Champagne Cรฉdric Moussรฉ et Fils
Donโt aim to be perfect, be real. Cรฉdric Moussรฉ is real through and through – his convictions and efforts have a crystalline focus on eco-responsability, Cedric Moussรฉ: Meunier Magic Cedric Moussรฉ is the 12th generation winemaker the family estate Champagne Moussรฉ Fils, located in the village of Cuisles in the Vallรฉe de la Marne dedicated to the Meunier grape. Cedric is a pioneer in the world of Champagne, pushing boundaries and championing the Meunier Revolution. His dedication to biodiversity, energy vibrations transmissions, reducing his carbon footprint to zero, photovoltaic effect, research and invention of a purely raw mined sulfur from Poland and its use in winemaking, his lutte raisonnรฉ approach and sustainability make him a figure to watch in the future of Champagne. Take a stroll through the winery and youโll see his ratafia ageing outside under the sun and lunar influences, while pigs and chickens (among other animals) stroll amongst the vines promoting a healthy ecosystem. Youโll see the solar panels power the entire facility and the geothermal energy moderates temperature throughout. A natural spring provides the water needed for irrigation of the farm as well as composting following natures cycle. His 17 hectare (85% biodynamic, 15% organic in conversion to biodynamic) comprised of 85% Meunier, 12% Pinot Noir, 3% Chardonnay. He utilizes low dosage or zero dosage (brut nature) champagnes, allowing the natural expression of the fruit and terroir. He prefers longer aging on lees for greater complexity and texture. He experiments with solera systems and perpetual reserves to create unique expressions of different vintages. His champagnes have a natural energy, richness and personality just like the winemaker himself. As luck would have it, we visited on the day that he and his team planned to taste and finalize the assemblage for his Coteaux Champenois. For the Coteaux they allow for zero intervention with one week infusion, not a saignee, allowing the wine to remain still untouched for one week. He employs gravity-flow techniques to minimize manipulation and preserve the delicate qualities of the wine allowing for the pure untouched juice to drain into barriques gently. The remaining 50% juice will then macerate on the must in order to extract maximum polyphenols in order to create the other wines for various vessel ageing. We tasted many combinations of the different vintages and perpetual reserves of Meunier from amphora, barrique, stainless order to determine the final blend.His face lit up when he tasted the final blend and said โWOW, if I didnโt know better Iโd mistake this for a Pinot Noir instead of. Meunier in a blind tasting. I am very impressed!โ Following this once in a lifetime experience, we tasted a number of his champagnes: LโEsquisse Extra Brut- 70% 2021, 30% 2020, 70% Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, dosage 2g/L Eugรจne Extra Brut – 80% Meunier, 20% Pinot Noir with perpetual reserve 2003-2021, dosage 2g/L, dรฉgorgement 7/11/2023 Les Vinges De Mon Village (et de celui dโร cรดtรฉ) Zรฉro Dosage- perpetual reserve 2014-2021, 100% Meunier, dรฉgorgement 16/10/2023 Les Terres DโIllite – 80% Meunier, 20% Pinot Noir, dรฉgorgement 11/12/2023, dosage 2g/L Eugรจne Rosรฉ- 82% Meunier, 18% Pinot Noir with perpetual reserve 2003-2021, dรฉgorgement 5/6/2023, dosage 2g/L As a winemaker, every champagnes is near and dear to your heart, they are your babies, your creations. I asked Cรฉdric which was his favorite, he answered without missing a beat, Eugรจne Rosรฉ. It was the first champagne he made himself bolstered by his fatherโs trust and confidence ( the main photo says it all). Like other producers in the Champagne region, Cedric makes Ratafia de Champagne, a sweet, fortified wine. This traditional drink is crafted by adding grape brandy to unfermented grape juice, resulting in a beverage with an alcohol content of around 18%. What sets Cedric’s Ratafia apart is his unique recipe, a treasured tradition passed down through generations. This special recipe, named Edmond Ratafia in honor of his grandfather, is a testament to Cedric’s dedication to his family’s heritage. Cedric offers two distinct styles of Ratafia: Le Ratafia Sur Le Toit – Le Rooftafia: This intriguing variation matures in glass globes exposed to the elements for two years on the winery’s rooftop. Here, the magical influence of the sun and moon cycles is believed to contribute to the Ratafia’s unique character. La Recette DโEdmond: The second style rests for two years either in glass globes or in oak barrels, nestled within the winery. Cedric pours his dedication and passion into his craft, making them exceptional expressions of tradition and innovation.His Champagnes are unique expressions of himself and his dedication to sustainability and the Meunier grape. He doesn’t chase a mythical “perfect” Champagne, but rather embraces the natural qualities of his terroir and grapes, resulting in vibrant, authentic wines that are a testament to his passion and individuality. In a world that often values conformity, Moussรฉ’s commitment to authenticity is a refreshing reminder that true beauty lies in embracing your true self, flaws and all.
