Peju Sauvignon Blanc 2021
ʏᴏᴜʀ ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ ɢʟɪᴍᴘꜱᴇ ᴏꜰ ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴇʀ ɪꜱ ʀɪɢʜᴛ ʜᴇʀᴇ … ɢʀᴇᴇɴ ᴀʟʟ ᴀʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ɪɴ ɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ɢʟᴀꜱꜱ. A crisp, green translucent colored Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley’s Peju Winery. It’s aromatic and elegant on the nose with green abound, citrus fruit and it’s floral nature lifts your spirits. First sip and the freshness says Hey, how are you going today? Do you like crisp green apple, kiwi, melon, lime juice and zest, grass, just ripe pineapple, honeysuckle, white peach and grapefruit? Yes, I do…. Don’t forget the lively acidity, light bodied mouthfeel and the clean mineral finish. Pair with grilled shrimp cilantro kebabs or a cucumber parsley salad.
Pianbello Orme Pas Dosé AltaLanga DOCG 2017
Metodo Classico-Pas Dosé-Italy….. A Metodo Classico Blanc de Noirs (100% Pinot Nero), zero dosage, from 2 hectares of vines grown on rich clay sand soil full at 600m altitude. Aged for 30 months on the lees to create a fine balance between richness of ageing and freshness of fruit. Fun Fact: The Pianbello wolf logo represents not only city of Laozzalo’s crest but the little river that flows through the estate called Rio des Lupi (River of Wolves). Pianbello Orme Pas Dosé Alta Langa DOCG 2017 Pours into the glass a pale straw color with a delight of fresh green apple aromas and freshly cut lemons complimented by white blossom, pastry cream and brioche . First sip of pure freshness, the crisp acidity livens the palate as do the airy fine persistent bubbles. The aromas are present on the palate layered with minerals, smoke, hay, tart cherries and strawberries, almond skin into an inviting ginger finish. Perfect paring for a summer get together poolside, aperitif paired with an olive bacon cake or a decadent grilled langoustines with grapefruit beurre blanc.
Chateau Musar Jeune Rosé
Chateau Musar has history, influence and a cult following among wine lovers for ages. Why? Their wines weren’t your typical style Bordeaux style. Their wines are about nature and spirit of character. Founded in 1959 by Gaston Hochar following his oenology degree at the university of Bordeaux. The family has met challenges head on, during the civil unrest and warm, they persisted and continued to make wine, nothing stopped them, still a family winery today. Located in sunny Bekaa Valley at 1,000 meters altitude, this limestone soil terroir is wedged in between 2 mountain ranges along the Mediterranean coast. All organic, this blend 85% Cinsult & 15% Mourvèdre vines. The altitude keeps the freshness yet with sunny days and cool nights the gapes ripen to perfection. Musar Jeune is a range of wines from the low yielding vines, direct press and cool fermentation in stainless steel. Chateau Musar – Musar Jeune Rosé 2020 Beautiful rich coral color with fresh aromas of strawberries, stone fruit, red apple and citrus. Fruit driven flavors of nectarines, peaches, quince, tangerines and strawberries with a touch of cream and almond skin with a subtle pepper note. It has a nice acidity and a creamy mouthfeel. Paired with grilled turkey burgers with tomato relish and a tabbouleh salad
Roederer & Starck Rosé Brut Nature Champagne
Like any new discovery, it all started with an idea. All it took was a meeting between Roederer CEO, Frédéric Rouzaud, the Chef de Cave, Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon and the designer Philippe Starck to create something new, something different. Ten years later the concept of a biodynamic Brut Nature cuvée collaboration was born. The 10 hectares of vines are planted in the clay soils in the Cumière village. The first Brut Nature was released in 2006 and the first Rosé in 2012. The cuvée is comprised of 55% Pinot Noir, 25% Meunier and 20% Chardonnay of which are all pressed together. For the Rose 25% cold soaked Pinot Noir for 7-10 days into the same base wine as the 2012 Brut Nature which adds such a unique energy and terroir quality. Louis Roederer & Philippe Starck Champagne Brut Nature Rose 2012 This isn’t for the faint of heart. This is a champagne with weight, purity and spirit. The uniform lively bubbles envelop with glass with its persistence in this rich salmon pink color. Imagine a bouquet of freshly picked violets intermingled with concentrated strawberries, apricots and peaches, toast, toffee and caramel. Add in the bone dry profile, racy acidity and complex style of honey, smoked almond, stewed berries and spicy ginger peppercorns. This is a fuller bodied style that has raw power, energy yet is full of grace and elegance. Even in its power it’s delicate in its gorgeous nature. Pair with a salmon sashimi, scallop strawberry ceviche or Iberia ham croquettes.
