Category: Articles

Alto Adige Wines Announces a New UGA Classification

Nestled in Italy’s northeastern corner, Alto Adige, one of the country’s most compact yet pioneering viticultural areas, is advancing its esteemed Alto Adige DOC designation with a significant new addition. The Consorzio Alto Adige Wines has recently announced that, starting with the 2024 vintage, 86 well-defined and meticulously documented vineyard areas have been granted special legal status as Additional Geographical Units (in Italian “Unità Geografiche Aggiuntive” or UGA).

“Our goal is to capture the unique character of each vineyard in every bottle,” said Martin Foradori, Vice President of the Consorzio Alto Adige Wines and owner of the J. Hofstätter estate. “Terroir” should not be just a marketing term—it should be something you can truly taste in each glass of wine.”

Defined by rigorous criteria, each UGA reflects an ideal alignment of soil type, microclimate, altitude, slope inclination, sun exposure, rainfall, and more. While forward-thinking was essential to this process, tradition also played a significant role, as many of the selected vineyard sites hold historical importance. A land register dating back to the mid-18th century provided access to valuable historic land names, testifying the region’s rich viticultural heritage. Additionally, within each UGA, permissible yields have been further reduced by 25% compared to DOC regulations, ensuring optimal grape quality and exceptional wines.

The ideal grape varieties for vineyards within each UGA have also been carefully defined. Eduard Bernhart, Director of the Consorzio Alto Adige Wines, explained: “Wines that qualify for a UGA designation must be made exclusively with grapes from that specific site. Depending on the vineyard’s location within a UGA, up to five varieties may be permitted, while some UGAs restrict production to just one or two varieties.”

As of the 2024 vintage, the geographical designation—such as Gries, Mazon, or Eppan Berg, to name just a few of the 86 recognized UGAs—may be listed on wine labels alongside “Alto Adige DOC.”

Producers wishing to use a UGA name on their label are required to include a pictograph specially designed by the Consorzio. Alto Adige Wines This will allow consumers to clearly recognize these special wines, as the pictograph must appear on both the front and back labels.

“Much like other renowned wine regions, we believe this initiative will set new benchmarks for exceptional and distinctive Alto Adige wines,” commented Andreas Kofler, President of the Consorzio Alto Adige Wines and of Cantina Kurtatsch. “These UGAs establish Alto Adige as a leader in the highest quality, terroir-driven winemaking.”

The creation of UGAs marks the culmination of years of research, collaboration, and vision led by the Consorzio Alto Adige Wines. Contributions from agronomists, enologists, growers, and producers helped shape the new classification, blending innovation with a deep respect for tradition.

Toasting to Trailblazers: Madame Louise Pommery and Women in Wine This Holiday Season

During the holiday season, as we celebrate and toast to good times, it is important to remember the remarkable women who have paved the way in the wine industry. These trailblazers have influenced the world of wine and left an indelible mark on history. Let’s take a moment to honour and celebrate them.

One such extraordinary woman is Madame Louise Pommery. A true visionary of the 19th century, Madame Pommery was one of the iconic widows who revolutionized the Champagne industry. After her husband’s death, she took the helm of the Pommery estate and transformed it into one of the most renowned Champagne houses in the world.

Madame Pommery’s pioneering spirit and innovative approach played a crucial role in developing modern Champagne as we know it today. She came up with the invention of “brut” Champagne. At that time dosage was added to champagne which was varied and unregulated resulting in sweet wines; she wanted something more elegant and fresher. Madame Pommery also popularized the use of caves for aging Champagne and is credited with pioneering wine tourism. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and dedication to quality established Pommery as a symbol of elegance and sophistication.

As we enjoy this holiday season with a glass of champagne in hand, let us raise our glasses to Madame Louise Pommery and all the incredible women who have contributed to the wine industry. Their legacy continues to inspire and shape the future of winemaking.

I’m sharing Pommery Brut Rose with my family and friends over the holidays, and toasting to all Women in Wine – Past, Now and Future!

Champagne Pommery is available at LCBO  

NO HST (ONTARIO) THIS HOLIDAY SEASON !!

