Gordon Ramsay launches his own brand of California Wines

Gordon Ramsay has built his reputation on being exuberantly critical of other people’s cooking—but pleasing the celebrity chef with your wine pairings just became a whole lot easier – he launched his own wine brand.

“Gordon Ramsay Signature Wines” are crafted by their namesake chef in collaboration with winemaker and Master Sommelier Chris Miller at Seabold Cellars in Monterey, California, where the wines are produced. The online shop at GordonRamsay.wine – which is the only way to purchase bottles outside of at Ramsay’s U.S. restaurants – launched March 10 with eight offerings: 2019 Rosé, 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, 2018 Chardonnay, and 2018 Pinot Noir, all from Monterey (priced at $20, $25, $30, and $35 respectively), a 2018 Chardonnay Reserve from Sonoma County ($45), and three 2018 Cabernet Sauvignons from California ($28), from Santa Cruz Mountains ($45), and a Reserve from Napa ($60). Bottles can also be purchased in three seasonal shipments as part of “The Ramsay Wine Club” which features additional discounts and other perks.

Ramsay partnered with Miller in 2018, aiming to make high-quality, old-world-style wines he could serve to complement the food at his restaurants. “It’s a little surreal for our humble little winery to be working with someone as prominent as Gordon,” Miller told Food & Wine. “We’re excited to share these wines with both his fan base and wine enthusiasts alike. We hope the introduction of this project creates an opportunity for more people to experience or be introduced to California wines, and that it will yield a greater appreciation for the quality and diversity of the wines produced here.”

Only a few hundred cases of each bottling are being made, with total production pegged at a mere 2,000 cases. The brand says they “source our grapes from sustainable and organic-practicing vineyards” and use minimal intervention winemaking: “native yeast fermentations, no ‘adjustments,’ restrained use of oak, little-to-no fining or filtration, and responsibly minimal sulfur usage” for final products that are “balanced, complimentary with food, and always 100 percent vegan.”

“Passionate winemakers in California’s cooler climate regions are producing delicious, balanced wines, and my time in California has convinced me that Californian wines stand with the best in the world. Christopher Miller is a master of his craft, so working with him has been amazing,” Ramsay told us via email. “Wine is a complex marriage of art, science, and tradition all captured together in a glass, and I am very excited to join in that tradition with Gordon Ramsay Californian wines. Until now the wine has been served exclusively at my restaurants in Las Vegas and Tahoe, so I’m very excited it’s now available to anyone to enjoy with a delicious meal or on its own with friends and family.”

Beyond additional winemaking details and tasting notes, the Gordon Ramsay Wines website also features at least three complementary recipes for every bottle, from options like truffle

The Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux announces 10 cities to host “en primeur” tastings [April 26-29]

The Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux has announced that this year’s en primeur tastings will be held in 10 cities worldwide (which includes Bordeaux) from April 26-29.

The Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux has said that Bordeaux, New York, San Francisco, London, Paris, Brussels, Zurich, Frankfurt, Shanghai and Hong Kong will be the host cities for this year’s campaign.

As noted on their website, tastings will be held from 26-29 April in Bordeaux, with further tastings held around the world on the following timetable:

26 April: Zurich and Shanghai
26-27 April: Brussels
27 April: Frankfurt and Hong Kong
27-28 April: Paris, London, San Francisco and New York

Dedicated venues in each city will be chosen where professionals will be able to taste the 2020 wines from the UGCB’s 131-member estates, in accordance with local health regulations.

The UGCB’s president, Ronan Laborde, said: “We are incredibly committed to maintaining ties with our clients and ambassadors. Despite the restrictions in place, we will do everything in our power to ensure they can enjoy the Bordeaux 2020 vintage.”

The new dates for this year’s campaign were confirmed earlier in the year but the UGCB at the time remained unsure if it would be able to hold the annual tasting solely in Bordeaux. It mentioned that its fall-back option would be to hold the tasting in cities around the world, building and improving upon the system of sending out samples that it rushed into place last spring.

#bordeaux #redwine #winetasting #enprimeur #bordeauxwine #instawine #frenchwine #vin #sommelier #finewine #vinsdebordeaux

Wine in Moderation launches a new website

Wine in Moderation has just announced the launch of its new website (https://www.wineinmoderation.eu/). The new site features a modernized design with new functionalities and clear information to help consumers and professionals alike make well-informed decisions to enjoy wine in moderation and to encourage a sustainable culture of wine.

The new website brings together all the Wine in Moderation members and Supporters around one single platform available in 12 languages and offers a nationally tailored message.

“We are very excited to launch this new website which marks an important step in the implementation of our latest Brand Strategy” said Sandro Sartor, President of Wine in Moderation. “This new website not only presents a wealth of new content in a modern and fresh design, it also offers a brand-new platform for professionals and for all our members and supporters around the world, where they will get an exclusive access to our services, materials and tools.”

