Tag Archives: Veneto

June Bubbly Club Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubAvissi
Prosecco DOC
Prosecco, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Just as Champagne is synonymous with the sparkling wine region of Champagne, France, Italy’s famous sparkling wine region is the Prosecco DOC zone located in Veneto, Italy.  At the center of it all is a lovely grape called Glera, previously known as Prosecco (renamed in 2009) and an equally lovely village called Prosecco. Prosecco sparkling wines are made in the Charmat method, a lighter style with more delicate bubbles than its French counterpart in Champagne.

Avissi is clean and bright, a crisp sparkler with soft, elegant bubbles that flutter in the glass, giving a lovely effervescence to each sip. A beautiful balance of heady floral notes and luscious fruit makes it imminently approachable. That’s why we love it with take-out after work, all dressed up on a Saturday night, or brunch on Sunday.

Analysis: 11% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Glera (Prosecco)
Residual Sugar: 14.8 g/L
TA: 5.8 g/L
Appellation: Prosecco DOC, Veneto, Italy
Critical Acclaim: 92 Points – Tasting Panel Magazine

About Avissi Winery:
Located in a scenic village in northern Italy where Prosecco has flourished for hundreds of years, Avissi celebrates traditions, while bringing a new light to them. Grapes for Avissi are selected from small parcels of Glera vines grown throughout the Prosecco DOC. These vineyard blocks are faithfully tended to by families of winegrowers, who have farmed the vineyards for many generations. Avissi wines are crafted in small batches using concrete fermentation tanks, elevating the quality of the wine – a nuance you’ll be able to taste in the glass. Learn more about the Avissi winery here. 

Photos and Information © Avissi Wines – All Rights Reserved

La Gioiosa Et Amorosa
Prosecco Rosé
Millesimato DOC
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The nose is subtle and fresh, offering hints of small red fruits. Notes of rose and pomegranate complete this elegant and intense aromatic profile. On the palate, it is silky and full, presenting a very pleasant balance between the fruity and floral notes.

Analysis: 11% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Glera & Pinot Nero (Prosecco & Pinot Noir)
Sugar Content: 12 g/L
Region: Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy
Production Area: Vineyards in northeastern Italy (Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia) with alluvial soils rich in marl (carbonate minerals, clays, and silt).
Harvest: Pinot Nero grapes are picked in late August and the Glera grapes in mid-September.
Aging: Cold storage of the must in stainless steel tanks.
Food Pairings: Excellent as an aperitif. Ideal with finger foods and Mediterranean first courses.
Serving Temperature: 46.4ºF
Critical Acclaim: 90pts James Suckling, 2020

WINEMAKING:
Whole white clusters are soft-pressed in a bladder press. After an initial racking, the resulting must is transferred to temperature-controlled tanks where it remains until it is used for the production of the sparkling wine. After pressing, the red grapes are transferred into tanks and undergo gentle maceration for color and tannin extraction. Fermentation is carried out at 71.6ºF-73.4ºF to preserve the wine’s aromas.

SECOND FERMENTATION:
The white must and a small amount of the red must are blended together. Next, selected yeast is added to the resulting cuvée in vats where fermentation takes place at 59ºF-60.8ºF to enhance the fruits natural aromas. When the desired alcohol level and amount of residual sugar is obtained, fermentation is arrested by means of temperature control. After being aged for at least two months on its lees, the sparkling wine is ready for bottling.

La Gioiosa Et Amorosa
Prosecco Brut
Treviso DOC
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Very pale straw yellow in color with a fine, persistent perlage. The aroma is fruity and flowery with hints of ripe golden apple and small mountain flowers. The dry, fresh and flavorsome sensation on the palate is followed by a fruity and harmonious aftertaste.

Analysis: 11% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Glera (Prosecco)
Sugar Content: 14 g/L
Region: Veneto, Italy
Production Area: Extends in the province of Treviso in the DOC area of Prosecco – including the hills of morainic origin, over the plain with medium textured soils of alluvial origin.
Training Method: Single espalier, double canopy and radiating systems
Aging: Stainless steel tanks
Food Pairings: Excellent as an aperitif to accompany savories; or ideal with steamed shellfish.
Serving Temperature: 42.8ºF-46.4ºF
Critical Acclaim: 93pts Bevtest 2021

VINIFICATION:
The grapes are harvested and pressed before the must is transferred to a temperature-controlled tank and chilled to slightly above freezing. The must is racked to a temperature-controlled pressurized tank (autoclave) where the first fermentation is provoked. Wine is stabilized using temperature control and second fermentation is provoked as well.

