Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/735312
44 / the tasting panel / october 2016 With great winemaking comes great responsibility! Of course, a charitable approach to business can also be applied to other industries, but the thing is, altruism has actually been proven to make wine perceivably taste better. Even when considering the business-like term "longevity"—for a winery, environmental responsibility and sustainability are key contributing factors to a company's long-term goals. It just makes good business sense, especially in the world of wine, to be a do-gooder. We at The Tasting Panel feel it's paramount, so we've dedicated an entire column to these noble efforts. by Jessie Birschbach 100 PERCENT WINE Burned out on Corporate America, Scott Monette decided to build a business that would make a difference, particularly for the disabled population, as his own son Matthew lives with a disability. 100 Percent Wine donates all profits to nonprofit organizations that create jobs for those with disabilities. Says Scott, "My mission is to deliver outstanding products that celebrate people in a positive and uplifting way and challenge the stereotypes around what someone can accomplish if they are only given a chance. This is now my life's work." Monette is not only an excellent father; he's a skilled wine producer. Working with winemaker Karen Birmingham and Certified Green Sustainable estate- grown Lodi fruit, 100 Percent Wine offers a red blend, a Sauvignon Blanc and a Moscato. 100 Percent 2012 Red Blend, Lodi ($18) Plush and full of chocolate cherries, ripe blackber- ries and a touch of graphite. Estate grown in Lodi, this rich red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), Petit Verdot (26%), Malbec (8%) and Teroldego (1%). 100 Percent 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Lodi ($18) Lime, lime zest, white grapefruit, hon- eydew, white flowers and a pinch of chalk in this estate- grown Lodi Sauvignon Blanc aged in French and American oak. Fuller-bodied and more substantial in style. www.drinkwinehelppeople.org WE BELIEVE WINES The Green Berets, officially known as the United States Army Special Forces, are an immensely flexible, highly specialized group of soldiers tasked to perform a breadth of missions focusing mainly on combat tactics and reconnaissance. They truly are the U.S.'s first line of defense around the world. We Believe Wines from the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County has partnered with the Green Beret Foundation to support these veteran soldiers and their families. Every case sold will result in a $5 donation to the foundation. We Believe COO and co-founder Pat Merrell says, "Special Forces teams are the first and most frequently exposed to combat, resulting in a host of conditions and challenges both seen and unseen. Each situation is complex. Every participant is human. The Army and Veterans Administration often can't offer a solution that puts every Green Beret on a path to health and wellness, but an independent organization can. Over 90% of all money raised through the GBF goes to those families who need it most." "We are extremely pleased with our first two vintages of We Believe Russian River Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Chateau Diana Winery located in the heart of the Dry Creek Valley in Healdsburg, CA," gasps Merrell. We Believe 2014 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($28) Lots of baked fruits! Yellow apple, pineapple and pear—all as if they're in some sort of nutty, vanilla cake. A little bit of lemon zest to counter the rich fruits. We Believe 2013 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($30) Black cherry, ripe raspberry and dark roasted coffee in this medium-plus bodied Pinot Noir. http://webelievewines.com