/L
TA: 8-9 g/L
Pairing Recommendation: Enjoy by itself, with soft or blue cheese, richer foods, Asian dishes, Thai, Cajun or any spicy cuisine. Or enjoy with one of their suggested recipes >
Serve: Chilled

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: These sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section will pair well with blue cheese, or a soft cheese, such as brie. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

About Schmitt Söhne Wines:
Family-owned and operated, over 200 years ago the Schmitt ancestors settled in the small village of Longuich, along the Mosel River, and began managing vineyards and producing wine. The Mosel is regarded as the oldest wine-growing region in Germany, believed to be established by the Romans around 50 AD.  It is one of the most northernly wine regions in the world and famous for their steep south-facing slopes and blue slate soil, reflected in the touch of minerality in their Spätlese. Now in the fifth generation, Schmitt Söhne is one of Germany’s largest and most successful wine exporters around the world. While they have continued to develop their winemaking techniques and technologies, the family has never lost sight of their traditions. Learn more here.

Information © Schmitt Söhne Wines – All Rights Reserved.


Pierre-Sparr-bottlePierre Sparr
Alsace Riesling AOC
Alsace, France

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This dry and elegant wine has a fine nose with mineral notes of citrus fruits and yellow lemon. It has beautiful length with salinity and a very nice freshness that is well-balanced with a huge and exceptional terroir expression. 

Analysis: 12.7% alcohol / volume
RS: 5.80 g/L
TA: 4.20 g/L TH2
Storage: 7-8 years
Serve: 42.8ºF-46.4ºF

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

About Pierre Sparr Winery:
The origin of winemaking in the Sparr family dates back to 1680. Generations later, Charles Sparr developed the business that his son, Pierre, later took the succession at the age of 20. Pierre had a distinct sense for business, making him a pioneer of “estate bottled” wines in Alsace. Pierre also had the courage and obstinacy to rebuild their entire estate after Sigolsheim and its vineyards were completely destroyed during WWII. In doing so, Pierre rebuilt one of Alsace’s most beautiful and prestigious Domaines. Today, with the help of the 9th generation, the aim is still to perpetuate tradition, passion and emotion. Learn more here.

Information © Pierre Sparr – All Rights Reserved.


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June Sweet Club Iowa

 

Sweet Wine ClubSan-Antonio_blackberry-orange-wineSan Antonio Fruit Farm Wines
Blackberry Orange
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

The San Antonio Fruit Farm Blackberry-Orange wine is made with white moscato grapes that are harvested from the northern hillside vineyards in Piedmont, Italy, when the warm days and perfect nights bring them to optimal maturation.  Blackberry-orange juice is then blended to create a delicate yet rich flavor profile. This wonderfully light, fruity and sparkling beverage will complement any moment. Serve chilled with light snacks.

Varietals: Brachetto, Malvasia
Analysis:
6% alcohol / volume
TA: 4-6 g/L
pH: 3.15-3.60
Residual Sugar: 90 g/L
AVA: Piedmont, Italy
Natural Grape: 100%
Additional Facts: Vegan, Gluten Free, No Artificial Additives, Female Winemakers

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


San-Antonio_Strawberry-Guava-wineSan Antonio Fruit Farm Wines
Strawberry Guava
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This semi-sweet Strawberry Guava Wine is handcrafted with White Moscato and Brachetto grapes that are harvested from the northern hillside vineyards in Piedmont, Italy. Strawberry-guava fruit juice is then blended to create a delicate and rich flavor profile. This wine is also perfect for any occasion as it is wonderfully light, fruity and sparkling.

Varietals: White Moscato, Brachetto
Analysis:
6% alcohol / volume
TA: 4-6 g/L
pH: 3.05-3.40
Residual Sugar: 90 g/L
AVA: Piedmont, Italy
Natural Grape: 100%
Additional Facts: Vegan, Gluten Free, No Artificial Additives, Female Winemakers

WineStyles Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with a fresh, young, soft cheese – such as a Brie. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
For over a century, the Riboli family has family has been carrying out the tradition of creating best-selling wines in the market. Paula and Ivana – Italian female winemakers specializing in quality management and new product development at Riboli Family Wines – sought out to craft a new varietal with distinctive flavor profiles. San Antonio Fruit Farm is a new semi-sweet varietal with dual fruit-forward flavors. It was created for those looking to drink refreshing, low alcohol, natural fruit wines. 


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June Sweet Club Iowa

 

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.


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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