Podcasts about pinot bianco

Venerdì 21 giugno a La Collina dei Ciliegi è stata presentata la prima annata (2021) del “Prea”, il Bianco Verona IGT, ottenuto da un blend di Garganega, Pinot Bianco e Chardonnay, che prende il nome dall'omonima parcella del vigneto di Erbin, sita tra i 570 e i 620 metri sul livello del mare. Di estrema lunghezza e mineralità, anche grazie alla fermentazione e all'affinamento in cemento e ceramica, il Prea rappresenta l'evoluzione inaspettata della Valpantena, da sempre considerata unicamente quale sottozona pregiata della DOC Valpolicella, a cui mancava un vino bianco “di terroir” importante. 

Sip, share, shape our podcast!In this exciting episode of Somm Women Talk Wine, we are honored to have Chris Keel, the owner of Put A Cork In It, a favorite Fort Worth wine shop, and a Vinitaly Ambassador, as our guest. Join us as we deep dive the world of lesser-known white Italian wines, revealing the hidden gems that make Italy the "go to" location for wine enthusiasts.While Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc often steal the spotlight, Italy's diverse wine regions offer a plethora of unique white wines that deserve way more attention than they receive. Chris Keel, with his deep expertise in Italian wines, takes us through a curated selection from regions from the north in Piedmont,  Alto Adige, and Venezia Giulia, south to  La Marche and Campagnia.Chris kicks off our exploration with Gavi from Piedmont made with the Cortese grape, and we deep dive into the aromatic Soave from Veneto crafted from Garganega.  While we don't specifically cover it, we highly recommend your  wine exploration can continue into Venezia Giulia, discovering the unique characteristics of grapes that thrive in this picturesque region.Our journey continues in the northern region of Alto Adige, known for its crisp, citrusy wines. Here, wines include the vibrant flavors of Trebbiano and the fresh, light notes of local Pinot Bianco wines. We travel a bit south to explore the versatility of Vermentino from Liguria and Sardinia, and the rich, complex flavors of wines from Campania such as Greco, Fiano, and Falanghina.Moving further south to Lazio, near Rome, Chris educates on how the region's unique terroir influences its distinctive white wines including Grechetto and Trebbiano. This region is increasing its focus on natural wine, a growing movement that emphasizes organic and sustainable winemaking practices, offering wine lovers an authentic and unadulterated tasting experience.While we don't touch on them, we cannot forget the classic red wines like Chianti (Sangiovese), Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, as well as the effervescent joy of sparkling wine. But stop in and visit Chris. He'll provide valuable tips on selecting great wines at an affordable price, making the world of Italian wines accessible to everyone.Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious novice, this episode is packed with recommendations to enhance your wine journey. So, pour yourself a glass of your favorite Italian white wine, sit back, and join us on Somm Women Talk Wine as we uncover the rich tapestry of Italy's lesser-known white wines. Let Chris Keel's passion and expertise guide you through this delightful exploration, and get ready to discover new favorites that will elevate your wine-tasting experience. Cheers to the vibrant world of Italian white wines!Join Put A Cork In It's Monthly Italian Wine Club today!Tune in now and read on for a deep dive into the captivating stories and flavors that make Italy's white wines truly exceptional.Thanks for joining Somm Women Talk Wine! Check out our socials for more fun filled wine exploration!Instagram:@somm_women_talk_wine@kristiwinenerd@charissehenryfw@kmayfield109All episodes are also on our website:SommWomenTalkWineCharisse and Kristi

Weine aus Burgunderrebsorten sind über die vergangenen 30 Jahre in Deutschland immer beliebter geworden und dabei nimmt der Weißburgunder nochmals eine Sonderstellung ein – nirgendwo sonst auf der Welt wird er so viel angebaut wie hierzulande. Michael und Tobias wissen aber noch mehr über Pinot Blanc und Pinot Bianco zu erzählen, beispielsweise auch, dass Weißburgunder noch gar nicht lange als eigenständige Rebsorte bekannt ist, da er zuvor mit Chardonnay verwechselt wurde. Nach dem Hören der Folge darf jeder behaupten: „Ich weiß Burgunder“. >> WEINE AUS WEISSBURGUNDER >> WEINFREUNDE PODCAST HOMEPAGE+++ Bitte abonniert den Podcast und gebt eine Bewertung ab. Danke! +++Produktion und Schnitt: Andreas Hagelüken

I consigli dell'enologo Marco Santarelli ogni Mercoledì alle 13:45 su Radio PNR. In questo episodio abbiamo parlato Pinot Bianco e Pinot nero vinificato bianco

The Alto Adige is one of the smallest wine growing regions and also has become one of the country's TOP white wine regions. This unique Alpine landscape is ironically kissed by the hot Mediterranean sun in the Summer. Many of the vineyards are planted on hills and steep mountainside altitudes, producing fresh and aromatic wines. Along with the wine estates, there are over a dozen cooperatives successfully representing thousands of small winegrowers in the region. The focus is towards quality, not quantity, working with over 20 varietals including some of the best Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurtztraminer, Schiava and Lagrein you will ever taste. We were based out of Bolzano, the largest city of South Tyrol and the Capital. We visited, dined and tasted wine with over a dozen wineries and Cooperatives. I will let the wine people of the Alto Adige tell their story. This is part-two of a two-part series. On this episode, we will be talking to Clemens Alois Lageder, Proprietor, Alois Lageder Estate, Werner Waldboth, Abbazia di Novacella, and Judith Unterholzner, Gump Hof.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member!The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast.

I recently traveled to Northern Italy to visit the Alto Adige wine region, also known as Sudtirol or South Tyrol, near the Swiss and Austrian borders at the foothills of the Dolomites. The Alto Adige is one of the smallest wine growing regions and has become one of the country's TOP white wine regions. This unique Alpine landscape is ironically kissed by the hot Mediterranean sun in the Summer. Many of the vineyards are planted on hills and steep mountainsides, producing high altitude, fresh and aromatic wines. Along with the wine estates, there are over a dozen cooperatives successfully representing thousands of small winegrowers in the region. The focus here is towards quality, not quantity, working with over 20 varietals including some of the best Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurtztraminer, Schiava, and Lagrein you will ever taste. We were based out of Bolzano, the largest city of South Tyrol and the Capital. We visited, dined and tasted wine with over a dozen wineries and cooperitives. I will let the wine people of the Alto Adige tell their story. This is a two-part series. On this episode we will be talking to Martin Foradori from J. Hofstatter, Oscar Lorandi, Cantina Girlan, and Wolfgang Klotz, Cantina Tramin.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member!The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast.

Grace Hood and Robert Tas explore the wine list at Fall Line Kitchen & Cocktails. This restaurant embodies the apres-ski vibe and offers fresh, contemporary cuisine with worldwide inspiration, but most importantly, a stellar wine list to enjoy after a day in the snow or on any summer afternoon.  Wines reviewed include: 2020 Pinot Bianco from Catina Tramin, Alto Adige,  Italy 2019 Chenin Blanc from Domaine aux Moines, Loire Valley 2019 Domaine Drouin from Willamette Valley, Oregon For more information on today's episode, and the wines you love to love, visit www.corkrules.com.

