Category Archives: HOT NEWS

Wine Spectator: Bruce Sanderson’s recommended Brunellos di Montalcino

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‘Wine Spectator’ of August 31st, Bruce Sanderson recommends the 2011 Brunello Renieri as one of the best 9 “Top 2011s” and our 2010 Brunello Riserva Renieri as one of the best “Top 2010 Riservas” out of the 160 reviewed.

TOP 2011s

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Renieri
Brunello di Montalcino

DOCG

 2011

Packed with cherry, strawberry, floral and salty,
mineral flavors.

93/100

 

 

 

TOP 2010 RISERVAS

504221b8-27e8-4479-8d08-7b9824542028

Renieri
Brunello di Montalcino

DOCG

RISERVA 2010

Reminescent of a fine Burgundy, showing berry, fading cherry, spice and chalky mineral notes. Juicy and elegant, firm yet harmoniuos.

96/100

DIEVOLE OF #TUSCANY

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dasThe root of the name “Dievole” dates back from centuries in 1090, traces are mentioned in earliest documents and mean in medieval Latin “Dio vuole” (God willing)…

Tuscany is of course from generations to generation a welcoming and valuable region, its beauty never changed making it a little paradise on earth. On the agritourism level “Dievole” is a place with a deep identity, a domain producing oil and wine but where you can also spent your holidays at the residence. The Chef of the restaurant will fill you with the delights of the region. Dievole is a domain of about 600 hectares in the Chianti Classico territory located at about 12 km of Siena. Where time moves at two speeds: one slow, perceived in silence and read in the trees surrounding the hamlet and one that’s vibrant and active. In fact, behind the clear geometry of the vineyards and the imperturbable calm that surrounds olive trees: it’s a constant dialogue between man and nature. sereefd

Respect is the philosophy of the house as well for history past, but also for the more recent one, for the territory – the land, the vines, the olive trees – and especially for all the men and women who work at Dievole with enthusiasm and dedication. The team at Dievole decided to focus on the Sangiovese, the King grape of Tuscany, which represent 80% of the planted grapes at the Dievole vineyards and following the winemaker of the estate Alberto Antonini: “Our goal, is to improve and then maintain the balance of the plant with its environment and allow the vine to better interpret the identity of the terroir”. It is in the historical cellars of the domain that the company organises evocative tastings: at the discoveries of Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva, Vino Santo… In a landscape like Tuscany that is dotted with olive trees, extra virgin olive oil is also part of the company’s values, and Dievole has charged oleologist Marco Scanu to develop its production. The perfection to a 360° view at Dievole is: hills, farmhouses, cypress trees and vineyards, in the best Tuscan tradition translated to beauty,craftsmanship and tradition. A whole world to be discovered…

dfdfseThe Villa was a former home of the Sienese nobility and overlooks the valley for breathtaking views. Dievole is welcoming you for relax and romantic journey in a peaceful nest.  The complex is literally surrounded by vineyards, olive trees and is integrated into the wine making process. So that the Villa, the Cantina and the Dievole offices become a small village with their ceramic tiles, stone windowsills and old style facade, perfectly situated in the Tuscan landscape. The residence includes the historic Villa, a few farmhouses, the stable (now the breakfast room), a lounge bar and an Enoteca with its cellar door. In total, the Villa offers 27 suites and double rooms spread over five sites, divided between the villa and four completely restored farmhouses. Life at the Villa Dievole spent like in a dream and most of the time out in the open air: every week a barbecue evening is organised, but you can also go to the restaurant of the property. Where the Chef Monica Filipinska is inspired by the surrounding environment and therefore by harmony, nature and freshness. She prepare with passion traditional Tuscan recipes with ingredients of local producers and from the domain. If you will be thrilled by her kitchen, Monica doesn’t keep her recipes so long secret and you can follow one of her mini Tuscan cooking classes. To go straight from theory to practice and be part of this true Dievole Renaissance painting.

http://www.dievole.it/en/


Olivier Bulto

WINES FROM #BULGARIA

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burg02dsddsThe 23rd “Concours Mondial de Bruxelles” took place in Plovdiv, an occasion to discover the Bulgarian vineyards.

