Tantara Single Vineyard Pinto Noir
“Blame it or praise it, there is no denying the wild horse in us.” – Virginia Woolf 𝗧𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗭𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘆𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝗶𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟳 Hailing from Sta. Rita Hills, the single vineyard Zotovich grapes are hand sorted and 100% destemmed. Fermentation with ambient yeast for 16 months in French oak (used once).Unfined and unfiltered. 1,200 bottle produced Pours into the glass a glistening ruby red, rich to the core. Sweet floral and baking spice aromas are mixed with crunchy red berries, cola, savory herbs, blood orange potpourri and forest floor. Sandy soul brings energy and life to this multi block Pinot. Weighing in at 14.5% you wouldn’t know it as it’s so well integrated with the silky tannins. The racy acidity (like the stallion on the label ) charges the palate with succulent cranberry, cherry, just ripe strawberry, cola, dried blueberry, lilac galloping away for an eternity on sage , cinnamon and earthy finish. This is such a wildly alluring wine, a spirit lifter.
Castellroig Sabaté i Coca Mosset Brut Nature Corpinnat
Castellroig Sabaté i Coca Mosset Brut Nature Corpinnat 2018 One of the Corpinnat initiators, 100% family owned and run. The Sabaté family respecting tradition all the while incorporating new technologies and respecting the organic principales of winemaking. Their 40 hectares are divided comprised of the traditional Corpinnat varieties with focus on Xarel-lo. Made from the 3 traditional varieties Xarel-lo, Macabeo and Parellada vinified separately. Made in the traditional Corpinnat method, hand harvested, sourced from 8 plots organic and aged for 52 months sur lie, no dosage. Golden and delightful sparkling with perfectly integrated bubbles. So clean, mineral driven with a herbaceous undertone, loads of stone fruit. The aromas are a medley of fennel, anise, peaches, apricots and nectarines, melon, pear, lemon, pastry, toast, white pepper and thyme flowers. It has a great balance of fruit, vivacious acidity and elegant mouthfeel. A gorgeous QPR under $30 that you have to discover right now.
Gerard Bertrand 825 Crémant
Gerard Bertrand An 825 Crémant de Limoux Brut Limoux, Languedoc-Roussillon There hasn’t been a Gerard Bertrand wine that I haven’t met that I haven’t enjoyed. You know what to expect – quality, well crafted wines. Made in the traditional method with a blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir. Pour into the glass a pretty yellow color with fine, vivacious bubbles. It has a fruity bouquet of peach, melon, passion fruit, quince, green apple with hints of toast, minerals, honey and chamomile. A crisp cleaning palate with a pretty elegance. It tons of fruit, lemon meringue, cream, petrol and toasted almonds lingering mineral finish. An excellent QPR and champagne alternative under $20 for that bubbly lover out there.
Anima Mundi Gres 2021
From Plato’s dialogue with Timaeus, the Latin term ‘Anima Mundi’ was laid bare: “…Therefore, we may consequently state that: this world is indeed a living being endowed with a soul and intelligence…a single living entity containing all other living entities, which by their nature are all related” (Plato, Timaeus, 29/30). Anima Mindi is the Soul of the World of Penedès. What is in the bottle is an extension of the soul of the earth, it’s truest identity. Bond of man, nature and it’s intertwined, related identity convey that soul in a bottle. Agusti Torello Roca founded Anima Mundi in 2015 (he started his career with his family winery AT Roca and continues to be winemaker). The 18 hectares are cultivated according to organic and biodynamic principles. The free spirit of Plato’s holistic concept is evident in hyper low-yields, single parcel terroir expression utilizing biodynamic practices. Gres is 100% Xarel-lo from average 30-50 year old vines in Sant Sebastià dels Gorgs in the Alt Penedès, altitudes between 180-260 meters. The grapes are hand harvested. Three way fermentation with third are direct pressed and fermented and aged in 500L used French oak barrels, clay amphorae and skin contact for 14 days in stainless steel. All three parts rest for 6 months on the lees before blending and bottling. No sulfur, fining or filtration. Anima Mundi Gres 2021 I’ll begin by saying this wine has a big heart. The crystalline yellow sheen with a green tinge at the rim. The focus of the aromas is very precise with ripe peach, melon, green apple, honey, wet stone, grass and honeysuckle. Livens your palate with intense lemon zest, citrus juice, tart apple, thyme blossom, bread dough finishes in saline.. It’s a savory wine like an ocean breeze meets thirst quenching acidity. The 12% abv is another quality I appreciate in a refreshingly layered beauty such as this. Paired with a decadent lentil celery root gratin.
