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Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Guided Tasting led by Antonio Gallon with Marina Nordic of IEEM USA – Wine Review

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Master Class & Guided Tasting “The History Teller” led by Antonio Galloni, hosted by the Consorzio and Marina Nordic of IEEM USA.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has a long history and tradition of producing memorable bottles, so today should be a phenomenal event..

As expected, the room was crowded with curious and distinguished palettes.  Sommeliers, wine educators, wine critics, wine journalists, importers.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Region

The event featured Andrea Rossi, President of the Consorzio del Vino Nobile di Montepulcino and Antonio Galloni, Wine Critic & Founder of Vinous, who led the tasting.  

Andrea Rossi, President of the Consorzio del Vino Nobile di Montepulcino

Andrea Rossi, President of the Consorzio del Vino Nobile di Montepulcino

Rossi spoke about the Consorzio and Montepulciano while Galloni explained the Vino Noble di Montepulciano region with intrigue and excitement

The Vino Nobile production zone is positioned between Val di Chiana and Val d’Orcia at altitudes from 820 and 1900 feet. 

Antonio Galloni, Wine Critic & Founder of Vinous, led the tasting.  

Antonio Galloni, Wine Critic & Founder of Vinous, led the tasting.

The climate is influenced by nearby Trasimeno Lake, its soils composed of marine fossils, sandstone, salt rich clay and precious silt deposits.

The Sangiovese grape is locally called Prugnolo Gentile. Within their local Producer community, it’s name is mostly interchangeable. 

Montepulciano in Tuscany is the center for Vino Nobile’s vinification efforts where both vinification and aging takes place and are supervised  in the municipal area.

Vino Nobile is aged for a minimum of two years, including one year  in oak barrels;  and  three years total in order to earn the title Riserva.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Tasting

There were 11 wines tasted in total.  

“Alboreto”  Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2020

“Alboreto”  Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2020

“Alboreto”  Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2020

From Fattoria della Talosa made from 100% Sangiovese. 

The vineyard is at 350-400 meters above sea level.  After a careful selection of grapes, from the last week of September to the first week of October, the fermentation time is about 15-20 days. 

Then malolactic fermentation is in stainless steel. The maturation is for 2 years in big barrels and stainless steel for another 2 months. The finished wine continues to be aged in bottle before release. An easy drinking win, hints of plum, blackberries, a kiss of strawberry and pepper. An excellent start to the day.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2020 docg from Dei

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2020 docg from Dei

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2020 docg from Dei

Made from 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo. 

The soil is mostly clay with sand (tuff) and the vineyard is at 300 meters above sea level. Soft pressing of the grapes followed by spontaneous fermentation with the use of indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature. Maturation on the skins for 15 – 25 days with pump over’s. Aging for at least 24 months of which a minimum of 18 months is in wood. The wine remains in-bottle for some time before release. 

On the nose, hints of cherry, plum and violets with a hint of coffee and a touch of vanilla. Pair it with braised beef cheek with mashed potatoes.

“Asinine” Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Selezione 2020

“Asinone” Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Selezione 2020

“Asinone” Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Selezione 2020

Made from 100% Sangiovese.  

The vineyard is at 380 – 400 meters. The soil is clay and silt with embedded fossils. Fermentation is in stainless steel vats for 20 to 25 days with cultured yeasts from the vineyard. Malolactic fermentation in 6,000 to 8,000 French oak vats.

A vibrant wine with hints of red currant, cherry, strawberry, plum, violet.  Pair it with ribeye

“La Braccesca”  Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2020

“La Braccesca”  Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2020

Made from 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot.

The vineyard is at 290 meters. The soil is sandy loam. Each grape variety was harvested separately, de-stemmed and delicately crushed. Then transferred into stainless steel vats where alcoholic fermentation took place at a controlled temperature to preserve the fruit’s aromatic profile. Maceration on the skins for 10 days.  Malolactic fermentation.  Then the following spring, the bottles were aged approximately 12 months. Then bottled in spring 2020 and aged for one additional year in the bottle. 

Red currant, strawberries, cherries and a subtle hint of spice and vanilla. 

