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The Loire Valley wine region is the third-largest winemaking region in France, spanning over 170 picturesque miles. The vineyards are situated along the middle stretch of the Loire River (France’s longest river) in central France, which runs from east to west. Diversity in soil composition and climate along this stretch plays a vital role in the production and characteristics of the wine. There are over 4000 wineries and approximately 57,400 hectares of vineyards here.  Loire Valley is also called the “Garden of France”. It is noted for its vineyards, floral gardens, fairytale castles, and historic towns.  Photo courtesy of Women Travel Abroad. Loire Valley The Loire Valley is divided into five sub-regions, each with its characteristic grapes, appellations, and styles. There are 51 appellations of origin (AOP) and six protected geographical indications (IGP). Most of the wines produced here are pressed from a single varietal as opposed to most classic French wines that are blended. There are over 24 grape varieties in the Loire Valley, with the vast majority of production being white wine. The leading white varietals are Melon De Bourgogne, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc. The leading red varietals are Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Gamay. According to the Loire Wine Council (InterLoire), Loire Wines’ industry-leading efforts are being made toward environmental protection and sustainability. To quote: “2030 INDUSTRY PLAN: The Loire Wine Council, InterLoire, was the first to create a collective plan involving all wine industry players: the 2030 Industry Plan, outlining the future for the wine region, with a target of 100% of Loire Wines farms certified sustainable or organic by 2030. Today, 73% of wineries and 85% of surface areas are certified either organic or sustainable by High Environmental Value (HEV) or TerraVitis. AGROCLIMATIC ATLAS: Further, InterLoire worked with research and science teams to develop the Agroclimatic Atlas, an unprecedented educational tool designed to raise awareness of how climate change will impact the Loire region. The Agroclimatic Atlas shows projected changes in climatic and agroclimatic indicators specific to the emblematic grape varieties of the Loire region up to the year 2100. This tool highlights the vulnerability of vines to climate change and provides an opportunity for professionals to prepare for tomorrow’s climate while also encouraging action today.” Here is a selection of three Loire wines made by winemakers advocating sustainability. (samples)  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Domaine Vincent Carême Vouvray Le Clos AOC 2021 This winery is situated in the heart of Vouvray appellation, in the Touraine sub-region, and spans 37 acres. The estate, established in 1999, is owned by Vincent Carême and his wife, Tania. All of Domaine Vincent Carême’s wines have been certified organic since 2010. This wine is 100% Chenin Blanc. Grapes are sourced from 50-year-old vines grown in limestone, flint, and clay soil. The grapes are hand-harvested, and the wine is aged in oak barrels for 12 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Bursting with notes of white flowers, honey, white stone fruit, and a touch of citrus. Palate: Apple, pear, racy acidity, notes of minerality, and honeysuckle. It is a bright and balanced wine with a hint of lemon zest on the finish. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $38 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or with savory cheese, fish, and white meat. Domaines Landron la Louvetrie Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie AOP 2022 Domaines Landron is in La Haye Fouassière, in the Muscadet Sèvre et Maine appellation in the Pays Nantes sub-region in Loire Valley. Joseph Landron worked with his father for 12 years before continuing to work the estate on his own. All grapes are organically grown, and the wines are certified as both organic and biodynamic by Ecocert. This wine is 100% Melon De Bourgogne (Melon Blanc). Grapes are hand-harvested from blocks of 30 to 40-year-old vines and young vines under ten years. The soils in his vineyards range from clay, sandstone, and silica to gneiss and the unique metamorphic amphibolite.. This wine is aged on fine lees for six months in glass-tiled concrete vats without fining.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: White flowers, citrus, pear, apple, and minerality. Palate: This is a dry, savory, mineral-driven wine with crisp acidity. Notes of salinity mingle with green apple and pear. Refreshing! Alcohol: 12% SRP: $16 Pairing suggestions: Perfect for shellfish and oysters or any seafood. Roasted white meat, goat cheese, and sushi also pair well with this wine. Château de Plaisance Anjou ‘Sur la Butte’ 2021 Château de Plaisance is situated in the Anjou sub-region of the Loire Valley. Since 1995, their 25 hectares of vines have been certified organic, and in 2008, they transitioned to certified biodynamic practices. Vanessa Cherruau now owns the estate and continues the legacy that the Rochais family began. Her first vintage was 2019. The grapes for this wine are 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc. Grapes are sourced from 35 year-old-vines located on Chaume hill with soil of schist, phtanite, and spilite. The wine is fermented and aged in concrete vats for 11 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Vibrant aromas of red berries, violet, and sweet herbs.
