Segura Viudas Launches a Sparkling Wine Pairing Facebook App

Pairing wines with a meal can be intimidating and confusing.  Artisan cava house Segura Viudas has launched an app to help Facebook users pair Segura Viudas cava, sparkling wine from Spain, with their favorite foods with one easy step.   Love spicy Asian food?  The app may suggest opting for Extra Dry.  Are you a fan of pork tenderloin?  Brut Rosé may be your best bet.  The Discover & Share Your Perfect Pair app will make cava pairing fun, easy and delicious.

 

While sparkling wine is extremely versatile and food friendly, it is still an art to choose which cava is the best complement to your meal.  The Segura Viudas Facebook app draws information on user’s LIKES by tying into the “open graph,” scanning their history on Facebook rather than asking to fill out a new survey.  The result is a customized sparkling wine recommendation based on the foods and flavors they like most.  The app scans a combination of brands, check-in locations, foods, and even chef and TV show pages that the user follows to compile a full profile and determine what cava is the best match based on behavioral history. 

 

As the user LIKES more pages and continues to check in, the cava recommendations will evolve as well.  And, all can easily be shared with friends on Facebook and Twitter.  In addition to looking at the foods, restaurants and other products that the user LIKES, the app also looks at the location to determine proximity to local stores that carry the recommended cava, providing a map with the 10 nearest retailers. 

 

As a complement to the Facebook pairing app, wine lovers can find Segura Viudas on Pinterest.  Here, the cava curious can find inspiration for delicious new dishes to try with sparkling wine.  Each board reflects a different Segura Viudas cava, featuring photos of dishes and their ideal cava pairings.

 

Use of the Segura Viudas pairing Facebook App is free and open to US residents over 21. The app is featured on the official brand website and the Segura Viudas USA Facebook Page

 

Segura Viudas hand crafts distinctive, artisan méthode champenoise sparkling wines according to cava traditions begun over 100 years ago. Steeped in rich Spanish heritage and situated on an estate that dates to the 11^th century, Segura Viudas draws on this legacy, blending it with modern winemaking to create sophisticated yet approachable cavas. Owned and operated by the Ferrer family of Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, near Barcelona, Spain, and imported by Freixenet USA of Sonoma, California, the Segura Viudas winery is part of the Freixenet Group, one of the ten largest wine companies in the world. To find Segura sparkling wines in your area, visit the Wine Locator section of www.seguraviudasusa.com. 

Kathryn Hall Releases First Vintage of WALT Wines

Napa Valley, CA – Today, Kathryn Hall announced the upcoming May 1^st, 2012 release of the first vintage of WALT Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines on May 1^st, 2012. These Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines are the first to be produced by Director of Winemaking Steve Leveque and Winemaker Megan Gunderson. The WALT name was selected to honor Kathryn Hall’s parents, Bob and Dolores Walt, who were Kathryn’s inspiration to engage in vineyards and winemaking.  A select number of the wines will be available nationwide at fine wine shops and restaurants.  The balance of the portfolio will only be available directly from the winery.   

“From the beginning, we have been committed to producing quality wine that truly expresses the character of each vineyard site,” said Kathryn Hall, Owner and Vintner.   “With the launch of WALT Wines, we look forward to reinforcing our commitment and continuing the work of Roger and Richard Roessler, who were dedicated to finding the finest sites for Pinot Noir from the Pacific Coast.  By making compelling, delicious wines that are honest expressions of the land they come from, I hope to honor my parents - Bob and Dolores Walt – who grew grapes with a passion in Mendocino County.”

The debut collection of WALT Wines is made up of five Pinot Noirs and a single Chardonnay, which are crafted from fruit grown in cool climate and low-vigor hillside sites, providing the wines with an elegant, opulent, supple and silky taste. WALT Wines’ labels feature a clean, simple and contemporary aesthetic and the artwork pays homage to the four appellations WALT Wines draws their fruit from: Sonoma County, Anderson Valley, Sta. Rita Hills and Willamette Valley.  More information on these wines can be found at www.waltwines.com, or at the WALT tasting room, located on the historic plaza in Sonoma.

The WALT winemaking approach places special emphasis on the grower as a critical element of the equation, due to the fact that they must possess an optimal site, infrastructure, and a passion for quality. As a result, WALT Wines’ grape contacts are often per acre, ensuring vine and flavor balance. Several key techniques are utilized to produce premier wines, including night harvesting, sorting, native yeast fermentations, as well as small lot fermentations in modern facilities that allow for the utmost precision and care.

