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November Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubRisata pink moscato bottleRisata
Pink Moscato
Provincia di Pavia, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Risata Pink Moscato is bursting with juicy flavors of strawberry, cherry, raspberry, finishing sweet and well-balanced.

Variety: 95% Moscato, 5% Malvasia Rosso
Alcohol: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Serve: Well chilled.
Pairings: Pairs well with ripe strawberries and light desserts. Great with Sunday brunch, salty snacks, or spicy Thai takeout. Entertain guests this holiday season with a cocktail recipe for Risata Cherry Pink Punch:

RISATA CHERRY PINK PUNCH COCKTAIL RECIPE:

  • 1 bottle Pink Moscato
  • 1 bottle whipped cream vodka
  • 2-liter cherry lemon-lime soda (7up)
  • 2 tablespoons grenadine
  • cranberries, to garnish
  • rosemary sprigs, to garnish

Directions: Combine Risata Pink Moscato, vodka, 7UP, and grenadine in a pitcher or punch bowl. Serve over ice in your favorite festive glasses and top with cranberries and rosemary.

Risata Red Moscato wine bottleRisata
Red Moscato
Sweet Red
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Risata Moscato is a sweet red wine with juicy ripe raspberry, strawberry and nectarine flavors. This wine finishes sweet, yet with balanced acidity and slightly creamy mouth-feel. Enjoy slightly chilled.

Variety: 85% Moscato, 10% Brachetto, 5% Malvasia Rosso
Alcohol: 5.5% alcohol / volume
Appellation: Moscato d’Asti, Italy
Serve: Slightly chilled.
Food Pairing: Pairs best with fresh strawberries, chocolate dipped fruit, creamy desserts, mild cheese, and spicy Asian or Mexican dishes. Also pairs with pizza, barbeque or brisket. Enjoy with this recipe for Apple Cider Moscato Sangria:

APPLE CIDER MOSCATO SANGRIA RECIPE:

  • 1 bottle Risata Red Moscato
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1/2 cup pitted black cherries
  • 1/2 cup cranberries
  • 1 cup orange slices
  • Spices

Add the Risata Red Moscato into a pitcher. Next combine the apple cider, black cherries, cranberries and apples. Lightly stir the fruit and apple cider into the wine. Let the sangria sit for at least an hour so the wine can absorb the fruit flavors. Serve with ice and your choice of holiday spices.

ABOUT RISATA WINES:
The word “risata” means “laughter” in Italian – fitting for a line of delightfully sweet and bubbly wines. Risata wines are sourced from the finest vineyards in Italy for a premium quality that can elevate any moment. Risata’s Moscato d’Asti was introduced to the U.S. in 2006 and has grown to be the most sought after Moscato d’Asti in the country. Whether you start your introduction to Risata with Moscato or reach for Sparkling Rosé, Scarlet, Raven, Pink Moscato, or Red Moscato, Risata’s lineup pairs well with moments big and small.  Delicious on their own or mixed into a tantalizing cocktail, Risata wines are perfect for pairing with just about any occasion. 

Photo and Information courtesy of © Risata and Prestige Beverage Group – All Rights Reserved.

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October Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubSchmitt Soehne Riesling KabinettSchmitt Söhne
Sweet Riesling Kabinett
Mosel, Germany

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This delicate, moderately light-bodied Riesling has a tasteful Granny Smith apple characteristic that is crisp and lively on the palate. Vibrant acidity and classic Mosel minerality.

Variety: 100% Riesling
Alcohol: 8.5% alcohol / volume
RS: 38 g/L
Total Acidity: 8.0 g/L
Fermentation: Stainless Steel cold fermented
Food Pairing: Ideal as an aperitif or paired with spicy Asian dishes, seafood, shellfish, poultry, salads, creamy pastas, pork dishes, and mild cheeses.
Serve: Well chilled.

WINEMAKING:
While technology has changed and improved especially over the past decades, the substance remains the same: different growing regions, ripeness and quality of grapes determine the product in general while the knowledge and decisions of the winemaker add to the winery’s individual footprint.

Riper grapes provide more aroma and flavor, hence make a more expressive and flavorful wine. Sweetness in a wine, an attribute independent of its quality level, does not depend on the ripeness of grapes but on the winemaker’s decision regarding the fermentation process.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
During its evolution from a small local winery to one of the leaders in German wine exports, Schmitt Söhne has never lost sight of its focus: to produce wines of first-class quality that meet modern customers as well as market requirements and developing innovative projects in line with the spirit of the times.