Palate: Notes of dark berries, lively acidity, smooth tannins, herbs, and a pinch of minerality are a delight to sip. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $33 Pairing suggestions: Grilled tuna, roasts, hearty soups, and pizza. These wines will surely please your palate! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Halloween has come and gone, which for many, now signals the onset of holiday decorating, organizing festivities, and planning menus. Over this past week, I have begun receiving requests asking questions such as “What is a light red wine?” and “What goes best with a particular meal and/or dessert?” So, in keeping with the holiday “spirit,” I am re-posting an article I published two years ago that will hopefully guide you through this holiday season and beyond!  What once seemed a simple task of putting together a traditional holiday menu has become more challenging these days, with dietary restrictions and food lifestyle choices to consider. Food allergies, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets must be taken into account, and juggling all these food requirements can quickly turn a holiday table into a smorgasbord. And adding wine pairings to accommodate all of this can be pretty daunting!  So, here are a few wine varietals to consider that will pair well with a myriad of dishes and alleviate the pressure of buying every style of wine in the store! White Wines  Photo credit: Celina Albertz Look for white wines with higher acidity and lower alcohol. These wines will pair well with traditional fare that tends to be rich in fat and salt, and will also complement non-traditional cuisine, especially spicy food. The acidity will tone down the fat and salt, and the lower alcohol won’t compete with or distort the palate while enjoying spicy food. I recommend: Sauvignon Blanc is light and crisp, has high acidity, and is an excellent choice when serving a variety of food. Dry Riesling is another good choice. It is fruity, acidic, and crisp. Chenin Blanc (dry) is aromatic, with vibrant acidity and is slightly sweet. It pairs well with most food. Red Wines  Photo credit: Kelsey Knight Red wines shouldn’t overpower a meal; they should enhance it. Light-bodied red wines that are fruit-forward, lower in alcohol, and not oaky will complement an extensive range of cuisine without dominating the flavors of most dishes. I recommend: Pinot Noir is very food-friendly, has bright acidity, is fruity, and is a favorite at holiday meals. French Gamay (Beaujolais) is light, dry, and fruit-forward. Red Zinfandel is fruit-forward and fuller-bodied than Pinot Noir but still light and can cut through spicy, sweet, and bitter flavors. Sparkling Wines  Sparkling wines are festive but not only consumed on special occasions. When it comes to food pairing, these wines are so accommodating many consumers are opting for the bubbly at mealtime instead of still wines. They are easy to drink and pair well with just about everything! The best sparkling wines to pour for your holiday table should be dry or extra dry but not sweet. There are many options and styles available. Sparkling wines are made using either the traditional method, with the second fermentation taking place in the bottle, or the tank (Charmat) method, with the second fermentation occurring in a steel tank. Sparkling wines are produced worldwide and go by different names depending on country/region/appellation of origin. You won’t go wrong with any of these sparkling wines. Champagne and Crémant – France Sekt – Germany Cava – Spain Prosecco and Franciacorta – Italy Rosé Wines  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The expression “Rosé all day” is trending, and yes, this pink wine is popular and has its place at holiday time as an aperitif or with a meal. It is food-friendly and pairs well with many flavors, spices, and textures. Look for dry rosés that are fruity, crisp, and refreshing, such as Provencal rosé, or try dry rosés from Spain, Portugal, and the USA.
