My personal highlight of Le Grand Tasting – La Belle Époque
My personal highlight of Le Grand Tasting @bettanedesseauve in #paris at the #museedelouvre was the #masterclass @perrierjouet #verticaltasting of La Belle Époque five vintages- 2014, 2013, 2008, 2011, 2007 🥂🥂 The event was hosted by Cellar Master Séverine Frerson & @bettanedesseauve She guided us through the impact of harvests done in August, September and October had on their champagnes. It was fascinating to taste the differences year to year and hear her inisghts. The nuances were remarkable from year to year yet the style consistency always remained the same – the perfectly beautiful and balanced elegance of La Belle Epoque Did you know that only 17% of cellar masters are women? As you can imagine, it was an honor for your truly to meet and chat with Séverine (the eight cellar master for Perrier Jouet) at the end of the class. Her passion and dedication are infectious. Watch this space for my future visit and interview with Séverine. #labelleepoque #womeninspiringwomen #womendowine #femalecellarmaster #chefdecaves #perrierjouët #perrierjouet #perrierjouetbelleepoque
Filodivino Matto – You Can’t Ignore
This lady is so good you can’t ignore her. I am speaking about the Uber talented #womanwinemaker Ginevra Espositi who through her biodynamic and organic practices transports you to a time and sense of place. Filodivino “Matto” Castelli dei Jesi Verdicchio 2021 A versatile grape from Marche region of Central Italy that can be so refreshing and complex at the same time. It has often been referred to as a red wine in disguise due to its immense character, its texture and medium bodied hug. Made from 100% Verdicchio, the grapes are harvested by hand and then fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged for six months on the lees to add complexity and body. Pours into the glass a clear and shiny yellow color. The nose is expressive and inviting, with aromas of white flowers, such as acacia and chamomile, along with peach, apple and pear. As the wine opens up, notes of citrus herbaceousness and almond emerge, adding complexity and nuance.The palate is medium-bodied with a bright, refreshing acidity and a smooth, creamy texture. The flavors of fruit are prominent, along with notes of fennel, almond, and lemon curd. The finish is long and lingering on grapefruit pith, almond skin, honey and savory salinity. This wine has such an incredible texture that keeps you coming back for more. Fun, Fresh, Double Fun and Fantastic. Pair with a cream of celery soup, linguine with clams, marcona almonds or spinach herb quiche. Check out our LIVE tasting on: Facebook or YouTube
A Rosato Silk Scarf from Perla Del Garda
Wrap this Rosato of a silk scarf around you and be enveloped by its charm Perla Del Garda Valtenesi Chiaretto 2022 Check out the LIVE with as we discover this wine’s origin, the winemaker and it’s tasty beauty. Live Tasting With Iola Wines Perla del Garda Valtenesi Chiaretto 2022 is a rosé wine produced by the Perla del Garda winery in the Valtenesi region of Lombardy, Italy. It is made field blend of 4 indigenous red grapes, Groppello, Marzemino, Barbera, and Sangiovese. The grapes are grown on clay and limestone soils and are harvested in the fall. The wine is co-fermented in stainless steel tanks and is aged for six months before bottling. Pours into the glass a rich coral salmon color. Its clarity is exceptional, hinting at the pristine nature of the grapes and the natural winemaking process. A symphony of aromas greets the nose, a captivating blend of zesty citrus & orchard fruit nuances, juicy cherry and raspberry, savory herbs and touch of rose petal floral notes. The first sip delivers a burst of refreshing blood orange and pink grapefruit followed by perfectly ripe peaches and nectarines, with the red berries holding hands along the way. Subtle hints sage, thyme and white pepper add depth and complexity, while a touch of minerality lends structure and elegance. The acidity is lively and well-balanced,cutting through the richness of the fruit flavors and leaving a lingering freshness. A gastronomic medium bodied rosaato that has gumption and style. Enjoy it on it’s own or allow it to pull up a chair at your holiday table. It’s dressed to impress, always.
