Cellar Craft Wine Kits

Cellar Craft Showcase Wine Kits

Cellar Craft's most distinctive and unique creations have been selected to carry the Showcase Collection banner. Their distinction may come from breakthrough technology, such as crushed grape packs or a unique two-stage oaking system; best-of-the-vintage Limited Release status; unique regional wines, usually vineyard-designated, reflecting distinctive character; or simply any wine which reflects a new level of excellence or discovery for the wine hobbyist. The demanding criteria for a Showcase wine means that they may be in limited supply or isolated to a specific vintage. The level of excellence may require extra processing steps and, while designed to be bottle-ready in as little as 6 weeks, may require lengthier processing and cellaring time to show at their peak. With vineyard-specific sourcing, Showcase wines will reflect subtle, and not so subtle differences from vintage to vintage. Vintage variations are part of the intrigue and charm of small-lot, estate wines. All Showcase wines are proudly presented as being wines which we believe the most ardent wine enthusiast would be rewarded in discovering.

RED SHOWCASE WINES CRUSHED GRAPE PACKS Cellar Craft uses over 12 pounds of virgin, varietal grapes to produce "Crushed Grape Packs" for true, on-the-skins fermentation in its Showcase reds. All of the natural skins and solids from variety-specific grapes are captured for extra extraction of aromatics, flavor, tannin, color, and body during the fermentation stage. Showcase red kits contain 18L; Showcase white kits contain 16L, and both yield 6 gallons of wine.

Showcase Amarone. Amarone is a legendary, assertive wine of the Valpolicella area in Italy. Unique and distinctive character comes from the addition of dried grapes during fermentation. The resulting depth is likened to Port or Late Harvest wines but without the sweetness. Cellar Craft's version received 9 medals in 2006. The wine has a foundation of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes from the Veneto region. The must is fermented on crushed varietal grapes from over 10 pounds of virgin fruit plus 4 pounds of whole red wine grapes which have been sun-dried to concentrated perfection. A double dose of untoasted oak is used to balance the wine and, with aging, tame the natural tannins. The wine is full-bodied, deep garnet in color, and richly dry. Notes of plum, sour cherry, raspberry and vanilla gradually marry with anise, bitter chocolate, coffee, tobacco, leather and fig tones that develop with age. Long, lingering finish and alcohol that should exceed 15%. Try to give this wine at least 1 year of aging to enjoy the truly remarkable Amarone experience.

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Cellar Craft Showcase Amarone

$167.99 EACH

Showcase Argentinean Malbec. The definitive star of Argentina. Robert Parker Jr., the world's foremost wine guru has stated "(Argentinean Malbec's) place in the pantheon of noble wines will be guaranteed." Our Malbec is distinguished by its dark, dense structure; full-rounded mouthfeel; prominent, lush flavours of ripe cherry, blackcurrant, and blackberry; subtle notes of vanilla, clove, and caramel with background suggestions of earthiness. The bright, vibrant edge is beautifully counterbalanced by two-stage Hungarian oaking process.

Showcase Austrian Grüner-Veltliner. Pronounced "groo-nuhr-felt-lee-nuhr" or simply "groo-vay."

Grüner Veltliner has been grown in Austria since before the Romans conquered the land. It is Austrias indigenous grape variety. Today, at least 2000 years after its first plantings, Gru-Ve is still Austrias most widely planted grape. The reason for the adoration of this wine is that, like Chardonnay, it is a full-bodied, fruit-driven wine with a big creamy texture and at a much more reasonable price. Additionally, Gru-Ve is never heavily oaked and, as a member of the Traminer cépage, has an enticing spiciness that makes it perhaps the most versatile food wine in the world. It even pairs well with the likes of artichokes and asparagus foods that generally destroy lesser wines. Sommeliers have adopted this new wine as the first recommendation to customers who are looking for the alternative to Chardonnay. Chefs embrace it because it enhances such a broad range of their dishes. Consumers are thrilled with the discovery! Our Grüner-Veltliner from the Huber Estate in the Traisental region will serve as an excellent introduction to this ancient varietal. The wine has a green--yellow hue. Complex aromatics are reminiscent of apple, pear, grapefruit, honeydew, honeysuckle, banana, and peach. The flavors echo the melon, apple, citrus and peach aromas. Medium-bodied with just a hint of sweetness to balance the natural acidity. The finish lingers pleasantly. Spicy Asian cuisine would be a good pairing to discover the wines ability to enhance diverse dishes. Best enjoyed after a couple months of bottle aging and within a year. Don't over-chill.

