Hattingley Rosé 2019
𝒜𝒻𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝓁𝓁, 𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓅𝒾𝓃𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝒾𝓈 𝒶 𝑔𝑒𝓃𝑒𝓇𝑜𝓊𝓈 𝑔𝓁𝒶𝓈𝓈 𝑜𝒻 𝓅𝒾𝓃𝓀 𝒷𝓊𝒷𝒷𝓁𝓎 🥂 I picked up this lovely @hattingleywines last September’s visit with @abvtastings (see past post). 𝐻𝒶𝓉𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓁𝑒𝓎 𝑅𝑜𝓈é 𝟤𝟢𝟣𝟫 A blend of Pinot Noir 58% Pinot Meunier 38% fermented in 4 year old Burgundy barrels, Pinot Précoce 4% (vinifiés as a still red to add color and texture) with 2 years sur lie. 🥂Palest of pale rose gold color in the glass amplified by the exuberant bubbles. The fresh aromas of red berries are abundant along with pink grapefruit, herbal tarragon notes, minerals, bread dough and shortbread. The first sip tingles with the anticipation of classic English zingy acidity and creamy mouthfeel. Fresh and festive raspberry, strawberry, pomegranate, cherry and cranberry, pink grapefruit juice, red apple, earthy hay, buttery shortbread and tangy yogurt and pastry cream finish. After all, spring temperatures and an impressive pink fizz brings an extra big smile 💕 Do you have a favorite pink bubbly?
A Visit To Domaine Julien de L’Embisque
𝕎𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕒𝕣 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕗𝕣𝕦𝕚𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕝𝕒𝕓𝕠𝕣 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕘𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕠 𝕘𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟, 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕪, 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕙. – 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕖𝕣𝕣𝕪 𝔾𝕒ï𝕕𝕖 The warmth of the estate and family is all around, the colorful orchids blooming with happiness, birds and butterflies buzzing in the air, are a few examples. I was welcomed by Evelyne with her hospitality, infectious smile & energy. We toured the entire estate, facilities and enjoyed an extensive tasting of their award winning wines. You are part of the family when you visit, that’s how they are. The Gaïde family of Domaine Julien de L’Embisque, have always been landowners. Beginning in Paulliac the 1800s to Suze la Rousse in the 1970s. Julius, who purchased the initial 4 hectares in Suze La Rousse, Southern Rhône region. He was a man of many talents simultaneously was a blacksmith, electrician, welder and plumber who built his own trailers, stainless steel tanks and underground storage tanks and cellars, all from scratch which are still used today. The estate grew over the years to 55 hectares, handed down from one passionate viticulturist to the next. They graduated from bulk wine production to lower yield, single vineyard production and converted to HVE organic farming in 2009 with Thierry, and his son Fabien, agricultural engineer. The Viognier, Grenache, Syrah and Carignan are planted in soils range from limestone, clay, sand and pebbles. Their estate has lovely walking trails throughout amongst the trails and vines as well as oenotourism for campers. You feel the family warmth all around in their welcoming bright tasting room, the camping facilities and colorful orchids blooming with happiness. I was welcomed her hospitality and energy from Evelyne, Thierry’s wife. You are part of the family when you visit because that’s how they are. Their head sommelier Ludovic walked us through their range of organic wines, so full of energy, sunshine and pure fruit expressions. We tasted: – Rosée Estivale – Délice de Viognier – Harmonie Ô Viognier – Délice de Muscat – Côtes du Rhône Cuvee Plaisir – VinCent Zajou – Côtes du Rhône Village SUZE-LA-ROUSSE – Elégance 2019 I cannot thank the Gaïdes enough for such a memorable experience.