All You Need Is Love… and Crémant
𝒜𝓁𝓁 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝒾𝓈 𝐿𝒪𝒱𝐸 … 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒞𝓇é𝓂𝒶𝓃𝓉 🥂 That’s how #femalewinemaker Meredith Freschotte felt when she visited the Loire for the first time and fell in love with the beauty of Chenin Blanc… she said “Le vin pourrait être comme un parfum” This Burgundian oenologist, who studied in Champagne, wanted her wines to have the utmost purity and terroir expression possible – nothing added , minimal intervention, let nature shine please. A perfect match with Maison LaGarenne mantra. Of note, they are a family house dating back to 1859, HVE certified with the highest respect for the environment. ʟᴇ ɢᴀʀᴇɴɴᴇ ᴄʀÉᴍᴀɴᴛ ᴅᴇ ʟᴏɪʀᴇ ʙʀᴜᴛ Sourced from Vaudelnay parcels next to Puy-Notre-Dame on the south bank of the Loire, at an altitude of around 100 meters above sea level. The presence of the Loire River is evident on both the nose and palate. A blend of 70% Chenin Blanc, 20% Chardonnay, 10% Cabernet Franc made in the tradition method and aged sur lie for 18 months. Pours into the glass a pale golden color with small, persistent bubbles. Ripe aromas of yellow apple, pear, peach are intermingled with notes of white floral, lanolin, hints of honey, biscuit and almonds. Flavors of bright orchard fruit along with yellow apple skin, lemon, grapefruit zest, honeysuckle, flinty minerality, a touch of buttered biscuit and toasted almonds envelops the senses. A dry, delightful sparkling is shining with refreshing acidity and a long, lingering finish. Thanks to @le_garenne_wines for sending this lovely care package. The pairing Les Roses Moulin de la Ferme Cotton-Haller, an artisanal baker, these biscuits aka Biscuit Rose de Reims, and Crémant is a classic French combination that has been enjoyed for centuries. The biscuit’s delicate sweetness and light texture is perfectly complemented by the Crémant’s lively acidity and refreshing effervescence.
Thanksgiving Wine Sales: Trends & Triggers
Thanksgiving Wine Sales: how other markets can harness US trends to increase wine sales In the United States Thanksgiving is one of the biggest holidays of the year, more so than Christmas or the Fourth of July. It’s a time where families reunite and express gratitude for each other. Thanksgiving, which always falls on the 4th Thursday of November, stretches across a four-day weekend which means plenty of gatherings and get togethers and a major time for wine sales. In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, wine retailers see a surge in sales as consumers stock up for their holiday feasts and gatherings, with the two-week period leading up to the holiday averaging an enviable 64% increase in state-side wine sales. As this important annual celebration becomes increasingly recognized around the world our USA correspondent Kathleen Smith shares her insight on what you can do to harness this sales opportunity for expats and USA wine enthusiasts wherever you are. _____ There are two main trends we notice in the buildup to successful Thanksgiving wine sales. One of the most important is premiumization (consumers trading up to more expensive wines) and it’s been particularly strong in the US in recent years. According to a report by Nielsen, the premium wine segment outperformed the overall wine market in the US in 2022, growing by 7% in volume and 9% in value. This trend is expected to continue in the lead-up to Thanksgiving, as consumers are willing to spend more on wine for special occasions. The other trend is the continued growth in the popularity of sparkling wine not just as an aperitif and to mark the celebrations but increasingly as a food pairing wine. Nielsen reports that sparkling wine sales in the US grew by 10% in volume and 12% in value in 2022, a trend that is expected to continue in the lead-up to Thanksgiving this year, as consumers look for festive and elegant wines to enjoy with their guests. So how can you make the most of wine sales for those looking to celebrate Thanksgiving in your market? Starting with a strong marketing campaign that promotes and encourages consumers to stock up on wine is key and in the US all channels will adopt one in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Key elements to think about for a successful Thanksgiving marketing campaign: Convenience: make it easy for consumers to purchase wine and have it delivered. Can your customer buy online and can you differentiate by offering same-day delivery? Value: can you offer any discounts? Selection: offer a wide selection of wines to choose from, covering