Tag Archives: piedmont

February Sweet Club: Iowa

Posted on by

Sweet Wine Clubshelf-talker-mosketto-Rosso-bottleMosketto
Rosso
Brachetto
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Mosketto Rosso is produced in the modified Martinotti method from Brachetto grapes. This delicate sweet red wine is medium-ruby color; its palate is persistent with a delicate mousse that invites the senses to discover a nose and palate bursting with ripe fruit and flowers. Its low alcohol content, natural sugar and naturally occurring bubbles make this wine both unsullied and delectable

Varietal: 100% Natural Brachetto Grapes
Analysis: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Acidity: 6 g/L
pH: 3.43
Residual Sugar: 113 g/L (natural sweetness from the fruit, no sugar added).
Appellation: Vino D’Italia
Carbonation: Natural carbonation
Winemaker: Daniele Astegiano
Food Pairings: Enjoyable anytime, but an especially classic accompaniment is with dry pastries, mixed berries and crème brûlée. It also lends itself to contrasting very spicy dishes.
Critical Acclaim:

  • San Diego Wine Competition 2018 – Gold 91

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Don’t be afraid to branch out. This sweet wine from our ‘Nectar’ section will pair well with a blue cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Mosketto is the combination of two famous grapes, Moscato and Brachetto, both locally grown in Piedmont and the base for the brand’s delicious, mildly sweet, naturally bubbly, low-alcohol wines. Mosketto produces three different wines – white, rosé and red – the white wine is made from the Moscato grapes, red is made from Brachetto, and rosé is the blend of the two. The wines are made in the same was as the more classic Moscato D’Asti and Brachetto D’Acqui, but are stopped from fermenting at low alcohol, retaining the natural sugars from the grapes. Mosketto wines are imported by Mack & Schühle, The Wine and Spirits Family.  Learn more here. >

Information © Mack & Schühle – All Rights Reserved.

Acquesi-Asti-bottleAcquesi
Asti DOCG
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This Asti has a delicate, pale-yellow color with an elegant and inviting perlage. The bouquet consists of honey, peach and a touch of citrus.

Varietal: 100% Moscato Bianco di Canelli
Analysis: 7% alcohol / volume
Acidity: 6 g/L
pH: 3.25
Residual Sugar: 95 g/L
Appellation: Monferrato
Soil: Sandy, clay and limestone
Winemaker: Daniele Astegiano
Food Pairings: Enjoy on its own, with spicy Asian cuisine, or with more traditional pairings such as desserts and dry pastries. Serve at 39.2ºF-42.8ºF
Critical Acclaim:

  • 2020 “World Champion” – The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships
  • 2020 “Regional Champion” – The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships
  • 2020 Gold Medal – The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships
  • 2020 “Best in Class” – The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships
  • 2019 “World Champion” – The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships
  • Silver – Berlin Wine Trophy
  • Gold – World Wine Championships

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: This sweet wine from our ‘Nectar’ section will pair well with a soft cheese, such as a brie. The bubbles help to cleanse the palate and refresh it for another bite. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

WINEMAKING:
This wine is produced using the Martinotti Method, allowing the winemakers to preserve the pure varietal aromas of the grape. The wines are placed in a large pressurized vat, where the natural sugars and the yeast create a secondary fermentation, creating delicate, frothy bubbles.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Known for its Traditional Method wines, the Acquesi brand is a territory line paying tribute to its host city, Acqui Terme. In the early 20th century, the city was known for its Art Nouveau style, which is reflected in the art on the bottles of their wines. Its particular terroir, cultivates native grapes like Cortese and Moscato, resulting in fruity, aromatic and lively wines with a persistent perlage. Acquesi wines are imported by Mack & Schühle, The Wine and Spirits Family. Learn more about the winery here. >

Information © Acquesi and Mack & Schühle – All Rights Reserved.

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

Click here to learn more >

 

 

January Premium Wine Club

Posted on by

Bold wine Style logoAresca_Barolo_January_23_Premium_ClubFratelli Aresca
Barolo DOCG “Costareto”
Piedmont, Italy

BOLD WINE STYLE

The nose is very ample and complex with notes of violet and spices. The taste is rich of smooth tannins with notes of red mature fruity, tobacco and vanilla.

