Monarch Wine

[monarchwine]

Best Non-Alcoholic Wines & Drinks that Taste Delicious!

Who said that wine has to be alcoholic only? Today, you have the best of the options of non-alcoholic wines and drinks that taste delicious. Take the suggestion of a wine taster sommelier if you want to taste good wine with the best taste but non-alcoholic.

Yes, that’s right! Non-alcoholic wine is getting popular day by day. They taste exactly like alcoholic wines but without alcohol. However, even delicious tasting old juices and soft drinks are preferred by most enthusiastic drinkers.

Such drinks are a treat to drinkers who like to taste alcoholic wine but cannot have it due to pregnancy or other situations. But when you look for dealcoholized wine, it’s hard to find what you look for. As such, here are some of the best non-alcoholic wines and drinks that taste absolutely delicious.

Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon

Imagine sipping from a glass of full-bodied cabernet sauvignon? Now imagine it being non-alcoholic? It’s difficult, right? That is because you haven’t tasted the right type of non-alcoholic drinks. This ariel cabernet sauvignon comes in the flavors of black currant, blackberry skin, milk chocolate, and sweet baking spice.

The soft acid gives it a palate coating finish, and the wine has less than 0.5% ABV. You can pair this incredible wine with juicy steaks or lentil stews.

Sutter Home Fre Alcohol-Removed Sparkling Brut

To all sparkling wine lovers, here’s another incredible find. You can now taste sparkling wine without alcohol. The Sutter Home Free Alcohol-Removed Sparkling Brut comes with a blend of an aromatic green apple, pear, and stonefruit, added with apple and red berries to the rich palette.

The expert tastemakers would describe it as a bright and refreshing choice for an alternative to alcoholic sparkling wine without alcohol.

St. Regis Chardonnay De-Alcoholized Wine

If you are a dedicated chardonnay fan, you would love to taste this one! However, you should know that this Chardonnay delivers a blend of pear and apple flavors with hints of oak. It is curated with a medium finish that would come out right when paired with meals like pasta and seafood. 

Although it is a dealcoholized combination, it would taste just like the boozy counterpart.

Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Riesling

If you are someone from Germany or have visited Germany, you may have been a part of a wine lover sommelier club, given your love for wine. As such, you would have at least heard of the Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Riesling, which is given light to the medium body for a drink.

The palette consists of the flavors of lime and green apples that are only more scrumptious when experienced during outdoor sipping sessions, enjoying the natural view of the environment around you.

Codorniu Alcohol-Free Sparkling Wine

Made of Spanish origin, this medium-bodied alcohol-free Codorniu Sparkling Wine enables you to get the delicious taste of sparkling wine without alcohol. The tasting notes account for lemon skin, stone fruit, and honey, which might have already given you the idea of the classic flavors of the wine.

Codorniu has been in the market as a leader in the cava field for quite some time. You can pair it with fresh seafood, salads, or crudite platters and enjoy the beautiful palette.

Codorniu Zero Rosé Alcohol Free

Another great option for Codorniu is Rosé for all Rosé lovers. It tastes of strawberry and red fruit making it an incredible drink to celebrate any occasion. You can store some of these wine bottles in the fridge and enjoy last-minute preparation drinks that are booze-free and delicious

Summing Up

Although non-alcoholic drinks cannot be the same as their alcoholic counterparts, it is still the preferred type of drink in certain situations and occasions. So, the drinks that you have come across are sommelier-approved for their great taste and non-alcoholic content. Plus, each of them is made to add raw and authentic flavors to your palette.

[monarchwine]

Wine And Wellness- Everything you need to know

Wine has been consumed for thousands of years, and its health advantages have been extensively documented. New research suggests that consuming wine in moderation — approximately a glass per day — has a number of health benefits. This article covers all you need to know about the health advantages of wine, including which types are the healthiest and their potential drawbacks.

Rich In Antioxidants

Wine is one of the many antioxidant-rich meals and beverages available. Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. An imbalance between antioxidants and unstable chemicals known as free radicals causes oxidative stress, which can damage your cells. Polyphenols, which are antioxidants that have been demonstrated to lower oxidative stress and inflammation, are abundant in grapes. Because red wine grapes contain more antioxidants than white grape varietals, red wine consumption may boost your blood antioxidant levels more than white wine consumption.

A lower risk of disease is linked to a higher antioxidant level. Drinking red wine, for example, has been linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, both of which are linked to oxidative stress. 

May help combat inflammation

Chronic inflammation is dangerous and can increase the risk of heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and some malignancies. As a result, it's preferable to avoid this form of inflammation whenever feasible. Diet, stress reduction, and exercise can all help to alleviate chronic inflammation.

Wine is regarded to be one of the foods that can help to reduce inflammation. According to studies, a molecule found in wine called resveratrol has anti-inflammatory qualities and may be beneficial to one's health .Moderate wine consumption was linked to a decreased inflammatory response in one research of 4,461 adults. 

Furthermore, a study of 2,900 women found that those who drank a glass of wine every day had considerably lower inflammatory markers than those who did not .

Red wine, on the other hand, has been proven to have a less striking effect in other studies.In a research of 87 persons aged 50 and up, drinking 5 ounces (150 ml) of red wine daily resulted in very minor decreases in inflammatory markers when compared to abstaining from alcohol .Although the finding is encouraging, additional research is needed to fully comprehend the anti-inflammatory properties of wine. Tastemakers in rich wines can add some quality and antioxidants to wine.

Promotes Heart Health

According to studies, people who drink moderate amounts of wine have a lower risk of heart disease .Red wine's high concentration of polyphenol antioxidants may help reduce your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and metabolic illnesses, according to researchers. According to several studies, drinking red wine can lower blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure, lowering the risk of heart disease.