Champagne Pommery Brut Rose LCBO #38632

Champagne Pommery Grand Cru Royal Brut 2009  LCBO #40870

Wines of South Africa Announces “CapeWine 2025” – The Largest Wine Trade Show in the Southern Hemisphere

Wines of South Africa (WoSA) has recently announced the return of CapeWine, scheduled for 10-12 September 2025, to be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). For the first time, DHL Express and Hillebrand Gori have joined forces as the event’s headline sponsors, showcasing their commitment to supporting the growth of South African wine globally.

As the triennial flagship event for South African wine, CapeWine 2025 will showcase the richness and diversity of South Africa’s wine industry to an international audience of trade professionals, media, and enthusiasts.

The theme of CapeWine 2025 will be “Our Warmest Welcome,” encapsulating the spirit of South Africa’s wine industry in terms of the wine and the people who produce it. This event invites trade professionals worldwide to connect with the diverse individuals shaping the wine industry.

First hosted in 2000 with 100 exhibitors, the expo has grown to over 10 editions and has now become renowned for its extensive showcase of over 400 South African wine producers. The event will also offer a host of immersive experiences that go beyond the trade floor. Attendees will explore the different wine regions, discover rare varieties, meet talented winemakers, and engage with groups of like-minded enthusiasts.

“This tenth edition of our flagship trade event promises to be one of the best yet. Twenty-five years after the first CapeWine was launched in 2000, it has grown exponentially, and the show, as we know it today, has evolved to truly reflect what the South African wine industry is all about: the phenomenal wines we produce, our wonderfully warm people, the dramatic and spectacular landscapes, and the overall richness of our culture. I look forward to welcoming trade from around the world to join us for what will be an unforgettable experience,” states Siobhan Thompson, Wines of South Africa, CEO

The 2025 edition promises to elevate the South African wine industry’s global profile, attracting trade and media representatives from over 60 countries. The event runs daily from 10:00 to 17:00, providing ample opportunities to network, taste exceptional wines, and explore the local culture and landscapes of the Cape Winelands.

Registration and Tickets: www.capewine2025.com

The First Wine Spa in the U.S. Brings Vinotherapy to Portland

“The Wine Spa” the first dedicated wine spa in the U.S. recently announced its grand opening. Nestled in the heart of Portland, Oregon, this oasis combines vinotherapy’s therapeutic benefits with a day spa’s indulgent atmosphere. It features ten treatment rooms and four soaking tubs.

In an exclusive partnership with Caudalie, The Wine Spa will offer treatments that utilize their products. This makes it the only Caudalie exclusive spa partner in Oregon, alongside New York and Paris locations.

Offering an array of vinotherapy packages, the spa includes options such as a 20-minute wine soak and massages ranging from 30-50 minutes. Guests can also enjoy facials, Swedish massages, and deep tissue massages, with treatment prices ranging from $125 to $399.

Inspired by the region’s rich wine heritage, The Wine Spa features innovative treatments like vinotherapy massages, facials, and soaks. Vinotherapy, the therapeutic use of grape-based products, offers many benefits for the mind and body. Grapes, rich in antioxidants like resveratrol, possess anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and heart-healthy properties. When incorporated into spa treatments, these compounds can improve skin health, reduce stress, and boost circulation, helping to hydrate, nourish, and rejuvenate the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Committed to sustainable practices, The Wine Spa uses repurposed wine from the region in their soaks, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Their first wine partner, Terra Vina Wines, has provided cases of wine for soaking that were unsellable due to a labelling error. Terra Vina is also crafting wine specifically for The Wine Spa, available in Spring 2025.

Wine lovers will be delighted to find a selection of wines from the Willamette Valley, with new wineries featured every three months. For those who prefer not to drink alcohol, the spa offers a non-alcoholic wine option for both drinking and soaking, ensuring everyone can partake in the vinotherapy experience.

For further details: https://thewinespapdx.com/

The BEST Hostess Gift: Nicolas Feuillatte Reserve Exclusive [Brut] Champagne Gift Pack + Two Flutes

I found this exclusive Nicolas Feuillatte Gift Pack, complete with two elegant flutes, to be a perfect choice for holiday shoppers seeking a sophisticated yet accessible hostess gift it is a harmonious blend of history, quality, and elegance, making it an exceptional choice. Cheers to making every moment special with this exquisite Champagne!

Nicolas Feuillatte’s Réserve Exclusive Brut is a perfect balance between Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay, and at the same time offers remarkable complexity and elegance. This exclusive brut goes perfectly with tasty dishes such as crispy smoked salmon, turkey and on its own as a holiday aperitif!