Santé Magazine (2025)

24/01/2025

I have nothing against Dry January as long as I don’t have to participate in it.

What to drink – or not to drink – is and should be individual prerogative. Additionally, Dry January has proven to be a lucrative marketing trend, especially for companies whose main business is producing alcoholic beverages but who are willing to be creative in catering to the thirsts of those who want to take the month off from wine, beer and spirits.

(Shown above is a Résonance winery vineyard in Oregon.)

2022 Résonance Willamette Valley Chardonnay ($39). Lots of apple fruitiness, some toast, medium weight, light bitters in the finish.

2024 Cloudy Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ($35). Complex and lovely, with typical New Zealand kiwi and lime flavors along with hints of chalkiness and great texture.

NV Vilarnau “Delicat” Barcelona Guarda Superiore Reserva Cava Rosé ($16). Pleasant petrol aromas like a Riesling with strawberry flavors and a lean finish.

Some good wines to jump into if you aren't running dry.

24/01/2025

Inspired by the laid-back charm of The Big Lebowski, Lebowski's Kool-Luah premium coffee liqueur is a delightful nod to the cult-classic film while standing tall as a handcrafted creation in its own right. Made with love and care in Colorado Springs, Kool-Luah embodies the ethos of family tradition and attention to detail, resulting in a product as smooth and satisfying as a perfectly rolled strike at the lanes.

From the first sip, Kool-Luah sets itself apart. It’s smooth and indulgent, like a fine dessert, yet refreshingly light on the palate. Unlike some coffee liqueurs that veer toward heavy caramel undertones, Kool-Luah strikes the perfect balance—gentle, flavorful, and never overwhelming. Each bottle feels like it’s been made with the precision of a master craftsman, echoing the dedication that only a family-owned brand can deliver.

Inspired by the laid-back charm of The Big Lebowski, Lebowski's Kool-Luah premium coffee liqueur is a delightful nod to the cult-classic film while standing tal

17/01/2025

The countdown is on! Enter your wines in the prestigious Sommeliers Choice Awards before the January 31st early bird deadline and take advantage of discounted pricing

As the early bird deadline for the Sommeliers Choice Awards approaches on January 31st, now is the time to enter your wines and enjoy a reduced entry fee of just $100 per wine. This prestigious competition, now in its 7th edition, offers wine producers a unique opportunity to present their wines to America's top sommeliers, wine directors, and on-premise buyers.

With judging day set for March 19th and winners announced on June 10th, the competition is your chance to gain invaluable feedback and recognition from an expert panel. The Sommeliers Choice Awards are specifically designed to benchmark wines based on their quality, value, and food parability—qualities that are critical when selecting wines for restaurant wine lists and menus. You can also save big by entering multiple products at discounted rates.

The countdown is on! Enter your wines in the prestigious Sommeliers Choice Awards before the January 31st early bird deadline and take advantage of discounted p

17/01/2025

This Dozen is a symphony of Italian wines – mostly reds – with a couple of Californians added in for added complexity.

202 Marchesi di Gresy Langhe Sauvignon ($22). Enjoyable herbal aromas, tart green fruitiness, savory notes and a medium body.

2022 Ornellaia “Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia” Toscana IGT ($61). This complex white wine offering from this super-Tuscan winery has lovely floral notes, rich but tangy apple flavors, metallic minerality and a hint of citrus and assorted spices in the finish.

2022 Capezzana “Barcole Reale” di Carmignano ($19). Warm and generous, with smooth combo of red and black fruits.

2022 Oberon Napa County Cabernet Sauvignon ($24). A steal for a Napa Cab with lovely blackberry and blueberry flavors, some savory notes and an almost tangy finish.

2019 Garofoli “Grosso Agontano” Conero Riserva ($30). From Marche, lots of slightly tangy but slightly creams cherry flavors with good tannins and depth of flavors.

2020 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico ($35).

We get a little lyrical with mainly Italian wine menu.

16/01/2025

Junglee Craft Cocktails bring a refreshing and unique twist to the ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail market by offering Indian-inspired flavors that stand out in a sea of generic options. I recently had the opportunity to try three of their intriguing offerings: Indian Spiced Lemonade, Green Mango Smash, and Tamarind Margarita.

