Kiss the Ground and Wash it Down with Veramonte Wines - Happy Earth Day

Happy Earth Day! Today, we celebrate Earth and all the wonderful things the earth gives us. But, we take a lot from it. Do we ever think about giving back to earth, becoming more sustainable and ways we can protect our planet?

Veramonte Wines takes this task very seriously. Veramonte is located in Chile. Their vineyards in Casablanca is planted with their white and cool climate grapes, while the reds are planted in Colchagua.

All their vineyards are 100% organic. Their organic practices consist of the following:

• Quality Compost - they use their own compost to maximize the soil and promote balance and self-regulation of the ecosystem.
• Inter-Row Cultivation - To improve the structure and vitality of their soils, cover crops are planted in between rows. This minimizes erosion, improves soil structure and provides nutrients to the soil.
• Incorporation of Animals - Sheep and other animals act as natural fertilizer in addition, cut(eat) grass in the spring and aerate the soil (with their feet)
• Conservation of Biological Corridors - by preserving biodiversity ensures a self-regulating ecosystem, thus having healthy vines
• Pruning & Canopy Management - Ensure proper ventilation and the right amount of foliage to avoid diseases.
• Weed Control - They cultivate the land under the vines. This loosens the soil and generates structure for the vines and enhances the life and microfauna of the soil. The goal is to have healthier soils rich in micro-organisms.

Veramonte has partnered with the non-profit organization Kiss the Ground, which was created to focus its efforts on healthy soils and creating a symbiotic relationship with the earth. Their mission is to awaken people to the possibilities of regeneration.

With every purchase of Veramonte wines, they will contribute to Kiss the Ground and its mission.

Veramonte Wines is priced at $11.99

Veramonte Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2021 - An impressive Sauvignon Blanc with aromas of white grapefruit and lemon zest. The palate is soft with bright acidity and nuisances of white grapefruit, lemon and lime zest. A great summer white! (Found it at Total Wine for $7.99)

Veramonte Organic Chardonnay 2020 - Aged for eight months in oak, this Chardonnay is very easy drinking. Aromas show a hint of vanilla with honeydew melon pear and green apple. The palate is creamy with notes of pear, lemon and green apple.

Veramonte Organic Carmenere 2020 - Aged in French oak for eight months, the 2020 Carmenere is full of red and black fruit. The palate is smooth and balanced and has a nice even finish.

Celebrate Earth Day with Veramonte Organic Wines

As Earth Day approaches it’s time for us to recognize the importance of the earth and what it gives us every day. Growing up, I didn’t think of anything about my surroundings and the impact we have on it, but I did know, not to swim in the Hudson because of the PCBs. I didn’t fully understand the effects of pollution of all kinds until I was an adult.

Fast forward to last year when the pandemic hit. All of a sudden there wasn’t as much traffic and the air quality improved, the sky bluer and you could hear nature more clearly.

Now let’s think about our soil. Each layer of soil contributes nutrients to the grass, flowers and vegetables you grow. It is reflected in what you eat and the beauty of the landscape you look at each day. It is so important to watch what we put into our earth.

Growing grapes is hard and growing organic grapes even harder but many wineries are opting for organic methods. It is better for the environment and we have to take care of the environment, just like we care for our children.

In celebration of Earth Day I am celebrating with Veramonte and applaud them for what they are doing to save the environment. Veramonte is located in the Casablanca Valley of Chile. They follow organic and biodynamic practices to ensure the best conditions for their vines to develop. The vines truly reflect the soil they are grown in.

What are some of the characteristics of an organic vineyard? Well, the soil is healthy. Many times the animals and insects that occupied the soil before humans began messing with it return. As the vine develops it is aided by all the natural agents of the environment.

Veramonte banned the use of pesticides to protect and care for the ecosystem. By eliminating the use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides the earth is more nourished, the soil regenerates itself, is healthy and reflects the true terroir in the grapes and wine. They incorporated the use of animals in the vineyard. They fertilize the land, mow the grass and aerate the soil with their hooves as they walk through the vineyard.

Veramonte Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2020 SRP $11.99 - This wine says summer in your glass all the way. Light straw in color with aromas of lime zest and white citrus lead to a palate of juicy grapefruit and white peach

Veramonte Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 $11.99 - This Cabernet spent 8 months in neutral oak. The wine really expresses the terroir it’s grown in. Slight balsamic notes on the nose with red and black fruit and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, the wine was smooth with mouth-watering tannins, a mix of red and black fruit and a touch of herbs.

Thank you to Donna White Communications and Gonzalez Byass for providing me with samples of this wine.