Collio Pinot Grigio
This Pinot Grigio from Livio Felluga never disappoints. It’s abound with acacia and jasmine bouquet, green apple, yellow pear, lemon freshness peaches. Supple, creamy texture from a few months of lees ageing in this fuller bodied wine from Collio, Italy. Crisp acidity with rich notes of peaches, apricots, melon are intermingled with the tangy minerality and lemon cream and biscuits. It’s a fresh, savory and melodic between the fruity and savory elements Livio Fellaga Pinot Grigio 2021 Collio, Italy Paired with Calamari with Wasabi Cream and Crispy Salmon Cakes.
Sancaba Pinot Nero
I have a soft spot for Pinot Nero and I am not the only one. Vini Franchetti Sancaba Pinot Nero 2019 Andrea Franchetti is a man who knows his terroir. His vines are part of the family. All organic and sustainable practices in the vineyards. Located southern Tuscany, high up in the hills above San Casciano dei Bagni, the vineyards of Sancaba benefit from cooler conditions which are ideal for growing quality Pinot Nero – high diurnal, altitude and calcium-rich crumbling soils of galestro and alberese rock producing mineral rich wines with vibrancy and elegance. Aged for 6 months in large wood vats and barriques, followed by 14 months in cement Fun fact: SANCABA is an acronym invented by Carlo Franchetti as a tribute to the town of San Casciano dei Bagni. Gemstone ruby pours into the glass with a spec of garnet at the rim. Enter the multilayered aromatics that make my heart skip a beat – cherry, pomegranate, raspberry, forest floor, tomato leaf, minerals, leather and yes, TRUFFLES. Make way for the soft silky tannins, the crips acidity and oh so plush, red fruit, cherry cola meats savory meaty mushrooms intermingled with violets, cloves, minerality and dried sage. So inviting and elegant in every manner. All of the elements purr in your mouth – “take another sip….discover more”. Get this gem while you can, only 5000 bottles produced
Llopart Corpinnat Sunshine
𝕋𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕞𝕖 𝕒𝕨𝕒𝕪 𝔸 𝕤𝕖𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕥 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕖 𝔸 𝕤𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕥 𝕖𝕤𝕔𝕒𝕡𝕖 𝕋𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕞𝕖 𝕒𝕨𝕒𝕪 — ℕ𝕒𝕥𝕒𝕤𝕙𝕒 𝔹𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕗𝕚𝕖𝕝𝕕 A pocket full of sunshine with the escape of beauty…. 𝕃𝕝𝕠𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥 ℂ𝕠𝕣𝕡𝕚𝕟𝕟𝕒𝕥 𝔹𝕣𝕦𝕥 ℕ𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝟚𝟘𝟙𝟘 is a blend of 50% Montònec (aka Parellada), 25% each Xarello-lo and Macabeo made in the traditional method aged on the lees for 10 years. This winery has been producing méthode champenoise since 1887. This high quality producer is located in the heart of Penedes, Spain, 100% organic grapes harvested by hand and entirely vinified on the premises of the winery. This deep gold colored sparkling with small bubbles won’t stop until you finish your glass, they are fine and alive. Deeply generous aromatics of orange marmalade, burnt caramel, vanilla, dried apricot, smoke and caramelized fennel, lemon curd, baking bread, and acacia. It is bright on all fronts, flavors and acidity, from beginning to end. The palate has so many layers, beginning with flavors of sweet pear, grapefruit pith and apple compote. At center stage, toasted hazelnuts wrapped in toffee with a side of espresso and brioche. The grand finale, salted almonds, earthy mushrooms and ginger which lingers in such a beautiful way. Such a striking, elegant sparkling wine. I could suggest pairings for this sparkling but quite frankly, I was blown away with its complexity and character that I enjoyed it on its own with a fall sunset. 🥂
