In lieu of our normal monthly newsletter, given our home base in Northern California, we at Charles Communications Associates, representing wineries from our own backyard and around the world, dedicate this missive to those affected by the Northern California fires of October 2017
The Napa Valley has recently taken a lot of heat – both literally, due to the serious temperature spike that hit the valley earlier this month, as well as figuratively from those who think the aberrant fluctuation spelled doom for the entire region’s harvest. The media has been eager to report this story, which we can all understand – what’s sexier than a potential climate change story about America’s most recognized wine region? Fortunately for the consumer, cooler heads prevail for those of us on the ground, and I wanted to share the perspective from someone who has been around the vineyard block.
Meet Faith Armstrong, the winemaker behind Onward and Farmstrong wines. As refreshing as the Pétillant Naturel she makes of Malvasia Bianca, many of the words used to describe Faith's wine could be used to describe the winemaker herself. Honest, vibrant, unfiltered, true to her origins, bright, complex.
Each vintage has its own story, its own qualities and sometimes, its own flaws. Even so, the 2016 vintage for the region of Beaujolais (especially the Beaujolais and Beaujolais Villages appellations which we’ve been tasting since they were first pressed) are simply incredible. Read on for more insight on what to expect from this exceptional vintage.
Imagine the discovery of beer and the brave soul who dared put this foamy libation to their lips for the first time. It certainly would have seemed a kind of witchcraft. But in today's highly technical world of male dominated brewing, it might come as a shock to learn that traditionally, brewers were women. In fact, it is women's role in brewing history that has shaped many of the tropes around the modern concept of the 'witch.' In anticipation of Halloween, CCA explores the rich history of female brewers and the folkloric superstition that labeled these women as 'witches' in the first place.
The technology surrounding wine fermentation has evolved tremendously over the 8000 years that humans have been making this prized libation, and yet last year's fall fad was all about amphorae. While the amphorae conjures romantic images of rustic Italian villages and Rome's vinous past, does the vessel really make the difference? Brian Terrizzi of Broadside Wines speaks to his experience of earthenware winemaking and his spirit of experimentation.
The gallica rose (rosa gallica) goes by many names – the apothecary’s rose, the crimson damask, the red rose of Lancaster – but a rose by any other name would not smell as sweet as this prized specimen. This particular species has been revered throughout history for its fragrance, a fragrance that also inspired the label of Rosemary Cakebread's elegant Gallica wines. This week on All the Swirl, CCA explores the history of this alluring flower, as well as the parallels between the study of perfume and wine.
