Hidden Hidden Treasures Treasures
Well, its a bit ill-applied to cite the name Ceretto on our Hidden Treasures feature After all, the Ceretto family has made wine in Piedmont for almost a century, and for the last 40 years at a very high level with accompanying accolades. And Ceretto was among participants to embrace the Arneis grape, which was all but extinct in the 1960’s when two other noted Piedmont producers began propagating the vines and producing Arneis as a varietal Like any other varietal in the world of wine, there are producers who make half-hearted efforts, and those whose wines really shine Of course, we think Ceretto’s Arneis ‘Blangé’ is in the latter group.
Prior to its ‘resurrection’, Arneis was used mostly in non-descript bianco wines. In the Roero are (where it does well) it was referred to as ‘Barolo bianco’, and we’ve been led to believe it might have actually found its way into some old Barolo bottlings. Its challenge is that it is a low acid variety, so if picked just a bit late, the wines are flabby and dull Though Ceretto knows when to pick, they also know the hack that if a wine has a bit of effervescence, it fools the palate into thinking its brighter and fresher. So the Blangé indeed has a little prickle to it (though by no means sparkling or effervescent). The result is an absolutely delicious wine that is ultra food-friendly and eminently drinkable. PS it has a unique and gorgeous package to boot Do yourself a favor and grab a bottle and DRINK it!
hidden Treasures
What's New Thoughts & observations
quotation of the Month:
“With wine and hope, anything is possible ” Spanish proverb
Between The Wines Between The Wines
aapril pril 22024 024
Seaglass Non ALc
‘If memory serves, Seaglass wine was launched around 2009 and was presented as a one sku brand a Santa Barbara Riesling in a blue bottle. It was an instant success because not only was it delicious it was a super value As these things work, its success was too good an opportunity to pass up, so… a ‘line extension' was born (Sauvignon Blanc we recall), it too was delicious and a value. Next was of course Chardonnay. Then Pinot Grigio. Then the reds: Cabernet & Pinot Noir. ALL are really good values frankly Indeed, Seaglass was awarded ‘Wine Brand of the Year’ for 2023 by Market Watch magazine.
But this feature is called ‘What’s New?’ and Seaglass has something new: Seaglass NA Alcohol Removed. The same winemaker Christine Morrison, who has been working on Seaglass wines for more than a decade is the one crafted these wines.
We have written much about the zero proof trend for spirits and wines, so this new release is well-timed. Note that the parent company of Seaglass-Trinchero has been producing dealcoholized wines since before it was cool. Their Luminara brand is one of the best out there Note that these are de-alcoholized wines, not a bunch of botanicals and juice meant to taste like wine there’s a difference.
If you’ve not jumped into the Zero Proof category yet, you’re leaving money on the table!
.
.
Thoughts & Thoughts & Observations Observations
We Heart Detroit
Though Detroit is just one city in our great state, its an important city to the State’s fiscal health and national image, especially when one includes the other communities that comprise ‘Metro Detroit’. The city’s challenges are longstanding, but as we’ve watched first-hand the city’s bankruptcy and financial woes are mostly in the rearview mirror.
Though the city’s population numbers are around flat, the downtown core is booming. New buildings and renovations are continuing at a rapid pace: the massive Brush Park development is mostly complete now and almost completely occupied; the soon to be completed 50 story building on the old Hudon’s site; the beautifully restored Book Tower and its wonderful food & beverage options; a new building on the river is rapidly filling up with rents up to $10,000 a month; and there is a pretty firm rumor out there that we are about to land a 600 room J.W. Marriott Hotel.
Now add in the recent mania and attendance for the new & improved Detroit Lions, hosting a portion of the ‘Sweet 16’ rounds for the NCAA Men’s basketball tournament, and last but not least, Detroit getting the honor of hosting the NFL Draft Week later this month when approximately 350,000 fans will descend upon the city. All good for the city, good for the area, great for our great state!
Between The Wines Between The Wines aapril pril 22024 024