Tasting Notes – Wines from Olympic Gold-medal-winning countries – 02.25.2026

presented by Presented by Ryan Gilbert of Winebow

Wines from Olympic Gold-Medal-Winning Countries

To celebrate the recent weeks of the 2026 Winter Olympics, today we feature four wines from countries that took home the Gold in the Games. Each wine comes from a country that gives us amazing wines and gold medal athletes.

Sparkling Rosé Brut ~ NV ~ Austria

Zweigelt and Pinot noir grapes are harvested from small single vineyards in the Traisental.
Appellation: Lower Austria
Grapes: Zweigelt / Pinot Noir, ABV 12%.
Tasting notes: Light salmon colour with reddish gold play of light, fine, persistent mousseux, delicate, fresh and very animating nose, fruit and spice with hints of fresh cherries and forest berries, a sophisticated note of citrus. Dry, fruit-driven yet creamy on the palate, finely woven with elegant acidity and mineral extract, very harmonious structure.
Producer: Weingut Markus Huber

Feudi del Pisciotto Colori di Sicilia Catarratto ~ 2024 ~ Italy

Catarratto is one of the four single-varietal wines in the Colori di Sicilia line by Feudi del Pisciotto. A historic grape variety of the island produces fresh white wines with fruity and floral notes. The Catarratto from Feudi del Pisciotto is a wine with a pleasant sapidity and great versatility. On the label, strokes of orange and yellow reminiscent of the citrus fruits of Sicily are inspired by the ceramics of the great master from Caltagirone, Giacomo Alessi.
Appellation: Sicilia, Italy
Grapes: 100% Catarratto- ABV 12.5%
Tasting Notes: Straw yellow with greenish reflections. This wine ranges from hints of white-fleshed fruits such as peach and pineapple, to floral hints of jasmine and orange blossom. The taste is delicately citrusy, fresh and savory.
Pairings: Fish and seafood, white meats, grilled vegetables, soft and medium-aged cheeses.
Producer: Feudi del Pisciotto

Terres de Gamay Noir Vin de France ~ 2023 ~ France

Since 1865, the spirit of Mommessin has consisted of a Beaujolais soul and a Burgundian heart that define a style that is fruity, powerful and very close to its roots. The Mommessin spirit stands out for the alliance of two winegrowing regions – Burgundy and the Beaujolais, two cultures that make our wines distinctive and appealing. This wine combines fruit from Beaujolais and other plots outside the AOC boundaries.
Appellation: Vin de France
Grapes: Gamay Noir – ABV 12.8%
Tasting notes: Pretty ruby red with beautiful intensity. Fruity and floral aromas. Small red fruits that are typical flavours brought by the Gamay grape are very present, notably Morello cherry and some spicy notes. A perfect and very nice balance in the mouth, between fruitiness and power, woodiness and spices, structure and elegance.
Pairings: Will be the perfect companion to a plate of charcuterie, red and white meats, simple local dishes, daily cuisine and soft cheeses.
Awards: February 2024 : Silver Medal – Anivin de France Best Value Selection
Producer: Mommessin

216 Miles to Go Cabernet Sauvignon ~ 2023 ~ USA

Mark Ryan Winery is thrilled to announce the release of our latest wine and a new label, 216 Miles to Go. This exceptional Washington Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted to continue our journey, sharing the wine scene of Washington State to a wider audience of enthusiasts everywhere by telling the story of our winery, vineyards, terroir, and winemaking style.
Appellation: Columbia Valley, Washington
Grapes: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot – ABV 13.4%
Aging: 18 months in French Oak, 65% new, 35% once filled
Tasting notes: Fruit from Red Mountain contributes intense layers of ripe dark fruits with an expansive, textured palate, while the Horse Heaven Hills fruit brings deep, brooding flavors and a broad, sweet mid-palate. In the glass, this wine shows deep ruby hues with aromas of blackberry, black cherry, plum, clove, and cedar. A smooth and well-balanced palate offers bright acidity, a full body, and fine-grained tannins. Black cherry and blackberry compote mingle with baking spices, leading to a long, satisfying finish.
Producer: Mark Ryan Winery