COS Metodo Classico
WINE IS OUR SOUL, OUR JOB, OUR RHYTHMS, AND OUR ART. COS Terre Siciliane Extra Brut Metodo Classico Giusto Occhipinti – “the vineyard is like our life’s savings in the bank, so we must protect it.” COS is a leader in Siciliane natural winemaking, in experimentation and terroir expression. They started making wine because a)they loved wine, b) it was fun which evolved into restoring Sicilian quality winemaking of native grape varietals through organic and biodynamic principles. Their influence has stretched throughout Sicily and beyond. The first press Frappato is fermented with indigenous yeasts in 440-liter clay amphorae sourced from Spain followed by an ageing in cement till the following harvest. The wine is then bottled with fresh mushy from the subsequent vintage and aged on the lees for 18 months. No sulphur, SO2, Disgorged in May 2018. The color announces its Sicilian firey character and the red clay soils from the first pour. Its delicately fine perlage raises the intense aromas dried strawberry, rhubarb, raspberry, terra cotta clay, minerals and tobacco leaf. Don’t be fooled by the color, this metodo classico has power in its presence, its verve, its energy. The zesty acidity lifts the flavors and supported by a strong mineral backbone. It has a high toned flavors of tart cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, floral nuances, forest floor, savory white pepper and clove finish. It’s just so unique and spectacular, elegant and intriguing all at once. Pair with a spring day and a sun-dried tomato tart.
Château des Tours
Some names don’t need introductions #iykyk ᴄʜÂᴛᴇᴀᴜ ᴅᴇꜱ ᴛᴏᴜʀꜱ Thanks to Christian for the lovely visit 🙏 Une belle rencontre au Château des Tours d’Emmanuel Reynaud @chateaurayas More to follow 🍷
Nanclares Y Preto – Tempus Vivendi
Breezy and beautiful- the sail on the label is a hint of the location as well as Alberto’s love for sailing and the sea. Nanclares Y Preto – Tempus Vivendi 2021 Basque native & enologist Alberto Nanclares is a no nonsense winemaker of natural wines with biodynamic principles. Tempus Vivendi is Located 10 km from the Atlantic. His 3 hectares are divided into 12 parcels, his methodology is always quality over quantity, that means lower yields, less is more in the winery and vineyard approach. This Albarino comes from six parcels near Sanxenxo. His wines are age worthy and full of Atlantic saline influence. Cool fact – Alberto uses seaweed as compost as well as no plowing to promote flora and fauna in their natural habitat. Pours into the glass a pale green yellow. One swirl and you are transported seaside with bright citrus aromas, stone fruit white blossom. Such a textured yet easy drinking white that has a mouthwatering acidity freshness intermingled with bright lemon and orange zest, beeswax, nectarine, honeydew melon, honeysuckle ending in a saline grapefruit pith note. It’s an tingly saline delight from beginning to end. A thirst quencher to please all. Pair with a roasted cauliflower and chive soup followed by crab stuffed cod.
PUR Xarel-lo PURfection
𝗣𝗨𝗥𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗣𝗨𝗥𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗨𝗥𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 Pardas PUR Xarel-lo 2018 A staple of Penedès wine lovers, friends Ramon & Parera are dedicated to the local grapesof the region. Natural winemakers and all organic, they strive for purity terroir wines. Dry farmed, no ploughing or chemicals, gentle grape treatment in the winery (gravity flow, no pumps, hand harvested). PUR is a 100% Xarel-lo from 40 year old vines planted in clay limestone soils, sustainably farmed the Penedès region of Spain. 12 hour skin contact followed by 8 months of ageing in 36% French oak, 35% in used French oak, 19% in chestnut barrels and 10% in stainless steel. Pours a deep yellow in the glass, every so shiny. The bright fruit aromas of citrus, melon, white blossom, saline, herbaceousness, dried pineapple and bread dough. It has a deep mineral quality that shines through the signature racy acidity. A medium bodied wine with a silky texture. A plethora of citrus – lime lime and more lime juice and zest, lime blossom, thyme, chard, grass, wisp of vanilla cream ending on underripe pineapple and nutmeg. Clean and bright in personality. Pair with grilled swordfish & asparagus topped with lemon garlic herb butter.
