Tag Archives: pinot noir

Winery Spotlight: July 21 Eola Hills Wine Cellars

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Wine Tasting Event

 

Eola Hills Wine Cellars
 Willamette Valley, Oregon

Wednesday, July 21, 2021
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event, featuring Eola Hills from Willamette Valley, Oregon with guest speaker Steve Anderson on Zoom. As Head Winemaker and General Manager, he will be guiding us through a tasting of seven Eola Hills wines:

Zoom Facebook Live
  • Pinot Gris 
  • Lucent White Pinot Noir 
  • Riesling 
  • Sparkling Blanc de Blancs 
  • Patriot Red Blend 
  • Classic Pinot Noir 
  • Barrel Select Pinot Noir
To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please call your local WineStyles store. Or if you prefer to attend remotely, from the comfort of your home, pre-order a wine tasting kit-to-go and watch on Zoom. Eola Hills wines

About Eola Hills:

In the early 1980’s, Oregonian Tom Huggins found himself intrigued by the notion of creating great regional wines in the heart of the Willamette Valley. With close friends and family members, they invested in purchasing 35 acres that Tom thought was ideal for growing grapes. Today, Eola Hills Wine Cellars is still locally owned and operated and one of Oregon’s largest wineries, farming over 325 acres of prime vineyard land. They produce over 80,000 cases of fine wines that are enjoyed across the country and internationally, capturing the spirit and flavors of Oregon. Learn more >

About Steve Anderson – General Manager and Head Winemaker:

Eola-Hills-Steve-Anderson-winemaker-1-600x900Steve Anderson started his wine making career at the age of thirteen with is neighbor’s grapes and a 5-gallon bucket. His project was greatly encouraged by his parents, who gladly partook in the results of his experiments. Steve continued his career by studying Horticulture at Oregon State University. Two years into his degree, he ran out of funds and joined the U.S. Army to receive the Army College Fund. After three years as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician, Steve graduated from OSU with plans to become a nurseryman. In 1993, joined the Eola Hills Wine Cellars team as a “harvest season cellar rat”. He was quickly promoted to Assistant Winemaker, and eventually became Eola’s head winemaker, producing beautiful wines for them ever since. Learn more about his story here.

Boozie Banter PodcastPodcast with Eola Hills Winery:

WineStyles team recently hosted special guest Brett Huggins of Eola Hills Winery on our Boozie Banter podcast. We talk Oregon wine, his family winery, gleaning, moving to the Midwest and taste 8 wines from their expansive portfolio. Listen to the full broadcast on Spotify here >

© Photo by Eola Hills
© Photo by Eola Hills
© Photo by Eola Hills
© Photo by Eola Hills
© Photo by Eola Hills
 

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

Eola Hills Wine Cellars Willamette Valley, Oregon

July 21, 2021

6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

June Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubMumm_Napa_Brut_PrestigeMumm Napa
Brut Prestige
Napa Valley, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Brut Prestige is Mumm Napa’s signature sparkling wine. It is relaxed, yet elegant, featuring bright flavors of citrus, red apple, stone fruit and vanilla with notes of honey, and gingerbread spice. Its vibrant flavors are balanced by a fine acidity and a rich, lingering finish.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Gris & Pinot Meunier
Residual Sugar: 1.1%
Style: Brut
TA: 7.0 g/l
pH: 3.15
Time en Tirage: 18 months
Aging Potential: Drink now
Critical Acclaim: 91 Points Wine Enthusiast – March 2017

FOOD PAIRING: This wine pairs beautifully with hors d’oeuvres, crab cakes, smoked salmon, fresh greens, salads, or grilled chicken and vegetables.

VINEYARDS:
The Brut Prestige is a blend comprised of the best selected grapes from different grower locations across the Napa appellation. Each harvest, the grapes are hand-picked in the mornings to ensure they arrive to the winery in perfect condition.