SECOND FERMENTATION:
The must is put into vessels where the fermentation takes place at 59ºF-60.8ºF to enhance all the harvest fragrances. Upon reaching the required alcohol and sugar content, the fermentation is stopped by refrigeration.

ABOUT LA GIOIOSA WINERY:
La Gioiosa is characterized by long traditions and an extraordinary attitude towards innovation and research. Their desire to produce wines in accordance to their own innovative, high quality and sustainable practices – from the vineyard to the bottle – have led them to support projects such as the Wine Research Team and the certification of Biodiversity Friend. Their mission is to share the magic of its bubbles in the world, with respect for the environment and for a healthier future of our planet. Learn more here.

Photos and Information © Ethica Wines and La Gioiosa – All Rights Reserved

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May Cheese Club: Iowa

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Cheese Clubpiave-cheese-clubPiave Aged
Veneto, Italy

Aged for a minimum of 1 year, this Italian mountain cheese is made with pasteurized cow’s milk. It has a dense texture, similar to a young parmesan; at first rich, tangy, caramel-sweet and nutty in flavor, with a delayed component of citrus notes in its finish. Piave is regarded as a cheese that gains character as it ages.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
This cheese pairs beautifully with with Mellow or Bold Italian wines, such as Valpolicella, Amarone,or Chianti (Sangiovese). For craft beers, pair with a light Pilsner or Lager, such as Italian Peroni or a Saison.

WINESTYLES: Mellow or Bold
BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean

Information © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

Coopers-Hill-Header-Product-485x485Cooper’s Hill
Double Gloucester
Great Britain

Cooper’s Hill celebrates a famous cheese rolling tradition enshrined in English folklore.  Every year, a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese is sent down the hill and the first person chasing it to cross the finish line receives the wheel of the cheese and all the accolades. This year’s event is scheduled for May 29, 2023. Learn more about this fun tradition >

This pasteurized cow’s milk cheese combines the creamy texture and rounded taste of a quintessential British Double Gloucester with the tang of added chives and onions.  

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
This cheese suits Mellow or Bold wine styles, such as a Syrah or Spanish Rioja wine. Silky white wine style, such as a Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre region in Loire Valley, France. For craft beer, a natural partner would be British or American Brown Ales.

WINESTYLES: Bold or Mellow red wines or  Silky white wines.
BEERSTYLES: Fruity & Spicy

Information © Zuercher & Co. – All Rights Reserved.

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

March Bubbly Club Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubGranPassione_Prosecco_DOC_bottleGran Passione
Prosecco D.O.C. Spumante
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Crisp and delicate effervescence. A light pale yellow color, delicate and complex bouquet nose with fruity notes of peach and green apple and secondary notes of acacia and lilac. It is fresh and light on the palate, with balanced acidity and body; harmonious with a long persistent pleasant aftertaste. 

Varietal: 100% Prosecco (Glera)
Analysis: 11% alcohol / volume
Sugar: 14-16 g/L
TA: 5.5-6.0 g/L
Appellation: Processo DOC, Veneto, Italy
Harvest: Second half of September
Cellaring: 2 years
Serving Suggestions: Ideal as an aperitif, or serve with hors d’oeuvres and delicate first courses. Also wonderful with sushi, fish and shellfish. Serve at 46-50ºF.

VINIFICATION:
Grapes are hand-selected both for area of origin and overall quality. After gentle pressing of the grapes and clarification of the must, fermentation takes place in temperature controlled stainless steel vats. After fermentation is complete, a second fermentation occurs by small additions of yeasts and sugar, and takes place in glass lined tanks. This lasts for about 45 days and is known as the Martinotti-Charmat method. The resulting wine has small bubbles (less “fizzy” than champagne).