WALT Wines are produced at the state-of-the-art HALL winemaking facilities in St. Helena, the first winery in California to be distinguished as a Gold certified facility by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design^® Green Building Rating System.

2010 WALT La Brisa Pinot Noir

Appellation: Sonoma County

Vineyard: An appellation blend from La Brisa

Release Date: May 12

Price: $40 per bottle (750 ML)

2010 WALT Blue Jay Pinot Noir

Appellation: Anderson Valley

Vineyard: An appellation blend from Blue Jay

Release Date: May 12

Price: $40 per bottle (750 ML)

2010 WALT Clos Pepe Pinot Noir

Appellation: Santa Rita Hills

Vineyard: Clos Pepe

Release Date: May 12

Price: $60 per bottle (750 ML)

 

2010 WALT Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir

Appellation: Sonoma Coast

Vineyard: Gap’s Crown

Release Date: May 12

Price: $60 per bottle (750 ML)

2010 WALT Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir

Appellation: Williamette Valley

Vineyard: Shea Vineyard

Release Date: August 12

Price: $60 per bottle (750 ML)

 

2010 WALT La Brisa Chardonnay

Appellation: Sonoma County

Vineyard: An appellation blend from La Brisa

Release Date: May 12

Price: $35 per bottle (750 ML)

 

About WALT Wines

WALT is dedicated to the production of premier Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Pacific Coast’s most distinctive vineyard sites, spanning nearly 1000 miles and including Sta. Rita Hills, Sonoma County, Anderson Valley, and the Willamette Valley.  Our philosophy is that of precision, non-interventionist winemaking, thereby allowing the wines to naturally and honestly express the character of the site where the wines are grown. For additional information on WALT Wines, please visit www.waltlwines.com.

 

DISCOVER THE WINES OF DON QUIXOTE'S SPAIN

The Castilla-La Mancha US Tour will stop in Atlanta, Chicago and New York in May, and
San Francisco, San Diego, and Seattle in July
Featuring Tasting Seminars and a Walk-Around Grand Tasting in Each City

New York, April 16, 2012 – Just as local ‘celebrity’, Don Quixote, traveled through his region seeking adventure and noble experiences, guests at the Castilla-La Mancha US tastings will do the same as they discover the wines of 26 participating producers. The tour will visit Atlanta, Chicago and New York during the week of May 21st and continue to San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle during the week of July 9th. Each of these events will offer opportunities to experience the wines, foods, music and traditions of this distinctive region. The events will welcome members of US wine and food trade and press.

Castilla-La Mancha is the most expansive wine-producing region in the world. It is a land of fascinating foods and cultural traditions and, naturally, a wide variety of wines. The land, composed of limestone clay and a great variety of subsoils, makes the region ideal for growing grape vines. Within the Castilla-La Mancha area, we find nine appellations of origin, four estates with their own appellations and many ‘Geographical Indication Wines’.

“The amount of focus and investment in quality wine production throughout the region of Castilla-La Mancha in the past few decades has been astounding. There is much for the US trade to discover about the quality and diversity of our wines,” said Paloma Juncos, of the Foreign Trade Institute of Castilla-La Mancha, which is organizing the US program.

Each event will commence with a seminar, conducted in Atlanta by Gil Kulers, CWE and in Chicago and New York by Doug Frost, MS, MW (one of only three people in the world to hold both titles). The speakers will share with the trade and press the winemaking history of the region of Castilla-La Mancha, the technical qualities of its wines, and the sales opportunity for these wines in the US market. Each seminar will be followed by an afternoon walk-around tasting enhanced by regional foods and live entertainment.

The participating wineries include Altolandon, Arúspide, Bodega los Aljibes, Bodega Pardo Tolosa, Bodega San Gines, Bodega Virgen de las Nieves, Bodegas Arrayan, Bodegas Camino Alto, Bodegas del Muni, Bodegas La Remediadora, Bodegas Piqueras, Bodegas Romero de Ávila Salcedo, Bodegas Saac, Bodegas Vitivinos, Bodegas y Viñedos Sánchez Muliterno, Dehesa Carrascal , Dominio de Punctum Organic & Biodinamic Wines, Finca El Refugio, Finca la Estacada, Finca los Alijares, Parra Family Organic Imports, Señorío del Jucar, Viña Cerrón, Vinicola de Tomelloso, Vinos & Bodegas, Virgen de las Viñas. 