Red Wine has even more benefits

Moderate wine consumption may also have other advantages:

It's possible that it will help with mental wellness. A glass of wine every now and then may help to lower the risk of depression. Excessive drinking, on the other hand, can have the reverse impact, increasing your likelihood of developing this condition.

Longevity may be aided. The high antioxidant content of wine has been shown in studies to prolong longevity when consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

It's possible that this supplement will help to maintain a healthy gut flora Recent research has even suggested that red wine may boost the growth of good gut flora, which may help persons with obesity improve metabolic syndrome markers.

You can get some exquisite red wines and a venue to vibe with wine sommeliers at a Platform for wine lovers.

Bottom Line

According to studies, sipping a glass of red wine every now and then is beneficial to your health. It contains antioxidants, may improve longevity, and, among other things, might help protect against heart disease and dangerous inflammation. Antioxidants are thought to be more in red wine than in white wine. More research is still needed to determine which types of wine offer the most benefits. A wine lovers club can help you enrich your knowledge about wine and related wellness.

[monarchwine]

10 BLACK OWNED WINERIES

We are all here because we love wine. We love the sensory experience of drinking a glass of wine, we love traveling to wine country, and we love hearing the stories behind the wine. But like our greater society, the wine world also struggles with diversity and representation in all facets of the business. There are very few black-owned wineries in the US or wines made by the hands of black winemakers. And there are only a small amount of black wine professionals in positions of leadership in wine sales and marketing. This is a layered challenge that is going to take some time and work to dismantle.

While the industry is working to diversify itself, one thing we can do is to buy black-owned wines and support these diverse wineries and vineyards. The wines stand on their own for sure, but the commitment to normalize diversity in the industry is key.

Try and Buy Black-Owned Wines

I encourage you to seek out and try these wines. Some are in distribution and can be found in many retailers, while others need to be purchased on their own websites. In addition, consider joining one of their wine clubs. Wine club income is passive and a great way to support a black-owned business.

In no particular order, here are 10 black owned wineries to try!

Lyons Wine (Emilia-Romagna, Italy)

Chris Lyons is making Lambrusco, a sparkling Italian red wine from the Emilia-Romagna region. This wine is spectacular and is currently available for pre-order on their website. Lambrusco is worth a try if you’ve never had it. It’s extremely food friendly, in fact, try it with some meats and cheeses from the local area: Mortadella, Prosciutto di Parma, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Kumusha Wines (Western Cape, South Africa)

I want to start with this wine by painting a picture of South African wine in 2020. Due to COVID, domestic alcohol sales are prohibited and banned indefinitely. The industry is DECIMATED. Exports are still allowed. You can help support South Africa’s wine industry by purchasing SA wines. Kumusha in the Zimbabwean Shona language translates to “your home” or “your origin”. This winery was founded by Tinashe Nyamudoka, an award-winning sommelier. I’m particularly fond of his affordable and crushable Cabernet Sauvignon!

Maison Noir Wines (Willamette Valley, Oregon)

Maison Noir Wines was founded in 2007 with the cool André Hueston Mack at the helm. The brand (and the wines) are exciting, dynamic, and unbuttoned. These aren’t your grandma’s wines! Two of his most popular wines include Other People’s Pinot Noir (O.P.P.) and Love Drunk Rosé, to give you a sense of the vibe André is going for. There is not one ounce of pretension, but it is some good juice. I recently recommended Andre’s wines in an article for HuffPost.

Vision Cellars

Vision Cellars is one of the OG black-owned wineries in California. I first met owner and winemaker, Mac McDonald, at a food & wine pairing dinner in Los Angeles featuring his wines. He showed up in overalls and a straw hat. I was hooked. I then tried his Pinot Noirs and have never looked back.

Theopolis Vineyards (Yorkville Highlands, CA)

Near the border of Mendocino and Sonoma Counties, you will find Theopolis Vineyards, with Theodora Lee at the helm. Theodora: lawyer, partner, and owner/winemaker at Theopolis Vineyards. Her Petite Sirah is a standout and has stacked up more medals than she can count.  I recently recommended Theodora’s wines in an article for HuffPost.

Brown Estate (Napa Valley, CA)

In 1980 Deneen, David, and Coral Brown’s parents purchased an abandoned ranch in the eastern hills of the Napa Valley. They rehabilitated the crumbling homestead and planted viniferous grapes — which for a decade they farmed and sold to local winemakers. In 1995 the kids decided to make their own wine! Their Zinfandel is ripe and juicy, as a Zinfandel should be!

Tympany Vineyards (Sonoma Valley, CA)

Where handcrafted wine and jazz meet! Louis and Lynda Brown planted vines and are handcrafting wine in Healdsburg. I have enjoyed their Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and it is out of this world!

McBride Sisters (California and New Zealand)

For half of their lives, the McBride sisters had never met and didn’t even know that the other existed. They share a father and both thought they were only children. One sister was raised in northern California. And the other was raised in Marlborough, New Zealand. In 2005, the sisters found themselves together in California, fueled by a shared passion for all things wine. In 2010 the McBride Sisters Collection was born. This is the largest black-owned wine company in the US, thanks in part to the popularity of their Black Girl Magic brand.

Angwin Estate Vineyards (Napa Valley, CA)

Jon Larson’s story starts in Angwin, a small town in Napa Valley. He grew up in Angwin and attended Saint Helena High School, but left home to attend college, medical school, and residency. While in training in Las Vegas he met his wife Angela. As they moved around the United States pursuing careers in anesthesia and surgery, they dreamed of the day when they could return to Jon’s home on top of Howell Mountain and produce wine of their own. That they did. Their Cabernet Sauvignon from Howell Mountain is otherworldly. Intense and elegant. It has been described as “power without weight” and I could not agree more.