#radiovacanze #gianluigileoni #viaggiandoemangiando #viaggioevedo Sono Gianluigi Leoni professione e speaker. voglio darti il benvenuto nel canale di Radio Vacanze. La prima Web Radio per viaggiare. Puoi ascoltare il programma del nostro Marco Marucelli Viaggiando e Mangiando ogni venerdì alle 14,00 su www.radiovacanze.com che ti porta ovunque vada il tuo gusto.La trasmissione di venerdì 16 SETTEMBRE 2022 In questa puntata ho parlato di: Festival dello Stoccafisso e Hotel Granbaita Dolomites di Selva di Val Gardena; Taranto Ego Festival e Autunno al Bonfanti Design Hotel in Val Pusteria; La cantina Santerhof, la più a nord d'Italia e Puntay Sauvignon e Pinot Bianco due grandi vini alpini di Erste Neue.email radiovacanze@gmail.comtelegram – https://t.me/radiovacanze

Enrico Vallania, medico di professione, viticultore ed enofilo per vocazione, ma soprattutto studioso e appassionato alla ricerca, ha rifondato nel 1961 l'azienda avita sperimentando vie e tecnologie tese al miglioramento della qualità.Così i vecchi impianti sono stati sostituiti da nuovi “cultivar” ad eccezione di tre ceppi, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling e Malvasia, vanto e passione di famiglia e già presenti a memoria d' uomo nei colli di Bologna. A queste qualità, in anni di sperimentazioni, si sono aggiunti Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Nero e Merlot più adatti di molti altri, provati ed eliminati, che meno si addicevano alle particolari caratteristiche delle argille calcareo-ferrose di quelle terre. Rigore e sperimentazione sono stati applicati alle tecniche di produzione e vinificazione, partendo dal presupposto che i vini si debbano fare in campagna secondo la vocazione del terreno, limitando al massimo ogni intervento umano, dalla concimazione, alla lotta antiparassitaria, alla chimica enologica.Da ciò ogni annata rimane a sé e rappresenta la sintesi dei fenomeni e delle scelte, ma anche dei ricordi e delle sensazioni provocati dalle stagioni durante la potatura, le fasi vegetative, la maturazione, la vendemmia e la vinificazione. L'importante è cercare, con pazienza, attenzione ed umiltà, di interpretare, con l'aiuto dell' esperienza che deriva dalla storia della famiglia, ciò che la natura tutti gli anni comunque ci offre. Queste sono alcune delle scelte di Enrico Vallania che desiderava lasciare i suoi vini nell' ambiente più neutro che la tecnologia potesse offrire per preservarne il più possibile l'autenticità. Selezione clonale nel microclima del vigneto, sperimentazione dei sesti di impianto, sfoltimento dei grappoli, vendemmia frammentata, costituiscono oggi alcuni dei principali spunti di ricerca.Oggi il Vigneto delle Terre Rosse è ancora un'azienda a carattere familiare ma la gestione dell'azienda è passata ad Enrico Verdilio. Enrico ha da sempre avuto una grandissima passione ed una fortissima dedizione per la vigna e per i suoi frutti. Ragazzo visionario intende proseguire la tradizione Vallania con vini di altissima qualità.

Gelungener Generationswechsel auf SpitzenniveauAus wortwörtlich nahe liegenden Gründen, ist mein Einstieg in die Weinwelt eng mit Südtirol verbunden, dass dieses traumhafte Stückchen Erde in knapp 5 Stunden von mir mit dem Auto entfernt liegt. Zusätzlich kommt hinzu, dass man es dort zumindest seit einigen Jahren sehr gut versteht, den dezidierten Weintourismus zu fördern und auszubauen und durch das Potential der Gegend noch zusätzlichen Mehrwert in Form von Bergpanorama, Architektur und Kulinarik "kostenlos" dazu bekommt. Mein PortfolioNUR NOCH BIS ZUM 31.12.21: 10% Rabatt auf die Kursgebühr und Kurs 7 "Roséweine" kostenlos!! 13 Online-Weinkurse mit mehr als 16 Stunden Video-on-demand (VOD) für Einsteiger und Fortgeschritten, die (fast) alles über Wein erfahren möchten. Werde auch Du heute noch zum Weinexperten! Individuelle (Online-)Weinproben an Deinem Wunschtermin mit von Dir ausgesuchten Weinen aus über 3.000 Positionen (mit Beratung) Zum InhaltUnd wie es als Einsteiger so ist, verläßt man sich auf große Namen, die in aller Munde sind und so auch die Rolle von Aushängeschilder einnehmen. So kam es, dass eines der ersten von mir besuchten Weingüter jenes von Elena Walch in Tramin war, jenem Ort der Namensgeber für sein bekanntestes Kind "Gewürztraminer" ist und an der oenologischen Hauptschlagader "Südtiroler Weinstraße" liegt. Wir probierten im Weinpavillion von Elena Walch im Ortskern von Tramin ihren Weißburgunder (Pinot Bianco) und natürlich ihren Gewürztraminer gemeinsam mit leckeren typisch Südtiroler Snacks. Selbst damals war spontan klar, dass man es hier mit besonders "leckeren" Weinen zu tun; die wahre Größe erschloss sich mir damals aber noch nicht. Umso mehr freut es mich, in dieser Episode gemeinsam mit Euch und Julia Walch (Tochter der berühmten Mutter und gemeinsam mit ihrer Schwester leitet sie heute das Weingut in der 5. Generation) meine guten Erinnerungen wieder aufleben zu lassen und die gleichen Weinen wie damals zu probieren. Die WeineAlle Weine kannst Du hier direkt im Online-Shop von Elena Walch bestellen, hier vor Ort kaufen oder auch in den Weingütern im Rahmen einer Führung probieren. Elena Walch, Pinot Bianco "Kristallberg", 2020 Elena Walch, Gewürztraminer "Kastelaz", 2020 Elena Walch, Lagrein Reserva "Castel Ringberg", 2018 Ich wünsche Euch viel Spaß beim Hören und Probeiren und sende Euch genußreiche Grüße Euer Florian Weinakademiker – Diploma in Wine and Spirits (DipWSET)

L'oasi segreta in Franciacorta Ronco Calino è un'oasi in Franciacorta. Un rifugio nascosto, dominato dai suoni e dai colori della Natura, dove il tempo sembra rallentare e dove cura, rigore e capacità di attesa sono le condizioni per creare Franciacorta e vini fermi dalla personalità autentica e complessa, vivace e luminosa come il luogo speciale in cui nascono.Il potere della Bellezza Il luogo del cuore esiste, e per Paolo Radici, industriale innamorato del vino, l'ispirazione arriva visitando la splendida dimora in abbandono di Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, genio pianistico del Novecento. La residenza è circondata da dieci ettari di filari, posati su una straordinaria valletta: qui nasce nel Duemila la cantina, un'elegante casa del vino tra le vigne. Un Lemma tre mondi, dici Franciacorta e la mente vola tra visioni che spaziano dal bucolico al glamour.Franciacorta unisce in una parola tre mondi diversi: territorio, vino, metodo. Una terra, appunto: tremila ettari coltivati a Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Nero, con una piccola porzione dedicata all'antica varietà autoctona Erbamat, di cui Ronco Calino è entusiasta coltivatore.La Franciacorta, vuoi per il pedoclima favorevole o per l'azione divulgatrice dei monaci, è territorio vocato al vino sin dal VI Secolo, Età Longobarda. Il passaggio epocale al Franciacorta, vino rifermentato in bottiglia, arriva nel 1961, con la prima produzione. Nel 1967 quel vino è premiato con la DOC, nel 1990 nasce il Consorzio per la Tutela del Franciacorta e nel 1995 il Franciacorta riceve, unico spumante secco d'Italia, la DOCG.In poco più di mezzo secolo questo nettare brioso ed elegante ha saputo ammaliare vecchi e nuovi wine lover, critici autoctoni e no, addetti ai lavori sempre più esigenti. Al di là della vocazione territoriale la ragione di questo successo è stata la capacità dei produttori di imporsi regole severe, le più stringenti al mondo per questa categoria di prodotto, lavorando coesi in una unione di passioni che è molto più del motto del locale Consorzio: è realtà quotidiana.Nei tredici ettari del vigneto Ronco Calino le uve sono certificate bio dalla vendemmia 2016.La geologia della valletta è variegata, e la piantumazione è stata preceduta da un attento studio di zonazione curato dal team agronomico SATA. L'indagine chimico-fisica dei suoli è stata completata dall'analisi organolettica e della qualità biologica del terreno. Lo studio di zonazione ha individuato sei cru, dove sono state implementate scelte colturali meditate. Vigna Anfiteatro Nord-Ovest, Anfiteatro Sud-Ovest, Cima Caprioli, Sottobosco, Palazzo e Pozzo: ogni microzona è unica, capirne e assecondarne le esigenze è la priorità degli agronomi. Per questo il calendario dei lavori in vigna varia di anno in anno, per ciascun vigneto.L'esposizione a Nord favorisce la piena evoluzione vegetativa e la “freschezza” dei grappoli, raccolti da piante con un'età media superiore ai 18 anni. Il metodo di allevamento scelto per le viti da Franciacorta è il Guyot, cordone speronato per le piante destinate ai vini fermi. Una curiosità: oltre a Chardonnay, Erbamat e alle varietà dedicate ai rossi, il venticinque per cento dei vigneti è piantato a Pinot Nero, contro una media del quindici nella Denominazione. Una scelta pensata per dare vini strutturati e longevi, con note cangianti e complesse.

