June Sweet Club: Iowa

Sweet Wine ClubSchmitt-Late-Harvest-Riesling-bottleSchmitt Söhne
Riesling Spätlese (Late Harvest)
Mosel, Germany

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Germany’s harvest is typically a month later than other wine regions, allowing for a long ripening season.  Their Late Harvest Riesling is made from grapes that remain on the vine, where they continue to ripen and intensify in flavor and picked several weeks after the main harvest. The result is a delicious concentration of fruit, with flavors of apricots and peaches coupled with enough acidity to give it a firm and juicy mouth feel.

Analysis: 8-8.5% alcohol / volume
RS: 46-50 g/L
TA: 8-9 g/L
Pairing Recommendation: Enjoy by itself, with soft or blue cheese, richer foods, Asian dishes, Thai, Cajun or any spicy cuisine. Or enjoy with one of their suggested recipes >
Serve: Chilled

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

About Schmitt Söhne Wines:
Family-owned and operated, over 200 years ago the Schmitt ancestors settled in the small village of Longuich, along the Mosel River, and began managing vineyards and producing wine. The Mosel is regarded as the oldest wine-growing region in Germany, believed to be established by the Romans around 50 AD.  It is one of the most northernly wine regions in the world and famous for their steep south-facing slopes and blue slate soil, reflected in the touch of minerality in their Spätlese. Now in the fifth generation, Schmitt Söhne is one of Germany’s largest and most successful wine exporters around the world. While they have continued to develop their winemaking techniques and technologies, the family has never lost sight of their traditions. Learn more here.

Information © Schmitt Söhne Wines – All Rights Reserved.


Pierre-Sparr-bottlePierre Sparr
Alsace Riesling AOC
Alsace, France

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This dry and elegant wine has a fine nose with mineral notes of citrus fruits and yellow lemon. It has beautiful length with salinity and a very nice freshness that is well-balanced with a huge and exceptional terroir expression. 

Analysis: 12.7% alcohol / volume
RS: 5.80 g/L
TA: 4.20 g/L TH2
Storage: 7-8 years
Serve: 42.8ºF-46.4ºF

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: These sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section will pair well with an herbal or spicy cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

About Pierre Sparr Winery:
The origin of winemaking in the Sparr family dates back to 1680. Generations later, Charles Sparr developed the business that his son, Pierre, later took the succession at the age of 20. Pierre had a distinct sense for business, making him a pioneer of “estate bottled” wines in Alsace. Pierre also had the courage and obstinacy to rebuild their entire estate after Sigolsheim and its vineyards were completely destroyed during WWII. In doing so, Pierre rebuilt one of Alsace’s most beautiful and prestigious Domaines. Today, with the help of the 9th generation, the aim is still to perpetuate tradition, passion and emotion. Learn more here.

Information © Pierre Sparr – All Rights Reserved.


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May Sweet Club: Iowa

Sweet Wine ClubConfetti_2021_Sweet_Pink_Grapefruit_Bottle ImageCONFETTI!
Sweet Pink Grapefruit
Trentino, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This citrusy, semi-sparkling aromatized wine is delicate and shiny coral pink in color. The nose is well-balanced and intense with long hints of ripe grapefruit. The palate is lively with an endearing, creamy foam and evident fragrance of grapefruit. Perfect for brunch and impromptu drinks with the crew! Serve chilled.

Analysis: 5.0% alcohol / volume
RS: 90
Country: Italy
Region: Various
Closure: Screw cap
Pairing: Pretzels, ricotta flatbread and your famous charcuterie board

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


Confetti_2021_Sweet_Peach_Rendering_v3CONFETTI!
Sweet Summer Peach
Trentino, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This semi-sparkling aromatized wine presents a nice and shiny, straw-yellow color with hues of green. It has definite and intense notes of white peach on the nose that are complex, elegant, and refined. The palate is pleasant with a creamy foam and a perfect balance between nice sweetness and acidity. There are notes of sweet, luscious peach and apricot with hints of honey with a little fizz.

Analysis: 5.0% alcohol / volume
Country: Italy
Region: Various
Closure: Screw cap
Pairing: Fresh fruit and fruit tarts

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: These sweet wines from our ‘Nectar’ section will pair well with an herbal or spicy cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

Information © CONFETTI! & Palm Bay International – All Rights Reserved.


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April Sweet Club: Iowa

Sweet Wine Clubpeach-wineRoscato
Peach Semi-Sweet
Lombardy, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Ripe and juicy, this wine stays on the sunny side of life. This wine highlights flavors of ripe stone fruit (think: peak-season peach and apricot).

Pairing: Buffalo wings, brunch favors, and hanging with friends on the patio.


tropical-wineRoscato
Tropical Semi-Sweet
Lombardy, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Exotic and tangy, this wine gives you “vacay” vibes all year round. It highlights notes of pineapple and mango with a juicy passionfruit finish.