5 Bubbles 5 Questions….
Recent When it comes to the world of champagne, the choices and quality producers are endless. Recently I was interviewed by Bjornstierne Antonson of Champagne Club who asked me the following 5 questions for an article published a few days ago on the Champagne Club website: I am in love with wine and its world, its colors, perfumes and charm. Through travel, connecting with people and most certainly tasting their creations, you discover the passion, the journey and story that each and every bottle tells. Growing up in multi-cultural Montreal, Canada, I was heavily influenced by the city’s diverse food and wine culture. This passion for food and wine grew over time as my travels and experiences shaped my passion. After many years as an IT Project Management Consultant, I moved to the United States with my family where I decided to pursue my true calling, which is everything wine. Being fully bilingual (English and French) has well positioned me as a wine judge in many globally recognized wine competitions. My enthusiasm and knowledge are shared through winery collaborations, online publications, blogs and social media as well as corporate wine events. My wine education led me to my journey of WSET Diploma as well as an ambassador for the Concours Mondiale Feminalise. Which Champagne would You treat … Your parents or in-laws? A Bollinger La Grande Année from an outstanding vintage, say 2008, no question. My parents were each other’s one true love. They were married for 33 years before my father passed away and my mother 10 years later. They had a truly special relationship and a love that lasts a lifetime. It deserves a symbolic La Grande Année of regal finesse and sublime beauty that would take them back to the day they met as kids. 2. You treat your lover? Amour de Deutz, which is a Blanc de Blanc 2011 – the name says it all. I visited the historic Maison Deutz this past year and was instantly enamored – Champagne Deutz’s history, the underground candlelit staircases, the maison and its ambiance are purely magical. This wine is an extension of the art of their Champagne, the love and romance of Deutz. It is truly captivating Champagne – subtle, delicate and enchanting wine with a seductive purity that is indescribable. What better bottle to enjoy with a lover than one that in name represents romance? 3. ..You treat your boss? I am an entrepreneur/my own boss so I would treat myself to a Champagne from a winemaker who I not only greatly admire but had the immense pleasure of meeting, Dominque Moreau of Marie Courtin Champagne. Her Blanc de Blancs Amphora would be my choice. Her wines are single-vineyard, single-vintage, zero-dosage Champagnes from biodynamically-grown grapes raised with meticulous care. However, this is a special project of hers, a unique blend of 60% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Blanc, 5% Arbanne – her wines are all aged 11 months in amphora, unfined and unfiltered. So divinely special. 4. …You treat yourself? A Rosé Champagne which I do not enjoy very often. I would open a grower champagne from Laherte Frères Champagne. Laherte Frères Rosé Meunier & Meslier Brut Nature, is a rare blend of 50% Petit Meslier and 50% Meunier. The Meunier is made in the saignée method (hence the incredible color) balanced with the aromatics of Meslier. After a 24-hour maceration the grapes were naturally fermented in a single, neutral barrel then aged on the lees for 36 months, produced in very small amounts (336 bottles of rare goodness). It captures the best of both varietals – the elegant floral femininity of the Meunier, and the Meslier verve and minerality. It’s a beauty of a bottle to just sit back and savor its lovely playful decadence and compelling energy. 5. …You treat a dream guest, and why, and who is Your dream guest? Julia Child – I am not only wine-passionate but cooking-passionate as well. I have been baking and cooking since I was 5 years old. I have had her Mastering The Art of French Cooking cookbook since I was 12. Her perseverance, strength and courage are a true inspiration, as well as her engaging personality, her infectious bubbly laugh and joie de vivre. I would open a stunning bottle of Blanc de Noirs from Champagne Egly-Ouriet and cook one of her infamous dishes such as Boeuf Bourgingnon. Champagne Egly-Ouriet Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Les Crayères NV is amongst the first recognizable grower producers in Champagne. Their meticulous commitment to Pinot Noir through reduced yields, only using tete de cuvée (the first pressing) and extended lees ageing are formidable, a pure expression of their terroirs. This one is from 70-year-old vines, a completely barrel fermented blend consisting of 50% each 2008 and 2009 and aged 70 months on the lees. A deeply concentrated, a Burgundy-like wine with bubbles that I know Julia would love. 6. What piece of music would you listen to drinking wine in question 5 ? ] Chet Baker – It Never Entered My Mind – very chill jazz in the background while we chat, drink wine and cook together.
Folc English Rosé
If you haven’t had the utmost pleasure of meeting Folc Rosé yet, I insist you stop what you are doing and go meet this elegant sweetie pronto. Pours a palest of pale salmon pink color in the glass. Playful aromas of crunchy strawberry, cranberry, peach, elderflower, pink grapefruit and a soft spice hum. Bright, crisp and clean dry English Rosé made from 7 varietals, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Bacchus, Reichensteiner, Schonburger and Dornfelder, it beckons you to stop what you are doing and just savor the zen moment in your glass. All of the flavors are in harmony with the aromas that lingers with zesty strawberry jam, raspberry, lime and cream. This wine just brings joy. Pair it with your best friend over charcuterie and cheese board after a long day, share the laughter and beautiful sips
Rémy Massin et Fils Special Club Trésor Pinot Blanc 2015
Nice to meet you, where have you been, I can show you incredible things – Taylor Swift Champagne Remy Massin et fils is the result of a traditional know-how inherited from the last five generations of wine-growers. Since 1865 they have been tending vines in Ville-sur-Arce in the Cote des Bar. Remy Massin was founded in 1974 and is still to this day a family wine business. This champagne is part of their Club Trésor, limited production and releases, 100% Pinot Blanc with minimum of 60 months on the lees. Champagne Rémy Massin et Fils Special Club Trésor Pinot Blanc 2015 Delicate floral sensations of cherry blossom and Anjou pear, grapefruit pith and lemon zest, minerals, hints of biscuit, sweet pastry dough and caramel. The citrus zest and juiciness of the ripe apples and pears, blood orange and burnt honey awakens you senses. A highly delicate blend where the character of the Pinot Blanc subtly reveals its terroirs’ DNA. A refined and energetic elixir on every level and moorish till the last sip. Crab cakes, shrimp ceviche or nothing at all, this lovely disappeared as fast as the cork popped.