To register for the events please visit:

Atlanta, Monday, May 21st
http://castillalamanchaatlanta.eventbrite.com/

Chicago, Wednesday, May 23rd
http://castillalamanchachicago.eventbrite.com/

New York City, Thursday, May 24th
http://castillalamanchanyc.eventbrite.com/

VIAS imports wine tasting, New York May 7th

In the collective imagination, Italy is immediately associated with breathtaking natural landscapes, awe-inspiring works of art, delicious cuisine and, of course, the finest wines.

If fact, each year Italy produces thousands of bottles of the most famous and appreciated red and white wines in the world.  Names such as Brunello and Barolo evoke images of the rolling hills of Tuscany and the lush vineyards and stone farmhouses of Piemonte.

If you are a wine enthusiast and enjoy the flavors of Italy, you can experience the diversity of  Italian wines on May 7th at the Altman Building with the Vias portfolio of Wines. Vias Imports, a company that for over thirty years has specialized in importing the wines of small, high-quality wineries, will gather a total of 40 producers from 19 regions of Italy, from Piedmont to Sicily , passing through Tuscany and Umbria. During this special event,  guests will have the chance to experience a selection of the best Italian reds, whites, rosés and sparkling wines such as Moscato, Passito di Pantelleria, Greco di Tufo, Nero d’Avola, Negramaro, Barbera d’Asti, Nebbiolo d’Alba, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Gewurtztraminer, to name a just a few.

In addition, Amaro Montenegro, a much beloved digestivo, will create a "Montenegro Bar" to launch this  product in America. A Grappa Bar featuring a variety of the most famous Bertagnolli Grappe will also be on hand.

VIAS Imports Ltd., established in 1983, is one of the most renowned Italian wine importers in the US market. Its portfolio is one of the richest and most complete in the industry, representing the finest wineries throughout the country—over 800 different wines from more than 90 producers. In addition to this already noteworthy portfolio, VIAS imports wines from Argentina, South Africa, France, North America and Turkey.

The VIAS Portfolio wine tasting will take place on Monday, May 7, 2012 at the Altman Building, 135 West 18th Street New York, NY 10011 from 1.00pm to 7.00pm.

Stella Artois -- and the science of the beer chalice

"American wine drinkers understand that different wines are to be served in different glasses – you wouldn’t pour red wine into a champagne flute. The same is true of beer. Different beers are best served in different glasses. Stella Artois should be served in its signature Chalice. Stouts should be served in a pint glass.

 

"Beer aficionados don’t need to stock hundreds of glasses. Four should suffice. Pilsner, Weiss, Pint and Chalice glasses represent the ideal range. The Pilsner glass is shaped to channel hop aroma to the nose, while the Weiss glass is large, designed for volume and for fluffy heads, and to capture the fruity aromas of wheat beer and of course, the good old fashioned pint shouldn’t be overlooked. The Stella Artois Chalice is curved, for optimal foam head retention, and features a stem for holding, which keeps the beer colder. Stella Artois created countless versions of the Chalice before selecting the winning shape.

 

"The relationship between the glass and beer is intrinsic to beer culture internationally. In Belgium , each brewery designs its own signature glass. Not so in the US . American beer drinkers tend to use the same style of glass for all types of beer. In doing so, we diminish the experience – we settle for less, unknowingly."

The New York Times Knowledge Network Introduces New Online Course: Napa cabernet

For wine enthusiasts who wish to learn more about the culture and history of wine making, The New York Times presents “California Wines: Napa Cabernet,” a new online course designed to help students explore and taste the wines of California , with a particular focus on Napa Cabernet. Students will learn about the viniculture, flavors, and winemaking that distinguish California wines and will expand their knowledge of the various regions of this great winemaking state and their distinguishing features.

This self-paced course, taught by The New York Times’ Eric Asimov, Chris Cree, and Cathy Corison, will include topics such as:

The evolution of Napa Valley into a world-class wine region, and the main people and events who made this transformation possible;
The key natural features of wine regions;
The unique styles and techniques of various winemakers;
Statistical, physical, and organizational comparisons of Napa to other regions in California , Bordeaux , and around the world.
What distinguishes Cabernet grapes from Napa from other Bordeaux varieties.

Students will also have access to an archived webcast that includes The Times’ instructors tasting and reviewing six amazing wines. To register for this new online course or for more information, please visit: http://www.nytimesknownow.com/index.php/california-wines-napa-cabernet/.