Aslina Wines (South Africa)

Aslina was launched in 2017 by Ntsiki Biyela, South Africa’s first black female winemaker. Ntsiki left her rural hometown in the Eastern Cape of South Africa to study winemaking at the University of Stellenbosch and has never looked back. Aslina is the name of her grandmother, who was a great influence on her life.

If this doesn’t make you want to try some of these black-owned wineries, I don’t know what will! We can support diversity, equality, and inclusion in the wine industry by supporting these brands.

[monarchwine]

 Important Things You Should Know About Wine Tasting

Wine tasting is not merely an art unique to wine tasting experts. Nor is it about looking graceful as you swirl the lush mix around in the glass.

The primary purpose of wine tasting is evaluating the wine in the glass to understand personal tastes. You need to experiment and drink many varieties to find the ones with which your palate is comfortable.

https://monarch.wine/

[monarchwine]

The Basic Tips For Pairing Wine & Food

It is easy to be intimidated by the world of wine. From full-bodied reds to crisp, dry whites, there's something for everyone. The possibilities are literally limitless! When it comes to combining wine with food, though, there are a number of pointers to keep in mind. This is your one-stop platform to know about the matches that tastemakers usually guide the people that are new in the wine world.

Understanding some of the most regularly used wine terminologies is the first step toward getting a thorough understanding of food and wine pairings. Here are some words that will help you know them. They are

Tannin: Chemical compound that is usually found in grape’s skin, seeds, and stems and sometimes kept to age in wooden barrels.

Dry: Wines with minimal or no sugars in them.

Body: A wine's flavor character. A full-bodied wine, for example, has intense tastes and a long aftertaste.

Acidity: All grapes contain tannins, which aid in the preservation of the wine. Acidity levels are higher in wines that have a sharper, more crisp flavor.

WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FOOD AND WINE PAIRING

If you can't recall which wine goes nicely with fish or the chef's special at your restaurant? These guidelines contain all you need to know about pairing wine with food, including what you should and shouldn't do, and help you in broadening your understanding of the general impact wine can have on the dining experience.

Before we get into some fundamental guidelines which tastemakers keep in mind that there are two primary approaches when you pair food and wine. First is that you can choose a wine that pairs well with a certain dish also called the congruent pairing method, or you can drink a wine that complements a meal, also called the complementary pairing method.

For contrasting combinations, rosé, white, and sparkling wines are wonderful alternatives. When served with a spicy dish, a sweet white wine will allow the sugar in the wine to cool down and balance off the spiciness of the dish.

Match the strength and character of the flavors: Dense food goes dense wine. Such as creamy chicken with a glass of dense chardonnay wine. Likewise, mild-flavored wine goes with mild food.

Maintain a comparable weight between the food and wine. This doesn't mean in metrics when we talk about weight. When it comes to matching meal weight to the wine, lighter food usually lower in fat goes with lighter style wine, whereas heavier, richer food goes with heavier style wine.

Consider the concept of acidity: When eating greasy foods like the Indian curry or rich, buttery sauces, high-acid wines like young riesling are frequently used to cleanse the palate. Pair food with a high acid content, such as a salad with a vinegar-based dressing, with a crisp dry Pinot Grigio.

Be cautious when combining salt and tannin: Salty flavors are balanced with crisp, acidic wines. Avoid large, gripping reds like cabernet sauvignon and shiraz because salt can clash with tannin, making tannin feel weird. Look for a dry wine with minimal tannins and considerable acidity that will go well with salty foods. Savory wines, such as a French Chablis, are preferable over fruity wines.

FINAL VERDICT

Finally, drink what you enjoy, but don't neglect the opportunity to experiment. If you are not interested in visiting a place to know more about wines, those places sometimes offer a platform for wine enthusiasts. So go ahead and choose different wines that will satisfy you and match the food as per you, everyone’s taste is different and food and wine pairings are subjective.

[monarchwine]

Food Options That Go Great With Wine

Determining the perfect food and wine pairing can be overwhelming if you are trying it out the first time. If you have an upcoming party, then finding out the best food wine combinations will help you make the right choice. Depending on the wine that you have chosen, there are some classic food items that you could never go wrong with. One such classic combination is mushroom pizza combined with Pinot Noir. Other pairings like Bordeaux with Lamb Chops or Chardonnay with Shrimp Scampi can also be great. You can also choose desserts and combine them with different red and white wines.

[monarchwine]

Tips to Pick a Good Wine According to Your Taste Preferences

While dining in a sommeliers wine club, certified sommeliers can provide you all the help you need to pick a perfect wine. But, how would you choose the perfect wine while browsing through the web pages or shelves at the shop? Just like your food preferences, your taste of wine develops as you grow. The first-time wine tasters should try with rose or white wine. Furthermore, wine has distinct and unique flavors. You can identify with your taste preferences to find a good wine. For instance, if you like the bitter taste of black coffee, you will want an acidic wine.

[monarchwine]

LAW ESTATE WINES

“To Dream the Impossible Dream……to reach the unreachable star.”

These lines from the song “The Quest”, (from Man of La Mancha) describe the dream of Don and Susie Law:  to find a special place, where they could grow ultra-premium, world-class Rhone wines.  Their quest was fulfilled when they found, what they describe as “the Holy Grail,” 400 acres of land, reaching 1950feet of elevation, in Paso Robles’ Adelaida District, surrounded by and overlooking awe-inspiring views.

Land was purchased in 2006, and the architecturally designed modern, welcoming Tasting Room opened their doors in 2013, with the introduction of the 2010 vintage, crafted by Scott Hawley.  Immediately recognized by the wine world, which included scores of 92-95 from Robert Parker, Law was on its way to cementing itself as an elite, ultra-premium brand.

