Wine 1106

Fresh off winning a Freedom of Information request, FT Alphaville is diving into the contents of the UK Government Hospitality Wine Cellar (GHWC). This cellar, which has operated for over a century in Lancaster House, is supposed to be self-funded through wine sales.

The GHWC is overseen by the Government Wine Committee (GWC), composed of a former diplomat and several Masters of Wine (MWs). Our journey started when we queried the FCDO for details on the stock, but initial attempts were met with redactions and rejections. Eventually, thanks to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), we gained access to not only the wine quantities but also the GWC’s terms of reference.

What did we uncover? As of the most recent count, the GHWC houses approximately 32,259 bottles of wine and spirits. Among these, the most frequently stocked is Chapel Down Bacchus, an English white wine favored for events. In terms of value, the highest auction-priced wine is Château Latour Grand Vin 1961, with 107 bottles valued at around £3,500 each.

Moreover, the cellar’s total estimated value sits at approximately £3.8 million, though this figure may be optimistic. While we’ve arrived at various calculations based on community and auction prices, certain bottles remain elusive in terms of pricing. Notably, around 15,356 of the bottles are considered past their prime for consumption.

This investigation highlights the importance of transparency in government holdings. Despite our findings, there remain questions about the FCDO’s continued transparency regarding the cellar’s contents. As this story unfolds, we’ll keep you updated on further developments in the realm of governmental wine collections.

The Piedmont region in northwestern Italy is celebrated for its exceptional wines, particularly dry reds like Barolo and Barbaresco, and the sweet sparkling wine, Moscato. However, it has a rich but often overlooked history of producing sparkling dry wines.

In the early 1600s, a jeweler-turned-winemaker named Giovanni Battista Croce pioneered a sparkling wine made from Nebbiolo grapes, praised for its unique characteristics. Notably, Thomas Jefferson, prior to his presidency, found the sparkling quality of Piedmont’s Nebbiolo impressive when he visited Turin in 1787. He likened it to a hybrid of Madeira, Bordeaux, and Champagne. Additionally, the esteemed author Stendhal acknowledged Asti’s sparkling wine in his 1838 novel.

By the early 1900s, Piedmont’s sparkling wines were showcased at the Universal Exhibition in Paris, indicating a growing recognition. In the 1930s, Asti Spumante gained prominence both in Italy and abroad, eventually featuring in royal weddings, such as that of Umberto of Savoy in 1930.

Today, the Alta Langa designation represents a high-quality appellation of sparkling white and rosé wines from southern Piedmont, crafted using the classical two-fermentation method. These wines, made primarily from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes grown at least 250 meters above sea level, must adhere to strict DOCG regulations. This includes a minimum vineyard density and a maximum yield, alongside a mandatory aging period on lees of 30 months.

The establishment of the Alta Langa appellation stems from a phone call on January 18, 1990, where winery owner Ottavio Riccadonna and oenologist Ugo Conti expressed their determination to challenge the perceived exclusion of Piedmont wines from the classical method of sparkling wine production. In subsequent meetings, they rallied support from seven key producers, forming a coalition dedicated to promoting this forgotten tradition, leading to the establishment of the Alta Langa consortium and its eventual recognition in 2002.

The formation of Alta Langa DOCG significantly transformed the Piedmont wine landscape. Many local producers take pride in its success, highlighting its quality during tastings and food pairings.

The sparkling wines from Alta Langa showcase a vibrant and harmonious quality, often presenting tropical fruit aromas like guava and pineapple, alongside complex flavors that evoke a satisfying richness, perfect for culinary pairings. Alta Langa continues to be a symbol of elegance and tradition, inviting enthusiasts to explore its depths alongside the celebrated reds and sweet Moscato of the region.

For more comprehensive tasting notes and evaluations, visit my Vino Voices website.

If you’ve ever been uncertain about how to store an open bottle of wine, you’re not alone. Wine educator Rachel Thralls offers insights into the best practices for preserving your favorite bottles after they’ve been uncorked.

Storing Open Wine: General Guidelines

Once a bottle is opened, wine quality begins to decline due to oxidation, making it crucial to take steps to extend its lifespan. Here’s a breakdown of recommended storage methods for various types of wine:

Sparkling Wine

• Storage Duration: 1-3 days in the fridge
• Sparkling wines lose their bubbles quickly after opening. Using a sparkling wine stopper can help maintain carbonation. For more serious preservation, consider a sparkling wine preservation system that injects carbon dioxide back into the bottle.

