Who does not like a white and rosé wine social in Italy?

Picture yourself in Italy drinking some of the best Italian white and rosé wines. Live Wine Social events at the Wine Media Conference (#WMC22) at Lake Garda meant that we had the opportunity to participate in two live blogging sessions (one for white and rosé wines, and another for red wines). Live Wine Social, known as the signature event, is nirvana for #winelovers. Participating wineries each have about five minutes to pour one wine for a table of attendees. The attendees taste, analyze, and write about the wine and/or winery on the spot. Wineries then move to a new table in a speed-dating format. The Live Wine Social event is one of the highlights that I look forward to each year. Tasting the wines quickly transported me to vineyards throughout Lombardy. Imagine if you combined speed dating with tasting Italian white and rosé wines that makes the Live Wine Social! So much fun, right? 

Oltrepò Pavese, Lombardy, Italy © Spaswinefood

Tasting the wines quickly transported me to vineyards throughout Lombardy.

Live Wine Social with White and Rosé Wines

Conference attendees (serious journalists, bloggers, influencers, and podcast hosts) sit round tables as winemakers and winery representatives circle around the room, pour wines and talk about them, while we tweet and post on social media. This event is live and in real time.  The white and rosé wines I tasted at this event included the following the participating wineries below:

1. Winery: Cobue
Wine: San Martino della Battaglia DOC “Monte Olivi” (Still White)

Cobue, Monte Olivi, San Martino della Battaglia DOC 2020 

Cobue, Monte Olivi, San Martino della Battaglia DOC 2020 © Spaswinefood

the

2. Winery: La Travaglina
Wine: Oltrepò Pavese DOCG Metodo Classico Pinot Nero Rosé Millesimo 2011 (Sparkling Rosé)

La Travaglina, Oltrepò Pavese DOCG Pinot Nero Rosé Millesimo 2011 © Spaswinefood

La Travaglina, Oltrepò Pavese DOCG Pinot Nero Rosé Millesimo 2011 © Spaswinefood

This La Travaglina Julilliae DOCG Cruase Method Classico Brut hit high marks.

3. Winery: Lazzari

Wine: Capriano del Colle DOC Bianco 2021 “Fausto” (Still White)

Lazzari Fausto, Capriano del Colle DOC Bianco 2021 © Spaswinefood

Lazzari Fausto, Capriano del Colle DOC Bianco 2021 © Spaswinefood

Lazzari Fausto, Capriano del Colle DOC Bianco 2021 © Spaswinefood

 4. Winery: Ricchi

Wine: Garda DOC Chardonnay 2021 “Meridiano” (Still White)

 

Ricchi, Meridiano Chardonnay, Garda DOC © Spaswinefood

5. Winery: Costaripa

Wine: Valtènesi Riviera del Garda Classico DOC 2021 “Rosamara” (Still Rosé)

Costaripa Rosamara, Valtènesi Riviera del Garda Classico DOC 2021 © Spaswinefood

Costaripa Rosamara, Valtènesi Riviera del Garda Classico DOC 2021 © Spaswinefood

6. Winery: Perla del Garda
Wine: Garda DOC Millesimo 2009 (Sparkling White, Magnum)

Perla del Garda, Garda DOC Millesimo 2009 © Spaswinefood

Perla del Garda, Garda DOC Millesimo 2009 © Spaswinefood

7. Winery: Montonale
Wine: Lugana DOC 2020 “Orestilla” (Still White)

Montonale, Orestilla, Lugana DOC 2020 © Spaswinefood

8 Winery: Vanzini
Wine: Oltrepò Pavese DOCG Metodo Classico Pinot Nero “Aiace” (Still White)

Vanzini, Aiace, Oltrepò Pavese DOCG Metodo Classico Pinot Nero © Spaswinefood 

9. Winery: Citari

Wine: Lugana DOC 2021 “Conchiglia” (Still White)

Citari, Conchiglia, Lugana DOC 2021 © Spaswinefood

Throughout the conference and press trips I would get to retaste some of the above white and rosé wines. Such as, dinner at Desenzano Castle. The white and rosé wines of the Lugana and Valtenesi Consortia were both poured that evening.  

Yes, it has been awhile since this event.  Here's to the best of Italian white and rosé wine memories. I'll be happy to redo this any day. I invite you to join me in our wine travels in Italy and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing our vine-filled explorations in Italy. 

CHEERS!

