Champagne Billiot Cuvée Laetitia
Today being #internationalwomensday I popped open a Champagne from @champagnehbilliot_ Laeticia is the 5th generation at the helm of the business, managing all from the vine to the bottle. NV Brut Cuvée Laetitia one of their Cuvée Prestige, based on the 2014 assemblage, 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay blended with a perpetual reserve that dates back to 1983. The Grand Cru village of Ambonnay produces wines with rich character and finesse from the limestone, clay and chalk soils. They avoid malolactic with all cuvées except one. Aged for a minimum of 48 months sur lie. Pours into the glass a bright yellow glowing color with tiny exuberant bubbles, its energy is a hint of what’s to come. The aromas have such an intensity of toasted buttery brioche, strawberry compote, bruised orchard fruit, dried papaya, dried citrus peel, toasted walnuts, crushed rocks and chalk. The first sip you are greeted with the freshness of this beauty that remains on the palate for an eternity. Concentrated flavors of peach nectarine jam, grapefruit pith, honey marzipan, roasted hazelnut wisp, salted Marcona almonds and savory umami mushrooms that carry into a powerful lemon crystallized ginger finish. Honed in its brightness, it has direction, strength and purpose all wrapped in an elegant finess. 🥂Raise a glass to all of the wonderful, brilliant and fierce women out there, cheers to you and everything that you do EVERY SINGLE DAY
Domaine Ludovic Belin
Be drawn into exotic complexity and a mythical wine…: Domaine Ludovic Belin Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2019 Vincent Girardin has winemaking in his blood and family history. He further gre his experience in Oregon and South Africa before founding his domaine in 1999. His 7 hectares of vines are spread throughout Pernand-Vergelesses, Chorey les Beaune, Aloxe Corton, Savigny les Beaune et Ladoix. Pours into the glass a hypnotic gold. Complex aromas of tree fruit, pastry, flint, juniper berry, magnolia, honey, nutmeg, buttered popcorn, candied pineapple and mushrooms. It has such a purity of flavor and and bright acid personality that continues to call you back to the glass. The flavors evolve from lemon, apple, peach, vanilla into minerals, hazelnut, oatmeal and earthy truffles into a warm nutmeg & clove long loving finish. A sensorial gastronomic wine you need in your life.
Pizza Party & Super Tuscan
A house full of friends over, it’s #pizzaparty with Ooni pizza oven & Naples Dough at 60% Hydration from the pizza master Marc Vetri it’s a dream of a dough to work with. A favorite pizza wine of mine is a #supertuscan from Topografia. As you know from my previous posts, Topografia Wines is a boutique winery located in #mendozaargentina Following the success of their limited releases, they decided to travel to different regions to collaborate and build long lasting winemaking relationships. “It had to have an intangible fit, an ethos, synergy if you will” says Carlos. All small lots, limited releases. A Super Tuscan collaboration with Roberto Cirpesso in 2019, a blend of 70% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, 18 months in French oak 300 bottles made Deep ruby jeweled hue with gorgeous aromatics rising up from the glass – sweet plums, sour cherry, tobacco leaf, baking spice,crushed violets, mint and leather, dusty earth and a hint of balsamic and mocha. The smacking at acidity was well balanced with the fine-grained tannins. A supremely elegant medium bodied wine that displays the aromas on the palate as well tertiary barnyard, balsamic and cedar savory notes into a coffee, anise & mint lingering finish. Our smiles say it all.
Discover Fyé Gris From Bourgogne
Todays post is about sharing a discovery in the beloved Bourgogne – Fyé Gris. Fyé Gris (aka Sauvignon Gris) is the only region permitted in Bourgogne to make of Saint Bris-le Veneux 𝓓𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓮 𝓙𝓕 𝓮𝓽 𝓟𝓛 𝓑𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓪𝓷𝓕𝔂é 𝓖𝓻𝓲𝓼 2020 𝓢𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓽-𝓑𝓻𝓲𝓼 Saint-Bris-le-Vineux village is located in the heart of the region Saint-Bris region. This area is the only region permitted in Bourgogne to cultivate Sauvignon, Fyé Gris (Sauvignon Gris). The Bersans have been making wine since 1453. The classic soils of Bourgogne derived from various Jurassic limestones ranging from Portlandian to Kimmeridgian. Pours into the glass a light toned lemon in the glass. Very aromatic in its citrus presence of lemon, tangerine, grapefruit, lime, apple blossom, peach, crushed gravel and tropical fruits of mango, pineapple and lychee. The palate has a light roundness wrapped with its distinct frisky acidity. The aromas are present in the palate with a mango, papaya saline finish. It’s so light and lively, just a pleasure to drink. We enjoyed this wine as an apéro Flounder in a saffron cream sauce would be sublime as would curried roasted mussels ie a goat cheese tartlets.