 “Vigna d’Afiero”  Vino Nobile di Montepulciano docg Selezione 2020 from Tenuta Valdipiatta

“Vigna d’Afiero”  Vino Nobile di Montepulciano docg Selezione 2020 from Tenuta Valdipiatta

“Vigna d’Alfiero”  Vino Nobile di Montepulciano docg Selezione 2020 from Tenuta Valdipiatta

Made from 100% Sangiovese. 

Vinification is in steel tanks at controlled temperatures. Maceration on the skins for 20-25 days. Daily pump over and délestage at the beginning and in the middle of fermentation. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks for 20 days. Malolactic fermentation in stainless steel. The wine is aged in French barrels at 20% new oak for 18 months, then aged in bottle before release. 

A delicious and complex flavor.  Black cherry, dark chocolate, balsamic notes and a touch of vanilla   Pair this with duck, roasted and grilled meats.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano docg 2020 Boscarelli

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano docg 2020 Boscarelli

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano docg 2020 Boscarelli

Made from 85% Sangiovese and 15% Canaiolo. 

Alluvial and sandy lime soil with silt, clay and stony structure. The grapes are picked manually. After de-stemming and soft pressing, they are fermented in oak vats. Indigenous yeast is used in the fermentation process that lasts about a week.  Aged in Slavonian oak casks, where malolactic fermentation occurs. Maturation takes from 18 to 24 months, then aged in the bottle for several more months before the release.  

Strawberry, blueberry and sage notes.  Medium body, medium tannin.  Suggested pairing:  grilled, roasted or braised meat and manchego or other seasoned cheese. 

Luca de Ferrari of Boscarelli shares stories and insight about their wine

Luca de Ferrari of Boscarelli

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano docg 2019 Avignonesi

100% Sangiovese.  

This bottle is even more special, as it employs Pied de Cuve, a process used by winemakers wanting to use wild yeast from the vineyard to ferment their wines. The process aims to build a population of viable (alive yeast) and vital (strong) in the wild yeast culture in a small volume of wine.

20-25 days of maceration.  Pied de cuve used for the first bath of grapes in advance, select yeasts which are naturally present on the skins.  Then these grapes become the basic yeast used for the fermentation.  At least 18 months in Slavonian oak barrels and then at least 6 months aged in bottle.

On the nose, strawberry and red currant with subtle vanilla and spices.  Well-balanced, medium body,  ripe cherries and plum.  Elegant tannin that creates a nice balance against the flavor and mouthfeel.  Surprisingly long finish. 

Would pair well with traditional Italian dishes, prosciutto, pecorino.    

“Tenuta Calimaia” Vino Nobile di Montepulciano docg 2020 Marchesi Frescobaldi

90% Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile) and 10% red grape varieties.  

Maturation in oak barrels for 24 months.  Bottle aged for 4 additional months.

Intense ruby red in the glass.  Nose is vibrant with cherry, sage, cardamom.  Dark chocolate.  Body is bold and velvety. Heavy tannin.  Long dry finish.

 

“Silineo” Vino Nobile di Montepulciano docg 2020 from Tenute del Cerro

Fermentation and maceration at controlled temperature with daily pump overs.

Goes through malolactic conversion then 18 months of aging.

Cherry and red currant on the nose.  Earthy, cedar, vegetal.

Pairs well with roasted chicken, and sharp cheddar.

"Messaggero" Vino Nobile de Montepulciano docg 2018

“Messaggero” Vino Nobile de Montepulciano docg 2018

“Messaggero” Vino Nobile de Montepulciano docg 2018

 

95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo Nero.

The grapes are handpicked, fermented in small containers to facilitate extraction of the skins.  Fermentation is made with natural yeast, in full respect of the area, when the wine is still in contact with the skin, for 18-20 days.    Then transferred to Slovenian oak casks for 18 months, then 6 more months in oak.  During this period, they decant to make the wine clear and prepare for bottling.

The nose is pronounced with black currant, blackberry, blueberries, spice and leather.  Full body, medium tannin, long finish.

Would pair well with aged pecorino, ribeye and game

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano docg 2018 from Villa S. Anna

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano docg 2018 from Villa S. Anna

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano docg 2018 from Villa S. Anna

85% Sangiovese, Mammolo Canaiolo, 8% Colorino, 7% Merlot.

