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Unveiling Single Vineyard Bottling: The Tale of Some of the Oldest Cabernet Sauvignon Vines in the Wine World
Grape bunches on old vine
For the first time in a long time, the locals felt excited as they were on the edge of a precipice that was at once terrifying yet thrilling. The isolation that was like an iron-clad cage around their desolate town would be destroyed, and they would be free to connect to a wider world while also losing the safety of only being among the close-knit community of multi-generational neighbors. These hardworking and newly hopeful people lived in a sub-region called Apalta Valley within the region of Colchagua in central Chile. Apalta is shaped like a horseshoe with mountains and rivers surrounding it, moderating temperatures. In the local dialect, apalta means “bad soil,” – referring to the low fertility of the land, so, very little in the way of crops could grow, except wine grape vines. It wasn’t ideal as their yields would be low, but at least they could sell grapes to make wine that would be exported to Argentina, and a whole new opportunity would open up for the next generation, as they would have enough money to send their kids to school.
circa 1940: An electric train on the Transandine Railway between Argentina and Chile
It was the turn of the 20th century in the country of Chile, where the Pactos de Mayo agreement, combined with the opening of the Transandine Railway, would deter a war between Chile and Argentina as well as normalizing business relations that would include a free trade agreement between the two countries. But that would never come to pass, as the winegrowers in Argentina, many immigrants from Europe, fiercely fought the agreement, and in the end, it never came to fruition. Most of the 20th century in Chile involved instability within their government with excessive taxes and a tremendous amount of regulation that created insurmountable barriers, ultimately preventing the wine industry in Chile from taking off. And so, those low-yielding Cabernet Sauvignon vines planted in poor soil – encouraging low yields of concentrated grapes within an area with a wonderful balance between enough sunlight and moderated temperatures, sat safely in obscurity until a well-known French family discovered them.
Casa Lapostolle’s Clos Apalta winery with Cabernet Sauvignon vines and cover crop
In 1994, Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle, part of the famous spirits and wine Marnier Lapostolle family, and her husband Cyril de Bournet, wanted to push the envelope by looking for vineyards with a great sense of place, aka terroir; when they found themselves in the Apalta Valley looking at Cabernet Sauvignon grapes planted in 1909 that has survived a semi-dry Mediterranean climate without any irrigation, they realized that they discovered their great terroir.
It was such an incredible shock to see such old Cabernet Sauvignon vines, as in the wine region of Bordeaux in France, they are typically replanted once a vine is around 35 years old, and over 50 is considered old vines. It is ironic to think that a well-known French spirits and wine family would find some of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines in Chile, especially considering back in the 1990s when it was not considered a premium winemaking country.
But Chile’s wine image would drastically improve with the help of Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and Cyril de Bournet, one of the producers making Apalta an unofficial grand cru area with their iconic Clos Apalta wine and the premium lineup of their Lapostolle Wines.
Clos Apalta Winery
Coming from a family that courageously launched Grand Marnier – an initially criticized yet ultimately successful blend of fine cognac and orange-flavored liqueur, Alexandra was never deterred by popular opinion when it came to passion projects. Recognizing the potential in Chile’s unique terroir, she was unafraid of potential backlash from the French fine wine fraternity.
Andrea León
The key to success was choosing the right individual to manage their precious vineyards and produce exceptional wines. This is where Andrea León comes in, a seasoned head winemaker and viticulturist with diverse winemaking experiences in France, Italy, the US, and New Zealand. Eventually, her Chilean roots beckoned her home. Andrea’s deep affection for the land, fused with her artistic upbringing, naturally directed her towards creating a masterpiece from nature – wine.
Andrea undoubtedly appreciates collaborating with such astounding vineyards, particularly the uncommon aged Cabernet Sauvignon. However, she would not classify their old vines as the oldest of this grape variety, since there might be older plots globally. One such example is located in Australia’s Barossa Valley: Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Kalimna Block 42, believed to originate from approximately 130-year-old vines. Another factor is their adoption of a method referred to as marcottage in France and known as layering elsewhere. Marcottage is a lengthy process in which a cane from a vine is buried, sprouting roots to grow another plant. This technique helps sustain these incredibly old plants, which lose about 3% each year. Hence, each plant is an extension of one planted in 1909, meaning it could be considered over a century old by some. Nevertheless, regardless of the technicalities, its manifestation in the wine is what truly counts.
This distinct section of old Cabernet Sauvignon vines primarily contributes to the iconic Clos Apalta wine. However, for excellent vintages from this valuable plot, another bottling under the name ‘la Parcelle 8’ is released within the Lapostolle line. As of now, only the second bottled edition for the US market, the 2018 vintage, has become available. Andrea highlighted that the 2018 vintage is one of this century’s “greatest cold vintages,” as optimal conditions allowed grapes to ripen longer on the vine. This process resulted in full maturation of the fruit and development of complex flavors while preserving acidity.