Cascina Gavetta Corini Pallaretta Barolo
There are some wines that tap into your soul and evoke such emotion, its indescribable…. For no other reason other than, IT SPOKE TO YOU ON EVERY POSSIBLE LEVEL. Cascina Gavetta di Congo Roberto Corini Pallaretta Barolo 2016 Cascina Gavetta is a small family estate established by Roberto Cogno who comes from a long line of grape growers. Wines of character, passion and beauty. These vines were planted in 1970 at 430 meters altitude. Fermented in stainless steel vats for 25-30 days followed by and aged in large oak barrels for 24 months plus another minimum 12 months in the stainless steel and then another 12 months in bottle. Small production of 1,500 bottles. Ruby red color with garnet reflections at the edge. Expressive floral nose of violets and rose petals followed sour cherry, pomegranate, wild red berries, black tea, mocha and truffles. An elegant mouthfeel with lively acidity, integrated 14.5% alcohol and well structured yet elegant tannins. Fleshy blackberry, prunes, vanilla, floral elves into caramelized chocolate, hints of raw almond and ends on a tertiary licorice and tomato leaf finish that evolve and lingers for ages. Beautiful definition, a gourmandize wine that you cannot stop drinking. Traditional shaved truffle risotto or dare to try a long roasted pork roast with root vegetables.
Topographia Two Dark Beauties
Two dark beauties from Valle de Uco paired with two mouthwatering dishes. Which would you prefer? Let’s meet the winery and its award winning reds. Both are limited releases (300 bottles), grown at high elevation in Valle de Uco, Argentina at 1,128 meters altitude, poor rocky soil with loam and clay soils, both sustainable, hand harvested and created with an intertwined passion for wine… which wine moves you ? Topografia is a artisanal winery making very small production wines, 300 bottles per release which provides a greater flexibility to experiment and create new, exciting wines. Topographia’s logo depicts the lunar sun in its cycle of nature yet is not a perfect circle because as we know nothing is perfect. All of the symbols represent the link, the adventure and connection to nature and its people. NOTE – The back label contains all of the necessary information that you would find on a tech sheet which as a wine geek is a big plus. Both are sourced from the Kilombo GS vineyard, the grapes go through two hand-sorting steps – first as whole clusters and then as single berries after destemming. Reserva Malbec Barrel Fermentation 2011 Cold maceration for 13 days followed by fermentation for 11 days on the skins in new oak barrels. Manual punchdowns are done to enhance the wine’s extraction, 22 months in new French oak barrels and unfiltered. Malbec has a few signature traits from Argentina – the color, the ripe dark plum and the well integrated French oak. The color is a deep inky amethyst ruby jeweled tone. Intoxicate your senses with aromas of ripe dark fruit, graphite, mocha, sweet tobacco leaf, leather, prune and raison with well integrated oak aromas and floral sensations. Silky and sleek slightly dusty tannins and bright acidity elevate the ripe damson signature fruit of Malbec along with rich blueberry, blackberry, graphite, mint, vanilla, savory dark chocolate and asian five spice on a very long finish. A full bodied power hitter Malbec with grace and style. Every single element of the wine is well integrated and harmonious. I’ll have another glass please. Reserva Red 2011 Cold maceration from 5 to 10 days followed by fermentation for 15-20 days on the skins. Manual punchdowns are done to enhance the wine’s extraction, 16 months – 50% New French oak and 50% Second use French oak. A rich red blend of 50% Malbec, 30% Merlot, 10% each Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. A deep, dark ruby color you know you are in for a sensory hitting experience. A Bordeaux-esque blend in its savoriness with Argentinian richness on the nose with aromas of ripe black and red fruit, bell pepper, cedar and vanilla. The palate has a opulent intent, supple and luscious fruit flavors of plums, blackberry, black and red plum, red cherry, graphite, dusty minerality, bramble and mint ending on a chocolate covered cherry finish. Polished and fine grained, slightly dusty tannins carry the firm acidity and plush fruit and freshness for lingering moments to savor on end. These wines both show beautiful elegance of high altitude, stunning winemaking and age but also have so much youth and bounce in their step that could continue to age with grace.