Analysis: 14-14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
Vineyards: South-facing vineyards located around Barolo production area. Grape-yield of 8 tons/hectare. Manual harvest.
Winemaking: Alcoholic fermentation and maceration for 16-19 days. Then maturation in wooden cask for 2 years and for 6 months in bottle before sale.
Pairing: Ideal with roast, game and stew.

WINERY’S NOTES:
Barolo is the icon of Piedmont wines. This Barolo is produced according to tradition with long maceration and maturation in big wooden casks. This is a Barolo to age in cellar, but is also great to drink when released.

Bold wine Style logoAresca_Barbera_Nizza_January_Premium ClubFratelli Aresca
Nizza DOCG “San Luigi”
Piedmont, Italy

BOLD WINE STYLE

Red intense in color, the nose is ethereal and complex with notes of red and black fruit, chocolate and cocoa. The taste has a good structure and complexity with notes of black cherry and sweet tobacco.

Analysis: 14-14.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Barbera
Vineyards: Selected vineyards for soil quality and exposure (from south-east to south-west). Guyot training system, and manual harvest. Grape-yield of 7 tongs/hectare.
Winemaking: Temperature-controlled alcoholic fermentation and maceration for 20 days. Aging for 12 months in barrel and for 6 months in bottle before sale.
Pairing: Ideal with red meat and game but you can enjoy Nizza “San Luigi” as a meditation wine.

WINERY’S NOTES:
The new designation Nizza DOCG is recognized as the summit of the appellations of Barbera grapes in Piedmont. Nizza’s production is restricted to selected vineyards around the Nizza Monferrato village. These vineyards benefit from great exposures (from southeast to southwest) and very low yield (7 tons/hectare). The result is a complex and intense wine with an extraordinary potential for aging. Nizza “San Luigi” is the icon wine of the Fratelli Aresca Estate and their best interpretation of Barbera. It’s named after their founder Luigi Aresca who always believed in the potential of this great grape variety. Nizza “San Luigi” ages for 12 months in barrel and for at least 6 months in bottle before sale. 

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Located between Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, in a unique land recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the winery was a dream realized by Piero and Luigi Aresca back in 1952. These two winegrowers turned their passion into a family business that has never left the rows of Mombercelli. The vineyards are cultivated with respect to the traditions of these ancient lands and the uniqueness of the terroir. Learn more here. >

© Information and photos from Fratelli Aresca – All Rights Reserved. 

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

Learn more about our Premium Club >

 
 
 

 

Aresca Dolcetto di Ovada DOC

Posted on by

Ragu bolognese PastaPasta with Marcella’s Bolognese Sauce

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter, plus 1 tablespoon for tossing the pasta
  • ½ cup chopped onions
  • ⅔ cup chopped celery
  • ⅔ cup chopped carrots
  • ¾ pound ground beef chuck (or you can use 1 part pork to 2 parts beef)
  • salt
  • black pepper, ground fresh from the mill
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • whole nutmeg
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1½ cups canned imported Italian plum tomatoes, cut up, with their juice
  • 1 ¼ to 1 ½ pounds pasta
  • freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese at the table

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Put the oil, butter and chopped onion in the pot and turn the heat on to medium. Cook and stir the onion until it has become translucent, then add the chopped celery and carrot. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring vegetables to coat them well.
  2. Add ground beef, a large pinch of salt and a few grindings of pepper. Crumble the meat with a fork, stir well and cook until the beef has lost its raw, red color.
  3. Add milk and let it simmer gently, stirring frequently, until it has bubbled away completely. Add a tiny grating — about ⅛ teaspoon — of nutmeg, and stir.
  4. Add the wine, let it simmer until it has evaporated, then add the tomatoes and stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients well. When the tomatoes begin to bubble, turn the heat down so that the sauce cooks at the laziest of simmers, with just an intermittent bubble breaking through to the surface. Cook, uncovered, for 3 hours or more, stirring from time to time. While the sauce is cooking, you are likely to find that it begins to dry out and the fat separates from the meat. To keep it from sticking, add ½ cup of water whenever necessary. At the end, however, no water at all must be left and the fat must separate from the sauce. Taste and correct for salt.
  5. Toss with cooked drained pasta, adding the tablespoon of butter, and serve with freshly grated Parmesan on the side.