The main objective of the “Concours Mondial de Bruxelles” is to introduce new wine regions and authentic wines from leading wine regions from Europe which disserve a place on the international scene. The competition and its ceremony happened this year in the second-largest city of Bulgaria. Plovdiv, with an impressive array of historic, cultural and touristic attractions. It will be then become the next European Capital of Culture  for 2019. During the contest about 8750 wines from 51 countries were tasted by a panel of 320 international experts. Three types of medals were awarded: Grand Gold, Gold and Silver, and it revealed also the excellence of Bulgarian vineyards. With some amazing productions of a very high standard,  which some of them were awarded.

Bulgaria’s nature benefits of a  rich historic past and of an extraordinary biodiversity with a lot of natural ressources like mineral water sources and springs among others. The country does not only produce Yogurt, but is also the second world producer of foie gras. The countries between the Black & Caspian Sea are in fact at the origin and the spread of viticulture. During the communist period Bulgaria was already the 5th world producer of wines, the winemakers are now axing their efforts on quality. The Bulgarian vineyards produce nearly 65% of white wine and about 30% of red wine. The main grapes for white wine are mainly Rkatziteli, Misket, Dimyat, Chardonnay. And for red wine are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pamid among others. About 30% of the total production is exported mostly to Japan, USA, Canada, Sweden and Benelux.

The Burgozone Domain.

The Burgozone Domain.

The “Chateau Burgozone” was awarded of two Gold medal, for its “Chardonnay” 2015 and its “Iris creation” 2014. The castle is named after an ancient Roman fortress that protected the Empire from barbarian invasions, and is located in the plains bordering the Danube to the north of the country. A vineyard of about 100 hectares on a single limestone soil enjoying a warm climate with freshness from the river. Allowing vines to express all their specificities. The main grapes cultivated by the Domain are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Syrah… And trying also to resettle indigenous varietals of the region such as Gamza and Tamjanka. The estate’s wines are regularly awarded to international competitions such as Mundus Vini and the Wine Ethousiast. The house produces minerals, fruity wines with elegant and soft tannins with a nice balance. The pleasure of tasting remains intact, Burgozone wines are indeed good value for monney and can be found in supermarkets.

The « Chardonnay » 2015, won the Gold medal, is a fine, elegant and well balanced white wine with complex aroma of green apple, citrus, tropical fruit and honey. With a small touch of bitterness at the end of mouth. The “Pinot Noir” 2014 has a taste of black fruit, milk chocolate keeping all its freshness, volume, good density and depth with length and velvety mildness. You can both taste the Château Burgozone confortably installed with friends at home or in Bulgary. The Vineyard is of course located on the “ Road of the Vines on the Danube”.  Bulgarian wines are of course a world to better discover, the country has a lot of wonders to discover onsite…

www.concoursmondial.com

www.probegex.com

www.burgozone.bg

www.vinodis.com

 

Olivier Bulto

What would be the implications of the #Brexit on wine sector ?

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brexit01

The world of the English vine growing would indeed be favored by the protectionism which would entail this separation. But the English consumer who is very lit on the subject, would he suffer from it? The long-term sequels remain still unknown, but on the short-term consequences is for sure that the profession would suffer from it and the trade would not be facilitated there. Mainly nowadays due to the devaluation of the currency. The new Prime Minister is now named, Mrs Theresa May, and wants to make a success of the exit of her country of the EU. Wine stewards, agents and independent distributors remain nevertheless optimistic, due to the long term of the process. And following an english analyst of the domestic wine market : ” The initial biggest losers will, ironically, be those buying the least amount of wine. Namely the growing number of independent merchants and restaurants buying directly from European producers.” Indeed faced with higher supply chain costs.

brexit02All the wine chain will certainly be attentive in the coming months, and surely on the trade issue. The focus will then be shifted to how wine can be bought and moved across the EU. It will certainly be a relevant dialogue to follow between individual wine producing countries and the World Trade Organisation in the next future. The wine of the non-European wine producers will be easier and potentially cheaper to import, and won’t be hit by current EU-import duties. And EU producers will then be encouraged to stay on the Continent. But how the world of commerce of wines will meet the challenge?

The distribution sector can be innovative and be motivated on three levels: the wine shops, the general stores and the digitals applications. To keep consumers entertained to taste and discover new productions. There are now numerous projects ongoing around the world, like Miguel Torres’s efforts to re-introduce old Catalan varieties in Spain. Or the “Wine Mosaic” programme trying to bring to life old indigenous varietals like the “Obeidi” grape in Lebanon. The wine shops can be an alternative to supermarkets, they can offer better advices and more complementarity. Or some consumers can be also attracted by the digital world, for example by targeted marketing. Trade ambassadors can be rewarded with new products and promotions. But ultimately isn’t it to the global wine trade’s interest for the UK to remain a vital export hub. Is a collective international effort not worthy to be made to make it work in everyone’s interest ? By finding solutions and trade agreements.

