Wine & Vineyard Facts about Shades of Vino Summer '22 Collections
Your Wine Concierge team believes it's as equally important to enjoy the history, stories and facts about the wines that please you most, as it is to enjoy drinking the result of the passions which made them.
After all, if you truly want to be a conossiuer who has the most fun savoring and sharing your wine experiences, it will mean ripening your knowledge of what makes these wines so special.
Now, let's dig into some roots.....
Tikveš Winery
Borovo, Kavadarci, North Macedonia
THE CLUB SELECTION
Vineyard and Producer Highlights
These vineyads are considered the highest “fruit garden” in the Balkins.
Borovo is the wine named after the same municipality of it's region.
Tikves has 135 years of sustained winemaking back to the the 1800’s, stemmed from ancient practices since times of the Roman Empire.
Highly acclaimed wines evolved from vines exposed to constant freshness of mountain tops colliding with warm Agean Sea, creating a distinct continental and mediterranean environment for grapes unique to the area to produce exceptional wines.
The Tikveš wine sub-region is situated on the same longitude as Toscana in Italy, Bordeaux in France and the Napa Valley in the USA.
The Tikveš region is “protected” on three sides by mountains which prevent the northern winds from reaching the vineyards. The following types of soil prevail in the Tikves region: Rendzina, Vertisol, deluvial, alluvial soil and Terra Rosa.
The fact that the Barovo Terroir, with vineyards stretching on an area composed of different smaller land parcels with different soil and micro-climate features, enables the growing of a number of dominant varieties such as Belan, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Traminec, Temjanika, Rkaciteli, Kratosija, and Vranec a popular varietal, (Pronounced VRANash), translating to "black stallion".
Marko Stojakovic / Head Winemaker, shares: "We don’t want to interfere too much; we pay our respect to the grapevine and its fruit. On the other hand, our winemaking is very precise and is all about purity. We aim to emphasize the terroir and not mask the wine with tannins. We want to show you the gifts of the vineyards and nature itself." "… We pick every grape on our vineyards by hand. Grape by grape."
Largest and Most awarded winery in Southeastern Europe and beyond.
Radacini
Cahul, Replublic of Moldova
THE CLUB SELECTION
Vineyard and Producer Highlights
Here, generations of families have passed down winemaking techniques from one to another.
Radacini wines are is the embodiment of Moldovan soul, passion, joy and hospitality. It’s a reflection of work dedicated to our ancestors, which was transmitted to us genetically, with love for the land and deep traditions.
Surprisingly being Europe’s 11th largest producer of wine, Moldova only has only 4 regions for the production of wine products with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). They are Codru, Ștefan Vodă, Valul lui Traian and Divin.
Each region is run by an association of wine producers with PGI. All 4 PGIs are protected both in the Republic of Moldova and in the EU. The country produces primarily sweet and dry reds of distinct and beautiful flavors.
Codru region has a fragmented relief of valleys and small rivers. The oak and linden forests account for 25% of the territory, influencing the microclimate of the region. This is where we mostly grow white grape varieties that can yield unique aromatic wines with distinctive personality. as well some red with strong, flavorful character.
In the Codru zone are also the most famous cellars of Moldovan wines – Cricova is the second largest underground wine cellar in the world, Milestii Mici is the world's largest wine cellar and is in the Guinness World Records for its 1.5 million bottles are believed to be the largest collection of quality wines in the world.
RĂDĂCINI wines are unique in that they are produced from a skillful team of winemakers in collaboration with one another, representing the core belief that a good wine is a wine that speaks for itself.
Gai'a Vineyards
Agean Islands, Nemea, Greece
PREMIER CLUB SELECTION
Vineyard and Producer Highlights
The Ammonite symbol, the fossil of the Aegean Sea.
Ammonites are associated with ancient knowledge. They're deeply sacred in Greek tradition, and are symbols of change and positive motion.
Gai'a Wines was founded in 1994 by Yiannis Paraskevopoulos, Agriculturist from AUT and PhD in Enology from the University of Bordeaux III, and Leon Karatsalos Agriculturist from AUT.
