My Latest in Wine Enthusiast Holiday Issue 2023:
Biodynamic Bubbles
“Around the world, sparkling wine producers are walking their social and environmental talk.”
by L.M. Archer
Maybe you’ve read a bit about Champagne’s recent sustainability backtracking?
For eco-thirsty sparkling wine lovers among you, I have just the antidote – my article on biodynamic bubbles now available in the Holiday 2023 issue of Wine Enthusiast magazine.
The feature showcases a trio of Mother-Earth friendly fizz makers worldwide, from Oregon’s Domaine Willamette and Prosecco DOCG’s Perlage, to Penedès’ Recaredo Corpinnat (formerly part of D.O. Cava).
While a hot topic, it took over a year to publish – thanks to an unexpected boon of serendipitous encounters and events.
Serendipity…
Specifically, if I hadn’t attended a media trip last year to Oregon, hosted by TASTE Vacations, under the auspices of the Oregon Wine Board, I would have never met Dundee Hotel‘s dynamic GM, Jenna White, who facilitated an ad hoc tour of biodynamic Domaine Willamette…
Moreover, if I hadn’t later attended a virtual wine sampling of Perlage proseccos, I would have never tasted the winery’s biodynamic Col di Manza Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Prosecco Millesimato…
Additionally, if I hadn’t subsequently received a random email from Recaredo about their Bureau Veritas certification, I wouldn’t have delved deeper into their biodynamic practices and wines…
Nor the stringent requirements of exclusive Corpinnat sparkling wine collective to which Recaredo belongs. (“Corpinnat is not cava,” as Recaredo CEO and third-generation vigneron Ton Mata recently reminded me.)
As a bubblehead, I can think of no better way to toast the end of this year, and the start of a new one.
…and Generosity
Special thanks to Domaine Willamette’s co-founder Jim Bernau, and winemaker Terry Colton, for their generous assistance.
Kudos likewise to Perlage’s Nardi family, and to my editor at Wine Enthusiast for her unwavering support.
Finally, sincere condolences to the Mata family on the recent loss of their beloved company president, Antoni Mata Casanovas. To life, and to biodynamic bubbles!
*Biodynamic wine makers mentioned in this story:
*Additional links:
I’m honored to share the news of my recent article on biodynamic bubbles now available in the Holiday 2023 print issue of Wine Enthusiast magazine.
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