Pairing: Fruit salad, shrimp cocktail and dips in the pool.

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

Frozen Tropical drink in wine glass

Roscato Frozen Tropical Blast

Frozen Tropical Blast Cocktail Recipe:

  • 6 oz Roscato Tropical (or Roscato Peach)
  • 3 oz coconut water
  • 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
  • 1/2 cup frozen peaches
  • 2 tbsp toasted flaked coconut

In a blender, combine Roscato, coconut water, pineapple and peaches; blend on high speed until smooth. Divide between two glasses, garnish with coconut.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
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. >

Information © Roscato Wine – All Rights Reserved.


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March Sweet Club: Iowa

Sweet Wine ClubSchlink_Haus_Kabinett_bottleSchlink Haus
Riesling Kabinett
Nahe, Germany

NECTAR WINE STYLE

The Kabinett is the lightest style of Riesling, ranging from dry to off-dry. This wine is delicately sweet and refreshingly brisk.

Varietal: Riesling
Analysis:
11.5% alcohol / volume
Sugar: 26.5 g/L
Acidity: 8.2 g/L
Quality Category: Quality wine with predicate
Style: Semi-sweet
Serving Temperature: 50ºF-53.6ºF
Critical Acclaim: Wine Enthusiast – Top 100 Best Buys of 2019


Schlink_Haus_Spatlese_bottleSchlink Haus
Riesling Spätlese
Nahe, Germany

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Spätlese means “late harvest”. This easy-drinking wine is medium sweet in style while balanced by acidity. It carries hints of earthy minerality on the finish.

Varietal: 100% Riesling
Analysis:
9.5-11.5% alcohol / volume
Sugar: 45-50 g/L
Acidity: 5-5.5 g/L
Age of Vines: 3-30 years
Soil: Loamy, sandy and slate
Fermentation Time: 8 weeks
Temperature Range: Cold Fermentation
Fermentation Container: Stainless steel
Critical Acclaim:
Wine Enthusiast – Top 100 Best Buys of 2021

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

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Founded in 1886 by Josef Barthelmeh, the Schlink family is now on its fifth generation of winemaking. The family has produced the blue bottle Riesling for over 200 years (well before any commercial opportunity was created) in Nahe, Germany – located between Mosel and Rhein, it is one of the smaller wine regions in all of Germany. Blessed with an extraordinary range of soil types in this region, including the entire rock cycle of igneous (volcanic), sedimentary (sandstone, clay, limestone), and metamorphic (slate) rocks. This landscape of vineyards, orchards and meadows is intercepted with cliffs and striking geological formations. Learn more here. >

Information © Schlink Haus – All Rights Reserved.


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February Sweet Club: Iowa

Sweet Wine Clubshelf-talker-mosketto-Rosso-bottleMosketto
Rosso

Brachetto
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

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

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

  • San Diego Wine Competition 2018 – Gold 91

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

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

Information © Mack & Schühle – All Rights Reserved.


Acquesi-Asti-bottleAcquesi
Asti DOCG
Piedmont, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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January Sweet Club: Iowa

Sweet Wine Clubchambers-rutherglen-muscadelle-bottleChambers Rosewood Vineyards
Muscadelle
Rutherglen, Australia

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This wine is dark bronze-gold in color with hints of amber. It has intense, fresh and fruity aromatics with characters of honey, butterscotch, crème brûlée, creamy caramel, dried oranges, orange blossom, dried pears, tea-cake, malt and green tea. These characters are also evident on the palate which is luscious with a hint of jasmine and fresh layers of flavor which linger in the mouth. This wine has a luscious texture with the gentle warmth of clean spirit and well-balanced sweetness complementing the finish.

Analysis: 18.5% alcohol / volume
Critical Acclaim:

          • Halliday Wine Companion
            • 2023 Rating: 92
            • 2022 Rating: 92
            • 2021 Rating: 91
            • 2020 Rating: 94
            • 2019 Rating: 93
          • Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide – 92 pts.

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 © Chambers Rosewood Vineyards – All Rights Reserved.


Tickle-Me-Pink-bottleScott Harvey Wines
Jana Winery
Tickle Me Pink
California

NECTAR WINE STYLE

The four components of this wine make for a foxy, sassy, and yummy wine with aromas and flavors of strawberry, cherry rosemary and thyme. There is a hint of fresh carbonation on the finish that makes it refreshing and surprising.