Fermented with a 20 day maceration.  Then 24 months in Slavonian oak barrels, French Oak, barriques.  After bottling, kept in bottle for another year.

Ruby in the glass, Dark cherry on the nose with tobacco and licorice.  Light body, medium tannin, dried cherry, raspberry, crushed herb, medium finish.

Pairs well with game meats, venison, seasoned cheese.

 

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Award-Winning Horror Hit “Soul Trader” Screens in LA for Calabasas Film Fest Sept 21, Susan Dynner, Shauna Grace in-person

Award-Winning  Horror Hit “Soul Trader” Screens in Los Angeles Calabasas Film Fest Sept 21 1pm.

Award-winning short film The Soul Trader returns to Los Angeles to be screened as part of Calabasas Film Fest on Saturday September 21 at 1pm.

The Soul Trader is a 12 minute short proof of concept for a feature or series directed by Susan Dynner (Brick, Punk’s Not Dead, Code Blue: A Love Story) and starring Shauna Grace (Real Housewives…, Vanderpump Rules), Shane West (A Walk to Remember, ER, The Dirty South), Donna Mills (Knots Landing, Nope, Origin).

The story follows Coral Chase (Shauna Grace), an occult hitwoman who has the power to steal life-extending souls, which she then sells to vain, wealthy elites like Erica Claessen (Donna Mills), who clings to the crumbs of youth. She’s flanked by stoic bodyguard Damien (Shane West), who ultimately emerges from the shadows as her rival when she’s about to carry out a money-spinning hit at a target’s home and realizes she’s not the only one with murder in mind.

“We’re excited that the audience is falling in love with this story and

a strong female lead.

I want to keep sharing this story with audiences everywhere”

Director / Producer Susan Dynner

 

The short film launched at the Cannes Film Festival’s American Pavilion in May and has been gaining momentum ever since.  

It won its first award just weeks later at the Manhattan Film Festival in NYC. Then more acclaim at Rock The Shorts in Beverly Hills and DC Shorts in Washington, DC, one of the country’s largest short film festivals.

Now it’s set to screen at many more festivals on the West Coast, East Coast and across the globe.

“I’m proud this project is inspiring so many women.

We meet people after every screening, women who are excited by the Coral characters.

Playing the role of Coral, working with our cast and crew has been incredible.

But the biggest thanks is the reaction from the audience. 

Getting to meet people who are excited and inspired by the story and characters.”

Actress / Executive Producer Shauna Grace

 

Meanwhile the filmmaking duo Susan Dynner and Shauna Grace are busy taking meetings toward their next step.

What is their next step?

 

“This was always meant as a proof of concept short film to become a feature film or TV series. 

With the sold-out screenings and awards, it just confirms our feeling that this story is so much bigger than a short.”

Susan Dynner

 

Actress Shauna Grace has been receiving strong reviews, comparing her on screen presence to other heroines including Charlize Theron and Scarlett Johansson.

Dynner’s experience as a studio development executive for visionaries such as Richard Donner and Wolfgang Peterson shines through.  Also, her producing work on Sundance hit “Brick” and festival darling “Punks Not Dead” shows her ability to bring production value on a range of budgets.

Both Dynner and Grace will attend their Calabasas Film Festival screening on Saturday September 21 at 1pm and be available afterwards to discussion.

The Soul Trader is directed and produced by Dynner, written by newcomer Mike Underwood, photographed by Matthias Schubert (The Door Man, Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me, Shelter in Solitude), produced by Lauren Bancroft (The Making of Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles, Wild Bitch, Bite Size Halloween), edited by David Hopper (God Bless America, In Between Songs, Rust Creek), and executive produced by Shauna Grace, with music composed by Jeff Russo (Fargo, Ripley, Star Trek: Discovery).

See The Soul Trader at Calabasas Film Festival on Saturday September 21, 2024 at 1pm.  Tix available here: https://calabasasfilmfestival.com/session/shorts-program/

 

 

Los Angeles Halloween Event List 2024 :Freakiest, Scariest, Tastiest (Updated)

Los Angeles’ Freakiest, Scariest, Tastiest, Halloween Event List 2024 (Updated)

Our guide to Halloween 2024 in Los Angeles has you covered with the best treats, the most inspiring costumes and the best neighborhoods for fun, frights and memorable nights.