Now in the 5th generation, Schmitt Söhne is one of Germany’s largest and most successful wine exporters to wine drinkers all over the world. While continuously developing their winemaking and looking for ways to incorporate new technologies and techniques, they never lose sight of the traditional way of producing exceptional German wines. Their policy has remained the same for over 200 years: to create the best wines possible using only top-quality grapes.  Learn more about Schmitt Söhne family wines here>

Photo and Information courtesy of © Schmitt Söhne – All Rights Reserved.

La Marc Demi Sec ProseccoLa Marca
Prosecco Demi Sec DOC
Veneto, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

La Marca Prosecco Demi Sec D.O.C. is beautifully balanced and sweet, bursting with vivacious notes of citrus, sweet apple, and rich honey.

Variety: Glera
Alcohol: 11.5% alcohol / volume
Style: Demi-sec (semi-sweet)
Appellation: Prosecco D.O.C., Veneto, Italy
Closure Type: Natural cork
Food Pairing: Pairs well with creamy soft cheeses, like Brie and goat cheese, alongside rich, salty cured meats, like salami and prosciutto. Also delicious with subtly sweet, fruit-forward desserts, like lemon tart, peach cobbler or strawberry shortcake.
Serve: Slightly chilled, enjoy on its own or with cocktail recipes

WINEMAKING:
La Marca’s signature vivacious bubbles are crafted using the Metodo Italiano—the traditional Italian sparkling winemaking process that preserves the bright, fruit-forward character of the Glera grape. The result is the crisp, refreshing style with a delicate floral palate that you love from La Marca.

A fruit-forward, inviting alternative to Champagne, their Proseccos dazzle the senses with vivacious bubbles and vibrant flavors. With a zest for life and roots in effortless Italian style, La Marca’s inviting, sparkling wines have captured the hearts and flutes of all those who seek to spark joy—and believe a chilled glass of bubbles is the perfect way to mark life’s most joyful moments, big and small.

La Marca brings a welcome taste of La Dolce Vita through lively sparkling wines, warm Italian hospitality, and approachable style—all of which come together to make La Marca America’s most-loved sparkling wine brand.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Since 1968, La Marca has been a devoted ambassador for Prosecco and the Veneto region of Italy.  La Marca refers to the historic Marca Trevigiana, the region of northeastern Italy centered on Treviso that has been associated with Prosecco production for centuries. Crafted in Treviso—the heart of Italy’s Prosecco region—their sparkling wines represent 5,000 local growers who share a deep pride and passion for the land, the Glera grape, and the exceptional wines they bring to the world.  Veneto wine region, just a one-hour drive from Venice, boasts views of the Adriatic Sea on one side and the Dolomite mountains on the other. Treviso, Italy’s Prosecco capital, is home to the light and expressive Glera grape—a variety known for its bright, fruit-forward character that brings notes of green apple, peach, and citrus to every glass. Learn more about La Marca here>

Photo and Information courtesy of © La Marca – All Rights Reserved.

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September Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubMerryvale Antigua wine bottleMerryvale Vineyards
Antigua
Muscat Dessert Wine
St. Helena, California

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Golden/amber in color from its long aging in French oak, the wine is a complex combination of nuts and orange-peel aromas. Thick and rich in the mouth, the nuts and orange-peel theme continues from the entry through the long finish, highlighted by the many subtleties from the fine brandy and time in the barrel.

Variety: 100%  Muscat de Frontignan from vintages 1970 to 1983
Alcohol: 19.5% alcohol / volume
RS: 14%
Aging: French oak barrels
Food Pairing: Pairs well with tiramisu, crème brulée, almond biscotti, hazelnut torte, pecan pie, blue cheeses, and fruit
Serve: Slightly chilled. Try over ice with a squeeze of Meyer lemon.
Accolades: 91 pts Wine Enthusiast

WINEMAKING:
The template for Antigua Dessert Wine was initially crafted at Beaulieu Vineyards by iconic Napa Valley winemaker André Tchelistcheff in the 1960s. Antigua is produced using the solera process, a system of fractional blending over a number of vintages—in this case, over decades.