Happy pairing! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Although chocolate ice cream and coffee ice cream are tied for first place, one of my favorite ice cream flavors of late is chocolate mint. So, I was thrilled to receive a sample of Mint Chocolate Chip Sippin’ Cream from Sugarlands Distillery.  Photo courtesy of Sugarlands Sugarlands Distilling Company, founded in 2014, is a craft distillery located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. They produce craft moonshines and sippin’ creams that are available in a multitude of flavors. In addition, they produce straight rye whiskey. Their newest flavor of sippin’ cream, Mint Chocolate Chip, was introduced in August 2024. Master distiller Greg Eidam said, “Mint chocolate chip is one of the most popular ice cream flavors in the country and a flavor our fans have continuously asked for. Our distillery team worked tirelessly to create a drink with just the right combination of mint and chocolate to match the iconic ice cream flavors. We’re really excited for our fans to try this bold, fun Sippin’ Cream.” And I can attest that they have brilliantly captured the essence of the mint chocolate chip with an understated alcohol zing. It is creamy, smooth, and quite refreshing! 20% Alc/Vol 40 Proof SRP: $24.99/750 ml bottle The versatility of this cream liqueur is truly remarkable. Pour it into a pretty glass and drink it neat.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Be daring, pour a little into your coffee, and top it off with whipped cream and semi-sweet chocolate morsels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Get creative and add this sippin’ cream to a cocktail. Here is a delicious cocktail recipe. MINT CHOCOLATE MARTINI INGREDIENTS 2 oz. Mint Chocolate Chip Sippin’ Cream 1.5 oz. Vodka 1 oz. Half & Half Mint sprig Ice INSTRUCTIONS Add ice to a shaker and combine Mint Chocolate Chip Sippin’ Cream, Vodka, and half & half. Shake well and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss One of my favorite ways to enjoy Mint Chocolate Chip Sippin’ Cream is to pour it into a dish and float vanilla bean gelato over it. Pure bliss!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This cream liqueur is best consumed within six months of opening and should be refrigerated.
Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] National Prosecco Week 2024: The Event Celebrating the Success of Prosecco DOC in the United States.  National Prosecco Week (NPW) took place June 24-30, 2024, to celebrate one of the world's most beloved Italian excellences: Prosecco DOC. This week, which is dedicated to Italian bubbly, has become a regular event in the United States. Now in its 7th edition, it has consolidated itself as a successful platform to promote and publicize the authenticity and versatility of Prosecco DOC. The 2024 edition saw record participation, with events in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York and a massive presence in more than 1,700 restaurants and outlets across the US. In addition, more than 20 Prosecco DOC wineries were involved in the promotion. NPW was preceded by its Roadshow, which stopped in emerging cities for Veneto-Friuli bubbles such as Phoenix, Seattle, and Houston, offering tastings and educational seminars to the most curious and wine enthusiasts. Participants learned firsthand about the Prosecco DOC production process and tasted a selection of its types, including the increasingly popular Rosé version.  Among the most anticipated new features of NPW 2024 was the Cocktail Competition, organized in collaboration with the United States Bartenders' Guild. This competition once again highlighted the versatility of Prosecco DOC as a main ingredient in creative cocktails. The competition featured talented bartenders from all over the country. In the end, Jennifer Yim triumphed with her “Spritz Corretto,” a cocktail that captured the essence of Prosecco DOC by pairing it with exotic notes of melon tea. (Photo of Jennifer and Spritz Corretto is courtesy of US Bartenders' Guild.) The success of National Prosecco Week 2024 is also reflected in the numbers on social media. With more than 2.2 million impressions and a 170 percent increase in engagement over the previous year, NPW succeeded in engaging an ever-widening audience. Through influencer collaborations, organic posts, and paid campaigns, Prosecco DOC continued to shine not only in glasses but also on the digital feeds of wine enthusiasts. This social media engagement was accompanied by unprecedented media coverage, with over 396 articles published and a total reach of over 210 million people.  NPW celebrates Prosecco DOC as wine, territory, and Italian culture and tradition. Educational seminars, exclusive dinners, and tastings made this week an opportunity for industry experts, enthusiasts, and new consumers to meet, creating a dialogue between Italy and the United States over a glass of bubbly.  With ever-increasing participation and an increasingly tangible impact, National Prosecco Week is set to remain a key event in the calendar of wine enthusiasts. Thanks to NPW, Prosecco DOC continues to build a solid base of supporters in the United States, confirming it as a favorite choice for those seeking quality, versatility, and elegance in a glass. Cheers! Penina  This is a commissioned article by Prosecco DOC Consortium, for which I received compensation.
