NEW WINE ENTHUSIAST IMPORTER CONNECTION SITE
WINE ENTHUSIAST has unveiled its new Importer Connection website – importer-connection.com – offering international producers an enhanced platform to connect with importers. Since 2O12, the program has helped facilitate relationships between producers and buyers, and bring new wines to the US marketplace. The new website creates an enhanced user experience designed... Read More
GLOBAL WINE PRODUCTION DOWN
THE EVER-CHANGING CLIMATE is set to cause some problems for the wine industry. Global wine production is expected to fall by 5% in 2O16 because of “climatic events” causing steep drops in production in most of the southern hemisphere, particularly Chile and Argentina. The International Organisation of Vine and Wine... Read More
AU REVOIR MIRAVAL
IF YOU ARE A FAN of Miraval, the rosé from now-estranged couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, you may want to stock up on any remaining bottles you can find. The two are saying goodbye to Château Miraval, their expansive estate and vineyard in the village of Correns, France and that includes the... Read More
THE LEGACY OF CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE
by HARVEY FINKEL CHARLES-CAMILLE HEIDSIECK, the founder of Champagne Charles Heidsieck, introduced Champagne to America, and was rewarded with durance most vile. He was “Champagne Charlie”: his story and that of the company of which he became the eponym are as much worth retelling as their products are worth drinking.... Read More
THE ARNAUD’S FRENCH 75
by PINK LADY THE FRENCH 75 is a magnificent and iconic Champagne cocktail. Order one in a bar in these parts and you’ll be served up the gin-based concoction we’ve covered before. Order one in New Orleans, however, and you’ll be served an entirely different drink made with cognac. Huzzah... Read More
SYRAH
by SANDY BLOCK, MW WHEN SYRAH FINALLY COMES BACK, as anyone serious about wine knows it must, producers worldwide will be ready. Until then a vast ocean of red wine made from the grape will remain underpriced and undervalued. I am convinced that only fashion and reputation have kept Syrah... Read More
VALLEY OF THE MOON
There are six new releases from the California winery: A small-lot Zinfandel and the winery’s signature Blend ’41 from the 2O13 vintage. Also from the 2O14 vintage, the Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, the Carneros Pinot Noir, and the Sonoma County Pinot Blanc. AVAILABLE FROM Horizon Beverage Company
EFFEN VODKA
There are three new flavor additions to the Effen vodka portfolio: Blood Orange, Green Apple and Raspberry. All are distilled from wheat. Suggested retail for a 75Oml is $27. AVAILABLE FROM Horizon Beverage Company
TRULY SPIKED & SPARKLING SICILIAN BLOOD ORANGE
The newest flavor addition to the line of alcoholic sparkling water is light and refreshing with a note of citrus. Suggested retail is $9.99 to $1O.99 for a 6-pack of bottles and $15.99 for a 12-pack of slim cans or bottles. AVAILABLE FROM Burke Distributing
Commercial Distributing
Merrimack Valley Distributing
YOICHI SINGLE MALT and MIYAGIKYO SINGLE MALT
Nikka Whisky Distilling in Japan and importer Anchor Distilling have released these two non-age statement whiskies, each reflecting the characters of the respective distilleries. The Yoichi is distilled from 1OO% malted barley with some heavily peated malt and is aged in new American oak, sherry casks and casks coopered in... Read More