Sunset over vineyards
Looking back to the Apalta area over a hundred years ago, when the Cabernet Sauvignon vines were first planted owing to the inability of other crops to grow in the inferior soil provides a perception. Although it seemed like a curse, it turned out to be a blessing. Not only was the barren soil a serious disadvantage when food was essential, but Chile’s isolation also diminished prospects for a thriving industry to better the farmers’ lives. Despite being a strikingly beautiful area, it was difficult for locals to appreciate amidst their struggle for survival. The absence of a flourishing wine industry in Chile led to these vines never being replaced by younger, more productive ones. Consequently, when a member of a renowned French family, seeking the potential of Chilean vineyards, discovered the exceptional treasure of the ‘la Parcelle 8’ block, they did not hesitate to make a significant investment in Chilean wine.
And today, that golden-hued, saffron-colored horizon created by the sunset that seems to kiss the mountains in Apalta, is almost the same as that which desperate farmers gazed upon over one hundred years ago. But in those days, it represented the end of another hopeless day filled with backbreaking labor that amounted to very little. Yet, today, it is a breathtaking display of the area’s magnificence that fine wine connoisseurs worldwide appreciate.
Lapostolle ‘Cuvée Alexandre’ Cabernet Sauvignon and ‘la Parcelle’ 8
‘la Parcelle’ 8 & ultra-premium ‘Cuvée Alexandre’ wines:
2018 Lapostolle ‘la Parcelle 8’
2018 Lapostolle ‘la Parcelle 8’ Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. A wine that balances power and finesse beautifully with the deeply concentrated black fruit that is highlighted by a mixture of savory, tapenade, with enchanting notes, violets, that is at once decadently delicious with flavors of cocoa powder, and aristocratically pleasing with aromas of cigar box, all laced with an intense minerality and finely etched tannins.
2021 Lapostolle ‘Cuvée Alexandre’ Cabernet Franc, Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile: This Cabernet Franc ‘Cuvée Alexandre’ bottling is a new release for Lapostolle and it should hit the market in December of this year. Andrea León said that they have been very happy with how well their Cabernet Franc has been showing throughout the years, and that it finally deserved its own bottling; such an elegant wine with pretty aromas of jasmine with hints of blackcurrant leaf that has a fine structure with juicy blueberry fruit on the palate.
2021 Lapostolle ‘Cuvée Alexandre’ Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 Lapostolle ‘Cuvée Alexandre’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Multilayered dark fruit with cardamom and anise seed spices giving an aromatic lift to the fruit that has fresh sage herbs intermixed along the silky tannins that give enough structure for an overall elegant quality.
2021 Lapostolle ‘Cuvée Alexandre’ Carménère, Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile: 85% Carmenère, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Syrah, and 4% Grenache. Ripe, juicy plum fruit from the first sip with complex notes of green peppercorn and crushed granite with nicely manicured tannins that caress the palate.
Iconic ‘Clos Apalta’ and its second wine ‘Le Petit Clos’:
Le Petit Clos and Clos Apalta
2019 Clos Apalta, Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile: 70% Carmenere, 18% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Petit Verdot. An exquisitely expressive nose with rich blackberry fruit interlaced with delectable notes of blueberry scone that has a creamy texture balanced by bright acidity with notes of smoldering earth and sweet tobacco that has a long and flavorful finish.
2019 Clos Apalta, Le Petit Clos, Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile: 49% Carmenere, 30% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot. Being the second wine for Clos Apalta, it exhibits a savory nose with hints of singed herbs and toasted cumin seeds. The palate teases with a round, alluring texture enthused with velvety tannins and a prolonged, aromatic finish that resonates with spices.
Consider these reasonably priced Lapostolle wines:
2022 Lapostolle ‘Grand Selection’ Sauvignon Blanc, Rapel Valley, Central Valley, Chile: 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Its nectar-sweet aroma of citrus blossom and white nectarine makes this wine delectable from the get-go and only intensifies the taste on the palate with succulent peach flavors.
2022 Lapostolle, le Rosé
2022 Lapostolle, le Rosé, Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile: 44% Cinsault, 38% Grenache, 12% Syrah and 6% Mourvèdre. Delicately pale color with hints of wildflowers and red strawberries with a dry, fresh finish that leaves notes of crushed rose petals and wet stones in one’s head.
2021 Lapostolle, Apalta Red, Colchagua Valley, Chile: 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 10% Carmenère, 7% Cabernet Franc and 6% Syrah. Pristine red and black fruit with baking spices and a touch of dried herbs that is round and juicy on the palate.