To learn about Prosecco, please click “Prosecco” in the Categories menu to the right. To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Since 1925, the Marenco family has been producing wine.  Photo courtesy of Marenco. It began with Michele Marenco, whose dream was to make wine from his vineyard in the heart of the Bagnario Valley, situated in Strevi, in southern Piedmont, and part of the Monferrato wine region in northwestern Italy. Michele’s son, Giuseppe Marenco, who understood the territory’s potential, followed in his father's footsteps and continued to make quality wine from indigenous grapes. He built the winery in 1956, located in Strevi, and acquired the best land he could find to grow grapes. Today, Giuseppe’s daughters, Michela with her husband Giovanni Costa, Patrizia (winemaker), and Doretta, carry on the family tradition with passion, enthusiasm, and dedication. They supervise and control every step of the production process, from grape to glass.  Marenco sisters. Photo courtesy of Marenco. The Marenco family presides over 160 acres of vineyards, focused on practicing sustainability while maintaining traditional growing systems in the vineyard and optimizing the quality of the grapes. In order to help maintain quality control, all grapes are harvested by hand. They grow Moscato, Barbera, Brochetto, and other indigenous grapes from Monferrato, with vineyards in Strevi, Cassine, and Fontanile Castel Boglione.  Photo courtesy of Marenco. I recently received a tasty selection of some of their still wines.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Carialoso Monferrato Bianco DOC 2020 This wine is made with 100% Caricalasino, an ancient local variety that Patrizia Marenco rediscovered in the Strevi area and reproduced, beginning with 3,000 plants. Also known as white Barbera, the name Caricalasino means “load up the donkey” in Italian, and is a nod to the past when donkeys were the only means of transporting the grapes from hilly vineyards to the wineries. Usually blended with other grapes, Marenco was the first winery in Italy to produce a monovarietal wine. The first vintage was in 1996. “Carialoso” is the name of the grape in the Piemontese dialect. This wine was aged six months in stainless steel tanks and Oak barrels and then bottle-aged for three months prior to release.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Beautiful aromas of white flowers, white stone fruit, herbs, citrus, and minerality. Palate: Fresh and inviting with vibrant acidity, sapidity, peach, apricot, and a hint of citrus, with zest and pepper on the finish. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $24.99 Pairing suggestions: Grilled white meat, seared tuna, porcini risotto or sip as an aperitif. Albarossa Piemonte DOC 2021 The Albarossa grape is a cross between Nebbiolo and Barbera, two main Piedmont grapes. Albarossa was developed in 1938 by Italian enologist Professor Giovanni Dalmasso. However, it wasn’t until 2001 that Albarossa was recognized as a quality grape of Piedmont, which can now be used in Monferrato Rosso DOC. This 100% Albarossa was harvested from the vineyard in the Strevi hills. After fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine is aged 18 months in large Oak barrels. It is then bottle-aged for six months before release.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Violets, red fruit, baking spice, herbs, and cherry pie, Palate: Well structured, lively, and balanced with soft tannins and acidity. Lush notes of red fruit, plum, cherry, anise, and warm, spicy herbs and pepper. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $29.99 Pairing suggestions: Roasted or grilled red and white meats, stews, aged cheese, and charcuterie. Bassina Barbera D’Asti DOCG 2022 This wine takes its name from the Cascina Bassina, a farm in Fontanile (Asti). "Bassina.” short in Italian, was the nickname given to the lady who originally owned the Cascina. She understood the potential of Barbera in this area and began planting Barbera grapes on the best exposed sides of the hills. Barbera is the most widely planted grape in Piedmont. It is a juicy, fruit-forward wine. The grapes for this 100% Barbera were sourced from Bassina farm vineyard in Fontanile. After fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine was aged in concrete vats for nine months and then bottle-aged for three months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, fresh red fruit, baking spice, and balsamic.