This Program of Study course is part of the New York Times Knowledge Network, which is open to consumers nationwide. Programs of Study courses, developed and taught by New York Times journalists or professional staff, cover a variety of topics and are delivered online. Students can select any number of these courses: to stand alone, or be taken as a sequence.

Bytox, the stop-the-hangover patch

Now this is good.

Plans for Super Bowl XLVI are well underway. Whether you’re dishing out over $1,000 per flight to take part in the action or watching from afar, there is one thing everyone will have in common regardless of location: beer.

The Super Bowl is our modern day Gladiator battle and just like in Roman times, the beer and wine will be plenty – in fact, Americans drink over 325.5 million gallons of beer on this day alone (that’s 493 Olympic-sized pools worth of booze!), so it’s no wonder that over 7 million employees don’t make it into work the next morning (slackers).

To help combat the painful Monday hangover, [think] Bytox, the latest in hangover prevention remedies. Bytox stops the hangover before it starts which will allow your readers to enjoy a pain-free post Super Bowl Monday morning (and save all that extra money spent on ant-acids).

Bytox is a specially-formulated hangover remedy patch which effectively replenishes the vital levels of vitamins and nutrients your body loses when you consume alcohol. The innovative combination of vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients help keep your body hydrated so your body will quickly replenish what’s lost during the consumption of alcohol. Plus, unlike the alcohol consumed, the patch is zero calories.

MT. BRAVE MAKES ITS DEBUT

– A STUNNING MT. VEEDER WINE FROM LOKOYA’S CHRIS CARPENTER

JANUARY 2012 – NAPA VALLEY – Mt. Brave is a tribute to the pioneering spirit of those who settled the rugged terrain of Mt. Veeder during the 1800s and an homage to the Wappo Indians, “the brave ones,” who were the original inhabitants of this extraordinary place.

Extreme mountain winemaking is definitely not for the faint of heart. The Mt. Brave Vineyard, in the northern portion of the Mt. Veeder AVA, sits at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 1,800 feet. The work is hard and labor-intensive, with little mechanized modern technology used, at harvest, small lug boxes are the only means to pick the fruit. The reward, however, is top-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec. The resulting wines have purity of fruit, brimming with violets, minerality, and lush tannins.

A word on tannins…

Carpenter knows his Mt. Veeder vineyard like the back of his hand. Capturing the lush fruit and minerality has to be done with a wary eye on the concentrated mountain tannins that also develop.  This tannin expression can be from the sublime to the overt.  Tannins are an important component in a wine’s structure and ageability, though too many can dry out the fruit expression. Carpenter believes that tannin management begins in the vineyard, and is carried through all the way to bottling.  Through the careful tannin management and selection in Mt. Brave, the wine evokes a lush mouth-feel while still maintaining the structure.

Wine has been crafted from Mt. Veeder soils since the early 1860s. Along with Napa winemaking pioneers such as Charles Krug and Agoston Haraszthy, Captain Stalham Wing, who arrived on Mt. Veeder in 1853, showed the first Mt. Veeder wine at the Napa County Fair in 1864. For 150 years, determined winegrowers moved forward where many thought the conditions too severe, too extreme, and too lacking in promise. The land that is now home to Mt. Brave was originally purchased in 1841, before the Gold Rush forever changed California and two decades before the Civil War.

Winemaker Chris Carpenter has long been receiving great acclaim for his extremely limited production Napa Valley wines, Lokoya and Cardinale. Anyone who “gets” Lokoya will appreciate what he, and viticulturist Mariano Navarro have accomplished with Mt. Brave. It’s Carpenter’s signature style of wine: bold yet balanced, with concentrated yet complex flavors. Though quantities of Mt. Brave will remain small (1,100 cases for the 2008), the wines are being crafted to be more accessible, approachable, and affordable. Carpenter is delighted that more people will be able to enjoy the style of wine for which he is best known. Whereas Lokoya has become synonymous with power, ageability, and finesse, Mt. Brave is the more restrained, yet accessible cousin that stands and delivers. 

Other Facts:

Appellation: 100% Mt. Veeder (formerly Chateau Potelle Vineyard), Napa Valley.

Viticulture: In-barrel malolactic fermentation using native strains. Barrel-to-tank

racking for natural clarity. Aged in French oak barrels 22 months (74% new oak).

Alcohol: 15.0.

Price: MSRP $75.00.

Availability: (nationally) on the shelves Feb 15, 2012.

