We select all our wines for best quality and enjoyment and highest appeal to our wine lovers—and we get pretty excited when wine experts agree! We’re pleased to announce that 11 Traveling Vineyard wines were recognized with a Gold or Silver rating by the Tastings.com World Wine Championships in 2018, an ongoing review hosted by the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI), which is open to specific varietals at different times throughout the year.
Here’s a look back at the wines that won this year!
Two of our premium reds earned a Gold rating, which means these wines earned 90+ points, and are considered “exceptional.”
Judges called our 2015 Armatura, Marche Rosso IGT, Italy, “An outgoing, roasty Italian blend with lots of appeal.” They also noted the flavors of “ dark chocolate-coated espresso bean,” with a “vibrant, dryish medium-full body and a smooth, elegant, medium-long finish.” Hailing from Italy, we love pairing this premium red with any Italian dish.
Our 2016 Tria Reserve, California Mourvèdre/Syrah was well reviewed, too. “A great combination of sweet and savory fruit and smoky, creamy oak makes this a delight to drink,” judges said. “Roasted, fruity aromas and flavors of milk chocolate, smoked nuts, and toasty berry cake,” made this wine one with an “intriguing” finish, they said.
If you love red wine, both of these wines are ready for your holiday table!
One of our personal favorites, 2016 Calamity Sue, Arroyo Seco Riesling, California, also earned a Gold rating as “an excellent Riesling from Arroyo Seco; stylish, refined yet outgoing.” We love some of the words the judges used to describe this vintage of Calamity Sue, especially the “complex, long yuzu marmalade, pineapple tea cakes, matcha, and a ripe mango finish” description. That’s a mouthful of flavor!
Eight great wines earned Silver in their respective competitions in 2018. These wines received a rating of 85-89 points, making them “highly recommended.”
Our 2017 Three Hearts, Rosé, Pays d’Oc IGP, France delighted our wine lovers. This was our special collaboration with wine author, speaker and expert Leslie Sbrocco. Three Hearts earned Silver as “a satiny, crisp, fruity” Rosé with a “seamless, breezy cucumber finish.” You may be surprised to know that Rosé is not just a summer wine. Experts know that this pink drink pairs perfectly with turkey for your holiday dinner!
2016 Ignia Red Blend, Portugal, is an instant favorite among red lovers, which judges noted as a “velvety red that will work well at the table.” Our elite Wine Guides were fortunate enough to visit the vineyard in Portugal, Quinta do Gradil, from which the grapes for Ignia were harvested! It was a special place, indeed.
Pair our award-winning wines with the perfect recipe using our Sommology tool.
2016 Marula, Western Cape Pinotage, South Africa is a lesser known varietal to some, but one that is well worth getting to know. Its Silver rating only underscores that fact! Judges described Marula as a fruity wine with “aromas of blackberry cobbler and chocolate petit fours with raspberry filling.” Need we say more?
Another premium red and one of our favorites, 2016 Luxx, Sculpterra Vineyard Merlot, Paso Robles, features flavors like “smoked dates, vanilla and black pepper.” Judges recommended this medium-to-full-bodied Merlot for your weeknight steak dinner.
Other 2018 Silver winners include: *2016 State Room, Western Cape Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa; *2017 Smirk, Western Cape Moscatel, South Africa; 2016 Hoot, California White Blend; 2016 Calamity Sue, Arroyo Seco Riesling, California; and *2016 Caballeria de Luna, Penedès White Blend, Spain.
About the World Wine Championships and Tastings.com
Each month, Tastings—a review service by the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI)—offers a wine review/competition based on a specific wine category for U.S. wines, such as U.S. Chardonnay or U.S. Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris Aromatic Whites, as well as World categories defined by country, from France to New Zealand and every growing region in between. When those categories match up with one of our current varietals, we jump at the chance to submit our wines for review and competition. BTI has been reviewing wines for more than 35 years and providing objective ratings and reviews that serve as a useful benchmark for consumers of wine, beer and spirits. We’re proud to consistently earn high ratings for our wines. Host a tasting to try these wines for yourself!
*Sold out.