In the late 1980s, Merryvale purchased the last barrels of wine Tchelistcheff initially crafted which was made from vintages 1970 to 1983. Using these barrels as the base, Merryvale began crafting the later vintages that comprise the Antigua solera. The must was partially fermented, and fermentation was arrested by the addition of fine pot-still brandy. Merryvale made this wine from vintages 1992 through 1997. Today, Antigua solera is an average of 35 years old.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Napa Valley was a different place when the winery currently known as Merryvale Vineyards was established. It was 1933, and Sunnyhill Winery, as it was then called, was the first to be built in Napa after the repeal of Prohibition. This is where Robert and Peter Mondavi got their start, making wine with their father, Cesare Mondavi. It was a time when rail cars running in front of the property carried their wines to San Francisco and beyond. In the 1940s and 50s, when the site was the “co-op” known as Sunny St. Helena, this same winery was where a small group of Napa Valley grape growers brought their harvested fruit to be crushed, vinified and sold. Later, in the 1970s, the building served as a wine storage facility for The Christian Brothers.

Merryvale’s modern history began in 1983, when a small group of likeminded partners bottled its first wine under the Merryvale label. In 1986, the group purchased Sunny St. Helena, and after extensive renovations, changed its name to Merryvale Vineyards, giving it the historic St. Helena home it occupies to this day. Learn more about Merryvale’s story here>

old Sunny St. Helena Winery

Modern Day Merryvale Winery

Modern day Merryvale Winery

Photo and Information courtesy of © Merryvale Vineyards – All Rights Reserved.

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August Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubKungFu-Girl_Riesling_bottleCharles Smith Wines
Kung Fu Girl
Riesling
Washington State

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This medium-bodied Riesling is beautifully balanced with a burst of in-your-face flavor. You cannot escape the white peach and light floral aromas that fill your senses, rounded out with a refreshingly dry finish. The bright citrus flavors with pronounced Meyer lemon take the palate to exhilarating heights with crisp, tart acidity.

Variety: 100% Riesling
Alcohol: 12% alcohol / volume
Total Acidity: 7.6 g/L
pH: 3.1 g/L
RS: 0.14%
Food Pairing: Pairs best with spicy ramen, Sriracha pork tacos, and Chinese take out.

WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING RECOMMENDATION: Try this wine with a spicy asian-fusion cheese such as the TomaRashi from Point Reyes— their creamy Toma cheese infused with Shichimi Togarashi, a Japanese spice blend. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

WINERY NOTES:
Inspired by a fight scene in a notorious martial arts film, the idea of Kung Fu Girl was born: a killer white wine made to be paired with Asian food. This uniquely dry Riesling won’t have you fighting for flavor, but will leave you craving more. Dangerously delicious wine…outta Washington.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Charles Smith is the visionary winemaker behind iconic brands like K Vintners and CasaSmith. Charles has received over 300 scores of 95 points-and-above and over 1,400 scores of 90 points-and-above from leading wine publications. And it all started a little over 20 years ago, with 330 cases of 1999 K Syrah sold out of the back of Charles’ 1987 Astro van. Today, and many accomplishments later, Charles Smith creates wine for the people. Wine that is significant. Wine that proclaims, “I am from Washington”. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Charles Smith Wines – All Rights Reserved.

Villa_Pozzi-Moscato-bottleVilla Pozzi
Moscato
Sicily, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Villa Pozzi’s Moscato features aromas of tropical fruits, apricots, and orange blossoms. It is crisp, refreshing, and slightly effervescent, with a gentle sweetness and lingering flavors of tangerine and honeysuckle.

Variety: Moscato
Appellation: Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily, Italy
Sourcing: Petrosino region
Pairing: Pairs well with spicy foods and cheeses

WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING RECOMMENDATION: Reach for a spicy cheese to pair with this Moscato. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Daniele and his son Matteo are 4th and 5th generation winemakers with a family vineyard located in the Marsala region of Sicily. For generations, their family has dreamt of sharing the beauty of Italy and the delicious taste of Sicilian wines with the world. In honor of the Pozzi family legacy and the rich soil in which it was born, the beauty of Sicily is woven into every bottle of Villa Pozzi. Each unique tile shares a piece of the country’s long history. Learn more here.

Photo and Information courtesy of © Villa Pozzi Wine – All Rights Reserved.

