Blanc de Rose Champagne – Champagne Geoffroy
โ๐๐๐๐ก๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ค ๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฃ๐๐จ๐ค ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐จ๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ค ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ก๐ฆ๐๐. This particular bottle is no exceptionโฆ. ๐น๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ โ๐ ๐ค๐ โ๐๐๐๐ก๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ ๐น๐ฃ๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐-๐น๐๐ก๐ฅ๐๐ค๐ฅ๐ ๐พ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ช has an ๐๐๐๐๐๐. A unique bottle in particular from the short co-maceration in open oak vats and co-fermentation of equal amounts of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the 1er Cru of Cumiรจres in the Vallรฉe de la Marne. The wine is made in the saignรฉe method with 60 months of sur lie, 3g/L dosage. Itโs such a special bottle that only 2 000 bottles were produced. ๐ฅPours into the glass a spectacular vermillion color. Exquisite aromas of red berries (freshly picked summer strawberries and raspberries) touch the nose along with grapefruit and lemon zest, violet, brioche, smokey minerals, burnt honey and grass. The fresh acidity carries the aromas reflected in the glass along with blood orange, tangerine, croissant dough, pastry cream ending in a savory rhubarb & bitter caramel finish. The finest of bubbles like dancing fairy dust, its borderline a still wine with the finest of bubbles. This butterfly kiss of a champagne is art my friends. I paired this lovely gem with salmon tartare but a seared sea bass with blood orange beurre blanc or smoked trout rillette would also be lovely.
Chateau Beauregard-Ducasse Graves Blanc 2020
Kicking off the weekend in style before flying off to Napa Valley for a weekend of wine tasting, I enjoyed a glass of Chateau Beauregard-Ducasse Graves Blanc 2020 which is a blend if Sauvignon Blanc and Sรฉmillon. Brief history, Chateau Beauregard Ducasse dates back to 1850 whereby Albert Duran established the domaine in Mazรจres, just south of the Graves appellation. This white has lip smacking freshness written all over it- the flavors, the acidity, the feeing it gives you after the first sip. It tastes like spring is just around the corner. It has tons of green to it – gooseberry, apple, kiwi, lime and grass to passion fruit, mango, peach, lemon, wet stones, touch of almond and jasmine with a silky mouthfeel. It has class, it has style, itโs just refreshingly wonderful. Itโs the kind of wine you want another glass of before you have finished the first.
Brunnenhof Mazzon Blauburgunder 2019
It is beautiful to be what you are – Jean-Paul Gauthier Blauburgunder (aka Pinot Noir/Pinot Nero) is the type of grape that beats to the rhythm of its own drum. It does want it wants, when it wants and how it wants to. Which I think is part of the reason why it is so beloved by so many, including this wine loving oenephile on steroids (not literally LOL I am simply VERY passionate about wine). In the last year I have been discovering some Pinot Noir gems from the Alto Adige/Sudtirol region of northern Italy. Brunnenhof vineyards exactly where our darling wants to be in order to shine in itโs glory – located at 300-450 meter altitude, these rolling hills are on the left side of the Adige, with plenty the sunshine. It has all of the right ingredients to grow stunningly regal Pinot Noir. This is Italyโs mark as a Burgundy in style but so uniquely their own Fermented on the skins with regular manual push down for 2 weeks to give it that rich jeweled tone color and aromas. Maturation for 2 years in oak barrels. Brunnenhof Mazzon Sรผdtiroler Blauburgunder 2019 10,000 bottles made A gem of a garnet wine in itโs delicate color. Vibrant aromas of spiced red fruit, blood orange, romantic floral, smokey wet dirt prepare you for what is about to come. This beauty has lip smacking acidity and soft, silky tannins. But wait, thereโs more – fresh flavors of strawberry, raspbery, cherry, pomegranate and rhubarb, tomato leaf, cherry cola, saline, wet leaves and a lingering cinnamon finish. Its so fresh, savory and salty all rolled in one. It has such a softness yet finesse and complexity. Prepare your Sunday meal – be it a roast chicken, prosciutto wrapped pork tenderloin or roasted tomato tart.
