Empson USA is gearing up to host a Portfolio Tasting, kicking off its next fifty years in three key US markets, Chicago, Dallas, and Washington DC during the first week of May. Numerous Empson producers from both the Old and New World are flying in to offer attendees the opportunity to taste wines from Italy, Spain, Chile, New Zealand, and the USA, proving their deep, long-standing relationships with the leading importer.
Trade professionals will taste the latest vintages from historic Empson partners, such as Poderi Einaudi, Costanti, Fuligni, Marcarini, Boscarelli, Gaudio Bricco Mondalino, Monte Antico, who have been with Empson for over forty years as well as Torres from Spain, and domestic growers, such as McPrice Myers, Mac and Billy Cellars, Paul O’Brien, and Oregon Territory. Guests will also have the chance to taste Empson’s 2023 additions to its portfolio: Dal Cero in Valpolicella, Tenuta Montecchiesi, Heimark Vineyard, and Poggioargentiera.
The roadshow will start in Chicago on May 8, proceed to Dallas on May 10, and will end in Washington DC on May 11. Participating brands include:
Italy: Arillo in Terrabianca, Bortoluzzi, Boscarelli, Bucci, Canella, Carpineta Fontalpino, Cignale, Citrange, Costanti, Corte Giacobbe, Dal Cero in Valpolicella, Einaudi, Fantini, Ferghettina, Feuduccio, Franz Haas, Fuligni, Gaudio Bricco Mondalino, Hauner, Ischia Sapori, Jankara, Lagaria, Le Casematte, Marcarini, Marchesi Pancrazi, Matané, Molo 8, Monte Antico, Musita, Pietradolce, Poggioargentiera, Reversanti, Romano Levi, Santadi, Shardana, Supremus, Tenuta Montecchiesi, Toscolo, Vigneti del Vulture, Vigneti Zabu, Wild Sardinia
Spain: Torres (Sangre de Toro, Viña Esmeralda, Viña Sol, Ohla!)
Chile: Viña Falernia
New Zealand: Pegasus Bay, Seven Terraces
USA: McPrice Myers, Mac and Billy Cellars, Oregon Territory, Paul O’Brien, Heimark Vineyard
Empson USA, whose headquarters are located in Alexandria, Virginia, will host its guests at their final event in Washington DC at ‘The Square’, a soon-to-open 25,000 square-foot space conceived as a collaborative culinary marketplace, and will feature foods prepared by the Culinary Team of The Square. The Square will feature 15 of DC’s best chefs including Richie Brandenburg and Ruben Garcia, Cashion’s Rendezvous (Ann Cashion & John Fulchino), Yaocho (Bidell Chef John Mooney), Kiyomi Sushi by Uchi (Chef Masaaki “Uchi” Uchino from Nakazawa), Taqueria Xochi (Teresa Padilla & Geraldine Mendoza), Flora Pizzeria (Pluma’s Tom Wellings & Camila Arango), Cebicheria Chalaca (Chef Carlo Delgato & Glendon Hartley.)
Members of the trade can RSVP to the Empson USA portfolio tastings at the following links: Chicago; Dallas, Washington DC.
For further information about ‘The Square’, contact Julia Cottafavi at the Good Neighbor julia@goodneighbor.co
About Empson USA | http://www.empsonusa.com Family-owned since its foundation in 1991, Empson USA is an enterprising fine wine importer with a dynamic portfolio of distinctive estates from Italy, Spain, Chile, New Zealand, and the USA. Our mission is to discover and represent carefully selected top-tier brands worldwide, and to share the “Art of Fine Wine” with our customers and partners in the US market.
