WINE PICK: Union Wine Company is Leading the Way for Premium Canned Wines

Canned wines continue to grow as a hot product category that people more and more want to discover, and to drink. Union Wine Company is the group behind the Underwood line of canned wines, which was one of the earliest successful pioneers in bringing canned wines to stores across the world. Union was able to beat several of the challenges involving canned wine, such as creating the right packaging, eliminating various elements that can affect the taste of the wine in cans, and of course, changing consumer perspectives on canned wine’s quality.

It is very likely that you have already seen Underwood’s Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris in the wine section of your local grocery. If you haven’t tried their new line of flavored wines, such as the Mei Wine and the Strawberry Cooler, then definitely add those to your list. Our tasters were quite pleased with them, especially when you are looking for something light and unique.

Today we speak with Ryan Harms, founder and owner of the Union Wine Company, and Joan Olbrantz, marketing operations manager, on what they did right, and why you will love their vintages.

 

Interview with Union Wine Company and Underwood Wines

 

Winery Name: Union Wine Company

Owner: Ryan Harms

Winemaker(s): JP Caldcleugh

Established: 2005

Canned wine has a very high growth rate. Why is it becoming so popular?

Ryan Harms: From a business standpoint, canned wine is a popular choice because it costs approximately 40% less to package compared to the equivalent 9 liter case of wine in glass bottles. Putting wine in a can opens up the wine drinking experience to places where it had previously been difficult, such as outdoor events or when portability is needed. People are certainly seeing the lifestyle applications for the cans in their lives. The outdoor and active sport community has certainly embraced the cans, and we are also seeing folks in big cities purchase them for the portion size for home or outings around town.

From a consumer standpoint, we think this is a timing thing, culturally. There was a “winification” of beer trend going on with the craft beer craze, and we’re at the forefront of a new trend: the “beerification” of wine. Consumers are signaling an acceptance and we believe they are demanding brands to be innovative to connect to their needs. The eco-elements of the can are appealing and culturally relevant as well.

You have your own proprietary tech for canning wine. What makes it different?

Ryan Harms: Union Wine Company has the fastest and most automated bottling and canning facility in Oregon. California has faster more sophisticated production facilities, but there’s nothing like this in Oregon, especially for wine. From a canning perspective, this facility is unprecedented in the canned wine industry.

 

What is the inspiration for your newest wine releases, esp. the fruit flavors?

Ryan Harms: We look at our wine coolers as alternatives to both wine or beer. We don’t see this as an either/or proposition, rather, a traditional beer drinker might like an alternative on a warm sunny day, and same with a wine drinker – looking for something a bit more crisp and refreshing (with less alcohol content).

The Riesling Radler is our own spin on the traditional beer beverage that includes a refreshing blend of Oregon Riesling, hops and grapefruit.

The Strawberry Cooler is a fresh take on a retro classic wine cooler. We make it with the same great Underwood Pinot Noir we put in our bottles, a splash of fresh strawberries and a hint of lime.

Mei Wine is a product collaboration with Chef Mei Lin. Mei is the Season 12 winner of Bravo TV’s Top Chef, and we worked with her to blend her signature culinary flavors into our wine to create a tropical, bold-yet-reassuring wine cooler.

What the most exciting attributes about these wines?

Ryan Harms: Union Wine Company (and the Underwood brand) was created to bring great, affordable Oregon wines to everyone, not just one audience in particular. Whether they’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a beer drinker just now entering the world of wine – Underwood cans make it approachable, accessible and fun. For instance, Underwood wine in a can is ideal for the adventurer, as a way to bring wine outdoors without the weight. However, the single-serving option the can provides is also convenient for a night in as the perfect solution for consumers who don’t want to commit to opening an entire bottle. Each can is equivalent to half a bottle of wine which makes it easy to enjoy on your own or share.

Are there any elements of terroir that the drinker of your Pinot Noir and Gris should notice?

Joan Olbrantz: Underwood Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris are Oregon wines, made with Oregon grapes. That all by itself is noteworthy as Oregon produces some of the best Pinot grapes in the world.

What’s next for Union Wine Company?