© Recipe courtesy of Marcella Hazan on New York Time’s Cooking.

DECEMBER WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoAresca Dolcetto di Ovada DOC wine bottleFratelli Aresca
Dolcetto di Ovada DOC
Piedmont, Italy

MELLOW WINE STYLE

Ruby red in color with a very fruity nose and taste with hints of plums and raspberry.

Varietal: 100% Dolcetto
Analysis: 12.5-13% alcohol / volume
Vineyard: Located in Monferrato area with a yield of 8 tons/hectare. Manual harvest.
Winemaking: Temperature-controlled alcoholic fermentation with short maceration on skins. Then aging in steel tanks for at least 6 months.
Pairing: Ideal with delicate dishes such as pasta and soup.

WINERY’S NOTES:
Dolcetto di Ovada is a fruity red wine with a dry lingering aftertaste. It is smooth and balanced with a touch of spiciness. It is the perfect everyday red wine.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Located between Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, in a unique land recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the vineyards are cultivated with respect to the traditions of these ancient lands and the uniqueness of the terrior. Learn more here. >

Photos and information © Fratelli Aresca – All Rights Reserved.

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 >

 
 
 

 

Aresca Cortese dell’Alto Monferrato DOC

Posted on by

Pan_Fried_Fish_with_Lemon_and_Basil_Butter_SaucePerfect Pan Fried Fish in Basil Lemon Butter Sauce

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 ½ pounds cod, tilapia, rockfish, or any other white fish you like
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic salt (or ½ teaspoon salt + ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅓ cup flour
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 3/4 cup low sodium chicken stock
  • 4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into 16 cubes
  • 3 tablespoons each: fresh lemon juice and fresh chopped basil, for finishing the sauce

DIRECTIONS:

  1. SEASON: To get the best crisp on the fish, pat both sides of the fish with paper towels until dry. Season the fish with a small pinch of salt, making sure to flip and salt both sides. Place the flour in a shallow dish and season with garlic salt. Whisk to combine. Dredge the fish in the flour, making sure to coat both sides. Make sure to shake off excess flour.
  2. FRY: Add the olive oil to the pan over medium heat and allow for it to heat through. When hot, fry the fish for 3-4 minutes flipping halfway. Depending on the thickness, you might need to cook the fish for longer until it’s cooked through. Remove the fish to a plate and set aside.
  3. SAUCE: There should only be about a tablespoon of oil remaining. If there is more, drain all but a tablespoon from the pan. Add the garlic into the skillet and fry in the oil for just 15 seconds. Add in a pinch of red pepper flakes, chicken stock, and lemon. Kick the heat to the highest setting, allow the sauce to reach simmer then reduce the sauce for 2 minutes. Lower the heat to the lowest setting, then add in two small cubes of butter and allow it to melt into the sauce slowly while you stir or swirl the pan with the handle. Continue adding two small cubes of butter at a time until all the butter is used up. Take your time here, don’t rush this. Add in chopped basil and stir to combine. Plate the fish with cooked rice or roasted vegetables and top with basil lemon butter sauce!

© Recipe courtesy of Little Spice Jar.

DECEMBER WINE CLUB:

Crisp Wine StyleAresca Cortese wine bottleFratelli Aresca
Cortese Dell’Alto Monferrato DOC
Piedmont, Italy

CRISP WINE STYLE

This light straw-yellow wine with green reflexes has a personal aroma of flowers and fruits with hints of apple and pear. The taste is fresh, dry and savory. 

Varietal: 100% Cortese
Analysis: 11.5-12% alcohol / volume
Vineyards: Located in Monferrato area. Manual harvest.
Winemaking: The hand-picked grapes are soft-pressed and then follows temperature-controlled alcoholic fermentation. Aged on the lees for 3 months in steel tanks.
Pairing: Ideal with sea food, fish and as aperitif

WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Cortese is one of the most cultivated vine variety in Piedmont. It has a delicate bouquet hinting at green apple and exotic fruity. The taste is fresh with notes of pear and peach. It pairs well with fish-based dishes.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Located between Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, in a unique land recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the vineyards are cultivated with respect to the traditions of these ancient lands and the uniqueness of the terroir. Learn more here. >

Information © Fratelli Aresca – All Rights Reserved.