The new website builds its information around five mains sections:

  1. The culture of wine: where visitors will have the pleasure to discover the uniqueness of the wine culture and get tips on how to best organize their oenotourism trips.
  2. Moderation: where they present why wine should be enjoyed in a sustainable way, and at the same time providing information such as who should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, wine and health, with specificities on the topics of wine and diet as well as calories.
  3. Our Community: a brand-new feature that will show members and supporters around the world on a dynamic map, giving visitors the possibility to zoom in and discover an “identity card” for everyone who has joined Wine in Moderation and are committed to making informed decisions when it comes to wine.
  4. Professionals: This section is specifically dedicated to professionals where they introduce the different ways in which one can get involved with Wine in Moderation and why it matters for the sector.
  5. About us: last but not least, this is a section where visitors will discover who is behind the social responsibility movement of the wine sector, their vision, missions, objectives and their story.

“A long-standing project, this new website will offer a personalized visit depending on the country you’re from” said Nadia Frittella, Secretary General of the association. “The website’s news and events will be updated regularly offering visitors the possibility to check the events that are happening next to them. We are also particularly excited about our completely new Community Map which illustrates where on the globe our Supporters are and shows the important commitment of the wine sector towards a sustainable culture of wine”.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the website and sign up to become a WiM Supporter! By doing so, not only will they show their commitment to encourage a moderate and responsible consumption of wine, but they will also have access to the new platform for professionals where a wealth of tools and services will be at their disposal.

Learn more: https://www.wineinmoderation.eu/

#wineinmoderation #instawine #cultureofwine #wellbeing #lifestyle #healthylifestyle #wineculture #winemoments #winebytheglass #igerswine #winexperience #wineculture #wineguidelife #vino #vin #wijn #vinho #bor #vyno #wein #winelovers #wine

The 35th Chablis Wine Competition: the results are in

The 35th edition of the Chablis Wine Competition was held, over the weekend, in Beine, at the Salle des Beauroy, on January 23, 2021.  The competition followed a strict protocol and health measures ensuring the taster’s safety.

This year, the competition focused on the 2019 vintage for the Petit Chablis, Chablis and Chablis Premier Cru appellations and on vintage 2018 for Chablis Grand Cru.

Organized by the Chablis tourist office and the Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB), a distinctive feature of the event is that professionals having submitted wine samples may not become members of the jury. The tasters were journalists, restaurateurs, sommeliers, wine brokers, oenologists and enlightened amateurs.

The tasting goes through two stages:

Stage 1- the samples that received the best marks when tasted by all the jurors in the first round;

Stage 2 – then gets submitted to the Grand Jury, which alone can award medals.

The winning wines will be ambassadors for Chablis for 2021, and will be featured by the

Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) in its promotional events both domestically and abroad.

By the Numbers

35th Chablis Wine Competition

Number of samples: 321

Number of tasters: 46

Number of estates or producers represented: 77

Number of medal-winning wines: 27

 

list of Winning Wines

Petit Chablis 2019

Gold medal

William FEVRE
Domaine JOLLY et Fils

Silver medal

Domaine de LA TOUR
Domaine Vincent WENGIER

Bronze medal

Domaine Alain GEOFFROY

Nominated wines:

BILLAUD-SIMON
Domaine Sébastien DAMPT, Terroir de Fyé
GARNIER et Fils
Domaine MOSNIER
Domaine SERVIN

Chablis 2019

Gold medal

MOREAU et Fils
Domaine de LA TOUR
Domaine Guillaume VRIGNAUD, Les Champréaux

Silver medal

Domaine de la MOTTE, Vieilles Vignes, Cuvée L’Authentique
Domaine VENTOURA

Nominated wines:

Domaine de BIEVILLE
Domaine Jean-Paul et Benoît DROIN
GARNIER et Fils
Domaine Céline et Frédéric GUEGUEN
Domaine LONG-DEPAQUIT
Domaine SOUPÉ, Les Doyennes

Chablis Premier Cru 2019, Left Bank

Gold medal
Domaine de la MOTTE, Beauroy
Domaine Guy ROBIN, Vieilles Vignes, Vaillons
Domaine Jean-Paul et Benoît DROIN, Vosgros

Silver medal
Domaine MOSNIER, Beauroy
Domaine PINSON, Montmains
Maison SIMONNET-FEBVRE, Montmains

Bronze medal
Domaine des Hâtes, Butteaux
Maison HENRY, Vaillons

Nominated wines:
Domaine Gérard TREMBLAY, Beauroy
Domaine DUPRÉ, Butteaux
Domaine DE LA TOUR, Côte de Cuissy
Jean COLLET et Fils, Montmains
Domaine Guy ROBIN, Vieilles Vignes, Montmains
Domaine CHEVALLIER, Montmains
MOREAU et Fils, Vaillons
Domaine VOCORET et Fils, Vaillons
Domaine Jean-Paul et Benoît DROIN, Vaillons
Domaine Daniel DAMPT et Fils, Vaillons
Domaine Céline et Frédéric GUEGUEN, Vosgros