Unveiling the World’s Best Vodka of 2023: An Insight from the Taster’s Club
CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 10: Grey Goose Cellar Master Francois Thibault (L) and Jessica Chastain at the ‘355’ cocktail party, with DIRECTV and The Hollywood Reporter on the Grey Goose Terrace on May 10, 2018 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for The Hollywood Reporter)
According to DISCUS, sales of super premium vodka account for over $1.1 billion in annual revenue. But 25 years ago, nobody was paying $30 for a bottle of clear, odorless spirit. The liquid was coveted for its value, not its quality. So, when Grey Goose launched in 1997, it was nothing short of revolutionary. Cellar master Francois Thibault was plucked from the world of cognac, by booze impresario Sidney Frank, and tasked with creating a vodka that was well-textured and expressive of its ingredients. The rest is history.
Today, bottles of super premium vodka crowd backbars and bottle shops. And Grey Goose continues to exert its dominance in the space. It not just one of the first examples to exist; it remains one of the best.
The most recent validation of this come’s by way of Taster’s Club—an online subscription service, curating boxers for spirits enthusiasts. Earlier this year, the company ranked its vodkas out of hundreds of selections available on the site. Grey Goose came out on top.
Most impressive for the brand is that little has changed since it first hit the market. Thibault still relies on the same recipe of winter wheat, sourced from Picardy, France, and spring water from Gensac-La-Pallue. This exacting recipe is run through a five-column distillation process and results in a soft and round liquid, which carries subtle clues of orchard fruit and anise. It’s clean and indelibly capable of standing firmly at the center of a vodka martini.
And speaking of vodka martinis, Grey Goose recently launched a line of ready-to-drink offerings in the bottle. How can the brand deliver quality and consistency in this format? And just why, exactly, is this specific spirit so well-suited to this particular preparation? We sat down with the Thibault to find out.
Vodka can be distilled from absolutely anything. How did you land on French wheat for Grey Goose?
Francois Thibault: “When Sidney [Frank] came to me and asked me to create a vodka, he asked me to do extensive research on the category. And what I learned is that the first ingredient used to make vodka in Eastern European counties was wheat. It wasn’t potatoes. The next thought I had was that there’s no way we’re going to fetch those ingredients from outside of France, because we have this incredible bread basket right here in our own country. I found farmers in Picardy that had been doing it for generations. But they weren’t growing it for vodka. They were growing it for bread and pastries.”
So, the key ingredient behind world-class baked goods — croissants and baguettes — can also enhance the quality of vodka?
FT: “Absolutely.”
What prompted the entry into the RTD sector?
FT: “Our research across the US market revealed that while consumers appreciate a complex drink when out, they prefer something simple yet high-quality at home. We aimed to cater to this preference by creating an easy-to-consume martini while also allowing consumers the freedom to modify it to their taste. They could do this either by shaking, stirring, or adding their favorite garnish. The bottled product contains 35% ABV, suggesting it needs some dilution. I’d recommend stirring it with ice. Alternatively, you could store it in the freezer and pour it into the glass directly when ready to consume.”
How did you land on the exact proportions for the drink?
FT: “We did intense consumer market research, because ultimately there are as many martinis as there are people. Maybe for you it’s dry. For us French it’s not very dry. About 20% of the bottle is vermouth.”
When it comes to vermouth, that’s a product that can degrade with time on the shelf. How are you ensuring shelf stability?
FT: “Vermouth by itself, it does change with time. It changes color, for instance, doesn’t necessarily affect the quality of it. It’s part of the life of the Vermouth. But when you have it in the bottle with the vodka, the Grey Goose preserves it.”
And what makes Grey Goose in particular, so well suited to the martini format?
FT: “It’s like when you’re cooking in the kitchen. You need a symbiosis between the ingredients. And that’s one of the great abilities of Grey Goose is to make the vermouth and the garnish shine. There’s an alchemy of flavors. When you have good ingredients together, 1+1 can equal three.”
Mumbai, INDIA: Grey Goose Maitre De Chai (Cellar Master) Francois Thibault raises his glass at the launch of Grey Goose Vodka in Mumbai, 19 January 2006. Thibault demonstrated the art of tasting Grey Goose vodka and mixing cocktails.The vodka is made from 100 percent fine French wheat from the Beauce of France, with a five-step distillation process, and has a largest market in the United States. (Photo credit: SEBASTIAN D’SOUZA/AFP via Getty Images)
Unconventional Brewing: Twitch Star Uses Own Vaginal Yeast to Make Beer
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At yeast, it’s all-natural.
Kaitlyn Siragusa, who goes by Amouranth on Twitch and OnlyFans, is adding her own special ingredient to a beer she’s creating with Polish beer company The Order of Yoni’s: her own vaginal yeast.
The company, which announced the collaboration on Oct. 30, promotes alcoholic beverages as a sensual experience in the form of beer. Each drink consists of lactic acid from vaginal bacteria to bring pleasure to every sip, the site reads.
“It’s hilarious. People will buy it for sure,” Siragusa, 29, told Dexerto. “I don’t know if they’ll actually drink it, I mean, they’ll probably drink it.”