Fondue & Domaine Saint-Romain Jongieux
After a day of outdoor winter fun, be it skiing or snowshoeing, a good โaprรจs-skiโ is in order, which is by definition โthe social activities and entertainment following a day’s skiing.โ My definition includes sitting my the roaring fire with family and friends, a soul warming meal AND some delicious libations (in this case wine). Alpine goodness and totally underrated white grape Jacquรจre from Savoie, France. Savoie is tucked in the hillsides of the French Alps close to the Swiss border. Domaine Saint Romain is a tiny, 5 hectare family winery hailing from the Jongieux region of Savoie. Their organic wines include Jacquรจre, Altesse, and Mondeuse. Domaine Saint-Romain Vin de Savoie Blanc โJongieuxโ 2020 Wines made with Jacquรจre are clean and fresh thanks to the high altitude, lots of sunshine and good drainage. Typically high in acid, mountain fresh flavors wines meant to be drunk young. Pours into the glass a translucent lemon green color. Fresh aromas of green apples, pears, freshly cut grass and green herbs. Zippy acidity shows its presence right off the bat on the first sip along with a light body and bright lemon, tart apple and pear, white blossom, clean minerality and rosemary. Its light, refreshing and definetly cleanses the palate alongside paired Swiss cheese fondue. Fondue is such a fun convivial and communal meal – we chat, we dip and sip leisurely – accompaniments such as roasted vegetables, boiled potatoes, chunks of crusty bread, artichokes, apples and charcuterie. It is the ultimate comfort food on a cold, winter snowstorm evening.
Matthiasson Rosรฉ Everyday
If you have been following my wine journey for awhile now, it will come to no surprise to you that I am a big fan of Matthiasson Wine (I have written 3 articles/posts on their wines). 100% organic, low yields, EXTREME care for their vines and their wines stylistically are French made in Napa is a huge accomplishment. Plus I love details of the pruning shears on their labels, foil AND cork. These are uber talented winemakers who always create beauty in the bottle, period. It doesnโt have to be hot outside to enjoy Rosรฉ wine. It is such a versatile wine, with or without food. As you can tell from the photo, itโs the middle of winter, freshly fallen snow and the first wine to open after a good day of skiing. Matthiasson Wines Rosรฉ 2020 Napa Valley, California A blend of 45% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 15% Mourvรจdre, and 5% Counoise comes from their Windmill and Hurley Vineyards. These grapes are grown specifically for their darling rosรฉ. The grapes are harvested early to retain that bright acidity and flavors. Whole cluster pressed followed by a cold soak and aged sur lie in stainless steel. Itโs a very controlled process to again maintain these fresh characteristics.Pours into the glass a brilliant salmon pink color. Delicate aromas of citrus, peach, green apple, red fruits and warm baking spice. The mouthfeel is so enveloping. The flavors of fresh cut tangerines and lemons, summer watermelon and strawberries, violets, cloves, cinnamon and white pepper with bread dough and thyme. A low alcohol easy sipper at 11.5% and refreshing acidity. Its such a clean and pure wine. So do yourself a favor, Pick up this beauty ASAP as it ALWAYS sells out fast. Paired with charcuterie, olives and delicious local soft cheeses.