Varietal: 68% Lodi Chardonnay, 24% Lodi Riesling, 5% Mystery Wine, 3% Syrah
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.19
RS: Off Dry, 2.6%
Produced: 1,556 at 12/750 ml

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

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
“Making this wine gives me the chance to produce a true European type Rosé in a light, crisp and off dry style, similar to the wines we produced while working as an apprentice and going to winemaking school in Europe. I had a fun time putting this blend together. It is mainly Chardonnay and Riesling, with a little something mysterious thrown in to give it that mischievous character and flavor. The Syrah adds spice and color.” – Jana Winery

ABOUT THE WINERY:
In 1979 Scott Harvey developed an ambitious winery plan for the Santino family. As Winemaker and General Manager of Santino Winery, Scott is credited with placing Amador County firmly on the California wine map. Over the years, Scott honed in on his skills within the wine industry, becoming Partner, Winemaker and President of other wineries before starting his own venture with his most ideal partner – his wife, Jana, a wine industry veteran. Learn more here. >

Information © Scott Harvey Wines – All Rights Reserved.


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December Sweet Club: Iowa

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

NECTAR WINE STYLE

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

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

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

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

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


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

NECTAR WINE STYLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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April Bubbly Club: Iowa

Bubbly Wine Clubcharles-orban-carte-noire-brut-bubbly-bottleCharles Orban
Carte Noire Brut
Champagne, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Charles Orban Carte Noire Brut Champagne is clear golden in color with elegant, fine bubbles. The nose is delicate, but is dominated by citrus fruits with hints of fudge. On the palate, there is great length. It is smooth with brioche aromas and subtle notes of honey, pine nuts and light tobacco.

Varietal: 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Region: Champagne

Vineyard/Terroir: Troissy – Vallée de la Marne
Vintage: NV

Vinification: Dosage – 10 g/L
Serving Temperature: Serve at 46.4ºF-50ºF
Pairing: Serve as an aperitif, or pair with white meat or fish.
Critical Acclaim: 90 points Wine Spectator

A note of woodsy smoke underscores flavors of tangy plum, candied kumquat, white peach and fresh ginger in this mouthwatering Champagne, backed by firm, citrusy acidity. — 90 points, AN, Wine Spectator

ABOUT THE WINERY:
The Orban family has been growing grapes in Troissy, a village on the left bank of the Marne, since 1770. Their vineyards cover 331 hectares and are planted with Pinot Meunier (86%), Pinot Noir (8%) and Chardonnay (6%) grapes. By the end of the 1950s, Charles Orban left the Troissy cooperative and decided to produce his own champagne, selling it under his own name. Over the years, he grew his company from just 800 bottles, to now over 200,000 bottles produced and sold. Since then, the house was sold to a champagne family that continues to uphold the Orban family tradition. Learn more about their story here.


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March Bubbly Club: Iowa

Bubbly Wine ClubChandon
Brut Rosé
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Chandon Brut Rosé is vivacious and juicy. It’s a bright, dry Rosé with a refreshing lightness – perfect for sipping all year. On the eye, it is vibrant pink with an energetic bead and mousse. The nose is extremely fruity with subtle floral, toasty, mineral and brioche notes. On the palate, there are flavors of strawberry, red cherry, raspberry tart, red currant, pomegranate and notes of pastries or scones.  The creaminess, acidity and finish are all perfectly balanced with very little sweetness.

Grapes for Brut Rosé were sourced from multiple cool-climate appellations, ensuring complexity and consistency in this vibrant, smooth style. Grapes were harvested at night to keep the fruit cool and preserve freshness. Harvest begins early August to retain acidity and capture Chardon’s signature vibrancy.  State-of-the-art presses lower pressing times, limiting the the juice’s contact with the grape skins to avoid bitterness.  Primary fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks.  The second fermentation occurs in the bottle and the aging process begins. A minimum of 12 months aging imparts a creamy complexity balanced by juicy red fruit notes.

Varietal: 57% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 3% Meunier
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume

Brut: 9.5 g/L
Serving Temperature: Serve between 49ºF – 54ºF
Pairing: Perfect match for a sunny day, or paired with slightly spicy dishes, grilled burgers, paella, smoked salmon, gumbo, or duck fat fries.
Critical Acclaim:
2020 Wine Enthusiast – 90 pts.

Cocktail Recommendation: The Chandon Mirosa
3 oz. Chandon Brut Rosé
3 oz. Pink Grapefruit Juice


Chandon-Brut-bottle-150x525Chandon
Brut
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This Brut is the signature style of Chandon and the go-to bubbly for entertaining, sipping and gifting. It showcases the fruitiness, vibrancy and freshness of Northern California’s warm, sunny days and cool nights. On the eye, it is vibrant straw yellow in color with an energetic bead and mousse. The nose is very heavy in fruit, with medium floral and brioche notes, and light toasty and mineral undertones. The palate is intense and fruity with subtle complexity. There are key flavors of green apple, citrus, pear, biscuit, almond and white flowers. 