The Twitch influencer has an itch that her vaginal yeast additive will give the beer a creamy but sweet taste.
“They want to make beer using my vaginal yeast… like the same profile,” she said.
Siragusa, who resides in Houston, admitted she had to pap smear herself before handing her vaginal smear sample to the gynecologist.
“These smears are taken to a laboratory where bacteria are isolated, cleaned, then analyzed and multiplied,” the site adds. “At the end of the process, the bacteria are used to produce the pure lactic acid that goes into Yoni beer.”
The Post reached out to Siragusa for comment.
According to the company, incorporating vaginal lactobacillus — a type of probiotic produced in the vagina — into Yoni beer fosters femininity, sensuality, charm, passion and sexuality.
Siragusa, who has 6.4 million followers on Twitch, is “confident” her personal infusion will be a hit.
The entrepreneurial spirit is unafraid to discover novel methods of generating income via unconventional means — she recently earned nearly $2 million while sleeping online and once earned $8,000 to call somebody a loser.
“We spend considerable time searching for a woman possessing all the desirable instincts, the Goddess we endeavor to encapsulate,” states the company’s website.
The Order of Yoni has a range of other drinks with fermented ingredients named after their enticing models like “The Patricia Beer Bottled Beauty,” “The Paulina Beer Bottled Seduction,” and “The Monika Beer Bottled Desire.”
There is no specified date for the release of Siragusa’s vaginal yeast beer, but the longer it ferments, the more flavorful it becomes.
“Rum Company Mulls Over Counterclaims in Infringement Lawsuit”
Island Co. Rum Inc. may continue to pursue one of its three counterclaims in a trademark infringement suit against it, but its other counterclaims were dismissed without prejudice, a federal court ruled.
Island IP Acquisitions LLC said that it purchased trademarks, social media accounts, and domain names from a bank that were previously owned by Island Co., Spencer Antel, and Island Rum. Island IP sued for trademark infringement, among other claims, alleging that the defendants were continuing to use the intellectual property. Island Rum asserted three counterclaims in response to the suit, which Island IP moved to dismiss. All of …
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Discover Brewery Vivant’s ‘Dünk the Halls’ Beer: The Exclusive Brew for Grand Rapids’ First ‘Christkindl Markt’
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Brewery Vivant created an exclusive German-style beer to add to the European magic of Grand Rapids’ first Christkindl Markt opening next week.
Brewery Vivant, which typically brews in the style of Belgium and France, collaborated with the Grand Rapids Downtown Market to bring a traditional German beer for the festivities.
The exclusive brew is called Dünk the Halls and is in the style of a traditional Dünkelweizen. The German-style dark wheat beer is amber hued, malt forward, with soft hints of caramel and toffee. Ward notes it will be less like a stout or porter but rather a “tick darker than an amber.”
Related: First-ever ‘Christkindl Markt’ planned for Grand Rapids Downtown Market this year
“It’s fun to do something traditional but new to our brewery,” said Jon Ward, experience warden at Brewery Vivant.
The brewery and Downtown Market are expecting to fill many steins as 60 barrels have already been brewed ahead of the Nov. 17 market opening. To put that in perspective, that’s 120 kegs worth.
The collaboration kept the tradition of Christkindl Markt in mind bringing custom steins to the Christmas village at the Downtown Market, located at 435 Ionia Ave. SW. The reusable 16 ounce steins will be sold in the German-style beverage hall. A beer and a sein will cost $15 and refills will be $8.
Brewers were mindful of making something “flavorable but crushable” when deciding how dark, heavy or alcoholic the brew should be, Ward said.
The idea was to make an enjoyable beer to walk around with and at 5.1% abv Dünk the Halls is “very easy to drink a stein of,” Ward said.
Ward said this is the largest order for a single, offsite event that Brewery Vivant has ever brewed. He said the brewery has capacity to continue brewing as the event continues through Dec. 23. The market will be closed on Thanksgiving, Nov. 23.
During the run of the event, pints of Dünk the Halls will also be available at Brewery Vivant, located at 925 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids. There will also be limited 16 ounce cans available at the brewery.
Related: Learn curling at first-ever Christkindl Markt this winter
The Christkindl Markt beer hall, held on the western side of the Downtown Market, will also feature classic European tipples like mulled wine.
European fare will be available to pair with the specialty drinks including, Polish sausages, hearty soups, crepes and a melted raclette cheese, which can be put on top of bread, veggies and other items.
The Christmas market will also include fire pits, live entertainment, specialty gifts and curling lessons. Reservations for curling lessons or private chalets with an electric heater can be made ahead of time at christkindlmarktgr.com.
Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Grand Rapids” daily newsletter.