Las Pedreras Rosé
𝒲𝒾𝓃𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝓊𝓃𝓁𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉, 𝒽𝑒𝓁𝒹 𝓉𝑜𝑔𝑒𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒷𝓎 𝓌𝒶𝓉𝑒𝓇 – 𝒢𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓁𝑒𝑜 Newcomers on the wine scene since 2020, Bárbara Requejo Frutos from Ribera del Duero and Guzmán Sánchez de la Parra, native of Villanueva de Ávila, joined forces to create Las Pedreras Viñedos y Vinos. Both bring to the table their winemaking experiences and passion to create single parcel wines in organic, minimal intervention fashion. Their 3.2 hectares of old vine Garnacha are located high up in the mountainous region of Sierra de Gredos west of Madrid. They make limited quantities of 4 wines – two red wines, a rosé and a sparkling rosé. 𝐿𝒶𝓈 𝒫𝑒𝒹𝓇𝑒𝓇𝒶𝓈, 𝒮𝒾𝑒𝓇𝓇𝒶 𝒹𝑒 𝒢𝓇𝑒𝒹𝑜𝓈 𝑅𝑜𝓈é “𝒜𝓇𝓆𝓊𝒾𝓉𝑜𝓃”, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟣 DOP Cebreros The grapes sourced from Navatalgordo & Burgohondo villages totaling 0.35ha, are used only for this rosé. 100% 70 year old vine Garnacha at 900m altitude in rocky sandy soil, all impart an incredible elegance to this moorish Rosé. The grapes are fermented in natural yeast and aged for 6 months in used 500L and 225L French barrels, unfined and unfiltered. 2100 bottles produced Pours into the glass a bright salmon color, Pours into the glass a bright salmon color, liquid sunset in the glass quite frankly. The aromas are intoxicating at first swirl – ripe red berries, blood orange and pink grapefruit, freshly cut white blossoms. This rosé has a striking presence in the palate. A tart acidity that drives home the aromas found on the palate – strawberry juice, raspberry, citrus, peaches and oodles of freshness to a terrific saline finish. Perfect pairing with charcoal grilled coriander cumin and chili spiced chicken. Do yourself a favor and seek out these exciting winemakers. Salud 🍷
Can Sumoi Xarel-Lo 2021: A High-Altitude Journey
Can Sumoi Xarel-Lo is a wine that speaks of the sky-high vineyards of Penedès, Catalonia. Crafted with minimal intervention and biodynamic practices, it’s a pure expression of the Xarel-Lo grape, bursting with character and personality. So, uncork a bottle, pour a glass, and let’s embark on a tasting journey through the clouds. The wine shimmers with a pale gold hue, flecked with hints of green. The aromas unfold to lush orchard fruits like pear and green apple mingle with zesty citrus, grapefruit, and lime. Underlying these, savory notes of fennel, anise, and thyme emerge, adding depth and complexity. A touch of minerality, like crushed stones, whispers of the high-altitude terroir. The first sip is a revelation. Fresh, vibrant acidity dances on the tongue, balanced by a surprising texture. Lees contact lends a delightful creaminess, while the wine’s natural weight fills the mouth. The fruit flavors burst forth again, joined by hints of honey and chamomile, and a whisper of salinity that evokes the sea breeze high in the mountains. Long, lingering, and utterly satisfying. The acidity keeps things bright, while the subtle funk and earthiness linger, inviting another sip. Pair with grilled seafood paella and everyone will thank you.