Light White, Sweet White, and Rosé Wines

• Storage Duration: 4-5 days in the fridge
• These wines remain drinkable for up to a week when stored cold with a cork. Note that their flavor may deteriorate slightly after the first day.

Full-Bodied White Wines

• Storage Duration: 2-3 days in the fridge
• Oaked white wines tend to oxidize faster, so keep these corked and cold.

Red Wine

• Storage Duration: 3-5 days in the fridge
• Red wine should be stored in the fridge or wine fridge. Tannins and acidity in certain reds help prolong their freshness, but it’s advisable to take the wine out about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to warm slightly.

Best Practices for Wine Storage

1. Invest in a Wine Preserver: Products like Repour, which removes oxygen, or high-tech wine systems that refill the bottle with argon gas can prolong wine life significantly.
2. Keep Wine Refrigerated: Cold temperatures slow down the development of the wine, maintaining freshness.
3. Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat Sources: Store wine away from any heat sources to prevent cooking the wine.

Ideal Serving Temperatures

Serving temperature plays a crucial role in wine tasting. Here’s a quick guide:

• Champagne and Sparkling Wines: 40-45°F
• Light White Wines and Rosés: 45-50°F
• Heavy Whites and Light Reds: 48-56°F
• Medium-Bodied Reds: About 55°F
• Full-Bodied and Aged Reds: 59-68°F

In conclusion, these tips not only help you enjoy your wine longer but also keep you from wasting it. So next time you pop a bottle, remember these storage techniques to savor every last sip. Cheers!

A recent study reveals that a significant portion of wine enthusiasts in the UK find many wine-related terms confusing. While 43% of those surveyed identify as wine lovers, over half admitted to struggling with the terminology associated with it. The term "terroirs" topped the list of confusing words, with 60% of participants unsure of its meaning. Interestingly, some thought it meant "terribly good," though it actually refers to the unique environmental factors that influence wine quality and flavor.

Conducted by a new wine range called , the research highlighted other terms that often leave consumers bewildered. Terms such as "caudalie," meaning the duration of a wine’s flavor on the palate, and "enology," the study of wine, were also noted as particularly confusing.

Additional challenging terms included "maceration" (the process of soaking wine skins), "cuvee" (a blend of different grape varieties), and less commonly known vocabulary like "methuselah" (a bottle containing eight times the standard volume) and "balthazar" (sixteen times the standard volume).

Oliver Hoey from CTZN commented, "Brits love wine but want the confidence to talk about it more in social settings." The brand aims to empower consumers with knowledge, utilizing tools like their AI-powered virtual sommelier, SOM, to enhance wine understanding.

Below is a summary of some of the most confusing wine terms identified in the survey:

1. Terroirs – 60% – Refers to the environmental factors affecting grape characteristics.
2. Caudalie – 44% – Measurement of how long wine’s taste lingers on the palate.
3. Enology – 41% – The science of making wine.
4. Maceration – 41% – Soaking wine skins to extract color and tannins.
5. Cuvee – 41% – A blend of various grape varieties.
6. Methuselah – 40% – An oversized wine bottle.
7. Balthazar – 36% – Another large-format bottle.
8. Quaffable – 31% – Wines that are easy and enjoyable to drink.
9. Viniculture – 29% – The cultivation of grapevines.
10. Canopy – 26% – The upper part of a vine above ground.

For those interested in demystifying wine terminology, this study proves that there’s plenty of room for learning and conversation.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband and I are in our 50s, and he has a friend that I can’t stand. She often disguises her insults with humor and lacks basic manners.

On one occasion while visiting, she asked for wine, which she then splashed everywhere, ruining our living room walls and area rug. She didn’t even offer to replace it. This isn’t an isolated incident, just one example of her behavior.

How can I distance myself from this friendship while still allowing my husband to maintain it?

GENTLE READER: Do you have a backyard? A porch? A basement?

Miss Manners suggests that those areas might be suitable for your husband to entertain his friend, particularly if he wishes to avoid the continuous cycle of repainting and replacing rugs.

Thanksgiving offers a wonderful opportunity to explore drink pairings that can elevate your holiday gatherings. Whether you’re hosting or just celebrating with friends, it’s the perfect time to enjoy old favorites or discover something new.

