The World Premier of wine documentary Eastbound Westbound – A Winemaker’s Story (from Bordeaux and California) launches on APPLE TV+ May 12, 2023

E Studioz, and PMG Productions, co-producers of the documentary, offer a thrilling investigation, plunging the viewer into the heart of the history and culture of wine.

Bordeaux independent film producer, E Studioz, is launching on APPLE TV+ May 12 an original wine documentary that traces and demonstrates the historical and unwavering links between the United States and Bordeaux and their wines – Eastbound Westbound – A Winemaker’s Story. This modern and fast-paced cinematic documentary was conceived from an original idea by Gerard Spatafora and Frédéric Lot, co-written by Jeffrey Davies, and directed by Julien Couson, founder of PMG Productions.

An investigation like no other Eastbound Westbound lets the viewer understand how this Franco-American friendship around Bordeaux wines had its starting point in the 18th century around the greatest connoisseur of fine wines and lover of Bordeaux, Thomas Jefferson, US Ambassador to Paris, and the third President of the United States.

To better demonstrate Thomas Jefferson’s legacy, this intimate relationship between the two wine-growing continents is illustrated through interlinked portraits of distinguished wine families, from varied backgrounds, all sharing passion for wine. Leading players in their field, they produce some of the best wines in the world. These endearing and outstanding women and men are introduced in a more contemporary section by American wine merchant and former wine journalist Jeffrey Davies, an expert on the terroirs and winemaking fabric in Bordeaux and on the other side of the Atlantic. Jeffrey will meet and exchange about this relationship with the worldwide famous critic Robert Parker.

Commenced in 2020, this project was made possible through the support of four great and charismatic Bordeaux wine families, the main actors in this film, appearing as themselves in this opus. HRH Prince Robert of Luxembourg (Château Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion in Pessac-Léognan, and Quintus in Saint-Émilion), Alfred, Justine and Noé Tesseron (Château Pontet-Canet in Pauillac and Pym-Rae in Napa Valley), Claire and Gonzague Lurton (Château Haut-Bages Liberal in Pauillac, Château Dufort-Vivens in Margaux and Acaibo in Sonoma) and Denise Adams (Château Fonplégade in Saint-Émilion and Adamus in Napa Valley) are the cornerstones of this first episode. These charismatic families, all major wine producers, were drawn by the spirit of entrepreneurship while taking risks to taste the “California dream” Other well-known American names have taken the opposite path by investing in the Bordeaux vineyard, the true epicenter – in reputation as well as in know-how – of world viticulture.

Awards Received
April 2023 – the film received three awards by The Annual TASTE AWARDS, Hollywood, California. Often called “The Oscars of Food, Fashion and Lifestyle Media”, The Annual TASTE AWARDS are the original awards for the Lifestyle Entertainment Industry, and the highest awards for creators, producers, hosts, and directors of Lifestyle Programs, Series, Shows & Cinema.

Eastbound Westbound – A Winemaker’s Story, received the following awards :

  • Special Achievement Honoree Award Winners – Spotlight Award;
  • Film Category Taste Award Nominee Best Feature-Length Film or Documentary; and
  • Best Director Craft Awards Nominee.

Eastbound Westbound Website: https://eastboundwestbound.wine/
Watch the Trailer: https://eastboundwestbound.wine/watch-the-trailer/

 

Anteprima della Vernaccia di San Gimignano, discovering a truly unique wine in Tuscany “The White Queen in a Land of Red Kings” – Filippo Magnani

A few weeks ago, experts, wine enthusiasts and the press gathered in the charming town of San Gimignano on February 16th to taste not only the new vintages of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, but also the reserve wines not yet released on the market. 41 wineries and 96 wines were presented to the Italian and international press at the De Grada Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, in the historical centre of San Gimignano.

The following two weekends the wines were also presented to 200 wine trade and wine enthusiasts at the Rocca di Montestaffoli, home of the Vernaccia Wine Experience. Here we had the extraordinary opportunity to meet the “unique, noble and rebellious” White Queen Vernaccia di San Gimignano! This is the only DOCG white wine to be produced in Tuscany where illustrious reds such as Brunello, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Chianti Classico usually take centre stage. United by a great passion for this grape and territory, the Consortium celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. It continues to support those who are the custodians and greatest interpreters of an age-old white wine tradition.