Los Angeles Halloween Event List 2024

Los Angeles Halloween: Universal Studios’  Halloween Horror Nights

8 Terrifying Haunted Houses

 

From cinematic greats and crazed cult favorites to the park’s original abominations, enter mind ripping haunted houses inspired by the biggest names in horror.

Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse

Terrifying Blumhouse characters have taken over the Terror Tram. Face the murderous android M3GAN. The Grabber. And more.

 

4 Sinister Scare Zones

Take on four sinister scare zones, each with a different terrifying theme.

Luchadores Monstruosos

¡Ojo! You’re about to get caught in the middle of a Lucha Libre horror film as two luchadores battle masked monsters.

Murder of Crowz

You’ve foolishly ventured into a massive crow’s nest. Now the fearsome flock will descend upon you and peck your bones clean.

 

Chainsaw Punkz

Get revved up for your night of terror as soon as you enter. Chainsaw-wielding punk rockers with masks and mohawks will close in on you.

Skull Lordz

All hail the royal court of the undead, where gothic kings and queens reign. Beware! Cross into their spectral kingdom at your own peril.

 

Explore the Gore Your Way

Grab your tickets to the terror. Enhance the horror with an R.I.P. Tour or admission that includes express access. Or, maximize your fear by staying near the screams with a Hotel & Ticket Package.

Buy your tix today:

https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/hhn/en/us/tickets

Los Angeles Halloween: Delusion

Story takes place in the mid 20th Century, centering around the brilliant psychologist Dr. Frederick Lowell and you, his cohort of unusual patients.

An epic and haunting adventure awaits those willing to play their part in Delusion’s latest interactive play. You will play the role of Dr. Frederick Lowell’s most prized patients, found sleepwalking on the grounds of the Red Castle. Yet this time, when you awake, your memory has faded and Dr. Lowell is nowhere to be found.

PLAY YOUR PART EXPERIENCE

Head to the VIP lounge for your private bar where you might stumble upon a few hidden surprises and performers.

Then venture beyond the veil of the show and prepare to showcase your mad talents. A quick costume change into mental asylum garb and off you go, awaiting actual patrons of the play as they move through a deranged scene that features you!

Buy tix to Delusion here:

https://enterdelusion.com/buy-tickets/

Los Angeles Halloween Event List 2024

West Hollywood Halloween Carnival

 

West Hollywood loves Halloween, and the City of West Hollywood is thrilled that Halloween is back with Halloween Carnaval 2024!

The City’s incomparable Halloween Carnaval is one of the most unique Halloween gatherings in the world.

Halloween Carnaval is free to attend and will take place on Thursday, October 31, 2024 on a one-mile stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard between N. Doheny Drive and N. La Cienega Boulevard.

Staged on Santa Monica Boulevard/Historic Route 66, Halloween Carnaval will feature a stage at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and N. San Vicente Boulevard with a live DJ set, food trucks and thousands of wildly dressed Halloween revelers for a one-of-a-kind experience.

There will also be Halloween celebrations at businesses, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues throughout the City!

The City invites Halloween Carnaval-goers to get into the spirit and show off costumes by uploading photos to social media sites with the hashtag #wehohalloween.

 

Halloween at Cinespia

For its October 2024 lineup, presented by Amazon MGM Studios, the LA-based organization announced screenings of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Trick ‘r Treat, Coraline and Suspiria, leading up to Halloween.

Cinespia will also host a special Halloween night screening of director Dario Argento‘s horror classic Suspiria on Oct. 31 at the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles.

Walt Disney Concert Hall: Nosferatu

Walt Disney Concert Hall: Nosferatu

Walt Disney Concert Hall: Nosferatu

Halloween Organ, Film & Music: Nosferatu

Thu / Oct 31, 2024 – 8:00PM

Silent film specialist Clark Wilson returns for Walt Disney Concert Hall’s annual Halloween concert, performing a chilling, original organ score to the 1922 Nosferatu—one of the most influential works in cinema and the horror genre—live to picture.