Prosecco is not only Italy's most popular sparkler, but recently it has surpassed Champagne to become the world's best-selling sparkling wine. In this show we go over the details of the Prosecco region, the winemaking techniques, and I share the most important thing about the wine and how to get the best: the DOCGs that make way better wine than the cheap and cheerful stuff at the supermarket.   By the end of the show you'll understand why Prosecco shouldn't be compared to Champagne (spoiler alert – it's not made the same and that's on purpose!) and how to get better versions of what you may already be sipping! Photo Valdobiaddene, Unsplash   Here are the show notes: Location: The Prosecco DOC is in North East Italy between the Dolomite Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. It spans four provinces of the regions of Friuli Venezia Giulia (Gorizia, Pordenone, Trieste and Udine) and 5 provinces of the region of Veneto (Belluno, Padua, Treviso, Venice, Vicenza). Treviso and Trieste can add the special titles of Prosecco DOC Treviso and Prosecco DOC Trieste given their historic importance.  Given the vast area the DOC covers (23,000 ha/56,000 acres) and the diversity of soil – from poor hilltops to fertile, loamy valleys and plains – it is difficult to name a single style of Prosecco. Climates also range –from cooler sites with mountain or marine breezes, to very warm flat areas that produce masses of grapes for industrial wine. Source: Prosecco DOC Grape: The Glera grape is the main grape in Prosecco (although it used to be called the Prosecco grape!). It is grape prone to high yields, which must be controlled to get high quality wine. When it is grown on good sites, it has moderately high acidity, a lighter body, and relatively low alcohol levels (the wines are usually not more than 12% alcohol by volume). Flavors range but typically Glera exhibits melon, peach, pear, and white flower notes. Prosecco can also have up to 15% Verdiso, Bianchetta Trevigiana, Perera, Glera lunga, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Nero grapes in the blend. Source: Prosecco DOC   Prosecco is NOT Champagne and it shouldn't be compared to it (or any of the other wines made in that method). The key difference in the flavor of Prosecco, apart from the Glera grape, is in the winemaking techniques (again, different from Champagne!!). In this process, you harvest the grape and make wine through a primary fermentation. But whereas in the traditional method of sparkling wine, where secondary fermentation takes place in individual bottles, Prosecco's secondary fermentation takes place in autoclaves, large steel tanks kept under pressure.   The process takes as little as a month (versus the required 9 months for most sparkling wine in made in the traditional method), and the wines do not rest sur lie for a long period of time, so the fruitiness of the Glera grape is maintained, rather than replaced with the yeasty, bready character from the yeast. Further, the pressure within the bottle is significantly less in Prosecco, making it a much less bubbly wine in most cases (although there are exceptions). The process has several names: the Martinotti Method, the Charmat Method, Cuve Close, Tank Method, or Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Method.   It's important to recognize that for grapes like Glera (or Riesling in Germany where this method is also used) preserving aroma while getting a fresh effervescence is the goal – they should not be handled like grapes used for the traditional method – the goal of those wines is different. Hence, we should not be comparing Prosecco to Champagne or other sparkling wines – it's apples and oranges, really. Source: Prosecco DOC   There are several types of Prosecco, they vary based on how sparkling they are: Spumante (sparkling), which is the most common and the most bubbly and has a regular sparkling wine cork In 2020, Prosecco DOC Rosé was approved as a new sub-category of Spumante. It must contain at least 85% Glera with 10-15% Pinot Nero. The wine must use the Martinotti/Charmat Method but spend 60 days in autoclave v 30 days for Prosecco DOC. It is vintage dated.   Frizzante (semi-sparkling), which has light and less persistent bubbles than Spumante an is more floral than fruity and often bottled with a screw cap. Proseccco Col Fondo, is a frizzante, but more specifically a pétillant naturel(pét-nat). That means a single fermentation takes place in the bottle from which you drink the wine. It is cloudy and full of lees, or dead yeast cells, and often a bit bready from years on the lees. Tranquillo (still), which is very uncommon and is bottled before the secondary fermentation   Similar to all sparkling wines, there is a sweetness scale for these wines, which you will see on the label: Brut Nature (0-3 grams per liter of residual sugar) Extra Brut (0-6 g/l of residual sugar) Brut (up to 12 grams per liter of residual sugar) Extra Dry (12–17 g/l of residual sugar) Dry (17–32 g/l of residual sugar) Demi-sec (32-50 g/l of residual sugar)     The DOCG The 20% of high quality Prosecco production happens around the smaller, hilly, historic DOCG towns of Conegliano, Valdobbiadene and Asolo. These areas have strong diurnals, poorer soils (meaning, better for the vines), and the wines are a few steps above general Prosecco. They are more complex, the fruit flavors are purer – lemon, peach, pear notes are strong as well as floral notes, flintiness, chalk, and saline aromas and flavors. The wines tend to have lower levels of sugar and are more terroir driven. They are trying to distance themselves from cheaper big-brand Prosecco DOC, some even have elected to remove the world “Prosecco” from their front labels.   Here are the Prosecco Superiore DOCG to seek out: Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is a cut above and it's a fairly low risk way to see how better Prosecco tastes. Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore “Rive” DOCG is from the steep hills and top vineyards of 43 designated sites – these are outstanding terroir driven wines Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG is the top wine of Prosecco. It consists of 107 ha/264 acres of vineyards on the steepest hillsides of San Pietro di Barbozza, Santo Stefano and Saccol, in Valdobbiadene. Asolo Prosecco DOCG is outstanding, with great salinity and minerality as well   ________________________________________________ Thanks to our sponsors: Thanks to YOU! The podcast supporters on Patreon, who are helping us to make the podcast possible and who we give goodies in return for their help! Check it out today: https://www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople      Wine Access   Visit: www.wineaccess.com/normal and for a limited time get $20 off your first order of $50 or more!  Wine Access is a web site that has exclusive wines that overdeliver for the price (of which they have a range). They offer top quality wines by selecting diverse, interesting, quality bottles you may not have access to at local shops. Wine Access provides extensive tasting notes, stories about the wine and a really cool bottle hanger with pairings, flavor profile, and serving temps.