Flavors and Experience

- Indian Spiced LemonadeThis cocktail is a vibrant blend of tangy citrus with just the right hint of Indian spices, delivering a bold yet refreshing experience. The spices are delicately balanced, elevating the classic lemonade into something exotic and exciting without overwhelming the palate.

- Green Mango SmashA true standout, this cocktail captures the tangy essence of unripe green mangoes while adding subtle sweetness and a touch of spice. It's a perfect homage to traditional Indian flavors, offering a tropical yet nostalgic experience that’s both refreshing and intriguing.

An Elevated Experience

15/01/2025

The Sommeliers Choice Awards is a premier competition dedicated to the on-premise sector. Judged by an elite panel of top sommeliers, wine directors, and on-trade beverage buyers, this competition recognizes the finest wines crafted for restaurants, bars, and hotels across the USA and beyond.

This is your opportunity to showcase your wines to a highly influential audience that employs the Sommeliers Choice Awards results to shape and elevate their wine programs. From upscale fine dining establishments to casual eateries seeking wines offering exceptional value, your participation could place your brand at the forefront of the on-trade industry.

The 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards boasts a distinguished panel of judges comprising the United States' renowned wine experts, including Master Sommeliers, wine directors, and influential on-premise buyers.

The Sommeliers Choice Awards is a premier competition dedicated to the on-premise sector. Judged by an elite panel of top sommeliers, wine directors, and on-tra

14/01/2025

ProWein, the world leading trade fair for wines and spirits, will present a dedicated forum for business topics for the first time at its 2025 edition from March 16 – 18 in Düsseldorf, Germany. On all three days of the trade fair, an extensive program will be featured. The Business Forum is an exclusive platform for knowledge transfer, industry exchange and inspiration.

ProWein will not only showcase a comprehensive, global line-up of wine and spirits ranges - it also aspires to curate current themes and trends. This aspiration already includes numerous highlight zones such as ProWein Zero, the Champagne Lounge, Organic World, Packaging & Design, urban gastronomy and the Concept Store. A new addition will be the Business Forum, complementing the Masterclass Forum.
.tradefair

ProWein, the world leading trade fair for wines and spirits, will present a dedicated forum for business topics for the first time at its 2025 edition from Marc

13/01/2025

Rhum Barbancourt is a renowned Haitian rum celebrated worldwide for its exceptional quality and rich heritage. Founded in 1862 by Dupré Barbancourt, a French expatriate, the brand has become a symbol of Haitian craftsmanship and resilience. Barbancourt stands out for its unique production process, which uses pure sugarcane juice (rather than molasses) and double distillation in the French cognac tradition, resulting in a rum of remarkable complexity and finesse.

Aged in French oak barrels, Barbancourt rums exhibit a distinctive character, with flavors ranging from vibrant tropical fruits and spices to rich notes of vanilla and caramel. Available in various age statements, such as the iconic 3 Star (4 years) and 5 Star (8 years), as well as the prestigious Reserve du Domaine (15 years), the brand caters to casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike.

Rhum Barbancourt is a renowned Haitian rum celebrated worldwide for its exceptional quality and rich heritage. Founded in 1862 by Dupré Barbancourt, a French e

12/12/2024

The Pilgrims were a grim lot, partly from their outlook and partly from their situation. Too bad they didn’t know about Champagne.

Santa, on the other hand, probably does, and, with their red noses, he and Rudolph may have to enroll in Sober January.

Yes, we’re at that time again to celebrate the winter holidays, and, as my friend and wine merchant Linda Collier is fond of saying, “You can’t have an event without starting with bubbly.”

We have almost a dozen of them below from sekt to Champagne as well as a very nice Port and several American reds to enjoy – the first installment of holiday wines.

NV Famille Perrin “La Vielle Ferme” Vin de France Sparkling Blanc ($9). Good bubbles with tart apple flavors and some minerality. Bargain price.

NV Alma Negra Mendoza Brut Nature ($11). Nice tart orange flavor, with light tannins and good bubble intensity.