Wednesday, 5:01 PM – Tequila Two Ways

Kick off your Thanksgiving festivities early with tequila. For enthusiasts, a bottle of Herradura Añejo ($50) is a stellar choice, showcasing bold cooked agave flavors thanks to its extended aging process. If tequila isn’t your favorite, mix a refreshing ranch water: combine 2.5 parts Cantera Negra Silver Tequila ($50) with 1.5 parts fresh lime juice and top it with soda water—perfect for those who are typically not fans of tequila.

Thursday, Afternoon – A Wine for Every Flavor

If you’re hosting on Thanksgiving, stock up on a variety of wines. To accompany your cheese plates and hearty dishes, consider these options:

• Hahn Founder’s 2022 Monterey County Pinot Noir ($14): Light yet flavorful.
• Tenuta Regaleali’s Lamùri Nero d’Avola Sicilia DOC 2020 ($20): A fruity wine with a touch of oak, reminiscent of Sicily.
• Trapiche Tesoro Malbec 2022 ($14): Robust enough to pair with rich Thanksgiving foods.
• William Hill Estate Winery’s 2021 California Cabernet Sauvignon ($16): A solid choice for its quality and value.

Thursday, 7:00 PM – Italian Amaro

After dinner, transition to digestifs like Italian amaros. Consider Savoia American Rosso ($25), an artisanal herbal liqueur with a complex flavor profile. It can be enjoyed neat, chilled, or as a cocktail base—a delightful accompaniment post-meal.

Friday, 4:59 PM – Whiskey

End the holiday weekend on a high note with whiskey. Choose between:

• Woodford Reserve 2024 Holiday Bottle ($53): A classic Kentucky straight bourbon that’s versatile for sipping or cocktails.
• Chicken Cock Straight Rye Whiskey ($45): Offers deep, dense flavors of spice and oak, ideal for mixing a balanced Manhattan.

These drink suggestions aim to enhance your Thanksgiving experience, allowing you to toast to traditions while possibly starting new ones. Cheers!

Belia Ramos’ ongoing struggle with the Napa County Farm Bureau began as a policy disagreement over local agricultural issues, but it has escalated into a troubling saga of personal attacks and harassment. Ever since the Farm Bureau turned against her, essential aspects of her public and personal life have come under scrutiny.

Initially, Ramos, the daughter of a vineyard worker and an advocate for environmental protections, had found support within Napa’s wine community. Her connection with the Farm Bureau soured after her conflict regarding Measure C, an initiative aimed at tightening environmental regulations on vineyards. When the Farm Bureau targeted her in a lawsuit, the fallout led to a series of conflicts that distanced her from many political allies.

As the tensions grew, Ramos faced harassment from Farm Bureau executive Ryan Klobas, who allegedly invaded her privacy through relentless texting and unwanted social interactions. This uncomfortable dynamic worsened as she noted Klobas attempting to control the narrative of her political image, treating her as if she were under constant supervision.

This atmosphere changed dramatically with the tragic suicide of Klobas in January 2023, an event that Ramos says has brought unfounded blame and guilt upon her shoulders. Following his death, significant figures in Napa’s wine industry, including notable businesswomen, began to publicly point fingers at Ramos, claiming she bore responsibility for Klobas’ troubles.

The culmination of this strife manifested in a shocking incident in March 2024, when legally sensitive family court documents linked to Ramos were found stapled to trees in public areas. This invasion of privacy was reportedly orchestrated by her former friends who had realigned themselves with her political adversaries.

Ultimately, Ramos has emerged from the ordeal emboldened yet battle-weary. Despite her losses and the emotional toll, she has secured her position as Napa’s longest-serving supervisor, determined to continue her work while seeking to mend the fractures caused by both personal attacks and public scrutiny.

Ramos has vowed to maintain her commitment to her constituency, asserting, “This didn’t break me. I’m sure beat up by it. But it didn’t break me.”

Belia Ramos, a Napa County supervisor, is embroiled in a prolonged feud with the Napa County Farm Bureau that began as a policy disagreement and escalated into a personal and damaging conflict. This ongoing struggle has included accusations of sexual harassment, political manipulation, and significant emotional distress for Ramos.

Initially, Ramos was backed by the wine industry, receiving the Farm Bureau’s endorsement when she first ran for supervisor in 2016. However, her relationship with the organization soured after she opposed a 2018 county initiative aimed at enhancing environmental regulations for vineyards. After representing herself in a legal dispute surrounding the initiative, tensions heightened, leading to public disputes over various local ordinances and her distancing from key political figures.