the classics (Pinot Noir, Gamay, Riesling and Chardonnay) as well as some off the beaten track options Expertise: offer expert advice to help consumers choose the right wines for their meals and guests. This is important every day (!) but is even more so if discounting isn’t a road you want to go down Targeted message: if you’re based outside of the US you may want to engage with expats in your market or focus on your North American’ portfolio Social: use everything at your disposal to highlight why people should buy from you. Use social media as an extension of your sales team and encourage your customers to share their plans, recipes and favourite food and wine pairings The potential for increased wine sales for businesses outside of the United States mainly lends itself to the opportunity to speak to expats living in those markets or those that have spent time in the USA. The alternative of course lies in educating consumers that are intrigued and open to know more about the history and traditions of Thanksgiving and then incorporating traditional food and wine into the activity or using the occasion to promote your North American wine portfolio. Two good starting points could be: Events: organize a Thanksgiving-themed wine promotion/event/ tasting with discounts and promotions on wines that pair well with traditional Thanksgiving dishes Partnerships: consider partnering with local restaurants, food bloggers and/or lifestyle influencers to promote Thanksgiving and the role that wine plays in this particular holiday Kathleen spoke to owner Jessica Granatiero of The Savory Grape in Rhode Island about what keeps their customers coming back and what their plans are to make this year another success. How important are Thanksgiving wine sales to your business? The week leading up to Thanksgiving, after the Christmas holiday, is one of the busiest of the year. It marks a little more than 4% of our business. It is a crucial time for us for both premium and everyday wines and during this season, customers often reach for more premium wines to showcasing on their holiday tables or as gifts. Tell us a bit about the activity you do to drive those sales? We are proactive with our marketing and have a great client base who we connect with on a regular basis. We do this through our e-newsletter marketing as well as connecting and providing service to clients in social media – specifically Instagram and Facebook. We love being able to help and service clients through these mediums, on top of our in store service. What is the one thing that every successful Thankgiving sales mechanic must have? It’s crucial for businesses to know their clientele and that has always been our focus, to understand the varied clients that we have. Our sales mechanics have always focused on that. What plans do you have this year to make it another successful year for Thanksgiving wines sales for your business? We will continue to service our clients through our e-marketing channels which has proven to be a successful medium, as well as focusing on client service. That is the backbone of the business – client service. We love making clients feel happy and giving them a personal service and advice specific to their particular taste and budget. Thanksgiving dinner is a time for family, friends, and, of course, food. We asked Kathleen to share
A Secret De Cave & Cheese Extravaganza
ʙᴏʟᴅ ʙᴜʙʙʟʏ ʙᴀᴅᴀꜱꜱᴇꜱ, ᴘᴀʀᴛɪᴇ ᴜɴ Une Femme – Une Culture – Un Vin = Champagne Veuve Olivier & Fils When one #bubblybadass introduces you to another, you sense you’ve met a kindred spirit. That’s how I felt when I was introduced to Sandrine by my BBB @delectabulles at #wineparis this past spring. I was already a fan of her champagnes pre-meet. I must admit, my admiration grew for her & her family instantly upon meeting her and her mother. As for her champagnes, let me put it this way……When I believe in something, I get very excited. My positive energy is flashing neon obvious and I love nothing more than to talk about it. From the first sip you know you are in for something special. ᴄʜᴀᴍᴘᴀɢɴᴇ ᴠᴇᴜᴠᴇ ᴏʟɪᴠɪᴇʀ & ꜰɪʟꜱ ꜱᴇᴄʀᴇᴛ ᴅᴇ ᴄᴀᴠᴇ ʙʀᴜᴛ Champagne Veuve Olivier & Fils is a family-owned Champagne house located in Trélou-sur-Marne, in the Marne Valley of Champagne, France. The house was founded in 1922 by Edmond Olivier. Her great-grandmother purchased the land one parcel at a time through her corsets sales to Paris department stores. Today this 18 hectare estate is run by fourth generation Sandrine Charpentier-Olivier. Their plots are predominantly Meunier, with some Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Secret