In this show we take another look at the regal Chardonnay grape and talk about how it has changed over the years. This is a refresh of a previous show done years ago, so we cover everything we do in a normal grape mini-series. Once you get to know Chardonnay, you realize what a chameleon it really is and how important it is to understand place and producer to get the styles that you like. Here are some brief show notes (with special focus on writing out regions that you may not have caught while listening)!   Chardonnay originated in Burgundy, and is a cross of Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc. In the vineyard it is early budding and ripening, so frost can be an issue, however it grows very well on a multitude of soils and growers the world around love it for how it takes to most sites. Powdery mildew, coulure (shatter), and rot can cause a headache in the vineyard but with more than 28 clones to choose from, growers can pick what is best for their site.   The variety does different things in different climates – it has lower alcohol and higher acidities with mineral and citrus aromas and flavors in cool climates and is tropical, fruity, and full bodied with low acidity in warmer climates. Soils make a difference too – well drained soils are best. Limestone is generally considered the best type for Chardonnay with bits of clay and marl to give the wines dimension, but there are lots of different soils that yield beautiful wines from Chardonnay. Drainage and low yields make a world of difference with this grape too. Chardonnay is a non-aromatic, generally neutral grape that can take on flavors from the vineyard or be a blank canvas on which winemakers show their skills. The grape can and does express terroir, as we see in places like Burgundy, its homeland, but often it is subjected to full malo-lactic fermentation (yielding buttered popcorn notes), oak aging in a high proportion of new, heavily toasted barrels (vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, smoke/char), and battonnage (stirring of the dead yeast cells or lees, to create bready, toasty, yeasty notes in the wine).   Chardonnay is ideal for sparkling wine. In cool climates it is floral with low acidity and brings a lightness and elegance to sparkling wines. Champagne, with its long aging on the lees (sur lie, dead yeast cells – basic Champagne is aged this way for at least 12 months, vintage Champagne 30 months and the Tete de Cuvee, the best Champagnes, even longer), has shown us the changes that can occur with this contact over time –amino acids, peptides, proteins, and fatty acids for to add aromas and flavors like hazelnuts and honey.     Old World Burgundy Chablis: Steely, minerally wines that are a great expression of the grape. Affordable Grand Cru Côte de Beaune: The most age worthy and famed Chardonnay in the world. Grand cru vineyards that straddle the towns of Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet: Le Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet, Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet, Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet Corton-Charlemagne Côte Chalonnaise Mâconnais: Pouilly-Fuisse is good and improving Champagne: Blanc de Blancs is pure Chardonnay   Other France: Loire: Used in Crémant and the white blends of Saumur, Anjoy, Touraine Jura (as we call it, Bizarro Burgundy) Languedoc-Roussillon: most Chardonnay is bulk and is bottled under Vins de Pays d'Oc Limoux: Does sparkling Crémant de Limoux, barrel-fermented still wine. Italy Often mixed in with Pinot Bianco in the northeast areas -- Alto Adige, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia Franciacorta: Used in this fine sparkling wine of Lombardy Piedmont: Excellent Chardonnay when it’s not too oaky   Other Old World Spots Spain: Used in Cava as a small proportion of the blend, used in some other white blends Austria and Switzerland Eastern Europe: Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia Israel England: Excellent in sparkling, more varietal wine being made _________________________________________  New World United States California: Most important variety Napa: Carneros, Russian River Sonoma: Sonoma Coast, Petaluma Gap, Russian River Central Coast: Santa Barbara (my favorite region), Santa Lucia Highlands, Mendocino: Anderson Valley Central Valley: BULK Washington State: Lots of fruit, maybe less MLF Oregon: The one to watch in the U.S. NY State: Finger Lakes and Long Island Virginia: Linden, Pollak make especially good versions   Canada: Niagara, BC   Australia New South Wales: Hunter Valley – tropical, fruity, buttery, opulent Victoria: Yarra, Mornington Peninsula, Macedon Ranges – lighter, more acidic wine with good terroir expression South Australia: Eden Valley, Adelaide Hills, nice, still oaky sometimes Margaret River: Can be complex, fruity, good acidity Tasmania: Delicate to complex, good acidity, used in sparkling   New Zealand: Ripeness with Acidity, nice herbal character often, excellent from Hawkes Bay where the styles are fatter, to Martinborough, and to Canterbury where the acidity is pronounced.   Chile Casablanca Valley: Ripeness with acidity, not much oak or malolactic fermentation Leyda, San Antonio: Similar to Casablanca Other cool regions: Limarí, Bío Bío and Itata Valleys   Argentina Very much like California Chardonnay. Promising in cooler, higher vineyards - Tupungato.    South Africa – hot, except in Walker Bay Walker Bay, Elgin: Soft with mineral and nut notes Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl: Fuller, can have a lot of oak    Aging Top Chardonnays can age and need the age: 30 years is not unheard of from great producers of Grands Crus. With Premiers Crus – more like 20 years is appropriate. Village – within 8-10 yrs. New World wines generally age for less time, but the length of aging depends on the producer and the area   Flavor: We discuss the difference between primary and secondary flavors and how knowing the difference can help point you to styles you prefer: Primary flavors from the grape: Cooler sites: lemon, chalk, minerals, flint, green apple, citrus, pears, grapefruit (higher acidities, lower alcohols, lighter bodied) Warmer sites: baked apple, pineapple, guava, melon (also fuller bodied, lower acidity, higher alcohol) Secondary flavors from winemaking: Oak notes: Smoke, toast, spice, coconut, vanilla, cinnamon, butterscotch, caramel Malolactic fermentation: buttered popcorn, clotted cream Sur lie aging: toast, nuttiness, yeasty notes Serving temperature effects the flavor. I prefer it a little cooler than is often recommended: 48˚-50˚/9˚-10˚C is what I prefer, although many recommend 55˚F/12.8˚C   ___________________________________________________________ Thanks to our sponsors: Wine Access      Visit: www.wineaccess.com/normal and for a limited time get $20 off your first order of $50 or more!  Wine Access is a web site that has exclusive wines that overdeliver for the price (of which they have a range). They offer top quality wines by selecting diverse, interesting, quality bottles you may not have access to at local shops. Wine Access provides extensive tasting notes, stories about the wine and a really cool bottle hanger with pairings, flavor profile, and serving temps. Wines are warehoused in perfect conditions and shipped in temperature safe packs. Satisfaction is guaranteed! Check it out today! www.wineaccess.com/normal    Thanks to YOU! The podcast supporters on Patreon, who are helping us to make the podcast possible and who we give goodies in return for their help! Check it out today: https://www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople

