Category Archives: HOT NEWS

Almaden wines get new labels

Posted on by Leave a comment

Founded in 1852, the Almadén line is considered the oldest winery in California. There are eight generations of producers who have produced – with great talent and expertise – wines and sparkling wines since 1973, in Brazil. The work of repositioning the line sought to review the brand’s entire portfolio, creating two large groups: Almadén Vinhos and Almadén Sparkling.

Within the Almadén Vinhos group, three categories were created:

• Almadén Varietals (line with ten dry varietals)
• Vintage Almadén (a red and a white half dry)
• Almadén Suave (a red, white and rosé)

Already in the Almadén Sparkling group, three products were developed, now in 750 ml bottles:

• Almadén Brut
• Almadén Demi Sec
• Almadén Brut Rosé

The work of visual renovation respected the legacy of a centennial and international brand, with 45 years of history in the Brazilian market, was guided by the search for the perception of greater added value.

“We strive to maintain the uncomplicated concept of the brand in this new Almadén Line, producing a wide range of varietals with evident quality gains in scale production”, celebrates Adriano Miolo, superintendent of the Miolo group.

The Almadén line of dry varietals consists of the varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Tannat, Pinotage and Shiraz among the reds. And Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurztraminer in whites.

The vintage Almadén half dry is constituted by the Cabernet / Shiraz red and the white Chenin / Muscat. The Almadén Suave line is composed of Cabernet red (Sauvignon / Franc), white Ugni Blanc and Rosé Cabernet (Sauvignon / Franc).

About Almadén

Almadén is part of the Miolo Group, a brand that has projects in 4 regions of Brazil with its own vineyards. The Almadén wines are elaborated in Santana do Livramento, Campanha Central (RS), in the 450 hectares of the brand. The other Miolo projects are developed in Bento Gonçalves (RS), Vale dos Vinhedos – Vinícola Miolo (100 hectares); in Candiota (RS), Southern Campaign – Seival Winery (200 hectares); and in Casa Nova (BA), San Francisco Valley – Terranova Winery (200 hectares).

‘Monferrato On Stage’

Posted on by Leave a comment


The ‘taste of music’ in collaboration with the Consortium Barbera d’Asti and Vini del Monferrato

Notes and gastronomic excellences protagonists, until 25 August, of the Piedmontese summer in 12 Municipalities

Monferrato on stage returns to animate the Piedmontese summer and to enhance a territory rich in wine excellences. From 1 July to 25 August the musical and food and wine event, realized in collaboration with the Consortium Barbera d’Asti and Vini del Monferrato and sponsored by the Piedmont Region and Province of Asti, will touch twelve Municipalities of Monferrato: Passerano Marmorito (Sunday 1st July ), Baldichieri d’Asti (Saturday 7 July), Cocconato (Friday 13 July), Cantarana (Saturday 14 July), Callianetto (Saturday 21 July), Aramengo (Sunday 22 July), Piea (Saturday 4 August), Roatto (Sunday) 5 August), Castagnole Monferrato (Friday 10 August), Tonco (Sunday 12 August), Ferrere (Thursday 23 August) and Valfenera (Saturday 25 August) with a rich program of free concerts and tastings of local products.

The leitmotif of the whole event will be music, with cover bands and special guests and the great wines of Monferrato. The musicians who will alternate this summer are many and of different musical genres. It starts from the sound of Riki Massini and Bonus Track Band with special guest Clive Bunker, historical drummer of Jethro Tull (1/7) and continues with The Italian Job – Stef Burns, “the Gallo” Golinelli, Juan Van Emmerloot (7 / 7) passing from the fifties rock’n’roll of Florie & The Lazy Cats (13/7); the next day it’s the turn of the historical “Band” of Ligabue composed by Robby Pellati, Mel Previte, “Rigo” Righetti and Fede Poggipollini (14/7). The month of July closes with Enrico Zapparoli tribute by Modà & Negramaro (21/7) and the Emotions Swing & Bossa Band by Max Muller (22/7). August begins with Andrea Braido and The Black Cars (4/8) continuing with the opening band of the Iron Maiden world tour Johnny Gallagher & The Boxtie Band (5/8), the gipsy-jazz-bossa of the Bruskers Guitar Duo Gipsy ( 10/8), the homage to Lucio Dalla proposed by Ricky Portera and Gemelli Astrali (12/8) and the two final evenings with Giorgio Conte in “Sconfinando” Tour in the company of maestro Alessandro Nidi (23/8) and Giorgio Buttazzo and the Acoustic Trio Bermuda (25/8).

Each evening will be accompanied by quality wine, with the Barbera protagonist, which will be possible to taste for each event in the program, along with a basket of typical products ranging from rubatà breadsticks, robiola, cooked salami to tench in carpione to peaches stuffed.