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July Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubLe-Petit-Perroy-Vouvray-bottleMaison Foucher
Le Petit Perroy
Vouvray Demi-Sec
Loire Valley, France

NECTAR WINE STYLE

The wine opens with bright fruit aromas of apricot and pear, with an off-dry palate framed by fresh flavors of apricot and stone fruit. The subtle sweetness is balanced nicely with this wine’s hallmark bright acidity.

Variety: 100% Chenin Blanc
Alcohol: 12.3% alcohol / volume
Acidity: 4.63 g/L
RS: 23.85 g/L
Fermentation: Temperature-controlled in stainless steel, then halted to retain sugars at 20-25 g/L
Winemaker: Marc Vappereau
Pairing Suggestions: Foie gras, red or black fruit tarts, chocolate

WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING RECOMMENDATION: Try this wine with a Goat Cheese (Chèvre). The bright acidity of the wine cuts beautifully through the tangy, creamy nature of fresh goat cheese. here.

THE VINEYARD:
AOP Vouvray spans 2,200 hectares surrounding the town of Vouvray. This Demi-Sec expression is a blend sourced from 2 villages: Vouvray, known for clay and sand soils, and Nazelle Négron, known for silica and gravel soils.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Maison Foucher was established in 1921 at the heart of Loire, between Pouilly-Fumé and Sancerre, by the dynamic Paulin Lebrun. Originally a cooper, he started growing his business by selling wine in his own barrels to local cafés and restaurants. Over the past century, only five winemakers have been at the head of Maison Foucher. Their common desire was to pass on their values and passion. Today, this strong legacy is embedded in the wines of Maison Foucher and is represented by the current director Marc Vappereau. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Maison Foucher – All Rights Reserved.

Raimund_Prum_Essence-Riesling-bottleRaimund Prüm
Essence
Riesling
Mosel, Germany

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Pale gold in color. On the nose, aromatic, with scents of apricot, green apple and peach. On the palate, fresh fruit flavors of pineapple and apricot are perfectly balanced by a racy acidity and mineral character.

Analysis: 10.5% alcohol / volume
Variety: 100% Riesling
Appellation: Mosel, Germany
RS: 21.3 g/L
TA: 5.7 g/L
Serve: Enjoy on its own or with a range of light appetizers, seafood dishes, BBQ, perfect with Asian cuisine and all styles of spicy food.
Accolades: 91 point review Wine Spectator 2021

WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING RECOMMENDATION: This wine, with its bright acidity and floral notes, pairs wonderfully with aged Gouda. The nutty and caramel flavors of the Gouda complement the wine’s fruitiness and balance its acidity beautifully. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

WINEMAKING:
Grapes are hand harvested in mid-October and undergo a gentle crush. The juice is fermented for four weeks in stainless steel tanks then bottled under Stelvin closure to preserve its character.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Prüm family’s roots in the Mosel region of Germany date back as far as 1156, making it one the country’s preeminent winemaking dynasties. Their incredible Riesling portfolio reflects traditional winemaking practices with exceptional single vineyard designated wines in every style. Family-owned S.A. Prüm, founded in 1911 by Sebastian Alois Prüm, has been in the hands of Raimund Prüm, head winemaker and Sebastian’s grandson, since 1971. Under Raimund’s leadership the property has earned a reputation as one of the most successful wineries in Germany’s celebrated Mosel wine region.

Photo and Information courtesy of © Prestige Beverage Group – All Rights Reserved.

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June Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubSeaGlass-Riesling-bottleSeaglass Wine Company
Riesling
Central Coast, California

NECTAR WINE STYLE

The aromatic nose of this Riesling showcases ripe apricot, sweet peach and tropical fruit, framed by floral undertones. White flowers on the palate are supported by flavors of juicy apricot, peach and melon, with hints of honeysuckle. A balanced acidity leads to a lingering finish in an off-dry style. Seaglass Riesling pairs well with spicy Asian dishes, smoked salmon, lobster salad and blue cheese.

Variety: Riesling
Appellation: Central Coast, California
Alcohol: 13% alcohol / volume
TA: 0.63 g/100ml
pH: 3.20
RS: 2.58 g/100ml

WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING RECOMMENDATION: Pair this wine with a blue cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

IN THE VINEYARD:
Riesling grapes thrive in the cool-climate of the Central Coast of California. Crisp, coastal air and low rainfall provide a longer growing season, giving Riesling plenty of time on the vine to develop its signature aromatics.