More on MLive:
Outdoor ‘Kerstmarkt’ returning to downtown Holland for 26th year
Tanger Outlets hosting pictures with Santa, tree lighting holiday event
10 great places to get a tasty margarita around Grand Rapids
‘America’s Tallest’ Singing Christmas Tree gearing up for the holidays. Here’s how to buy tickets
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Discovering the World’s Best Vodka: Insights from the 2023 Taster’s Club
CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 10: Grey Goose Cellar Master Francois Thibault (L) and Jessica Chastain at the ‘355’ cocktail party, with DIRECTV and The Hollywood Reporter on the Grey Goose Terrace on May 10, 2018 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for The Hollywood Reporter)
According to DISCUS, sales of super premium vodka account for over $1.1 billion in annual revenue. But 25 years ago, nobody was paying $30 for a bottle of clear, odorless spirit. The liquid was coveted for its value, not its quality. So, when Grey Goose launched in 1997, it was nothing short of revolutionary. Cellar master Francois Thibault was plucked from the world of cognac, by booze impresario Sidney Frank, and tasked with creating a vodka that was well-textured and expressive of its ingredients. The rest is history.
Today, bottles of super premium vodka crowd backbars and bottle shops. And Grey Goose continues to exert its dominance in the space. It not just one of the first examples to exist; it remains one of the best.
The most recent validation of this comes by way of Taster’s Club—an online subscription service, curating boxes for spirits enthusiasts. Earlier this year, the company ranked its vodkas out of hundreds of selections available on the site. Grey Goose came out on top.
Not much has altered since the brand was first introduced. Thibault still depends on the same blend of winter wheat sourced from Picardy, France, and spring water from Gensac-La-Pallue. This particular recipe undergoes a five-column distillation process, resulting in a refined and smooth liquor with subtle hints of orchard fruits and anise. The outcome is a clean drink that confidently holds its own as the heart of a vodka martini.
In relation to vodka martinis, Grey Goose has recently released a range of ready-to-drink options in the bottle. How does the company ensure quality and uniformity in this format? Why is this unique spirit exceptionally suited to this specific preparation? We had a conversation with Thibault to understand more.
Certainly, vodka can be distilled from virtually anything. How did you end up choosing French wheat for Grey Goose?
Francois Thibault: “When Sidney [Frank] approached me to develop a vodka, he requested that I research extensively on the category. My findings revealed that the initial ingredient utilized to make vodka in Eastern European countries was wheat, not potatoes. The subsequent idea I had was that we wouldn’t source these components from outside France, given that we have an extraordinary granary right within our nation. I discovered farmers in Picardy who have been cultivating this for generations. However, they weren’t producing it for vodka but for baking bread and pastries.”
Is it possible that the ingredient responsible for world class pastries—like croissants and baguettes—could improve vodka?
FT: “Precisely.”
What made you decide to delve into the RTD sector?
FT: “Our observation of the market in the United States revealed that people like to indulge in complex, intricately made drinks while out, but prefer something of high quality yet simple when at home. The goal, then, was to create a martini that was easy to consume, yet still offered freedom to consumers to personalize it by shaking, stirring, or adding their preferred garnish. The bottle contains 35% ABV, so dilution is needed. I suggest stirring it with ice. You can also place it in the freezer and then pour it directly into the glass.”
How did you land on the exact proportions for the drink?
FT: “We conducted extensive consumer market studies because there are as many variations of martinis as there are individuals. Perhaps for you, it’s dry. For us French, it’s not particularly dry. Approximately 20% of the bottle is vermouth.”
With regards to vermouth, it’s a product that can deteriorate over time on the shelf. How do you make sure of shelf stability?
FT: “Vermouth on its own, does change over time. It changes color, for example. This doesn’t necessarily alter its quality. It’s just part of the Vermouth’s lifecycle. However, when combined with vodka in the bottle, the Grey Goose vodka ensures its preservation.”
And what makes Grey Goose in particular, so well suited to the martini format?
FT: “It’s like when you’re cooking in the kitchen. You need a symbiosis between the ingredients. And that’s one of the great abilities of Grey Goose is to make the vermouth and the garnish shine. There’s an alchemy of flavors. When you have good ingredients together, 1+1 can equal three.”
Mumbai, INDIA: Grey Goose Maitre De Chai (Cellar Master) Francois Thibault raises his glass at the launch of Grey Goose Vodka in Mumbai, 19 January 2006. Thibault demonstrated the art of tasting Grey Goose vodka and mixing cocktails. The vodka is made from 100 percent fine French wheat from the Beauce of France, with a five-step distillation process, and has the largest market in the United States.
Revealing the World’s Best Rum as Crowned by the 2023 Caribbean Rum Awards
Puerto Rico’s Don Q Reserva de la Familia Serralles emerged victorious at the rum industry’s premier event. This event takes place annually, where rum enthusiasts flock to the Caribbean to rejoice both, spirits based on molasses and premium rhums agricoles during Caribbean rum week. At the grand finale of such festivities, the sixth annual Caribbean Rum Awards bestow the year’s best bottles and producers with their highest distinctions.