Wines of Domaine Balma D’Eole
Something Old & Something New – vines that is. One of the enthralling qualities of the Southern Côtes du Rhône is the regions ability to blend up to 21 varieties, yes 21. Twenty-one different grapes are permitted but Grenache is the dominant player. The percentage varies depending on the appellation. My post is focused is on the reds which most commonly you will find the quintessential GSM or Grenache Syrah Mouvèdre plus Cinsault and Carignan. Rules of the appellation typical of southern Rhône varieties (reds final blend to have a minimum of 66 per cent of at least two of the three principal varieties and must include Grenache Noir , Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault. Key point, they ARE NOT permitted to label a single varietal wine at the village level, which is such a shame given the quality and beauty of their wines. Instead they have to label under an IGP wine, which is generally considered table wine” or “glouglou wine.” I cannot stress this enough, these are high quality wines that are dressed in the emperors new clothes. Domaine Balma D’Eole is located in Suze La Rousse, part of the Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation area. Check out my previous post for the full experience of my visit, however quick recap their 5 hectares are rganically farmed, sustainable practices with minimal intervention promote less is more mantra. Their remaining 2 hectares are planned for white varieties, olive trees and bee hives to further promote the sustainability of their domaine. Wildflowers and garigue grow amongst the vines all happily amongst the red clay, sandstone soils of this Mediterranean climate.They cultivate 24hl/ha which is much below the required amount, all hand harvested. Their label soon to be revealed but hint – the depiction represents both their terroir and their family roots, the circle of all elements that create their breathtaking wines. Their 2022 release which we tasted will consist of: Côtes du Rhône – Grenache/Carignan Côtes du RhôneVillage Suze la Rousse – Grenache/Carignan/Syrah IGP Mediterranée – 100% Grenache, a co-fermentation of 50/50 15 year old and 80 old vines Vin de France – 100% Syrah Vin de France – 100% Carignan élevage en barrique Pale Ruby violet hue Fresh garrigue abound (I saw it firsthand, running wild among the vines, time, rosemary, bay leaves, and lavender. Such a beautiful freshness and parting a savory complex wine. You had the fresh fruit that opened up from the young vines, which then led into the dried complexity of blueberry, dried cherry, wild strawberries, garrigue, black tea, pepper and violet into a longer black olive mint lingering caress of a finish. dried fruit meets fresher, concentration that lingers so long on the pallet. The fresh medium plus acidity in the medium tenants are also while integrated, this is a wine just kept continuing and surprising me with every single moment. The goosebump wow wine. Many thanks to Thomas and Manon for the unforgettable journey and beautiful wine to savor back home.
Champagne Laurent Benard La Clé Des Septs Arpents
𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧. Spring has officially arrived, you can feel glorious heat from the sun with the lingering late day chill in the air. That doesn’t stop me from enjoying champagne outdoors. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐝 – 𝐋𝐚 𝐂𝐥é 𝐃𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟒 Michelle and Laurent Bénard-Pitois have been organically farming their 3 hectares for decades in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, a small commune in the Marne. Le Clé des Arpents 2014 is a blend of small parcels of predominantly Meunier (66%) with the equal balance of Pinot Noir & Chardonnay with a small amount of reserve wine. Natural yeast, zero sulfites and matured in oak barrels, disgorged May 2019. 7,500 bottles, dosage 2g/L Pours a deep golden in the glass with fine lively bubbles. Intoxicating aromas of bruised apple and Bosc pear, brioche, mushroom, dried honeysuckle, hay, burnt honey, citrus peel and salted caramel lures you further into the glass. The first sip is a burst of golden sunshine, the chalky limestone is evident, the tangy lemon custard, savory sherry-like umami notes lead into a zingy ginger and clove hum, brioche and sweet cream ending toasted hazelnut and toffee. Undertow of crisp freshness and tangy acidity balanced with the rich complexity. A style that is oh so addictive. Sunshine and exquisite bubbles, need I say more?
Diamantis Magoutes Rosé 2021
Savor the sea freshness in this blend of Xinomavro and Moschomavro from Macedonia, Greece. Continental climate, high altitude and a long wine growing history dating back to the 1670s. The Diamantis family began in the early 20th century with their first hand grafted vineyard. Three generations later the region had been affected by decline and neglect. Dimitrios and his business partner George Papageorgiou pushed to revive the almost extinct wine region by replanting their 18 hectares on rocky limestone soils perched on the slopes of the region. Organically farmed, low intervention and ambient yeasts with spontaneous fermentation, this unique blend of 80% Xinomavro and 20% Moschomavro. Diamantis Winery Magoutes Vineyard Rosé Siatista PGI 2021 Pours a glowing coral in the glass. A bouquet of barely ripe peaches, wild strawberries, sea salt bread dough and minerals. This is the kind of rosé with exuberant acidity and an abundance of purity of flavors – ripe red berries cherries, strawberries and raspberries, candied orange zest, rose petals, cool mineral tones of sea salt and minerals and bread dough. Just plain delightful.