Fiano Fantasies And Delight From Stanlake Park
๐น๐๐๐ ๐๐ป ๐ป๐๐๐๐ถ๐ ๐ป๐ถ๐พ๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐น ๐๐ถ๐๐พ๐ธ๐ถ๐ ๐ป๐ถ๐๐๐ถ๐๐พ๐๐ ๐๐ป ๐น๐พ๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐น ๐๐๐น๐๐ ๐๐ฝ๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐๐พ๐ถ๐ ๐๐๐. EXCLUSIVE Stanlake Parkโs Italian Collection – yes Italian. It was always part of the master plan for winemakers Nico Centonze and Nataliaโs plan to make their own wine from the his fatherโs vineyards in Salento, Puglia. of note, Nico is a fifth generation winemaker. The grapes are from his fatherโs six hectares which were previously sold to local co-ops. How did they do it??? They had the genius idea to create an Italian Collection to be created and labeled under Stanlake Park as law stipulates grapes grown outside Great Britain cannot be processed or bottled in the UK. Stanlake Park partnered with Nicoโs longtime best friend and winemaker in Puglia, the Cantine Paololeo to make their dream a reality. The range features a white wine made from Fiano, a rosรฉ made with Primitivo, and a red from Negroamaro.I have tasted all three and I can attest how beautifully expressive and elegant they are. The grapes are hand-picked, followed by 6-8 hours of skin contact to maximise the extraction of flavour and texture. Soft pressed and fermented at 16-17ยฐC for 10-12 days. Aged on the lees for 3 months, then bottled. An abundance of fruit and floral aromatics as you pour -jasmine and acacia, citrus goodness, pear and stone fruit. A salty damsel with ageing ability to be sure however I brought this darling back with me from my trip last June, I couldnโt wait any longer – I am sure many of my fellow wine lovers have done just the same ๐ An explosion of orange peel, tangerine, peel, and mandarin juice, pink grapefruit and lemon peel, so zesty, zing refreshing itโs incredible how the citrus flavors envelope your senses because behind that is grapefruit, pith and blossom, honeydew, melon, pear, and ending on a long hum of pine needles, saline, sourdough and roasted hazelnut. Pair with a soy glazed salmon, grilled coriander cumin rubbed pork chops
Jeeper In Love
Jeeper “In Love” Champagne Cuvรฉe Brut A bottle designed specifically for the shared love of champagne and love in general, its a classical blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Monnier, each for 15 months minimum Pours into the glass pretty yellow with delicate golden highlights with fine and persistent bubbles forming a beautiful mousse. The swirl reveals pretty fruit notes of white peach, pear, and citrus (lemon, grapefruit), with hints of brioche, toasted almonds, and honey with a hint of acacia. Sip and you are created with a creamy mouthfeel full of fruity fresh delight. The acidity is fresh and lively, balanced by the fruit and texture. Echoing the nose, with prominent white fruit flavors and subtle toasty notes, with hints of minerality and freshly squeezed citrus. A love of a champagne love perfect for apรฉro. The name “In Love” seems fitting, as this is a Champagne that is sure to charm with its delicate sweetness and smooth texture.