Stanlake Park Estate Rosé
This week I thought I’d highlight 3 different styles of Rosé wine – a cool climate, a warm climate and a champagne. Starting with the coolest region, Berkshire, England at Stanlake Park Wine Estate. Dating back to 1979 Stanlake Wine Estate is a labor of passion and love for couple Nico Centonze & Natalia Pezzone from the meticulously hand selected grapes and is involved in every stage of the winemaking process. This particular 100% Pinot Noir rosé undergoes a short maceration on the skins to extract the delicate color, cool fermentation in stainless steel with low intervention in order to preserve the fresh fruity character. This watercolor label (and four others) were specially designed by local artist Benedict Butterworth who took inspiration from the English flowers found in the beautiful Stanlake Park’s grounds. The flowers were each chosen to reflect the color and or aromas connected to each and every wine. Stanlake Park Wine Estate 40 Anniversary Pinot Noir Rosé 2021 Pours into the glass the palest of pale salmon pink color. Graceful aromas of fresh red berries, fresh citrus, rose petals and minerals with a candied citrus peel quality. Deliciously fresh raspberry, red cherry, passion fruit, pink grapefruit, tangerine, lemon, red apple with a crisp acidity. The body is full of life yet light on its feet, bone-dry with a refreshing, snappy finish. This is your go-to garden sipper, so delicately feminine in every sense Plan out a garden mezze platte of olives, poached lemon oil shrimp and fresh cheese.
Champagne Boizel Blanc de Blancs & Oysters
“𝕀𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕦𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕒𝕝𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕓𝕖 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝 𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕘𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖.” ℂ𝕙𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕒𝕟 𝔻𝕚𝕠𝕣 Evelyne Boizel and Champagne Boizel are 100% class, elegance and carry their own individualistic style. A sixth generational house that are dedicated to precision, terroir and balance of their champagnes. Their generational relationships with their growers help form a strong bond in their champagnes. They select the finest grapes from Grands and Premiers Crus sites. All of their champagnes are aged In the historic chalk cellars beneath the famous Avenue de Champagne. Beautiful, elegant, period. ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕞𝕡𝕒𝕘𝕟𝕖 𝔹𝕠𝕚𝕫𝕖𝕝 𝔹𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕔 𝕕𝕖 𝔹𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕤 𝔹𝕣𝕦𝕥 A blend from 100% Chardonnay of select Grands and Premiers Crus sites. the Blanc de Blancs 12% abv, sourced from the Côte des Blancs. Aged for 4 years on the lees (disgorged December 2016) which includes 40% reserve wines in the cuvée. Generous aromas of florally elegant acacia blossoms mixed with bruised apples, freshly baked brioche, ripe citrus and honey. The palate expresses lovely grapefruit, toasted brioche, burnt honey, pastry cream, hazelnut and a fine minerality backbone. The bubbles are lush and mouth filling that carries the flavors a long time. It’s wonderfully delicate, fresh and fine in every sip. Staying classic and classy with local oysters from West Passage Oysters. It’s the ultimate pairing
Marcalberto Brut Nature
A.A. Marcalberto are Langhe’s answer to grower Champagne in philosophy, methods and nature. Marcalberto was named after the two brothers, Marco and Alberto, who are entirely dedicated to producer metodo classico sparkling wine from the Langhe region. Santo Stefano Belbo is a commune in the Province of Cuneo in the Italian region Piedmont. The Brut Nature Pinot Nero undergoes first fermentation in French oak for seven months and then aged in bottle sur lies for two years. 3500 bottles made. 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕒𝕝𝕓𝕖𝕣𝕥𝕠 𝕄𝕖𝕥𝕠𝕕𝕠 ℂ𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕔𝕠 ℕ𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖 Pours into the glass an intense straw like almost golden color. Bright aromas of yeasty bread dough rising on the counter, fresh cut citrus, white blossom, butterscotch, mushroom and apple compote. The palate envelopes you with its fresh yet complex flavors, delicate bubbles and refreshing acidity. The aromas on the palate continue harmoniously and linger with a burnt honey ginger finish. It’s sweet and happy bubbly.Serve with salmon carpaccio with lemon olive oil drizzle & a risotto with shrimp.