Unveiling the Enigma: Domaine Pierre Usseglio’s Clos N°18 Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Domaine Pierre Usseglio’s Clos N°18 is a wine shrouded in intrigue. Hailing from the sun-drenched vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, it’s a bold and expressive blend of 18 grape varietals, each contributing their unique voice to the symphony in your glass. But before we dive into the tasting experience, let’s paint a picture: Nestled within the heart of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Clos N°18 boasts ancient Grenache vines dating back to 1908. These gnarled old souls, bathed in the region’s intense sunshine, produce grapes of concentrated richness and complexity. Grenache takes center stage, but Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and a kaleidoscope of other grapes add layers of spice, floral nuances, and earthy depth. Imagine a painter’s palette bursting with vibrant hues, each stroke contributing to the masterpiece. Unlike many Chateauneuf-du-Papes, Clos N°18 sees no oak aging. Instead, it rests in amphorae, lending a touch of earthiness and a unique textural quality. Think terracotta pottery whispering secrets of ancient civilizations to the wine as it slumbers. Now, let’s uncork the bottle and embark on a sensory journey: Swirl the wine and savor the intoxicating bouquet. Ripe red fruits like cherries and plums mingle with floral notes of violets and lavender. Hints of garrigue (the wild herbs of Provence) and a touch of earthiness weave their magic, creating an aroma that’s both familiar and captivating. The first sip is a revelation. The wine explodes with juicy fruit flavors, followed by a wave of spice and peppery warmth. Tannins are present but fine-grained, like velvet dancing on your tongue. The amphorae influence shines through with a subtle earthiness that grounds the fruit and adds complexity. As the wine evolves in your glass, the different grape varietals come together in a magnificent crescendo. The acidity cuts through the richness, keeping the wine vibrant and alive. Each sip reveals new nuances, leaving you wanting more with every breath. Clos N°18 is not just a wine; it’s an experience. It’s a testament to the unique terroir of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the passionate dedication of the Usseglio family, and the beauty of blending so many grape varietals into a cohesive whole. It’s a wine that lingers long after the last drop is gone, leaving you with memories of sun-drenched vineyards, Provençal herbs, and the pure joy of discovery. * Pair Clos N°18 with robust dishes like roasted lamb or grilled meats. Its spicy character and earthy undertones will stand up to bold flavors.
Famille Perrin L’Andéol Rasteau 2020 – a Southern Rhône gem.
This Rasteau bursts with a vibrant garnet hue, hinting at its sun-drenched origins. As it swirls, hints of ruby and crimson peek through, suggesting both youthful exuberance and potential depth. A captivating bouquet unfolds, led by a juicy chorus of ripe black cherries, sun-warmed figs, and plump blueberries. Woven through this melody are whispers of exotic spices like clove and anise, a touch of garrigue’s wild herbs, and the intriguing earthiness of dark chocolate. A gentle floral whisper of violets adds a touch of elegance. First contact unleashes a wave of plush, velvety fruit, generously filling the mouth with its ripe sweetness. Grenache’s signature supple texture takes center stage, carrying flavors of blackcurrant jam and candied plums. Syrah lends its backbone, with elegant tannins providing structure and a whisper of pepper. Underneath the fruit, a complex tapestry reveals itself: hints of roasted earth, the subtle salinity of sun-baked pebbles, and a whisper of leather that speaks of aging vines. The finale lingers with a pleasing warmth, the juicy fruit gradually giving way to lingering notes of dark chocolate, dried herbs, and a whisper of pepper. The tannins are gently grippy, ensuring a clean and invigorating finish that invites another sip. This Rasteau is a masterful expression of its sun-kissed terroir. It’s a wine that balances power and elegance, with a playful interplay of sweet fruit and savory complexity. It’s a wine that invites both immediate enjoyment and thoughtful contemplation, a true delight for both seasoned wine lovers and curious newcomers. This robust Rhôny red begs for hearty fare. Braised lamb, grilled sausages, and roasted vegetables stand up to its richness, while stews and Provençal dishes find harmony in its earthy notes. For a decadent pairing, try it with mature cheeses like Comté or Gruyère.