Dolce International Develops Exclusive Wine Program / Sept 1998

Hotel Online Special Report

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Dolce International Develops Exclusive Wine Program

MONTVALE, NEW JERSEY (August 14, 1998). -- Leading conference center company, Dolce International, has introduced the exclusive, three-tiered Pine Hill wine program to all of its U.S. properties. Offering a Proprietor's Red and White, a merlot, a chardonnay, a chardonnay reserve and a cabernet sauvignon reserve, the Pine Hill labels, in contrast to other hotel wine programs, are blended exclusively for Dolce International and are not available in retail stores.

Explains Mark DePiero, Vice President of Culinary Services for Dolce International, "Because Pine Hill wines are made with grapes sourced and blended exclusively for Dolce International, we realize a great reduction in cost which we, in turn, are able to pass on to our customers. The Pine Hill wine program also enables Dolce International to promote a consistent, upscale house wine from property to property. That consistency is vital in all areas of our service."

The Pine Hill labels are blended exclusively for Dolce International by Associated Vintage Group in Sonoma, California under the supervision of Joni Nance and Bruce Rector. Bruce was an original partner and master wine maker for Glen Ellen where he is credited with creating the sourcing and blending of the world's largest Chardonnay program. Under his supervision, Glen Ellen grew from zero to four million cases in 12 years. He enjoys 26 harvests of experience.

DePiero continues, "The three-tier program literally came to fruition in my kitchen while speaking with Joni and Bruce on the phone in California. Through blending barrel samples that they had sent to my home, we were able to further refine the styles of the wines. I was amazed by the results. Pine Hill wines match the finest Northern California vintages on the market today at a fraction of the price. Many of our high volume clients have asked for Pine Hill wines exclusively for all of their corporate dining functions."

Seminars have been conducted with associates at all Dolce International U.S. properties so they can better educate customers about the Pine Hill wine program. "Ironically," says DePiero, "one of the Dolce properties who has enjoyed great success with the Pine Hill Wine program is Salishan Lodge, home of the award-winning, 10,000-bottle Wine Cellar and Tasting Room. The fact that Pine Hill wines can compete with some of the finest vintages in the country is a great testimonial to their quality."

Dolce International, the global leader in learning through meetings and leisure, represents a growing portfolio of conference hotels, conference resorts and private/corporate centers in the United States, Canada and Europe. For more information about Dolce International Pine Hill wines, please contact Jennifer Huhn, Director of Public Relations, at (201) 505-5909.

**Dolce International Pine Hill Wines**
**Tasting Notes**
Pine Hill White -- A chenin blanc and colombard base with about 25% chardonnay. The grapes are from the North Coast and Central Valley of California. We tried to achieve a chardonnay ?style? wine, dry and full bodied. The outstanding fruits are apple and pear, with a buttery palate. The wine was partially barrel fermented. Try with stir fry.
Pine Hill Red -- A blend of syrah, zinfandel and sangiovese, primarily from Mendicino County in Northern California. The wine has a nose of black pepper and deep berries. The mouth is full of spice with raspberry and plum.
Pine Hill Chardonnay -- This wine is 100% chardonnay, a combination of the ?95 and ?96 vintages. The source of grapes is French Camp in Santa Barbara County. The nose has hints of pear and butter. The wine has a wonderful complexity due to the up-front fruit and oak overtones from barrel fermentation. Match with chicken, shellfish and fully ripe cheese.
Pine Hill Merlot -- 100% merlot from French Camp in Santa Barbara County. Understated oak, this wine is bold and sexy with flavor of berries and hints of chocolate. Lots of style and character. Great with all fowl, veal and smoked and grilled salmon.
Pine Hill Chardonnay Reserve - Made entirely from Napa County grapes, partially barrel fermented. This wine is French in style with more finesse and crisp pineapple and tropical notes. Try with halibut, grilled salmon, swordfish and delicate veal.
Pine Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve -- True to the tradition of Napa Valley Cabernet, this wine is regal and strong with firm but not excessive tannins. Flavors of black berries and a hint of tobacco. Match with steak, chops, lamb and Chateaubriand.

**Mark DePiero**
Onsite as General Manager at Tarrytown House, Mark oversees operations of our properties in the Eastern Region, and will pursue growth opportunities in this area. Mark is a current Board Member of IACC and serves as Chairman of the Marketing Committee. Mark is also a Certified Executive Chef, graduating first in his class from the Culinary Institute of America, and was opening General Manager at Frégate and Bank of Montreal Institute for Learning. Mark has also served as Vice President of Culinary Services where he was team leader for food quality and food service at all Dolce International properties. Mark has been with the Company since 1984. He currently lives in suburban New Jersey with his family.

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Contact: Jennifer Huhn Director, Public Relations Phone: (201) 505-5909 Fax: (201) 307-8837 E-mail: [email protected]

Also See:	Dolce Internation Assumes Management of Oak Brook Hills Hotel & Resort in Chicago / Aug 1998
	San Francisco International Wine Competition Announces its 1998 Winners / July 1998
	The Ten Most Coveted, Difficult-to-Find Wines of 1998 / July 1998