What Do Wine Brands Offer Consumers
Many experts divide wine brands into one of two categories: commodity and terroir.
- Terroir wines refer to wines that are specifically connected to a certain region. The idea of terroir is quite popular in the finest wines. We do know that soil, climate, and method of cultivation impacts the taste and general characteristics of the wine. Some brands are almost exclusively connected to terroir wines and the idea that what makes their wines signature is the land and cultivation of a certain region. One of the main goals of a fine winemaker, according to Michele Dal Forno, of Dal Forno Romano in the Veneto region of Italy, is to have ones wines well distinguished by Terroir.
- Commodity wines are far more common. Commodity in of itself implies that the products are being sold or exchanged on a market for a profit. In short, while you can define commodity wines in a variety of ways, they simply refer to wines and brands that are not necessarily linked to a specific region. While commodity is used by some in a negative way, in reality, many popular wines are commodity wines, such as wine blends.
However, there are many brands that also have both terroir and commodity wines. Some even argue that terroir wines are not as distinct as some would like to thinkand its also true you can find decent wines of both varieties.
Hands Nv Brut Mthode Champenoise Sparkling
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Light aromas of lemon, apple, pineapple, toast and spice lead to just off-dry flavors. It drinks a little sweet for a brut but still delivers enjoymenta straightforward crowd pleaser. Sean P. Sullivan
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All tastings reported in the Buying Guide are performed blind. Typically, products are tasted in peer-group flights of from 5-8 samples. Reviewers may know general information about a flight to provide contextvintage, variety or appellationbut never the producer or retail price of any given selection. When possible, products considered flawed or uncustomary are retasted.
Ratings reflect what our editors felt about a particular product. Beyond the rating, we encourage you to read the accompanying tasting note to learn about a products special characteristics.
Do Companies That Sell Canned Wine Sell Poor Quality Wine
This is a common misconception. Just because wine is more affordable and just because wine is sold in a can does not mean it is bulk wine.
By the same token, there are also many companies that sell a mix of wines, both more affordable, especially wine blends, and also signature vintage wines. That is the case, for instance, with 14 Hands.
While the very finest wines often come from vineyards selling signature , its also true you can find some quality wines from less expected places, and at very least wines that offer nice flavor notes, if you give them a chance.
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Tidal Bay: The Only Appellation Wine In North America
Appellation wine is a swanky wine term to explain that you can only get a specific wine from a specific region.
Its governed by a board and a protected name. Here are a few of the most famous:
- Champagne
- Chianti
- Rioja
Most appellation wines have been around forever because you need to coordinate a region all agreeing on the rules.
This is likely why we havent appellation wines in the United States. Perhaps back in 1975 the 25 wineries could have agreed, but now there are over 400 wineries in Napa and Sonoma Countries.
Sometimes being small is good.
Launched in 2012, the regions wineries were able to agree on what the expression of Nova Scotia appellation wine. Tidal Bay reflects the cool climate region and pairs well with traditional Nova Scotian food.
Tidal Bay must abide by a set of standards and are approved each year by an independent blind tasting panel. The standards include:
- Grapes must be 100 percent grown in Nova Scotia
- Use a combination of the approved grape varieties
- Must reflect distinct Nova Scotian flavour profile: lively fresh green fruit, dynamic acidity and characteristic minerality
- Low in alcohol at no more than 11%
Currently, 14 Nova Scotia wineries making Tidal Bay.; Wineries are able to express their own unique vision for Tidal Bay, within a spectrum.
But some are sweeter, others have more minerality. In fact Gaspereau Vineyard doesnt use the LAcadie Blanc grape at all.
What Is The Overall Reputation Of 14 Hands
The 14 Hands brand is dedicated to sustainability, with certifications by both LIVE and Salmon-Safe. Select wines of theirs have been rated at eighty or above on a scale of one hundred by experts, while other wines faired more in an average range. For its price point, 14 Hands offers up a number of wines that mostly have been well received, both by the public and experts.
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Reasons To Love Nova Scotia Wine
In cooler weather Lightfoot & Wolfville has Nova Scotia tartan blankets.
If youre planning to visit Nova Scotia, you MUST try our wine. With our cooler temperatures it really is a unique experience.
And Ill be honest, it hasnt always been good but now its really great.
We have the same climate as the champagne region and we also make traditional method sparkling.
We cant call it Champagne because its not from the region, but we also wont charge you the steep price along with it.
I wrote this guide because as a local I discovered so many interesting things that I did not know about wine in Nova Scotia.
If youre a wine nerd like me, youll love this post.
An Attitude To Create Rather Than Replicate
We can be inspired by other regions and styles, but at the same time we have our own identity. Ben Swetnam, Avondale Sky Winery
Across the board the one consistent message was that Nova Scotia wine isnt trying to be something its not.
Wine here doesnt try to recreate big reds of California or whites of New Zealand. Winemakers were looking at regions with similar climates to see what could grow well but then also creating a wine that reflected the region.