AT THE WINERY:
The Seaglass team retained the naturally fresh fruit flavor of their Riesling grapes by carefully avoiding any oxygen exposure during winemaking. A cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks allowed the delicate varietal flavors to reach their ultimate expression.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Seaglass Wine Company gets its name from the shards of glass that are polished— over decades—into beautiful, gems by the natural ebb and flow of wind, sea and fog. Seaglass wines encapsulate the ocean air, the sandy coastline and the fresh acidity of cool-climate fruit along the Central Coast. Crafted from wind-swept vines that produce nuanced flavors in the cellar and complex notes in the glass, Seaglass wines are an unmistakable expression of California’s coastal vineyards. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Seaglass Wine Company – All Rights Reserved.

Bartenura-Brachetto-sweet-red-bottleBartenura
Sweet Red
Brachetto
Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Dark cherry, plum and cassis flavors, with rich cinnamon, herb and coffee notes lend their characteristics to this refreshing effervescent wine.

Varietal: Brachetto
Alcohol: 6% alcohol / volume

WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING RECOMMENDATION: Try this wine with an Aged Gouda. The caramelized and slightly sweet undertones of the cheese will make a rich, cozy pairing for this wine. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Bartenura wines are made from the finest grapes grown through Italy’s famed wine regions. From the iconic “Blue Bottle Moscato” to their classic Sangiovese, they are made with Italy’s century-old traditions of making wine with passion and dedication to ensure the best in every bottle for wines that pair perfectly with every occasion.

Information & Photos © Bartenura – All Rights Reserved.

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May Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubPertinance-Moscato-Asti-DOCG-bottleCantina Pertinace
Moscato D’Asti DOCG
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This sweet wine is made with moscato grapes. It is straw-yellow with golden shades and very aromatic. The palate is sweet and effervescent.

Variety: Moscato
Denomination: Moscato d’Asti DOCG
Town: Treiso and Trezzo Tinella, Italy
Exposure: South, South-East
Acreage: 2 hectares
Yield to hectare: 70 hecto-liters in wine
Vine training system: Guyot
Vinification: 8 days in steel autoclave
Aging: 40-60 days in steel autoclave
Pairs well with: desserts, tea biscuits and custards

WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING RECOMMENDATION: Try this wine with a triple cream brie, acting almost like a custard. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Pertinace is a co-op, where business partners and winemakers work together to produce high quality wines with a soul, since 1973. Located in Località Pertinace, in Treiso, in the heart of the Langhe hills. This area is also known as the birthplace of Publio Elvio Pertinace, roman emperor, historically recognized as leader of great moral and value and as a honest man. The values of the emperor inspired Mario Barbero and his friends/partners, in 1973, to establish the co-op winery and give it such an important name recognized today internationally. The focus of the production is mainly Nebbiolo based, ideal for the production of the famous Barbaresco. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Pertinace – All Rights Reserved.

The-Seeker-Riesling-bottleThe Seeker
Riesling
Mosel, Germany

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This is a distinctive, classic Riesling made from grapes grown in choice Mosel sites from vines on fine, mineral-rich slate soil. It is off-dry with a fine balance between light sweetness and crisp acidity. It is ideal with difficult-to-pair foods, including sweet and spicy fare. It is well-balanced, with fine fruity and mineral tones and elegant acidity.

Varietal: 100% Riesling
Appellation: Mosel, QbA
Analysis: 10% alcohol / volume
pH: 3
Acidity: 5.9 g/L
Aging: Stainless steel and oak casks

WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING RECOMMENDATION: Take a risk with this pairing, try a cheese with fruit or spices like a stilton with apricots. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

HARVEST NOTE:
The harvest in Mosel, Germany, was characterized by ideal weather conditions, resulting in exceptional grape quality. A mild spring followed by a warm and dry summer provided optimal conditions for vine growth and ripening. The harvest commenced slightly earlier than usual, starting in late September, with winemakers reporting grapes with excellent sugar levels and balanced acidity. Overall, the vintage promises to yield wines with intense fruit flavors, vibrant acidity, and remarkable complexity, showcasing the unique terroir of the Mosel region.