Raw Elegance of Benoit Dehu Champagne
โ๐๐ฆ๐ค๐ ๐โ๐ง๐ ๐๐ ๐ฅ ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ช ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐๐ฃ ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ค ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ฃ๐๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ค ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐๐๐ค Eight generations of winemakers run through Benoitโs inspiring and passionate veins. After a stint at Bollinger he wanted to create his own artisanal biodynamic style of Champagne so he carved out 1.70 ha parcel of his familyโs vines to explore his creativity. the vies are 100% Meunier planted in limestone rich soils of Fossoy located on the western edge of the Vallรฉe de la Marne. 0.40ha of which are worked with their beloved horse Violette . Cuvรฉe La Rue de Noyers NV (2018) is a single-vineyard, single-vintage, single-variety Champagne named after the hazelnut trees that lined the parcel. The wine is fermented and aged in oak barrels, then sur lattes in bottle for 36-40 months, zero dosage extremely limited production. Pours into the glass a satin golden yellow with pink gold glints reflections in the energetic bubbles. The nose is generous with baked apple, caramelized orange, apricot, juicy red berries, citrus zest, brioche, dried chamomile and chalky minerality. Fifteen minutes later it develops honeyed quince and pear aromas as well as smoke nuts, toffee, mocha and vanilla notes. A generous and creamy, fine effervescence swirls around the palate, brightened by its vibrant acidity. Holding hands alongside are citrus curd meets the lip-smacking fruit – tart raspberry, red currant, peach and apricot all wrapped up in a cozy blanket of smoke, marzipan shortbread, creme fraรฎche and butterscotch richness. The finish expresses its distinct character of toasted salted nuts, warm mocha and ginger. An intense energy, with beautiful tension and fine minerality. A classy, elegant brutnature with raw undertones of brilliance. It will keep you intrigued and coming back for more. Pair with lobster & herbed cream cheese wontons, crispy pork belly or duck terrine and fig compote
Irresistible Pinot Gris From Ponzi Vineyard
๐ผ๐๐๐๐๐พ๐๐๐พ๐ท๐๐ ๐ซ๐พ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐๐พ๐ ๐น๐๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐๐พ ๐ฑ๐พ๐๐๐๐ถ๐๐น Pinot Gris is best happy in area with short hot summers and cold long winters. Oregonโs PH is a honeyed richness with almost a spritzy verve. An immensely intoxicating, expressive Pinot Gris fermented in stainless steel followed by blocking malolactic fermentation in order to retain the bright and spritely character of this lively wine. ๐ซ๐๐๐๐พ ๐ฑ๐พ๐๐๐๐ถ๐๐น๐ ๐ซ๐พ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐๐พ๐ ๐ค๐ข๐ค๐ค ๐ฒ๐พ๐๐๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐๐๐, ๐ช๐๐๐๐๐ In the glass, a pale yellow with flecks of green, hinting at the wine’s vibrant personality. First swirl reveals an explosion of tropical fruit, led by passionfruit, kiwi followed by white peach and lemon zest. As the wine opens up, delicate floral aromas of white jasmine, followed by subtle hints of green tea, pear, white pepper, and a touch of cumin. The aromas make you salivate thirsty to discover its surprises. The full, juicy mouthfeel bursting with ripe yellow plum, white peach, cantaloupe, star fruit and a refreshing salty melon tawng. A vibrant acidity that keeps the wine lively with a creamy texture orange creamsicle meets Meyer lemon. The finish is so satisfying, with lingering hints of golden apple sweetness and a touch of spice. A bright white that’s sure to please a wide range of palates. An excellent bang for your buck, top shelf quality from Ponzi Paired with Asian marinated shrimp – done โ
Georgia’s Gogla’s Khikvhvi
Gogla’s Khikvhvi White Dry 2020 Kakheti, Georgia Gogla’s Khikvhvi White Dry 2020 is a dry white wine from the Kakheti region of Georgia. It is made from a blend of indigenous Georgian grape varieties, including Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane, and Kisi. The wine is fermented in qvevri, traditional Georgian clay vessels buried underground. This gives the wine a unique flavor profile, with notes of citrus, honey, and earth. Pours a rich yellow amber color. The first impression on the nose is a burst of freshness, characterized by dried orange peel, orange blossom and lemon zest. As the wine opens up, acacia, green apple & pear emerge with subtle wet stone, honeyed peach, dried apricot and brioche. The entry is crisp and refreshing, with a lively acidity that dances on the tongue. The medium body offers a satisfying mouthfeel, balanced by the acidity and low tannins. The dried citrus zest and orchard fruit flavors translate well from the nose, joined by hints of white pepper, anise, nutmeg and a touch of salty cheese rind. The minerality becomes more pronounced on the palate, adding a pleasant textural character. The qvevri influence is subtle but noticeable, contributing a hint of earthiness and a touch of oxidative character such as walnuts and bread dough. The finish is dry yet subtle. A unique flavor profile worth trying.