Of the many grapes that we have covered in this series, possibly the hardest to define is the one in this show -- Pinot Gris. It's so complex in part because it goes by many names and can taste neutral and boring to oily, powerful, and bold with notes of smoke, ginger, and spice. It can be bone dry to amazingly sweet and can be powderpuff or very serious in quality.   Whatever the incarnation, wine drinkers lap it up! In the U.S., Pinot Grigio (the Italian style) is the second most-consumed wine behind Chardonnay, according to Impact Databank (the sister publication to Wine Spectator). But it's not just the US that loves this wine, it's growing like mad in Australia too.    In this show, we discuss the many sides of Pinot Gris, or Pinot Grigio, or Grauburgunder or whatever you want to call it! Here are the show notes:   We first discuss the grape itself: Pinot Gris, Pinot Grigio, Grauburgunder, or Rulander are all the same grape and all are mutations of Pinot Noir, so similar to their parent that the only thing that is different is the color of the grape after veraision Pinot Gris is one of the darkest skinned grapes that makes white. It's fruit is gray-blue fruit but can be brown- pink,  white or deep purple. As a result, the finished wine can have a copper tinge or be light pink  The adjective gris is French for "gray" and the grape is named so because it has a grayish look to it. The gray name is used everywhere and has been adapted to local culture: Italian (grigio), German (grauer), Slovenian (sivi) and Czech (sede) Pinot Gris is thin skinned and does well in cool to moderate climates with very long growing seasons. Picking decision is essential to the wine's character for every wine but with Pinot Gris, it will determine whether it is insipid and neutral (picked early) or rich with higher alcohol, lower acidity and rich, full flavors like pears, apples, apricot, tropical fruit, ginger, spices, smoke, and mineral "Pinot Grigio prior to harvest, vintage 2012" by stefano lubiana wines  is licensed under CC BY 2.0   We discuss some general ideas about winemaking There is a sharp distinction between early picked Pinot Grigio (the Italian style) and full bodied, rich and flavorful Pinot Gris (the Alsace, France style) Most cheap Pinot Grigio, in particular, is picked, fermented and brought to market quickly -- it is a cash cow Pinot Grigio styles rarely use oak, but Pinot Gris (French style) often use older, neutral barrels for fermentation to give the wines texture. These styles also go through sur lie aging to give more texture to the wine  The Growing regions and their styles: Pinot Gris/Grigio is grown in: France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, Austria, Germany, Romania, Canada, the U.S., Hungary, Switzerland, Russia, Moldova, China _____________________________________________ Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio Around the world Alsace, France Pinot Gris is 16 % of production in Alsace The grape thrives in the dry, sunny climate, with its long autumns. Yields are kept quite low and the best sites are the Grand Cru sites designated for Pinot Gris Alsace Pinot Gris is layered and bold with honey, ginger, spice, and bold apricot and sometimes tropical fruit notes. It can be picked late harvest (Vendanges Tardive) or allowed to develop botrytis (noble rot) that changes the wines into unctuous, full dessert wines. Occasionally these wines are oak-aged for texture, some are more medium bodied, many have residual sugar, so you must check the producer's style and web site to see how sweet the wine is These wines, in the past, were substitutes for red wines and accordingly, go with fuller food Top producers in Alsace: Albrecht, Blanck, Marcel Deiss, Dopff & Irion, Kuentz-Bas, Albert Mann, René Muré, Schlumberger, Trimbach Italy Growing in Veneto, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, and Trentino Alto Adige, along with a few other northern areas (Valle d'Aosta) the Italian style is always picked a bit early and has an emphasis on dry, mineral flavors Unlike Alsace, where grapes develop over a long season, in Italy the goal is to harvest grapes early, and to have high yields. The result of this overcropping is dilution of flavor and a high acid wine that doesn't reflect the true character of the grape. Many experts charge that much of the Pinot Grigio planted in large vineyards is actually Pinot Bianco or even Trebbiano Toscano In the winery, stainless steel tanks are used and the wine is fermented and bottled quickly but the better wines can have light oak-ageing or skin contact Cheap Pinot Grigio has very little flavor or character. It is cheap and cheerful and nothing else.  In Alto Adige -world-class Pinot Grigios from estate bottling are expensive but lead to nuttier, fruitier flavors that are recognizable as related to Pinot Gris. Producers include: Elena Walch, Franz Haas, Tiefenbruner, San Michele Appiano, Sanct Valentin Pinot Grigio, Alois Lageder, Cantina Terlano In Friuli, Isonzo has full, tropical notes and the cooler areas of Collio and Colli Orientali produce more saline, spicy, and mineral wines that can have a spritz to them. Lis Neris, Vie di Romans, Dessimis, and Marco Felluga are good producers In Valle d’Aosta, experts see high potential for these Pinot Gris to be the best in Italy – frequently mentioned by critics is Lo Triolet di Marco Martin, called Pinot Gris rather than Pinot Grigio Germany Germany ranks third in the world for Grauburgunder production. Most of that is in Rheinhessen, the Pfalz, and Baden These wines tend to be lower in alcohol, higher in acidity and more mineral-driven that Alsace versions with floral, citrusy notes. All versions are made -- sparkling, dry, off-dry, and late harvest and botrytized sweet wine My favorite producer is Müller-Catoir from Pfalz  In Europe, Pinot Gris is made in... Burgundy – some people still use it Loire, where it's called Malvoisie Switzerland, where it has floral notes and a soft texture Luxembourg, where the wines are fuller Slovenia, which specializes in Pinot Grigio with skin contact These skin contact wines only use a bit of contact (24 – 48 hours of skin contact is common) to give Pinot Grigio flavor without stripping the essence of the grape Other places:  Austria, Romania, Croatia, Hungary   New World New Zealand Pinot Gris is the more like the Alsace version with a medium body and flavors like apple, pear, honeysuckle, spice, and toast On the North Island, especially from Hawkes Bay and Gisbourne, you'll find ripe full, oily styles of Pinot Gris On the South Island, the volume is large in Marlborough where the wines have spicy and structure but they shine when from North Canterbury.  Good producers include: Seresin, Greywacke, Jules Taylor   The United States California grows a lot of Pinot Grigio but mostly for use in jug wine or cheap "California" appellate wine. Most grows in the hot Central Valley. it is not a focus for most producers Oregon is the real hotspot in the US for Pinot Gris. the area has long, moderate summer days with cooling breezes. It has a longer fall which allows Pinot Gris the space it needs to develop flavor. These wines taste like fresh cut apple, pear, underripe melon, and can be medium bodied, occasionally with oak notes Bigger Producers include: King Estate (the largest Pinot Gris producer), A to Z, Erath, Adelsheim, Ponzi, and Rainstorm    Canada -- British Columbia  21.2% of the white wine crop in 2018, makes Pinot Gris the Queen of the whites in BC. I recall it being very serviceable to good   Australia Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris -- the names and styles are used at will is one of the hottest, fastest growing wines There are no style rules or naming conventions. The wines vary from acidic and light (Italian style) to bold and full (Alsace style). Producers often call full styles Pinot Grigio and light styles Pinot Gris. There is no convention. We mention Kathleen Quealy and Kevin McCarthy of T'Gallant Wines in the Mornington Peninsula of Victoria. Kathleen Quealy was named the ‘Queen of Pinot Grigio’ back then and she still makes wine under her own label today   It's a lot to take in! Who would have thought that something I call alcoholic lemon water (in it's Grigio incarnation) would be so complex!    ___________________________________________________________ Thanks to our sponsors: Wine Access  Visit: www.wineaccess.com/normal and for a limited time get $20 off your first order of $50 or more!  Wine Access is a web site that has exclusive wines that overdeliver for the price (of which they have a range). They offer top quality wines by selecting diverse, interesting, quality bottles you may not have access to at local shops. Wine Access provides extensive tasting notes, stories about the wine and a really cool bottle hanger with pairings, flavor profile, and serving temps. Wines are warehoused in perfect conditions and shipped in temperature safe packs. Satisfaction is guaranteed! Check it out today! www.wineaccess.com/normal    Thanks to YOU! The podcast supporters on Patreon, who are helping us to make the podcast possible and who we give goodies in return for their help! Check it out today: https://www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople

Comment préparer le très difficile examen Master of wine en pleine pandémie? Eh bien notre invitée Michelle Bouffard nous explique le système incroyable qu’elle a mis au point avec ses voisins et ses amis pour lui permettre de continuer son entrainement. On discute aussi avec elle des impacts des changements climatiques sur le monde du vin. Aussi au menu, des recommandations de vins Australiens et de la Nouvelle-Zélande qui vous feront friser les oreilles. Notre invitée : Michelle Bouffard, sommelière et chroniqueuse-vin. Elle est derrière la conférence Tasting Climate. (tastingclimatechange.com)  En dégustation :   Domaine de L'Idylle Cruet Vieille Vigne d'Idylle 2019, France 18,15$, Code SAQ 855171, 12 %, 2,9 g/L Mac Forbes Spring Riesling 2018, Australie 26,85 $, Code SAQ 13940309, 12%, 7,5 g/L  Suggestions Patrick : Mullineux, Kloof Street 2020, Swartland, Afrique du Sud 22,65 $ - Code SAQ 12889409 – 13,5 % - 1,5 g/L Cantina Girlan, Pinot Bianco 2019, Alto Adige Sudtirol, Italie 23,90 $ - Code SAQ 14039475 – 13 % - 3 g/L  Mathieu : Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 2018 France 47,00 $, Code SAQ 14581416, 13%, 1,5 g/L Château Ollieux Romanis Corbières Boutenac Cuvée Prestige 2018 France 24,95 $ Code SAQ 14061445 - 14,5 %  - 2,1 g/L Nadia :   Kumeu River, Chardonnay 2019, Village, Nouvelle-Zélande 22,50 $ - Code SAQ 13565481 – 13,5 % - 2,1 g/L  Pipoli, Aglianico del Vulture 2018, Zero, Italie 20,05 $ - Code SAQ : 14313446 – 13 % - 2,4 g/L  Une production QUB radio Janvier 2021 Pour de l’information concernant l’utilisation de vos données personnelles - https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener/fr