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Gran Passione wines come from Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, lands with endless history, eternal art and lush nature. Thanks to the presence of many native vines, original and refined wines are often produced in this region. Gran Passione believes in creating elegant wines, with a classic style, for those who enjoy the simple pleasures of good wine and food. They combine the best of Italian wine traditions with a cosmopolitan vision to celebrate life, beauty and happiness. Learn more here. >

Information and Photos © Wine Sellers Ltd and Gran Passione – All Rights Reserved

Pizzolato-Prosecco-Spumante-Muse-bottleLa Cantina Pizzolato
M*USE Prosecco Spumante
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This wine opens with alluring aromas of jasmine, beeswax and Bosc pear. The juicy, elegant palate delivers green apple, lemon zest and hazelnut alongside bright acidity and refined persistent bubbles.¹ Straw yellow in color, there are aromas of golden apple, pressed flowers, white peach and mint with a soft, crisp, effervescent, dryish light body and a sleek, medium-length Meyer lemon, sage, and plantain finish. A dry and palate-opening Prosecco that will make a great aperitif.

Varietal: 100% Prosecco (Glera)
Analysis: 11% alcohol / volume
Acidity: 0.11 g/L
Residual Sugar: 8 g/L
Appellation: Traviso Prosecco DOC, Veneto, Italy
Terroir: Pebbly and permeable soil. Allowing good drainage.
Training System: Pendelbogen training system
Certification: BIOS Italy
Serving Suggestions: Ideal as an aperitif or enjoy with a variety of entrees.
Critical Acclaim: 89 Points – 2021 Vinous; 88 points – 2021 Wine Enthusiast Magazine

VINEYARD:
The estate is located in the rich and flourishing countryside in the north of Treviso, and the vineyards are situated on the plains and hillsides near the Piave River.

VINIFICATION:
Grapes are handpicked and vinified using the Italian Charmat method, with temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel and secondary fermentation in sealed tanks for 30 days. The wine is then promptly bottled and released.

Information © Natural Merchants; 1. Wine Enthusiast; and 2. Tastings.com; – All Rights Reserved

Pizzolato-Fields-ProseccoLa Cantina Pizzolato
Fields Prosecco
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Made with organically farmed grapes, this wine opens with aromas of citrus blossom, and Bartlett Pear. Its bright palate showcases notes of white peach, lemon zest and almond with crisp acidity and refined bubbles.¹ 

Varietal: 100% Prosecco (Glera)
Analysis: 11.5% alcohol / volume
Acidity: 5.4 g/L
Residual Sugar: 10 g/L
Appellation: Treviso Prosecco DOC, Veneto, Italy
Terroir: Pebbly and permeable soil. Allowing good drainage.
Training System: Pendelbogen training system
Certification: BIOS Italy
Serving Suggestions: Enjoy with sushi and sashimi, spicy Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, crab quiche, Mexican street tacos, and cured meat charcuterie boards with tangy, salty cheeses such an Italian Casatella or French Camembert.
Critical Acclaim: #9 Top 100 Best Buys of 2020 – 2020 Wine Enthusiast Magazine; 90 points & Best Buy – 2019 Wine Enthusiast Magazine

VINEYARD:
The estate is located in the rich and flourishing court-side in the north of Treviso, and the vineyards are situated on the plains and hillsides near Piave river.

VINIFICATION:
Grapes are handpicked and vinified using the Italian Charmat method, with temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel and secondary fermentation in sealed tanks for 30 days. The wine is then promptly bottled and released.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Organic since 1991; environment, research and sustainability are Pizzolato’s core values. Documented evidence reports the presence of the Pizzolato family in Villorba as early as 1719, and for more than five generations, the family of Settimo has owned and operated the winery and vineyards of Pizzolato Organic Wines. Choosing organic means drinking wine that has a respect for the environment. The family is dedicated to continuously learn from their environment, and they understand that this approach means each vintage will be different from the next. Learn more here. >

Information © Natural Merchants; La Cantina Pizzolato; and 1. Wine Enthusiast – All Rights Reserved

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September Bubbly Club Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubGran Passione_RoseGran Passione
Prosecco DOC Rosé (NV)
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Prosecco DOC Rosé has a fine, bright perlage and is light rose in color. The nose has a delicate and complex bouquet with fruity notes and hints of peach, green apple and lemon. There are also hints of floral notes of acacia and rose on the nose. It is fresh and light on the palate, with balanced acidity and body. This wine has a round and full-bodied structure; it is intriguing on the palate, dry and soft, with a pleasantly long finish.

Varieties: Glera, Pinot Nero
Analysis: 11% alcohol / volume
Region: Veneto, Italy
Soil: Clay
Serving Temperature: 46.4ºF-50ºF
Pairing Recommendations: Enjoy as an aperitif or with fish soups, grilled fish, and courses based on mushrooms.