Palate: Aromas segue onto thepalate with bright, ripe berries, spice, sour cherry and a hint of dried plum. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $20.99 Pairing suggestions: Appetizers, pasta, grilled meat, chicken, and simple fish dishes. The logo of the ducks on the bottle label was inspired by the wild ducks that populate the lake on the Bassina Estate. Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Happy Autumn! 🍂🍁 I took this photo in early October 2019 while spending time in the Franken (Franconia in English) wine-growing region in Germany’s historic state of Bavaria. The vineyards, landscapes, and colors were breathtaking! And the wines made my palate sing! It was a beautiful time of year to be there.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss If you would like to join me on this nostalgic trip, click the links below. It is a magical tour of an enchanting region filled with history, culture, fantastic cuisine, and exceptional wine!
http://thewineknitter.com/1/post/2019/10/day-755-exploring-the-franken-wine-region-part-one.html thewineknitter.com/1/post/2019/10/day-756-exploring-the-franken-wine-region-part-two.html Or, click "Franken Wine Region" in the Catagories column to the right. Cheers to great memories and a colorful autumn! 🍁 Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] It never ceases to amaze me that I can visit countries worldwide and converse in real-time with friends and family or meet with wine producers through the wonders of technology. Not long ago, I traveled to northern Italy via a Zoom meeting with brothers Aldo and Paolo Rametta to learn about the Romagna wine region and their two estates and a tasting of several wines they produce.  Aldo and Paolo. Photo courtesy of Poggio della Dogana. The slopes of Romagna nestled in the eastern part of the Emilia-Romagna wine region in northern Italy are a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Romagna is a buffered zone between the Apennine mountains and the Adriatic Sea and is known for its rich and fertile terroir. The Emilia-Romagna region, with its proximity to Tuscany, Lombardy, Veneto, and the Adriatic Sea has a rich history of wine production dating back to the seventh century BC and is considered among the older Italian wine regions. It’s capital is Bologna.  Aldo and Paolo were born in Louisiana, and although they grew up in the United States and Switzerland, they spent most of their lives abroad. Their passion for the environment, traditional winemaking, and family roots and history led them to Romagna and the purchase of two very distinct wine estates. Their main goal is to produce “a gentle expression of high quality from single vineyards.” Poggio della Dogana is the first wine project begun by the Rametta brothers. They purchased the estate in 2017, located in Terra del Sole. It includes a vineyard that is more than twenty years old which was already in organic conversion at the time. The vineyards cover a total of 20 hectares on a hilly area between Castrocaro Terme and Brisighella, at an altitude between 180m and 300m, with different soil characteristics in each area. The focus of the estate is representative of the Romagna territory, which grows Sangiovese and Albana, a white grape. Aldo said, “Albana is a white wine but quite peculiar for a white variety. We joke that it is red wine dressed in white. Its thick skins release tannins and complexity.”  Photo courtesy of Poggio della Dogana. Ronchi di Castelluccio is in Modigliana, in the heart of the Sangiovese di Romagna lands. The Rametta brothers acquired this historic estate in 2020. There are approximately 30 hectares, with vineyards at an altitude between 250 and 500 meters above sea level. Biodiversity and sustainability are practiced in the single vineyards. “The historic vines have been restored, no plant has been torn down and the old growing systems have been introduced.” Except for Sauvignon Blanc, all the crus are 100% Sangiovese grapes.  Photo courtesy of Ronchi di Castelluccio. Here are four wines we tasted together (samples I received prior to the meeting.)  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Ronchi di Castelluccio Sottovento di Castelluccio IGT 2021 Produced from a single vineyard, this 100% Sauvignon Blanc was hand-harvested at an altitude of 390 meters. Soil is marl and calcareous sandstone. Fermentation took place in stainless steel and the wine was aged nine months in wood and a minimum of nine months in bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: White flowers, citrus, white stone fruit, saltiness. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with fresh and lively notes, and sapidity lingering on the finish. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $40 Poggio della Dogana Belladama Romagna DOCG Albana Secco 2022 This 100% organic Albana was hand-harvested from 20-year-old vineyards at 200m and 300m altitude. Fermentation took place in stainless steel vats, and was aged for ten months in concrete and a minimum of four months in bottle. The typical signature of this wine is its intense golden color, which becomes more intense as it ages.