Both founders are examples of the Greek mindset of traveling and of gaining knowledge and experience, characteristics which are transformed into their wines, aiming to offer all wine lovers worldwide, the best possible result, each in their own unique way:
Gai’a produces wines from two vineyard sites. One on the Island of Santorini, the other, Nemea.
Santorini is a unique area known worldwide for its complex ecosystem. The rare white wines made from the indigenous variety of Assyrtiko owe their uniqueness to the volcanic and porous soil of the island.
Nemea is Gai’a homeland. The winery was built in 1997 at the heart of the private vineyard in Koutsi, Nemea, at an altitude of 550m. We strongly believe that Agiorgitiko grapes cultivated in Koutsi have higher quality than the rest zone of Nemea and are ideal for producing high-extract and oak-aged wines.
With the mark of Ammonites, with tradition and innovation by our side, with respect for origins and with passion as our guide, we explore the 2 most promising Greek varieties, Assyrtiko and Agiorgitiko and all of their abilities. Our aim every year, is for greater pleasure and a more intense experience.
The Tapiz Winery
San Pablo I.G., Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
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Vineyard and Producer Highlights
At the foothills of the Andes, mountains, The Tapiz Winery, located in the San Pablo I.G. in Mendoza’s Uco Valley, has one of the highest vineyards in Mendoza at 4,600 feet above sea level.
Under the ownership and vision of Patricia Ortiz, Tapiz is a pioneer in the region and helped develop San Pablo into one of Argentina’s most renowned IGs.
A vocal advocate for sustainability, inclusion and social responsibility, she’s also president of Bodegas de Argentina, becoming the first female to take on the role in 2019, and a member of Wines of Argentina’s board of directors.
Patricia is the Argentine Director of the Wine in Moderation program and among Argentina’s leading female figures. Patricia is also owner of Tapiz, Zolo and Wapisa Wineries.
Ortiz bought her first vineyards following a visit to Mendoza in the early 1990s. Then, in 1993, she was able to buy a former Kendall Jackson winery, lived many years in the U.S., speaks fluent English and is one of Mendoza's top ambassadors to the world.
She is a nephrologist, and avid art collector, combining her artistic talents and scientific approaches into winemaking excellence.
Patricia focused her efforts on creating sustainable winemaking and brought in a world class team to collaborate with.
Tapiz is a Wine and Spirits Top 100 Winery;
The highly rated wines of Tapiz are made by the celebrated winemaking team of Fabian Valenzuela and famed Bordeaux winemaker Jean Claude Berrouet (winemaker of Petrus for 44 vintages).
Benefiting from the extremes of altitude, temperature, and soil heterogeneity, their wines are a beautiful tapiz (meaning tapestry) of terroir and innovation.
This special geographical location, due to its bio-climatic characteristics, makes it a unique place, different from the rest of the wine world.
"Our mission is to produce wines and oils of the highest quality, respecting the environment and preserving the cultural values that make and will make the identity of the terroir expressed in our products. The wine lover is our inspiration."
Estate grown, sustainably farmed and family owned.
Red Tail Ridge Vineyard & Winery
THE CLUB & PREMIER CLUB SELECTIONS
Vineyard and Producer Highlights
Red Tail Ridge was born out of a necessity to progress; to envision what's possible, and then try! A philosophy Nancy Irelan and Mike Schnelle, husband and wife, owner-partners and winemaker team build from every day.
With a climate similar to the cool climate regions in Europe. The Finger Lakes region is home to a growing, influential wine scene that capitalizes on its unique environment and climate. it provides us with an uncommon toolbox, which makes our wines distinct.
Nancy has been in the wine industry for over 35 years.
Her career path includes a decade at E&J Gallo as VP of Viticulture & Enology R&D, a PhD in grape genetics in the UC-Davis Viticulture and Enology Depart, along with various consulting gigs. After years of large volume production and mass appeal, Red Tail Ridge is a personal journey of introspection for Nancy.
'Over the last 10 years, through local and national partnerships, we have provided 10% of our sales from one of our best sellers "Good Karma," to support hunger within our region and the USA.'