WINEMAKING:
Fermentation is completed in stainless steel tanks at cool temperatures, this preserves the fruit’s intensity and freshness. A few select logs are aged in French oak barrels to add depth, complexity and spiciness. From there, the finished blend goes through a second fermentation with about 18 month’s yeast aging, adding complexity, and layers of yeast dough and creaminess. Next, the wine is disgorged in brut style and part of the dosage is added back after being aged for another 3 months to balance the acidity. 

Mumm_Napa_Brut_Rose_Tech_Sheet_-_ConsumerMumm Napa 
NV Brut Rosé 
Napa Valley, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Mumm Napa’s signature Rosé is coral-pink in color. It features fresh aromas of black cherries, red berries, and citrus. On the palate, this Brut Rosé has mouth-filling flavors of rich, robust red fruit flavors, rounding out to a very elegant finish. The Pinot Noir is responsible for the soft texture and forward fruitiness, while the Chardonnay plays a roll in the wine’s structure and elegance.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
Appellation: Napa County
Residual Sugar: 1.15%
Style: Brut
TA: 7.0 g/l
pH: 3.10
Time en Tirage: 18 months
Critical Acclaim: 91 points Wine Enthusiast – December 2015

FOOD PAIRING: Pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses, grilled salmon, roast duck, or spicy Italian or Asian dishes.

VINEYARDS:
Each harvest, the Brut Rosé blend is selected from the best grapes from up to 50 grower locations throughout the Napa appellation. Similar to Mumm Brut Prestige, the grapes are hand-harvested in the early mornings to ensure they arrive at the winery in perfect condition.

WINEMAKING:
Each individual vineyard lot is fermented separately at cool temperatures in small stainless steel tanks, this helps to preserve the individual flavors, freshness and intensity of each fruit. A few select lots are aged in French Oak barrels to create further depth and complexity to the wine. To create the coral-pink color of the wine, a small amount of red Pinot Noir is added to the blend before being bottled. From there, the wine is yeast aged for an average of 18 months to add further complexity and creaminess to the wine. Next, the wine is disgorged and a dosage is added back to balance out the wine’s acidity. The dosage includes a Pinot Noir fermented in traditional Burgundian fashion, creating an extra layer of depth, color and robust fruitiness to the wine.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Established in California in the late 1970’s, Mumm Napa follows traditions from their French heritage. Their roots can be traced back to a leading International Champagne in France, GH Mumm. Today, the winery continues to follow traditional French wine making techniques to create their award winning, hand-crafted sparkling wines. Learn more about their story here.

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May Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine Club2016ArgyleVintageBrutBottleWebArgyle Winery
Vintage Brut
Willamette Valley, Oregon

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The 2016 sparkling wine vintage in the Willamette Valley was generous yet refined, highlighting the alluring precision the region has to offer. Knudsen Vineyard, in the protected Dundee Hills, brings supple depth and elegance.  While Spirit Hill Vineyard, in the windy confines of the Eola-Amity Hills, brings tension and mineral backbone. Fresh seashore, white peach, and toasted brioche are framed around a creamy center and long, graceful finish.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 55% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Meunier
AVA: Willamette Valley AVA
Harvested: Aug. 23 – Sept. 2, 2016
Brix at Harvest: 18.6
Barrel Aging: 70% Stainless Steel, 30% Neutral Oak
Dosage: 3 g/L
Malolactic: 0% Malolactic Fermentation
Critical Acclaim: 91 Points Wine Spectator; 90 Points Wine Enthusiast

FOOD PAIRING: Serve with creamy, salty, or lean and lemony cheeses, such as a Brie, Triple Cream or Bleu Cheese. 

ABOUT THE WINERY:
In 1987, Argyle was founded by Rollin Soles to produce sparkling wines in cool-climate of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Today, Argyle Winery produces sparkling wines, Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Rieslings. All Argyle Sparkling wines are 100% Argyle grown, vintage dated, made from hand-picked, cold press grapes, bottle fermented, aged on yeast for a minimum of 3 years and ‘disgorged on demand.’ They have earned acclaim for their elegance, character, and uncommon ageability. Learn more about their history here.