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 about our Memberships >

 
 
 

 

December Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Posted on by

Stuffed_Pasta_Shells_meat_and_cheeseThe Best Stuffed Pasta Shells

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 (12 ounce) box jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 lb. ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey, ground Italian sausage, or ground chicken)
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese, divided (or substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese)
  • 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup pesto
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or basil

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Cook pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain; rinse under cold water.
  3. Meanwhile, brown ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off fat; let cool slightly before adding to the filling.
  4. Combine 1 ½ cups of the shredded Italian blend cheese, all of the ricotta cheese, all of the Parmesan cheese, the egg, the pesto, and half of the beef and onion mixture in a large bowl. Set aside.
  5. Spread ¾ cup of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. In a bowl, stir together the remaining marinara sauce and the remaining half of the beef and onion mixture. Set aside.
  6. Fill the cooked, cooled pasta shells with the ricotta mixture. Arrange the shells in the baking dish.
  7. Top the shells with the marinara sauce mixture. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Italian cheese blend over top.
  8. Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the cover and bake for 10 more minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve!

© Recipe courtesy of Blair Lonergan of The Seasoned Mom.

DECEMBER WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoAresca Barbera La Rossa red wineFratelli Aresca
Superiore “La Rossa”
Barbera d’Asti DOCG
Piedmont, Italy

MELLOW WINE STYLE

A complex and intense nose with notes of cherry and currant. It has a full-bodied taste with notes of fresh and mature red fruit such as cherry, raspberry and an elegant finish of vanilla.

Varietal: 100% Barbera
Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Vineyards: Located in Monferrato-Asti area with south-exposition, guyot training system, grape-yield of 9 tons/hectare max, manual harvest
Winemaking: Temperature-controlled alcoholic fermentation and maceration on skins for 12-15 days. Maturation in wooden casks for 7/8 months and for 6 months in bottle before sale.
Pairing: Ideal with stuffed pasta, red meat, roast and cheese.

WINERY NOTES:
‘La Rossa’ (meaning “the red one”) is an Italian synonymous of Barbera because it evokes its intense red color. The grapes are selected from the vest vineyards located in Monferrato-Asti area. The wine ages in wooden casks for at least 7-8 months. La Rossa is a complex red wine, idea for hearty meals.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Located between Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, in a unique land recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The vineyards are cultivated with respect to the traditions of these ancient lands and the uniqueness of the territory. Learn more here. >

Aresca Family

Information and photo © Fratelli Aresca – All Rights Reserved.

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 about our Memberships >

 
 
 

 

December Sweet Club: Iowa

Posted on by

Sweet Wine ClubChocolate bar wine bottleSan Antonio Winery
Chocolate Bar Chocolate Port
California

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This full-flavored chocolate port was hand crafted for those who love two of the best delights in the world: chocolate and port. Designed for the aficionados of dessert wine and rich chocolate, this port-style wine is a very sophisticated infusion. Enjoy this wine after dinner with dried fruits, nuts, and all types of chocolate.

Analysis: 18% alcohol / volume
Residual Sugar: 70 g/L

Food Pairing Recommendations: Try it with dried apricots and cherries, chocolate-covered strawberries, pecan pie or anything chocolate. 

ABOUT SAN ANTONIO WINERY:
With over 100 years of winemaking, San Antonio Winery is the oldest and largest producing winery in Los Angeles – making it an essential component of the city’s cultural and historical landscape. The winery still sits on its original location on Lamar Street, and it is the last vestige of the rich winemaking tradition in greater Los Angeles. Learn more about the winery here.

Photos, Videos and Information © San Antonio Winery – All Rights Reserved.