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Cellar Craft Showcase Austrian Gruner-Veltliner

$167.99 EACH

Showcase Austrian Zweigelt . A spicy, fruit-driven wine with moderate tannins that is a welcome alternative to universally-produced Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah. Austria's most widely planted red is a cross between St. Laurent and Blaufrankisch. It has gained favor because of its appealing fruit and spice character, likened to Cotes-du-Rhone. It is also cold hardy and early ripening important traits in the cool Austrian vineyards. Cellar Craft's Zweigelt comes from the Huber family estate, now being farmed by the 9th generation. Huber Zweigelt produces dark, dense wines without excessive weight. Dark cherry in color, with an opulent bouquet of red fruit, including raspberry, cherry, and currant, stands against a background of vanilla, black pepper, and a hint of licorice. There is also a certain earthiness on the nose that provides a compelling counterbalance to the lively fruit and spice. The flavors echo the cherry, currant, and earthy aromatics. The initially rustic tannins quickly mellow into a nicely structured state and contribute to a long finish. The wine of choice for Austrian favorites like roast pork with cabbage and apples, and braised ribs or shanks.

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Cellar Craft Showcase Austrian Zweigelt

$167.99 EACH

Showcase Chilean Carmenere. Originally a Limited Release kit from 2005, Cellar Craft's Chilean Carmenere is now available year-round with grapes from what has become the premiere region in Chile. Multi-flavored Carmenere from Colchagua shows best when processed with extended oak contact. With Cellar Craft's two-stage oaking system, Hungarian oak shavings are introduced at the start of fermentation, then lightly toasted Hungarian oak cubes are used for further extraction during the post-fermentation stage. The oaks together add surprisingly soft tannins, subtle toast and vanilla which provide a terrific backdrop to the aromas and flavors of blackberry, black cherry, tropical fruit, and spice from the grapes. With age, notes of coffee, mocha, and tobacco can be expected along with a mineral tang that forms as part of the lengthy finish. The wine is medium to full-bodied with bright ruby color. Its charm will begin to show after six months of cellaring, and it should continue to develop for at least two years.

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Cellar Craft Showcase Chilean Carmenere

$167.99 EACH

Showcase Rosso Fortissimo. Multiple-medal winner, Cellar Craft's original "crushed grape pack" wine. Super Tuscan style red blended from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, and other Italian varietals, fermented on crushed Yakima Merlot grapes. A big, full-bodied wine with solid structure and bold fruit notes. Complex cassis, plum, and cherry notes balance the bold tannins. French and American oak contribute toasty vanilla and greater depth in this intense wine. A minimum 6 months of aging is required to begin to see harmony develop; a year is better, and two years yields a very special wine for your enjoyment.

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Cellar Craft Showcase Rosso Fortissimo

$159.99 EACH

Showcase Washington Reserve Gewurztraminer-Riesling. Peach and melon undertones from Riesling marry beautifully with the spice, mango, grapefruit and lychee notes from Gewrztraminer. Incredibly elegant with a hint of sweetness from our Riesling-based Flavor Reserve. Enjoy young and fresh or cellar for a more harmonious profile. Extremely food friendly. Enjoy young and not over-chilled.

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Cellar Craft Showcase Washington Gewurztraminer-Riesling

$173.99 EACH

Showcase Yakima Valley Syrah . Wine & Spirits magazine recently described Syrah from Washington's Yakima Valley as "easily in a league with those from the northern Rhne and southern Australia ... bold, rich and lively, seductively perfumed and heroically structured with a kiss of elegance." Expect an aromatic rush of red and black fruits; hints of chocolate, coffee, and licorice follwed by the spiciness of black pepper. Two-stage oaking keeps the fruit in check and adds great structure. The deep-purple hued wine shows well after a minimum of 3 months but definitely benefits from extended aging. One or two years in the cellar will allow the wine to grow to its full potential.

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Cellar Craft Showcase Yakima Valley Syrah

$159.99 EACH

Showcase Yakima Valley Viognier . An amazing, full-bodied, aromatic wine with a creamy mouth-feel. Unbelievable aromas and flavors of apricot, mango, pineapple, guava, kiwi, tangerine, orange blossom and spiced pear absolutely dazzle the senses. Our Flavor Reserve balances the grape's edge and creates a full, off-dry, lingering finish. On its own, one glass will almost exhaust your palate but pair it with spicy Asian foods and discover magic! It is amazing with Thai curry. Drink young and not over-chilled.

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Cellar Craft Showcase Yakima Valley Viognier

$163.99 EACH

Cellar Craft Specialty Dessert Series Wine Kits

For something special after a great meal, or simply as a luxurious indulgence, try a delectable Cellar Craft dessert wine. Contains 12 liters of must, produces 12 liters (approximately 3 gallons) of wine.

Orange Muscat Port. Muscat dessert wine with natural orange essence. Exudes aromas of orange and spice. Flavours of honey, orange and lychee. Intense. Enjoy in its youth. Serve chilled. Contains 12 liters of must, produces 12 liters of wine.

Cellar Craft Porto Corinto. Porto Corinto Classic ruby port infused with flavourful black currant. Intense, rich and savory! 16% alcohol. Enjoy after 2 or 3 weeks aging. Best after a year in the bottle. Contains 12 liters of must, produces 12 liters of wine.