© Photo by Argyle Winery

MSC_SparklingBrutRose2020_Bottleshot_3000px_300ppiMcBride Sisters 
Sparkling Brut Rosé 
Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Grown sustainably in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. Hawke’s Bay is one of the most prestigious fine wine regions in New Zealand and the source for McBride Sisters’ delicious non-vintage Sparkling Brut Rosé.

This Sparkling Brut Rosé has gentle floral notes of rose petals, strawberries and cream, and loads of freshly crushed red berries. The red fruits carry through the palate, where cranberry, peach, strawberry, and raspberry take center stage. There is a hint of toasty complexity and some creamy richness from time on lees that lead into a dry finish with lingering hints of spice.

Analysis: 12.6% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 64% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 6% Merlot
RS: 9.4 g/L
pH: 3.4
TA: 6.2 g/L
Critical Acclaim: 92 Points, Gold Medal, San Diego International Wine & Spirits Competition

FOOD PAIRING: Pairs beautifully with everything from seafood to fried chicken.  

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The McBride Sisters were raised separately among the vines of Monterey, California and Marlborough, New Zealand. Destiny led them to each other, and they quickly bonded over their shared passion for good wine and a desire to shake up the industry. In 2005 they started a wine company together. Today, the award-winning McBride Sisters Collection wines directly reflect the terroirs of the sisters’ youth, with wine styles and flavors designed for all palates. Learn more about the sisters’ story here.

© Photo by McBride Sisters

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April Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubGoldschmidt_BlancdeNoir-NV-Bottle-Shot-webGoldschmidt Vineyards
Blanc de Noir Sparkling Wine
Sonoma County, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Light copper-rose hues; Goldschmidt Blanc de Noir shows vibrant raspberry, bing cherry, and wild flower. A mix of zesty cherry, white peach, and fresh strawberry flavors mingle with medium-bodied bubbles to form a creamy palate. Subtle notes of honeysuckle linger in the finish.

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 53% Chardonnay, 39% Pinot Noir, 8% Pinot Meunier
Appellation: 100% Sonoma County
Vintage: NV
pH: 3.20
Dosage: 1.2
Cases Produced: 120

WINEMAKING:
“We make our sparkling wine not only to be lively and lifted in the nose but also to have complexity and longevity. The addition of Pinot Noir adds its characteristic tangy, red berry and orange flavors while the Chardonnay provides the main structure and liveliness. Producing white wine from a red grape is very difficult. We harvest in the cool morning and press very gently, balancing the bright fruit flavors with crisp acidity. By pressing this way we get less color and tannin. Barrel fermenting both the Chardonnay and the Pinot also adds more weight and body. Yeast contact in the bottle for two years brings all elements together with the yeast also providing its own elements of texture and creaminess. This wine will last up to 10 years under proper storage conditions.” – Goldschmidt Vineyards

FOOD PAIRING: Serve with soft cheeses – those with delicate flavors and smooth, creamy textures. In particular, try fresh, soft, and bloomy-rind cheeses made from cow’s milk, like Brie, Camembert, Brillat-Savarin, triple crème, or Chaource.  Try with macadamia nut-crushed halibut or pork tenderloin with fresh rosemary and lemon thyme.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Yolyn and Nick Goldschmidt are owner/vintners, and Nick is the winemaker. The winery offices are located in Healdsburg, California. Goldschmidt Vineyards is a vehicle by which Nick and Yolyn present their innovative way of wine making and wine presentation. There are two brands under their portfolio – the prestigious Goldschmidt Vineyard label and the international Forefathers label. The Goldschmidt Vineyard label is a program designed to showcase single vineyard source wines from both the Alexander Valley and Napa Valley Oakville appellations. The goal is create wines that highlight the distinct characters, benefits and attributes derived from these site specific harvests. Goldschmidt Vineyards Cabernets are crafted with the best possible resources to achieve exceptional richness, quality and balance – the hallmarks of world-class wines.