Rising Brouilly Star – Les Roches Bleues
Get your glouglou on with this must follow rising star from Brouilly, Beaujolais. Domaine Les Roches Bleues is a family-owned and operated winery located in the heart of the Brouilly appellation in the Beaujolais region of France. The winery was founded in 1988 by Jonathan Buisson, who is now the fourth generation of his family to make wine in the region. The winery’s vineyards are planted on the slopes of Mont Brouilly, a dormant volcano that gives the wines their distinctive character. The soils are a mix of clay, limestone, and granite, which provide the vines with excellent drainage and a wide range of nutrients. The winery is committed to sustainable viticulture and winemaking. The vineyards are farmed using organic and biodynamic methods, and the wines are made with minimal intervention. Les Roches Bleues La Croquante Brouilly 2022 I have to preface my earlier glou-glou comment by stating by no means is this a simply slammer of a wine. Ever so moorish? Yes. Freshly addictive and layered? Yes. Full of crunchy and zingy personality? Yes. Simple and meh, that would be a HARD NO ladies and gentlemen. The wine pours a deep ruby color with a hint of violet. First swirl you are enchanted with aromas of ripe and fruity blueberries, red currant, strawberry, blackberries, plums, and cherries with hints of violet, minerals, forest floor, that carbonic banana and bubblegum along with warm baking spice. As the name inmplies, the Croquante is full of crunchy fruit. The first sip is so juicy, flavorful and inviting you to explore further. The delicate tannins are on the lighter spectrum supple and well-integrated. The acidity is so refreshing with its lip smacking finish on nutmeg, licorice and cinnamon. Pair with turkey cranberry rolls, tourtiรจre or roast beef sandwiches
Tenuta Enza La Fauci Maestro
๐๐๐น ๐พ๐ป ๐๐๐๐ฝ๐พ๐๐ ๐๐พ๐๐๐ ๐พ๐ ๐๐๐, ๐๐ฝ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ธ๐ถ๐’๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐พ๐ธ -๐น๐๐๐พ๐ธ๐พ๐ถ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐ Enza Fauci, a #womaninwine with immense passion for what she does, her vines, and the terroir of #sicily, low intervention and as natural as possible, her wines sing of Sicily. ๐ฏ๐๐๐๐๐ถ ๐ธ๐๐๐ถ ๐ฟ๐ถ ๐น๐ถ๐๐ธ๐พ ๐๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ค๐ข๐ฃ๐ช Nocera is a rare grape from the volcanic soils of Faro DOC in the northeastern Messina province of part of Sicily. It used to be considered a very important grape for bulk wine but fell out of favor. However winemakers such as Enza Fauci and a few others are taking notice of its color stability, acidity and tannin structure as well as its ageing potential as a single varietal wine. Enza Fauci has revived this rare mono-varietal as she weaves her magic with the โMaestroโ in a single varietal form as only a few other do in the entire island of Sicily. Marilee tells the story – Enza says that Nocera taught her so much about making wine she had to name this wine Maestro. Maestro 2018 paints a stunning portrait in the glass with its intense ruby hue with a tinge of garnet at the rim. Its multifaceted personality arrives in a wave of aromatic – like a bright and exuberant 8 lane highway running parallel – first with the dark fruit followed by deep leather and smoke to refreshing notes of geranium, mint, further notes of savory licorice, white pepper, star anise adding a touch of earthy mystery with an undertone of blood orange zest. The first sip reveals the savory freshness and goodness of Sicily. The vibrant acidity is well balanced with the supple tannins of this medium bodied wine, weighing in with a 13% abv. The dancing delight continue with black cherry, black plum, black raspberry, dried figs, black tea, smoke, leather with an intensely long licorice, pepper, tomato leaf and raw cocoa finish. It has sweet and savory peaks and valleys that you want to keep discovering where will this journey lead to next. The finish is an ode to elegance with a salty kiss of the sea. This wine ticks all of the boxes full stop. Pair with a wine braised beef short ribs with polenta, roasted spice chicken, eggplant parmesan or deep dish pizza.