Corte Roncolato Durello Brut Nature
Charmer of the first degree, meet โฆ.. แดแดสแดแด สแดษดแดแดสแดแดแด แด แดสแดสสแด สสแดแด ษดแดแดแดสแด ๊ฑแดแดแดแดษดแดแด แดแดแดแดแด แด แดสแด๊ฑ๊ฑษชแดแด แดแด๊ฑ แด แด๊ฑแด 2017 Itโs the fresh and fun sparkler from Veneto, Italy that I am holding in my hand. This cuvรฉe of 95% Durello and 5% Garganega The winemaking couple Cristiana and Riccardo Meggiolaro have a deep love for what nature has given them in their area and allows nature to do the talking in the bottle. The 30 year old vines are planted in steep slopes at 450 meters altitude Lessini Mountains (between Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige), with Lake Garda to the East and Adriatic to the west and lastly Po Valley in the south. Deep Golden color with very lively bubbles bursting to have fun with you and your friends. Bright aromas of freshly cut citrus, green apples and pears, peach, white blossom, loads of minerals and biscuits thanks to 36 months sur lie. The zero dosage brings forth a tart acidity with hints of lemon, lime and tangerine, tart apples and Bosc pear, honeysuckle and minerality. A fresh and fun wine meant to be drunk over laughter, music playing and friends around. It also paired nicely with some Mediterranean mezze.
Beauty of Champagne Marie Courtin
๐๐ค๐ข๐๐ฉ๐๐ข๐๐จ ๐ฎ๐ค๐ช ๐๐๐ซ๐ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ฉ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐ช๐ฉ๐ฎ – ๐ผ๐ฃ๐ค๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ข๐ค๐ช๐จ The history of Champagne is filled with strong female figures – Veuve Clicquot, Jeanne-Alexandrine Louise Pommery and Emily Bollinger. Like their predecessors, Dominique Moreau (of Champagne Marie Courtin) and many other female champagne producers are independent, I donโt follow the crowd ladies. They are women of beauty, grace and strength who excel in a male dominated industry and continue to make a difference. Dominique Moreau named her domaine Champagne Marie Courtin after her grandmother, who was the salt of the earth and a formidable figure. She went against the trend and made low yield, single vineyard, variety and vintage, zero dosage champagnes all farmed biodynamically in a world where the โhouse style/cuveeโ of champagne reigned supreme. She knew what she wanted to do and she did it her way, her style is the terroir, period. Her champagnes are RAW POWER that cuts like a knife through your core. โ๐๐๐๐ก๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ โ๐ ๐ฆ๐ฃ๐ฅ๐๐ ร๐๐๐๐ ๐ฃ๐๐ค๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ฃ๐ ๐น๐ฃ๐ฆ๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ รfflorescence means “to evolve in perpetuityโ. The feeling of being in the throws of a snowstorm with snow swirling all around you feels like an endless glistening of crystal glitter and beauty. What better way to enjoy the magical Blanc de Noirs รfflorescence from Champagne Marie Courtin. This beauty of a charming champagne is pure liquid gold. A Blanc de Noirs champagne is richer yet discreet, elegant yet powerful with a certain restraint, like a scorpion about to pounce. This lovely hails from 2 hectares of 100% Pinot Noir from the Polisot village, in Cรดte des Bar. These average 40year old vines of massale-selection are biodynamically farmed with meticulous care and respect. Made in the traditional method, the first fermentation takes place in used oak barrels with ambien yeats followed by 36 months sur lie before disgorging with zero dosage. Pours into the glass a liquid gold color with full of life perlage. Violets, red fruit, figs and minerals aromas are intermingled with vanilla pastry cream, brioche and and citrus zest. The Kimmeridgian soil is evident in the tense yet enveloping chalky minerality and gives great backbone to the structure. It has such a creamy ample mouthfeel with a lively acidity. Caramel, almonds, raspberry, red plum, cherry, grass, quince and toasted brioche flavors float into a spicy ginger mint kickass finish. Itโs just plain beautiful. A spiritual experience in every way – join in on the vibrations and energy of this full of life bubbly. Letโs get lost together and sparkle.