Mike is the vineyardist and partner at RTR. you might say he took the road less traveled on his journey to the Finger Lakes. He spent time in heavy equipment construction during his younger days. After meeting up with Nancy and moving to California, he ended up going back to school and getting his MBA in Finance.
Winegrowing is yet another evolution for Mike. With a few short courses in viticulture, and a brewing certification from UC-Davis, Mike basically packed up the two dogs and his belongings and moved to the FLX to start Red Tail Ridge. Nancy joined him a year or so later.
"Back in 2005, Michael and I were clearing the land for our first plantings. We were picking rocks and loading them in the trailer behind the tractor. We’d been discussing what to name the property for weeks. Nothing really seemed to truly fit. We were chatting about this across the trailer bed, as we lobbed the rocks into the bed. We weren’t that far apart, but it was getting progressively harder to hear each. Finally, it got so loud we were flat-out yelling at each other. Simultaneously we stopped and looked up. Flying low over our heads were two redtail hawks…screeching and circling over the freshly cleared land. They were hunting. Turns out that, when we cleared the land, the property became a premium hunting ground for varmints and critters. It has been a mutually beneficial relationship ever since."
OSMOSIS Wines
THE CLUB SELECTION
Vineyard and Producer Highlights
Osmosis, a new brand by Vino del Sol and co-winemaker Martina Galeano, is a “better-for-you” wine.
Launched July 2021, Osmosis begins with a sauvignon blanc, their naturally dry, zero sugar wine with an essence of sweetness due to flavors imparted from later harvest.
Osmosis Wines are low alcohol, zero sugar, low calorie and created with sustainably farmed grapes from vineyards in Argentina in Alto Agrelo Mendoza. The high altitudes here aid in their process to maintain acidity and flavor concentration while maintain fullness of body even after the majority alcohol is removed.
The company adds, “Our pneumatic press uses a special nitrogen component to capture and enhance the fruit flavors and aromatics.” Each harvest is fermented in separate tanks, then blended together for the perfect balance and aged on the lees for extra body.
Taking three days to strategically hand pick and double sort their grapes to allow for a richer flavor complexity while maintaining crispness, acidity and tropical notes is the goal, by keeping the wine juice in stainless steel tanks throughout the year and bottle on demand to sustain flavor and freshness.
Decreased alcohol. Light on calories. Full of taste. OSMOSIS®️, DeLIGHTFul WINES.
Boya Wine Estate
Ledya Valley Coast, Chile
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Vineyard and Producer Highlights
Boya - New World style made from grapes grown on seaside vineyards
Boya was created by the Garcés Silva family, pioneers of the coastal Leyda Valley in Chile.
Matias Garcés Silva, owner along with Diego Rivera, the winemaker, work hard to produce the best quality wines, which begins long before planting.
Matias believes in making a thorough study of soils, then planting the right varieties for each type of soil. The best plants are selected and with the best technical team, the best wine is made in a gravity-fed winery that preserves the character of the vineyards.
The wine decants by gravity, a winemaking practice that preserves its aromatic potential and natural structure.
Boya in Spanish means “buoy” – an appropriate name for a wine coming from vineyard blocks that overlook the Pacific Ocean on the coastline in Leyda Valley, Chile.
All Boya wines are certified sustainable through Wines of Chile Sustainability Code.
Press Scores
2020 Boya Sauvignon Blanc | 91 pts Vinous, 91 pts Deschorchados
2019 Boya Pinot Noir | 91 pts Tim Atkin
Mondonaldo Family Vineyards
THE CLUB & PREMIER CLUB SELECTIONS
Highlights
Vineyard and Producer Specifics
Ridgeview Estate Vineyard
Sussex, England
PREMIER CLUB SELECTION
Vineyard and Producer Highlights
THe home of English Sparkling wine for more than 25 years.
We are a second-generation family business.
Our founder Mike Roberts MBE was recognised a pioneer in the English Sparkling wine industry. Passing the business down to his children Tamara Roberts, CEO and Simon Roberts, Head Wine Maker, in 2013 his legacy continues to thrive.