Theres lots of experimentation and its an exciting time to visit Nova Scotia. Staff at wineries are enthusiastic about small lot wines, sharing how one year was different from the last because of a late summer or early frost.;;
And locals are supporting producers, making up a significant number of sales so that wineries are often selling out.
Although Nova Scotians may not be the most knowledgeable wine drinkers, this means they have fewer preconceived notions.
Most importantly as an agricultural region Nova Scotians understand how weather affects everything.
Locals remember the frost last June, or that summer started late, which affects everything from strawberries to grapes.;
And in that way were not apologetic because youre not getting what you expect somewhere else.
Mercator has sparkling wine weekends? Yes please!
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Hands Cabernet Sauvignon 750 Ml
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Awesome Nova Scotia Wine Events
There are lots of food and wine events in Nova Scotia all year long. Here are a few you should keep an eye on:
Dining on the Ocean Floor
Theres nothing like eating with the fresh air of the ocean. This exclusive dinner is held at low tide on the ocean floor at the home of the highest tides in the world, it rises and falls twice as day and can as high as a five story building.
Read more about my experience dining on the ocean floor.
Stellar Beach Feast
The iconic White Point Beach Resort has culinary and wine events all year round. This summer I went to the Stellar Beach Feast for an oceanside four-course dinner paired with Nova Scotia wine.
Its followed by an evening walk with Dark Sky Interpreter Paul Lalonde into the dark and ends with a blind tasting of local wine.
Check availability for rooms and cottages and find out what events are happening during your visit.
Devour the Vines
The Devour! Film Festival is hugely successful drawing big names from around the world, while also highlighting local food.
It is held each autumn with a series of events from competitions to formal dining experiences.
But the group also holds events throughout the year, including Devour the Vines at Domaine de Grand Pré.
19 DELICIOUS:
Chefs Jason Lynch and Michael Howell prepare a multi-course meal served in the vineyard.
It is paired with award-winning wines and delicious short films curated by the team at Devour.
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Diy Nova Scotia Winery Tours
If you cant take a formal tour its easy to get a local car rental for the day and plan your own trip.
Budget Itinerary
- Start at Luckett Vineyards, which has a very reasonable tasting fee:$12 to try 5 from the core selection of reds, whites or rosé OR three premium collection of reds, whites or specialty dessert wines.;Dont miss the red British phone box in the vineyard where you can make a free call anywhere in North America.
- Picnic lunch at Mercator Vineyards one of the most romantic things to do. Mercator offers a picnic lunch for two for $25 to enjoy in the vineyard. If its the weekend they also offer a great sparkling weekend special.
- Domaine de Grand Pre is only a 23 minute walk . The regular tasting, which includes 5 wines is only $8. A 5oz class of wine on the wine shop deck is $6 its a steal.
- Dinner at Evangeline Inn this cafe is a local favourite, it is licensed and also serves Nova Scotia wine. Do not miss skip the dessert as locals come here specifically for the seasonal pie. The mixed berry crisp recipe is also a stand out.
Where to Stay
Evangeline Inn. This a great option close to Mercator Vineyards and the Harvest Moon Trail. You can rent a bicycle from Mercator or walk the trail which takes you along the scenic Acadian dykes.
Youll find lots of locals out here.
Family Itinerary
Where to Stay in Gaspereau
The Old Orchard Inn. Its not the most modern but its a good price and has an indoor pool and hot tub. Check rates here.;
Splurge Itinerary
What Overall Value Do 14 Hands Wine Brand Offer
;For what it is, 14 Hands is a fairly solid American wine brand. With several high ratings, positive public reception, and connection to reputable vineyards and practices devoted to sustainability, there is a good deal to admire for a producer of commodity wine and wine blend.
Pros: At its best, the 15 Hands wine brand offers a wide selection of American wines that are affordable and feature signature flavors youd expect:
- Affordable. Wine costs ten to sixty dollars, with a variety of price points in that small range.
- Fruit forward and food-friendly. Most 14 brands wines are easily paired with food and tend to be appealing to many, with higher attention to quite fruity wines that are not overly bold, acidic, or especially heavy in tannins.
- Variety, include specific well-known varieties as well as a number of red wine blends as well as some white blends.
- Dedicated to sustainable practices
- Most Reserve wines are close to one hundred percent or one hundred percent the indicated variety as opposed to blends
- High reviews on select wines
- Reserve wines have more defined locations
Cons: There are of course some downsides to the 14 Hands wine brand. For one, many wines offered under the 14 Hands label are very much blends. Here are the biggest downsides:
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Additional Wineries In Nova Scotia
There are 20+ Nova Scotia wineries. I visited the wineries that make Tidal Bay in the Annapolis Valley wine country. However there are so many more small winemakers in Nova Scotia.
While I didnt have time to visit, Ive included them on a map at the bottom of this post.
Ive also included links here to reviews of the other wineries:
Alex Morozov is not a Maritimer, but jokes that hes CFA . Yet he seems to have adapted well to Nova Scotia life and the spirit of collaboration amongst the winemakers.
