Pack Your Bags, We're Going to Spain!

It's that time of the year again! Every February, we have the privilege of bringing a select group of distributors to Spain to meet and learn more about our wonderful family of wine producers. During this amazing week, our guests will stay in historic hotels --most of the hotels are converted castles that are now called Paradores. In additional to being able to speak with our winemakers in depth and learn what makes them so passionate about their work, we will have the chance to sample local foods and experience local Spanish traditions. 

Our route over the next week, starting in Madrid on Sunday night!

Our route over the next week, starting in Madrid on Sunday night!

We will be posting our adventures all of next week. Please join us as we visit some of our favorite wine producers! Below are some photos from our trip last year!



Red Blauer Zweigelt: "Fun To Drink"

Red Blauer Zweigelt, produced by a small family-owned winery in Kamptal, Austria, is "fun to drink," writes Randy Fuller of Now and Zin. We think the label is also just as fun!  Below is an excerpt from his review. Read here for Randy's full review.

Brunn is a small, family-owned winery located north of the Danube in Kamptal. The wine is 100% Blauer Zweigelt grapes, hand-harvested from old vines. Winemaker Karl Steinschaden produces this red to 13.5% abv. It's really fun to drink - a little bit like a restrained Cabernet Franc or a Pinot Noir gone wild.

The nose exhibits savory spices and tobacco, a tart twist plus a little hint of gunpowder to liven up the show. On the palate, red berries, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and a really nice acidity get things moving, while a firm tannic grip is apparent upon opening. The tannins soften over time, so pair with a steak right away.       - Randy Fuller

Don't Make White Wines Wait for Spring says Randy Fuller

Randy Fuller of Now and Zin recently tried our Las Lilas Vinho Verde. According to Randy (and we agree wholeheartedly) this wine is too delicious to leave for spring! Below is an excerpt from his review:

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"The Las Lilas Vinho Verde - a pale, white wine - pours up frizzante, with a slight bit of bubble action showing on the sides of the glass. Pleasant aromas of white peaches and nectarines are the first above the rim, while the scent of grapefruit kicks its way through the mellow to liven up the joint. On the palate, there is a nice citrus play, with orange, lemon and lime peel figuring into it. That grapefruit angle is a bit more subdued on the tongue than is in the nose, but still adds freshness to the overall sensation.


The wine finishes without extreme tartness but the memory fades fairly quickly. Its crisp acidity and refreshing zing combine to make it a great match for a shrimp salad or a ham and cheese sandwich. It's a great wine for spring or summer, but you shouldn't feel compelled to save it for then. Pair it with potato soup or clam chowder right now!"

-Randy Fuller

Randy Fuller is "Lost in the Sherry Triangle"

Wine writer Randy Fuller recently had the opportunity to taste our Santiago Palo Cortado Sherry. In his article on "Now and Zin Wine," he starts with: Wine is easy. Sherry is Difficult." He does a fantastic job of explaining and highlighting the complexities of Sherry, with a focus on our Palo Cortado.  Below is an excerpt from his article. 

"The wine looks great - the amber color of bourbon or a Newcastle Brown. That deep color makes for high expectations in other areas, and those expectations are met. There is a fair amount of alcohol on the nose, but wafting in and out - like the sound of a distant marching band on a windy day - are luscious fragrances of brown sugar, burnt caramel and dried raisins. Now, high expectations are set for the palate. 

If this is your first experience with Palo Cortado, the aromas may lead you to expect a very sweet drink, which is not the case. The sherry is far less viscous than might be expected and quite dry, with none of the flavors having anything to do with the sweet aromas coming from the glass. It drinks more like a spirit than a wine, with a strong nutty flavor and just an idea of raisins and caramel behind it.

The big story, though, is the acidity. It zips across the tongue in racy fashion and really makes itself know in the throat, on the way down. I have always heard sherry referred to as a sipping wine, or a cooking wine.  This one is a pairing wine. The notes of chestnut and hazelnut are great with pork or even some herb goat cheese on a wheat cracker. The acidity helps it mate with just about anything you could throw at it. I'd have it with a steak, no problem. A big, old-Vegas kind of steak."

                                                                                                         - Randy Fuller

Wine & Spirits Review: "Year's Best"

The February 2015 issue of Wine & Spirits features a new review of the “Year’s Best” wines. The Artisan Collection is proud to announce some outstanding ratings for our portfolio. Of the 19 “Best Buys” in the Spain category, The Artisan Collection represents 4.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions regarding the wines listed below. 