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Winery Spotlight Series: April 21 Spy Valley Wines

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Spy Valley_LogoVirtual Wine Tasting Event on Zoom and Facebook LIVE

Spy Valley Wines Marlborough, New Zealand

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a virtual wine tasting event, featuring Spy Valley wines from New Zealand, with guest speaker and Chief Winemaker, Wendy Stuckey. During our virtual event, Wendy will be guiding us through a tasting of the following seven Spy Valley wines:

Zoom Facebook Live
  • Satellite Sauvignon Blanc
  • Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc
  • Spy Valley E Block Sauvignon Blanc
  • Spy Valley Chardonnay
  • Spy Valley Riesling
  • Spy Valley Gewürztraminer
  • Spy Valley Pinot Noir
Be sure to RSVP at your local WineStyles location or on Eventbrite. Pre-order your wines in advance at your local participating WineStyles location and taste alongside Wendy with a front seat on Zoom! Or watch on our Facebook LIVE event.
Spy Valley_wines
About Spy Valley Wines:
Owned and operated by the Johnson Family, Spy Valley Wines is one of Marlborough’s few remaining 100% Kiwi family owned wine companies. Located up the road from a US government listening post (the spy base), Spy Valley is known around the world as one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed producers. The Johnson Family established the first of their 380 acres of estate vineyards in 1993. Pioneering what was then a Marlborough sub-region, the Johnsons’ Lower Waihopai development continued, with the fruit being grown and sold to other wine companies. In 2000, the first vintage under the Spy Valley label was released. With a modern, fully integrated winemaking facility and a passion for excellence, Spy Valley consistently produces globally acclaimed award winning wines. Like most Marlborough wineries, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc are Spy Valley specialties but Chief Winemaker and aromatic fanatic Wendy Stuckey and her team, have set a benchmark for New Zealand aromatic whites.
© Photo by Spy Valley Wines
© Photo by Spy Valley Wines
© Photo by Spy Valley Wines
© Photo by Spy Valley Wines
Sustainability:
“When you work land as exceptional as this, you protect it. Here at Spy Valley, we know that our environment is one of the many secrets to our success. It has sustained generations, and it is our job to nurture it for many more.” – Spy Valley Wines Since they began, Spy Valley Wines has been accredited under the New Zealand Sustainable Wine-growing scheme. This initiative promotes economically and environmentally sustainable vineyard management. For Spy Valley Wines, this includes their winery, all of their company vineyards and their grower vineyards. Learn more about their efforts here. 
About Wendy Stuckey – Chief Winemaker:
wendy-Stuckey

© Photo by Spy Valley Wines: Winemaker, Wendy Stuckey

Wendy is an internationally acclaimed winemaker whose career has taken her all over the world. Originally from South Australia, Wendy first trained as a radiographer before deciding to switch careers and enroll at Roseworthy Agricultural College to learn about wine. Wendy strongly believes the wines must show a sense of place. Her accolades as a winemaker are prestigious and numerous, winning many gold medals and industry honors over her winemaking career. In addition to the accolades received for her wines, she has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Most Admired Winemakers in the North American wine industry and included in intowine.com Top 100 Most Influential US Winemakers. Wendy also has extensive experience as a judge in wine competitions worldwide. Learn more about Wendy and the rest of her team here.

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

Spy Valley Wines Marlborough, New Zealand

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

March Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubGruet Blanc de NoirsGruet
Blanc de Noirs
New Mexico, United States

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Pale salmon in color, this full-bodied wine has a fine mouse and a creamy, rich texture. Complex aromas and flavors of raspberry, baked pear and cherry are complemented by a hint of toasted vanilla. The balance of fruit, minerals and crisp acidity lead to a round mouthfeel and lasting finish.

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay
AVA: American
pH: 3.12
Total Acidity: 70 PPM
Residual Sugar: 0.8% g/L
Fining: Sterile pads
Filtering: Diatomaceous earth
Aging: Aged en tirage for a minimum of 18 months
Vintage: NV
Critical Acclaim: 90 points Smart Buy; Top 100, Wine Spectator Best Buy; Year’s Best Summer Sparklers, Best Sparkling Wines for $25 or Less Wine & Spirits

WINEMAKING:
French for “white of black”, Blanc de Noirs describes a sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir grapes that are gently pressed and its juice runs off the skins. Gruet’s Blanc de Noirs NV was first released in 1990. Following the success of their Brut release, Gruet Winery wanted to add a non-vintage wine using Pinot Noir, similar to the classic blends of NV Champagnes.

gruet-brutGruet
Brut
New Mexico, United States

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Aromas of green apple, citrus and minerality make for delightful start to this traditional sparkler. Gruet Winery’s Brut NV offers bright, crisp acidity complemented by a touch of yeast on the delightfully long finish. A classic house style!