As a reminder Sir Winston Churchill stated in 1946 in Zurich: “It is to recreate the European fabric, and to provide it with a structure under which it can dwell in peace, safely and freedom. Therefore I say to you, let Europe arise!”. But the final consumer will of course be the regulator of the sector…

Olivier Bulto

http://www.englishwineproducers.co.uk/

https://www.wto.org/ 

Record value for the EU agri-food trade balance in April 2016

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The EU agri-food trade balance stood at the record value of €1.5 billion in April 2016, compared to €1 billion in April 2015, according to the latest monthly statistical report.

In the same month, exports were worth almost €11 billion. For the past 12 months, EU agri-food exports reached a value of almost €129 billion, representing an increase of 2.8% compared to the same period one year ago. The increase of EU agri-food exports to China was particularly significant with +29% over the last 12 months. This month’s report focuses on pig meat, one of the EU agri-food flagship products accounting for around 5% of the total agri-food value. Since the Russian sanitary ban was implemented in 2014, pork formerly exported to Russia has been mainly reoriented towards certain Asian countries such as China and the Philippines, which were already growing destinations before 2014. For April 2016, pork was the agri-food product that witnessed the highest increase in monthly export values.

Piano…Piano among the 10 best Rosatos of Thailand

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The winery Castello di Bossi is glad to inform that his Rosato Terre di Talamo ‘Piano…Piano’ has been rated 8deef698-d260-42a0-be09-6c801def4789among the 10 best Rosé of Thailand for James Suckling.
It is the only Italian wine in the ranking!

Terre di Talamo
Piano…Piano 2015 

Another fresh and fruity rosé with lots of tangy lemon and lightly under ripe strawberry character.
Medium to full body, bright finish.
Glass cap top. Drink now.
91/100

Le Colture, opens in Bordeaux La Cité du Vin

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citta-del-vino-bordeaux-750x375

It’s signed by Le Colture  the only Superiore di Cartizze in wine list in the place which is shaping up as the emblem of World wine tourism

It’s one of the most anticipated events of the 2016 the opening of “La Cité du Vin” in Bordeaux, the first city-museum in the world entirely devoted to wine which will be inaugurated on May 31st, 2016 in the presence of the French President, François Hollande and from June 1st open to the public.

A wonderful opportunity for the Az. Agr. Le Colture will mean a showcase of prestigious international flavor; the Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Superiore di Cartizze infact, award-winning wine from Santo Stefano, will be the only Cartizze in the wine list at the panoramic restaurant Le 7, the bar à vin and snacks gourmand Latitude20, and La Boutique et Cave inside an overall proposal of 800 wine references from over 80 countries around the world.

Cartizze btgThe selection of wines, 70 of them Italians, was edited by Andreas Larsson, sommelier world champion in 2007 alongside a Tasting Committee chaired by Michel Rolland.

“It’s irrepressible happiness and satisfaction that you breathe in Le Colture  these days – says Alberto Ruggeri – Representing the Cru par excellence of Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG designation in such a context, we are proud of our daily work. My family and I are thrilled with this result which is both a great honor and a great responsibility in maintaining the quality of our wines. “.

The Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Superiore di Cartizze comes from the homonymous subzone, a very small area of an amphitheater vineyard, corresponding to the steepest hills between the towns of Santo Stefano and Saccol where the soil of sandstone and clay allows Glera grapes full maturation and an unusual concentration of aromas. The production reaches about 20,000 bottles a year.

La Cité du Vin, overlooking the Garonne, has a futuristic design inspired by the sinuous shape of a large decanter, a total area of 13,350 square meters distributed over 10 floors and a height of 55 meters, and is set to become the emblem of World wine tourism. Its purpose, enhance and transmit wine as a precious heritage through a real sensory adventure in time and space to discover its more profound difference in a unmissable journey through civilizations of the world.

450,000 estimated presences for the first year from all over the globe in what is already ranked second places to visit for the New York Times, among the 10 large architectural openings expected in the world according to the Huffington Post, among the 40 destinations to spend the holidays for the Guardian, one of the 20 travel destinations for El Pais.

www.laciteduvin.com

Castello di Bossi: the rosatos among the favourite ones of Vinous by Galloni.