Stella Rosa Cranberry wine bottleStella Rosa®️ Wines
Cranberry
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

A little tart and a little tangy, it can’t get better than that! This refreshing wine reveals a vibrant blush color and is combined with the natural cranberry flavor. It is lively with the perfect blend of sweet and tangy. Give yourself a little boost in your day with this semi-sparkling wine. Serve with fresh fruit, cheese, spicy cuisine, and desserts.

Region: Piedmont, Italy
Analysis: 5% alcohol / volume

Food Pairing Recommendations: This flavor pairs wonderfully with roasted herb butter potatoes, honey glazed BBQ chicken, Arugula salad with apples and walnuts, brie and green apple grilled cheese or cranberry pie.

ABOUT STELLA ROSA:
It all started in 1917, when the Riboli family founded Los Angeles’ historic San Antonio Winery. Back then, Los Angeles was the prime location for wine growing in all of California. For some time, the wine industry reigned as one of Southern California’s most economically significant and popular industries of that time. After surviving Prohibition and about a century later, the Riboli family has continued its artisan winemaking tradition through four generations. From within the tasting rooms of San Antonio Winery, customers repeatedly requested a sweeter, light, refreshing wine. The Riboli family took this unique opportunity to create a new semi-sweet, semi-sparkling wine style, which today, they are a leader of. And so, Stella Rosa was born. Learn more here.

our-story-mapMADE AND IMPORTED FROM ITALY:
To create the Stella Rosa wines, their family chose the region of Asti, a province in Piedmont, Italy, as the source for its aromatic grapes. The area of Asti has particular significance to the Riboli family, as it is the birthplace of their family matriarch, Maddalena Riboli. Their first Stella Rosa wine was Moscato D’Asti, which has become a flagship of their line. Soon after, Stella Rosa Rosso was created – the brand’s first semi-sweet, semi-sparkling red wine blend, and first wine of its kind to be brought to America from Asti. The rapid phenomenal successes of these two wines began the lineage of Stella Rosa, which now boasts over 20 distinctive flavors.

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

Photos, Videos and Information © Stella Rosa Wines – All Rights Reserved.

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

Click here to learn more >

 

 

November Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on by

Cheese ClubParmigiano_ReggianoG. Cravero
Parmigiano Reggiano
Bra, Italy

This cheese is unlike your typical parmesan. It’s smooth, creamy, lush, sweet, buttery, aromatic, fruity and mouthwatering. Because it is so unique, this cheese is recommended to served alone, or as the star of your cheese board – not to be grated atop your dishes.  

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
This cheese pairs beautifully with a glass of Prosecco. It will also pair well with any of the wines from our November Wine Club Selections. For beer, look for a light Pilsner or Lager. 

WINESTYLES: Bold, Mellow or Silky
BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean

ABOUT G. CRAVERO:
Founded in 1855 by Giorgio Cravero, the Cravero family have been carefully selecting and maturing the very best Parmigiano Reggiano in their own cheese caves in Bra, Piedmont, Italy. For the past five generations, the traditions have been passed down from father to son, each perfecting the craft of cheese aging. Today, their cheese is packed up and shipped out to more than 20 different countries across the globe.

The Cravero family works with a select group of small-scale producers in the Tuscan Emilian Apennine region to buy their cheese; it’s this local pasture and forage that lends the milk to be so creamy, soft and subtly sweet.  After the selected cheeses have been aged for about 12 months, they are brought to the Cravero maturing rooms in Bra, where the magic really starts to happen. From here, the team pays close attention to the changing seasons for the next 24 months to guarantee the unique nature of their product.

Giorgio Cravero Cheese Caves
Parmigiano Reggiano Aging
Giorgio Cravero Cheese Tasting
Giorgio Cravero Cheese Caves – Parmigiano Reggiano
Giorgio Cravero and his previous generations.

In June of 2022, we (owners, Bryan and Andrea McGinness, a few of our WineStyles guests, and myself) had the opportunity to tour Cravero’s facility during our trip to Northern Italy with Cheese Journeys. We met with the current owner, Giorgio Cravero (the third Giorgio since 1855), who showed us around, what he considered to be, his small family business. Their twenty-foot high aging rooms (or caves), house around 5,000 wheels of cheese – a capacity that seemed daunting to us, however, Cravero explained to be “tiny” in comparison to other affineurs (someone who practices the art of caring for, ripening and aging the cheese). Learn more about their family history here.