VINIFICATION:
After a team of oenologists select the best wines for the sparkling winemaking process, the wine is filtered in steel tanks, with the addition of must and selected yeasts, for the second fermentation (Martinotti-Charmat method) at a controlled temperature of 57.2ºF-59ºF. Once the wine has reached the required pressure levels, alcohol and sugar content, it is refrigerated, cold stabilized (28.4ºF-26.6ºF), filtered and controlled before bottling.

VENETO REGION:
This climate is temperate. Mitigated by the sea, the chain of the Alps protects the region from the northern winds. Winters are cold and humid, and summers are hot and muggy with medium temperature variations.

ABOUT GRAN PASSIONE:
“Gran Passione”, meaning “great passion” creates wines that express the hard work and traditions of the land and combines those with a cosmopolitan vision to celebrate life, beauty and happiness. Their wines come from Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia – two of the most (arguably) important Italian regions for viticulture and excellent wines. Learn more about their concept here.

© Information by Gran Passione.

BiancaVigna_Cuvee 1931BiancaVigna
Spumante Rosa (Brut Rosé)
NV Cuveé 1931
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Salmon pink in color, this sparkling wine is an intriguing blend of the typical Prosecco variety Glera and Pinot Nero. A very fine and persistent perlage opens to ethereal perfumes of spring flowers, orchard fruit and distinctive notes of red berries, enhanced by a delicate hint of aromatic herbs. The fresh and silky palate reveals rich fruit (white peach, cherry) to conclude in a refined finish with bright acidity.

Varieties: 95% Glera, 5% Pinot Noir
Analysis: 11.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.3
Acidity: 6.8 g/L
Residual Sugar: 10 g/L
Region: Veneto, Italy
Vineyard: Soglio, Veneto
Soil: Clay
Yield: 60 hl/ha
Harvest: Hand harvest in Mid-September
Aging: In stainless steel tanks on lees
Vinification: Secondary fermentation for 45 days in stainless steel tanks, with the addition of yeast and sugar
Cellar: San Pietro di Feletto
Production: 2,000 cs
Critical Acclaim: 91 pts. Wine Enthusiast “Editor’s Choice”; 90 pts. Vinous Media

BiancaVigna_Prosecco DOCBiancaVigna
Prosecco Brut NV DOC
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This Prosecco DOC is a well-balanced, fresh and bright wine, whose medium-body and clean finish make it a refreshing summer beverage or ideal choice for an aperitif. Aromas and flavors of sliced green apples and pears are complimented by a more mineral note of slate.

Varieties: 100% Glera
Analysis: 11.5% alcohol / volume
Acidity: 6.8 g/L
Residual Sugar: 12 g/L
Region: Veneto, Italy
Vineyard: Monticella and San Pietro di Feletto (Conegliano/Valdobbiadene)
Soil: Chalky
Age of Vines: 11 years (Monticella), 25 years (San Pietro di Feletto)
Average Altitude: 300-490 feet above sea level
Yield: 60 hl/ha
Harvest: Mid-September
Aging: Stainless steel vats
Vinification: Secondary fermentation with selected yeasts, in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks (cuvée close) for a minimum of 60 days followed by tartaric stabilization at low temperature in stainless steel tanks on lees
Bottling: Isobaric bottling after sterile filtration
Cellar: San Pietro di Feletto
Release: December
Production: 8,333 cases per year
First Vintage: 2007
Critical Acclaim: 91 pts. Vinous Media; 90 pts. – Vinous Media (2020); 90 pts. – James Suckling; 90 pts. – Falstaff Magazine; 90 pts. Wine Enthusiast

ABOUT BIANCAVIGNA:
The Moschetta family has a history of grape growing, dating back over a century cultivating grapes from the historic vineyards in the prestigious San Galla area. The family had always sold their grapes to the local cooperative and various wineries in the area. It wasn’t until 2004, Elena Moschetta (sister) and Enrico Moschetta (brother) team decided to combine Elena’s extensive business and managerial experience with Enrico’s 20+ years of expertise and familiarity with the vineyards and Prosecco wines, founding the BiancaVigna winery. Learn more about their history here.

© Information by BiancaVigna of Indigenous Selections.