Push The Limits With Desparada Amphora Sauvignon Blanc
แดสแดแด๊ฑแด แดแด แดแดแดแด สแดแด, สแดแดแด สแดแด ษขแดแด๊ฑ๊ฑ แดส ษดแดแดแด – แดสแด สแดสสษชษดษข ๊ฑแดแดษดแด๊ฑ Sip into a unique experience as the uber talented #winemaker Vailia From pushes the boundaries of what Sauvignon Blanc can be. A Central Coast white made from100% Sauvignon Blanc, fermented and aged in amphora for 4 months. แด แด๊ฑแดแดสแดแด แด แดแดแดสแดสแด ๊ฑแดแดแด ษชษขษดแดษด สสแดษดแด 2022 แดแดษดแดสแดส แดแดแด๊ฑแด แดแด แด, แดแดสษช๊ฐแดสษดษชแด Pours into the glass a captivating pale golden hue, reminiscent of sunlight filtering through a freshly cut lemon. First swirl reveals a flurry of Meyer lemon, grapefruit, and lime intertwine with hints of melon, apricot, honeysuckle, pineapple and mango, creating a lively and refreshing bouquet. Subtle hints of ginger, turmeric and wild oregano add complexity, while a touch of minerality rounds out the aromatic profile. The initial surprise is the texture. The amphora imparts a creamy richness enveloped with wonder of whatโs to come. The first sip delivers a kaleidoscope of refreshing citrus flavors, with lime, tangerine and candied grapefruit taking the lead. A wave of tropical fruit follows, with mango, guava, and passionfruit dancing on the tongue with a subtle saline seabreeze. The acidity is pleasant and playful – a zesty sprite cutting through the richness of the fruit flavors and leaving a lingering freshness. Subtle hints of ginger and white pepper add depth and length to the lingering finish, while a touch of minerality lends structure and elegance. A testament to the winemaker’s skill in crafting a Sauvignon Blanc that is both vibrant and complex. Itโs bold, complex and utterly captivating. Paired with chimichurri shrimp, grilled chicken and mango cilantro salsa and a lemon orzo salad.
Winter Warming Bandol
แดกษชษดแดแดส แดกแดสแดษชษดษข แดกษชษดแด แดกแดแด ษดแด๊ฑแด แดส a Bandol red that definitely fits into this category. Tune in to our chat about this wine and winemaker: Live Chat Domaine Les Luquettes Bandol is quintessential mediterranean and the ideal playground for thick skinned grapes such as Mouvรจdre. An important and highly regarded AOC in Provence producing top quality red and rosรฉ wines. It boasts 2,800 hours of sunshine which bounces off of land and sea aiding in ripening the grapes to perfection. The northern Mistral winds sweep in from the Rhรดne which cools down temperatures and heat induced to the vine as well as reduces risk of rot and final disease and slows down the grapes from over-ripening. The soils are a combination of limestone, schist and resiny plants such as wild thyme, rosemary and lavender all contribute to the regions distinctive character. Mouvรจdre is a reductive grape that can have a farm barnyard aroma to it. Itโs menacingly distinctive in a powerful bold way. It however partners very well with the lush fruit and fatty energy of Grenache which tones down its flexing muscles. Domaine Les Luquettes Bandol Rouge 2019 Sophie Cachard, a #vigneronne to watch with over two centuries of chemical free, low intervention organic winemaking at the family domaine. She continues the familyโs heritage of chemical free, organic & biodynamic farming as well as massale selection of their 80+year old vines in Bandol, France, home to top quality regional red and rosรฉ wines. Both her cellar and press were built in 1852; Sophie continues to make wine in the cellar surrounded by history and family vibes. A blend of 80% Mourvรจdre & 20% Grenache from 80+ year old vines planted by Sophie Cachard’s grandfather. A long macรฉration is followed by 22 months of ageing in a combination of barriques, demi-muid and foudre. โช๏ธPours into the glass a glistening crimson hue with garnet hues bristling with energy. The nose is complex and expressive, with aromas of black cherries, sun-warmed plums, raspberries, cassis, blackberry, tart cranberry, fresh tobacco with earthy underlayers of crushed gravel, wild garrigue, black tea, vanilla, toasted almond and leather. โช๏ธThe first is surprisingly light-footed, with fine-grained tannins that caress the tongue rather than grip. The fruit explodes in a vibrant dance interplayed with the lively acidity. The mid-palate flexes its muscles, with savory notes of black pepper, earth, cured meat and leather weaving through the fruit. The wine lingers long and gracefully, leaving a warm memory of black peppery, anise & savory garrigue. โช๏ธItโs deep and wild with so many sinuous layers. Just a stunning marvel Sophieโs carefully crafted winemaking of the Bandolโs sundrenched elegance and expressive vivacity. A wine that could easily chill for another 10 years. Pair with a classic cassoulet, lamb and rosemary stew or a warming lentil vegetable soup.