Iconic Vines in the Miami Sunshine - Vinous ICONS Miami Favorites
BACK TO THE LECTURE AT HAND
To say it had been a minute since I was last at a wine event might not do the statement justice. It had been several years and, honestly, it was long overdue. I mean when old colleagues greet you with “Are you still in the industry?” you know your presence at these types of functions was severely lacking. So let’s consider this my return to form and I’m ready to make an entrance, so back on up… cause you know. But right off the bat I noticed my tastebuds were not up for the task at hand.
If you’ve never been to a wine event you gotta come to grip with the marathon that’s ahead of you and this one was not gonna let up its pace. I had the good fortune of attending the Vinous ICONS Miami event hosted by Vinous Media. This event celebrates the zenith of winemaking and offers the opportunity to sip on some legendary wines. A unique assembling of tastings of iconic bottles, seminars led by staff members and experts, and hobnobbing with prominent winemakers.
The thing is I came to do some work. I’m brought up on the old school mantra of never let me sip, 'cause if I sip, then I'm sippin' and I wasn’t going to go out so easily on my return to action. I cleansed my palate, locked in my focus, and regrouped my buds to get back in the game. Besides, it was time to bask in the splendor of an Antonio Galloni curated masterpiece. This guy was the MBA turned wine review innovator. I wasn’t going to miss out on picking up a few pointers and learning a thing… or 8, from this hugely influential figure of wine evaluation. Let’s take a closer look at this visionary of vinifera veritas.
A PRODUCER (OF CONTENT) WHO CAN RAP AND CONTROL THE MAESTRO
Antonio Galloni started his wine journey with an interest in Italian wines. He earned early distinction with his independent wine publication, Piedmont Report, which provided reviews and understandings on wines of Northern Italy. He must’ve been doing something right because he caught the attention of the wine community, establishing him as a leading voice on Italian wines.
He also caught the eye of Robert Parker, founder of The Wine Advocate, who invited Galloni to join the publication. He initially focused on Italian wines but eventually expanded his portfolio to include California, Burgundy, and Champagne. His detailed reviews, combined with panache to express the nuances of wine, helped him build a strong following.
In 2013, Galloni embarked on launching Vinous with a focus to modernize wine criticism, integrating traditional reviews with digital innovation and interactive features. They incorporated tools like the Vinous app and Delectable, to offer users access to vast databases of wine reviews and a social media-style wine app to enhance user interaction. In time, leading to the creation of the Vinous ICONS events. Through these events, he continues to shape the conversation around fine wine and its appreciation. I think I’ve waxed poetic long enough about his legendary impact. Now it’s time to get to the nitty-gritty at the bottom of my glass and elaborate on which wines at the event left their enduring impression of yours truly? So, sit back, relax, and strap on your seatbelt.
ITS LIKE THIS, AND LIKE THAT, AND LIKE THIS, AND UH
As with any proper wine tasting soiree there is only one place to begin. Break out the bubbly!
Sparkling Wine: Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle N°26
I had to go with champagne in this category and the options I had laid out in front of me were meteoric in class and stature, but to me there was a clear stand out. Laurent-Perrier is one of Champagne’s most prominent houses, celebrated for its innovation and commitment to excellence. The Grand Siècle is their flagship cuvée, crafted from a blend of three outstanding vintage years and exclusively sourced from Grand Cru vineyards. N°26 represents the 26th iteration of this iconic blend, selecting the 2012, 2008, 2007 vintages to showcase the house’s philosophy of creating the “perfect year.” It shows off a luminous golden color with refined bubbles. The nose is complex and elegant, offering aromas of fresh brioche and citrus zest, accented by notes of almonds, honey, and a hint of minerality. Its palate is rich and refined evidence of the minimum of 10 year resting on the lees (that’s marinating in its own yeast for the common folk out there) mandated by LP for this offering. There were layers of fresh pear, lemon curd, and subtle spices dancing merrily on my tongue. The wine’s creamy mouthfeel, alluring acidity, and beautiful balance culminate in a harmonious finish.
Working my way to the white wines for a trio of tastings that tantalized my tormented tasty bits.
White Wine 1: Chateau Suduiraut Grand Vin Blanc Sec Vielles Vignes
Staying in the L’Hexagone République we saunter over to the Sauternes region in Bordeaux to Château Suduiraut, a Premier Cru Classé estate renowned for its exceptional sweet wines. However, their Grand Vin Blanc Sec Vieilles Vignes highlights a different expression of the estate’s terroir, crafted from predominantly old-vine Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. The Sémillon is the real star here gettin' funky on the mic like an old batch of collard greens. It brings a huge aromatic bouquet of tropical fruits, ripe peach, citrus zest, and a touch of honey. The flavors of the wine are all lush textured fruits, with flavors of fresh apricot and overripe pineapple, complemented by a pronounced vibrant acidity and creamy elegant finish with hints of salty freshness.
White Wine 2: Inama Soave Classico I Palchi Foscarino Grande Cuvée
Over in Italia we drop into the Veneto region in the northeast of the country to the family-owned winery of Azienda Agricola Inama. With a long history of producing exceptional wines in the Soave Classico region, the I Palchi Foscarino Grande Cuvée is crafted from old-vine Garganega grapes grown on the volcanic soils of Monte Foscarino. The grapes receive 3 distinctly different fermentation processes (fermentation in large casks, new/used barriques, & stainless-steel tanks). They stay on the lees for about 6 months then 6 more months in steel vats. The result is a rich textured wine with luxurious fruits of peach, pear and lemon zest. The palate is full of stone fruits and herbaceous undertones with brightness and minerality to give it a clean finish.
White Wine 3: Otronia Chardonnay
For this gem we gotta go way down south to one of the southernmost vineyards in the world deep in the Patagonia region of Argentina. Located on an ancient lakebed, the area is known for its extreme climate and pristine environment. The winery focuses on sustainable viticulture and low-intervention winemaking to craft wines that reflect the unique terroir of this remote region. Their Chardonnay embodies the balance and finesse that Patagonia’s cool climate and ancient soils can impart. With its expressive bouquet of exotic fruits, white peach, green apple and a touch of vanilla from oak aging. This elegant and well-structured wine features crisp acidity, vibrant flavors with a hint of salinity and creamy texture to create a perfectly balanced sip every time.
Tune in tomorrow for the next episode…