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 75% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir
AVA: American
pH: 3.07
Total Acidity: 76 PPM
Fining: Sterile pads
Filtering: Diatomaceous earth
Oak: Bottle aged
Aging: Aged en tirage for a minimum of 18 months
Vintage: NV
Critical Acclaim: #1 Sparkling Wine – Top 100 Values of 2016; 90 points, Smart Buy, Wine Spectator; Top 100 Best Buys of 2018, Wine & Spirits

WINEMAKING:
“Brut NV was our first wine released in 1989. As the predominant grape used in Champagne, we wanted our first sparkling wine to express the finesse of Chardonnay.” – Laurent Gruet

gruet-brut-rose-webGruet
Brut Rosé
New Mexico, United States

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

A beautiful garnet in color, this Rosé NV has a delicate, fine mousse and rich, fruit flavors. This full-bodied sparkler starts with floral and berry aromas which introduce flavors of cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry, finishing delicately with zesty acidity. 

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir
AVA: American
pH: 3.14
Total Acidity: 68 PPM
Fining: Sterile pads
Filtering: Diatomaceous earth
Aging: Aged en tirage for a minimum of 18 months
Vintage: NV
Critical Acclaim: Top 100 Values of 2018 – Wine Spectator

WINEMAKING:
This Rosé NV was first released in 2004 under limited production. The wine’s color and taste was inspired from sparkling Rosés from around the world. The wine is made in the “Saignée” method by adding 2% still Pinot Noir to the blend to create the beautiful garnet pink color.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Founded in 1984, Gruet Winery specializes in Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines. Family owned and run, the New Mexico-based winery produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – based sparkling wines and small collection of still wines, with roots originating from Gilbert Gruet’s Champagne house in Bethon, France. More than 25 vintages later, Gruet Winery has achieved unprecedented acclaim and remains a favorite of the nation’s top sommeliers.

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Casas del Toqui Barrel Series Pinot Noir

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Simple Spaghetti Carbonara

pasta-carbonara_Chelsie Craig

© Photo by Chelsie Craig at Bon Appétit

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 tbsp. kosher salt, plus more
  • 4 oz. guanciale (salt-cured pork jowl), pancetta (Italian bacon), or bacon
  • 2 oz. Parmesan
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 2 large eggs
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 lb. spaghetti, bucatini, or rigatoni

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Heat 6 qt. water in a large pot over high. When water starts to steam, add 3 Tbsp. salt and cover pot with a lid (this will bring water to a boil faster).
  2. While you are waiting on the water, do a little prep. Remove 4 oz. guanciale from packaging and cut into about 1 x ¼” strips. Finely grate 2 oz. cheese and set aside one-quarter of cheese for later.
  3. Whisk 4 egg yolks and 2 whole eggs in a medium bowl until no streaks remain, then stir in remaining grated cheese. Add several cranks of pepper and set aside.
  4. Working next to pot, heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium. Add guanciale and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp around the edges, 7–10 minutes.
  5. Remove pot from heat. Using a wooden spoon, fish out guanciale and transfer to a small bowl. Pour fat into a heatproof measuring cup, then add back about 3 Tbsp. to pot. Discard any remaining fat.
  6. Cook 1 lb. pasta in boiling water, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes shy of package instructions. Just before pasta is finished, scoop out 1¾ cups pasta cooking liquid with same heatproof measuring cup.
  7. Add 1 cup reserved pasta cooking liquid to Dutch oven and bring to a boil over medium-high. Drain pasta in a colander, then transfer to Dutch oven.
  8. Cook pasta, stirring constantly and vigorously, until al dente and water is reduced by about half, about 2 minutes. Remove pot from heat.
  9. Whisk ¼ cup pasta cooking liquid into reserved egg mixture, then very slowly stream into Dutch oven, stirring constantly, until cheese is melted and egg is thickened to form a glossy sauce. Season with salt, if needed. Thin sauce with remaining ½ cup pasta cooking liquid, adding a tablespoonful at a time, until it’s the consistency of heavy cream (you most likely won’t use all of it).
  10. Mix in guanciale and divide pasta among bowls. Top with pepper and reserved cheese.