Chanel, wine, and Karl Lagerfeld labels

Did you know CHANEL has a celebrated winery - Chateau Rauzan-Segla?.... They are launching their new 2009 vintage which has a very special Karl Lagerfeld designed label. The most fashionable way to consume wine or the chicest way to consume fashion!?!  This Grand Cru Classé will hit retail in March at fine wine purveyors nationwide for $129.

Founded in 1661 by Pierre de Rauzan, Château Rauzan-Ségla, situated in the heart of the Margaux appellation, was acquired by CHANEL in 1994.

With its unique experience in luxury goods, CHANEL, endeavors to exalt the unique and precious qualities of this great vineyard with the upmost care and respect to its vines. The incomparable rich bouquet, silky intense tannins and elegant taste make this Grand Cru Classé an exceptional wine.

On its 350th Anniversary and to celebrate the exceptional quality of the 2009 vintage Château Rauzan-Ségla is proud to announce a very special – one time only – collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld. To honor these two milestones (the anniversary and exceptional vintage), Lagerfeld has brought his iconic drawing style to the label with a rendering of the Château Rauzan-Ségla.

(Go here for the artsy video.)

WinechannelTV celebrates Waitangi Day

On Saturday February 4th, WinechannelTV is celebrating Waitangi Day (New Zealand's National holiday) with a virtual wine tasting and cooking demonstration. Wine enthusiasts are encouraged to gather a group of friends, register, and tune in with fellow-wine lovers from around the globe. The online wine tasting will be a fun, social way to learn about New Zealand's finest wines.


“We are excited to be the official host for this virtual wine tasting,” says Jess Altieri, CEO of WinechannelTV. “New Zealand offers an outstanding selection of wines that span the entire wine spectrum.”

Registration for the event is free.

Please visit: http://nzwineday2012.eventbrite.com/ for more information.

Going to the London International Wine Fair?

How time flies, especially when you’re having fun!

Just when you think you’ve seen or tasted it all, a visit to the London International Wine Fair will remind you that there are more discoveries to be made in the wine world.  Each year, savvy buyers gather from all over the world to meet, greet, and return home armed with the latest in trends and a whole set of discoveries from the one and only London International Wine Fair.

This coming May 2012 brings more of the best including premiere tastings with winemakers Serge Hochar from Chateau Musar, Dave Powell from Torbreck, Nicolas Joly of Coulee de Serrant, and Pierre Seillan from Vérité, Chateau Lassegue and Arcanum.

LIWF’s world-class master classes will once again provide a not to be missed chance to explore with many of the world's leading producers and industry visionaries.

For importers, merchants, producers, agents, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and wholesalers, who

don’t want to take a back seat, this coming LIWF is not to be missed. The fair is free to attend for qualified trade only.
Register now at http://www.londonwinefair.com/content/visiting/register-to-visit/.

ABC and Shinn Estate Vineyards, Long Island

ABC Kitchen is undoubtedly known for its cuisine: farm-to-table inspired fare that relies on the freshest of ingredients to create memorable, delicious dishes. Yet, as rich of a story the cookery holds, there is an equal – if much lesser known – beverage narrative. Specifically, ABC Kitchen’s selection of wine is laudable for its dedication to organic, sustainable, and/or biodynamic wines (an astounding 100 percent of the wine list falls within this designation).

One area of particular interest for us – and for the team at ABC Kitchen – is that of biodynamics. To understand more about this type of wine, we connected with Emma Germershausen and Ann Marie Del Bello, manager and sommelier at ABC Kitchen, respectively. Biodynamic agriculture, they explained, is not just a way of farming – it is a way of thinking. Adherents of biodynamic philosophies often go misunderstood because of the lack of mainstream awareness and misinformation around the practices. According to Ann Marie and Emma, the best way to understand this way of farming is to go straight to the source.

This, in our case, would require visiting Shinn Estate Vineyard, a winery / bed and breakfast located on Long Island’s North Fork. Helmed by Barbara Shinn and her husband, David Page, Shinn Estate is the only 100 percent biodynamic, Demeter-certified vineyard on Long Island (and the 2008 Shinn Estate Merlot has been a staple bottle on ABC Kitchen’s wine list).

For more information and to see a video, go here.

Rediscovered variety: Caino Blanco

The Spanish winery TERRAS GAUDA, with an excellent quality 2011 grape harvest, continues to be committed to R&D+i as the factor that sets its wines apart. It has recently participated in research on Caíño Blanco in collaboration with both the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), in the area of Oenology, and the Galician Biological Mission to determine its wine-making characteristics.