Location, Location, Location

Susie and Don Law know that wine drinking is enhanced by a unique experience, one that incorporated all the senses.  A tasting at Law will provide an elevated appreciation to what it means to sit back, relax, learn, sample, and enjoy elegant, premium wines in an intimate, welcoming venue…. Where your senses will be heightened and enriched.

Begin your adventure driving approximately 15 minutes from Paso Robles.  Meandering on Peachy Canyon Road, surrounded by beautiful vistas, hills, vineyards, and (most of the time) brilliant blue sky, you will unconsciously slip into a relaxed state…in awe of your surroundings.

Turning off Peachy Canyon Road, continuing up the long driveway to the tasting room, breathe in the air and the bucolic hillsides, marveling at the architecturally impressive tasting room upon reaching the parking area.

**Please follow directions to access the upper-level tasting area, as these may change due to current California COVID requirements. There is an outside stairway leading up, but if an elevator is needed, there is one located right inside**

Once you arrive upstairs, one of Law’s personable hospitality team members will escort you to your reserved tasting area.  You will feel right at home with whomever your host or hostess is, as most have grown up in the area, attending Cal Poly SLO, renowned for their agricultural and enology programs.  And, just some fun information, if your host happens to be Adelaida Pitts (hospitality director), you will find this smiling, multi-generational Paso native (named after Paso Robles’ Adelaida wine district) a delight.  There is virtually no one in Paso Robles she doesn’t know, and she also knows everything about Paso Robles!

Once seated (currently only outside tastings are permitted) you will be WOWED by the location and scenery!  Not only will you feel as though you are in a homey, inviting backyard, but the panoramas surrounding you are of unparalleled beauty.  This is one of the most beautiful locations in wine country.

Tasting the Wines of Philipp Pfunder: The Law Way

Prior to joining Law, Philipp Pfunder spent a decade travelling the Southern and Northern hemispheres.  Pursuing his Masters of Wine Science in New Zealand in 2008, Philipp’s on-the-job training included working with some of the most esteemed producers both “down under,” in France, (at the highly regarded Chateau Angelus in St. Emilion), and Screaming Eagle in Napa Valley…. the wine that is credited with starting the “cult” wine phenomenon.  Philipp, literally, soaked in everything he could, and then found his way to Paso Robles in 2016 where he continued his education with LAW’s trendsetting, highly regarded winemaker, Scott Hawley.

From the initial 2010 vintage, Scott set the bar high…and each subsequent year went even higher, as accolades and ratings by the most respected of wine experts such as Robert Parker and Jeb Dunnuck were consistent year after year.

Towards the end of 2018, Philipp took over as head winemaker, as Scott transitioned from Law to devote full time to his own, expanding the TORRIN label, in addition to opening his own tasting room.  Philipp has faultlessly continued the path which Scott began.

Having been trained by the best, Philipp is anxious to “pay it forward,” looking eagerly for the day that life, and travel returns to normal.  He looks forward to being able to hire international interns so that he can give aspiring winemakers the experience of making wine in a different part of the world and working with grapes grown from the unique Paso Robles terroir, influenced by so many different micro-climates…. producing such elegant, world-class wines.

Your tasting experience at Law Estate Winery will awaken your senses as you sip these cutting-edge, innovative wines, in a location that is hard to improve upon.  Prepare to sit back and relax, as though you were at your own, or a good friends elegant outdoor entertaining area.  Depending on the size of your party, when you make your reservation, you may want to request one of the two seating areas with a firepit.

The current tasting consists of five premium wines from the 2017 vintage (rated 95-98).  You will have separate glasses for each wine, and as your wine ambassador guides you through your tasting, take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions, chat and re-visit each one at will. The current menu consists of:

*Sagacious*Beyond*Audacious*Aspire*Beguiling

Once you have the Law experience, you will want to come back again… especially when you are able to tour the inside, being able to sip and sit around the long, elegant conference table, or in front of the fireplace on a chilly afternoon.

Law Estate Winery is just “one of those places” where you arrive, are greeted, get seated, and just want to spend the day there sipping, gazing out at the view, and talking with (any of) the wine emissaries who personally host you.  During your visit, you will make new friends and chances are you will be planning your return trip as you leave.

And, on subsequent visits, you will feel that you have just arrived back at your welcoming home again, as I do each time I visit and enjoy Law’s wines, locale, hospitality, and people.

Once you surround yourself with the beauty of the place and the wines, you will agree that a visit and wine tasting at Law Estate Wines rates a 100-point score.

Please check the website for information and be sure to reserve your tasting experience at Law Estate Wines.

WWW.LAWESTATEWINES.COM

Originally Published Here: https://monarch.wine/law-estate-wines/

[monarchwine]

As we explore our way into 2021, we at Monarch wanted to take a moment to look back at 2020 (don’t be scared!) and remember the vibrant array of masterful Somms and educators who never let challenging times keep us from deep, dazzling pours.

Like all of us last year, the wine industry needed to innovate and band together to rediscover a brave new identity. It’s been a season of both evolution and clever improvisation, and so we toast a refreshingly diverse array of wine enthusiasts that are helping to roll out the barrels toward the future of wine itself. Visit: https://monarch.wine/the-tastemakers-of-2020/

[monarchwine]

ELENA FUCCI: A REVOLUTIONARY IN THE SOUTH OF ITALY

It’s no secret that the North and the South of Italy have a bit of a rivalry. We won’t get into the specifics, but it’s a very real thing. I myself have never been to southern Italy. A few years back I took an incredible trip through Rome, Milan, Chianti, and Cinque Terre. My paternal grandfather’s family hails from the south, so a trip is most certainly in order. His family was from Potenza, a town in the region of Basilicata. I remember one time as a kid, I was at an Italian restaurant with my family. You know the kind with paper placemats? On the placemat was a map of Italy, and Potenza, my family’s town, was on the map! There began my love affair with Italy.