Sharon 

Remembering October 2022

Desenzano del Garda, Italy 

© Spaswinefood

Off to the Castle © Spaswinefood

Italian Wines Awaits © Spaswinefood

It is time to discover Mexican wines

True most tourists flock to Puerto Vallarta for sun, beaches, and nightlife however, there is much more to explore. I have been hearing about Mexican wines for awhile now. Yes, I know most would focus on Tequila, Mexican beer, and Mezcal continues to gain in popularity. While wine in Mexico dates back to the 16th century, with the arrival of the Spanish, the modernization of wine is recent. During our travels to Puerto Vallarta we took the opportunity to check out some of the wines. Special thanks to our friends Norma and Leo for a wine tasting at Granvas, and showing us the best of local hospitality. 

Tasting Mexican Wines, Granvas, Puerto Vallarta © Spaswinefood

Tasting Mexican Wines, Granvas © Spaswinefood

Time to Discover Mexican Wines

During our recent visit to the Puerto Vallarta area we were fortunately to not only visit a wine bar serving Mexican Wines but we also tried more wines at Culis, and Bistro Bleu restaurants. 

Granvas Wine Bar © Spaswinefood

Before sharing the wines we tasted below is a brief overview of Mexico's wine regions.

Wine Regions of Mexico

Baja California is where the majority of Mexican wine is produced (80-90% depending on the source). Other Mexican wine regions are Sonora, Cohauila, Durango, Zucatecas, Aguascalientes area, and Querétaro. Baja, located just north of  30° latitude, is a region that benefits from the cooling breezes off the Pacific Ocean. Its major wine-making sub-regions include: Valle de Guadalupe, Valle de Calafia, Valle de San Vincente, and Valle de Santo Tomás. Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico's wine-making center, is where most of the wines are produced. Sonora on the northwest coast of the Mexican mainland, is the other northerly Mexican wine area. Mexico's La Laguna wine region straddles the states, Durango and Coahuila. While Durango grapes are primarily used for brandy production, Coahuila has a prized wine growing area, Valle de Parras. Valle de Parras is home to the oldest winery in North America, Casa Madero, founded in 1597. Originally planted by the Spaniards its vineyards are located at nearly 5000 feet altitude, providing a much cooler microclimate suitable than the surrounding areas, and hence ideal for wine grape growing. Central Mexico's Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato and Querétaro also produce wine.

Some have described Mexico as a melting pot of French, Spanish, and Italian grapes. Mexico is where you will from Nebbiolo to Chenin Blanc on list. Wine blends are quite popular however, recently single varietal wines are also gaining in popularity. 

What follows is my into to some Mexican wines.

Granvas Wine Bar 

Puerto Vallarta has a number of wine bars. Granvas Wine Bar is unique in that it  specializes in Mexican wine from smaller boutique wineries. When we arrived at Granvas we gathered around a table for the wine tasting.

The first two wines we tasted were from Central Mexico's San Miguel Allende in Guanajuato. 

La Santisima Trinidad, Vino Blanco Joven, San Miguel Allende, Mexico 2020

La Santisima Trinidad, Vino Blanco Joven, San Miguel Allende, Mexico 2020 © Spaswinefood

La Santisima Trinidad, Vino Blanco Joven, San Miguel Allende, Mexico 2020 © Spaswinefood

This wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Macabeo, and Moscatel. 

Barrica de Fuego, Sauvignon Blanc, San Miguel Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico 2020 

Sauvignon Blanc, San Miguel Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico 2020 © Spaswinefood

Sauvignon Blanc, San Miguel Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico 2020 © Spaswinefood

The next white wine was a Chardonnay from Baja's Valle de Guadalupe.

Espiritus Chardonnay,Valle de Guadalupe, Baja, Mexico 2021

Espiritus Chardonnay,Valle de Guadalupe, Baja, Mexico 2021 © Spaswinefood

Espiritus Chardonnay,Valle de Guadalupe, Baja, Mexico 2021 © Spaswinefood

The above three white wines were fine. Maybe, I had a slight preference for the Sauvignon Blanc.

Next, we transitioned into the red wines.

Alxima-Vino Elemental Tempranillo, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja, Mexico 2020

Alxima-Vino Elemental Tempranillo, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja, Mexico 2020 © Spaswinefood

Alxima-Vino Elemental Tempranillo, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja, Mexico 2020 © Spaswinefood

I would need to taste more Tempranillos from Valle de Guadalupe to better judge this wine.

Wine Conversations, Granvas Wine Bar © Spaswinefood

Time for Red Wines, Granvas Wine Bar © Spaswinefood

The next was a red wine blend (Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot) from Coahuila, Mexico. 

 Zapa Vino Tinto, Coahuila, Mexico 2021 © Spaswinefood

 Zapa Vino Tinto, Coahuila, Mexico 2021 © Spaswinefood

The majority of us like this Coahuila Zapa wine blend.

The next two red wine blends are from Baja.

