Robert Flower – Page 7 – Cadus Vinum Curated Natural Wines Berkshire Wine Consultant

2016 Montefalco Rosso Riserva Pipparello Paola Bea, Umbria

August 11, 2023January 25, 2024By Robert FlowerItaly, Save For Later

2016 Montefalco Rosso Riserva Pipparello Paolo Bea, Umbria

A little history Paolo Bea doesn’t strictly adhere to organic or biodynamic principles, but it’s quite challenging to discover a more natural approach elsewhere. The family cultivates five hectares of vineyards primarily located near the estate, with some vineyards like Cerrette reaching altitudes of up to 500 meters above sea level. In contrast to numerous other producers, Bea has successfully crafted exquisitely balanced wines each […]

August 4, 2023January 25, 2024By Robert FlowerSave For Later, Spain

Pere Mata L’Ensamblatge Brut Nature Gran Reserva 2012

Pere Mata L’Ensamblatge Brut Nature Gran Reserva 2012 50% Xarello, 25% Macabeu, 25% Parellada The quality and transparency of these sparkling wines inevitably draw comparisons to Champagne. However, Pere is not trying to replicate Champagne. Instead, he dedicates himself to crafting Cava with a level of dedication and craftsmanship usually associated with the world’s finest sparkling wines. The results are truly inspiring. Hailing from Sant […]

July 28, 2023January 25, 2024By Robert FlowerSpain, War of the Rosés

Basque and Atlantic Rosés

Basque Region Ameztoi Ruebentis 2022: Located near Getaria, an ancient Basque fishing village in northeastern Spain, this wine is made from a blend of Hondarrabi Zuri and Beltza grapes. Its ruby color resembles the ancestral Txakoli crafted on the coast of the Cantabrian Sea. Grape Varieties: 50% Hondarribi Beltza and 50% Hondarribi Zuri This fresh and casual rosé exudes finesse and elegance with its delightful […]

July 28, 2023January 25, 2024By Robert FlowerDrink Now, Spain

Aixa Red Vermouth

We all know the names Martini & Rossi and Cinzano, the popularized vermouths used primarily for Martinis and assorted cocktails. However, the Spaniards have taken Vermouth to another level. These tend to come from boutique vermouth specialists or serious winemakers who’ve added vermouth to their lineup. So, what is Vermouth? It is a fortified and aromatized wine that is macerated with a selection of herbs, […]

July 21, 2023January 25, 2024By Robert FlowerSpain, Special Occasions

Diving Deep into La Rioja

Recently, we had the honor of welcoming some truly special visitors, prompting me to delve into my treasured Rioja wine collection. It was an occasion to celebrate both the cherished classics and the exciting new additions. These wines perfectly embodied my philosophy, which centers around enjoying well-crafted, naturally grown wines that are ready to be savored. Each bottle was a delightful experience, and we were […]

Janare del Sannio Falanghina Campania, Italy

July 7, 2023January 25, 2024By Robert FlowerDrink Now, Italy

My Epic Quest

Ladies and gentlemen, gather around and let me regale you with the tale of my epic quest to discover the most magnificent summer white wine for 2023. Armed with an insatiable thirst and a questionable sense of adventure, I set forth on a perilous journey through tasting rooms, determined to find the elixir that would quench my summertime desires. My encounter with Janare del Sannio […]

July 7, 2023January 25, 2024By Robert FlowerDrink Now, Spain

Tinto de Verano

From the New York Times June 28, 2023 By:Rebekah Peppler A drink built and named for summer, Spain’s effervescent tinto de verano (summer red wine) matches the season’s easy-going nature. At its most traditional, the recipe sticks to just three ingredients: ice, red wine and citrus soda. (La Casera, from Spain, is most classic, but 7Up and Sprite also work.) This version includes an option […]

June 23, 2023January 25, 2024By Robert FlowerDrink Now, Spain

Who doesn’t love a magnum…

Baron de Ley Reserva, Rioja 2014 Magnum I wasn’t familiar with this producer initially, but what caught my attention was the combination of price and bottle size. Who doesn’t love a Magnum? It’s perfect for a dinner party, as why open two bottles when one is easier? Baron de Ley is a relatively new producer, established in 1985, boasting an expansive vineyard spanning almost 1500 […]

June 23, 2023January 25, 2024By Robert FlowerCalifornia, War of the Rosés

What is Edelzwicker?

Union Sacré, Edelzwicker 2022 For those of you that have never heard of Edelzwicker, it is a term used to describe a type of wine, specifically a blended white wine, originating from the Alsace region in France. The word “Edelzwicker” is of German origin and translates to “noble blend” or “fine blend.” In Alsace, where both German and French influences are prominent, Edelzwicker wines are […]

La Jota Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet sauvignon 1990

June 16, 2023January 25, 2024By Robert FlowerCalifornia, Special Occasions

Commemorating a Truly Special Day

La Jota Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 1990 In 1983, the Howell Mountain American Viticultural Area (AVA) became one of the first official sub-appellations of Napa Valley. While rivers, creeks, and property lines typically define an AVA, the boundaries of Howell Mountain are defined by a 1,400-foot elevation contour line as the lowest point, with the highest vineyards situated at 2,500 feet above sea level. […]

June 16, 2023January 25, 2024By Robert FlowerDrink Now, Italy, War of the Rosés

Montenidoli Canaiuolo Rosado 2022

Montenidoli is situated on 500 acres of woodland atop a hill that overlooks San Gimignano, facing the Chianti Classico region between Florence and Siena. This pristine land resides high up on the hill, benefiting from clean air and remaining untouched by any chemical pollutants created by humans. Under the guidance of Elisabetta Fagiuoli for over fifty years, Montenidoli has emerged as a leading producer of […]

June 9, 2023January 25, 2024By Robert FlowerCalifornia, War of the Rosés

Gaining Important Ground

Brace yourselves for two more fabulous rosé wines to tickle your taste buds! We’ve got one straight outta Napa, CA, and the other hailing all the way from the charming land of Veneto, IT. Now, I know when you think rosé, you automatically picture French regions like Provence, Bandol, and the Loire. But hey, let’s not forget that these wines are crafted with finesse in […]