“The noble wines of Monferrato – says the president of the Consortium Barbera d’Asti and Vini del Monferrato, Filippo Mobrici – marry the music of the stages of Monferrato on stage, a festival that involves some of the municipalities of production of the names that we protect and promote. This year we support the review that takes place in the wine regions and in some of its most evocative villages, because we share the basic philosophy: the enhancement of local history and its cultural heritage, landscape and production through its great wines “.

“A review that conquers new spaces – says the Piedmont Region Councilor for Agriculture, Giorgio Ferrero – is a lively and vibrant review, which grows and finds in this a confirmation of his mission. Monferrato on stage is an occasion of great importance. to promote a territory that gives prestige to Piedmont. Barbera and Vermouth are worthy contraltari of music, and remember that the Monferrato is a land rich in history, culture, exceptional landscapes, wine and other food and wine excellences. Remembering it once again is important to make known to those who ignore it a territory that deserves to be frequented “.

“This event – says the president of the Province of Asti, Marco Gabusi – is characterized by its intent to unite, surpassing the logic of the bell towers thanks to a modern communication and a renewed graphics for a brand of an event increasingly linked to our territory”.

“The Ecomuseum is an institution of the Piedmont Region that enhances the memory and what better occasion of the music to do it” declares Elisabetta Serra, director of the Ecomuseum of the Basso Monferrato Asti (BMA) among the partners of the event.

To give voice to the Monferrato and to the whole festival will be the radio speaker Manuel Giancale (ManuJ) of Radio Veronica One that will lead and animate the evenings alternating with the rock and pop notes of the numerous artists on the stage.

Sauvignon Blanc „Mathias“ by Pfitscher

Posted on by Leave a comment

Pinot Nero and Sauvignon Blanc are the main grape varieties that in recent years have allowed Pfitscher to be so appreciated in the wine scene. In autumn a new wine will be presented, unique and in limited quantities: the Sauvignon Blanc “Mathias” 2016.

Named after the founder of the Pfitscher Estate, Mathias reflects a grand cru according to the Burgundian model: an authentic “terroir wine”. Land rich in life and minerality, optimal microclimate, old vines and a work in the meticulous vineyard, carried out with strictly natural techniques: all fundamental factors that, in synergy, give life to Mathias.

We find these ideal conditions in the Cru “Katrhreinerfelder” in Fiè allo Sciliar, at 900 m of altitude. In good years this vineyard produces between 1,500 and 2,000 bottles of an excellent wine. Sauvignon Blanc “Mathias” made its debut during the most important trade fairs in Europe and was premiered to a small circle of journalists, thus confirming its extraordinary characteristics of quality and exclusivity.

The Pfitscher family has worked hard to create a great wine, able to seduce by structure, minerality and elegance, like the most famous wines in the world. The “Mathias” 2016 Sauvignon Blanc wine is available in a limited edition of only 1,850 bottles at specialized dealers starting in October.

The network of Bourgogne Wine Ambassadors expands

Posted on by Leave a comment
With a network of 60 official Ambassadors in France and in 17 other countries around the world, the BIVB was keen to expand its team. And to do this, 10 training experts – including several Masters of Wine – were selected from around 100 applications around the world. Six came from the USA, one from Canada, and for the first time, successful applicants also came from India, Australia, and Switzerland, counting one apiece.
They traveled across Bourgogne from north to south, widening out their experience and discovering all the richness of the region through theory lessons, landscape readings, estate visits, meetings with professionals, and themed tastings. This intensive training week was capped off with a demanding final exam requiring a high level of understanding.
All 10 applicants passed the test, thus obtaining the coveted title of Official Bourgogne Wines Ambassador. These passionate specialists are now entitled to promote Bourgogne wines in a variety of ways, such as by hosting masterclasses in their territory with market influencers or wine-loving consumers.
Here is a list of our newly-qualified Bourgogne Wine Ambassadors:
•   Mark Shipway (Canada)
•   Marianne Franz (USA)
•   Christian Oggenfuss (USA)
•   Robert Bath (USA)
•   Tanya Morning Star Darling (USA)
•   Liz Palmer (USA)
•   Andrea Pritzker (Australia)
•   Sonal Holland (India)
•   Timothy Magnus (Switzerland)
•   James Barlow (USA)
In October, it will be the turn of France to strengthen its network. A recruitment campaign is underway with the aim of attracting 10 candidates to the Bourgogne region next fall. The following are prerequisites: Being a trainer in the wine sector with a good level of knowledge of Bourgogne wines; having a network of market influencers; and being active on social media.

Linea FRANCESCO CAPETTA Monferrato DOC Chiaretto

Posted on by Leave a comment

The Monferrato DOC Chiaretto is a delicate and pleasant rosé wine obtained from Dolcetto, Barbera, Pinot Noir grapes, to be served preferably fresh (around 10 ° -12 ° C) to enhance the harmonious and balanced taste.