The situation further intensified with the suicide of a Farm Bureau executive, Ryan Klobas, in January 2023, a tragedy to which Ramos has been unfavorably linked. This connection has caused Ramos to endure significant public scrutiny, including accusations suggesting responsibility for Klobas’s death, which have echoed through local political circles.

Ramos has described experiences of personal harassment, including being monitored and followed, with unsettling incidents, such as receiving a disturbing text from Klobas the night before a critical vote. Following a series of escalating confrontations, Ramos felt compelled to involve law enforcement for her safety, notably after witnessing a suspicious car parked near her home.

In January 2024, after Klobas’s passing, tensions reached a tipping point at a chamber event where Ramos said she sensed hostility from former allies. Revelations about her custody battle were shared publicly, leading to accusations of bullying and personal vendettas being used as political tools against her.

In a particularly distressing episode, sensitive documents related to her custody case appeared affixed to trees in public spaces shortly before a crucial election, prompting Ramos to file a police report.

Despite these challenges, Ramos has remained resilient and committed to her position, winning re-election in March 2024 with increased support. She aims to be a voice for her community amidst a tumultuous political landscape, determined not to let the struggle break her spirit. As she reflects on her journey, Ramos emphasizes her resolve to continue serving the public, stating unequivocally, "This didn’t break me.

Carmelo Anthony is making significant strides in the wine industry with his partnership with the renowned Robert Mondavi Winery to launch a new wine named "Ode to Soul." This robust red blend features grapes sourced from the famous To Kalon Vineyards in California. It represents the second release from Anthony’s wine brand, VII(N) The Seventh Estate, which he co-founded with Asani Swann in 2022, just prior to his retirement from the NBA.

Although basketball and wine might not appear to go hand in hand, for Anthony, wine appreciation has been a part of his lifestyle since his days as a rookie with the Denver Nuggets. He reminisced about the challenges he faced in his early wine journey, noting that consuming wine at a young age was often frowned upon. As his palate developed, he sought to carve out a niche within the wine community.

Anthony recalled traveling with wine and sharing it with teammates, successfully introducing stars like LeBron James and Chris Paul to the world of wine. His influence is seen in the NBA’s increasing embrace of wine, illustrated by the league’s recent partnership with Kendall-Jackson and several players, including Dwyane Wade and Stephen Curry, launching their own wine labels.

Recognizing the money he was spending on wine, Anthony decided to invest in his own brand. He is involved in all aspects of the business and is determined to make a mark in a highly competitive market. His wines come with a hefty price tag—Ode to Soul is priced at $275, while its predecessor Ode to Fidelity costs $135. However, he is aware of this and plans to introduce more affordable options in the future.

Anthony aims to diversify his offerings on an international scale, looking to produce wines from countries such as Argentina, New Zealand, Portugal, and South Africa. Furthermore, he and Swann are intent on addressing the lack of diversity in the wine industry, where less than 1% of wineries in the U.S. are black-owned. They hope to highlight various career opportunities within the wine sector to encourage greater representation.

Through his journey, Anthony hopes to inspire others and demonstrate the hard work that goes into building a brand in the wine industry. He believes that by sharing his experiences and challenges, he can help open doors for more individuals in this field.

New Mexico Wine has launched its highly anticipated tasting room, the Viva Vino Wine Studio, in Old Town. Situated on the second floor of Don Luis Plaza alongside other local wineries, this intimate space is dedicated to immersing visitors in New Mexico’s vibrant wine culture.

Christopher Goblet, the executive director of New Mexico Wine, emphasized that the studio represents years of planning, research, and creative input, aiming to showcase the best wines from across the state. The space will facilitate curated wine tasting experiences while educating visitors about the distinct grape varieties and regional nuances of New Mexico wines.

At the launch, the wine studio featured selections from various wineries such as Amaro Winery, Casa Rondeña, and Vivác Winery, enabling guests to explore a diverse range of offerings. The studio plans to enrich the visitor experience with seasonal events, wine education workshops, and opportunities to connect with local winemakers.

A standout feature of the studio is its interactive digital tasting table, developed in partnership with Ideum and supported by a Visit Albuquerque grant. This first-of-its-kind technology allows visitors to engage in guided tastings, exploring the aroma and flavor profiles of selected wines via a large touchscreen interface.

The opening of Viva Vino Wine Studio marks an exciting chapter in New Mexico’s wine tourism scene, building upon the success of the state’s popular wine festivals which attract thousands annually. More information can be found at nmwinestudio.com.