Arillo in Terrabianca, Bortoluzzi, Boscarelli, Bucci, Canella, Carpineta Fontalpino, Cignale, Citrange, Corte Giacobbe, Costanti, Dal Cero in Valpolicella, Einaudi, Fantini, Ferghettina, Feuduccio, Franz Haas, Fuligni, Gaudio Bricco Mondalino, Hauner, Heimark Vineyard, Ischia Sapori, Jankara, Lagaria, Le Casematte, Mac and Billy Cellars, Marcarini, Marchesi Pancrazi, Matané, McPrice Myers, Molo 8, Monte Antico, Musita, Oregon Territory, Paul O’Brien, Pegasus Bay, Pietradolce, Poggioargentiera, Reversanti, Romano Levi, Santadi, Seven Terraces, Shardana, Supremus, Tenuta Montecchiesi, Torres (Sangre de Toro, Viña Esmeralda, Viña Sol, and Ohla!), Toscolo, Vigneti del Vulture, Vigneti Zabu, Viña Falernia, Wild Sardinia
In order to promote the endless possibilities of pairing Italian wine with Italian, international and local cuisines, the Italian Trade Agency announces the Dining with Bacchus tour, a series of educational events in 6 cities across the US throughout the month of November. The events, to be executed in some of America’s most authentic and iconic restaurants, aim to educate trade, media, and industry key players on Italian wines and their adaptability to various culinary pairings. These events will also highlight and promote the World Week of Italian Cuisine (Settimana della Cucina Italiana nel Mondo) happening November 14-20, 2022. The tour will be stopping in the following cities: New York, Chicago, San Jose, New Orleans, Miami, and Dallas.
“One of the Italian Trade Agency’s most crucial goals is to promote the combination of Italian food and wine traditions,” says Italian Trade Commissioner Antonino Laspina. “Through this series of interactive events we intend to demonstrate to American professionals in food and wine how to embrace this fundamental pillar of Italian culture and to identify the most particular characteristics related to different Italian wine profiles, in order to pair them with the most diverse cuisines and to appreciate their great complexity.”
Italian wines rely on a solid reputation of high quality, thanks to centuries-old traditions, denominations of origin, highly regulated production processes, and, most importantly, artisanal producers’ dedication to excellence. With over 540 officially recognized native wine grape varieties, Italy can boast an extensive wine grape biodiversity, and being the only country in the world to produce wine in every single region, it offers one of the most diverse tasting profile panoramas, adapting to multiple culinary traditions.
The series of events will serve as a vehicle for educating US industry professionals on the endless pairing opportunities offered by Italian wines, embracing yet debunking the myth that “what grows together, goes together”.
The Dining with Bacchus events will feature a dedicated tasting menu, embodying the Italian culinary tradition and, at the same time, representing a local or international trend, to be paired with 12 Italian wines, representing the Italian wine scene and paying homage to the Italian biodiversity. The evening will be enhanced by a guided presentation given by an Italian wine expert.
About the Italian Trade Agency Since 1926, the Italian Trade Commission, with 79 offices in 65 countries, has been the Italian government agency entrusted with the mission of promoting trade between Italian companies and foreign markets. The Food and Wine department, based in New York City, works on increasing the awareness of authentic Italian products in the U.S. by being the point of reference for trade and press and promoting the real Made in Italy through educational events, informational materials, special events trade shows, and promotional campaigns. Visit https://www.italianmade.com/usa/ to learn more.
There are three opportunities to sample and learn about wines from Uruguay for trade and media personnel in Washington DC, New York City, and Boston.
“From a small corner of South America, Uruguayan wines are rich in complex flavors and offer a unique heritage and winemaking style. Join us for a small, focused walkaround tasting highlighting wines from 16 exceptional producers and light appetizers, set within La Cosecha, voted one of America’s Top 50 Best Wine Retailers in 2021.
Uruguay is on the brink of a wine revolution. A collection of local winemaking families as well as international investment and interest has brought this small country from its Basque/Italian immigrant roots into the 21st century. Tannat is still the red wine king here, but Albariño and other unique varieties like Marselan have taken hold as Uruguayan winemakers explore the possibilities of taste and terroir.
Space is limited for this intimate tasting, advance registration is required. Complimentary for qualified wine trade and media only”.