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January Cheese Club: Iowa

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cheese_club_logo-1240x1240Ubriaco-pinot-RoseUbriaco Pinot Rosé
Veneto, Italy

This semi-firm cheese is crisp and salty in flavor with a light fruity aroma, highlighting notes of berry sorbet and ripe peach. It is soaked in organic La Jara Pinot Grigio rosé, retaining the flavors of the wine without the sharp, alcoholic bite being too present or overpowering. The blush colored rind is topped with dried rose petals, making it almost too pretty to eat.

Milk Type: Cow – Pasteurized
Rennet Type: Traditional
Aging: Minimum 10 months
Serving Suggestion: Enjoy crumbles of Ubriaco Pinot Rosé on a cheese plate with fresh strawberries, dark chocolate, and a Sparkling Rosé.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Pair with a Prosecco wine or any crisp and clean beer like a Pilsner.

WINESTYLES: Bubbly
BEERSTYLES: Crisp & Clean

Brabander-reserveFromagerie L’Amuse
Brabander Reserve Gouda (Black Betty)
Holland

Also known as Black Betty, the Brabander Reserve is produced by world-renowned affineur, Betty Koster of Amsterdam’s L’Amuse Cheese Shop. Betty hand-selects a very limited number of wheels of Brabander (which are normally aged for 6-9 months) and ages them an additional 6 months, creating this ‘black-label’ version of her goat milk gouda that is only available from November to January. This Brabander Reserve has brown-buttery notes and a creamy bite with additional rich flavors of licorice, caramel, and pineapple. Each shop is only allowed a certain number of wheels each year… so, when it’s gone, it’s gone until next year!

Milk Type: Goat – Pasteurized
Rennet: Traditional/Hard
Average Age: About 16 months

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Pair with a fruity red wine, such as a Cru Beaujolais, or a dark, malty beer with bite such as a Doppelbock.

WINESTYLES: Fruity
BEERSTYLES: Malty & Sweet

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 >

January Sweet Club Iowa

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Sweet Wine ClubRoscato-Bianco-Label-Update-Bottle-ShotwebRoscato
Bianco Dolce
Northern Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Pale straw in color with fine, delicate bubbles, the Bianco Dolce has delicate aromas of peach, yellow apples and candied citrus. The palate is sweet, yet refreshing with a lingering finish.

Analysis: 8% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Blend of native and international grape varieties
TA: 5.70 g/L
RS: 95 g/L
Region: Northern Italy
Appellation: Trevenezie IGT
Vinification: Each variety is harvested and vinified separately, allowing the grapes to reach perfect ripeness. Following de-stemming, the must is macerated with the skins allowing it to retain maximum fragrance. The must is kept at a low temperature until fermentation, at which point the varieties are blended together. When the wine has reached an alcohol content of 8%, fermentation is interrupted by lowering temperature to approximately 32°F leaving a high level of natural residual sugar.
Notable: Vegan, gluten free
Serving Suggestions: Highly versatile, the Bianco Dolce is a great aperitif and equally great with white meats, classic Italian dishes, and spicy foods. Enjoy well-chilled.

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.

roscato_moscato_bottle-webRoscato
Moscato
Northern Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This Moscato is straw-yellow in color with vivid greenish reflections. The nose has varied notes of candied citrus, ripe fruit and white flowers. The palate is sweet and fresh in taste with delicate bubbles, and a pleasant, fruity, persistent aftertaste.

Analysis: 7% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Moscato
TA: 5.50 g/L
RS: 100 g/L
Region: Trentino/Veneto
Appellation: Trevenezie IGT
Vinification: The grapes are harvested and vinified to reach perfect ripeness. Following de-stemming, the juice is kept on the skins for several days at low temperatures to extract the fruit’s aromas and retain maximum fragrance.
Notable: Vegan, gluten free
Serving Suggestions: Ideal as a dessert wine, but it also pairs well with delicate cheeses, spicy foods or barbecue dishes.

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

ABOUT ROSCATO:
Roscato is an irresistible range of high-quality wines from Northern Italy, near the Italian Alps and Lake Garda – the ideal climate for perfect wine-growing conditions. The winery combines traditional grape growing methods with modern winemaking techniques to produce their lively wines. Whether you are a fan of sweet, rich, bold or soft & silky wines, Roscato wines offer a perfect complement to any cuisine. Learn more here.

Sweet ClubLove the Sweet life?
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November Sweet Club

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Sweet Wine ClubIl MoscatoMionetto
Il Moscato
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Founded in 1887 by Francesco Mionetto in the small village of Valdobbiadene, Mionetto has an established reputation for quality, tradition and innovation. In the heart of the Prosecco region, Mionetto produces exceptional wines with consistent national and international acclaim.