The finest bottle of the year 2023 was mentioned as Don Q Reserva de la Familia Serralles, an unusual release that was first conceived in 1994. This was the year when the Serralles family aged a specific rum inside charred American white oak barrels. From these 36 barrels, they chose the best samples to curate this exceptional batch.
The runners-up in the competition included Neisson Zwetol (gold), a title derived from the Creole term for ‘star’ and encased in Jura’s wood, Mount Gay Single Estate (silver), making a mark for sugar cane plucked from special fields, and Papa’s Pilar Ernest (bronze), a tribute to Ernest Hemingway in liquid form.
“This year’s Caribbean Rum Awards St Barth was incredible,” stated Alexander Britell, the editor and founder of Caribbean Journal and the co-creator of the Caribbean Rum Awards St Barth. “The vast variety of rums showcased the amazing range and exquisite caliber of Caribbean rums.”
The celebration concluded a week filled with social gatherings, rum tastings, special classes, and pairing meals across St Baths island, with the finale competition held at Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth resort.
Rhum Neisson from Martinique emerged as the most awarded brand this year, clinching double gold in three distinct categories. The title of Best Gold Rum of the year was given to Trinidad’s Island Company Rum, while Flor de Cana secured the award for best branding. The title of the best rum maker was bestowed upon Yves Assier de Pompignan of Martinique.
Building on previous years, the Caribbean Rum Awards introduced a fresh category in the competition: cane rum, emphasizing on rums distilled from cane juice. Grenada’s Renegade Rum Single Farm Origin Dunfermline was the first to win the double gold in the new category.
“The Caribbean rum world has never been more exciting, particularly in rhum agricole” said Guy Britton, managing editor of Caribbean Journal.
In the Rhum Blanc Guadalupe category: Rhum Karukera 50 won double gold, Reimonenq Coeur de Chauffe won gold, Rhum St Barth 50 won silver, and Damoiseau 69 won bronze.
In the Rhum Blanc Martinique category, Rhum A1710 La Perle won double gold, Neisson Dekolaj won gold, Baie de Tresor won silver, and Rhum JM 50 won bronze. Over in Vieux Agricole, Rhum Neisson Vieux Bio won double gold, Rhum Karukera L’insolite won gold, Longueteau Vieux won silver, and Damoiseau Vieux won bronze.
In the Premium Molasses Rum category, La Marielita won double gold, Mount Gay XO was awarded gold, and John Watling’s Paradise rum and Worthy Park Single Estate won silver and bronze, respectively. Full results can be viewed here.
“We had some fantastic rums and emerging distilleries attend and showcase their rums, as well as support from the longstanding agricole producers,” expressed Christopher Davis, the brain behind Rhum Room St Barth and the Caribbean Rum Awards St Barth. “The week was incredibly successful and has sparked some stellar ideas for 2024.”
The panel of judges was full of esteemed personalities; Alexander Britell, co-founder of the Caribbean Rum Awards and the mind behind Caribbean Journal; Guy Britton, the chief editor of Caribbean Journal; Christopher Davis, a rum connoisseur and the creator of the Rhum Room St Barth; Peter Berntsen, COO of Empire Social Lounge in Miami; Myssi Davis, the originator of Rum Traveler; Jose Antonio Hernandez-Solaun, the president of the Miami section of the International Wine and Food Association; rum specialist Ivan Jivkov; Simons Chase, the chief editor of Cuba Journal; and international star Chef Guy Ferdinand.
Celebrating 11 Years of Ramona Art and Wine Festival: A Sold-Out Success!
At the 11th Ramona Art and Wine Festival, almost 400 participants had an opportunity to appreciate both art and various types of wine.
Kicking off at 11 in the morning and lasting up to 5 in the evening, the event had about 50 artists and sellers, local musicians, top-notch chefs and a dozen or so regional vineyards and cider factories at Begent Ranch. Time seemed to fly as festival attendees were spoilt for choice.
A local guitar player, Sam Powell, welcomed visitors to the first section inside the main barn, filled with tranquil classical music. The 2Create Gallery displayed a range of paintings and art pieces that provided a visual treat.
Full-time artists and enthusiasts alike had stalls outdoors, selling their handmade goods, including paintings, jewelry, home decorations, wine accessories, ceramics, plants, candles, soaps, leather bags, hats and charcuterie boards.
Jamie Dougherty had her mixed-media art displayed near the food vendors who offered small bites to eat. This year was Dougherty’s fourth time at the Ramona Arts and Wine Festival. Her painting of a guitar with grape vines crawling up and a wine glass beside it was one of the two honorable mentions for the festival’s commemorative art competition.
“I’ve exhibited and done their auctions in the past and I’ve been a working artist for 20 years,” Dougherty said.
Nature is one of the inspirations for Dougherty’s art, and she said she has found no shortage of it in Ramona, where she was born and raised. Being a working artist is more than just selling artwork, Dougherty said. Traveling to teach classes and working with manufacturers to design products is another part of it.