This variety, recovered by TERRAS GAUDA as the result of an R&D+i project, was used to produce 6,700 bottles of the first vintage of the only wine of this type on the market: LA MAR. Around 20,000 bottles of the second vintage will soon be available on the market. The winery owns more than 20 hectares where it grows Caíño, representing around 95% for the entire Designation of Origin.

These advances in the area of R&D+i coincide with an increase in market share following the acquisition of the Ribera del Duero winery QUINTA SARDONIA, which has provided significant added value for positioning TERRAS GAUDA in the high-end wine sector. The Group has kept up with its sales forecast for the Spanish market this fiscal year, in spite of the current economic situation, and has expanded to new international markets during the last few months.

TERRAS GAUDA Wineries has begun to market their wines in India (in a Wine Club with more than 8,000 members), Latvia, Estonia and Curaçao. New distribution agreements have also been reached in two countries with great potential: Brazil and China, considered strategic for the winery. In 2010, it had increased its presence in already consolidated markets, such as the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom and established commercial relationships with new distributors in Denmark and Beijing.

The international expansion of the Group, which exports to nearly fifty counties on five continents, has resulted in a 53% increase in its business figures abroad over the last fiscal year, which now account for 2.1 million of its overall turnover of 11.4 million.

TERRAS GAUDA wines have earned international recognition this last year from important magazines like Wine Enthusiast, and ABADÍA DE SAN CAMPIO was the only Spanish White wine to win an award at the Korea Wine Challenge, receiving a Gold Medal.

"Red State" and "Bue State" bourbon

"Heaven Hill Distilleries® Hits the Campaign Trail with Red State™ & Blue State™ Bourbon Asking, "What will you bring to the party?"

Bardstown, KY (December 6, 2011)- Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., has announced the introduction of a new American Bourbon - Red State™ and Blue State™ Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Made up of two simultaneous releases of hand-crafted Bourbon from two time "Distiller of the Year" Heaven Hill Distilleries, its brand name and implied affiliations are generating excitement from coast to coast as the 2012 Presidential election year gains momentum. And the dueling bottles will create the biggest buzz ever seen around a consumer product at election time.

No matter which side they're on, voters can make a real party statement with America's Native Spirit in the form of Red State and Blue State, a smooth-tasting Kentucky Bourbon. Labeled with America's political party colors of Republican red and Democrat blue and featuring the famous elephant and donkey symbols, these unique bottles will be available nationally beginning January 2012.

"During this topsy-turvy election year, we wanted to launch a fun and unique Bourbon brand that will be the life of both parties, as the race begins for the next President of the United States. What better way to, not only show your patriotic spirit, but kick back, relax and watch the action as the success of each brand becomes an entertaining results indicator of Election 2012," said Kate Latts, Director of Marketing at Heaven Hill Distilleries.

And while the identity and background of the final candidates is yet to be determined, 6th and 7th generation father and son Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam assure that the quality of the Bourbon will be beyond debate. A product of America's largest independent family-owned and operated distillery, and the second largest holders of aging American Whiskey in the world, Red State and Blue State Bourbon come from a tradition of American Whiskey making that goes back to the times of the very first elections. Made from the finest grains using the Master Distillers' seven generation old family yeast strain, Red State and Blue State Bourbon will make any political conversation, or social gathering, more mellow and inviting.

In addition, Heaven Hill Distilleries has announced it will be contributing a donation for every legal drinking age consumer that "likes" Red State or Blue State Bourbon on Facebook® to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation, making it an even more attractive choice for politically-savvy consumers. "We are pleased to be helping to support the good works of the VFW for our Armed Forces with Red State and Blue State," noted Latts. "Donations will go toward the VFW Foundation's Return the Favor campaign which honors, celebrates, and supports active-duty military, veterans and their families."

For more information visit www.redbluebourbon.com.

Interview with EATALY'S Wine Director

"Interview with EATALY'S Wine Director

This month we spoke with Dan Amatuzzi, Wine Director for Eataly in New York City. Dan tells us about his experience and tips for selling Soave wine.


Tell us about Soave month at Eataly (May 2011).
In May, 2011, Eataly and Soave teamed up for a memorable month of Soave-related events. More than 12 different Soave wines were featured throughout the restaurants and the Eataly wine shop. Included in the promotion were consumer tastings and classes, special food and wine pairings, and wine-related conferences. On display were the versatility, approachability, and elegance of one of the most important appellations in Italy. We estimate that more than 50,000 people were exposed to the splendors of Soave during the promotion in the store alone.