Tix here: https://www.laphil.com/events/performances/3006/2024-10-31/halloween-organ-film-music-nosferatu

David Gilmour at the Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles Halloween

David Gilmour at the Hollywood Bowl

Tix here: https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/events/performances/3507/2024-10-30/david-gilmour

Knox Dobson RTD Wins Double Gold Medal, Old Fashioned Wins Gold At 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Knox Dobson ’s Superior Ready-to-Drink Improved Whiskey Cocktail Wins Prestigious Double Gold Medal & Old Fashioned Wins Gold At 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Knox & Dobson, a new collection of superior ready-to-drink cocktails, proudly announces that their Improved Whiskey Cocktail has been awarded the prestigious Double Gold Medal and their Old Fashioned Cocktail has won a Gold Medal in the Ready-to-Drink category at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).

Founded in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the oldest and largest competition of its kind. Receiving a high-tier medal at SFWSC is a testament to exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

This year’s competition featured nearly 5,000 entries, judged by experienced and knowledgeable spirits critics through a blind tasting process, ensuring impartiality and integrity.

Knox & Dobson’s new collection of premium ready-to-drink bottled cocktails is designed to be shared with friends, making it easy to simply Open, Pour, and Enjoy!

The collection was meticulously curated with an uncompromising commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and taste by Knox & Dobson Founder & President Rob Levy (Former Owner, The Raymond 1886) and Creative Director Peter Lloyd Jones (The Raymond 1886, Everson Royce Bar, Proof Media Mix).

The lineup includes a gin Martini, classic Old Fashioned, Improved Whiskey Cocktail with Maraska Maraschino Liqueur, Rye Manhattan, and Moscow Mule.

Each cocktail features the highest quality ingredients such as hand-selected barrel-aged whiskey, distilled gin, natural cane sugar, and authentic Angostura Bitters.

“Our mission was to create a collection of cocktails that were equal in taste and quality to those freshly crafted by a skilled bartender. Peter Lloyd Jones was the best choice, and I can’t imagine working with anyone better,”

Rob Levy

Knox & Dobson Founder & President

“Pete’s experience at 1886 Bar at The Raymond and Everson Royce Bar, combined with his passion and creativity, make him the perfect partner at Knox & Dobson.”

Levy’s upbringing in Skokie, Illinois, at Knox Avenue and Dobson Street, is where he spent most of his adolescence in the ‘60s and ‘70s, hanging out “on the corner” with neighborhood kids who remain lifelong friends. Knox & Dobson is as much an elevated on-the-go handcrafted beverage experience as it is a distillation of hometown pride and a love of bringing people together.

The Knox & Dobson Improved Whiskey Cocktail (35.42% ABV), which was awarded this year’s Double Gold Medal, is made with straight aged rye whiskey, Maraska Maraschino Liqueur, and Angostura bitters. This cocktail features a spiced flavor profile combined with American oak, citrus, and bright and deep cherry notes, making it a whiskey cocktail meant to be sipped and savored.

The Knox & Dobson Old Fashioned (38% ABV), which was awarded the Gold Medal, consists of straight aged bourbon, natural cane sugar, orange oil, and Angostura Bitters. Enjoy the taste of aged bourbon with bright citrus flavors, bitters, raw cinnamon, clove, and American oak.

Knox & Dobson’s new collection of superior bottled cocktails are best served chilled or over ice. Each 200-milliliter bottle features two servings, perfect for sharing, so simply Open, Pour, and Enjoy!

Knox & Dobson is available for delivery Nationwide.

Visit Knox & Dobson to order your new favorite bottled cocktails today.

To see the full list of locations to purchase directly, please visit Knox & Dobson’s Stockists page.

About the Author
Joe Wehinger (nicknamed Joe Winger) has written for over 20 years about the business of lifestyle and entertainment. Joe is an entertainment producer, media entrepreneur, public speaker, and C-level consultant who owns businesses in entertainment, lifestyle, tourism and publishing. He is an award-winning filmmaker, published author, member of the Directors Guild of America, International Food Travel Wine Authors Association, WSET Level 2 Wine student, WSET Level 2 Cocktail student, member of the LA Wine Writers. Email to: Joe@FlavRReport.com

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