Other artists, like Shannon Robinson, owner of Winsome and Wicked Handmade Soapery, use art as a fun side Hobby to support other small businesses.
“Almost a year ago I was watching a Tik Tok video of someone making soap and was like ‘I could do that,’” Robinson said. “Then I started my venture.”
Over time Robinson, who is engaged in the field of marketing, self-taught how to make soap through a cycle of trial and error and soon identified wine as her soap’s unique component.
Among these creations are Chardy Party, a soap that is infused with Pamo Valley Winery chardonnay; Portentous soap which incorporates Pamo Valley Winery port and emits an aroma of chocolate and dark cherries; and Surprise Me, a soap that is fused with Hatfield Creek Vineyards & Winery’s wine.
“The sheer enjoyment comes from the process of exploring my potential to create something and successfully doing so,” Robinson shared.
Local wineries generously poured wine throughout the afternoon. One such winery was Sky Valley Cellars, which graced this year’s festival with their 2021 Sangiovese Rose, 2020 Sangiovese, Petit Syrah, and Syrah. Houman Dahi, Sky Valley Cellars’ owner, indicated that 2020 marked the winery’s debut in commercial wine production, having only been open for tasting sessions for the past half-year.
“We are just starting out, but we’ve already experienced considerable success in regional wine competitions,” expressed Dahi.
Their Rose Sangiovese received commendable recognition as Best of Class Double Gold at the DC Commercial Wine Competition with an impressive score of 96. Moreover, their 2020 Sangiovese won a silver award amidst 2,000 entries from California at the previous year’s Orange County Wine Competition.
In Dahi’s perspective, winemaking appeared to be a tranquillizing past-time after concluding his duties in his primary profession as a physician.
“I was completely wrong,” he said with a laugh. “I get moments of relaxation, it’s not bad.”
Relaxation seemed to float through the air as gentle music could be heard outside by bands Dirty Confetti and Frank and Rob.
Event-goer Chris Ingalls brought his whole family to the festival. Ingalls, who lives in San Clemente, said he camps at Hatfield Creek Vineyards & Winery all the time and plays guitar there.
“It’s awesome, it’s always great,” he said. “We’ve been probably four or five years in a row and we love it here.”
Ingalls expressed his gratitude for having everything consolidated in one location this year, eliminating the need to drive from one winery to another. He said that he particularly relished the Zinfandel and Fonzi blend from Hatfield Creek this year.
In the past, he bought a painted barrel which was adorned with scenic illustrations of Ramona.
He added, “We set it up in the small lounge area of our house. It serves as a small piece of Ramona in our home.”
Unraveling the Mystery: The Significance of Triple Distillation in Whiskey Production
The world of whiskey is so vast and complex that, for some, the very act of learning about the spirit is considered a hobby. There are many varieties of whiskey, as well as many methods of whiskey production that can impact the drinking experience. If you have ever looked at a bottle and wondered what the term triple distilled means, we have the answer for you. Triple distillation is a particular production style that often results in what some consider to be better flavors. Let’s look at how it works and why it is worth trying.
Whiskey has two primary ingredients: Grain — usually barley, though others may be included — and water. To make the spirit, the grain is soaked in water, heated, mashed, fermented, and the liquid produced then finally distilled before being left to mature in barrels. This distillation step is meant to purify the whiskey and concentrate its flavors as well as its alcohol content. Each time the whiskey undergoes distillation, it rounds out the tasting notes and removes sharp, noxious, and unpleasant odors and flavors from the end product, making for a milder and smoother drink overall.
Read more: The 25 Best Bourbon Brands, Ranked
As a variety of whiskey that involves more time and effort, triple-distilled whiskey is usually priced higher than other versions of the spirit. This means that for most budgets, it tends to be a splurge item or a special occasion buy. Even then, you may wonder if the resulting liquor is actually superior to single or double-distilled whiskeys. The answer is: It depends. For someone who likes a lot of character to their whiskey, it probably won’t be, since this process will mellow a lot of the bite and quirks that the spirit might have otherwise. For those who want a whiskey that is easy to sip neat and that will appeal more broadly to guests when entertaining, this crowd-pleaser might be worth the extra expense.
It is worth noting, however, that triple-distilled whiskey should really only be invested in if you plan on drinking it straight or in cocktails where the flavor of the whiskey is extremely central, like a Boulevardier cocktail. In cases where you are using whiskey to cook, bake, spike your hot cocoa, or make a batched cocktail, the enhanced flavor won’t be noticed. For these purposes, you are better off opting for a more moderately-priced bottle.
Read the original article on Tasting Table.
Unveiling the Secrets of Fine Wine Investment: Stability, Sustainability, and Profitability
Alexander Westgarth is the founder and CEO of WineCap, an investment platform that makes wine investment affordable, transparent and simple.