About the Presenter: Award-winning wine journalist Amanda Barnes, author of the newly-released The South America Wine Guide, Born and raised in Hampshire, England, Amanda Barnes has been based in South America since 2009 and also writes for several wine magazines and books including Decanter and The World Atlas of Wine, and is the editor of The Circle of Wine Writers’ monthly publication. As a “fount of knowledge on South American wine,” as stated by Jancis Robinson, this seminar and tasting is one you will not want to miss to dive deeper into all Uruguay has to offer!
About the Presenter: Award-winning wine journalist Amanda Barnes, author of the newly-released The South America Wine Guide, will give a short overview of the exciting things happening within Uruguay wines at 1PM (be sure to arrive before then!) to help educate about and explore these unique offerings. Born and raised in Hampshire, England, Amanda has been based in South America since 2009 and also writes for several wine magazines and books including Decanter and The World Atlas of Wine, and is the editor of The Circle of Wine Writers’ monthly publication. As a “fount of knowledge on South American wine,” as stated by Jancis Robinson, this seminar and tasting is one you will not want to miss to dive deeper into all Uruguay has to offer!
The Sweet Wines of Bordeaux are pleased to announce their return to the US with various opportunities for participants to learn about and taste their wines at promotional events through wine and food pairings led by experts in the field.
The Union des Vins Doux de Bordeaux is an association of four organizations, ODG des Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieurs, ODG des Premières Côtes de Bordeaux et Cadillac, ODG des Liquoreux de Bordeaux, and ODG des Côtes de Bordeaux Saint Macaire, that ensures the protection of origin and quality standard of the sweet wines produced in 8 appellations of the Bordeaux region: Bordeaux Moelleux, Bordeaux Supérieur, Cadillac, Cérons, Côtes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire, Loupiac, Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, and Sainte-Croix-Du-Mont.
Seven will be the appellations participating in the US promotional tour, such as Bordeaux Moelleux Côtes de Bordeaux de Saint- Macaire, Cadillac, Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, Cérons, Sainte-Croix-Du- Mont and Loupiac.
The tour started on Monday 17th October in Dallas with a lunch at Blind Bishop & Dallas Wine Center where the Sweet Wines of Bordeaux were paired with a traditional American BBQ menu. The event was hosted by Dilek Caner, Master of Wine, a title currently held by 417 people around the world and only by 54 people in the US.
On Wednesday, October 19th, The Sweet Wines of Bordeaux were the protagonists during a lunch held at The Art of Cellaring, a collective business aimed to create a community where oenophiles can gather to learn about wine, talk about wine and share wine in Houston, Texas. This event featured a wine and BBQ food pairing led by Brandon Kerne, Director of Operations. He passed the Master Sommelier exam in 2021, becoming the 270th individual since 1973 to pass this rigorous examination.
On October 20th, the tour will continue in Los Angeles with a lunch at the Rustic Kitchen Restaurant & Wine Bar and led by spokesperson Monica Marin. Here the Sweet Bordeaux wines will be paired with an American fusion cuisine. Monica Marin, the Director of WSET & WSG Education Programs at The Wine House, manages the two certification-level programs: WSET and the Wine Scholar Guild (WSG). Currently is a Master of Wine candidate.
After Los Angeles, The Sweet Wines of Bordeaux will be present in New York with a lunch and dinner at the Yoon Haeundae Galbi, on October 24th. For these events Laura Williamson , MS, prior Beverage Director and Chef Sommelier for a Michelin Three-Star, New York Times Four-Star Restaurant in NYC , will guide participants through a wine and food pairing featuring a Korean menu
The Union of Sweet Bordeaux Wines partakes in these events as apart of “The Charming Taste of Europe” a three-year campaign started in 2021 promoted by the Vini d’ Abruzzo consortium and the Union of Sweet Bordeaux Wines, along with fruit producers in Greece’s Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Kavala (Kavala COOP) and Agricultural Cooperative of Rachi Pieria (“Agios Loukas”), co-financed by the European Union.