During this year’s event, Master of Wine Gabriele Gorelli conducted a Masterclass called “Timeless Vernaccia” with a vertical tasting of vintages going back as far as 1997, which was a wonderful chance to experience the results achieved with this grape over time and appreciate the longevity of the wines. The President of the Consortium described the latest vintage as a record year due to the continuing drought and high temperatures: “These did not, however, prevent Vernaccia di San Gimignano from reacting masterfully, once again, to the year’s climatic challenges, proving that this ancient, native grape variety has evolved in perfect harmony with its terroir.”

The Ancient Hills

As the cradle of white wine production in Tuscany, San Gimigano’s territory is situated completely on hills with variable exposures and altitudes of between 200 and 400m above sea level. Its ancient soils have high concentrations of fossils, shells, calcareous sediments, and clay. This composition is ideal for producing vigorous and mineral-driven white wines, and the unique combinations of all these factors, even in such a small area, make the wines produced in this denomination extremely fascinating and complex. Vernaccia is an ancient grape that, although grown throughout Italy, thrives particularly well here in San Gimignano which has become its spiritual home.  Vernaccia di San Gimignano was the first Italian wine to be granted DOC status in 1966. It was elevated to DOCG status in 1993, confirming its role as the leading white wine in Tuscany.

San Gigmignano, An Alluring Wine Destination

Almost half of San Gimignano is dedicated to farm production (vineyards, olive groves, fruit orchards and grains). It is a place where man and nature have lived together for centuries in a mutual relationship of respect. Tucked away in the Tuscan countryside, San Gimignano warmly welcomes wine enthusiasts from all over the world. It is located almost halfway between Florence and Siena (about 60 and 45 km) and is easily reachable by car or by bus. Historically the town was a place loved by important nobles and political figures of the past who left a trace of their passage, enriching this unique place with culture and art. It is known as the “Town of Towers” because in the first centuries after 1000 AD it was embellished with seventy towers and numerous palaces, built by the many wealthy families to display their wealth and power. Today 14 towers remain to create an unmistakable silhouette overlooking the surrounding Tuscan hills.

Current State of the World Vine and Wine Sector [Web Conference]

The Director General of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine, Pau Roca, will review the current situation of the vitivinicultural sector at a global scale on

Thursday, April 20th  3 PM CET

with presentations and data on: World Wine Trade, World Wine Consumption, and World Wine Production.

The OIV is the intergovernmental organization of a scientific and technical nature of recognized competence for its work concerning vines, wine, wine-based beverages, table grapes, raisins and other vine-based products. It is composed of 49 Member States.

Web Conference:
Register to attend https://bit.ly/3MUDWWT

#wine #winelovers #winetrade #winenews #winebusiness #wineeconomics  #wineindustry #winetasting #vines #oiv #vinho #enologia #vitivinicultura #viticultura #viticulture #vine #news #trending

 

Chianti Classico Collection 2023: producers who embody passion, and strive for excellence – Filippo Magnani

The Chianti Classico Collection 2023 came together this year, for its flagship event, “Anteprime Toscana.” The Collection plays an important role in spreading awareness and improving transparency of one of Italy’s most charming and multifaceted wine territories.

The “Collection” took place in the beautiful Leopolda Station in Florence. It was the 30th edition, hosting a record number of producers (206 Black Rooster Estates) who presented the latest vintages of their Chianti Classico, Riserva and Gran Selezione wines to both the press and industry professionals. A total of 750 wines were presented between Chianti Classico Annata, Riserva, Gran Selezione and barrel samples from the 2022 vintage. The event was opened to the public on Valentine’s Day also offering an immersive tasting experience of wines, olives, cheeses, tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. A dedicated tasting area was set up for the Olive Oil DOP Chianti Classico where 30 different oils were showcased.

The Chianti Classico territory is quite complex, and a series of seminars were presented by Alessandro Masnaghetti, better known as “The “Mapman” for his significant contribution to mapping the vineyards of the world’s most significant wine-producing areas, and author of the recently published Chianti Classico Atlas of its vineyards and Additional Geographical Units.

Chianti Classico’s Constant Innovation

The Geographical Units mentioned in the seminars mark a step towards more profound knowledge and a greater appreciation of the peculiarities of Chianti Classico. The goal is to highlight the specific microclimatic characteristics with an even greater focus on the underlying differences that exist within these areas. The 11 UGA (San Casciano, Greve, Montefioralle, Lamole, Panzano, Radda, Gaiole, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Vagliagli, Castellina, San Donato in Poggio) are today labeled singularly with the name of the specific village of origin.