Grapes for Brut are sourced from multiple cool-climate appellations, ensuring complexity and consistency in the lively, juicy style. A minimum of 12 months aging imparts a creamy complexity, balanced by an elegant mouthfeel.

Varietal: 73% Chardonnay, 26% Pinot Noir, 1% Meunier
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume

Brut: 9 g/L
Serving Temperature: Serve between 49ºF – 54ºF
Pairing: A refreshing aperitif, or an ideal match with any salty or creamy dishes such as oysters, caesar salad, fried chicken or calamari
Critical Acclaim: 

  • 2022 Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards – Double Gold Medal winner
  • 2021 SF Chronicle Wine Competition – Double Gold Medal winner
  • 2021 Santé International Wine & Spirits – Double Gold Medal winner
  • 2021 Wine Enthusiast – 90 pts.
  • 2020 Wine Enthusiast – 90 pts.

Cocktail Recommendation: Sparkling Margarita
3 oz. Chandon Brut
1 ½ oz. Tequila Blanco
1 oz. Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
½ oz. Agave Syrup
Salt for the Rim

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Founded in 1973, by Robert-Jean de Vogüé and John Wright, Chandon is one of the first French-owned sparkling wine ventures in United States. The two carefully selected their vineyards, and are now considered to be amongst some of the best quality sparkling wines in California. Domaine Chandon is located in Yountville, within the Napa Valley, California.  With their Head Winemaker, Pauline Lhote, and her skilled team, the Chandon Winery is able to combine their skilled winemaking knowledge with French techniques to produce innovate, beautiful, vibrant wines. Learn more about their story here.

About-Domaine-Chandon-Entry

© Photo by Chandon Winery


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February Bubbly Club: Iowa

Bubbly Wine ClubClara-Vie-Brut-NatureClara Vie
Blanquette de Limoux Brut Nature
France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This Bubbly blend of Mauzac, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay is crystalline yellow in color with golden hues as it pours. The nose is intense with delicate scents of hawthorn and crisp green apple offsetting the nutty, pastry-like richness imparted by the extended tirage. A freshness sweeps over the palate with waves of citrus fruits, tart apple, Mirabelle plum, and golden flowers all lingering into a harmonious finish.

Varietal: 90% Mauzac, 5% Chenin Blanc, 5% Chardonnay
Terroir: 20-40 year old vines grown on gently sloping hillsides formed of calcareous clay in a Mediterranean climate

Elevation: 650 feet
Farming: Sustainable Farming
Aging:
24 months in stainless steel tanks
Bottled: At the winery

Certification: Certified Terra Vitis
Serving Temperature: Serve between 44ºF – 45ºF
Food Pairing: Enjoy as an aperitif or throughout the meal

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Clara Vie is a custom cuvée between JP Bourgeois and Françoise Antech, the sixth-generation member of Maison Antech-Limoux, a family-owned winery in France for over five centuries. Since the late 19th century, the family has been invested in the winemaking traditions of their region, taming their magical terroir to make fine sparkling wines. In 1996, Françoise stepped in to carry on the family traditions, while raising Antech to the ranks of the greatest sparkling wine makers. The secret of their character comes from a combination of Limoux’s three terroirs (the backbone of their cuvées): freshness from the Pyrenees, minerality from the ocean and roundness from the Mediterranean. Learn more here.


Von-winning-brutVon Winning
Riesling Extra Brut
Pfalz, Germany

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This Riesling Extra Brut has a soft, citrus aroma with an elegant spiciness on the palate.

“Based largely on vintage 2016 and on grapes from Ruppertsberg (especially Linsenbusch), this offers a mouthwatering and remarkably Chablis-like evocation of salted, herbed chicken stock and oyster liquor. Walnut and peach kernel piquancy stimulate further on a brightly lemony, buoyant palate. The mousse is admirably fine, the long finish both cheek-pinching and salivainducing, irrepressibly juicy and loaded with animal as well as mineral savor…” – Vinous, Antonio Galloni; 92 points.

Varietal: Riesling
Vineyard: Selection of different vineyards in and around Deidesheim

Soil: Chalky, loess-clay soils and red sandstone
Farming: Practicing Organic
Fermentation: Stainless steel tanks used for first fermentation, then secondary fermentation in the bottle. Left on the lees for 24-28 months.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Formally called the Dr. Deinhard Estate, (now Von Winning) was founded in 1849, producing unique wines reflecting their vineyards in Ruppetsberg, Deidesheim and Forst. In 1907, Leopold von Winning, son-in-law of Dr. Andreas Deinhard, dedicated his life to creating the highest quality of wines with respect to the vineyards passed down to him. Today, Stephan Attmann and his ambitious team uphold this visionary’s tradition.  Learn more about their story here.

 

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