de Cave is a blend of 40% Meunier, 30% each Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with 20% reserve wine. This is a non-vintage, aged for a minimum of 60 months sur lie. Pours into the glass a bright golden hue, its effervescence forming a persistent mousse of delicate bubbles that dance elegantly within the glass. The nose is greeted by a symphony of aromas, an invitation to a world of refined elegance. The first impression is one of crisp citrus notes, hints of lemon zest and candied grapefruit peel, ripe red apple, white peach and pear intertwined with delicate floral nuances of honeysuckle. As the wine breathes, layers of complexity unfold, revealing hints of toasted brioche and nuts, cocoa, and buttery goodness, and a subtle touch of minerality. The palate is a harmonious balance of freshness and richness. The initial entry is crisp and lively, so much gorgeously perfect fruit with a vibrant acidity that awakens the senses. The creamy texture amplifies the flavors of white peach, pear, and apple dance across the tongue. Subtle hints of caramel, brioche, dried peach and honey linger on the mid-palate, adding complexity and depth. The finish is long and lingering on notes of toasted hazelnut ginger. Its balance of freshness, richness, and complexity makes it a versatile wine. My dear friend brought a plethora of cheeses from her cheese shop to pair with this beauty of a Brut. A round table of Piave Vecchio, Delice de Bourgogne, Lazylady Farm – La Petite Tomme, Manchego, French Munster, Quebec Cheddar, Brie with a Center of Truffles & Mascarpone and Comte. We were clearly spoiled with this bubbly and pairing. Santé! Go to Iola Wines to purchase this beauty and many other wines made by women: Veuve Olivier & Fils Secret de Cave
Champagne Chavost Blanc de Meunier
ℂ𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕄𝕖𝕦𝕟𝕚𝕖𝕣 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕞𝕡𝕒𝕘𝕟𝕖 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤. 𝔻𝕚𝕤𝕔𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕞𝕡𝕒𝕘𝕟𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝔹𝕣𝕦𝕥 ℕ𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝔹𝕣𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖. A family 5 hectare #growerchampagne co-op , Fabian Daviaux spearheaded the conversion to organic full steam ahead. His goal to add nothing to his wines (including sulfur) in order to keep his champagnes pure and so easy to drink. Located in the center of Champagne in Chavost-Courcout which is a village part of Coteaux-sud d’ Epernay which acts as a continuation to the Côte de Blancs, full of limestone and chalk. He uses ambient yeast with gravity induced fermentation. A brut nature 100% Meunier #blancdenoirs , fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged for five years sur lie, 6,023 bottles Champagne Chavost Blanc de Noirs NV Delicately golden hue with fine iridescent bubbles. Fragrant bouquet of the flinty limestone soils, smoke, toasted brioche, lime curd, dried violet, honey and underripe strawberries. First sip is bone dry with smokey almond, small dark berries, pastry cream, lime pith, dried peach, toasted brioche, a touch of coffee and a hum of anise finish A crisp classic with a fun twist you can’t put down champagne. Paired with my favorite rolls, spicy Mexican ahi tuna roll and spicy salmon roll.
Dutcher Crossing Chardonnay
𝒜𝓁𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒷𝓇𝑜𝓌𝓃 (𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒷𝓇𝑜𝓌𝓃) 𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝓀𝓎 𝒾𝓈 𝑔𝓇𝒶𝓎 (𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝓀𝓎 𝒾𝓈 𝑔𝓇𝒶𝓎)- 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝑀𝒶𝓂𝒶𝓈 & 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒫𝒶𝓅𝒶𝓈 This California dreamin’ #chardonnay will brighten any dreary fall day. 𝒟𝓊𝓉𝒸𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒞𝓇𝑜𝓈𝓈𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒞𝒽𝑒𝓃𝑜𝓌𝑒𝓉𝒽 𝒱𝒾𝓃𝑒𝓎𝒶𝓇𝒹 𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓇𝒹𝑜𝓃𝓃𝒶𝓎 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟣 Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California This lovely #womenwinemakers hails from the Chenoweth Vineyard in Russian River Valley. Barrel fermented with ambient yeast with 11 months aging in 40% new French oak barrels with frequent lees stirring. Being a single vineyard release, small quantities released 1,800 bottles #limitedrelease Pours into the glass a bright gold. First swirl and you are greeted with layered notes of citrus, pear, apple and white flowers, followed by subtle hints