Information © G. Cravero – All Rights Reserved.

Cheese_springDon’t let your Wine Club go home alone!

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

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

October Collector’s Wine Club: Iowa

Posted on by

Collectors Wine ClubBarolo_Via_Nuova_DOCG_Wine_BottleE. Pira e Figli
Barolo Via Nuova DOCG 2018
Nebbiolo
Piedmont, Italy

BOLD WINE STYLE

This classic Barolo blend combines structure with elegance and complexity, emphasizing the particularities of each vineyard site. Though a bit timid when first opened, some time in the glass (or decanter) will reveal Via Nuova’s alluring ethereal floral and fruit perfumes. This wine is clear and lively garnet red in color. It is dry, savory and harmonious; soft in flavor but full with a lasting persistence due to the tannin.

Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo, certified organic grapes
Region: Piedmont, Italy
Vineyard: Terlo and Liste in Barolo, Ravera and Mosconi in Monforte d’Alba, and Gabutti and Baudana in Serralunga d’Alba
Yield: 450 kg/ha
Aging: Aging for 24 months in lightly toasted 30% new French oak barriques
Average age of vines: 30 years
Acidity: 6.37 g/L
Production: 4,500 bottles
Soil: Calcareous clay, Sant’Agata marl (sandstone)
Average Altitude: 340 m (1,115 feet) above sea level
Vinification: Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature with daily punch downs and pump-overs
Harvest: Mid-October
Cellar: E. Pira Chiara Boschis, Barolo
Bottling: Aged an additional 1 year in bottle
Release: Spring, 3.5 years after harvest
Critical Acclaim: 

  • James Suckling 94 pts. – 2018 vintage
  • Wine Advocate 94 pts. – 2018 vintage
  • Vinous Media 94 pts. – 2018 vintage
  • See previous vintage scores here.
Chiara_Boschis_E. Pira & Figli_Vineyard_and_winery

© Chiara Boschis, owner of E. Pira & Figli

WINEMAKER NOTES:
Via Nuova (New Road) was the name of a small vineyard on the edge of the historical center of Barolo, the name coming from its proximity to the road (new at that time) connecting Barolo to Novello. All that remains today of the road is a small walking path through the vineyards. The wine was produced as a single-vineyard Barolo for many years until, in 2010, this small Cru was incorporated into the larger Terlo subzone. And so, as a sort of homage to tradition, Barolo Via Nuova is now produced as a blend of 6 different vineyards: Terlo and Liste in Barolo, Ravera e Mosconi in Monforte d’Alba and Gabutti and Baudana in Serralunga d’Alba. – E. Pira e Figli

Barolo_Mosconi_DOCG_Wine_BottleCollectors Wine ClubE. Pira e Figli
Barolo Mosconi DOCG 2018
Nebbiolo
Piedmont, Italy

BOLD WINE STYLE

Garnet red in color, this wine is complimented by open perfumes of flowers and mature fruit with some spicy notes. This is a long-lasting wine of power and concentration with firm, velvety tannins.

Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo, certified organic grapes
Region: Piedmont, Italy
Vineyard: Mosconi (a single-vineyard property acquired in 2009) in Moforte d’Alba
Yield: 450 kg/ha
Aging: Aging for 24 months in lightly toasted 30% new French oak barriques
Average age of vines: 30 years
Acidity: 6.37 g/L
Production: 4,700 bottles
Soil: Calcareous clay marl soils from the tertiary period, with areas rich in calcium carbonate and iron
Average Altitude: 400 m (1,312 feet) above sea level
Vinification: Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature with daily punch downs and pump-overs
Harvest: Mid-October
Cellar: E. Pira Chiara Boschis, Barolo
Bottling: Aged an additional 1 year in bottle
Release: Spring, 3.5 years after harvest
Critical Acclaim: 

  • Wine Advocate 96 pts. – 2018 vintage
  • James Suckling 94 pts. – 2018 vintage
  • Vinous Media 94 pts. – 2018 vintage
  • See previous vintage scores here.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
The most recently acquired parcel, the famous Mosconi Cru in Monforte d’Alba was purchased in 2009. The vineyard’s particular heavy clay soil (in some areas calcium carbonate and iron give the soil a reddish-gray color) lends considerable structure to this wine, making it a Barolo ideal for aging. – E. Pira e Figli 

Chiara_Boschis_Barolo_Wine_Cellar

© Chiara Boschis, owner of E. Pira & Figli

ABOUT E. PIRA E FIGLI WINERY:

E. Pira e Figli is a key player in the history of Barolo. The Pira family, whose members have been vignerons since the seventeenth century, started producing and bottling wines by the 19th century, and received immediate praise for their work. 

