Best Press Releases for 04.28.25

Welcome to the world of wine’s recent press releases. We can all view the global perspective, as I put bits and pieces together. Enjoy the ride.

• A small shipment of wines from Arthur Lelièvre – Bryan Maletas, Fat Cork from Seattle
• Winegrowing Leadership Awards in California – From California Wine Institute
• Paolo Scaiola, Technical Director And Winemaker Speaks about Tenuta Carretta ~ From Tenuta Carretta

 

 

Blast From The Past ~ Fat Cork

This one is personal, because I wrote about Fat Cork from Seattle on Wine Blog, when Bryan and Abby Maletis launched their business, in Seattle. They’ve grown from a husband and wife team to also include a staff of seven. It’s a lovely success story, which still connects with me. Their new news is exciting, which came in before the tariff predicament. This month they received a small shipment of wines from Arthur Lelièvre, who is a new producer.

In Bryan’s opinion, Arthur is the visionary in the future of grower Champagne. The wines are beautifully distinctive and uniquely expressive of their own terroir. “Arthur’s cuvées are unconventional, adventurous and unlike anything we’ve ever tasted. Thanks to a fortuitous grower visit, Fatcork is the first to bring them to the U.S. And they’re happy to announce the first in the U.S. to try them! Regarding tariffs on wines from France, maybe best to buy now, as tariffs have been temporarily suspended for three months.

Bubbles Offered

Arthur Lelièvre Prémices Premier Cru Extra Brut – $92.  This is an homage to Arthur’s new eponymous endeavor. Premier Cru is a pinot meunier-dominant blend. It reflects the approximate breakdown of each of the three grape varietals grown at his domaine. Notice the imagery on the label and its connection to how Arthur performs his craft. Production of this cuvée is limited to 2,200 bottles per year.

Arthur Lelièvre Ludes Chardonnay Premier Cru Brut Nature – $117.  Arthur Lelièvre released his inaugural vintage in 2021. Making the most of a challenging growing season, Arthur persevered, crafting this 100% chardonnay in the non-interventionist Burgundian style. The resulting cuvée is complex, richly aromatic and expressive of its unique terroir. Subsequent vintages will come solely from the Le Bélai plot. Its production is limited to 697 bottles per year.

Arthur Lelièvre New Producer Package (2 bottles) – $175 ~ Get to know the complex, aromatic, expressive Champagnes of our newest producer, Arthur Lelièvre. This package features Prémices Premier Cru Extra Brut and Ludes Chardonnay Premier Cru Brut Nature. They are two cuvées that have quickly joined the ranks of our caves’ faves.

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The California Wine Institute has awarded four wineries and vineyard companies their 2025 California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards. They join a decade of past winners from throughout the Golden State. Those awarded are recognized for their notable sustainability practices and innovation. This has been based on a comprehensive judging process, which was focused on both sustainable viticulture and winemaking. Presented by several California wine organizations devoted to sustainability, four green medals are awarded annually. The four categories are leader, environment, community, and business acumen.

Allison Jordan is executive director of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, who made a statement. “As the California Green Medal enters its second decade, this year’s winners exemplify leadership and innovation in sustainable winegrowing, These four outstanding wineries and vineyards showcase the holistic commitment to sustainability.  They preserve natural resources, protect the environment, enhance wine quality and enrich the lives of employees and communities.” This is “all while producing exceptional grapes and wines.”

The Winners

These four outstanding wineries and vineyards showcase the holistic commitment to sustainability.  They preserve natural resources, protect the environment, enhance wine quality and enrich the lives of employees and communities.” This is “all while producing exceptional grapes and wines.”

• Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery: LEADER AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that excels in the three “Es” of sustainability — Environmentally sound, socially Equitable and Economically viable practices.
• CHANDON: ENVIRONMENT AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates Environmental Stewardship through maximized environmental benefits from implementing sustainable practices.
• Jordan Vineyards & Winery: COMMUNITY AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that is a Good Neighbor and Employer using the most innovative practices that enhance relations with employees, neighbors and/or communities.
• Nuveen Natural Capital: BUSINESS AWARD, given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates Smart Business through efficiencies, cost savings and innovation from implementing sustainable practices.

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Each winery tells a story of its evolution in time. It begins with a dream, which is always a goal with a deadline. For this press release, the dream is the goal. The deadline was reached a long time ago and continues evolving.

Paolo Scaiola, Technical Director And Winemaker

Speaks about Tenuta Carretta

Tenuta is Italian for estate or property, just to clarify. Tenuta Carretta estate is in the south of Piedmont, within the Piobesi d’Alba region of Roero. The winery has a rich, historic background, where the past, present, and future are all well integrated. Paolo Scaiola is a young winemaker from Tenuta Carretta, and is their technical director and winemaker. He has shared their vision being carried out that’s quite impressive. Every winery needs a solid quest. Paolo is now part of it and explains the the goal, which is incredibly visionary and expertly focused.

Paolo Scaiola: “We have dedicated years to getting to know this territory, identifying the most suitable plots among our 40 hectares of vineyards, for a total of 7 hectares. The next step was to define a style that respected both the typicity of the appellation and the identity of our winery. Nizza is an appellation that is gaining increasing recognition and value, and we are proud to contribute to its growth with two wines that express different nuances of excellence.

New Vintages

NIZZA BRICCO MANERA 2021

Abreviated: Grapes for NIZZA BRICCO MANERA come from vineyards with a southeastern exposure. Deep tuff soil allows for easier root development, resulting in a more accessible and immediate wine. Harvest is done manually, in the second half of September. The winemaking involves a two-week maceration, at controlled temperatures, from 20-25°C. This is followed by at least six months of aging, in French oak Tonneaux, for a total of 18 months before release. The wine presents a ruby red color with violet hues. The nose is characterized by fresh aromas of cherry, vanilla, and sweet spices. The palate stands out for its creaminess and perfect balance between structure and drinkability. (Tuff soil: it’s a type of rock made from volcanic ash that has been ejected during an eruption and then compacted.)

NIZZA RISERVA MORA DI SASSI 2020

Abreviated: Paolo Scaiola: The NIZZA RISERVA MORA DI SASSI 2020 vintage was defined by abundant winter snowfall, which replenished water reserves and contributed to the wines’ natural balance and softness. The Mora di Sassi vineyard is located in Nizza Monferrato, one of the most prized areas within the denomination. Ideally suited for the production of Nizza Riserva, this vineyard demands meticulous care, including rigorous yield reduction, to ensure the highest quality grapes. After two years of bottle aging, for a total of at least 30 months from the harvest, Nizza Riserva Mora di Sassi 2020 will be available on the market in autumn, with a limited release of only 3,000 bottles.

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Written by Jo Diaz, edited by Jose Diaz, owners of Diaz Communications, helping to make stars realize their dreams. To reprint, please contact Jo Diaz.