© Recipe courtesy of Claire Saffitz from Bon Appétit

MARCH WINE CLUB:

Mellow style logoCasas-Toqui-Pinot-NoirCasas del Toqui
Barrel Series Pinot Noir
Cachapoal Valley, Chile

MELLOW WINE STYLE

The Barrel Series Pinot Noir is ruby red in color with medium intensity. It has an elegant nose, with aromas of red berries and a hint of vanilla. The palate is soft, with good balance and a long finish.

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Analysis: 14% alcohol / volume
Viticulture: Vertical espalier
Vinification: Fermentation at 80.6ºF-84.2ºF, post fermentation maceration and aged in oak barrels for 6 months
Closure: Screw cap
Pairing: Serve between 57.2ºF-60.8ºF with pasta or a variety of cheeses

Vincent Johnson

© Photo of Vincent Johnson

Casas del Toqui Winery was created with the intention to develop and produce high quality fine wines, to be shared both domestically and internationally. They are committed to excellence by continuously managing their quality, labor safety and environmental sustainability; allowing them to be a role model for the Chilean wine industry. Their philosophy is to achieve maximum balance, quality and identity to each of their wines, to ensure they are a direct reflection of their terroirs. The majority of Casas del Toqui’s vineyards are located in Alto Cachapoal, about 100 kilometers south of Santiago. Here, the alluvial soils and the Mediterranean climate provide ideal conditions for grapevines. 

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Winery Spotlight Series: March 10 De Martino

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De Martino LogoVirtual Wine Tasting Event on Zoom and Facebook LIVE

De Martino

Isla de Maipo, Chile

Wednesday, March 10, 2021 6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a virtual wine tasting event, featuring De Martino wines from Chile, with guest speaker Sebastián De Martino. During our virtual event, Sebastián will be guiding us through a tasting of the following 6 De Martino wines:

