Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/884376
october 2017 / the tasting panel / 91 Rosa 22 Aperitivo Rosé, Italy (SRP $30) The highly-successful Stella Rosa recently debuted its latest innovative idea—an Italian-styled aperitivo named Rosa 22. "We wanted an apertivo that combined the bitterness of Campari with the sweet- ness of Aperol," described Marcke Lhyle, Northwest Regional Manager for Stella Rosa's parent company Riboli Family Wine Estates. "This is the first bottling," he revealed. Rosa 22 intentionally implements traditional practices and employs 22 herbs and spices for its proprietary flavor. The herbs and spices are ground and undergo cold extraction before being distilled with neutral grain alcohol. The result is a viscous, fragrant liqueur with notes of coriander, peaches, and sweet oranges to generate the desired sweetness on the palate. "We recommend enjoying it chilled with a lime wedge," Lhyle said. Stella Rosa specializes in Italian wines produced in the Piedmont region of Italy where the Riboli family traces its roots. Adding an apertivo to the portfolio as the category becomes more popular dem- onstrates the family's commitment to the changing desires of its loyal consumers. RIBOLI FAMILY WINE ESTATES Uncle Val's Botanical Gin, USA (SRP $39) Uncle Val's Botanical Gin is produced in Sonoma County, which the owners of parent company 3 Badge Mixology call home. In fact, the gin is an homage to the great-uncle of Owner August Sebastiani. Zio Valerio loved three things—food, his garden, and gin—and Sebastiani wanted to honor him by creating Uncle Val's favor- ite beverage. Aimed to showcase an American- style gin, the spirit shows restraint in its aromatics. Cucumber, lemon, sage, and lavender accompany the obligatory juniper, which is soft and floral rather than pungent and herbaceous. The gin relies on a base spirit of rye and the herbs and fruits are steeped in the gin post- fermentation, which also helps soften a heady scent. As a family-owned company, 3 Badge Mixology aims to honor authenticity and tradition through portfolio standouts like Uncle Val's Botanical Gin. 3 BADGE MIXOLOGY www.3badge.com/mixology/ 707-996-8463 Untitled-2 1 9/19/17 3:22 PM Untitled-2 1 9/19/17 3:22 PM