Basilicata: Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Basilicata is not one of the more well-known regions of Italy. It’s a mountainous, landlocked, under-the-radar area that just so happens to make some incredible wines. We’ll get to that soon enough. In Basilicata, there are not a lot of commercial opportunities or ways to grow wealth. The region and its aging population lack an entrepreneurial spirit. Many young people leave Basilicata and go to other parts of Italy to find opportunities. It’s an unspoken (or even a spoken) rule that if you want to make something of yourself, you travel to the North or abroad to start your business.

I recently sat down (via Zoom) with Elena Fucci, owner and winemaker at Elena Fucci and Laura Donadoni (aka the Italian Wine Girl), an ambassador of all things Italian wine. In this hour we learned the story of how Elena defied the odds, stayed in her hometown, and built a successful business and wine label.

Barile: The Heart of Basilicata

Elena hails from Barile, a town of 1,500 people in the Vulture area of Basilicata. Her father, grandfather, and great grandfather all grew and sold grapes, but they never made wine. The house Elena grew up in is surrounded by those same 6 hectares of vines her family tended.  Her parents, both teachers, were near retirement, and the plan was to sell their vineyard and home, in the center of the vineyard. At 67 years old, the vines are the oldest in Barile. The idea was that they’d sell the property and give the money to their daughters to be able to start their lives elsewhere. Where there was more opportunity.  This was not an easy choice, but it was the sound, prudent choice.

The Revolution of Elena

In 2000, Elena was studying genetics and engineering at college in Pisa. It was at that time that Elena got wind of her parents’ plan to sell her childhood home and property. Without hesitation, she changed her schooling focus to viticulture and enology (the study of wine and of grape growing). This was the moment. The moment when everything shifted. Elena was not ready to let go of the special place where she grew up and the beautiful vines surrounding it. She believed strongly that it had a future and she wanted to be a part of it. At the young age of 18, she made the revolutionary decision to stay in Barile and to give her family grapes an identity.

The Importance of Legacy

With the weight of her family’s legacy on her shoulders, Elena started making wine with her family’s grapes under the Elena Fucci wine label. As we went through the interview, Elena started tearing up a bit. It was quite sweet and also moving. I saw that the importance of what she did was not lost on her. The first Elena Fucci vintage of 100 cases was in 2000. It was all still an experiment at that point. Her first meaningful, commercial vintage was in 2004 when she made close to 600 cases.  Elena now vinifies all the grapes her estate vineyard provides and no grapes are sold. They’re now making 2,000 cases annually, whereas by law she can produce about double that, based on the size of her vineyard. But Elena intentionally limits yields (through winter pruning) in order to keep quality high. In the vineyards, Elena’s grandfather, at 94, can be seen tending the vines and even driving a tractor!

Aglianico: The Star of the South

Aglianico is the dominant and well-respected local red grape, frequently referred to as the “Barolo of the South”. Found in both Campania and Basilicata, the grape thrives in the Vulture area, known as Aglianico del Vulture, Basilicata’s only DOC wine. Mount Vulture is an extinct volcano to the north of Potenza. This volcano left stratified soils with lava residue, debris, and ash, giving a graphite note in the glass. Aglianico serves up heaps of tannins and is the last to ripen in any vineyard it is in. Here at Elena Fucci, her vineyards are high altitude. The highest in Vulture, at 600m (approx 1800 ft).

Aglianico harvest and Aglianico wine production

One Singular Sensation

Elena makes only one wine: Titolo. One vineyard, one grape, one label. The only variable is the weather.  You expect wine from the south of Italy to be bold and ripe fruited due to warmer temperatures and endless sunlight. Some say the wines of the south are less elegant. Enter Titolo. The wine has been awarded the coveted top Tre Bicchieri award by Gambero Rosso an impressive 15 times.

Elena Fucci Titolo 2016 Aglianico del Vulture DOC

Italy in a bottle. The tension/juxtaposition between finesse and rusticity is palpable. Classic Aglianico aromatic notes of sour cherry, plums, and balsamic. Plus, a soft floral through-line of sweet violet petals. Smokiness abounds, presumably from the use of smaller 200L barrels for aging. On the palate, we have a wine that is as dry as can be, yet there is a dichotomy of the sweet floral and balsamic notes. Quite a stunner. To be enjoyed with lamb or other grilled meats or perhaps some aged cheeses.

Originally Published Here: https://monarch.wine/elena-fucci-a-revolutionary-in-the-south-of-italy/

[monarchwine]

5 Quick Food and Wine Pairings for Every Occasion  If you have an upcoming house party, you'll be looking for delicious dishes to impress the guests. And where there's food, there has to be wine! The good news is that you don't need to be a female sommelier to match food and wine. Food and wine pairing is a fun experiment that sometimes results in a spectacular and delicious creation. Here are some suggestions that will help the guests asking for more. Click here: https://monarch.wine/category/food-wine-pairing/

[monarchwine]

Luxury Guide to the Champagne Wine Region

International travel may still be (temporarily) on hold, but that’s not stopping us from dreaming up our next wine-soaked trip abroad. Our love of great wine is no secret – which means that France will most definitely be one of the places we hit up first. What better place to kick off international adventures than a trip to Champagne?

Overview

Champagne is a sparkling wine producing region located just 90 miles east of Paris. The region is broken down into five major wine-producing zones: Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, Côte de Sézanne, Côte des Blancs, and Aube. Champagne’s two major cities are Reims and Epernay. Reims is larger, busier, and a bit more on the lavish side, whereas, Epernay errs on the sleepier, more quaint side of things.