NV Famille Perrin “La Vielle Ferme” Vin de France Sparkling Rosé ($13).

It's that time of year to bring out the bubbly and launch a thousand toasts.

11/12/2024

Mine Hill Gin offers a refreshing take on the classic gin profile, providing a unique blend that's both modern and deeply rooted in local tradition. What makes this gin stand out is its use of a self-produced neutral base spirit, combined with vapor-infused botanicals—eight in total, including unique ingredients like black walnut, hawthorn berry, and nutmeg. Many of these botanicals are sourced locally, highlighting the brand's commitment to the Connecticut community.

Tasting Mine Hill Gin is a smooth journey that begins with subtle juniper and pine notes, offering an intriguing start. The sweet middle provides a pleasant contrast, leading to a long, satisfying finish that lingers gracefully on the palate. This intricate play of flavors makes it both a delightful sipping gin and a versatile ingredient for cocktails.

A refreshing take on the classic gin profile

10/12/2024

The Sommeliers Choice Awards is a premier competition dedicated to the on-premise sector. Judged by an elite panel of top sommeliers, wine directors, and on-trade beverage buyers, this competition recognizes the finest wines crafted for restaurants, bars, and hotels across the USA and beyond.

This is your opportunity to showcase your wines to a highly influential audience that employs the Sommeliers Choice Awards results to shape and elevate their wine programs. From upscale fine dining establishments to casual eateries seeking wines offering exceptional value, your participation could place your brand at the forefront of the on-trade industry.

The 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards boasts a distinguished panel of judges comprising the United States' renowned wine experts, including Master Sommeliers, wine directors, and influential on-premise buyers.

The Sommeliers Choice Awards is a premier competition dedicated to the on-premise sector. Judged by an elite panel of top sommeliers, wine directors, and on-tra

09/12/2024

Aperitivo has been around since Roman times—yes, way back then. What started as a little appetite-stirring ritual with herbal drinks has turned into something much bigger. It’s no longer just Italian; it’s gone global. And today, it’s taking on some seriously interesting twists.So, what´s a classic?I am going to prove my clairvoyant skills to you and say that you thought of Aperol Spritz. That orange bubbly, slightly bitter delight we´ve all come to love and adore. Any other? I am sure you thought of good old Campari, and if not, then a vermouth. Of course, whenever we hear aperitivo, we associate it with a bitter-sweet taste and some snacks on the side, with a beautiful terrace and a sunset in the background. Times are changing, and while we all love a good classic, it’s fair to ask: is aperitivo ready for its own twist?

Aperitivo has been around since Roman times—yes, way back then. What started as a little appetite-stirring ritual with herbal drinks has turned into something

08/12/2024

The Devil Proof 2022 Red Blend is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, a Malbec-driven expression that is both captivating and indulgent. From the moment it is poured, the wine mesmerizes with its deep, obsidian-like hue, hinting at the intensity and richness to come. The thick pour is a prelude to the velvet texture and full-bodied complexity awaiting the palate.

This wine embodies gravitas, not only through its striking appearance but also in the bold structure of its heavy, round bottle—a fitting vessel for the liquid art inside. Its smoothness is complemented by soft yet present tannins, creating a harmony that lingers elegantly.

The intensity of the wine’s flavors reflects the meticulous care in its production, with dry farming and expert vineyard management contributing to its depth and balance. Layers of dark fruit, subtle spice, and earthy undertones unfold sip after sip, making it a luxurious and versatile pairing for hearty holiday feasts or quiet moments of celebration.

The Devil Proof 2022 Red Blend is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, a Malbec-driven expression that is both captivating and indulgent. From the moment it is poure

07/12/2024

In recent years, theme park visitors' expectations have dramatically evolved, and nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of food and beverage offerings. The latest Theme Park Beverage Trends report underscores a pivotal transformation in how parks are redefining snack and drink experiences. It's a shift driven by the desires of Generation Alpha and their Millennial parents, who not only seek thrilling rides but also crave memorable, "Insta-worthy" dining experiences with a narrative.For over 20 years, I have had the honor of bringing craveable menus, promotions, and exciting new F&B concepts to life. Having supported brands like Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille and Red Lobster for decades, I now work alongside a seasoned team of beverage strategists and R&D professionals at Botrista. We have the pleasure of supporting theme park executives in elevating beverage experiences and bringing new drink concepts to amusement parks across the country.