In late 1980, the Pira lineage came to a tragic end with the death of the legendary, Luigi (Gigi) Pira (one of the last remaining winemakers to carry out the pressing on foot and the production without the support of any technical means). The estate was then sold to the Boschis family, who had deep family ties with the Pira family. By the end of the 1980’s, Chiara Boschis took the reins of the winery, becoming one of the first women producers in the Langhe. She quickly became a ‘Superwoman’ of the region with her daring and innovative decisions – garnering much acclaim from international publications.

Since 2010, Chiara has been joined by her brother, Giorgio, who shares her same great passion for work in the vineyard and in the cellar. Learn more about their story here.

Photos and Information © E. Pira e Figli – All Rights Reserved.

Donatella_Colombini_Rosso_di_Montalcino_Wine_BottleCollectors Wine ClubDonatella Cinelli Colombini
Rosso di Montalcino
Sangiovese
Tuscany, Italy

BOLD WINE STYLE

This wine is “Brunello’s younger and smiley brother”. Obtained from the same Sangiovese grapes and the same Montalcino area, but designed to be consumed sooner. This young red wine is very intense and brilliant ruby red in color. The nose is fine, rich, and well expressed; there are notes of ripe small red berries, spices and dark flowers, such as violets. The palate is full, harmonious and pleasant. The tannins are silky and well balanced by the richness of the fruit. The persistence is pleasant and lengthy.

Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Sangiovese
Serving: Serve at a temperature between 60.8ºF-64.4ºF, in a balloon shapes wine goblet. Those who wish to open and drink immediately will find it useful to use a decanter.
Food Pairing: Versatile and perfect for the table. Opt for important first courses, roasts, tasty cheeses and cold cuts. This wine requires food that is intense in taste, but not too fatty or greasy.
Critical Acclaim: 90-91/100 from some of the most prestigious international wine magazines 

ABOUT THE VINEYARDS:
The vineyards at Casato Prime Donne are cultivated following the organic regime and cover a total of 16 hectares, three of which are always designated to the production of Rosso di Montalcino. These vineyards are on the northern, and coolest, area of Montalcino, on a hill about 225 m. above sea level, where the soil is made up of clays and sea sands. Each vineyard is divided into 6 small parcels and contain about 5,000 vines per hectare. The grapes are cultivated with the spurred cordon method, and the average production is about 6 tons of grapes per hectare.

HARVEST AND VINIFICATION:
The grapes are harvested by hand between September 15th and October 10th (depending on the climate of the year). The clusters are chosen right in the vineyard and then the berries are selected on an automatic sorting table where two women work. Generally the grapes for Rosso di Montalcino arrive first and then those for the Brunello. To learn more about the vinification process, click here.

Donatella Cinelli Colombini_Women_Staff_Vineyard

© Photo from Donatella Cinelli Colombini

AGING:
After the racking/separation of the wine from the lees, the Rosso di Montalcino begins its aging in oak barrels around February. The oak barrels are chosen according to the characteristics of the vintage – from 5 to 40 hl in size – with or without toasting.  Duration of barrel aging also varies according to the wine, and can go for some months. As for home aging, aim for 3-4 years, and not much more. Keep the bottles lying down in a dark and cool place to keep the Rosso di Montalcino perfectly harmonious and pleasant, rich in taste with soft tannins and great finesse. 

ABOUT DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI WINERY:

Donatella-Cinelli-Colombini-cantina-storica-Fattoria-del-Colle-640x640

© Owner, Donatella Cinelli Colombini

Born in 1953 to a family of producers of Brunello di Montalcino, Donatella Cinelli Colombini founded her own estate in 1998 comprising of Fattoria del Colle in Trequanda and Casato Prime Donne in Montalcino.