Excellent all year round, it is perfect to accompany fish and white meats.

It is part of the Francesco Capetta line, which offers a selected selection of DOC and DOCG wines: in addition to the Monferrato DOC Chiaretto, it includes the Cortese dell’Alto Monferrato DOC and the red wines Barbera d’Asti DOCG, Barbera del Monferrato DOC, Dolcetto d ‘ Acqui DOC and Dolcetto d’Alba DOC.

Characteristics of Monferrato DOC Chiaretto Capetta:

Grape variety: Dolcetto, Pinot Nero, Barbera

Classification: Denomination of Controlled Origin

Color: Rosé tending to light red

Perfume: Fresh, delicate, pleasantly vinous

Taste: Dry, harmonious and balanced

Serving suggestions: Excellent with dishes based on fish and white meats

Alcohol content: 12% Vol

Serving temperature: 10 ° -12 ° C

The Cave de Prestige 2018 selections are announced!

Posted on by Leave a comment
The awards ceremony for those wines selected for the Bourgogne wines Cave de Prestige was held on Thursday 14 June in Beaune, in the presence of François Labet, President of the BIVB.
This gathering, which has been taking place annually for almost three decades, is both the opportunity to unveil the wines selected for the Cave de Prestige showcase, but also for the President of the Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) to deliver a speech. In it, he hailed the quality of the wines, which is improving year-on-year, and reminded the winning producers that their wines will be representing the region over the next 12 months, through the BIVB’s promotional and training activities in France and around the world.

An edition with lots of competition!

In 2018, of the 1,138 samples submitted, 218 cuvées were selected (68% from estates, 9% from cellars, and 23% from négociants), representing 19.2% of the original submissions. This high percentage is a very good indicator of the level of excellence of those wines picked.

The 2016 vintage was the most popular, accounting for 133 wines out of 218. Its quality is incontestable, given the scores obtained.

The BIVB buys all the wines selected for the Cave de Prestige. In 2018, almost 14,500 bottles were purchased, of which 2,500 were presented at the Cité du Vins in Bordeaux.

Among the 134 winning producers were:

•   18 estates, cellars, or maisons included for the first time in the Cave de Prestige
•   34 companies made a return for this edition

Spend summer with the Maison Joseph Drouhin

Posted on by Leave a comment

All summer, Joseph Drouhin is hosting events around Bourgogne wines. You are just a few clicks away from participating!
With something for everyone and every budget (between 45 and 250 euros per person), this is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself and others.

The Maison Joseph Drouhin is not short on ideas when it comes to organizing tastings, offering passionate wine lovers and passing tourists a wide variety of themes:

•   Discovery tasting of the Climats of Bourgogne (27 June and 4 July, 2:00pm to 3:30pm)
•   Visit and tasting: The war, wine, and the Maison Joseph Drouhin (7 September, 3 October, 2:00pm to 5:00pm)
•   Tasting – The Côte de Nuits: Paradise for Pinot Noir (11 July, 10:00am to 11:30am)
•   Aperitif tasting at the Clos des Mouches in Beaune (20 July, 4:00pm to 6:30pm)
•   Chardonnay in all its glory (30 July, 2:00pm to 3:30pm)
•   Pinot Noir Day (17 August, 2:00pm to 3:30pm)
•   “Terroirs Chocolatés” wine and chocolate tasting (24 August, 2:00pm to 3:30pm)
•   Tasting of eight Grand Cru wines (27 August, 10:00am to 11:30am)
•   Dîner des Ducs with tasting and visit to the cellars of the Maison Joseph Drouhin (17 November, 6:00pm)

Please note, many of these events need to be reserved in advance.

Click here to find out more about these events on the Maison Joseph Drouhin website or contact the estate directly at visite@drouhin.com.

The Châteaux de Meursault and Marsannay have obtained level 3 High Environmental Value (HVE) certification

Posted on by One comment
This covers 106 hectares: 67 hectares in Meursault and 39 hectares in Marsannay.
Level 3 is the only level that allows the holder to use the wording “High Environmental Value” and demonstrates an effective commitment to an approach that respects the environment: “Indicators of results relating to biodiversity, phytosanitary strategy, management of fertilization and irrigation”.This certification validates the move towards organic cultivation adopted by the Château de Meursault and the Château de Marsannay. Across the two villages of Meursault and Marsannay, one third of the area under vine is already cultivated according to organic specifications by the Châteaus, “with the aim of having all the vineyards organic within three to five years,” explains Stéphane Follin-Arbelet, Managing Director.