Joan Olbrantz: Union Wine Company will release the 2020 Underwood Nouveau this November in both bottles and cans. Last year we put the wine in a beautifully designed can inspired by Art Nouveau and it turned out so well we decided to extend this year’s offering by creating a bottle label that is similarly designed. In November 2020 consumers will have the option of enjoying Underwood Nouveau in either a 357 milliliter can or a 750 milliliter bottle.

How is business being affected by COVID?

Joan Olbrantz: Our online business is doing well during this time as could be expected. We also aren’t as heavy into on premise sales as we are at regular retail, so that has been an advantage for us during this time as well.

 

Find them at https://unionwinecompany.com/

 

 

WINE PICK: Anaba Wines 2017 Sonoma Pinot Noir & Chardonnay

Today’s pick is Anaba Wines. Although initially unfamiliar with them, the TasteTV wine reviewers recommend each one that we have tasted, and believe you will want to have them around for yourself, your friends, and for special occasions.

In addition to the new wine vintages, Anaba recently opened their new Anaba Vintners House in October, 2019. It is a reflection of the Sweazey family’s belief in gracious and uncomplicated hospitality. Broad windows look out over the estate vineyards, drawing the eye to the distant hills, while private seating areas allow for leisurely personalized wine exploration. The color palette takes inspiration from nature – evoking fog, water, earth and even the Anabatic winds that give the winery its name. Beyond the landscaped courtyard, paddle tennis and bocce ball offer an unexpected chance to engage in a bit of competition.

We talk with General Manager John Michael Sweazey to find out a bit more about this winery, and why they admire their 2017 Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.

Winery Name: Anaba Wines

Owner: John T. Sweazey and John Michael Sweazey

Winemaker(s): Katy Wilson

Established: 2009

Interview with John Michael Sweazey

Anaba Wines

 

Why did you decide to make your Pinots in this style?

It’s hard to describe our wine as any one particular style. Originally, we were inspired by the red wines of Burgundy in the early 70s. But, we are not in Burgundy, and we can’t make Burgundian Pinot. Instead, we make a number of different Sonoma Pinots, and the aim is always to let the fruit speak for itself. For the Sonoma Coast Pinot in particular, the goal was universal appeal. From first-time wine tasters to certified sommeliers, we wanted to make a well-integrated wine that was indicative of what the Sonoma Coast should be.

Are there any elements of terroir that the drinker of your Pinot Noir should notice?

Yes, showcasing the terroir is a priority, and so there are many different elements. For the Sonoma Coast Pinot, you will notice a lot of red, bright fruit notes that are common to the AVA. The wine has the energy and vibrancy one would expect from a classic Pinot made in Sonoma.

What are the most noticeable elements in your Chardonnay?

For our Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, the wet stone/flint and minerality, accompanied by citrus and stone fruit notes show through and are an expression of the land from which the fruit is sourced.

What is the inspiration for your newest wine releases?

Our WestLands Chardonnay comes mostly from a higher elevation vineyard, located in northwest Sonoma and very close to the coast. The cooler climate shares some commonalities with northern Burgundy, and if we had to choose one place as the inspiration, it would be Chablis. The wine is nuanced, with depth from a touch new oak and the grape itself, but the high acid levels keep it crisp. Also, it is distinct from the wines of Chablis, but it is our representation of the possibilities of the fruit grown in the western-most parts of Sonoma Coast.

What are the most exciting attributes about these wines?

In short, you might notice the subtle oak expression. Or that one can enjoy upon release, but can also let the wines age for several years. This is a hard balance to obtain. They can also pair with many foods, or can be enjoyed alone.

With which foods do you recommend this pairs?

Pork or duck with the Pinot. Halibut, oysters, chicken with the Chardonnay.

Is this wine better outdoors on a picnic or indoors for a dinner?

Anytime is a good time for Anaba (as long as the wine stays below 65 degrees). It really depends on your situation, but we know the wines are dynamic and can meet criteria for any number of occasions.

What’s next for Anaba Wines?

We are planning to plant Picpoul Blanc at our property, and we are working with three new vineyards throughout Sonoma to produce a number of Rhone varieties.