Showing the name of the municipality or village on the label will spark both curiosity and recognition from the increasingly high numbers of consumers who would like to improve. their understanding of the micro territories of Black Rooster wines.

Chianti Classico, a region that is eager to develop and has a vision of hospitality

This region has been one of the most popular destinations for wine enthusiasts for centuries. Perched on a plateau at altitudes between 200 and 800 metres, it’s covered with forests of oak, chestnut, pine and cypress trees. Now held in the arms of its two historic capitals, Florence and Siena, Chianti Classico was first loved by the Etruscans, then the Romans. The territory still preserves evidence of many past cultures. The earliest documentation of the existence of a wine-producing district dates back to the 13th  century with the “Lega del Chianti”, formalized between Radda, Gaiole and Castellina and branded with the famous Black Rooster which, after many glorious years, became the official symbol of Chianti Classico wine in 2005. The rooster symbolizes the spirit of the Territory; strong, elegant, lively, and proud. Its crowing marking a new day.

With a high density of wineries, the region is a true oenological paradise full of castles and ancient abbeys where fine wines are matured, world-famous wineries alongside small and no less prestigious family-run estates, traditional cellars and architectural masterpieces. A setting in which hospitality and its experiences take on various forms with a multitude of activities. The producers here understand the importance of hospitality which brings great economic value, diversifying income, creates effective means of communicating values, and enhances the distribution of their wines. From curious wine enthusiasts to collectors, guests are drawn to the famous winemaking names of Chianti but also discover hidden gems of the highest quality. From private wine clubs and sommelier associations to restaurateurs, wine tourism in the Chianti Classico region embraces an increasingly varied public. Consequently, wineries work together with the tourism sector to create personalized and authentic wine and culinary trips.

As always it was a true pleasure, to once again, meet so many passionate producers who exemplify the culture and philosophy of Chianti Classico! 

Wine in Moderation is releasing a “Responsible Service Training Tool”

Wine in Moderation will be releasing a “responsible service training tool” in the next few months to educate wine professionals around the world.

This new educational tool is the result of two years of work, which aims at empowering wine professionals around the world with responsible and moderate consumption patterns.

“We believe that all representatives of the wine sector – in every region and at every step of the value chain – have a role to play in finding the best ways to communicate about the value of moderation and to contribute to the reduction of harm due to abusive and hazardous drinking” – said Sandro Sartor, President of Wine in Moderation. “The education and training of professionals is therefore key to empower them with the necessary knowledge and tools to talk about responsible consumption patterns and encourage moderate consumption habits “.

As the international program of the wine sector, Wine in Moderation has thus developed training that will be available in different formats (face-to-face and digital) and will be adapted to the cultural needs and national legislation of every country, ensuring the best possible implementation.

“Every module will aim to tackle a specific subject that is considered of crucial importance when it comes to the sustainability of the wine sector (i.e., wine/alcoholic beverages and health, legal framework, good practices, Responsible Communication, etc.)” says Nadia Frittella, Secretary General of the WiM Association. “Our goal is to give professionals all the tools they need to offer their customers a responsible wine experience and we are thrilled to say that the training was also very well received by important actors of the sector such as former WSET CEO Ian Harris.”

“I am delighted to endorse the excellent “Wine for Professionals: from responsible service to sustainable consumption” program produced by Wine in Moderation. With 45 years of experience in the industry and until recently CEO of WSET, I am convinced that this is a program that is long overdue and should form a key pillar in the strategy of any company or organization passionate about ensuring the sustainability of wine. With 20 years of experience at WSET, the biggest global provider of education and qualifications in the wine and spirits industries, I have been impressed with the academic rigor which has gone into the creation of this initiative, and I look forward to witnessing – and celebrating – the success of the program.” Ian Harris – former CEO of WSET

In addition to the launch of the Responsible Service Training, Wine in Moderation has signed a 3-year partnership with ProWein. Wine in Moderation, as the international program for the wine sector, and ProWein, as one of the leading trade fairs for wine and spirits, will work together to raise awareness about the importance of moderation. Both parties are committed to making this partnership a long-lasting one and hope to continue working together towards a sustainable future for the wine sector.

“We are delighted to be able to offer a global platform for Wine in Moderation with ProWein. This initiative is so infinitely important for consumers on the one hand and the entire wine and spirits industry on the other. We are fully behind Wine in Moderation and will do everything in our power to support the initiative,”. Peter Schmitz – Project Director ProWein.