Behind the Cork™ - Josh Cellars Prosecco

Josh Prosecco

Many years ago, Josh Cellars founder Joseph Carr worked at a winery in Italy, falling in love with the country and with Italian wines. These sparkling wines are the first from Josh Cellars. They were created in 2019 in partnership with the Pozzi Family - a small family wine producer in Italy - as a ode to this their beautiful country.

Josh Prosecco ($14.99)

The grapes for this sparkling wine are from vineyards between Conegliano Veneto and Valdobbiadene in the Prosecco DOC appellation. The grapes were pressed immediately following harvest to extract maximum flavor. The juice was then fermented twice in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and produce the carbonation. On the nose, this Prosecco has hints of green apples, pear and citrus. On the palate it is lightly effervescent with refreshing acidity and a very light touch of sweetness.

Josh Prosecco Rosé ($14.99)

The grapes for this sparkling rosé are also from vineyards between Conegliano Veneto and Valdobbiadene in the Prosecco DOC appellation. The grapes include Glera and Pinot Noir. After pressing, the juice is kept in contact with the Pinot Noir skins for a short time to give it the beautiful rosé color. Again, this Prosecco Rosé is fermented twice. On the nose it has delicate aromas while on the palate it has nice notes of cherry and berry, refreshing acidity and a wonderful light touch of sweetness on the finish.

Both of these Josh Prosecco sparkling wines are available on-line from Josh Cellars as well as nationwide on Drizly, Total Wine and more. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Samples Provided by Josh Cellars

Behind the Cork™ - Vilarnau Organic Cavas

Vilarnau Cava

These two wonderful Cavas are from Vilarnau in Spain. And, they are made with organic grapes!

The winery is a small, artisanal, hand crafted Cava house located outside of Barcelona that dates back to 1949. Made in the traditional méthode champenoise, the Vilarnau bottles honor their Catalan roots with wrapping that reflects the beautiful avant-­garde imagery of Antoni Gaudí.

  • Vilarnau Brut Reserva NV ($14.99) This Brut Cava is made from three varietals: 50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada, 15% Xarel.lo. They are each made separately. The first fermentation for each varietal takes place over 30 days before being blended. The second fermentation occurs the traditional way, in the bottle, where the yeast turns the wines in to Cava with its characteristic bubbles. It is classified as a "Reserva" because it was aged for more than 15 months in the bottle.

  • Vilarnau Brut Reserva Rosé NV ($15.99) This rosé Cava is produced from 85% Garnacha and 15% Pinot Noir. They are fermented separately in stainless steel tanks for 30 days. They are then blended and bottled to start the second fermentation which takes about six weeks. It then stays in contact with the yeast for at least 15 months in the bottle during the aging process which qualifies this Cava as a “Reserva.” It has delicate flavors of ripe strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. It’s smooth, creamy and refreshing. This bottle is always a strong favorite when served!

Vilarnau cavas are imported by González Byass USA and are distributed nationally. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Samples Provided by González Byass

Behind the Cork™ - Levendi Sweetwater Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

2018 Levendi Sweetwater Napa Cabernet Sauvignon ($60)

According to Lavendi Winery, “The Mediterranean cultures know how to celebrate. A good meal and a good wine seem reason enough to call together the people that matter most. And that's how the Levendi legacy began—around the family table with laughter and a wish to produce something special and unique. We think that spirit is reflected throughout the vineyards, winery and within each bottle—a testament to our family and founders.”

This Sweetwater Cabernet Sauvignon is deep ruby in color with very delicate dark fruit aromas. This wine is full-bodied with rich dark fruit flavors, medium oak flavors, firm tannin and a rich finish that is long-lasting.

Levendi states “We live in the vineyards. We know our vines. We hand-harvest our grapes. And we're committed to producing intriguing wines from using primarily French oak barrels.”

This Levendi Sweetwater Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is a great find. It’s available directly from Levendi Winery and can also be found at Total Wine. At this price for a Napa Cab, it’s a super fit as the Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Levendi Winery

Behind the Cork™ - Ron Rubin Winery: Pam's Un-Oaked Cabernet

2021 Ron Rubin Pam’s Un-Oaked Cabernet ($16)

Ron Rubin, who produces wines under the ‘Ron Rubin Wines’ brand and the ‘River Roads Wines’ brand, has been married to his wife Pam for 48 years! And, this wine is a tribute to Pam who is no fan of oaky wines, red or white!

The new Un-oaked Cabernet joins existing fan favorite, Pam’s Un-Oaked Chardonnay.

Ron Rubin summed it up best when he explained “An unoaked Cabernet Sauvignon is a relative rarity…” (Wine Business Nov 8, 2022). Indeed, it is!

Pam’s Un-Oaked Cabernet is produced from family owned vineyards in Clarksburg and Lodi.

The grapes were de-stemmed into stainless steel fermentation tanks and cold fermented to retain freshness and aromatic intensity. Aging was also done in 100% stainless steel tanks.

This Pam’s Un-Oaked Cabernet is medium ruby in color with aromas of cherry, raspberry and cranberry. On the palate it is light-bodied and fruity, with a touch of sweetness to go with the red cherry and cranberry flavors. It finishes with a bit of sweet-tart fruitiness.

This is not your typical Cabernet and, apparently, just what Pam wanted! So, if you enjoy a light-bodied wine with bright red fruit flavors and some sweetness, this Pam’s Un-Oaked Cabernet is for you! Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Ron Rubin Winery via Creative Palate Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Ron Rubin Winery: Pam's Un-Oaked Chardonnay

2021 Ron Rubin Pam’s Un-Oaked Chardonnay ($14)

Ron Rubin, who produces wines under the ‘Ron Rubin Wines’ brand and the ‘River Roads Wines’ brand, has been married to his wife Pam for 48 years! And, this wine is a tribute to Pam who is no fan of oaky wines, red or white!

Pam’s Un-Oaked Chardonnay is produced from family owned vineyards in Clarksburg and Lodi. These regions are well known for their sustainable ethics and Mediterranean climates. Like southern France, these regions can bring out a beautiful ripeness in the grapes, while maintaining fresh acidity.

Pam’s Un-Oaked Chardonnay is fermented and aged only in stainless steel tanks. It is medium gold in color with aromas of citrus, tropical fruit, pear and apple. On the palate it is smooth and creamy (I suspect it underwent Malolactic conversion during fermentation) with a rich flavor of baked pear.

If you are not a fan of oaked Chardonnay, this wine is for you! And, if you enjoy an oaked Chardonnay, I think you’ll enjoy this one too. It’s a great wine at an affordable price that fits right in as the Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Ron Rubin Winery via Creative Palate Communications