Hospices de Beaune & Beyond
What is better, the anticipation of the unknown OR the moment of discovery of the actual surprise…. There are few wine experiences that have left me moved. An unexpected winery visit led to a magical experience. Hospices de Beaune was established as a «wine hospital», and today has five centuries of wine heritage behind its name. The story begins in 1433 following the 100 years war. Nicolas Rolin, the Chancellor of Burgundy, wanted to build a hospital for the poor and oppressed, inspired by the great gods of Flanders and Paris. Thanks to his extensive knowledge, he began the construction of the Hospices de Beaune, a masterpiece that will become one of the most prestigious historical monuments in Burgundy. In 1457, Jean Guillotte le Verrier made the first donation of vines to the Hôtel-Dieu: it was a way for patients and families to thank the hospital, to ensure its financial endurance as well as the longevity of the family name, a custom that continues today. Prestigious vintages often have the name of the family that donated the plots. These plots now comprise 60 hectares, 85% of which are classified as first and grand crus, with the remaining 15% classified as village appellation. Note that 1.4% of the wines produced are Grands Crus, 10.2% Premiers Crus and 37.3% Appellations Villages and 51.1% Appellations Régionales. The majority of the 50 hectares of Pinot Noir include the appellations Beaune, Pommard, Volnay, Corton, Savigny, Auxey-Duresses, Santenay, Pernand-Vergelesses, Echezeaux, Mazis-Chambertin, Clos de La Roche. The remaining 10 hectares of Chardonnay are planted in Chablis, Meursault, Pouilly-Fuissé, Corton Charlemagne and Puligny-Montrachet and Bâtard-Montrachet. One of the aspects that make the wines of the Domaine des Hospices so exciting and sought after, beyond their prestigious locations and their small yields, is the fact that they are only available at a large charity auction held on the third Sunday of November since 1859. The proceeds from the sale helped improve the hospital’s equipment and preserve the Hôtel Dieu. Fast forward to this beautiful day of walking in the cobbled streets of Beaune: my dear friend Nathalie, guided me to a hidden corner nestled in a pedestrian square between cafes and shops. We crossed a narrow entrance to be greeted by three smiling faces…. And it took me a while to realize where I was and who I was meeting, and to realize the magnitude of the moment as a woman passionate about wine. So I had the pleasure of meeting Ludivine, Matthieu and Frederic. Ludivine is the estate manager and also the first female winemaker of the Hospice in 160 years of its history. The role of Matthieu and Frédéric (Romane & Clément) will be explained in the second part of this series. Ludivine is therefore involved daily in the supervision of the 117 different plots and in the coordination of the activities and efforts of the 23 salaried winegrowers to create 51 unique vintages (33 red and 18 white). Each winemaker maintains small plots of about 2.5 hectares, following sustainable and organic practices important for the Hospice de Beaune. Its goal is to create in each bottle an expression of the uniqueness of each climate & terroir. It is a complex network of blending of different terroirs within the same appellation that maintains the unique identity of the Domaine des Hospices de Beaune wines. The underground cellar is located under the historic Château de Beaune, with a unique collection of over 2000 bottles of 19th century wines. The high-tech winery began in 2015: the grapes are transferred by gravity, pressing and fermentation take place, and aging is expertly mastered so that the wines reach the required taste, structure and flavor. Domaine des Hospices de Beaune et Romane & Clément are two different entities with common elements – the people and the vines. Their strategy is simple – to produce wines from the most beautiful terroirs in the region. The story continues with Romane & Clément… The story continues from the previous article about the Hospices de Beaune. Domaine des Hospices de Beaune et Romane & Clément are two different entities with common elements – people and vines. Their strategy is simple – to produce wines from the most beautiful terroirs in the region. Romane & Clément buys grapes from the winemakers of the Hospices de Beaune to produce wines intended for the exclusive restaurants and to be one of the most beautiful wine specialty shops in France. It is crucial for Matthieu, as a Burgundian and a winemaker, to keep our feet on the ground and connect to the ancestral connection of the region. This connection is ever present in your blood and soul. Seeing the wine evolve from one year to the next is a sensation that is truly extraordinary, a carnal emotion. The role of