Another major step forward for the Château de Meursault will be the first harvests in 2018 from 8.8 hectares of newly-planted Pinot Noir:
•   1.5 hectares of Corton Grand Cru Les Maréchaudes
•   0.7 hectares of Aloxe-Corton Premier Cru Les Maréchaudes
•   0.8 hectares of Pommard Premier Cru La Platière
•   3 hectares of Pommard La Platière (Village AOC)
•   2.8 hectares of Ladoix Les Chaillots (Village AOC)

The acquisition of these new plots meant fresh investments in the winery, notably the purchase of some oak and stainless-steel vats to vinify the additional must in optimal conditions.

Franciacorta, Camilucci

Posted on by Leave a comment

Passion, research, meticulous attention to detail, an eye to the past but the face towards the future: these are the characteristics of the Camilucci company.
The wine estates is located in the heart of Franciacorta, Italy, in a beautiful hilly area, particularly suitable for viticulture, with vineyards in the Municipalities of Rodengo Saiano, Ome, Monticelli Brusati and Gussago, a few kilometers away from Lake Iseo and Brescia.
Over the years, Stefano Camilucci has made his life an ancient family activity, creating a project that gathers with love and enthusiasm the poetry of his land and projects it with an enlightened slant towards new horizons. A careful, innovative winemaking, aiming at a modern, natural and authentic product. A Franciacorta that seeks aromas, balance and elegance, which marries the drinkability and the satisfaction of the senses. Unique wines, close to their origins, which aim to be remembered.

Masseto takes a leading role in the Christie’s Auction in Hong Kong

Posted on by Leave a comment

Masseto takes a leading role in the Christie’s Auction in Hong Kong with Rare Library Releases and an exceptional ‘preview’ of Masseto 2015 in Hong Kong

The ‘Premier Preview Masseto 2015’ lots achieve an equivalent price of € 1,036 per 750ml bottle  

Masseto, Italy’s most collectable estate, is proud to announce the results of the unique lots made available directly from the winery which were auctioned during Christie’s Fine and Rare Wine auction held in Hong Kong on May 26, 2018.

Considered one of the world’s greatest investment wines as rated by the Liv-Ex auction index, nineteen rare Masseto library release lots were offered to collectors directly from the Estate and achieved a grand total of €109,791 in sales, marking yet another crowning achievement for the storied wine.

Featuring rare bottlings (6 x 750ml) of Masseto from vintages 1995-2009, and large formats (Magnum, never-before-released Double Magnums, and extremely limited release Imperial bottles dating back to 1995), bidding was very animated, with collectors eager to secure these exceptional wines of provenance.

In addition, a notable highlight of the Christie’s auction was the world-exclusive ‘Premier Preview Masseto 2015’ section, offering collectors and ‘afficionados’ the opportunity to purchase the highly anticipated release of the 2015 vintage Masseto prior to its official release in Fall 2018. This vintage, considered to be among the most coveted wines ever produced by the Estate since its inaugural vintage in 1987, was offered in eight separate lots which included all bottle sizes produced (750ml, magnum, double magnum, and the extremely rare numbered Imperial bottle (5/80) and Nebuchadnezzar bottle (1/10).  These lots achieved a grand total of €63,177, which translates into €1,036 per bottle equivalent.

Each lot of Masseto 2015 was offered in original wooden cases with metal plates bearing the text ‘Premier Preview Masseto 2015 – Christie’s Hong Kong – May 2018’ and included a special certificate of origin unique to the lot.

Axel Heinz, Masseto Estate Director and Winemaker remembers, “Vintage 2015 will go down in Masseto’s history as one of the great vintages. The almost textbook-like growing conditions produced a wine with a perfect balance between a mature, yet complex, aromatic expression of great freshness and a rare quality of ample, silky and smooth tannins. The dark and intense color is followed by a rich aroma with hints of fully ripe red fruit and spicy, balsamic and cocoa notes. In the mouth, it becomes sensual and rich, with great density and an ample and perfectly smooth tannin. The fruity notes are balanced by the spicy flavour of wood; its fresh and vivid final taste comes to a close with a hint of cocoa. Given the greatness of the vintage this is a wine which will go on developing over decades to come.”

As with regular bottlings of Masseto, each library release wine sold at the Christie’s Fine & Rare Wine auction on May 26, came equipped with the innovative Prooftag™ technology on the neck of each bottle, guaranteeing authenticity and provenance.

‘‘Christie’s are delighted with the strong results for the lots direct from Masseto with 100% of the lots offered selling and particularly the “Premier Preview Masseto 2015” allowing the lucky buyers to secure this fantastic vintage before general release for sale in the autumn. 6 bottles of Masseto 2015 were sold for HK$ 49,000 and a rare Nebuchadnezzar for HK$ 196,000. We sincerely thank the team at Masseto for the partnership for this special auction”.

Tim Triptree, Director and Senior Specialist, Christie’s 

« Older Entries Recent Entries »