of vanilla, baking spice and minerality. The best part, the first sip. The medium body has a creamy, textured mouthfeel is silky and alive with bright acidity. You are greeted with flavors of lemon zest, lemon curd, honeydew melon, quince and gardenia, followed by brown butter toffee, sweet oak spice, hazelnuts, brioche and a long lingering finish on freshness and salinity. Its plush, complex and beautifully balanced yet retains its freshness and vibrancy. A Chardonnay that showcases the terroir of the Russian River Valley beautifully. Pair with lobster tails drizzled with garlic butter sauce, grilled pork chops with apple compote or mild, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert
Elena Walch Beyond the Clouds 2021: A Flight Beyond Ordinary
This wine is made from a blend of primarily Chardonnay, along with Sauvignon Blanc,Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Bianco. The grapes are grown in the sun-drenched vineyards of Alto Adige, Italy, at the foot of the Dolomites. The wine is aged for 10 months in French oak barrels, which gives it a complex and nuanced flavor profile. Elena Walch Beyond the Clouds 2021 The wine pours a brilliant, intense straw yellow, shimmering with golden hues that hint at its richness. First impressions on the nose bring a burst of tropical fruit salad – pineapple, mango, and guava – intertwined with fragrant white blossoms like honeysuckle and orange blossom. A touch of minerality, like crushed limestone, adds intriguing depth. As the wine opens, hints of creamy vanilla and toasted almonds emerge from French oak aging, weaving harmoniously with the fruit. The initial sip is full and round, coating the mouth with a velvety texture. The vibrant acidity cuts through the richness, creating a lively and balanced tension. Flavors of white peach, pear, and juicy apricot swirl with the tropical notes from the nose, all underpinned by a subtle toastiness and a hint of honey. The oak influence is beautifully integrated,adding complexity without overwhelming the natural fruit expression. A medium-plus in body, the wine has a substantial presence on the palate without feeling heavy. The well-integrated tannins provide a framework for the fruit to shine, while the crisp acidity lifts the entire experience. The finish is long and lingering, echoing the complex flavors of the palate. A whisper of minerality lingers on the tongue, inviting another sip. This wine’s versatility makes it a fantastic food pairing partner. Its richness can stand up to flavorful first courses like lobster bisque or risotto, while its vibrant acidity complements seafood dishes and creamy pasta. It also pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or pork, and would be a delightful match for aged cheeses.
Tenuta Enza La Fauci Vignadorata
Parte seconda #winewednesday LIVE @iola.wines and I discussed the beauty and elegance of Enza La Fauci wines #womenwinemakers . She has an immense passion for what she does, her vines, and the terroir of #sicily . The natural expression of the grape, and what she does explodes from the glass the second you pour it. The grapes are grown on limestone soils, fermented with ambient yeast in stainless steel tanks and aged for 12 months in oak barrels. This wine is 100% Nerello Mascalese, a wine that is kindred spirits with Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo. The color, the flavor profile and characteristics are gorgeous and at 13%abv its a lovely sipper. A type of wine you want to have every day or paired with a holiday meal. Tenuta Enza La Fauci Vignadorata 2018 Pours into the glass a bright ruby center with a pronounced garnet rim. An explosion of red fruit flavors that leads into spice notes of cinnamon and floral to fresh resinous herbs. A tightrope walker of great precision, offering sweet tart raspberry and strawberry, sour cherry, all balanced by mineral earthiness, rose petals, tobacco leaf, leather, rosemary and thyme. The finish is oh so lingering on cinnamon and fresh mint. The soft yet present tannins and zingy acidity intertwine to extend the flavours. A medium bodied wine with bright personality that you take notice of from the start. The wine is perfect for enjoying with hearty dishes such as roast turkey with cranberry relish, pork roast or roasted eggplant, sausage and peppers. Check out yesterday’s LIVE Women Crushing It Wednesday Purchase this lovely direct from Iola Wines here: Enza La Fauci Vignadorata #womenbehindthewine #womensupportingwomen #womenowned #sicilywine #sicilia #nerellomascalese #farodoc #vinorosso #vinorosso🍷 #vinitaly #womencrushwednesday