To learn more about “The Charming Taste of Europe Campaign,” visit charmingtasteofeurope.eu, Pages dedicated to “The Charming Taste of Europe” can be found on all main social networks, such as Facebook,Instagram, and YouTube. The participating Consortia invites everyone to join the social media campaign using the hashtag #charmeu.
About the Charming Taste of Europe: Europe, a place with timeless charm, is the birthplace of some of the highest-quality products in the world. The Charming Taste of Europe is a special project that introduces exquisite specialties to the United States and Canada, such as Italian and French wines, and fresh fruits from Greece, that showcase Europe’s charm, beauty, culture, history, art, heritage and unmistakable tastes.
The mission of the Charming Taste of Europe, co-funded by the European Union, is to increase awareness of the merits and quality standards of select European wines and fresh fruits with promotional activities in the competitive markets of the U.S. and Canada. The Charming Taste of Europe is promoted by the Consortium for the Protection of Wines of Abruzzo, the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Kavala (Kavala COOP), the Agricultural Cooperative of Rachi Pieria “Agios Loukas” and the Union of Sweet Bordeaux Wines. These European agricultural products, famous around the world for their outstanding qualities, will continue to be promoted with initiatives and events for consumers, journalists and trade professionals. For more information visit charmingtasteofeurope.eu
The content of this promotion campaign represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility. The European Commission and the European Research Executive Agency (REA) do not accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the information it contains
Karakterre is central and eastern Europe’s leading salon of organic, biodynamic, and natural wines. It takes place annually in Austria and New York. Karakterre promotes wineries from the wider central-eastern European basin, with a specific focus on Austria and its wine-growing regions. Each year we also welcome grower friends from other European winegrowing areas.
Date: November 5th Location: Radio Park, 45 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown Manhattan, NY Time: trade 10am to 6pm; public 1130am to 6pm General Admission: $55.00 + $3.00 booking fee Trade tickets: please email marko@karakterre.com for the access code.
Join Karakterre, as the 10th edition of the leading salon of Austrian, Central and East European wines takes place at the iconic Rockefeller Plaza on November the 5th. More than 50 organic and biodynamic growers representing eight countries will personally showcase for a single day of tasting, meeting, and connecting in the heart of Manhattan.
The single-day event brings together unique low-intervention winegrowers, to showcase their work and ideas. We focus on much more than what’s hip at the moment – from the beginning, Karakterre has curated an important and evolving conversation on sustainability.
At Karakterre, the criteria for participation match our belief in sustainability and help our visitors to understand and appreciate the commitment of growers. We ask each participating grower to certify that they: Follow organic, biodynamic, or natural guidelines in vineyards and cellars – low intervention,
Do not exceed 50mg/l of total sulfur in any of their wines,
Follow organic, biodynamic, or natural guidelines in vineyards and cellars – low intervention,
Do not exceed 50mg/l of total sulfur in any of their wines,
Actively promote authentic grape varieties,
Actively promote sustainable farming and living,
Are family-owned & run…
…. And they adhere to these criteria wherever they farm.
Wines of Chile USA heads back to Miami on November 17th for a one-of-a-kind event to spotlight the region’s strive toward a greener future. Supported by ProChile, the event will highlight the region’s sustainably-focused initiatives through a tourism seminar, exclusive Imagen de Chile documentary screening and grand reception that will showcase the best of Chile from sustainable wineries and eco-conscious businesses to premium wine and food products.
Chile is the world’s fourth largest wine exporter and over 80% of said exports are certified sustainable, representing one of the most regionally diverse and eco-friendly wine selections on the planet. The country also has one of the world’s most extensive sustainability accreditation programs in the world with 80% of the exported wines certified by the Wines of Chile Sustainability Code, which launched in 2010. This code extends beyond the vineyards, protecting not only the vines but also the workers and guests who visit the region.
Expanding on the Sustainability 365 Campaign–initiated in 2021–Wines of Chile USA developed in tandem with Colangelo & Partners a new theme that sheds light on the entire region’s initiatives to fight climate change, as it goes well beyond the code: Chile’s Mosaic of Sustainability.