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: White flowers, citrus, peach, apricot, and herbs. Palate: Lively acidity, fresh, dry, good structure, and a touch of minerality. A trace of tropical fruit and citrus zest linger on the finish. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $30 Ronchi di Castelluccio Buco del Prete di Castellucio DOC Sangiovese Modigliana 2021 From the 300m alt. single vineyard of the same name, Buco del Prete, this 100% Sangiovese was hand-harvested and fermented in steel. Aging took place in large French oak barrels for 12 months and at least six months in bottle. This vineyard is the lowest altitude vineyard on the estate at Modigliana.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Dark fruit, forest floor, baking spice, and a hint of lavender. Palate: Rich dark fruit, dark berries, black cherry, fennel, lively acidity, smooth tannins, and a touch of spice on a long finish. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $40 Ronchi di Castelluccio Ronco della Simia DOC Sangiovese Modigliana 2020 The grapes for this 100% Sangiovese were sourced from Modigliana, in a vineyard restored in 2019 that was originally planted in 1975. It is a single vineyard with the highest elevation for a Sangiovese vineyard. (370 meters alt) Fermentation took place in steel and small oak vats and then was aged for ten months in Allier, Vosges, low-toasted tonneaux, and barriques. It then remained in bottle for a minimum of 14 months.  Nose: Violets, red fruit, earthy, and baking spice. Palate: Beautiful texture and mouthfeel. Sapidity is present. Juicy, meaty fruit, dark cherry, smooth tannins, sweet spice, and a long finish. Alcohol: 13.5 % SRP: $140 In addition to my palate being entertained, the Rametta brothers had lots of information and stories to share. Their passion, love, and respect for the environment and history were palpable. They have piqued my interest in visiting Romagna and immersing myself in the land, culture, and wine! “There is no future without respect for history: we will be brave and let ourselves be driven by dreams and emotions.” Aldo & Paolo Rametta  Photo courtesy of Ronchi di Castelluccio. Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Labor Day has come and gone, and we have flipped the calendar page to September. However, summer isn’t officially over until September 22nd. We still have more beach days, picnics, grilling, outdoor concerts, and summer sunsets to enjoy!  Photo credit: Karsten Wurth With that in mind, here are four wines that will take you through the end of summer, into the fall, and even winter!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Moser 51.151 Trentodoc Brut Sparkling Wine NV Moser Winery, located in Trentino, Italy, was established in 1979 by Diego and Francesco Moser. Today, the winery is run by third-generation Carlo and Matteo, who combine family traditions with innovative and modern winemaking techniques. Moser winery sits among the Dolomites in the Trentodoc appellation, with vineyards benefiting from micro-climates and diurnal variations. This sparkling wine is produced in the Metodo Classico method, with 100% Chardonnay grapes grown on limestone soils in the Trento DOC Bianco appellation. Secondary fermentation and aging occur in bottle for 15 months on the lees.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, apples, citrus zest, white stone fruit, and baked croissant. Palate: A crisp and lively wine with fine perlage and notes of minerality, sapidity, and a touch of lemon zest on the finish. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $23 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or with light appetizers, seafood, mushroom risotto, and dessert. Bolla Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC 2023 Bolla Winery was founded in 1883 by Alberto Bolla in Soave. In 1931, he opened a winery in Pedemonte, a town in the province of Vicenza, Veneto, Italy. And in 2006, Gruppo Italiano Vini purchased the company. In 2016, Pinot Grigio attained DOC status in the geographical area of Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and Trentino for the production of Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC. The DOC Delle Venezie covers almost 28 thousand hectares of vineyards, encompassing the entire northeast area of Italy! The grapes for this 100% Pinot Grigio are sourced from hillside vineyards in Delle Venezie.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: White stone fruit, citrus, green apple, and melon. Palate: Light with crisp acidity, minerality, and hints of melon and peach lingering on the finish. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $11.99 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or with seafood (especially oily fish) or shellfish. Also, white meat, light pasta, salads, and vegetable risotto pair nicely. Avivo Rosé Wine 2023 Avivo Wines is led by Ridgely Evers, Founder & CEO, and Daniel Fitzgerald, Director of Winemaking and owner. Their mission and goal is to make “clean wines.” They are committed to transparency and regenerative agriculture that reaches beyond sustainability in the vineyard and winery. In addition, AVIVO packages its wines in lightweight glass and uses Nomacorc Ocean corks made from recycled marine plastic waste. The blend for this rosé is 95% Sangiovese and 5% Syrah. The grapes are sourced from Ledbetter Family Vineyards in Lodi, CA. Fermentation took place in neutral oak and was aged in neutral French oak barrels for five months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral notes, red berries, vanilla, and a dash of citrus. Palate: Expressive! Dry, racy acidity, raspberry, melon, and a touch of cherry and pepper on the finish. Oh my! Alcohol: 12.8% SRP: $24 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or with appetizers, seafood, crab quiche, light pasta, or grilled chicken. San Pedro 1865 Selected Vineyards Carmenère 2019 Viña San Pedro is situated in Maule Valley, Chile. It was founded in 1865, hence the name of the wine. Today, it is one of the largest and oldest exporters of Chilean wine. The grapes for this 100% Carmenère were sourced from San Pedro’s vineyards in Pencahue in the Maule Valley, and production took place at their Molina Winery in the Curicó Valley, 200 km south of Santiago. After fermentation, the wine was aged 12 months in French oak barrels (90%) and American oak (10%). 20% of the barrels were new.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Intoxicating notes of dark fruit, cherry, baking spice, herbs, and pepper. Palate: Smooth tannins, rich and savory, with juicy blackberry and cherry leading the parade, followed by a hint of plum and a grand finale of cherry fusing with subtle herbs and pepper on a long finish. Alcohol: 14.5 % SRP: $20 Pairing suggestions: Get the grill going and enjoy this wine with seared tuna, steak, and fowl. Or serve with hearty stews, pasta, charcuterie, or cheese boards. Cheers to embracing the last few weeks of summer and looking forward to a stellar autumn!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] What happens when you pair a Riesling with Kama pudding? The palate explodes with a profusion of flavors while reveling in a virtual trip to Germany, Estonia, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium! How is this possible, you might ask? Read on, dear friends, and find out! Thanks to chef Adriana Urbina’s delectable Estonian Kama pudding recipe and Ernst Loosen, a wine producer whose Riesling is featured in this article, the stage is set for a magical pairing.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The Wine Ernst (Erni) Loosen is the owner and 5th generation of the Dr. Loosen estate, which has been in the same family for over 200 years. Erni is considered one of the most iconic and influential Riesling producers in the world today. Since taking ownership in 1988, the estate has grown substantially. The Dr. Loosen estate is located in the village of Bernkastel in the heart of the Mosel Valley in Germany.  The Loosen Estate Photo courtesy of the estate. With vines that are up to 140 years old in his best sites, Erni has transformed the vineyards by restricting crop size, prohibiting chemical fertilization, demanding strict fruit selection, and gentle cellar practices. All of the estate’s ten major vineyards are designated as Grosse Lage (grand cru). The prevalent soil types here are blue slate, red slate, and red volcanic sandstone. Dr. Loosen Erdener Treppchen GG 2018 Due to the iron-infused, red slate soil in the Erdener Treppchen vineyard, these wines are muscular and complex, with an intense mineral finish. The vineyard is so steep that a long time ago, stone steps were built into the hillside to help workers reach the vines.  Photo courtesy of Dr. Loosen estate. This wine is kept on the full lees for one year before bottling, allowing for greater texture. Although this is a dry wine, the juiciness of Riesling comes through, delivering white peach, citrus, green apple, and lots of minerality and crisp acidity. Erni says, “Old vines, steep slopes, red slate soil combined with winemaking techniques from over 100 years ago help make this wine truly unique; racy and mineral, but still balanced with a juiciness that makes you want to have another glass.” And I couldn’t agree more!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $54 The Pudding Adriana Urbina is an acclaimed Venezuelan chef based in New York. Her background is in fine dining and farm-driven cuisine. This, combined with her knowledge in nutrition (she completed her studies in holistic nutrition and gut health at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York City), is why Chef Adriana's cooking is focused on responsibly grown and sourced local produce. She is a three-time winner of Food Network’s “Chopped” and has worked in several Michelin-starred restaurants.  Photo courtesy of Adriana Urbina Adriana recently shared one of her favorite recipes, Estonian Kama Pudding with dark Belgium Chocolate. The four ingredients were sent to me along with the recipe. Each carefully selected ingredient expresses the authenticity, quality, and sustainability of European produce.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Kama flour from Estonia A versatile ingredient, Kama flour is typically made from a mixture of grains such as barley, rye, oats, and peas. The grains are roasted and ground into a fine powder, producing a nutty flavor and distinctive aroma.