WINEMAKING NOTES:
Vineyard sites in Trittenheim and Piesport are steep with fine, mineral-rich slate soil and optimal exposure to sun and wind, giving the wine its distinctive, classic and world-renowned flavors. The vineyards are 100% hand-harvested to ensure top-quality grape selection. Traditional wine making methods are observed, with individual wine-pressing techniques passed down through generations. Vinification takes place in stainless steel and oak casks over 4-6 weeks, followed by aging in tank and oak casks for 3-8 months.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Seeker is a global wine brand brought to wine lovers by a family company with 75 years of importing experience and the core belief that real people with real passion are essential to crafting great wines. Through their relationships with family wineries that span the globe, they bring us on an international wine journey that doesn’t allow borders, trends or preconceptions to stand in the way of enjoying great wines. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © The Seeker Wines – All Rights Reserved.

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April Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine Clubsaracco-moscato-bottlePaolo Saracco
Moscato D’Asti DOCG
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

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

Variety: Moscato Bianco Canelli
Vineyards: Located in Municipality of Castiglione Tinella, Santo Stefano Belbo, Castagnole Lanze and Calosso.
Pairs well with: Ideal with pastries, cakes, fruit tarts, ice cream, biscuits. Also delicious with cheeses such as gorgonzola and in cocktails.

WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING RECOMMENDATION: Try this wine with a gorgonzola. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

VINIFICATION:
After harvesting, the bunches are gently pressed to extract the most flavourful juice from the outermost part of the grapes. The must is kept in stainless steel containers at -3°C, where it can be kept for months. When there is market demand, it is then transferred into autoclaves for temperature-controlled fermentation, micro-filtered for purity and then bottled to keep the freshness and flavors intact.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Castiglione Tinella, located the heart of the Moscato d’Asti, Italy.  Since the early 1900s, the Saracco family has produced this aromatic wine in the area and cultivating their own vineyards, which is an important part of the process, creating a link with the ideal terrain for growing Moscato grapes. In 2021, WineStyles and Cheese Journey’s stayed on this property when traveling with our guests to this region. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Paolo Saracco – All Rights Reserved.

Stemmari-Moscato-bottleStemmari
Moscato
Terre Siciliane IGT
Sicily, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Vibrant, light yellow in color with a nose that has typical Moscato perfumes of while flowers with a smooth citrus note. Every sip conveys extreme fruitiness balanced by a pleasant crispness.

An indigenous varietal of Sicily, Moscato is prized worldwide for its enhanced aromatic bouquet. Its cultivation dates back to ancient times, when Greeks and Romans dominated the island.

Varietal: Moscato
Appellation: Terre Siciliane IGT
Analysis: 8.5% alcohol / volume
Pairs well with: Try it as a surprising aperitif and during your social gatherings. Perfect with Asian cuisine and with sour-sweet salads.
Accolades:

  • STEMMARI Moscato Giallo 13 – 90 pts – Ultimate Wine Challenge – 2014
  • STEMMARI Moscato Giallo 12 – 86 pts – Wine Enthusiast – 2014
  • STEMMARI Moscato Giallo 12 – Silver – Mundus Vini – 2013

WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING RECOMMENDATION: Try this cheese with a fresh ricotta. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

VINIFICATION:
The entire wine making process – from cold maceration with oxygen reduction to temperature controlled fermentation – is carefully managed as to allow the natural development and expression of the rich fragrances typical of this varietals.

PRODUCTION AREA:
Acate, in the province of Ragusa. This varietal perfectly adapts to the typically sandy terrain and seasonal drought of Sicily. Grown with the “Espalier” system, with an average density of planting of 4500 plants per acre. Sustainably farmed.

ABOUT THE WINERY: STEMMARI
In homage to Sicilian tradition and with great respect towards the natural environment, the winery has been built following the traditional Sicilian rural building with courtyard known as the “baglio”. Here tradition meets advanced technology resulting in both top quality and ancient flavors. The result of this mix of new technology in wine making together with old architectural traditions is enchanting. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Stemmari – All Rights Reserved.

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March Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubEroica Riesling wine bottleEroica
Riesling
Columbia Valley, Washington State

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This wine showcases the elegant purity of truly great Riesling. Sourced from cool climate vineyards, Eroica shows exuberant freshness with inviting stone fruit, citrus, and floral notes. Drink now to experience the youthful charm or age this wine for added complexity.