Zoom Facebook Live
  • Estate Sauvignon Blanc
  • Legado Chardonnay
  • Legado Pinot Noir
  • Gallardia Cinsault
  • Legado Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Les Cruces Malbec
Be sure to RSVP at your local WineStyles location or on Eventbrite. Pre-order your wines in advance at your local participating WineStyles location and taste alongside Sebastián with a front seat on Zoom! Or watch on our Facebook LIVE event.
De Martino WInes
About De Martino:
Founded in 1934, for four generations, the De Martino family has specialized in creating wines that are a faithful reflection of their origins by focusing on selected parcels throughout Chile. The De Martino family has worked to achieve wines that represent them as a family; they believe wines of great purity, with a sense of place and balance, are a result of sustainable agriculture and traditional fermentation techniques. The style that represents the De Martino family, is one that blends origin, personality, balance and gastronomic sensibilities. In order to achieve this type of wine, over the years the De Martino family has explored over 347 vineyards all across Chile. The fourth generation, headed by Marco Antonio and Sebastián De Martino, along with their team, continue with their constant search for exciting terroirs to polish their house style. Learn more about De Martino Winery here.
Winemaking:
De Martino Winery uses organic farming and early harvesting to achieve balanced alcohol levels in their wines. Their fermentation is carried out exclusively with native yeasts, leaving out unnecessary winemaking additives that can alter the profile of the wine. Finally, aging is completed in concrete or stainless steel containers, old barrels, large oak foudres (5,000 liters each) or an ancestral terracotta amphorae (pictured below). All of these are used in the hopes of limiting external influences on the aromas and flavors of their wines, allowing the quality of each origin to fully express itself. De Martino Terracotta wine vessels
About Sebastián De Martino:
Sebastián De Martino is a 4th generation vintner and co-owner who grew up in Isla de Maipo on the vineyards of his family’s wine estate. The De Martino family came from Italy in 1934 and settled in Chile in Isla de Maipo (DO Maipo), where they began specializing in creating wines from Bordeaux grape varieties. In the years since, De Martino has become a leader in innovation and winemaking. Along with receiving his Wine MBA in Bordeaux, Sebastián supplements his wine education by traveling to wine regions around the world. So far, he has traveled to the wine regions of Burgundy, Champagne, Bordeaux, the South of France, Barolo, Tuscany, Sicily, Jura, Rioja, Madrid, Georgia, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. In 2011, Sebastián and his brother Marco worked with the De Martino technical team to help define the house style of De Martino wines. In the years since, their goal has been to position this house style in the market. Their current goals are also to help develop Itata as a world-renowned wine region, to create an elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere from D.O. Maipo, and to spend time experimenting with volcanic wines from the Patagonia region. Today, Sebastián lives in the vineyards of the De Martino winery on Isla de Maipo, with his three dogs.
© Photo by De Martino Winery – Sebastián De Martino
© Photo by De Martino Winery
© Photo by De Martino Winery
© Photo by De Martino Winery – Cava
© Photo by De Martino Winery
© Photo by De Martino Winery
De Martino Terroirs: 
In the Coast the De Martino’s farm vineyards in Limarí (limestone/ clay) and Casablanca (granite), where they specialize in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. In the mild – warm climate of Maipo (gravel) they grow Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon. In the southern region they focus their attention at old vines, fi eld blends, dry farmed vineyards in Cahcapoal and Maule (granite). In the coast of Itata (450 km south of Santiago), where fi rst vineyards were planted back in 1551, the De Martino’s farm old vines– up to 110 year old – grown sustainably over granite, resulting in exciting Cinsault, Muscat and some other rarities.  

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

De Martino Isla de Maipo, Chile

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

February Bubbly Club

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

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

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

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

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

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

Gustave Lorentz Vineyard

© Photo by: Gustave Lorentz Winery

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

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

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

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

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

Alma 4 Friends

© Photo by Alma 4

Bubbly Wine ClubLearn more about our Bubbly Club >

 

January Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese ClubBlumenkäse Switzerland

An alpine cheese covered with wildflowers from the meadows of Switzerland. This floral beauty isn’t just pretty on the outside, it’s packed with flavors of French onion soup and sweet carrots on the inside. The rind is decorated in a long list of herbs and flowers, including: winter savory, dill, garlic, caraway, lovage, marjoram, mint, leek, chive, parsley, juniper berries, onion, marigolds, cornflower, roses, and strawberry leaves.  WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: When pairing wine with this cheese, reach for a Chardonnay, Viognier, Bubbles or Fruity Red Wines; for beer, look for something Hoppy and Bitter, such as an IPA. WINESTYLES: Crisp, Fruity, and Bubbly BEERSTYLES: Hoppy and Bitter Blumenkases

Marcel Petite Sagesse 24-Month Comté France

Selected by Essex St. Cheese Co., Sagesse Comté (formerly “Symphony”) represents the highest level a wheel of Comté can achieve at Marcel Petite; only 2% of all production reaches this point. Sagesse Comté is selected in line with the Essex flavor profile, but is bigger and broader in taste with a darker paste and immense tyrosine crystallization. This is an unpasteurized cows’ milk cheese with a powerful depth of flavor, similar to a great piece of dark chocolate. Sagesse Comté is available only once a year. WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRING: When pairing wine with this cheese, reach for a Champagne, aged Chardonnay, or Pinot Noir; for beer, look for something Malty & Sweet such as a Milk Stout. WINESTYLES: Rich, Mellow, or Bubbly BEERSTYLES: Malty & Sweet
MarcelPetiteSagesse

© Photo by Comté Marcel Petite

Monthly Cheese ClubDon’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 >