Alxima, Alma Valle de Guadalupe, Baja, Mexico 2016

Alxima, Alma, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja, Mexico 2016 © Spaswinefood

Alxima, Alma Valle de Guadalupe, Baja, Mexico 2016 © Spaswinefood

Alxima Alma 2016 red wine is a blend of  Cabernet, Barbera, and Tempranillo.

The second Baja red wine from Valle de San Vincente was another red wine blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Niebbolo and Tempranillo). 

Espiritus Barrique Selectas,Valle de Guadalupe, Baja, Mexico 2019 

Espiritus Barrique Selectas,Valle de Guadalupe, Baja, Mexico 2019 © Spaswinefood

Espiritus Barrique Selectas,Valle de Guadalupe, Baja, Mexico 2019 © Spaswinefood

The wine tasting was not only delightful but it was accompanied by charcuterie platter.

Tasting Mexican Wines © Spaswinefood

 Taking a Closer Look at Mexican Wines © Spaswinefood

By the end of the tasting we sampled a wide range of wines and conversed with our Granvas host, Maurico Cervera.

Here's to Mexican Wines © Spaswinefood

Discover Mexican Wines© Spaswinefood

We left that day with some Zapa wines and a Pet Nat Shumi to drink during our 11th #Winelover Anniversary Celebration on Zoom.

Alximia, Shui Sauvignon Blanc, Baja, Mexico 2020

Alximia, Shui Sauvignon Blanc, Baja, Mexico 2020 © Spaswinefood

This Alxima wine was a bit hit with us on February 14th. I am glad we selected it to try. Amongst the white wines we tasted it is my top pick.

Thanks Granvas for a Great Intro © Spaswinefood

Culis Restaurant: Valentines Day

Valentines Day we ate dinner at Culis Restaurant. The Valle de Guadalupe wine we selected for dinner was:

Kumkú, Valle De Guadalupe, Baja,  Mexico 2018

Kumkú, Valle De Guadalupe, Mexico 2018 © Spaswinefood

This San Jacinto, Valle De Guadalupe 2018 Kumkú red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Franc was a hit.  

The waiter suggested we try a 2018 Baloyán Tres Tinto. 

 Casa Baloyán, Tres Tintos, Baja, Mexico 2018

Casa Baloyán, Tres Tintos, Baja, Mexico 2018 © Spaswinefood

Casa Baloyán, Tres Tintos, Baja, Mexico 2018 © Spaswinefood

This red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot was a delight. Overall both of these Baja wines hit high marks. 

By the way the restaurant makes fabulous desserts.

Happy Valentines © Spaswinefood

For us February 14th, celebrating Valentines Day 2023 and 11th Winelover Anniversary was a great day of Mexican Wines.

Vidanta's Bistro Bleu

One of our last outings was to Vidanta's Bistro Bleu.

Bistro Bleu © Spaswinefood

Here we took in the views, enjoy the food and engaged in wonderful conversations with friends.

Time for Mexican Wine, Bistro Bleu © Spaswinefood

Cava Quintanilla, Reserva Nebbiolo, San Luis Potosí, Mexico 2019

Cava Quintanilla, Reserva Nebbiolo, San Luis Potosí, Mexico 2019 © Spaswinefood

© Spaswinefood

One of the wines we had was a Central Mexico wine from Cava Quintanilla in Moctezuma, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. The Cava Quintanilla vineyards are an altitude of 1,630 meters above sea level in the Altiplano Potosino region. 

Dinner with Mexican Wine was a great way to finish our wine travels. 

The description of Mexico as a melting pot of French, Spanish, and Italian grapes, and where wine blends are quite popular, is indeed what I experienced.

Thanks for the Memories © Spaswinefood

Now is time to checkout Mexican wines. Indeed if our travels take you to Puerto Vallarta there are wine opportunities to explore. Special thanks to our friends Norma and Leo for being the most fabulous host during our visit. Hats off to Maurico Cervera, Granvas for a great introduction to Mexican Wines. I invite you to join me in our wine travels in Mexico and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. I am so looking forward to continuing future Mexican vine-filled explorations. 

CHEERS!

Sharon 

February 2023

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 

© Spaswinefood

Thanks for the Wines Memories © Spaswinefood

Here are some suggestions for further info on Mexican wines:

1. Wine Folly’s overview of Mexican wine regions: https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/an-overview-of-mexican-wine-country/

2. Wine Enthusiast Mexican Wine Regions: https://www.winemag.com/2020/08/18/mexico-best-wine-guide/

3. Valle de Guadalupe produces 80% of the wines in Mexico https://www.wine-searcher.com/regions-valle+de+guadalupe

4. Award winning wines: https://uncorkmexico.com/blog/award-winning-mexican-wines/