What Is 14 Hands Wine Brand And How Long Has It Existed
14 Hands wine brand began selling bottles of wine in 2005; by 2016, the brand had sold two million bottles, showing how much theyd achieved in a span of twelve years. 14 Hands started off as a restaurant the only brand, selling just three varieties: Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has since branched out into selling over twenty-five varieties of wine and is considered the second largest winery in Washington.
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Hands Nv Bubbles Sparkling
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Aromas of pear and apple lead to off-dry flavors. It’s an easy-drinking sparkling quaffer. Sean P. Sullivan
- rating
- Alcohol
- Not rated yet
All tastings reported in the Buying Guide are performed blind. Typically, products are tasted in peer-group flights of from 5-8 samples. Reviewers may know general information about a flight to provide contextvintage, variety or appellationbut never the producer or retail price of any given selection. When possible, products considered flawed or uncustomary are retasted.
Ratings reflect what our editors felt about a particular product. Beyond the rating, we encourage you to read the accompanying tasting note to learn about a products special characteristics.
Hands Winery A Unique Brand
Keith Kenison
14 Hands wines are available nationally and exported to more than 25 countries. It has become a huge brand with global popularity.
This unique winery in Prosser, Wash., began in 2005, and the wine was introduced as a restaurant-only label.
Success of this brand really took off, said Stephanie Mendoza, senior manager of guest services at 14 Hands Winery.
This winery is part of the family of wineries of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.
The name 14 Hands comes from the wild horses that once roamed eastern Washington, where our grapes are grown today. These were small horses, only about 14 hands high, and known for their strength and tenacity, she said.
In 2011, 14 Hands announced its national off-premise launch.
The brand continued to grow and in 2014 we built a tasting room here in Prosser. Weve just had our 5-year anniversary, she said.
What makes our tasting room unique is that we offer a reserve tier of wine, and all the reserve grapes are sourced from the Horse Heaven Hills, with much smaller production. We make between 100 and 850 cases of each of those wines, which is less than 1% of our total production. Altogether, our parent company, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, owning wineries in Washington, California and Oregon, produces about 2 million cases of wine that can be found in retail stores across the country, Mendoza said.
The tasting room was inspired by the landscape of the Horse Heaven Hills and history of the region.
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What Does It Taste Like
Other than tasting like magic, there are some pretty amazing flavors packed in this pretty pink can. At 13% ABV,;14 Hands Unicorn Rosé Bubbles offers a bubbly crisp feel with light fruity flavors. I personally taste a bit of raspberry, strawberry and maybe even orange. The flavors blend well and the bubbles just add that extra pop that I absolutely love. It is the perfect pair for pool parties in addition to your inflatable unicorn pool floatie, of course.;
Though you will certainly fall in love with this drink, it’s important to note that 2 x 375ml cans = 1 x 750ml bottle. So, drink responsibly!;;
Hands 2016 The Reserve Pinot Gris
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This wine’s cantaloupe, apple, grapenut and pear aromas pop. The palate is upfront, dropping off considerably on the back end. Yet, it still provides enjoyment. Sean P. Sullivan
- rating
- Alcohol
- Not rated yet
All tastings reported in the Buying Guide are performed blind. Typically, products are tasted in peer-group flights of from 5-8 samples. Reviewers may know general information about a flight to provide contextvintage, variety or appellationbut never the producer or retail price of any given selection. When possible, products considered flawed or uncustomary are retasted.
Ratings reflect what our editors felt about a particular product. Beyond the rating, we encourage you to read the accompanying tasting note to learn about a products special characteristics.
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Hands Winery Launches Cans Nationally
Posted by Submitted Content | May 8, 2019 | Wine, Product Release, Consumer, Press Releases | 0 |
Prosser, Wash. Washingtons second largest winery, 14 Hands, has launched their popular wines in a new convenient formatcans.
Research shows that consumers want to enjoy wine in a variety of settings and that theyre looking for convenience for on-the-go occasions, said Rebekah Gunderson, Senior Marketing Manager for 14 Hands. 14 Hands in cans gives consumers the product they know and love, when, where and how they want it.
Since launching with three restaurant-only wines in 2005, 14 Hands has adapted and grown to meet consumer demand. In 2010, 14 Hands entered the off-premise market, reaching the 2 million case milestone in 2017. Within this year 14 Hands will release nearly 1.5 million cans into the market, conveniently packaged as a complement to a suite of offerings already loved by consumers.
Now on shelves nationwide in grocery retailers and convenience stores, 14 Hands cans are available in four varietals: Pinot Grigio, Rosé, Hot to Trot Red Blend and a sparkling wine playfully labeled as Bubbles. One 375mL can, equivalent to half a bottle of wine, retails for $5.99.
For more information and where to buy, visit 14hands.com.
www.14hands.com | |
About 14 Hands Winery
Press releases are generated outside of Spirited magazine and the information contained does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Spirited or its parent company, Sonoma Media Investments.