Starting Point

Most Champagne getaways begin with a touchdown in Paris, and really, what’s not to love about that? Before jetting off to wine country, grab a quick 40-minute cab into the city and stop somewhere for a lavish lunch – we can confirm that there’s really nothing better after an overnight flight. Pop by Le Saint-Sébastien for contemporary French cuisine with a twist, or hit Le Bon Georges for a traditional French bistro lunch. Both restaurants boast top-notch wine lists, so kicking off your trip with something delicious has never been easier.

How to Get There

There are numerous ways to access Champagne from Paris. Although most tend to rent a car (approx. two hours) or hit the high-speed TGV train (approx. 45 minutes from Paris to Reims), why not go all out and catch the view from above?

Helicoptering from Paris to Champagne isn’t actually as unattainable as it sounds. Companies like AB Corporate Aviation offer flights equipped with guided tour guides and gourmet meals, and while we wouldn’t recommend shelling out this much for recurring trips to the region, seeing Paris from above is most definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We can’t think of a better way to kick off a wine-soaked getaway – with a glass of bubbles in hand, of course.

Where to Stay

Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa

Nothing cures the overnight flight blues like checking into a high-end spa in the heart of wine country. Located in Champillon, this epic hotel was recently named the number one resort in Europe by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, and it’s no surprise why. This luxury boutique hotel is located on a UNESCO World Heritage site and is surrounded by lavish wineries, plush greenscapes, and rolling vineyards as far as the eye can see. Expect Champagne concierge, meals prepared by Michelin-starred chefs, and gourmet apéros laden with bubbles and local products – and at just two years old, all rooms, amenities, and common areas are brand-spankin’ new.

Where to Eat

Le Parc (at Domaine Les Crayeres)

Located in the heart of Reims, this 2-Michelin Starred restaurant is an absolute no-brainer for those looking to dive into French haute cuisine. Located inside the Domaine Les Crayeres, this elegant hotspot meshes sophisticated hospitality and unmatchable French joie de vivre under one charming (and quite expensive) roof. In warmer weather months, be sure to grab an outdoor table in the lush garden, and be advised that formal dress code is strictly enforced (no shorts, sports attire, or sandals are permitted).

Le Foch

Known for their fish-heavy carte, this Michelin-starred gem is an absolute must for seafood lovers. Expect meticulously crafted dishes laden with lobster, fresh seafood, and the restaurant’s signature potato confit, as well as classic French staples like escargots and foie gras – and don’t forget to save some space for the joint’s handmade macarons. 5-course menu or a-la-carte options available.

Where to Taste

No car? No problem. Tasting wine without the worries of having to drive has never been easier, thanks to the numerous tasting rooms available by foot in Reims. Krug, Louis Roederer, and Maison Mumm are all within walking distance of one another and are equally accessible for those arriving by train to Reims. Note: Most tasting rooms require advanced reservations and have multiple options for elevated experiences, featuring custom pairings, private tours, and if you’re lucky, perhaps a backvintage pour or two.

Don’t Miss

Cathédrale Notre Dame

No trip to Champagne would be complete without a stop at Reims’ famed Gothic Cathedral. This prestigious church dates back to 1211, was the place of coronation for many of France’s kings, and survived numerous World Wars. (The church has now been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The cathedral’s 12-petaled rose windows, epic organ, and one-of-a-kind astronomical clock (built 200 years after the church’s initial construction) promise to take your breath away.

Palais du Tau

Sigh – another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This sophisticated former residence is best known for housing a number of French nobility, including the archbishop of Reims. Located just next to the Cathédrale, the Palais du Tau now holds its own small collection of religious objects, tapestries, and sculptures. Pop in for your daily dose of history (and then pop some bubbles for a post-museum lunch at one of the local cafés next door).

Musée de Beaux Arts

And if visits to the Cathédrale / Palais du Tau did not fully satisfy your culture craving, hit the Musée de Beaux Arts. This 18th-century museum’s permanent collections feature paintings, sculptures, and furniture from the 16th to 20th Century, with an emphasis on religious-focused art and Impressionist, works from the Renaissance through the 1900s. As much as we love Renoir, we’d make this stop as quick as possible (and save your hours for sipping Champagne in the city’s many quaint squares!) Originally Published Here: https://monarch.wine/luxury-guide-to-the-champagne-wine-region/

[monarchwine]

Voices in wine are now more diverse than ever and seek to represent and speak to a wider audience. Here is our list of 10 diverse voices in wine to follow. Each of these individuals brings a valuable, interesting, and fresh perspective to the world of wine. They are winemakers, sommeliers, journalists, educators, and activists. For ALL the wine content you could possibly want, we suggest a follow! Read more here: https://monarch.wine/10-diverse-voices-in-wine/

[monarchwine]

Winners and certified sommeliers from around the world participate in an international battle of wine experts to win the title of ASI Best Sommelier in the World. Here’s the journey of the 5 best sommeliers in the world who jumped every hurdle, worked hard and made countless sacrifices to be where they are- at the top!

[monarchwine]

JANUARY PAIRINGS

January tends to be the month where we give our bellies some reprieve from the gluttonous eating that we indulged in during the holidays. Fresh vibrant green salads start to look extra appealing for most, along with lean and healthy proteins such as salmon or chicken. One of the biggest challenges is making sure the healthy food you are consuming is still packed with big and bold flavors. Below are 3 recipes that are the antithesis of bland paired with three wines that will perfectly complement the vibrant flavors that come through in the three recipes.