Year's Best Catalan Wines

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2013 Vinicola del Priorat Onix Classic Blanc (Best Buy) 94 Points

"Grown in licorella soils in the hills of Gratallops, this is a blend of macabeo (60 percent) with garnacha blanca (35 percent) and pedro ximenez. It has a delicate scent that brings to mind flor, the layer of lees that protects sherry as it ages in cask. The flavors are nutty and creamy with powerful richness, then the wine tightens up in the finish, where it ends fresh and crisp, calling you back for another sip."

2012 Vinicola del Priorat Onix Classic (Best Buy) 93 Points

"Half garnacha, half carinena, this is youthfully juicy. Generous in red fruit, rich in spice, what dominates here is the mineral sensation, a tannic edge that brings to mind the licorella soil, roughing up the texture while charming in its nerve. This is particularly well priced, and particularly great with wild boar."

2013 Vinicola del Priorat Clos Gebrat (Best Buy) 92 Points

"A blend of garnacha (40 percent) and carinena (35 percent) with merlot, syrah, and cabernet, this is focused on bright red fruit.  Whatever wood influence is there has lost the battle, taking a second postion to the fruit, which feels a little rustic and wild. Its tannins are set for steak tartare."

 

Read more about Vinicola Del Priorat here!

 

Year's Best Rhone

2011 Lunar Apoge Lirac 90 Points

“Christian Leperchois started farming organically at Domaine des Carabiniers in 1977 and has moved the vineyards for Lunar Apoge to biodynamics (certified by Demeter). This one comes from his 37 acres in the sandy, pebbly soils of Lirac, the youngest vines 32 years old. In 2011, those vines gave a juicy, generous wine that’s still amazingly fresh, the fruit vibrantly purple and lively. With the air it gains detail-an earthy depth, an herbal scent-yet the vibrancy never fades."

Read more about Lunar Apoge here!

Sparkling Wine Shopping: What’s Popping?

Shopping for any wine can be daunting, especially if you’re considering options you haven’t tried before. Whether you are trying to avoid the heavy price tag of Champagne or are just interested in trying something new, there is a quality choice to be found on the shelves. Not all that glitters is gold, but the sound of a cork popping from a chilled bottle of sparkling wine rivals the sound of a baby laughing or an angel singing, so get out there and explore! 

Florencio demonstrating the Art of Sabrage on a well chilled bottle

Florencio demonstrating the Art of Sabrage on a well chilled bottle

If the “real deal” Champagne is what you’re after, ask for Champagne from a smaller boutique house. We do and are rarely disappointed. (Below are some great small producers we recently tried and loved!)

What is Cava, any way?

Slowly getting more shelf real estate, you may recognize the word “Cava” neighboring some of your go-to choices of Champagne, Prosecco, or Asti Spumante. Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine with very similar traits to Champagne (secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle as is the case with Champagne). A well-made Cava has a great balance of fruit and creaminess. 

The quality to price ratio for Cava is excellent; some $20 Cavas can drink better than some $50 Champagnes.

Top Picks: Covides Gran Gesta Brut Reserva (90 points, Wine Enthusiast), LaCueva Brut Reserva Methode Traditionelle

Italian Sparkling Wines: Prosecco and (Asti) Spumante

Prosecco and Cava outsell Champagne in volume. When you order a cocktail with a sparkling wine in it, there’s a very good chance they’ve used Prosecco.  It’s emphasis on fruit and larger bubbles help the elements of the cocktail come together. Prosecco is a great choice on its own as well, especially if your tastes favor more fruit. 

Spumante, the most often seen is Asti Spumante, tends to be a bit sweeter but is made more similarly to Champagne than is Prosecco. Asti Spumante is made from Moscato grapes.

Top Pick: Prosecco from Forchir (coming soon!)

Things to look for in your sparkling wine: freshness, brightness, crispness, and smaller bubbles. Small, quick moving bubbles are a sign of a high quality wine.

CHEERS!

CHEERS!

Happy Holidays: Perfect Wines For The Season!

We’re here to help you wine-loving entertainers with some selections for the holidays that are sure to be crowd pleasers. These wines aren’t from the big #buzzword producers, so they may also serve as a topic of conversation.