Blend: 100% Riesling
Analysis: 11% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.14
TA: .86 g/100ml
RS: 1.90 g/100ml
Appellation: Ancient Lakes AVA, Columbia Valley, Washington
Recommended Food Pairings: Crab, scallops, sushi, asian dishes, Indian curries

WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING RECOMMENDATION: Try this wine with triple-cream cheese, its rich, creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor stand up nicely to the Riesling’s fruitiness and crisp acidity. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

WINEMAKING NOTES:
To protect flavor intensity, grapes were harvested at night when the vineyard temperatures were coldest. Berries went direct to press, avoiding the possible loss of freshness caused by a crusher/de-stemmer. Aged 10 months in 100% stainless steel to heighten the vibrant flavors in the wine.

VINTAGE NOTES:
Despite extreme cold weather in January, the majority of vineyards across Washington state demonstrated remarkable resilience, with minimal winter damage and normal yields. The 2024 vintage saw typical temperatures, requiring less canopy and crop management, which allowed the vintage to naturally showcase its character. Favorable harvest conditions, with warm days and cool nights, created an ideal balance of tannin and acidity, leading to exceptional fruit quality. Both red and white varietals thrived under spectacular ripening conditions producing decadent, intense and well-balanced wines.

VINEYARD NOTES:
Eroica begins in the vineyard taking close consideration the proper site selection, irrigation management, crop levels and canopy management. Vineyard managers work to adjust yields and manage fruit exposure to prolong the ripening season for added flavor development. The Riesling was sourced from the Evergreen Vineyard located in the Ancient Lakes AVA.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Launched in 1999, Eroica is a labor of love for two of the world’s great Riesling producers—one from the Old World, Dr. Loosen estate of Germany, and the other from the New World, Chateau Ste. Michelle of Washington state. Named from Beethoven’s Third Symphony, Eroica reflects its heritage: elegant yet bold from Washington roots and refined from German inspiration. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Eroica – All Rights Reserved.

August Kesseler Riesling wine bottleAugust Kessler
Riesling
Rheingau, Germany

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This everyday sip wine is fruity, mineral and well balanced. Typical flavors of ripe fruits, aromatic apples & peaches. Well-structured and delightful as well. In the mouth, the interaction of mouth-watering fruits and minerals are positively shimmering – very delicate and refreshing on the palate.

Varietal: Riesling
Analysis: 10.5% alcohol / volume
Acidity: 7.9 g/L
RS: 28 g/L
Region: Rheingau, Germany
Vinification: Stainless Steel
Temperature: 50-54ºF
Aging: 2029
Allergens: Contains sulfites
Green Practices: EcoStep Wein Plus
Pairing Suggestion: Chicken, turkey, salads, fish and seafood

WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING RECOMMENDATION: Try this cheese with a Gruyère, its firm texture and nutty, slightly savory flavor work really well with Rheingau Riesling’s bright acidity and citrus-driven profile. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

VINEYARD:
August Kesseler’s “R” comes from vineyards in Rüdesheim, Geisenheim & Erbach. The sites are characterized by slate, Taunus quartzite, loess and loam.

VINIFICATION:
Each parcel is vinified separately. Shortly before bottling we are assembling the cuvée. The 2023 vintage has been manufactured in a double stored cellar from 1792.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
When August Kesseler took over his parent’s establishment founded in 1924, he was only 19 years old. Back then, mainly bulk wine was produced and the area covered was not larger than 2.5 hectares. Under August Kesseler’s guidance the estate has become one of the flagships in the Rheingau area. Down to the present day it has also acquired high international reputation. Today the vineyard estate contains 32.5 ha in some of the best Rheingau sites like: Assmannshäuser Höllenberg, Rüdesheim Berg Schlossberg, Lorchhäuser Seligmacher, Hattenheimer Wisselbrunnen and many more. They produce 60 % Riesling and 40% Pinot Noir and a member of the VDP and the German Barrique-Forum. Max Himstedt is the estate’s most experienced and ambitious winemaker who pushes forward the production of word class wines. For a couple of years August Kesseler and especially Max Himstedt have been joined by another ambitious and young oenologist: Simon Batarseh. Together with the first two mentioned and the whole team, Simon is going to lead the estate into the future. Thus, the course is set to keep producing quality wines at the highest stage. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © August Kesseler and Vineyard Brands – All Rights Reserved.

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February Sweet Club: Iowa

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Sweet Wine Clubchambers-rutherglen-old-vine-muscadelle-bottleChambers Rosewood Vineyards
Old Vine Muscadelle
Rutherglen, Australia

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Mocha and coffee bean aromas with toffee and malt with just a hint of cold tea. Palate of malt, salted caramel with mocha and cold tea notes, good length of flavor with persistence. A luscious wine with age characters evident. Solera bases from the early 1990’s. Deep tawny/black coffee color with a hint of olive at the edge.