Txakolina & Oysters
A classic pairing – so many options – but what’s important is to keep in mind one thing – to pair the oysters with a “sessionable” wine – brisk and refreshing – are typically great with oysters. My go-to’s are a Brut Nature Champagne or a Muscadet Sevre et Maine. Bengoetxe Getariako Txakolina 2019 Welcome to the cool Atlantic Basque region of Getariako Txakolina DO Founded in 2001 by Iñaki and Rosa Maria Etxeberria they are winemakers that make a natural cuvée (95% native varietal Hondarribi Zuri and 5% Gros Manseng) from their 3.5 hectares planted on clay soils impart a richer and savory character with 200m elevation and slightly warmer temps being in the middle of the region. Fermented in stainless steel and cold feremted on the lees (ambient lees). A touch of CO2 is added to give that classic styled spritz. Unfined, unfiltered, untouched beauty of Getariako Txakolina purity. Pours into the glass a bright lemon color. First aromas of sea salt minerality are met with clean aromas of fresh lemon and lime, white blossom and rising bread dough. It has a creamy texture from the lees ageing complimented by a mouthwatering acidity and stylistic low alcohol at 12% abv. It’s full of lemon fresh goodness, freshly baked bread, salty minerality, savory chamomile, smoke. It is full of bright acidity charm, a palate cleansing type quality that makes it so moorish with the West Passage oysters. The Rhode Island oysters are bright, clean salinity and buttery. Perfect complement the briny-sweet spectrum of West to East Coast oyster flavors.
Et Voilà Cascina Baricchi Pinot Nero 2014
“ᴡɪɴᴇ ɪꜱ ᴘᴀꜱꜱɪᴏɴ ꜰᴏʀ ᴍᴇ, ɪᴛ’ꜱ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ ᴀɴᴅ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ, ɪᴛ ɪꜱ ᴡᴀʀᴍᴛʜ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ɢᴇɴᴇʀᴏꜱɪᴛʏ. ᴡɪɴᴇ ɪꜱ ᴀʀᴛ, ɪᴛ ɪꜱ ᴄᴜʟᴛᴜʀᴇ, ɪᴛ ɪꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇꜱꜱᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴄɪᴠɪʟɪᴢᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇʟᴇɢᴀɴᴄᴇ ᴏꜰ ʟɪᴠɪɴɢ … ” ɴᴀᴛᴀʟᴇ ꜱɪᴍᴏɴᴇᴛᴛᴀ, ᴡɪɴᴇᴍᴀᴋᴇʀ ᴏꜰ ᴄᴀꜱᴄɪɴᴀ ʙᴀʀɪᴄᴄʜɪ. So fitting to showcase this glorious bottle amidst the beauty of our local yearly pick your own tulips in all of its colorful glory. Et Voilà was born out of passion, dedication and curiosity. Need I say more? ᴇᴛ ᴠᴏɪʟÀ ᴄᴀꜱᴄɪɴᴀ ʙᴀʀɪᴄᴄʜɪ ᴘɪɴᴏᴛ ɴᴇʀᴏ 2014 “Here you go” a gorgeous 100% Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) metodo classico (traditional method) aged for 72 months on the lees from Barbaresco in the Langhe region. A limited production of 2000 bottles made of which I have 2 (one left LOL). Pours into the glass a deep golden color tickled by the very fine perlage. This newfound favorite sparkler shows exotic notes of caramelized pineapple, blood orange cream tart, grapefruit zest, tart lemon, peach pit, chalky minerals and toasty brioche. The first sip brings underripe strawberries, salted caramel meets apricot almond pastry meets sour lemon candy dancing in a freshly cut white blossom field and sage mint fresh herbs. The freshness and body make it so captivating. I paired this with gochujang cheddar chive pinwheels. Bam! There’s a party in my mouth.
Champagne Deutz Classic Glamour
Visiting Champagne Deutz is like stepping back in time to the romanticism of a period piece with a modern twist. Jean-Marc took me through the house’s journey through history, the close knit multi generational grower relationships, the deeply winding 3 km of cellars that include incredibly romantic candle light cellars and staircases, the decades of vintage champagne and the sprawling vines behind the cellars carved into the chalky soils of the Aÿ region. Dating back to 1838 and one of the Grandes Marques, their finely tuned champagnes have elegance and glamour. The house sources it’s rigorously selected grapes from their 30 hectares plus 300 hectares of growers from the Premier and Grand Cru sites. Classic Brut Champagne N.V. Their classic cuvee is an equal blend of the 3 classic grapes – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier. All three bringing forth their best game to the champagne blend. A bright golden color and lively bubbles dance in the glass. The rich brioche, acacia, lemon curd, citrus, yellow apple, ripe pear, minerals, almond and toast all blend so well together. It has a creamy texture and lively acidity. Delicious Brut which includes 45% reserve wine. It’s such a pleasant wine full balance and finest.