Bodegas Manzanos
Berceo Brut
Cava, Spain
BUBBLY WINE STYLE
This Brut Cava D.O. is pale lemon, clean and bright in color; it has a good release of small bubbles that end up forming a cheerful crown of mousse. On the nose, there is a high intensity aroma dominated by citrus fruit (lemon, grapefruit) and dairy. Autolytic and honey aromas of aging in bottle are distinguished. On the palate, this wine is fresh, fruity and pleasant with balanced acidity and very good aromatic persistence.
Varietal: Xarel·lo, Macabeo, Parellada
Terroir: Grapes varieties are from vineyards located in the Penedès region. It’s the territory between the sea and mountains, halfway between Barcelona and Tarragona. It has a great diversity of microclimates, a consequence of its proximity to the coast and its altitude. The climate is typically Mediterranean, mild and warm.
Serving Suggestions: Risotto, shellfish, smoked foods or aperitif.
Made using the “méthode champenoise” or “traditional method” of the Cava DO. Blend or coupage of the traditional varieties of the appellation. Second fermentation in the bottle, as is traditional, with subsequent aging. Disgorgement and subsequent addition of the expedition liquor or dosage.
In the XIII Century, a monk and poet named Gonzalo de Berceo lived in La Rioja, in the Monastery of Suso. At that time, the languages spoken in the area were Arabic and Basque. Back then, Latin was the only written idiom. Gonzalo de Berceo dared to write in Spanish, in a religious poem that also made mention to wine. Since then, Berceo was a very important link between history and wine culture.
The history of Manzanos Wines is the story of a family, their effort, their perseverance and their know-how. The Fernández de Manzanos have been cultivating vineyards and producing wines for more than a century. It was exactly in 1890 when the first generation of the Fernández de Manzanos family established a small winery in Azagra with a capacity of 50,000 liters of wine. Nowadays, the public faces of Bodegas Manzanos are those of the brothers Víctor, and David Fernández de Manzanos, as well as Laura Mateo, wife of the former. In 2010, these young entrepreneurs took the reins of the winery to turn Bodegas Manzanos into a prosperous business, modern and endowed with the latest technologies in the field. A business that has managed to preserve the old flavor of tradition and its legacy. Learn more here.
Photo and Information © Bodegas Manzanos – All Rights Reserved
Emmolo
Sparkling No. 6
California
BUBBLY WINE STYLE
The nose features notes of Meyer lemon blossom, baked brioche, pear and a hint of green apple with vibrant minerality. The palate is fresh but complex. Satsuma citrus with echoes of pear. Opens round and creamy, then turns zesty with bright natural acidity carrying through to the finish.
Varietal: 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir – Being non-vintage allows the winery to build a desired character that is serious, yet light and fresh.
Style differentiator: A prolonged en tirage for 41 months gives this wine creaminess and depth. Extremely fine bubbles provide elegance.
Dosage: 2021 Chardonnay from Monterey gives this wine some of its fresh character.
Vineyards: Monterey, Sonoma and Santa Barbara counties. The extended growing season in these cooler coastal regions leads to wine of heightened complexity.
Serving Suggestions from Winemaker, Jenny Wagner: Cheese puff with biscuit dough, smoked salmon tartine, popcorn or just enjoy on its own.
Winemaker Notes:
“My goal is to create an elegant wine with a richly developed character. Even tough this is a California sparkling, I take inspiration from my favorite Champagnes.” – Jenny Wagner, Owner and Winemaker
About the Winery:
“Emmolo is the name of my mom’s side of the family, which has a long farming history in Napa Valley. My mom, Cheryl Emmolo, has no brothers and wanted to keep the name alive. She dreamed of making wine using family vineyards, and I feel very fortunate that she passed the reins on to me. When I showed my first wine to my grandparents, it was very emotional for all of us.” – Jenny Wagner
Emmolo Winery, established by Cheryl Emmolo in 1994, is deeply rooted in the rich wine history of Napa Valley. Cheryl’s vision was to honor her family’s long-standing tradition in the region, dating back to her grandfather, who operated a vine nursery in the 1920s. Today, her daughter Jenny Wagner has taken the helm as the winemaker, emphasizing minimalist winemaking techniques that showcase the unique characteristics of their varietals. Through a delicate balance of tradition and innovation, Emmolo continues to produce exceptional wines that are a tribute to their heritage and a delight to wine enthusiasts. Learn more here.
Photo and Information © Emmolo – All Rights Reserved
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