Analysis: 17.5-17.9% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.53
Titratable Acidity: 5.4 g/L
Critical Acclaims:

  • The Real Review – Huon Hooke – Recommended Rating: 95 Points
  • James Suckling:
    • 2023 Rating: 97
    • 2024 Rating: 96
  • Halliday Wine Companion:
    • 2026 Rating: 95
    • 2025 Rating: 95
    • 2024 Rating: 95
    • 2022 Rating: 95
    • 2021 Rating 95
    • 2020 Rating: 97
    • 2019 Rating: 97

WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING RECOMMENDATION: Pair with our February Cheese Club selection – Clawson Farm’s Blue Stilton. The pungent saltiness and bold flavor of a blue cheese cuts through the wine’s sweetness and complements its nutty, caramelized character beautifully.. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

WINEMAKING:
The wine is made from late-harvested Muscadelle, a minor white Bordeaux variety, with sugar levels above 16 baumé typically achieved between mid-April and early May. After crushing and de-stemming, the fruit is pressed immediately and undergoes only minimal fermentation, sometimes less than 1 baumé. The juice is then fortified with neutral grape spirit to preserve primary fruit character, initially to around 16% alcohol. Following settling in stainless steel and cross-flow filtration, the alcohol is adjusted to 18–19% before maturation in cask.

Wines from individual vineyards and vintages are matured separately in casks ranging from 900 to 5000 litres and held until blending. Selection for Old Vine Muscadelle is based on quality rather than age, with only wines of good to very good standard considered.

Maturation continues in a three-tier modified solera established in the late 20th century by WB Chambers (fifth generation), originally seeded with a 1986 Muscadelle, traces of which may still remain. The solera begins with small barrels, followed by two levels of 2300-litre casks, with bottling wine drawn from the final tier. All movements are carefully assessed to ensure soundness and maturity, and the wine is bottled on demand.

chambers-old-vine-muscat-bottleChambers Rosewood Vineyards
Old Vine Muscat
Rutherglen, Australia

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Raisins and rose petal aromas combine with a luscious palate consistent with the fruit aromas and the hint of wood age. The result is a rich, well balanced wine with depth of flavor to enjoy with cheese dishes or chocolate based desserts.

Analysis: 17.4-18% alcohol / volume
Glucose & Fructose: 290.8 g/L
pH: 3.68
TA: 5.1 g/L
Critical Acclaim:

WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING RECOMMENDATION: Pair with our February Cheese Club selection – Saint Nectaire AOC. A washed-rind cheese has a rich, earthy creaminess that complements the opulent fruit and spice layers of the Muscat without overwhelming the palate.. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

WINEMAKING:
Muscat is made from Muscat à Petits Grains, with the reddish-brown Muscat à Petits Grains Rouge preferred in Rutherglen. Except for the 2015–2022 period, fruit is hand-picked and harvested at high sugar levels, typically above 16° baumé. After de-stemming, the must, including recovered raisins, is transferred to tank and undergoes a partial fermentation of around 2–3° baumé, either inoculated or wild, contributing color and complexity. Sugar released from rehydrating raisins can temporarily increase baumé, extending fermentation time.

Once the desired sugar level is reached, the must is pressed and fortified with neutral grape spirit to arrest fermentation at around 16% alcohol, preserving varietal character. The wine is settled, cross-flow filtered, adjusted to 18% alcohol, and matured in old casks ranging from 900 to 5000 liters. Individual vineyards and vintages are kept separate until blending.

Old Vine Muscat sits within the Classic category and is built around a solera developed over more than a decade, drawing on original material from vines over 100 years old. Current blends typically include fruit from 30- to 100-plus-year-old vines, with selection based on quality rather than age. The wine is bottled on demand.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Since establishment in 1858, in Victoria’s famed Rutherglen region in Australia, winemaking duties at Chambers Rosewood have been passed down from father to son through six generations. Today, Chambers Winery and Vineyards are operated by Stephen Chambers, supported by his father, the legendary Bill Chambers. This relaxed family-owned winery has been producing Muscats and Muscadelles that have been recognized all over the world for their complexity, intensity and balance for centuries. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Chambers Rosewood Vineyards – All Rights Reserved.

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