Wine Business – Opolo Vineyards Officially Introduces “Vranac” To American Wine Industry
I always love trying a new grape. Looking forward to trying this one the next time we are in Paso Robles. Vranac is evidently pronounced vrah-nuts. So maybe we need to give it another name over here. You know like how we changed Durif to Petite Syrah. From the Press Release:
Opolo’s 2021 Vranac Reserve ($60; 50 cases produced) is a 100-percent varietal wine from an authenticated planting of Vranac at the winery estate in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles. Pronounced “vrah-nuts,” the name Vranac is derived from a word signifying “black stallion,” a nod to the grape’s signature dark color and flavors. The wine is available at the Opolo tasting room, or by calling the winery for direct order, limit two bottles.
Wine-Searcher – Cuts Could Leave AI in Charge of Wine
W. Blake Gray reports on how the cuts to the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) could lead a delays and other issues. What really struck me is how much the focus is really on the useless. From the article:
The TTB is currently considering two significant proposed changes to wine labels that started under the Biden administration: requiring more allergen information, and creating an “alcohol facts” warning label. The comment period for both has been extended to allow more members of the public to weigh in, but realistically, only one man’s vote matters. As Christian said: “We don’t know how it’s going to go under the new administration.”
A fun fact from the TTB seminar is that two of the most common violations of US wine label law are about rosé and orange wine. A winery calling its wine either of those will get its label rejected.
“‘Rosé’ is a color. It does need to say ‘rosé wine,’ ” Christian said. “‘Orange wine’ is a fruit wine under TTB regulations. You aren’t allowed to call it ‘orange wine’ on your label. You can call it ‘orange-tinted Pinot Gris’ or an ‘amber-colored wine’ or an ‘orange-hued wine’.”
Politico – Arnault Rejects Macron’s Call To Freeze Investment In Us
Maybe a bit of a reach in the “wine news” category, but LVMH does own quite a few wine brands: Château d’Yquem, Château Cheval Blanc,C olgin Cellars, and Joseph Phelps, to name a few. So it is interesting to see the push back from a truly international brand. From the article:
Kering CEO François-Henry Pinault told French senators last week that “it would make no sense to have Italian Gucci bags made in Texas,” a clear shot at the LVMH factory opened there during Trump’s first term.
Arnault hit back during his Senate appearance, noting that Kering’s sales in the U.S. were dropping while LVMH’s were going up.
VinePair – Wine and Ice Cream Are a Terrible Pairing, So Why Are Bars Selling Them Side By Side?
Not sure I agree with this. A rich chocolate icecream and a port or big cabernet. It doesn’t suck. Anyway, from the article:
Wife-and-husband-team Yang and Compagnon both have extensive experience working as chefs at top Michelin-starred restaurants. The two opened their first joint restaurant, Le Rigmarole, in Paris in 2017, and when the next door space became available, the couple saw it as an opportunity to expand. Previously a cave à vin, Yang and Compagnon wanted to keep the integrity of the location as a wine bar, but had also always dreamed of opening an ice cream shop. So they decided to put both concepts in the same space.
“A lot of people pooh-poohed the idea at first: Sugar breaks your palate and cold breaks your palate — the equation doesn’t make sense,” Yang says. “For us it was just sharing two of our passions. When people come in the point isn’t to pair wine and ice cream together. We have good ice cream. We have good wine. Do with that what you want.”
Bridgeview Vineyard & Winery in Cave Junction, OR
With its beautiful setting, friendly atmosphere, and easygoing approach to winemaking, it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy a glass of wine, especially if you’re passing through on your way down the Oregon coast to California.
While most of the wines are solidly average to good, the Riesling stands out as a clear winner. Don’t go our of your way to visit. But if you are in the neighborhood, go ahead and stop by
2014 Meteor Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Perseid
We rate this a solid 94 points, and the critics agree:
At $150, this wine sits in Napa’s premium tier, but it delivers on quality. If you’re looking for a serious Cabernet with the potential to age another decade (or more), the 2014 Perseid is a worthy investment. Just don’t forget to give it a good two-hour decant before you dive in—it’s well worth the wait.
Martini’s Seafood House in Fredericksburg, TX
It’s a bit pricey, but you’re paying for quality seafood in the middle of the Texas Hill Country. And when you taste that buttery lobster tail or dig into that crab boil, you’ll know it was money well spent.
So, if you’re in Fredericksburg and need a break from wine tastings and German schnitzel, head to Martini’s. Grab a seat at the bar, ask for Sterling, and prepare yourself for some seriously good seafood.
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