Grapefruit, Avocado, and Shrimp Salad

Prep time: 7 min

Cooking time: 30 min

Total time: 37 min

Ingredients:

1/2 lb of cooked shrimp

2 avocados pitted and sliced

2 grapefruit peeled and segmented (save the juice that comes out)

1 small shallot chopped

1 package of butter lettuce

1 tsp soy sauce

½ tsp honey

1 tbsp olive oil

½ tbsp grapefruit juice

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp ground black pepper

1 tsp salt

Directions:

1.) Wash the cooked shrimp thoroughly. Next, make the dressing in a medium mixing bowl by adding the shallot, lemon juice, grapefruit juice, soy sauce, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mixing well with a whisk. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while constantly whisking, resulting in a smooth emulsified dressing.

2.) Add the shrimp to the bowl with the dressing and toss well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to marinate for at least 30 min.

3.) While the shrimp is marinating, prep your avocado, and grapefruit.

4.) Arrange your butter lettuce nicely in a shallow bowl, and place the avocado and grapefruit with intention. Alternating between the two makes for a nice presentation. Scatter the shrimp and finish with a generous drizzle of the dressing, or use as much as you like.

Wine pairing:

Domaine Pichot Sparkling Vouvray

This sparkling Vouvray from the Loire Valley, France has notes of honey, white wild flowers, juicy citrus and stone fruit. Those citrusy notes mimic the tart grapefruit in the salad perfectly, while the soft texture of the chenin blanc grape found in Vouvray complements the creamy avocado. When it comes to pairing salads with wine, one must also take into consideration the dressing. This dressing has a fair amount of tartness due to the grapefruit and lemon, so it needs a high acid wine to match that tartness. Sparkling Vouvray delivers on that tartness with it’s high acidity.

Slow Roasted Salmon with Harissa, Winter Citrus, Fennel and Olives

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 30 min

Total Time: 40 min

Yield: 4 People

Ingredients:

1.5 pound fillet of salmon

2 fennel bulbs, cored and sliced

1 lemon sliced

1 blood orange sliced

1 tbsp harissa

3 tbsp olive oil

¼ cup of pitted and chopped green olives

Directions:

1.) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

2.) In a small bowl, whisk together the harissa and olive oil until you get a pasty consistency. In a baking dish, lather the salmon with the ¾ of the paste, making sure to get every nook and cranny. Lay the lemon and blood orange slices on top of the salmon, making sure to completely cover it.

3.) Scatter the olives and fennel around the salmon. Add a bit more olive oil to the rest of the paste and drizzle the oil over the vegetables. Place in the oven and cook for 30 min for medium rare.

Wine pairing:

2019 Jean-Bernadin Casabianca Corse

Corsican Rosé is one of my favorite Rosé because it gets the best of both worlds by being in France’s beautiful Mediterranean and right to stunning Sardinia. Because of its terroir, this rosé has notes of French lavender and tarragon as soon as you lift the glass to your nose. Since Corsica is in the Mediterranean, this wine is best paired with Mediterranean dishes that have those same Mediterranean ingredients such as the green olives, lemon, and olive oil in this roasted salmon recipe. Lastly, when in doubt, it can help to just pair the color of the wine with the same color of the dish, hence the rosy hue in the salmon matching perfectly with the Rose’.

Chorizo and White Bean Stew

Port is a fortified Portuguese dessert wine that comes from the Douruo Valley of Northern Portugal, typically made as a sweet red wine, although examples of white port do exist. There are many different styles such as ruby, tawny and vintage port. For this pairing, I’ll be talking about late vintage port, a sweet style that is moderate in acidity with tasting notes of dark chocolate, black cherry, currant, dried raisins, and prunes.

Prep time: 15 min

Cooking time: 30 min

Total Time: 45 min

Yield: 6 people

Ingredients:

1 lb chorizo

2 garlic cloves minced

‘6 oz chopped kale

1 medium yellow onion

1 can cannellini

2 cup red wine

Salt

Pepper

1 tsp chili flakes

3 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp tomato paste

2 cups tomato puree

3 cups of chicken stock

Directions:

1.) In a dutch oven, heat it up with the olive oil, once the oil starts to sizzle add the chorizo. Let the chorizo brown for a few minutes, then add the onions and garlic. Let everything saute’ for a few minutes.

2.) Add the kale and cook with the onions, garlic, and chorizo. Add the tomato paste and let it caramelize for a few minutes. Turn the heat to high and add the red wine, letting it reduce by a tbsp.

3.) Lower the heat and add the tomato puree and white beans. Add the chicken stock, and give everything a good stir. Allow it to simmer for at least 30 min until it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Best served with a dollop of sour cream and an extra drizzle of olive oil.

Wine Pairing:

2018 Juan Gil Jumilla

Jumilla is a Spanish wine found in the region of Murcia where the Monastrell grape (also known as Mourvedre in France and other parts of the world) grows. Monastrell is a thick skinned low yielding berry with notes of juicy dark cherry, blackberry, smoke, and leather. This stew has such a beautiful smoky flavor thanks to the chorizo and the smoky notes that comes from the mourvedre grape further enhance it. This rich and hearty stew is a total flavor bomb and needs a wine that won’t be lost standing up to it. Jumilla is the type of red wine that perfectly fits the bill with its bold juicy red cherry notes, ripe tannins and full body. Lastly, Jumilla delivers with the good amount of acidity it has in it, cleansing the palate after each spoonful.

Originally Published Here: https://monarch.wine/january-pairings/

[monarchwine]

2 DESSERT HOLIDAY PAIRINGS

Let’s be honest, cookies are synonymous with Christmas. This was apparent the first time we iced sugar cookies and put them on a plate, waiting for Santa Clause to devour them. As we got older, we were most likely gifted a tin of stale shortbread cookies at some point, and now you may bake cookies with your family or friends around the holidays, or at the very least buy them at a bakery and have them splayed out on a table. As you reach for your Christmas cookie, you may think how nice it would be to dunk it in a cold glass of milk. You would be right. However, have you ever thought instead to enjoy your cookie with a glass of dessert wine? Let me tell you why you should with two cookie and dessert wine pairing examples that include Vin Santo and late bottled vintage port.