Theme park visitors now expect immersive food and beverage experiences that enhance their overall enjoyment, driven by Generation Alpha and Millennial preferences. This evolution sees food becoming integral to theme park storytelling, with significant revenue implications. Automation and unique conc...

06/12/2024

If you’re a gin enthusiast, you likely appreciate how this spirit can showcase its core botanicals while still embracing creative, unexpected ingredients. Sheringham Seaside Gin does just that, with a unique twist—winged kelp. While juniper forms the heart of most gins, here it’s complemented by a distinctive blend of botanicals, including delicate notes of rose, lavender, citrus, coriander, and cardamom. But it’s the winged kelp that sets this gin apart, infusing it with a subtle taste of the Pacific Ocean and a touch of the coastal landscape of Vancouver Island. The result is a refreshingly crisp gin that evokes the briny air and seaside breezes of British Columbia. Whether you're yearning for a taste of summer or simply seeking a distinctive gin experience, Sheringham Seaside Gin delivers. It's no surprise that this unique offering earned a gold medal at the Santé Spirits Competition. A true gem for gin lovers and coastal aficionados alike.

If you’re a gin enthusiast, you likely appreciate how this spirit can showcase its core botanicals while still embracing creative, unexpected ingredients. She

06/12/2024

The 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards has once again gathered an extraordinary panel of judges to evaluate wines crafted for the on-premise market. This prestigious group includes Master Sommeliers, wine directors, beverage program leaders, and on-premise buyers who shape the wine lists of America’s most celebrated restaurants, bars, and hotels.

These experts are the ultimate tastemakers, selecting wines that define dining experiences and elevate the industry. They bring decades of experience, refined palates, and deep industry insights to the table, ensuring that only the very best wines receive recognition.

A Judging Panel Like No Other

What sets the Sommeliers Choice Awards apart is the unparalleled expertise of its judges. They are not just wine lovers; they are the professionals behind wine programs at Michelin-starred restaurants, national hotel chains, and trendsetting bars.

The 2025 Sommeliers Choice Awards has once again gathered an extraordinary panel of judges to evaluate wines crafted for the on-premise market. This prestigious

06/12/2024

ProWein, the world leading trade fair for wines and spirits, will present a dedicated forum for business topics for the first time at its 2025 edition from March 16 – 18 in Düsseldorf, Germany. On all three days of the trade fair, an extensive program will be featured. The Business Forum is an exclusive platform for knowledge transfer, industry exchange and inspiration.

ProWein will not only showcase a comprehensive, global line-up of wine and spirits ranges - it also aspires to curate current themes and trends. This aspiration already includes numerous highlight zones such as ProWein Zero, the Champagne Lounge, Organic World, Packaging & Design, urban gastronomy and the Concept Store. A new addition will be the Business Forum, complementing the Masterclass Forum.

ProWein, the world leading trade fair for wines and spirits, will present a dedicated forum for business topics for the first time at its 2025 edition from Marc

23/11/2024

There isn’t anything to distinguish Cabernet Sauvignons from the Southern Hemisphere from those of the northern half of the globe except the grapes ripen in opposite seasons. Otherwise, there is no more commonality among them than there are among the northerners from France or the United States. Terroirs, clones, age of vines and winemaking styles are what make the differences wherever the popular varietal wine is being produced.

Nevertheless, it is fun to taste a group of Southern cabs at the same time. In this The Dozen, we feature a bunch of seven of them from five different vintages. Two of them come from properties owned by Ernesto Catena, son of the famous Nicolás Catena, one of whose properties is photographed above.

2023 Rombauer Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc ($28). A blend of Sonoma (mainly) and Napa Valley grapes, it is crisp with green fruits such as kiwi and lime and some vegetal notes but with a touch of sweetness in the finish.

Flavorful varietal reds from Australia, Chile, South Africa and Argentina.

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