winemaking is shared by Matthieu and Ludivine. Frédéric is responsible for operations. The underground cellar of the Hospices de Beaune also serves as a natural place for the storage of Romane & Clément wines. We were escorted by Matthieu to the place where the barrels work their magic, for a taste of 5 different vintages. Like a newborn, each wine is treated with delicacy, attention, rigor, wonder, solemnity. As mentioned, these wines are produced in small batches, and Matthieu explains each vintage, the terroir and the winemaking techniques for each cuvée. In short, they produce wines from their own vineyards as well as from the vineyards he oversees and bought their grapes. We discussed terroirs, winemaking techniques, aging processes, and the unique characteristics. personality of each wine and the personalized care given to each wine. Here is our unforgettable tasting of Romane & Clément: Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru 2020 – bottle 41/444 Beaune Premier Cru Clos des Mouches 2021 – bottle 2/209 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Champonnets 2020 – bottle 183/285 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Cailles 2019 – bottle 309/429 Corton Renardes Grand Cru 2019 – bottle 5/288 I could provide tasting notes, taste, sensations, beauty of wines. Honestly, the most striking
The Natural Elements of JB Jessiaume
The movement of nature, energy and music impacts us as humans as it does equally wine, what matters is being in tune with the land – Jean-Baptiste Jessiaume Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of seven generations of Jessiaume winemakers, their roots deeply intertwined with the soul of Santenay, France. In 1830, their journey began with the purchase of land from the Marquis of Saint-Innoncent,setting the stage for a remarkable lineage built on passion and respect for the terroir. Fast forward to 2012, and a new chapter unfolds. Jean-Baptiste, along with his father Marc and uncle, take over the Domaine Chanzy. By 2022, driven by an unwavering pursuit of excellence, they embark on a fresh venture, establishing Jean-Baptiste Jessiaume. But the Jessiaume legacy extends beyond vineyards and vintages. The La Cloche Jessiaume church bell and cross adorning their labels serve as constant reminders of their family’s deep connection to the region. Today, Jean-Baptiste cultivates 12.5 hectares of land across Pommard, Saint-Aubin, Beaune, Saint-Romain, and Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune. Notably, 60% of these vines are dedicated to white grapes, nurtured on a symphony of soils – limestone, clay, and gravel. This diversity forms the very essence of Jean-Baptiste Jessiaume wines, imbuing them with a captivating complexity and character. Minimal intervention is the guiding principle here. Hand-harvested grapes undergo whole-cluster fermentation in small batches, nurtured by native yeasts. Time gracefully unfolds its magic in oak barrels for up to 18 months, allowing the wines to reach their full potential. But the magic of Jean-Baptiste Jessiaume goes beyond the tangible. Here, music, the earth’s natural rhythm, and the enigmatic terroir intertwine. Marc, and now Jean-Baptiste, employ a frequency rod to transmit energy throughout the barrel rooms, harmonizing with the moon’s cycle. This dance of energy, meticulously timed for both white and red wines, is believed to nurture the wines, removing negativity and ensuring a harmonious development. Adding to the symphony of the senses, La Petite Lune by Mozart serenades the aging process, maintaining a consistent rhythm during fermentation. Witnessing this unique approach firsthand is a truly mesmerizing experience. The result? Wines renowned for their elegance, balance, and the purest expression of fruit. Each sip is an invitation to explore the depths of Jean-Baptiste Jessiaume’s artistry. We had the privilege of savoring three exceptional expressions: Santenay Sous La Roche Village 2021: A symphony of 35-40 year old Chardonnay vines, aged for 18 months.Iodine, grassy lemon, and mineral notes culminate in a saline grapefruit pith finale. Santenay Clos Du Haut Village 2021 Rouge: Crafted from 35-40 year old Pinot Noir vines, minerality takes center stage. Cranberry, pomegranate, violet, minerals, iodine, and wet leaves dance on the palate, finishing with a kiss of freshness and delicate elegance. Santenay Gravières 2021: Hailing from gravel soils, this wine exudes power and elegance. Well-integrated tannins mingle with earthy mint flavors and a hint of wetness, allowing fresh fruit to shine through. Jean-Baptiste Jessiaume is more than just wine; each sip is an invitation to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Burgundy, where nature’s music and human artistry create an unforgettable symphony of flavor.