Originating about a century ago, Nouveau (which means “new” in French) is the first wine of the season. The result of a quick fermentation, it is produced to celebrate the end of harvest. Carbonic maceration is a whole berry anaerobic fermentation that emphasizes fruit flavors without extracting bitter tannins from the grape skins. Grapes are loaded into a large, sealed container filled with carbon dioxide. Grapes, gently crushed at the bottom of the container by gravity, start to ferment, emitting more CO2. All this carbon dioxide causes fermentation to take place inside the uncrushed grapes (without access to oxygen, hence “anaerobic fermentation”). The resulting wine is fresh, fruity, and very low in tannins.
Nouveau is traditionally released the third Thursday in November, and the idea of a race to Paris, carrying the first bottles of the new vintage, attracted attention. By the 1970’s, the race became a national event. It spread to neighboring European countries in the 1980’s, and soon after to North America.
At Tassel Ridge Winery, we will be releasing our first wine of the season, 2017 Iowa Nouveau on Thursday, November 16. And, the festivities will continue throughout Release Weekend, November 16–19.
The 2017 Iowa Nouveau Release Party with Maxwell and Amy from the KIOA Morning Show is Thursday, November 16, from 3:00–6:00 p.m. Taste Tassel Ridge 2017 Iowa Nouveau with Brat Bites and Pretzel Bites. Thursday Night Wine and Small Plates, from 5:30–7:30 p.m., will include Iowa Nouveau French Dip Sliders. And, plan to attend the 2017 Iowa Nouveau Celebration Dinner on Saturday, November 18.
Join the fun at Tassel Ridge Winery’s 2017 Iowa Nouveau release weekend!
Thursday–Sunday, November 16–19
2017 Iowa Nouveau Release Weekend
9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.—Thursday and Friday
10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.—Saturday
Complimentary Brats served Saturday 12:00–2:00 p.m.
12:00–6:00 p.m.—Sunday
Thursday, November 16
2017 Iowa Nouveau Release Party with Maxwell and Amy from the KIOA Morning Show
3:00–6:00 p.m.
Thursday Night Wine and Small Plates
5:30–7:30 p.m. (Served until 7:00 p.m.)
No reservations required
Friday, November 17
Wine and Wood Fired Oven Pizza
11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (Served until 7:30 p.m.)
No reservations required
Saturday, November 18
2017 Iowa Nouveau Celebration Dinner
6:00 p.m.—Wine Tasting
6:30 p.m.—Dinner Seating
Reservations Required by 3:00 p.m. on November 16
For more information, pick up a Tassel Ridge Winery monthly event schedule at the Winery, visit www.tasselridge.com/events, or call the Winery at 641.672.WINE (9463).
Creating a delightful experience is part of the mission of Tassel Ridge Winery.
We invite you to discover the fascinating world of Tassel Ridge wines while enjoying delectable dinners and fun events!