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The Castello di Bossi is glad to inform you that the Rosatos are among the favourite ones of Ian D’Agata of Vinous by Galloni.

55a009fa-7ae4-46ed-8748-6b10b3633753Castello di Bossi
Rosato

2015

Bright pink. Delicate aromas and flavors of red currant, violet and fresh citrus. Really blossoms with aeration, picking up a sweet-and-sour tang and a zingy mineral overlay. Not the last word in complexity, but a really lovely Rosato that will go down by the bucketful.
Strikes me as one of the best Rosatos from this
estate in some time. — Ian D’Agata

90/100

 

Terre di Talamo
Piano…Piano8deef698-d260-42a0-be09-6c801def4789

2015

Bright pink. Herbs, red berries and earth on the nose. Then flavors similar to the aromas, with a lingering tactile quality and plenty of juiciness. Saline and floral qualities on the back end add complexity. — Ian D’Agata

89/100

Brunello di Montalcino Renieri by Robert Parker

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504221b8-27e8-4479-8d08-7b9824542028Renieri Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva 2010

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a magnificent wine that will appeal to those who love the softer and richer side of Brunello.
Proprietor Marco Bacci shows a unique talent for interpreting the Sangiovese grape and his deft work comes through clearly in this excellent vintage.
This is a powerful, penetrating but elegant wine with dark cherry and blackberry softened by spice, cinnamon and licorice. The wine is tight and focused in terms of mouthfeel, but it also exhibits an expansive and generous personality. lt is very young now and requires at least five years of cellar aging before it will really start to flex its muscles.

96/100

Yutaka Sone interprets Ornellaia 2013 L’Eleganza

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Ornellaia 2013 L%27Eleganza_bottlesCarrara marble, international icon of elegance, becomes a supple masterpiece in the hands of this Japanese artist.

This project has donated to date more than 1 million euros to art foundations & museums across the globe.

Artist Yutaka Sone has created special-edition labels that will adorn a limited number of large-size bottles of Ornellaia.

Sotheby’s will preside over an auction of 9 rare lots during a gala evening at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, which will receive the proceeds.

For the 8th edition of Vendemmia d’Artista, the project that Ornellaia launched in 2009, which commissions an artist of world fame to interpret the distinctive character of each individual vintage, Ornellaia has selected Japanese Artist Yutaka Sone to exercise his creativity for Ornellaia 2013 “L’Eleganza” (Elegance).  http://www.ornellaia.com/en/vendemmia-d-artista/  

The project has gathered more than 1 million euros and donated the entire proceeds to foundations and museums across the globe that support art across the range of its expressions, including the Whitney Museum in New York, the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin, the Royal Opera House in London, and the H2 Foundation in Hong Kong and Shanghai, as well as the Museo Poldi Pezzoli in Milan, the AGO in Toronto, and the Beyeler Foundation in Basel.

On 19 May, ORNELLAIA will be the exclusive focus in a benefit auction offering 9 lots, which will include 9 of the special-edition bottles created by Yutaka Sone for Ornellaia 2013 L’Eleganza Vendemmia d’Artista. The auction will take place as part of a gala dinner, during which Andrea Fiuczynski, Sotheby’s Executive Vice President, Chairman of the Americas, Head of Sotheby’s West Coast, will oversee the bidding, with all proceeds going to the organisation hosting the event, the Hammer Museum of Los Angeles, directed by Ann Philbin. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Hammer Museum’s exhibitions, collections and nearly 300 annual public programs, all of which are free to the public.

In addition, on the following 23 June, the Italian Embassy in Tokyo will be the venue for a special program celebrating 150 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy, during which the art bottles will be introduced and exhibited.  

To interpret the unique concept of L’Eleganza, the characteristic selected for Vendemmia 2013, Ornellaia commissioned Japanese artist Yutaka Sone to create an artwork that would be site-specific to the Ornellaia estate and exclusive bottle labels, individually signed, that will dress the 109 large-size bottles of Ornellaia: 100 3-litre double-magnums, 8 6-litre Imperials, and a single 9-litre Salmanazar. In addition, the artist created a special 750-ml bottle of Ornellaia that will be included in every 6-bottle wood box. 

 Antonio Gala

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