 

 

TasteTV WINE RATINGS

  • 4.00 out of 5 Stars: 2017 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
  • 4.25 out of 5 Stars: 2017 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Find them at www.anabawines.com

 

Photos courtesy of TasteTV, Rocco Ceselin, and Los Heffernans Photography

 

WINE PICKS: 3 Chardonnays that are Perfect to Drink Right Now

On a hot sunny day or in cool stormy weather, if you’ve closed a big deal or just sitting down to relax, these 3 Chardonnays are perfect for any situation or climate.

Tolosa 2018 1772 Chardonnay, Eden Ranch Edna Valley

Fermentation: French oak barrels

Aging: 9 months in French oak barrels, with 20% of them being new

Vineyard: Edna Ranch

Alcohol: 13.4%

Tolosa has a wine series they call “1772”. The series is named for the founding year of the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, and honors the local terroir and winemaking history of the cooler and Pacific Ocean-influenced climate and limestone sediment of the Edna Valley. The 1772 Chardonnay from 2018 is priced around $58 a bottle. Tolosa calls this their classic Chardonnay, and says that it truly captures the essence of the estate. The 2018 Tolosa Chardonnay has an appealing hint of bright acidity, with notes of the minerality of the Edna Valley, as well aromas of fresh fruits and herbs. This Chardonnay was aged for 9 months in French oak barrels.

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Anaba 2017 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast

Vineyards: Tolay Vista, Dutton (Shop Block and Mill Station), J McK Estate

Alcohol: 13.2%

Fermentation: Hand-sorted and whole cluster pressed. Barrel fermented (75% malolactic fermentation, 25% retained natural malic acid). Aged 17 months sur lie in French oak barrels, 25% of which were new.

Cooperage: Damy, Cavin, Taransaud, François Frères Cases Produced: 738

This Sonoma Coast Chardonnay comes from distinct areas within the Sonoma Coast AV. Some of these areas were impacted by the 2017 North Bay fires, however the fruit was picked before those events took place so they were not affected. In general, the regions from which they come are cooler or foggier than some other Chardonnays, giving this 2017 vintage a great year.

The Anaba Chardonnay’s fruit tends towards the citrus and vanilla bouquet, with a bit of minerality and a very subtle palate. The alcohol content is in the European-style of 13.2%. Only 738 cases were produced, and it was aged 17 months in French oak barrels.

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Sangiacomo 2018 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast

Alcohol: 14.3%

Production: 280 cases

The Sangiacomo family has been farming in Sonoma County for three generations and almost 100 years. The Vineyard is 100% certified sustainable, and it produces California Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Sangiacomo Sonoma Coast Chardonnay has aromas that bring in tea-like flavors, including nutmeg and chai, as well as the French oak in which it rested. You might also enjoy some aromas that remind us a bit of a delicious pear cobbler. It’s very rich, and was aged in the aforementioned French oak for about 10 months. The alcohol content is medium-level 14.3%, and the retail price is a reasonable $55. Only 280 cases however were produced by James MacPhail the winemaker.

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Wente Vineyards CEO Carolyn Wente receives Grande Dame Award from Les Dames d’Escoffier

Les Dames d’Escoffier International’s (LDEI) prestigious Grande Dame Award is being presented this year to Carolyn Wente, CEO of Wente Family Estates, America’s longest continuously operated family-owned winery.

LDEI is an organization of women leaders in the food, beverage and hospitality industries. Its Grande Dame Award honors a lifetime of outstanding professional achievement, excellence, and charitable/community contributions within the culinary industry and is bestowed annually. Wente, the sixteenth recipient of this international honor, receives the award at LDEI’s first virtual conference this year.

Joining the family business in the early 1980s, Wente’s culinary career in wine spans over 40 years and she is a part of the fourth generation of Wente’s family-owned vineyards, sustainably cultivating over 3,000 acres. “There are very few family businesses that survive past the third generation,” shares Wente. “I am proud to be a member of the fourth generation in a successful and growing family business in a very competitive global environment.”

Under Wente’s leadership, the company has become a world-renowned destination located in the idyllic settings of the Livermore Valley and Monterey County, California. The first step to realizing the family’s dream for a new appreciation of wine as part of America culture was the opening of the Wente Vineyards Visitors Center and Restaurant in 1986. In that same year, The Concerts at Wente Vineyards was launched featuring musical artists including James Taylor and Sheryl Crow. In 1998, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Australian golfing great Greg Norman was developed. And in 2010, the course was awarded with the esteemed “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” status.