Mionetto’s Il Moscato has a bright, golden, straw yellow color; persistent nose reminiscent of aromatic grapes; elegant, sweet, delicate palate. Overflowing with stone fruit aromas such as peach and apricot, with slight floral overtones On the palate, it tastes of bright juicy fruit with a refreshing zing from the delicate bubbles. The persistent, fine bubbles enhance the taste experience.

Food Pairing Recommendations: Ideal with fruit, pastries and tarts.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Bubbly’ section pair well with soft or pungent cheeses, such as a Brie and Camembert. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Analysis: 7% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Moscato
Residual Sugar: 70 g/l
Acidity: 6 g/l
Winemaker: Francesco Mionetto

ABOUT THE WINERY:
In 1887, master winemaker Francesco Mionetto opened the winery in Valdobbiadene, in the heart of the Prosecco area, just north of Venice. His love and passion for the region and its wines are still to this day a fundamental value for this unique winery. Mionetto has become a flagship for the area and a shining example of Prosecco production on the international scene.

From the very beginning, Mionetto has always been a modern and innovative winery able to anticipate trends, while maintaining a strong bond to the traditions of its homeland, a feature which still today sets it apart from other sparkling wine producers.

Photo by: Mionetto Winery

PRODUCTION:
In 1982, the Mionetto family introduced autoclave fermentation by switching to the Charmat method, which allows for better preservation of the flavors and aromas of Prosecco and other sweet wines. After an initial soft pressing and the temperature-controlled first fermentation that takes place at the facilities of their selected producers, using the Charmat method, the second fermentation takes place in autoclaves instead of individual bottles. This additional temperature-controlled fermentation is recommended in order to help maintain the freshness and aroma of the grape in the bottling phase.

The winemaker’s job is not only to produce a high quality sparkling wine, but to maintain the relationships with local farmers who provide the grapes. Mionetto is fortunate to have relationships with vineyard owners that date back for generations. The strength and longevity of these relationships are what greatly affect the quality and quantity of grapes provided to a winery. 

THE TERRITORY:
Mionetto has become a flagship for the area and a shining example of Prosecco and Moscato production on the international scene. The beauty of the hills takes in many physical forms. While some slopes roll gently towards the valley, others are much steeper. For protection from the prevailing cold alpine winds and icy rains from the North, vines are on Southern slopes. Southeast slopes are best; they face the morning sun, benefiting from the early sunlight and a morning jolt of CO2, needed for sugar production. The climate is generally temperate: the area is protected by the Alps to the North and warmed by the winds of the Adriatic Sea to the East, mitigating the temperature in summer and producing rainfall that favors the proper growth of vines. In late summer, the area is characterized by great temperature variations between day and night, enabling the growth of aromatic substances in the grapes as they mature. Learn more here.

Photo by: Mionetto Winery

Croft Fine Tawny PortCroft
Fine Tawny Port
Douro Valley, Portugal

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Vivid tawny-red color. Nose of ripe mellow fruit with aromas of figs and prunes set off by an attractive woody and spicy character. Smooth and round on the palate, full of rich jammy flavors.

Food Pairing Recommendations:
Ports are very versatile and can be used for cooking sauces to roasted beef or lamb; or added in desserts for dimension and silkiness.  When simply drinking this port, keep it for desserts, or pair with more savory dishes such as Pâtés, Blue Cheeses, or Walnuts. Check out Croft’s recommended recipes and pairings here.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section pair well with strong cheeses, such as a Stilton and other Blue cheeses. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Analysis: 20% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Blend
Residual Sugar: 100.6 g/l
Acidity: 3.37 g/l

Production:
The Fine Tawny is drawn from a reserve of fine wood ports which have been aged for up to three years in seasoned oak casks, each holding about 650 liters of wine. The individual wines are then blended to guarantee consistency of quality and house style. Croft Fine Tawny is bottled for immediate drinking.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Croft is one of the most distinguished of all Port houses. Founded in 1588, it is the oldest firm still active today as a Port wine producer. The company is renowned above all for its Vintage Ports as well as for its range of wood aged reserves and tawnies, time-honored styles refined by skill and experience passed down the generations.

