Behind the Cork™ - Domaine Bousquet Organic Rosé

2023 Domaine Bousquet Organic Rosé ($13)

Domaine Bousquet´s Organic varietal series comprises a blend of estate and purchased organic fruit from the Uco Valley in the high Andean foothills of Argentina.

The grapes benefit from huge day/night temperature swings, achieving ripeness while retaining the juiciness. The wines are produced with a French sensibility and un-oaked to let the fruit shine through.

The grapes, sourced from the Uco Valley, are harvested early in the morning to preserve the freshness of the fruit. They are then fermented in stainless steel with selected yeasts at a maximum temperature of 26°C/78.8°F for 10 days.

This rosé is produced from organic grapes consisting of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Syrah, 10% Pinto Grigio and 10% Viognier. It is pale salmon in color, with delicate red fruit and floral aromas. On the palate it has flavors of soft red fruits that are enhanced by the Syrah, some citrus as well as sweet fruit flavors without being a sweet wine. This rosé has nice acidity and finishes soft. [ABV: 12.5%, RS: 1.27 g/L, pH: 3.28, Acidity: 5.62 g/L]

This Domaine Bousquet Organic Rosé is a delightful sipper on a hot summer day, and a great value too! That makes it a great fit as this week’s 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.

Media Sample Provided by Domaine Bousquet

It’s Veraison Time in the Vineyards!

Image by Photo by Kelsey Caroline on Pexels.com

The grape growing cycle is currently at the point where berries (the actual term for individual grapes) begin to turn color. This marks the point at which the grape vines move from berry growth to berry ripening.

The term for this stage is called Veraison (vuh-rey-zhun). And this means that there is now approximately 45 days until the beginning of harvest.

While veraison is most obvious on red wine grapes, white grapes also go through veraison. While their color change isn't as dramatic as the reds, they do change from green to a more yellow or golden green. 

Veraison marks the point where the grapes stop growing in size. But, it's also when the sugar content of the grapes increases significantly. And, the acid begins to decline.

So, winemakers are now very closely watching and testing the grapes to find the point where the sugar content and acidity are just right for the particular wine they are trying to produce.

It's an exciting time in the vineyard and harvest is just around the corner! Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Corvezzo Prosecco DOC Rosé

Corvezzo Prosecco DOC Extra Dry Rosé ($13)

Corvezzo (“kor-VETZ-zoh”) is the leading name in organically grown, vegan wines from northeast Italy’s Veneto region.

Family-owned and run, Corvezzo has the largest acreage in Italy of certified organic Glera and Pinot Grigio grapes. 

Giovanni Corvezzo, owner/winemaker, believes organic farming gives his wines better balance.  According to Giovanni, his wines have not only adapted to organic farming, they have also thrived, becoming stronger, with better balance and producing higher quality fruit.

Corvezzo Prosecco Rosé is made with organic & vegan grapes consisting of 85% Glera and 15% Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir). It is produced via the Charmant Method with Fermentation lasting 60 days.

This Corvezzo Prosecco Rosé is pale salmon in color. On the nose it has very delicate fruit aromas of melon, strawberry, raspberry and floral notes. On the palate this Prosecco is light-bodied with citrus notes of grapefruit and strawberry, good acidity and finishes dusty dry. [ABV: 11.5, RS: 12 g/L]

Corvezzo Prosecco Rosé is certified fully organic in Europe, covering both viticulture and production in the winery. But, because of a difference in regulations, U.S. labels state that it is “Made with organic & vegan grapes.” Regardless, this Corvezzo Prosecco Rosé is light and tasty and perfect for sipping during these warm summer months. And, it this week’s 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.

Media Sample Provided by Corvezzo

How Prosecco is Made

Here's an overview of how Prosecco is made:

1. Harvesting

  • Grapes: The primary grape used is Glera, though other varieties like Verdiso, Perera, and Bianchetta can be blended in small quantities.

  • Timing: Grapes are usually harvested early to retain their acidity, which is crucial for sparkling wines.

2. Pressing

  • Destemming and Crushing: The harvested grapes are destemmed and gently crushed to extract the juice.

  • Must: The juice, known as must, is then clarified to remove any solids.

3. Fermentation

  • First Fermentation: The clarified must undergoes the first fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. This process converts the grape sugars into alcohol and results in a still wine.

  • Base Wine: The result of the first fermentation is a base wine, which is then filtered and stabilized.

4. Secondary Fermentation (Charmat Method)

  • Tank Fermentation: The base wine is transferred to a pressurized tank. Sugar and yeast are added to initiate the second fermentation.

  • Carbonation: During this fermentation, carbon dioxide is produced, which dissolves into the wine, creating bubbles.

  • Temperature Control: The temperature is carefully controlled to ensure the process is slow and steady, enhancing the wine's flavor and aroma profile.

5. Filtration and Bottling

  • Filtration: After the secondary fermentation, the wine is filtered to remove the yeast sediment.

  • Bottling: The filtered sparkling wine is then bottled under pressure to retain the carbonation.

6. Aging

  • Resting: Prosecco typically does not require long aging. It is usually ready to be enjoyed soon after bottling, although some premium versions may benefit from a short period of aging.

Behind the Cork™ - Fiol Rosé Prosecco

Fiol Rosé Prosecco ($22)

FIOL(FEE-yol) Prosecco DOC Rosé is a new Prosecco that launched in the U.S. just in time for summer!

More than just another Prosecco, FIOL Prosecco DOC Rosé is a sophisticated, distinctive Prosecco with a big personality. Their goal was to produce Prosecco in the authentic style, from the original Prosecco heartland in Treviso, before Prosecco became trendy. A Prosecco that goes back to its roots, reminding us all why Prosecco went on to take center stage in sparkling wines and why everyone has fallen in love with it.

 Behind FIOL are childhood friends Gian Luca Passi and Giovanni Ciani Bassetti, whose families have lived and farmed in the Prosecco heartland of Treviso for generations.

FIOL Prosecco DOC Rosé is produced using the Charmat Method, in Stainless Steel tanks, to preserve the fresh and vibrant flavors using 85% Glera and 15% Pinot Noir grapes that are fermented for a minimum of 60 days.

This FIOL Prosecco is a beautiful pale salmon color with subtle aromas of strawberry and raspberry from the Pinot Noir that go nicely with the lemon and white flower aromas of the Glera. On the palate, this Prosecco also has delicate notes of the strawberry along with the light bubbles and crisp acidity. [ABV: 11%, RS: 13 g/l]

This FIOL Prosecco Rosé is great as an aperitif, along with everyday meals or a real treat for special occasions. And, at this price, is a great value! That makes it the perfect fit as this week’s 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.

Media Sample Provided by Fiol Prosecco DOC