“Chile is a mosaic of surprises, and we are excited to come together and celebrate the region’s commitment to sustainability,” says Wines of Chile USA’s North America Director Julio Alonso. “Our wines are the reflection of the historical vocation and we look forward to sharing them with all attendees.”
Trade and media professionals are invited to join the celebration on Thursday, November 17th, 2022 at the Rubell Museum from 4:30PM – 10:00PM for the below schedule of events:
(4:30 – 5:30PM) The night will begin with an educational seminar for trade, sponsored by Chile’s Tourism Board Sernatur and LATAM, one of the largest airlines in Latin America. Titled “Chile, Where the Impossible is Possible,” the seminar aims to shed light on the region’s tourism attractions, sustainable practices and top reasons to plan a trip to Chile.
(5:30 – 6:30PM) A debut of Oscar Nominee Maite Alberdi’s documentary, ‘I’m the Earth. Stories from the Southern Edge of the World,’ will follow the seminar. This documentary tells the story of Chile’s fight against climate change and the region’s current and future plans.
(6:30 – 10PM) The event will culminate with a grand reception that is supported by premium sponsors and wineries that will sample their foods and wines and shed more light on the relevant services they provide.
During the grand reception, attendees will have the opportunity to taste over 40 premium and sustainable wines from Chile with a special highlight on the country’s largest wine region, Maule. The Maule Valley can claim some of the country’s oldest vines, planted over a century ago. Traditionally, Maule has been associated with easy drinking and great value wines, but there has been a recent surge toward making premium quality wines for export. The Maule Regional Government will host a dedicated table for the most versatile selections that exemplify the future of Maule.
Additional wines from north to south of the country will highlight Chile’s unique geographical situation and its assortment of micro-climates that make the region ideal for wine growing.
Participating sustainable, organic and biodynamic wineries include:
Balduzzi, Bodega y Viñedos Korta, Casa Silva, Concha y Toro, Emiliana, Garage, Haras de Pirque, J. Bouchon, Koyle, Lapostolle, Miguel Torres, Odjfell Vineyards, Santa Ema, Survalles, Terranoble, Ventisquero Wine Estates, VIA Wines, VIK, Viña Aromo, Viña Garces Silva, Viña Santa Carolina, Viña Los Vascos, Viñedos Veramonte, Viña Kunza, Viña Morandé, Viña Santa Rita, VSPT Wine Group
Eco-conscious sponsors and supporters include:
BluGlacier: BluGlacier was founded in 2016 as a U.S. joint venture by two top sustainable salmon producers in Chile, Blumar and Ventisqueros. In 2020, BluGlacier launched Oshen by BluGlacier: salmon raised in the isolated, cold-water fjords of Chile. Today, the company remains dedicated to upgrading the lives of individuals and the general well-being of the planet through sustainable aquaculture.
Bci: Banco de Crédito e Inversiones is currently the largest bank in Chile by total assets, and its subsidiary, City National Bank (CNB), is the second-largest local bank in the state of Florida, United States. Bci promotes environmentally responsible investments with over $130 million USD in financing of green projects and issuing over $140 million USD in green bonds.
ASOEX: The Association of Exporters of Chile strives to ensure the general interests of the export trade and defend basic economic and social principles that will benefit the country in general.
100% Cork: The mission of 100% CORK is to provide the wine industry and consumers with the latest information and research on the benefits of natural cork.
Global Compact: United Nations Global Compact is a call to companies everywhere to align their operations and strategies with Ten Principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption.
Imagen de Chile: Imagen de Chile is a private institution based in Santiago to promote Chile’s image abroad through nation branding to help develop opportunities for Chile and its people while bolstering its recognition and appreciation abroad. They are also the sponsors of the documentary screening.
The mission of Wines of Chile is to promote the quality and image of Chilean wines throughout the world. For more information, please contact Amanda Torres, atorres@colangelopr.com.
Trade and media professionals with accreditation can register here.
Recent Comments