We established our home in 1995 in rural Sussex on the edge of the beautiful South Downs.
We were one of the first wineries in England to focus solely on the production of sparkling wines from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grape varieties. With meticulous attention to detail and expertise in cool climate viticulture, and producing fruit of excellent ripeness and wonderful natural acidity – perfect for sparkling wine.
Across the Ridgeview Estate, we are dedicated to three pillars of sustainable practice – people, the environment and economics.
We audit our business against industry benchmarks and have invested in initiatives such as our waste treatment, Bio-Bubble, cover crop bio-diversity and solar power.
Responsible for putting English sparkling wines on the global stage, Ridgeview has been awarded multiple international awards and accolades and helped pave the way for a thriving industry.
Bodegas El Capricho
El Carmen, Uruguay
THE CLUB SELECTION
Vineyard and Producer Highlights
El Capricho has built a legacy from the humble determinimation of a boy, and a search for the perfect oxen for his family, amongst the vines.
Producing both meats and wine, this hidden gem brings us of flavor, juice and soul.
The history of El Capricho begins at the beginning of the 20th century, when Segundo Gordón, José's grandfather, opens a winery in a cave that he himself dug on the land of Jiménez de Jamuz where he can practice his passion: winemaking. They still have gatherings in this cave today as a homage to their roots.
The family’s combined passions, research, education and never ending learning about the joy of meat and wine, have brought us a restaurant, meat and wine producer that is constantly expanding beyond the glass and table.
They have built not just a winery and sustainable livestock farming ranch, but created a project to bring respect for the past, the environment and the authenticity of flavor from the region, sharing the fruits of the earth with others, with a focus to prevent ancestral races with which we work from ending up disappearing.
Wines are hand crafted, recovering generations of farmland.
KITA Wines
Santa Ynez Valley, California
THE CLUB SELECTION
Vineyard and Producer Highlights
Founded in 2010, Kitá Wines is a small, premium winery located in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley within the Santa Barbara County AVA (American Viticultural Area).
The word "Kitá" means "Our Valley Oak" in the Santa Ynez Chumash native language of Samala.
KITA's focus is on respecting the balance of soil, climate, location and taste. All of the wines have been harvested by hand, based on a balance of chemistry and taste to preserve the highest quality. Our wines are produced in small batches aiming to have minimal manipulation and maximizing varietal characteristics.
From the first time that she stepped into a winery as a child, Tara Gomez has loved winemaking. With the help of a scholarship from her tribe, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Tara attended California State University Fresno where she studied Enology. While still a student, Tara gained hands on experience during an internship at Fess Parker Winery. She graduated as one of two women with a Bachelor of Science in Enology in 1998.
Moving from Fess Parker to J. Lohr Vineyards for 9 years as Enologist/Lab Manager, Tara traveled and learned to polish her skills between old and new world.
In 2010, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians purchased the Camp 4 Vineyard and Tara’s dream of giving back to her tribe came true when she was hired on as Winemaker.
The vineyard’s name, Camp 4, refers to the land being the fourth stop on a passage from San Francisco to Yuma, Arizona, during the stagecoach days.
The vineyard is home to 19 varietals focusing on Rhone and Bordeaux grapes and provides an ideal microclimate for these varietals with a long growing season and maximum flavor development.
“Growing wine grapes is truly a partnership with Mother Earth. It is about finding that connection to the land, soil and climate. It’s not only about taking what we need, but by giving back in sustainable ways so that we can preserve the land for the longevity of our future generations.” –Tara Gomez, Winemaker
We are excited to see what special wines Tara shares with us in her future projects.
Bosman Family Vineyards
Western Cape, Wellington, South Africa
PREMIER CLUB SELECTION
Vineyard and Producer Highlights
The Bosman Family have been vine growers for 8 generations.
Dating back to the late 1700’s, they began winemaking and have grown to one of the most influential vine nurseries in South Africa.