Wente has guided the expansion and growth of the Wente Family Estate’s portfolio of wines and the development of the Wente family’s lifestyle businesses for four decades. A co-founder of LDEI’s San Francisco Chapter, Wente has been a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier for 31 years and has served on the national Board of Directors as well as in San Francisco.

Wente has authored two books. In 2003, “The Casual Vineyard Table” was published, sharing wine and food pairing along with everyday meal planning. Prior to its publication, she co-authored “Sharing the Vineyard Table: A Celebration of Wine and Food from the Wente Vineyard Restaurant” with Kimball Jones.

Over the last several years, Wente has been awarded numerous honors, perhaps most notably the Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World in 2002 sponsored by J.P. Morgan, Baccarat and Hermes. Additionally, she was awarded Winery CEO of the Year 2019 by North Bay Business Journal; the “20 Most Admired People in the North America Wine Industry” in 2013 from Vineyard & Winery Management; the Women Leadership Award in 2012 from Girl Scouts of America; and the American Winery of the Year Award in 2011 from Wine Enthusiast — among many others.

Wente is well-known for her generosity of time and community outreach as seen through her board service with the Stanford Athletic Advisory, the U.S. Department of State’s Fine Arts Committee, and more. She also has the distinction of being the fifth member of the Wente family to serve as Board Chair of the California Wine Institute (2014-2015).

Currently, Wente is heading efforts to meet her family’s goals for Wente Family Estates: continued business growth, strengthening the brand promise, and developing a high performing organization — each integral to ensuring transition where the fifth and future generations take over a healthy profitable business to include both family and non-family members. Wente says, “As a family, we are always pushing the quality envelope for our wines. With our lifestyle businesses, the same holds true, providing a quality experience that exceeds our guests’ expectations.”

Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) is a worldwide philanthropic organization of professional women leaders in the fields of food, fine beverage and hospitality. The invitation-only membership, composed of over 2,400 women in 44 chapters across the US, Canada, France, the United Kingdom and Mexico, is highly diversified and reflects the multifaceted fields of contemporary gastronomy and hospitality. For more information, visit visit ldei.org

About Wente Family Estates

Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards has been resoundingly celebrated for its industry-wide contributions to innovation as the longest continuously-operated, family-owned winery in the country, now owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family.  The company portfolio is comprised of Wente Vineyards, Murrieta’s Well, Hayes Ranch, Ravel & Stitch, entwine and Angel’s Ink brands. The winery draws from certified sustainable estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding array of fine wines that are distributed in all 50 states and in over 70 countries worldwide.  In 2010, it joined the top 4 percent of  California wineries who meet all three tiers within the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing codes & designation. In 2011, Wente Family Estates was named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast and is among the top 30 wineries in the United States according to Wine Business Monthly, (February 2020). 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the Wente family bringing Chardonnay cuttings to California from France. Today, the Wente clones of Chardonnay are the most widely planted in California.

Located just east of San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations. In 2018, the winery took a leadership role in its longstanding mission to inspire employees and guests to make time for what really matters, as realized through Wente Vineyards’ best practices, outstanding wines and wine country experiences. The property features wine tasting, world-class concerts, award-winning fine dining and championship golf. Wente Vineyards is also proud to have 100% estate grown wines and have the Certified Sustainable designations across their vineyards and winery through California Certified Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.

For more information, visit www.wentevineyards.com.

ROSE OF THE DAY: Handley 2019 Pinot Noir Rose

Our Rose of the Day pick is the HANDLEY 2019 PINOT NOIR ROSE. The reason is simple, the TasteTV wine reviewers love it! The taste is light, crisp, and bright, with a slight sweetness and traces of citrus fruits and yellow stone fruits like nectarines.

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WINE PICK: Broadside 2018 Chardonnay and Cabernets

Today’s pick is Broadside Wine. You may be familiar with the instantly recognizable label designs, as well as their reliably delicious flavors. The TasteTV wine reviewers recommend the following three as ones that combine great value with an attractive price.

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