Covides Gran Gesta Cava Brut Reserva (90 points, WE)

It’s the holidays, you’re celebrating, and this is wine fits the bill! It’s a great value wine, perfect for entertaining. Refined bubbles, with an easy to swallow price tag. It has round fruit notes of apple,pineapple, and white raisin that are simply pleasant on the palate.

Pairings: Bubbles go with almost everything!

 

Cicchitti Primmo Magnum 2013:

Magnums are great for entertaining.  More people, more wine, less clutter. The Cicchitti Primmo is a delicious ruby-red Malbec; fruit forward without being aggressive. It has great balanced smoothness and good body.

Pairings: A variety of meat roasts

 

 

 

 

 

Our Visit to Argentina

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Over the Thanksgiving holiday, we were fortunate to visit with all of our wine producers in Argentina. Visiting each family winery, Ciccchitti, Melipal, Machiori and Barraud, Durigutti, Ricominciare and Alto3, was a special experience.  We are proud to work with these crafts men and women, and are happy to be able to show a glimpse of their life’s work here.

 

Bodegas Cicchitti

We have been working with this winery for 8 years, each year having the wonderful opportunity to spend time with the whole family. Pepe, the patriarch and winemaker of the family, balances a willingness to try innovative techniques with the family traditions passed on to him by his grandfather who was originally from Italy. Cicchitti maintains a commitment to “vinos pensados”, wines created mindfully. They are making wines for the long run, for the next generation, and we hope to continue to support this wonderful effort.

Spending Time With The Cicchitti Family

Spending Time With The Cicchitti Family

Pepe (Jose) and his wife, Sylvia, currently run the winery leading their family team and training the next generation. They live not far from the winery with their 4 children, Jose, Ignacio, Augustin, and Mercedes. Jose is the oldest, and is learning the ropes of eonology after completing a degree in business from University. 

It was our privilege to see the work of Andrea Marchiori and Luis Barraud in their vineyard in Lujan De Cuyo. Their vineyards sprawl over several plots, with the Andes Mountains setting an amazing backdrop.  They work with old Malbec vines to create some amazing wines. 

 

During our trip, they opened their home to us where we explored an onsite “zoo” where they raise chickens, a cow, llamas, goats, sheep, and horses. We shared the afternoon with their three lovely daughters while Luis prepared a roast of baby goat for dinner. 

Familia Durrigutti

The Aguijon De Abeja brand, by winemaker brothers Hector and Pablo Durrigutti, is relatively new to our portfolio and this was our first visit to the winery. We felt very fortunate to spend time speaking with Hector and Pablo, who are extremely dedicated to leaving a lasting legacy. These brothers trained with the best wineries in the world and have a wealth of winemaking experience as well as talent. They started off with literally only a few barrels but since have since built a beautiful winery to create unique wines using grapes from as far away as Salta and Patagonia. During our visit we enjoyed the fantastic setting of their impeccably  maintained vineyards. 

We also enjoyed a traditional asado (roast) that the winery prepares for its staff each week! 


Artisan Collection's Thanksgiving Wine Picks

It’s nearly impossible to pick one wine that will go with everything served during Thanksgiving. Well, there is one. We call it Champagne. But, besides the exquisite accompaniment of a little bubbly, it is not easy to pick “a” Thanksgiving Day wine as many feasts include an all day indulgence of appetizers followed by “the meal” and then dessert. Today we present you with our pairing for your turkey, followed by an easy dessert pairing.

So it’s “MEAL” time and you’re drinking…QUO Premium Grenache 2010 90 points, International Wine Cellar

Made with 100% Grenache grapes from hand-harvested 40+ year old vines, this wine is aged 8 months in French and American oak.

Why it works: The delicious dark berry and fruit aromas will stimulate your guests' appetites. In the mouth, QUO Premium is smooth and flavorful, with enough acidity and spiciness to complement rather than overwhelm your main dishes.   Plus, the beautiful white and gold label doubles as a centerpiece and conversation piece!

Tasting Notes: Glass-staining violet.  Ripe raspberry and boysenberry aromas are complemented by notes of white pepper and potpourri. Pliant and sweet, with very good depth and no rough edges to its juicy red and dark berry flavors. Shows an appealing jamminess on the finish, which clings with very good persistence and resonating spiciness. 90 points

 

Dessert Pairing:

There's always room for pumpkin pie, and you're washing it down with…Spatzi Riesling

 Spatzi comes from 100% estate Riesling grown in Pflaz, Germany. 