Gump Hof Praesulis Weissburgunder 2020
‘Cause I’ve got one hand in my pocket And the other one is giving a high five. – Alanis Morissette A great white wine to have in your โback pocketโ is a Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) from Markus Prackwieser Gump Hof winery in Alto Adige, Italy. A sustainable family winery dating back centuries with a castle from the Middle Ages at foothills of Sciliar Massif. The area has ever changing winds – from daytime warm winds of Lake Garda to nighttime cool winds from the Dolomites equals huge diurnal temperature shits. Add the 50-70% incline steep slopes (requires hand harvesting), 450 meters altitude and fluvial gravel soils – you get wines of full of fresh substance and character. Itโs ripe and ready conditions for fresh, bright wines. The 2/3 in steel tanks and for the remaining 1/3 in tonneau for about 8 months. Markus Prackwieser Gump Hof Praesulis Weissburgunder 2020 Pours into the glass a translucent lemon color. Citrus aromas greet you first followed by super fresh gooseberry, green apple and signature peach, crushed stone and minerals. A lighter styled bodied wine with a lively acidity and creamy mouthfeel. The crisp flavors of lemon, lime, peachy goodness, green fruit, honey, grass, a touch of white pepper and raw almond. This is the kind of white that pairs with so many dishes – I paired it with grilled lemon swordfish and asparagus. Also try a quinoa spinach & almond salad. Refreshingly fun and just plain delicious because ๐ต What it all comes down to my friends, yeah, Is that everything’s gonna be fine, fine, fine๐ต
Hazelfern Tempranillo
Hazelfern Cellars Walla Walla Valley Tempranillo 2015 Pours into the glass a deep ruby color. Vibrant red fruit aromas like cherry, plum, and raspberry, with nuances of earthy spice (black pepper, clove) and toasty oak (vanilla, cedar) with hints of blackberry, leather, and violets might. A medium-bodied wine with vibrant acidity and fine-grained well integrated tannins. The fruit flavors from the nose should translate onto the palate, with additional notes of dried herbs, tobacco, truffles and chocolate. The style is just so vibrant and refreshing. The finish islingering and well-integrated, with oak playing a supporting role. Tempranillo pairs well with a variety of dishes, especially those with grilled or roasted meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses
Cristom Love
Ah, the Cristom Eola-Amity Hills Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015. It’s a wine that paints a poem on the palate, a symphony of swirling flavors that leaves you breathless. Let’s uncork this beauty and delve into its depths. First, the eye. The color is a mesmerizing garnet, the hue of a thousand sunrises bleeding into dusk. Tilting the glass, it catches the light, revealing flashes of ruby and brick, hinting at the complexities within. Now, the nose. Ah, where to begin? A rush of red fruit, like plump cherries and juicy raspberries, bursts forth, mingled with whispers of exotic spice โ cardamom, clove, and a touch of star anise. But beneath that, a deeper melody emerges โ earthy tones of damp forest floor, truffles, and a hint of leather, hinting at the wine’s age and pedigree. On the tongue, the wine explodes in a kaleidoscope of textures. Silky smooth at first, it gives way to a delightful grip of fine-grained tannins, like velvet dusted with cocoa. The fruit unfurls again, riper this time, with notes of plums and blackberries, laced with a thread of blood orange and a whisper of rose petal. But it’s the acidity that truly sets this wine apart. It’s like a vibrant streak of lightning, slicing through the richness and keeping everything in perfect balance. It’s the kind of acidity that makes you salivate, that begs for another sip, and another. The finish is long and lingering, a slow fade of spice, earth, and fruit that leaves you wanting more. It’s a memory etched in your senses, a whisper of a perfect summer day captured in a bottle. Drinking the Cristom Eola-Amity Hills Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015 is an experience, not just a beverage. It’s a journey through a lush vineyard, a dance on the edge of a cool Oregon forest, a conversation with a winemaker who poured his heart and soul into every bottle. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things โ like a glass of great Pinot Noir โ can be the most profound. Raise glass to this liquid masterpiece. Let it wash over you, let it tell its story. And savor every drop, for this, my friend, is a wine that will stay with you long after the last sip is gone.