As important as its history, traditions and vineyards, is the fact that Croft remains a family company, dedicated to the production of the finest Ports of all styles, from full bodied reserve Ports to the iconic Croft Vintage Ports prized by the connoisseur and collector.

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

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Sweet Club

October Bubbly Club

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Bubbly Wine ClubDOC BrutScarpetta 
Prosecco DOC Brut
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This Prosecco comes from the Grave del Friuli, Italy’s newest DOC region for Prosecco. Light, bright and sparkling appearance, with aromas of juicy melon, white flowers and hazelnut. This light, dry and vibrant Prosecco makes the quintessential aperitivo with flavors of green apple, honeydew melon and fresh cut flowers. Pair with anything from a bag of chips to a light appetizer – enjoy on its own, or while dreaming of relaxing in the Piazza San Marco in Venice.

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume

Production:
The grapes Glera (the noble grapes of Prosecco) and Chardonnay are fermented in stainless steel, kept at very low temperatures and then brought into the Charmat Method, also known as Metodo Italiano. From there, they are further aged in bottle.

Rosé Brut TimidoScarpetta 
Timido Rosé Vino Spumante Brut
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This sparkling rosé comes from the Grave del Friuli and is made from 100% Pinot Noir. It has a bright pink, rosy and vibrant appearance, with aromas of strawberries and fresh cut flowers. On the palate, this wine is crisp and dry with delicate flavors of juicy strawberries and fresh herbs. This Spumante Rosé is great to have before or after a meal; its wonderful with salads, plates of salumi or a lovely grilled salmon.

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume

Production: The grapes are fermented in stainless steel and produced in the Charmat Method (also called “Metodo Italiano”); this is the same method used in Prosecco production. The wine is then aged in stainless steel and in bottle.


ABOUT THE WINERY:
Years ago, travels took the winery to the northeastern Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. A passion for creating wines from this unique region eventually led Scarpetta to expanding into all of Italy. True to Italian traditions, part of everyday meals include drinking good wine, great conversation, and little moments of celebration. Scarpetta was created as an homage to this lifestyle. Scarpetta refers to a small piece of bread used to soak up the last bit of delicious sauce on your plate that you can’t possibly leave behind.

Italy is as diverse in its wines as it is in its cuisine, which is why we’ve developed a passion for combining regional wines with provincial recipes. There’s an old food and wine pairing motto that says, “if it grows together, it goes together.” Our hope is that Scarpetta wines will bring this story of the Italian table to life. Our wines are meant to be enjoyed with good food, but more importantly shared — from special occasions to everyday adventures.

Photo by Scarpetta: Sauris, Italy
Prosecco
Photo by Scarpetta: Prosecco DOC Brut
Photo by Scarpetta: Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Photo by Scarpetta: Friuli-Venezia Giulia

 

Flora ProseccoCol di Luna 
“Flora” Prosecco DOC
Veneto, Italy

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Made in the pre-Dolimites of Vittorio Vento, Italy, this is a ‘Brut’ nature Prosecco. On the palate, it is bone-dry, with flavors of mountain flowers, mixed with honeysuckle and wild tart apples. The crown cap closure keeps the wine fresh and fizzy – more ideal than the classic cage and cork method, as it is quick to open and easily enjoy.

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume

ABOUT THE WINERY:

For generations the Col di Luna family has been dedicated to wine-growing and has lived on this hills passionately cultivating their land and growing the traditional local grapes. Love for making wine has been a part of the family heritage from the distant 1780s, when Antonio Maria Casagrande Cosmo moved from Venice to the hills north of the city and planted their first vineyard.

Col di Luna is located in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco producing area. Due to its geographic position, this beautiful and unique area has an enormous potential for the production of distinctive great sparkling Prosecco wines. They believe good wines come from grapes which bear the characters of the place they originated from and that’s why Col di Luna allows their wines to naturally express the earth that grows them. The harvest begins in the middle of September. Testing for the proper ripeness of the grapes begins at the end of August. When it is confirmed that the level of sugar and acidity is ideal and stable, the harvest starts.

Col di Luna believes that man is an important and irreplaceable link in the life cycle of grapevines, so, all harvesting is done by hand. The grapes are then taken immediately afterwards to the cellar for processing. Their production areas extend over 9 provinces in Veneto and Friuli. The most important production area is the province of Treviso. Col di Luna is located in the very hearth of the traditional area for glera production.

Photo by Col di Luna: Terroir
Photo by Col di Luna: Production Areas

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