Why it works: This wine is well-structured with great balance and acidity. It is a semi-dry Riesling, making it “sweet enough.” The crispness and acidity provide a nice balance to a creamy, spicy pie.

Everyone wants more pie, so the best part, you get a 1 L bottle!

 

Recipe: Mini Pumpkin Pies

Ingredients:

  • 1 package of Pillsbury pre-made frozen pie crusts (2 crusts)
  • 1 can pumpkin puree 15 oz.
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 oz.
  •  ½ tsp clove
  •  ½ tsp nutmeg
  •  1 tsp cinnamon 
  • 2 eggs

Makes 12 mini pies

*Inspired by Blog “Home Is Where The Boat Is”

1.    Pre-heat oven to 425 °F.

2.    Mix pumpkin, condensed milk, spices, and eggs together in a bowl.  Set aside.

3.    Cut piecrusts to fit cupcake pan (about 4 inch circles). Spray or grease cupcake tin before pressing crust into pan. Fill with pie mixture.

4.    You can use the crust scraps to decorate your pies with latticework or decorative leaves.

5.    Place uncooked pies in oven at 425 °F for 20 minutes. Turn the oven down to 350 °F at this time and bake an additional 20 minutes. Pies will rise slightly and settle.  Pies are done when a toothpick or knife can be inserted and come out clean.

6.    Important: Let the pies cool in the pan for 30 minutes before removing.

 

 

December 2014: Wine Enthusiast visits Gancedo Winery

The December issue of Wine Enthusiast features a story on their journey through the Bierzo region of Spain in May of this past Spring. The region is home to 74 registered wineries, and Gancedo was among the 10 wineries visited. The article discusses the special qualities and characteristics of Bierzo, which are expressed in the wines. Michael Schachner praises the region for wines with "exotic aromas, alluring flavor profiles and undeniable style."
 
We are proud to report that Gancedo has 2 red wines reviewed, earning ratings of 91 points. Please contact us for more information on availability and pricing.
 

   

 

 

 

Gancedo Mencia 2012: "Initial aromas are oaky and a touch raw, but soon they settle on raspberry and plum. This is a chunky, fruit forward Mencia with dark berry, raspberry, spice, resiny oak and salty flavors. A full lively finish is muscular but also fresh and bright. It has only eight months in oak; drink now through 2015."
91 points

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gancedo Xestal Mencia 2008: "Dry, leathery and earthy up front, this mature Mencia is all about grip and complexity. In the mouth, it's tight and tannic. Flavors of dry cherry and berry are layered and earthy, while hard tannins and additional earth notes steer a long spicy finish. Drink through 2019."
91 points

A Visit to Spanish Craft Cider ~ Sidra Fran

Over the summer, we enjoyed a memorable visit to Sidra Fran, the producer of Ramos del Valle traditional Asturian Cider. Sidra Fran is located in the very north of Asturias, 45 minutes away from Redes Natural Park. We were fortunate to stay in a beautifully situated eco-hotel (Tierra Del Aqua) at the top of a traditional village in the natural park.

Sidra Fran, in its third generation of family ownership and operation, was founded in 1918. Among the five siblings currently running Sidra Fran is lead cider maker Roberto Ramos.

First, Roberto gave us a tour of the Sidra Fran “Sidreria.” This is the name given to a traditional restaurant that serves cider and food. Traditionally, guests served themselves cider from huge wooden barrels with spigots at one end of the Sidreria.  

 

 

 

 

Next, we visited the fermentation facility. The term for the cider production building in Spanish is “lagar.” This is similar to the word for winery. Roberto explained to us that each lagar has its own distinctive smell due to its own unique, naturally occurring yeasts that are used to ferment the cider. The fermentation is completely natural, and the cider is not filtered, resulting in a cloudy appearing natural product that is less than 7% alcohol.  

 

 

 

 

We ended the tour with a visit to some of the apple orchards. Did you know that Asturias has more than 800 varieties of native apples, which are used to make cider? Additionally, because the cider is all-natural, there is very little residual sugar (<2grams/liter) and it is 100% gluten free.

 

 

 

               

A lesson on drinking traditional Spanish cider:

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Whether straight from the barrel or from a bottle, cider should be “escandiada” or poured from an altitude into the glass to create the pleasant natural oxygenation.  Additionally, only a few sips (a “culin”) should be poured at a time for maximum enjoyment.   

