In This Newsletter:
 
Envinate Sale
&
Vinopolis Close-Out Featurette: Merkelbach
 


Envinate:

Leading Light of Spanish Wine
 
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The wines of Envínate buzz with energy, capturing the terroir of their respective regions as if by magic. The methods of this group of winemakers, friends Alfonso Torrente, José Ángel Martínez, Laura Ramos, and Roberto Santana, are low-intervention in the winery and ultra-traditional (read: minimalist) in the vineyards. They are one of the forerunners of the “New Spanish” wine movement.
 
It’s worth emphasizing how profoundly this movement has transformed Spain’s image in the world of wine. Before, Rioja was essentially shorthand for Spanish wine and all other regions seemed to follow suit with big, ripe flavors, high alcohol, and so, so much new oak.

In This Newsletter:
 
Gobelsburg Sale
&
Vinopolis Close-Out Featurette: Saint Cosme
 


Gobelsburg
 
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Schloss Gobelsburg, a Cistercian monastic estate, is one of the oldest wineries in the Austrian Danube area. Its documented history dates back to 1171. It predates the signing of the Magna Carta by almost fifty years. Centuries of experience in the vineyards that surround the Gobelsburg castle have led to intimate knowledge of the soils and microclimates that influence the characteristics of their Gruner Veltliner and Riesling. The meticulous care and concern are reflected in the precision and excellence of the modern wines.
 
In 1996, the Cistercian Monks of the Zwettl Monastery passed the winemaking role on to Michael Moosbrugger. The estate’s history of more 800 years of thoughtful vineyard management heavily influences his craft today.

In This Newsletter:
 
Isole e Olena Sale
&
Vinopolis Close-Out Featurette: Korrell
 


Isole e Olena Sale
 
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Paolo de Marchi, owner of Isole e Olena since taking over from his father in 1976, is one of Chianti’s leading winemakers. Unlike most renegades who took to experimenting with Bordeaux varietals along the Tuscan coast, he wanted to create a wine that centered Sangiovese. Back then, Chianti regulations stipulated that a certain proportion of white grapes be included in red wines.
 
In 1980, de Marchi released his first vintage of Cepparello, a 100% Sangiovese wine. He bottled it under the broad category of “vino da tavola”, as did other early “Super Tuscans” such as Sassicaia. You could say he foresaw that what Chianti needed wasn’t necessarily more grapes (French or white) but instead a more focused approach on what makes the region great.