Constellation Brands executives must be elated to finally complete their sale of over 32 wine brands and five wineries to E. J. Gallo Winery. The $810 million deal was less than half of the $1.7 billion initially proposed in April of 2019, as the Federal Trade Commission insisted Constellations exclude their sparkling wine, brandy, dessert wine and concentrate business lines as a condition of approval. Constellation sheds all their $11 and under products in a bid to go upscale and Gallo picks up a bevy of bottom shelf labels and more production capacity. Who comes out on top in this deal? For now primarily the grape growers who no longer have to deal with the uncertainty of who will be buying their grapes. As the details of the mega-deal were being worked out many farmers have been in limbo. What will this deal mean for wine lovers? It’s certainly promising on this front as E. J. Gallo has a history of improving the wine operations they acquire. Look no further than the wonderful work they’ve done at Louis M. Martini, Pahlmeyer Winery, J Vineyards and Winery and MacMurray Estate Vineyards. Once Gallo integrates the newly acquired brands into their operations the consumer will likely benefit as Gallo is so much better at running a wine business than Constellation. Better quality wine at the $11 and under price point is a win for the consumer. Having not had any of the following brands for years as they have become so banal I’m looking forward to the prospect of Gallo reviving and improving the quality of the future offerings at Ravenswood, Blackstone and Clos du Bois. E. J. Gallo is a private company that now represents almost 30% of all bottles of wine produced in the U.S. Not bad for a couple of brothers that switched from growing grapes to squishing them to make wine in 1933. One could easily make the argument that Gallo is too big and controls too much of the U.S. market. After all it took almost two years for them to get approval from federal regulators. That a lot of sifting through the fine print to ensure consumers don’t get hosed on the deal. Based on current market conditions I’d speculate that we can expect more consolidation in the coming years in the wine industry. A post pandemic euphoria will undoubtedly lift revenues for travel, hospitality, retailers and restaurants, but the relief may not come quickly enough for some winemakers. Gallo will almost certainly be a player in future acquisitions. Kwame Onwuachi and Alice Waters pen a nice piece for The Washington Post theorizing that once president elect Joe Biden is sworn in he can take immediate steps to save mom and pop American restauranteurs by taking executive action. Oh if it were that easy. Bill and I discuss these items and more in this week's addition of VinoWeek. Thanks to everyone for listening. Cheers! Our wine recommendations this week are Bellavista Alma Gran Cuvée Franciacorta. The region of Franciacorta is roughly 50 miles east of Milano in northern Italy.A blend of 77% Chardonnay, 22% Pinot Nero and 1% Pinot Bianco. Bright and zesty apple and lemon flavors on a full bodied frame. A real crowd pleaser. You can wow your friends with this one as they remark “Hey this is great Champagne”. Then you can gently remind them, it’s not Champagne it’s Franciacorta. $23 Buy it here.Domaine Allimant-Laugner Crémant D’Alsace Brut Rosé - 100% Pinot Noir this sparkling wine has a beautiful light salmon color. Clean and crisp red fruits on the nose. Strawberries and cranberries with good depth of flavor on the palate. $16 Buy it here.Marcel Cabelier Cremant Du Jura - This wine hails from Jura France a region sandwiched between the Burgundy wine region and the Swiss border. It’s 90% Chardonnay, the remainder Pinot Noir and Poulsard. A light straw yellow color in the glass, the green apple and biscuit aromas and flavors could easily fool you into thinking it’s Champagne. This is our new house bubbly. Why spend all your money on a luxury Champagne brand when you can get this level of quality and complexity for a third of the cost? $20 Buy it here.2018 La Bastide Saint Dominique Cotes du Rhone Villages - 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre 15% Carignan. Fermented and aged in stainless steel the nose is quite shy on first impression. Decant it and leave it alone for an hour and you will be welcomed to a wonderful black and blue fruit nose. It’s full bodied with a good punch and spiciness on the palate. A nice mid length savory finish. La Bastide wines age extremely well so you can lose a few of these in storage and not have to worry. $17 Buy it here.2018 Crous St. Martin Les Espaliers Gigondas - 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre. This relatively new label is a collaboration between wine agent Harry Bosmans and wine grower Eric Bonnet of Domaine Bastide Saint Dominique. A deep ruby color in the glass the nose shows deep red fruit and spice. On the palate it’s refreshing, savory and beautifully balanced. A wonderful new discovery. $25 Buy it here.2017 Juan Gil Monastrell Silver Label - Crafted from 100% Monastrell from the region of Jumilla in southeastern Spain. The 40 year old Monastrell vines are dry farmed on limestone soils. The wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. Deep black and purple in the glass, aromas of blackberries, blueberries, black cherries, licorice and sweet oak accompany a mineral rich and concentrated palate. It’s full bodied with just enough acidity to ward off a slightly sweet sensation on the finish. Ages ago I consumed a lot of this wine and it’s exactly as I remembered it. I’m glad I ‘ve rediscovered it again. $15 Buy it here.2015 Blue Gray Priorat - 50% Garnacha, 30% Mazuelo (Carignane), 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. Another Label from the Gil Family Estates this wine is packed with juicy black fruit and savory spice. It’s rich and concentrated but not jammy. Very approachable, its balance and well integrated tannins have made it our house red. $18 Buy it here.

I produttori del Friuli Venezia Giulia non restano passivi di fronte agli effetti post lockdown e prendono decisioni chiare a tutela della tenuta dei prezzi e del mercato in vista della prossima vendemmia.Il Collio è una zona viticola conosciuta in tutto il mondo per i vini bianchi minerali e longevi che in questa zona collinare, collocata fra le Alpi Giulie e il Mare Adriatico, acquisiscono caratteristiche territoriali di grande espressività e vantano un eccellente potenziale d'invecchiamento. Per sostenere queste eccellenze della viticoltura in un momento tanto incerto come quello attuale, il Consorzio Tutela Vini Collio si è messo in ascolto delle necessità dei propri soci individuandone le esigenze in modo da poter intervenire a supporto del comparto vinicolo locale.È così che, nell'assemblea tenutasi martedì 30 giugno 2020 è stato deciso con il 62 % di voti a favore di attuare un calo delle rese del 20% relativo all'imminente vendemmia 2020, decisione da applicarsi a tutti i vitigni disciplinati dalla DOC Collio. Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon, Friulano, Malvasia e Ribolla Gialla sono solo alcuni tra i protagonisti di questa operazione messa in atto dal Consorzio al fine di tutelare il posizionamento dei prodotti e salvaguardare il lavoro dei soci.

Dall'unione di Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay e Sauvignon Blanc, sapientemente maturate in botte, nasce l'Alto Adige Terlano Classico Bianco Riserva Nova Domus, un vino di straordinaria classe ed eleganza, perfetto equilibrio di sensazioni e aromi, una bella magia della Cantina Terlano.

La cantina Drius si trova a Cormòns, alle pendici del Monte Quarin. Vi è annessa una grande e luminosa zona degustazione realizzata con materiale ecosostenibile, a testimoniare come il rispetto per l’ambiente sia una filosofia di vita e di lavoro.Le bianche eccellenze dell’azienda si chiamano Pinot Bianco, Friulano, Malvasia, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon, Chardonnay.Dal perfetto assemblaggio di uve Friulano, Sauvignon e Pinot Bianco selezionati a Cormòns, in località Siris, i Drius hanno creato Vignis di Sìris, sintesi sopraffina di tutti i deliziosi sentori della loro terra.Tra i rossi il Merlot, vino di gran carattere, e il corposo Cabernet Sauvignon profumato dei mille sentori dei frutti di bosco: lampone, mirtillo, more.Vini “senza fretta” sono quelli di Mauro Drius, adatti all’affinamento nel tempo «perché – dice – anche il vino, come l’uomo, ha bisogno dei suoi tempi, deve maturare per esprimersi al meglio.»

La cantina Drius si trova a Cormòns, alle pendici del Monte Quarin. Vi è annessa una grande e luminosa zona degustazione realizzata con materiale ecosostenibile, a testimoniare come il rispetto per l’ambiente sia una filosofia di vita e di lavoro.Le bianche eccellenze dell’azienda si chiamano Pinot Bianco, Friulano, Malvasia, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon, Chardonnay.Dal perfetto assemblaggio di uve Friulano, Sauvignon e Pinot Bianco selezionati a Cormòns, in località Siris, i Drius hanno creato Vignis di Sìris, sintesi sopraffina di tutti i deliziosi sentori della loro terra.Tra i rossi il Merlot, vino di gran carattere, e il corposo Cabernet Sauvignon profumato dei mille sentori dei frutti di bosco: lampone, mirtillo, more.Vini “senza fretta” sono quelli di Mauro Drius, adatti all’affinamento nel tempo «perché – dice – anche il vino, come l’uomo, ha bisogno dei suoi tempi, deve maturare per esprimersi al meglio.»

Abandonnés en 2016, les vins du fameux Clos Jordanne de la péninsule du Niagara sont de retour et les Méchants Raisins les dégustent avec Claude Langlois, Méchant Raisin honoraire. Débat sur les vins canadiens, des suggestions en rafale et une dégustation à l’aveugle.   Les vins dégustés :  Clos Jordanne, chardonnay Le Grand Clos 2017, Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, 45 $ - Code SAQ - 14222886 – 13 % - 1,5 g/l  Clos Jordanne, pinot noir Le Grand Clos 2017, Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario, 45 $ - Code SAQ - 14222886 – 12,5 % - 1 g/l    Les suggestions de Nadia : Sumarroca, 2CV 2018, Penedès, 19,50 $ - Code SAQ: 14160742 Yohan Lardy, Moulin-à-Vent 2017, Les Michelons, 27 $ - Code SAQ: 14184453    Les suggestions de Patrick :  Zarate, Albarino 2018, Rias Baixas, Espagne, 23,20 $ - Code SAQ 13529202 – 13 % - 1,8 g/l  Bonny Doon Vineyard, Le Cigare Volant 2012, Central Coast Californie, É-U, 40,00 $ - Code SAQ 10253386 – 13 % - 1,9 g/l    Les suggestions de Mathieu :   Château Trolliet-Lafite 2011, SAQ code :  12233805, 21,70 $, 13 %, 1,8 g/l  Alois Lageder, Pinot Bianco 2018, Trentin Haut-Adige, Italie, 19,25 $ - Code SAQ 12057004 – 12,5 % - 2,3 g/l    Le vin à l’aveugle :  Cedar Creek, Pinot Noir Estate 2017, Okanagan Valley, Canada, 26,99 $ - Disponible en ligne sur le site du domaine – 14 % - 1,4 g/l 