Ameztoi Getariako Txakolina Rubentis
A Getariako Txakolina is a summertime this quencher that I always have on handI have introduced Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarrabi Beltza blends to so many friends over the years. They all had the same reaction, why haven’t I heard of this wine before? Indigenous grapes to the Getaria region of the Basque region in northern Spain, the grapes are grown high on trellised seaside cliffs above the Atlantic. The 5th generation family continue to follow the tradition of growing the two varieties together known as a field blend, as well blending them together. They were the first to do so and create a pink styled wine. Vines dating back to 1840, the hand harvested grapes are co-fermented in closed tanks with ambient yeast which creates the slight telltale spritz to this wine. It create the regions signature low alcohol, slight spritz zingy wine that is so deeply satisfying and moorish. Ameztoi Getariako Txakolina Rubentis Rose 2021 Pours into the glass a bright light pink color. There is a slight effervescence to the wine. Heady aromas of green herbaceous jalapeño and bell pepper, gooseberry, grass, rhubarb, watermelon, strawberry, saline, grapefruit and lemon. There is a slight tickle from the light effervescence. Thisis a light bodied dry wine with the every present aromas on the nose accompanied with a racy high acidity and low alcohol. It’s full of beautiful herbaceousness. It has sparkle and life all on its own.
Sunshine & Methode Ancestrale Mas Des Combes
Sun on your face, spring around the corner, bubbles in my glass 🥂 a #méthodeancestrale sec from Domaine Mas Des Combes. 𝓜𝓪𝓼 𝓓𝓮𝓼 𝓒𝓸𝓶𝓫𝓮𝓼 𝓜é𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓭𝓮 𝓐𝓷𝓬𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓵𝓮 𝓢𝓮𝓬, 𝓒𝓾𝓿𝓮𝓮 𝓒𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓪𝓾𝔁 𝓓’𝓞𝓾𝓼𝓽𝓻𝔂 Made from 100% Mauzac Blanc the méthode ancestrale or méthode gaillacoise as this sparkler is from the Gaillac region of the #sudouest of France partially fermented wine which then finishes its fermentation in bottle. The sediment stays in the bottle which generally creates a slightly sweeter style. Pour pale golden in the glass with lively bubbles. This is a medium-dry style of wine with heady aromas of apple blossom, apple slices, apple skin, pear compote, flint and honey. The palate is refreshing with a zingy bright edge and sparkling bubbles. Full of bread dough, flinty mineral, honeyed fruit – apple and pear influences of all kinds ending on the slightly apple skin grip. Perfectly paired with a ham, Gruyère and thyme tart or on its own as an aperitif. Bring on the spring vibes. Thanks to for this gold medal winner @concours_des_feminalise
Magic In The Unexpected – Domaine Balma D’Eole
𝕊𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖’𝕤 𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕔 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕦𝕟𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕕 Through unexpected turn of events, I ended up in the Southern Rhone a few weeks ago. My dear friend asked me if I’d like to visit her dear friends local winery ….. of course I said yes. As we pulled up to their winery, she said “you will be the FIRST person to visit and discover their wines pre-release of their VERY FIRST VINTAGE.” Moments after the shock wore off, the magnitude of this incredible honor to a wine passionate woman truly sunk in (I’ll leave out all of the profanities that went through my mind with excitement and happiness). Note I had to separate the post into 2 parts – the experience and the wine. 𝔻𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕖 𝔹𝕒𝕝𝕞𝕒 𝔻’𝔼𝕠𝕝𝕖 Manon Serillon and Thomas Baumet are a young couple that balances hard work and living life to the fullest. Domaine Balma D’Eole is a passion project for Manon, who studied wine business and for Thomas, a third generation oenologist and winemaker. Thomas didn’t intend to be a winery owner straight out of university. They both wanted to gain experience abroad (New Zealand for Thomas and Switzerland for Manon) before returning to their roots in Rochegude. They named the winery Balma D’Eole, a link between their roots and the terroir. They purchased 7 hectares (of which 5 are vines are in Suze La Rousses et Lagarde Pareol), Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation located in the Southern Rhone. Their vines are organically farmed, certified HVE, sustainable practices with minimal intervention to focus on the pure expression of their predominant 80 year old vines – Grenache, Syrah and Carignan as well as 15 year old Grenache. They plan on integrating olive groves and bee hives in the future to further promote the eco system of the vineyard. Wildflowers and garigue grow amongst the vines all happily amongst the red clay, sandstone soils of this Mediterranean climate as well as the Mistral wind all contribute to the Rhône wines style, richness and beauty. We tasted 5 wines – a Grenache/Carignan blend, a blend of young and old vine Grenache which were co-fermented, a Syrah a Carignan and lastly a blend of all 3 varieties. The first sip I thought wow… took a pause… wow again. It was a moment where time stood still. I was at a loss for words and had goosebumps all at the same time. This continued with each and every wine tasted. The more immersed in the experience, the more enamored I became. This was an experience that I will forever treasure , a giant coup de cœur. This is a domaine to discover and adore. Their big label reveal to come (I had a sneak preview, it’s gorgeous and very fitting) as well as insights on my special bottle of wine gifted to me by the talented and adorable couple.
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.