Who is the typical Soave drinker these days?
The beauty of Soave is that it's seemingly timeless. In the United States, Soave was one of the appellations that provided the foundation for the Italian wine market, and the name, "Soave", conjures up great memories for the baby boomers who indulged in Soave wines during the 60s and 70s. Now there's a new generation of twenty-somethings discovering Soave wines. Those who stay loyal to the appellation are those who prefer, enjoy, and appreciate clean, mineral, fresh, and exuberant whites.

How do you make the sale with Soave? What is its biggest selling point?
While I find that many northern whites are expressive of their climate and soil, Soave wines seem to cater to the crowd that prefers more floral and aromatic qualities. Grapes like Friulano, Sylvaner, Trebbiano, and Arneis often produce racier and more mineral-driven wines, which are excellent in their own right, but Garganega is unique in that the and intoxicating aromas always put it over the top.

Do you recommend Soave as an aperitivo wine?
Soave is exceptional as an apertivo as well as a first or second course wine. I prefer to serve Soave with passed finger foods, cheeses, cured meats, and grilled fish dishes.

Do you notice Soave wines selling better with screwcaps or corks (or no difference)?
No difference

Have you seen sales of Soave rise in recent months/years?
Soave is a bit cyclical. In the past few years it's been more popular, in part, because demand for Pinot Grigio and other white wines has waned.

How are Soave wines priced compared to other Italian white wines?
For the most part, Soave wines are still priced very competitively compared to other northern white appellations and they're good additions to any serious wine list or retail shop.

What do you make of the idea of white wines for winter? When is it appropriate to drink Soave in winter?
Just because the mercury drops doesn't mean it's exclusively red wine season. Crisp whites like Soave are great accompaniments to hearty stews and broths, and other rich comfort foods. Soave is also a great option when you're cuddled up by the fire with a loved one.

Are you seeing any trends in white wine, generally?
A lot of producers seem to be scaling back on oak aging for white wines. Many wines that were once hit with smaller, newer oak barrels are now seeing larger and neutral wood. The resulting wines are lighter, fresher, and the acidity shows better in the first few years after bottling.

Dan Amatuzzi is the Beverage Director at Eataly in Manhattan. He's authored a book, Italian Wine For The Student, and also writes a blog, wineforthestudent.com. He was selected for Zagat's inaugural class of "30 under 30" restaurant professionals in New York City in 2011. He's the wine professor at Eataly's La Scuola, where he teaches a variety of wine and food classes. He also conducts charity wine tastings for food charities supporting hunger and homelessness. He's currently pursuing his MBA degree from the Stern School of Business at NYU focusing his studies on environmental sustainability and entrepreneurship. You can sometimes find him Sunday evenings at Eataly's Birreria where he plays in a band with other members of the Eataly family.

Bar and retail tasting guides for Chicago, Boston, New York, and more

"As the holiday season starts and one feels a familiar crispness in the air, it is time to get back in touch with old friends and spend time with family. The Center for Wine Origins recommends pairing a glass of wine to match the red and gold palette outside at one of our highly recommended restaurants, wine bars or retail stores. We are pleased to release the 2011 fall/winter edition of our City Tasting Guide, highlighting some of the best wine spots in some America's greatest cities.

All of the locations listed below not only showcase some fabulous selections of Champagne and Port, they also have authentic and accurately labeled wine lists. So don't just bundle up and stay inside – get outside and try one of these great locations!"

For more info, visit the "Location Matters" City Tasting Guide here.

S'well insulated wine bottles

The popular insulated bottles that keep cold drinks cool for 24 hours and hot drinks warm for 12 hours has introduced a wine lovers' S'well!

***WINE BOTTLES CAN BE CUSTOMIZED! GREAT FOR HOSTING EVENTS***

The 25 oz./750 mL bottle is the perfect size to keep your favorite white wine chilled at picnics, outdoor concerts, tailgating parties and social functions and Friday night-decompressing events for moms or working girls. S'well wine bottles eliminate the need of toting a huge cooler and ice – in addition to ending the worry of breaking a glass bottle.