In Alto Adige le grandi cantine sono interpreti di una produzione di eccellenza che può contare sulla passione dei piccoli viticoltori e sulla tecnologia e sul know how di grandi realtà. Ne è un esempio Cantina Kaltern che, dopo la fusione a fine 2016 con l’altra grande cooperativa del territorio, la Erste+Neue, conta oggi 650 soci e 450 ettari di vigneto.Grande e dinamica è Cantina Kaltern che dal 2018 propone la linea top di gamma Quintessenz, che riunisce sotto questo nome cinque interpreti di altrettanti vitigni focus dell’azienda: in primo luogo la Schiava del Kalterersee Doc (Lago di Caldaro), ma anche Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon, Moscato Giallo in versione Passito (ex Serenade) e infine un Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva molto particolare. Altro progetto lanciato da Cantina Kaltern fin dal 2015 è kunst.stück(Opera d’Arte), nome assegnato ad un vino prodotto a tiratura limitata e con etichetta d’artista cui spetta il compito di celebrare il vitigno che meglio ha interpretato unicità e caratteristiche di una determinata annata. I primi tre interpreti sono stati il Pinot Bianco 2014, il Kalterersee Doc 2016 e il Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, disponibile da ottobre 2018.

In Alto Adige le grandi cantine sono interpreti di una produzione di eccellenza che può contare sulla passione dei piccoli viticoltori e sulla tecnologia e sul know how di grandi realtà. Ne è un esempio Cantina Kaltern che, dopo la fusione a fine 2016 con l’altra grande cooperativa del territorio, la Erste+Neue, conta oggi 650 soci e 450 ettari di vigneto.Grande e dinamica è Cantina Kaltern che dal 2018 propone la linea top di gamma Quintessenz, che riunisce sotto questo nome cinque interpreti di altrettanti vitigni focus dell’azienda: in primo luogo la Schiava del Kalterersee Doc (Lago di Caldaro), ma anche Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon, Moscato Giallo in versione Passito (ex Serenade) e infine un Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva molto particolare. Altro progetto lanciato da Cantina Kaltern fin dal 2015 è kunst.stück(Opera d’Arte), nome assegnato ad un vino prodotto a tiratura limitata e con etichetta d’artista cui spetta il compito di celebrare il vitigno che meglio ha interpretato unicità e caratteristiche di una determinata annata. I primi tre interpreti sono stati il Pinot Bianco 2014, il Kalterersee Doc 2016 e il Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, disponibile da ottobre 2018.

Il maestoso cedro che svetta nel giardino è l’indizio certo della lunga storia di Mosnel, oggi nome di riferimento della Franciacorta. La sua collezione di vini si riconosce dal timbro unico che accompagna Mosnel da quando, nel 1836, cinque generazioni fa, la proprietà ha memoria delle prime vinificazioni. Mosnel trae infatti da quella terra ricca di sassi – in dialetto “mosnel” significa pietraia – eleganza e spessore che si ritrova nei fruttati Brut e Brut Rosé, nel Pas Dosé dalla raffinata tessitura, nel Satèn Millesimato dal gusto pieno e complesso, nel Brut Nature. Nei vigneti di Mosnel, 39 ettari a conduzione biologica raccolti in un unico corpo intorno all’azienda (caso molto raro in Franciacorta), sfilano Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco e Pinot Nero. Al vertice della gamma, ci sono due fuoriclasse: il Parosé e l’Extra Brut Millesimato EBB, dedicato a Emanuela Barboglio Barzanò, pioniera della denominazione e madre di Lucia e Giulio che oggi gestiscono l’azienda di famiglia.

Il maestoso cedro che svetta nel giardino è l’indizio certo della lunga storia di Mosnel, oggi nome di riferimento della Franciacorta. La sua collezione di vini si riconosce dal timbro unico che accompagna Mosnel da quando, nel 1836, cinque generazioni fa, la proprietà ha memoria delle prime vinificazioni. Mosnel trae infatti da quella terra ricca di sassi – in dialetto “mosnel” significa pietraia – eleganza e spessore che si ritrova nei fruttati Brut e Brut Rosé, nel Pas Dosé dalla raffinata tessitura, nel Satèn Millesimato dal gusto pieno e complesso, nel Brut Nature. Nei vigneti di Mosnel, 39 ettari a conduzione biologica raccolti in un unico corpo intorno all’azienda (caso molto raro in Franciacorta), sfilano Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco e Pinot Nero. Al vertice della gamma, ci sono due fuoriclasse: il Parosé e l’Extra Brut Millesimato EBB, dedicato a Emanuela Barboglio Barzanò, pioniera della denominazione e madre di Lucia e Giulio che oggi gestiscono l’azienda di famiglia.

The magnificent white wine of Querciabella - Batàr 2014 - conquers for the second time the title of best wine of the month, in this case June 2017. A masterpiece of wine making produced with Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc in equal parts, majestically made in a perfect symphony of aromas and elegance.

Il grandissimo vino bianco di Querciabella - Batàr 2014 - conquista per la seconda volta il titolo di migliore vini del mese, in questo caso Giugno 2017. Un capolavoro enologico prodotto con Chardonnay e Pinot Bianco in parti uguali, magistralmente eseguito in una perfetta sinfonia di profumi ed eleganza.

Mirabella è una delle storiche cantine della Franciacorta, fondata nel 1979 dall'enologo Teresio Schiavi e dall'Ing. Giacomo Cavalli, si è sempre distinta nel panorama enologici italiano per l'eccellenza delle sue bollicine. Il Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero Riserva D0M 2006 è certamente la dimostrazione della qualità che si produce nei vigneti di Mirabella, un Franciacorta di notevole eleganza e personalità, con un profilo organolettico che coniuga complessità a classe. Cinque Diamanti DiWineTaste e titolo di migliore vino per il mese di Aprile 2017.

Gianluca Bisol talks about the basics of Prosecco, his family's business and whether or not we will ever see a pink Prosecco. Pour a glass of Prosecco and listen. #prosecco #bisol #valdobbiadene #wine #whitewine #glera Wines we tasted: Jeio Brut Rose -- Merlot and Pinot Noir blend $16 Desiderio Jeio Prosecco Brut --100% Glera $17 Crede Prosecco di Valdobbiadene DOC -- Prosecco (85%), Pinot Bianco, Verdiso - $25 Cartizze Superiore Prosecco di Valdobbiadene DOC – 100% prosecco – $50