Between April 2020 and September 2022, the average bottle of fine wine rose 43.5% in value. While the wine market has dipped and corrected since, the general trajectory has historically pointed upwards.
Since 2004, Liv-ex data shows that the average bottle price tag has risen by 329.9%. While it can be a good investment, better still, I see fine wine as a great means to plug the gaps left by struggling assets, helping to steady and raise performance across a whole investment portfolio. In July, my company conducted a survey where we found that 92% of U.S. wealth managers believe demand for fine wine will increase over the next year.
As business owners are already aware, knowledge is power. I’ve found three distinct reasons behind the current demand for wine. Here is how to take advantage of this asset’s potential for stability, sustainability, and profitability.
We live in uncertain times. In the last year, U.S. businesses have had to cope with rocketing energy bills, inflation and interest rates. In times of hardship, people want something solid. Literally. Tangible assets like property, gold or fine wine tend to feel more precious during market downfalls. My company’s survey found that 56% of wealth managers invest in wine to add stability to portfolios across different market conditions.
It is not only wine. Across the entire investment landscape, I see a hunger for reliability. In the past few months, gold prices have been rallying too. When the gold prices go up, this often indicates that investors are looking to preserve their wealth and shield it from market shocks.
At the same time, investors have been shying away from bullish investments like technology stocks. Apple, for example, has suffered significant dips. Microsoft shareholders have endured wobbly turbulence (though, at the time of this writing, the company is beating financial expectations). Likewise, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite has been on a rocky ride over the past months.
As the choppy waters continue, many investors want steady ships to ride out the storm—not fancy speedboats.
With its historically low volatility, fine wine could deliver just that. Unlike stocks or bonds, fine wine prices do not tend to fluctuate massively as the market operates with its own dynamics. Regions like Champagne are currently seeing high levels of demand, not only because of the quality of the wines but the stability the region has historically offered.
Similarly, wines from Bordeaux, Tuscany and the Rhône may be more solid. However, not all fine wines are made the same. Extremely rare and highly coveted wines can make a great investment but remain a riskier asset if stability is what you are after.
My company’s survey also found that investors are prioritizing environmentally friendly assets, and 56% say they invest in fine wine because it is a sustainable asset class with a low carbon footprint. This trend is hardly surprising; 2023 has been the hottest summer on record.
Dozens of wildfires are actively blazing through the USA. Meanwhile, elsewhere, the excess water caused by melted ice caps means that flooding and torrential rains are washing away entire communities. In August, flash floods tore through Pennsylvania, killing five people. Naturally, investors are keen to put their money into assets that will mitigate some of the climate risks.
I assert that the intrigue for fine wine can be attributed in part to environmental considerations. Vineyards contribute positively to soil health and support pollinators, both vital aspects of biodiversity. It is noteworthy that a hectare of vineyard absorbs an impressive 2.84 tonnes of carbon annually. The finest winemakers employ age-old sustainable techniques, often preferring to use a horse and cart rather than disrupting the landscape with a tractor.
Certain renowned organic producers include the Burgundy Domaine Leflaive and the Bordeaux Fifth Growth, Château Pontet-Canet. Albeit not officially certified, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti from Burgundy adheres to organic and biodynamic principles as well. In the meantime, some wine producers are making strides towards sustainability by reducing the weight of their bottles, such as the Burgundy négociant Albert Bichot, which has cut down the weight of its bottles from approximately 700 grams to 450 grams.
Investors attuned with the climate can keep a lookout for wineries that are investing in a more environmentally friendly future.
At times, it can be stimulating to treat yourself with risk, to experience the thrill of adding a thrilling new stock to your portfolio. However, there are instances when things boil down to practicality. As of the current situation, many investors are in a pragmatic mindset, and according to a survey from my company, nearly half of them are investing in fine wine for its robust returns.
Historically, fine wine has often provided generous returns over prolonged periods without compromising quality or environmental values. Obtaining historical data, critic ratings, and current prices can assist an investor in determining whether a wine is a good investment. Things to keep in mind include brand reputation, price per point, appreciation over different time periods, and drinking windows. Experts who understand the complexities of the market, use the most recent technology, and keep up with trends can also be of assistance.
Investors today are seeking stability, sustainability, and profitability. Unlike last year, I noticed that they are less inclined to invest in cutting-edge technologies for the future. Instead, many are aiming for reliable investment returns—preferably ones they can keep. Fine wines are a perfect fit for this need. Even though it is already included in 45% of HNW portfolios, with average allocations of 13%, I believe fine wine will become increasingly popular. Like a traditional vintage Champagne, the market is ready to pop.
Thanks to its variety and the growing interest from experts, producers, and wine lovers, fine wine could be well-positioned to cater to investors’ shifting priorities in the coming years.
The information supplied here is not investment, tax, or financial advice. For advice about your specific situation, you should seek advice from a licensed professional.
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