Chablis Premier Cru 2019, Right Bank

Gold medal

Domaine du COLOMBIER, Vaucoupin
Domaine GAUTHERON Alain et Cyril, Vaucoupin

Silver medal

La CHABLISIENNE, Vaulorent
Domaine des MALANDES, Fourchaume

Bronze medal

Domaine Jean JACQUIN et Fils, Montée de Tonnerre

Nominated wines:

Domaine du COLOMBIER, Fourchaume
Domaine Guillaume VRIGNAUD, Fourchaume
La Chablisienne, Mont de Milieu
Jean COLLET et Fils, Mont de Milieu
Domaine VENTOURA, Mont de Milieu
Domaine SERVIN, Montée de Tonnerre
MOREAU et Fils, Vaucoupin
Domaine GAUTHERON Alain et Cyril, Vaucoupin
Domaine Jean-Paul et Benoît DROIN, Vaulorent

Chablis Grand Cru 2018 

Gold medal

Domaine Jean-Paul et Benoît DROIN, Vaudésir

Silver medal

Domaine VOCORET et Fils, Blanchot
Domaine VOCORET et Fils, Les Clos

Bronze medal

Domaine SERVIN, Blanchot

Nominated wines:

Domaine PINSON, Les Clos
Domaine BILLAUD-SIMON, Preuses
Maison SIMONNET-FEBVRE, Preuses
Domaine Guy ROBIN, Valmur
Domaine Jean-Paul et Benoît DROIN, Valmur

Save the Dates: 2021 International Wine Days to Celebrate!

To help you plan for 2021, I created a list that you can bookmark. The list, which isn’t exhaustive, is comprised of important national or global wine days (dates may be subject to change) with relevant hashtags. This is a great starting point to assist you in planning fun and engaging posts on social platforms. If I missed any or if there are any new dates for 2021, please let me know. Cheers!

January

Dry January

February

February 1, 2021 – National Furmint Day [#furmintday]

February 16, 2021 – Syrah Day [#syrahday]

February 18, 2021 – Global Drink Wine Day [#globaldrinkwineday]

February 27, 2021 – Open That Bottle Night [#openthatbottlenight]

March

March 3, 2021 – Mulled Wine Day [#mulledwineday]

March 13, 2021 – Riesling Day [#rieslingday]

April

April 14, 2021 – Tannat Day [#internationaltannatday]

April 17, 2021 – Malbec World Day [#worldmalbecday]

April 23, 2021 – International Cava Day [#cavaday]

April 27, 2021 – Marselan Day [#worldmarselanday]

May

May 7, 2021 – International Sauvignon Blanc Day [#sauvblancday]

May 9, 2021 – World Moscato Day [#worldmoscatoday]

May 25, 2021 – National Wine Day [#NationalWineDay]

May 27, 2021 – International Chardonnay Day [#internationalchardonnayday]

June

June 5, 2021 – National Bubbly Day [#nationalbubblyday]

June 19, 2021 – Drink Chenin Blanc Day [#drinkcheninblancday]

June 21, 2021 – World Lambrusco Day [#lambruscoday]

June 25, 2021 – International Rosé Day [#roseday]

July

July 22, 2021 – Shiraz Day [#shirazday]

July 25, 2021 – National Wine & Cheese Day [#NationalWineandCheeseDay]

August

August 1, 2021 –World Albariño Day [#worldalbarinoday]

August 4, 2021 – National White Wine Day [#nationalwhitewineday]

August 13, 2021 – International Prosecco Day [#proseccoday]

August 18, 2021 – International Pinot Noir Day [#pinotnoirday]

August 28, 2021 – National Red Wine Day [#nationalredwineday]

August 30, 2021 – International Cabernet Sauvignon Day [#cabernetsauvignonday]

September

September 2, 2021 – International Cabernet Day [#CabernetDay]

September 3, 2021 – National Chianti Day [#NationalChiantiDay]

September 17, 2021 – International Grenache Day [#GrenacheDay] 

October

October 5, 2021 – World Vranec Day [#worldvranecday]

October 6, 2021 – Orange Wine Day [#orangewineday]

October 9, 2021 – International Pinotage Day [#pinotageday]

October 15, 2021 – Champagne Day [#champagneday]

October 28, 2021 – Carignan Day [#carignanday]

November

November 1, 2021 – International Xinomavro Day [#xinomavroday]

November 7, 2021 – International Merlot Day [#merlotday]

November 11, 2021 – International Tempranillo Day [#tempranilloday]

November 17, 2021 – National Zinfandel Day [#zinfandelday]

November 18, 2021 – Beaujolais Nouveau Day [#beaujolaisnouveauday]

November 24, 2021 – Carmenère Day [#carmenereday]

December

December 4, 2021 – Cabernet Franc Day [#cabfrancday]

December 10, 2021 – World Aszú Day [#aszúday]

December 20, 2021 – Sangria Day [#SangriaDay]