The first Bosman arrived at the Cape of Good Hope in 1707 and began work as a caregiver. Combined with his family’s beliefs began a tradition of care, displayed in their family crest;“Fatih, Hope and Love”, which is a maintained focus in their efforts towards winemaking and contribution to their surrounding community.
Bosman is pomoted to Natural progression of innovation and sustainability from the land to the bottle.
The Bosman family are not only wine producers but they also built and maintain the areas only Plant Improvement Facility, which plays a primary role in providing, new healthy vines and a vine nursery which supplies “stokkies” (grafted cuttings) to growers throughout the country.
They invest in the people and their potential, focussing on building a cohesive, sustainable community so that all may thrive and collectively create a valuable legacy providing work year round, from the cellar and production, to vineyards, growers and farmers.
Weingut Carl Ehrhard
Rheingau, Germany
THE CLUB SELECTION
Vineyard and Producer Highlights
The 5th Generation family owned Winery in the famous Rheingau region is the only winery in Germany to be twice awarded, "Rising Star of the Year".
Owner-partners Carl and Petra Ehrhard own and manage ten acres of old vines sitting on some of the best grounds in Rüdhesheim and tend to them with intense detail.
The 7 hectares of Riesling & Spätburgunder grapes are hand-picked and selected several times. In the 130-year-old vaulted cellar, each vineyard receives individually in its own barrel the TIME for its decelerated development.
This natural ripening process is aimed at wines of the highest quality with the longevity and elegance that once gave Riesling its international reputation. With us, each vintage can and should stand out for itself and surprise again and again!
Rüdesheim vineyard sites such as berg Rottland, Berg Roseneck, Bischofberger, Klosterboer and Klosterlay are among the best Riesling & pinot noir sites in the Rheingau.
Sekt is Germany’s term for sparkling wine.
Spätburgunder is the German term for Pinot Noir.
Our wines are individualists, that reflect their very special terroir!
Bodegas Magnus
Tarija, Bolivia
THE CLUB SELECTION
Vineyard and Producer Highlights
Self Made Bolivian winemaker Liz Zambra makes boutique, limited production wines with her family.
The Bodegas Magnus house is a blended winemaking family that built a legacy almost 100 years ago.
Liz’s family, the Zambrano Hoyas, has a history of winemaking dating back to Vinos y Singanis Santa Rosa, in the Valle de La Concepción. Her husband Ernesto Magnus' family began their winemaking at the foot of the church with the mythical Ceibo tree as their inspiration to live out a dream. They built a house in 1814, through the perils of war, tribulation and this is where their beloved Tarija was born. They carry on this tradition today.
Minority, female owner/winemaker blending technology and traditional with history to showcase the regions truest potential for wine.
Respectful agricultural practices
Tarija Valley, ideal individual microclimates for vines.
Highly acclaimed, well rated and consistent quality.
Seis Soles Wine Co.
Lodi, California
THE CLUB & PREMIER CLUB SELECTIONS
Vineyard and Producer Highlights
Seis Soles is creating TRADITIONAL WINES DESIGNED FOR THE MODERN PALATE.
My parents immigrated from central México where the Aztecs believed the world had been created and destroyed in four cycles, giving way to life under the fifth sun. Seis Soles, the sixth sun, represents the growth of our generation's culture and values.
Every person, regardless of their skin color, belief system or geographic location, lives under the 6th Sun. Seis Soles respects tradition but strives to promote the new. A new understanding of how we all are in this together, promoting a healthy planet and a new way to think about wine.
Drawing from my experience I have created four wines that express my winemaking sensibilities. Important to me is the transparency of flavors, and the way wine fits into our lives. For this reason, my wines are very expressive, they’re both lively and balanced and offer a wide range of appeal.
Seis Soles Wines are made to be enjoyed with a meal and as an accompaniment to life.
“I’ve crafted these wines by hand from vineyard to the bottle. I’ve always been drawn to balanced wines that pair well with food, wines made by hand from good, honest winemaking. I’ve had the privilege of learning from some extraordinary winemakers over the years. It is my pleasure to share with you a new take on tradition. ”
--Chris Rivera, Founder, Winemaker