This week WineGuyMike™ writes all about all things bubbly for your New Year Celebration and understanding the differences between Champagne, Sparkling Wine, Cava, Prosecco, and Spumante.  In this post I am also suggesting sparkling wines in a variety of price ranges that offer the consumer value. What is the difference between Champagne and Sparkling wine?  Sparkling wines and champagne are still wines that have been infused with carbonation. True Champagne is made in France will be noted by the capital letter “C”on the label.  Other sparkling wines called Champagne will by designated as “champagne”, notice no capitalization. Three grapes are used in Champagne, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.  It’s white because only the juice of the grapes is used.The four methods of Sparkling wine production:1. Carbon Dioxide Injection – soft drinks and inexpensive sparkling wines are produced using this method.  It produces large bubbles that dissipate quickly.2. Charmat Process – wine undergoes a second fermentation in large bulk tanks and is bottled under pressure.  Prosecco and Asti are produced utilizing this method, smaller longer lasting bubbles result from this method.  Many Sparkling wines are made using this method.3. Méthode Champenoise – this process takes place in the bottle and requires hands on attention.  During the second fermentation the carbon dioxide stays in the bottle and this is where the bubbles come from.4. Transfer Method – the cuvee is bottled for the second fermentation which adds complexity.  But the wine is then removed and stored in large tanks after it has spent the appropriate amount of time on yeast.Champagne:The Champagne region of France not only produces some of the finest sparkling wines in the world, but some of the finest wines in the world too.  Typically there are three grapes used in the blend for sparkling wines; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.  Different vintages are used to create the blend or better known as the “Cuvee”.Champagne is expensive due to the traditional method of how it is made, Methode Champenoise and techniques known as second fermentation.  This process takes place in the bottle and requires hands on attention.Pink Champagne or sparkling Rose is strained through the Pinot Noir grape skins, truly a delight.  Methode Champenoise is the true French fermentation process.  The wine is fermented twice, once in an oak barrel, and the second time the wine developes carbonation in the bottle while aging a minimum of one year.Blanc de Blancs is true French Champagne, it is produced entirely from the Chardonnay grape.  Blanc de Blancs fermented using the Methode Champenoise process, producing white Champagne.Designations of quality:Prestige cuveeThis Champagne is the highest priced and is available only in small quantities.  It is designated “Prestige” because the grapes come from the best grapes from the highest rated villages, it is made from the first pressing of the grapes, produced only as a vintage, and will have been aged longer than vintage and non-vintage Champagnes.Vintage Champagne                                         Some select years produce an outstanding grape harvest.  The Vintage Champagnes are aged for at least three years.  Here are an example of a few companies who produce these Vintage Champagnes; Veuve Clicquot, Perrier-Jouet, Moet & Chandon, and Taittinger.Remember a Vintage Champagne will be identified by an actual year marked on the label, but expect to pay a premium for this.Non-Vintage ChampagneThe majority of Sparkling wine on the shelf of a store is non-vintage.  These are a blend of wines aged for two years.How to Select your Champagne:■Brut is Dry■Extra Dry is Semidry■Sec is Semisweet■Demi-sec is SweetQuality Champagne Cellars:Ayala, Billecart-Salmon, J. Bollinger, Canard-Duchene, Deutz, Charles Heidsieck, Heid sieck Monopole, Henriot, Krug, Lanson, Lauret Perrier, Mercier, Moet & Chandon, Mumm Perrier-Jouet, Joseph Perrier, Piper Heidsieck, Pol Roger, Pommery, Louis Roederer, Ruinart, Salmon, Taittinger, Veuve ClicquotAll things are not at equal when it comes to sparkling wines and Champagne.  So what makes all of these types of sparkling wines different?  The answer is how they are made, the type of grapes, and the yeasts that are used in fermentation and left behind in the bottle to age with the sparkling wines.There are 2-3 elements of wine that create aroma and flavor.  The first element is the fruit, and the second is the yeast used to ferment the wine.  Fruit and yeast combine during fermentation to produce aroma and flavor or sense of taste.  The third influence upon the wine in your glass may be from an oak influence during the wines aging process.Other sparkling Wine Regions:Loire Valley of France produces Crémant, while the Asti region of Italy produces Asti Spumanti, and Prosecco comes from the Veneto region.  The Catalonia region of Spain produces the world’s most popular sparkling wine, Cava.  Quality sparkling wines made in Italy are made by the Metodo Classico process or what the French refer to as Methode Champenoise.Prosecco is an Italian wine, generally a dry sparkling wine, usually made from grape varietyGlera, which is also known as Prosecco.  The Veneto region of Italy is where Glera/ Prosecco is grown and produced.Prosecco is mainly produced as a sparkling wine in either the fully sparkling (spumante) or lightly sparkling (frizzante, gentile) styles.  Prosecco spumante, which has undergone a full secondary fermentation, is the more expensive style.  The various sparkling wines may contain some Pinot Bianco or Pinot Grigio wine.  Depending on their sweetness, Proseccos are labeled “brut”, “extra dry”, or “dry”, with the brut being the driest.Unlike Champagne, Prosecco does not ferment in the bottle consequently the wine goes off or gets old quickly and should be drunk as young as possible, preferably within one year.Prosecco is Italy’s answer to refreshing, well-made, sparkling wine that is low in alcohol, about 11 to 12 percent by volume.  Created from predominately Prosecco grapes in the northern Veneto region of Italy in the foothills of the Alps.  Prosecco is light, affordable, and fun.  This Sparkling wine is aromatic and crisp, with nuances of yellow apple, citrus, pear, white peach, and apricot.  Today’s Proseccos tend to be  dry and very bubbly and typically will present itself as light, fresh, with an initial intense bouquet/aroma, but simple and straight forward compared to Champagne.Prosecco is made using the Charmat method rather than the Champagne method, the French method of making sparkling wine.  The Charmat method is a second fermentation in pressurized tanks rather than in individual bottles.  The shorter, tank fermentation is preferable for Prosecco because it preserves the freshness and the flavor of the grapes.Asti Spumante is a sweet sparkling wine.  It is produced in the province of Asti and made from the Moscato grape.  Spumante is a fruit forward sparkling wine that is grapy, and has a low alcohol content usually around 8%.  Moscato d’Asti is a sparkling wine that is frizzante in style and for my palette I find these wines to be more refined than the Asti Spumante.Cava originated in the Catalonia region at the in the late 19th century.  Originally the wine was known as Champaña until Spanish producers officially adopted the term “Cava” (cellar) in 1970.  Cava wines are fermented and aged in the bottle in underground cellars.   Today 95% of Spain’s total Cava production is from Catalonia.Cava is produced in different styles ranging from dry to sweet; Brut Nature, Brut (extra dry),Seco (dry), Semiseco (medium) and Dulce (sweet).  Under Spanish Denominación de Origen laws, Cava can be produced in six wine regions and must be made according to the Traditional Method with second fermentation in the bottle.  The grapes used to produce Cava are Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel·lo, Chardonnay, Pinot noir, and Malvasia.  The Chardonnay grape is a late comer to the scene despite being a traditional grape used to produce Champagne.  It was not introduced in the production of Cava until the 1980s.In order for the wines to be called ‘Cava’, they must be made in the traditional Méthode Champenoise.  Wines made via the low-cost Charmat process may only be called ‘Spanish sparkling wine’.   A rosé style of Cava is also produced by adding in small amounts of red wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha or Monastrell to the wine.Cava made by the Champagne method, is a very acceptable alternative to French champagne.  Cava is usually made by the Coupage method, whereby must, a.k.a.(grape juice) from different grape varieties is subjected to the first fermentation which is blended until it  is consistent with the wine that the winemaker wants to produce .  After the Coupage, the wine is put into bottles and yeast and sugar added.  It is then cellared for the second fermentation and aging.Crémant is produced in the Loire Valley of France and is the largest producer of sparkling wines outside of the Champagne region.  Crémant has to be aged for at least one year and it is handpicked.  The producers are also limited as to how much can be harvested, this all according to the French A.O.C.There are seven French appellations that carry the Crémant designation in their name:1.Crémant d’Alsace2.Crémant de Bordeaux3.Crémant de Bourgogne4.Crémant de Die5.Crémant du Jura6.Crémant de Limoux7.Crémant de LoireCrémant de Loire’s are a blend of the Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc.  In Burgundy, Crémant de Bourgogne, must be composed of at least thirty percent Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc or Pinot Gris while Aligoté is often used to complement the blend.  The Languedoc region in the south of France produces Crémant de Limoux.  This Sparkling wine is produced from the indigenous grape Mauzac, with Chenin blanc, and Chardonnay rounding out the wine in small amounts.The Crémant Sparkling Wines are pressurized less than Champagne and therefore have a larger looser bubble as a result.California Sparkling Wines:Sparkling wines from California use a few grape varietals such as Berger and Chenin Blanc to blend with the traditional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.Producers to look for in California; Hacienda, Domain Lauier, Roederer Estate, Domaine Carneros, Domaine Chandon, Codorniu-Napa, Iron Horse, Jordan, Mumm-Cuvee Napa, and Schramsberg.Remember the name “Champagne” can only be used in Europe on bottles that actually are produced in the Champagne region of France.As a consumer you now are empowered by the information WineGuyMike™ has shared with you in this week’s blog post.  I would like to wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.From my table to yours,

77% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Bianco, 8% Raboso Piave, Fresh and elegant. Layers and layers of flavors. Elderberry, anise, Italian summer melon, beeswax and seashells live within so many tiny bubbles. Totally delicious! Secco Italian Bubbles goes with everything from caviar to oysters to your favorite Chinese take-out. The post The Sipping Point Radio – 12/15: Charles Smith Winery appeared first on Laurie Forster | Wine Expert | Wine Coach | Wine Speaker.