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Miel de Provence PGI, Honey from France Ooh la la! You can taste the lavender in this delectable honey. There are also subtle notes of herbs and wildflowers. Beekeepers in Provence use traditional production methods specific to this region, which include strategically placing the beehives in areas with abundant wildflowers and herbs.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Milk from the Netherlands Milk production in the Netherlands is a significant part of the country’s agricultural sector and cultural identity. Approximately 96% of the milk is delivered to dairy factories to be processed into products such as cheese, butter, and yogurt.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Dark chocolate Organic, from Belgium. With a long history of chocolate-making dating back to the 19th century, Belgium is renowned for its high-quality chocolate. Dark chocolate marked with the EU Organic label is made using cocoa beans grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizer. Adriana said, “I have an unwavering preference for Belgian chocolate due to its unparalleled richness and smoothness. Sourced from the finest cocoa beans and crafted with precision by Belgian chocolatiers, it lends an irresistible depth of flavor and luxurious texture to my desserts.”  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This decadent dessert is easy to make and worth the wait to chill properly (about two hours) in the refrigerator. The use of parfait glasses or small ramekins makes for a festive presentation.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss If you would like the recipe, please email me at [email protected]  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Although this dessert and the Riesling are delightful to enjoy on their own, together, they forge an unforgettable treat for the palate! The Riesling’s natural high acidity and essence integrate beautifully with the pudding’s distinctive flavors, culminating in a graceful dance for the palate!
Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] When I was recently asked if I would like a copy of a newly released book called The Turn Of The Screwdriver, it got my attention. This macabre book of dark & twisted literary cocktails is spooky, humorous, and very creative!  AI generated. The author, Iphigenia Jones, offers 50 delicious cocktail recipes with a bit of a twist, ingeniously naming and pairing them with classic and modern gothic literature. From literary quotes and quips to tantalizing drinks, this book is not for the squeamish, or is it?  Cover photo of book. To quote Iphigenia, “There is something about gothic literature that pairs nicely with a well-made drink. Perhaps it is the atmosphere of a cold drink in one hand while a storm rages in the novel, or the bitterness of alcohol paired with a doomed protagonist’s regret, or maybe it is the liquid courage we need in order to dare turn the pages. In this book, we provide the absolute best pairings of book and cocktail to enhance the experience of these famous tales.” When I asked Iphigenia what inspired her to write this book, her passion for both literature and cocktails was palpable. She shared, "After spending many nights with a bubbling cauldron and a favorite book, I sought to combine my two great interests into Turn of the Screwdriver, which allows one to consider the great works of the gothic canon while at the same time enjoying a delicious drink.” The sampling below is from The Turn of The Screwdriver of cocktails paired with famous gothic works. The Haunting of Highball House (The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson) The Portrait of Dorian Grey Goose (The Portrait of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde) Mexican Hot Gothalate (Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia) Her Brandy and Other Parties (Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado) Lestat's Bloody Sazerac (Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice) The Legend of Slushy Hallow (The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving)  Image from "The Turn Of The Screwdriver." Iphigenia replied to my question about what her favorite cocktail is. “My favorite cocktail varies from one stormy night to another, but I am particularly fond of our blackberry cosmo, We Always Have Cosmos in the Castle.”   Image of cocktail and page from "The Turn Of The Screwdriver." And one of my favorite cocktails from the book is “The Picture Of Dorian Grey Goose”!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss So, if you are a fan of gothic literature (especially horror) and love a good cocktail, this book is for you! The quotes, inferences, detailed recipes, and photos will surely have you shivering with fright…I mean delight! In addition, the author offers an informative chapter on “Bar Basics,” covering glassware, techniques, and brews. It is an enjoyable read, for sure! SRP: $19.95 I will share one delectable cocktail recipe to brew in your cauldron, if you dare! And I hope it inspires you to conjure up more literary cocktails from this book! “Gorman Grasshopper” paired with three gothic novels by Mervyn Peake might leave you shivering, but your palate will sing!  Image from "The Turn Of The Screwdriver." Until next time…Cheers!
Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] |
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