Here are a few product facts:

Stainless steel
Material doesn't add stale flavor to your wine
Double-insulated so wine stays chilled for 24 hours
Non-toxic, non-leaching and BPA free
Ergonomic design to fit in your hand
No condensation/water beading on the bottle
Customizable bottle
$45

ClubW Marks the End of the Wine Snob Era

New York City -- This is no stuffy wine-and-cheese party at the Country Club… This is ClubW, a brand new wine club and retail site for the contemporary set – a collective of easygoing, affable, stylish drinkers with perhaps a tad more class than cash. This club’s all about bringing fantastic but lesser-known wines at a great value out of obscurity and right into your home. Knowledgeable, relaxed, and social-interaction-oriented, ClubW is into educating members without pretense – introducing people from across the country to new and diverse wines and encouraging them to review, recommend and share, both in-person and on social networking sites. With a refreshingly authentic focus, the club creates a community of like-minded wine noobs, sharing the stories behind the wines/winemakers and encouraging mingling.

The site features unobtrusive, down-to-earth guidance from well-informed sommeliers (they like to be called “Wine Addicts”) along with access to a great deal of uncommon boutique wines. With ClubW, there’s no stifling commitment – you’re free to order or not, in any given month, and you can also buy wine without being a regular member. Authentic and helpful suggestions from the experts are on-hand: There are thoughtfully packaged 3, 6, and 12 bottle-per-month “experiences,” with the 3-bottle experience starting at $40 per month (including shipping). Choose your white-to-red ratio, and let them do the rest!

ClubW participation has countless perks, beyond the obvious (scoring amazing wine at your doorstep; impressing attractive dinner party guests):



· Wine price points average between $15-$25 per bottle, due to the club’s solid relationships with crazy-good yet little-known wineries, like Infinite Monkey Theorem

· An attractive referral incentive: Members receive a $5 monthly credit for every new member they sign up, each and every month that member is active

· Bringing wine into the 21st century, the club gives you instant mobile access to the site and to an exclusive ClubW-created video about your wine – thanks to individual QR codes on each bottle. Scan the code with your phone and let the video inform and enhance your experience

The brainchild of a trio of hip, man-about-town entrepreneurs – Alexander Oxman, Mark T. Lynn, and Geoffrey McFarlane – ClubW is a revolutionary online business model for a new breed of current, connected consumers. This club does more than just send great wines you might never have tasted right to your door: it educates and unites curious wine-lovers, and popularizes lesser-known boutique vineyards and brands. ClubW is about the simple joy of sharing wine with friends and reminding us to give strange and unfamiliar (grapes) a try.

Check out the introduction video at ClubW.com.

American Sommelier's tips to finding a great wine

A great wine can make the perfect addition to a festive party or a quiet dinner at home. However, with so many varietals and vintages available, walking into a store to purchase wine can be overwhelming. American Sommelier has a few simple tips to guide you to the perfect bottle of wine every time.

· Know What You Like: Be conscious of the qualities that you enjoy in a red or white wine and relay those specifics when speaking with the wine shop staff by adding words such as: dry, fruity, crisp, bold, full bodied, soft, tannic and oaky. Noting that you prefer a juicy wine made with dark red fruits that are jammy can lead the expert to the “new world” portion of the store’s list.

· From a Discussion to the Perfect Wine: Provide advisors with as many indicators as you are able to allow them to guide you through the wine list. This could range from the type of event you are buying for to the different wines you have enjoyed or disliked in the past. The more concrete information you can provide, the better the staff will be able to pinpoint your perfect wine.

· Price Doesn’t Equal Quality: Exceptional wines come at all prices. Know and stick to the price point you are comfortable with and be firm. The staff member at the wine store will be able to guide you to the ideal wine no matter your budget.

Be the sommelier of your own home by serving a bottle of wine that is ideal for your tastes and the event you’re hosting. By asking the right questions and knowing what you like, a fitting bottle of wine is easily attainable!

Belvedere "Red"

Belvedere Vodka has teamed up with (RED) to create a limited edition product for this holiday. (BELVEDERE) RED Special Edition is on sale until the end of the year with 50% of Belvedere’s profit of sale being donated to the Global Fund, one of the world’s largest financiers of programs fighting HIV/AIDS in Africa.

(BELVEDERE) RED is available for purchase at spirits retail locations at $29.99 for a 750 ml bottle.

(BELVEDERE) RED Breeze

1.5oz (BELVEDERE)RED
1.5 oz Cranberry Juice
1.5 oz Pink Grapefruit Juice

Mix in highball glass and garnish with a pink grapefruit wedge.