 

 

 

 

Some traditional foods that we had in Asturias include oven-roasted baby lamb and traditional Asturian bean stew. Below we’ve even included a recipe for traditional Asturian cider sangria for your Autumn enjoyment.

"Secret" Spanish Hard Cider Sangria Recipe

(Courtesy of Carmen at the Hotel Tierra Del Agua, Asturias, Spain)
1 cup sugar
2 cans of Sprite/7-up or Fanta Limon 
1 cup white rum (or pour bottle of white rum and count to 10)
1/3 bottle of Ramon Del Valle Spanish Cider
1 sliced green apple 
2 sprigs spearmint
10 ice cubes
Mix all ingredients in a large jar and Viola!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collaboration with Mast Brothers at their Hootenanny Fundraiser

Mast Brothers, artisanal chocolatiers also based out of Brooklyn, hosted a folk music showcase and fundraiser with artist Willy Mason in their factory show room.  A portion of the proceeds were donated to the Newport Folk Festivals’s music education efforts. The event featured live music, wines donated by The Artisan Collection, and beer donated by Brooklyn Brewery. Among the wines donated were our Sancerre, Carodorum Issos, and La Ardilla Sparkling Moscato.

September 2014: Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Issue 176

In issue 176 of Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar  more than 30 of our wines received ratings of 90 points or higher. See this list of top scoring wines below:

RIOJA

Bodegas Altanza

2011 Bodegas Altanza Hacienda Valvares Rioja Crianza    90 points

2010 Bodegas Altanza Seleccion Especial Reserva Rioja    92 points

2009 Bodegas Altanza Club Lealtanza Rioja Reserva    92 points

2008 Bodegas Altanza Lealtanza Seleccion de Familia Rioja    91 points

Bodegas Baigorri

2013 Bodegas Baigorri Blanco Fermentado en Barrica Rioja    90 points

2010 Bodegas Baigorri Rioja Crianza    90 points

2010 Bodegas Baigorri Garnacha Rioja    93 points

2009 Bodegas Baigorri Rioja Reserva    91 points

2009 Bodegas Baigorri Belus Rioja    92 points

2009 Bodegas Baigorri Baigorri de Garage Rioja    93 points

2009 Bodegas Baigorri Baigorri B70 Rioja    93 points

Bodegas San Prudencio

2007 Bodegas San Prudencio Cueto Rioja Reserva    90 points

PRIORAT

Vinicola del Priorat

2012 Vinicola del Priorat Onix Fusio Priorat    90 points

2011 Vinicola del Priorat Clos Gebrat Crianza Priorat    91 points

2011 Onix Evolucio Priorat    91 points

RIBERA DEL DUERO

Bodegas Felix Callejo

2012 Bodegas Felix Callejo El Lebrero Vino de la Tierra de Castilla    90 points

2012 Bodegas Felix Callejo Flores de Callejo Ribera del Duero    90 points

2011 Bodegas Felix Callejo Callejo Ribera del Duero Crianza    91 points

2011 Bodegas Felix Callejo Majuelos de Callejo Ribera del Duero    93 points

2011 Bodegas Felix Callejo Felix Callejo Ribera del Duero    93 points

2009 Bodegas Felix Callejo Gran Callejo Ribera del Duero Gran Reserva    93 points

Besadien

2010 Besadien Ribera del Duero Reserva    91 points

CAMPO DE BORJA

Bodegas QUO

2011 Bodegas QUO Garnacha Premium Campo de Borja    91 points

2011 Bodegas QUO Garnacha Gastiago Campo de Borja    90 points

TERRA ALTA

Jordi Miro

2013 Jordi Miro Garnatxa Negra Maceracio Carbonica Terra Alta    90 points

TORO

Bodega Carmen Rodriguez Mendez

2011 Bodega Carmen Rodriguez Mendez Carodorum Seleccion Especial Toro    91 points

2011 Bodega Carmen Rodriguez Mendez Carodorum Toro Crianza    90 point

BIERZO

Bodegas y Vinedos Gancedo

2013 Bodegas y Vinedos Gancedo Capricho Val de Paxarinas Blanco    90 points

2008 Bodegas y Vinedos Gancedo Gancedo Ucedo Bierzo    93 points

2008 Bodegas y Vinedos Gancedo Gancedo Xestal Bierzo    91 points