What is Vin Santo?

First, let’s talk about what Vin Santo is. Vin Santo or “holy wine” is an Italian dessert wine where the grapes tend to be either Trebianno or Malvasia (both white grapes.) It is made in the style of straw wines, which means the grapes are dried out on straw mats in a warm area. The longer the grapes take to dry out, the sweeter the wine becomes. Lastly, the wine tends to be aged in small oak barrels for at least 3-5 years. Aging the dessert wine in oak is what contributes to its slightly spicy tasting notes. Some other tasting notes you may get are caramel, roasted walnut, honey and dried apricot.

Gingersnaps paired with Vin Santo

When it comes to pairing dessert wine with desserts, you always want the wine to be sweeter than the dessert itself, otherwise, the dessert will taste bitter. If you want to see this sommelier cringe, then drink a glass of chardonnay with your vanilla cake. Unless you are blasted, there should be no reason to do this. But I digress. Gingersnaps are great cookies to pair with dessert wine because they are not overly sweet. The spicy flavor that comes from the ginger is balanced with the sweet molasses, so the Vin Santo isn’t overpowered. Vin santo is also a high acid dessert wine, thus cleansing your palate every time you take a bite of the sugary cookie.

First off, what is Port?

Port is a fortified Portuguese dessert wine that comes from the Douruo Valley of Northern Portugal, typically made as a sweet red wine, although examples of white port do exist. There are many different styles such as ruby, tawny and vintage port. For this pairing, I’ll be talking about late vintage port, a sweet style that is moderate in acidity with tasting notes of dark chocolate, black cherry, currant, dried raisins, and prunes.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with Late Bottled Vintage Port

First off, if you have never heard of or tried a chocolate crinkle cookie, you need to get on that ASAP! Chocolate crinkles are essentially if a brownie and a cookie had a baby. They are soft and fudgy on the inside with crackly crispy edges. These cookies pair perfectly with the late bottled vintage port because that chocolatey flavor is brought out even more by the chocolate notes that the wine mirrors. Lastly, the cherry notes in the wine as well as the raisin and dried prune notes, complement the richness of the dark chocolate in the cookie by lending an extra flavor profile. Originally Published Here: https://monarch.wine/2-dessert-holiday-pairings/

[monarchwine]

The Journey of ASI’s 5 Best Sommeliers of the World 2020

Considering the level of expertise required in the industry, becoming a sommelier isn’t an easy task. Sommeliers across the world are required to take four tests that conclude with the highly coveted Master Sommelier Test.

What’s more, winners and certified sommeliers from around the world participate in an international battle of wine experts to win the title of ASI Best Sommelier in the World. Over the past 40 years, a small number of 230 individuals have managed to pass the fourth test.

From blind tests to questions regarding food pairing, there is no scope for error if one wishes to become the best sommelier in the world. However, certain men and women have accomplished this task and have gone on to become the best in the field.

Here’s the journey of the 5 best sommeliers in the world who jumped every hurdle, worked hard and made countless sacrifices to be where they are- at the top!

1. Marc Almert, Germany

Marc Almert, the 27-year old sommelier from Cologne, Germany, went on to become the ASI Best Sommelier of the World. This young man started with dreams of becoming a physicist but swayed towards the hotel industry shortly after passing his university examinations. 

He began his sommelier journey from the Excelsior Hotel Ernst and then at the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, which was his first sommelier job. In 2017, he became a sommelier at Pavillion, the restaurant at the world-famous Baur au Lac Hotel in Zurich.

His passion for his line of work, humility, desire to constantly learn and grow have been the key factors in his professional success. Marc also bears detailed knowledge of other beverages like coffee, sake, tea, beer, as well as cigars to add to his profound knowledge of wine. 

2. Nina Højgaard Jensen, Denmark

Nina Højgaard Jensen, the female head sommelier at the famous Kong Kans Kælder, is the runner-up for the ASI Best Sommelier in the World award. However, getting to second place in this prestigious event wasn’t easy.

With years of experience and training under her belt, Nina brought her dogma-free, fresh, and unique approach to the table as she excelled in the championship. Her knowledge comprises an array of subjects including classic wines and new products.

Her recommendations are always top-tier since they come from a place of passion and hard work.

3. Raimonds Tomsons, Latvia

The Latvian sommelier, Raimonds Tomsons, who grabbed the third position in the ASI Best Sommelier in the World Championships, is the ideal image of grit and passion in a fierce blend. Initially, he had plans of being a translator but went on to discover his other talents.

Without a plan in mind, he trained in a professional school to learn more about being a bartender. Then, he grabbed a role at Vincent, Riga, where he’s been for the past 17 years. Continuing his training with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, he still wants to learn more.

4. Martynas Pravilonis, Lithuania

Martynas Pravilonis stood at fourth place in the ASI Best Sommelier in the World Championships. A sommelier at the Atelier Wine Boutique & Tasting Bar, he came to be one of the leading wine experts in Lithuania. 

Pravilonis strives to learn more each day owing to his ongoing training at the London-based Wine & Spirit Education Trust School. His dedication and unique takes on the industry have taken him this far, and well, he wishes to excel further. 

5. Fredrik Lindfors, Sweden

Fredrik Lindfors from Sweden is the fifth leading wine expert in the world. He works at the Grand Hotel, Stockholm in the role of head sommelier. He made it to the semi-finale of the ASI Best Sommelier in the World Championships but missed out on the final round. However, his determined attitude and continued professional training are expected to take him places!

Summing Up

The best sommeliers of the world 2020 have reached where they are only through constant hard work, continued learning, practice, and gaining experience. Their journeys are undoubtedly inspirations to people aspiring to win big in the hospitality industry.