Casato Prime Donne is about a 40 hectare property on the northern slope of Montalcino. This estate has belonged to the Colombini family at least since the end of the 16th century and was originally used by Donatella’s maternal forefathers for hunting and to host brides for their honeymoons.

The last three generations, the farm has been passed from mother to daughter – it belonged to grandmother Giuliana Tamanit, then mother Francesca Colombini, now Donatella Cinelli Colombini, who will give it to her daughter, Violante. Donatella has given this location a special meaning, as it is the first winery in Italy to be all female staffed, a flagship for women who work in wine. She has received countless awards and international success for her achievements within the industry. Learn more about their story here.

Photos and Information Information © Donatella Cinelli Colombini – All Rights Reserved.

Collectors Wine ClubLove to collect amazing wines?
Learn more about our quarterly Collectors Club > click here

 

 

 

June Sweet Club Iowa

Posted on by
 

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. 

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

Click here to learn more >

 

 

April Sweet Club Iowa

Posted on by

Sweet Wine ClubBellafina_Pink Moscato_Bottle ImageBellafina
Pink Moscato Rosa
Delle Venezie IGT, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Bellafina’s Pink Moscato is pale pink in color. It highlights notes of melon, peach and red berries, with a bouquet that is typical of the Moscato grape. The wine is sweet and aromatic.

Analysis: 8.0% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Moscato Rosa
Residual Sugar: 75.0 g/L
Total Acidity: 5.8 g/L
Appellation: Delle Venezie IGT
Area of Production/Origin: Veneto Region and Friuli Venezia Giulia Region
Harvest: First half of September
Serving Suggestion: Serve at 45ºF-50ºF
Food Pairing: Delicious by itself or with a variety of antipasti, soft cheeses, and desserts with berries and cream – such as pastries and cakes

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

VINIFICATION:
The vinification of rose wines is characterized by a short and cold maceration. The juice is then removed from the skins where it has picked up pale and delicate red hue without extracting too much tannin and retaining the natural freshness and aromatic complexity of the wine. Fermentation takes place at the controlled temperature of 64ºF. After a period of storage, a careful coupage follows to obtain the Moscato Rosé Frizzante cuvée. The base-wine is transferred to tanks where exact amounts of must and selected yeasts are added to obtain the desired levels of pressure, alcohol and residual sugar (Martinotti/Charmat method). This is followed by cold stabilization.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Bellafina comes from the union of two Italian words – “bella” meaning “beautiful” and “fina” meaning “fine” or “delicate”. Their wines are a perfect reflection of the Italian lifestyle; lightly sparkling and easy drinking, making for the perfect pairing to any cuisine. Bellafina has been bottled by Casa Vinicola Botter since 1928. Today, the Botter family is managed by the family’s third generation. They continue to produce wines under environmentally friendly policies and with innovative production techniques, specializing in wines from Veneto.

ercole-moscato-bottle-150Ercole
Moscato d’Asti DOCG
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Ercole (pronounced AIR-KOH-LAY) means “Hercules” in Italian. Crafted in a fun, juicy, mouthwatering style in northern Italy, this white Moscato wine is aromatic and floral. There are earthy notes of honey and stone, along with fruity layers of green apple, pear, pineapple and other tropical notes.

Analysis: 5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Moscato, Muscat Blanc
Region: Piedmont, Italy
Allergens: Contains sulfates
Food Pairings: This Italian Moscato d’Asti would pair beautifully with an aperitif or fruity dessert

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

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Made by The Piedmont Guy, Ercole is their line of everyday wines that honor the work of the Italian wine growers. Made possible by the generations-old cooperative of local growers in the Monferrato area, Ercole wines are produced with sustainably farmed fruit to reflect the authenticity and beauty of their origins. The cooperative behind Ercole works mainly with old vines ranging from 30-50 years old; all of which adhere to the European Union rule for sustainable farming. None of these growers use systemic treatments or chemicals; and both vinification and bottling are certified vegan. Learn more here.

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

Click here to learn more >