Bermejo Malvasia Volcánica Brut Nature
Bermejo Malvasia Volcánica Brut Nature Creating his own style of sparkling, winemaker Daniel Martín revived the 18th century estate in 2001, making wines of pure from indigenous grapes respecting each true ethos character. Traditional method sparkling from the rich volcanic soils of Lanzarote, 100% Malvasía Volcánica (the name should tell you something), are aged on the lees for 20 months. Bright pale yellow with a beautiful fine sparkle. Very aromatic spirit of citrus, apple, pineapple, smoke, chalk, fennel and biscuity goodness. Such a fresh acidity accompanies the clean crisp citrus alongside marzipan, tart pineapple core, fennel, salinity, ending in a smokey almond skin ginger finish. Swirling & beguiling in its uniqueness. Pair with a jalapeño tuna avocado sushi roll, bluefish pate.
Cascina Corte Langhe
Nebbiolo and amphorae? Curious…. Read on to discover a modern winemaking version of Nebbiolo Cascina Corta Apmphorae 2016 Langhe, Piedmont Cascina Corte is located in San Luigi, on the beautiful hills surrounding Dogliani. Sandro Barosi & Amalia Battaglia restored this 17th century farm into a thriving organic winery and farm. The low yielding grapes which make up Langhe Nebbiolo Amphorae are cultivated in a plot in Monforte d’Alba, home of the noble and adored Nebbiolo. Natural, natural and natural – fermentation, yeasts, unfiltered organic farmed, 12 months fermentation in barrels followed by 11 months in Tuscan terracotta amphorae and a further 2 months in the bottle. Glistening garnet in the glass with the Nebbiolo character we love of cherry, rose petals and violets, wet earth, chalk and spice. Softness is the word that comes to mind for this wine – the fine supple tannins, the silky mouthfeel, and delicate yet noticeable flavors – the savory anise and black pepper, tar, cherry and raspberry, slight hints of tobacco and chocolate Round and generous yet delicate in nature unlike the big bold Nebbiolo that may come to mind. The beauty of this wine is that it’s ready to drink now, no need to put it away and patiently wait. Such a cool wine, what can I say.
Giovanni Porro Langhe Nebbiolo
ꜱʜᴇ’ꜱ ᴀ ᴋɪʟʟᴇʀ Qᴜᴇᴇɴ ɢᴜɴᴘᴏᴡᴅᴇʀ, ɢᴇʟᴀᴛɪɴᴇ ᴅʏɴᴀᴍɪᴛᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ ʟᴀꜱᴇʀ ʙᴇᴀᴍ ɢᴜᴀʀᴀɴᴛᴇᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʙʟᴏᴡ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴍɪɴᴅ ᴀɴʏᴛɪᴍᴇ – Qᴜᴇᴇɴ All hail the Queen of Nebbiolo – Forget what you know about big, bold king of kings Barolo Nebbiolo (just while you read this post 😂- you can go back to the king afterwards 😂 I adore the king to). Her highness is an elegant styled, modern approach to Nebbiolo made from a three generation winemaking family, from Stefano Porro of Giovanni Porro. ɢɪᴏᴠᴀɴɴɪ ᴘᴏʀʀᴏ ʟᴀɴɢʜᴇ ɴᴇʙʙɪᴏʟᴏ 2020 He began his winemaking endeavor with small production, small yields and a different approach – his method is to use 50% whole bunch fermentation followed by 8 months in barriques. As I said this is a different Nebbiolo not shy of character or strength. It highlights the feminine floral nuances of the varietal. The resulting wine is light, soft and beautiful, can be served slightly chilled. An intriguing Langhe Nebbiolo, vineyards in Serralunga in the Cerrati locality with mature plants in optimal exposure to produce Barolo, however, because of little experience and little capital to invest he opted for simple winemaking. Shining bright ruby color in the glass. A bouquet of roses and violets, candied red fruit and dusty clay. Taste the sour cherry, green field strawberries and raspberries, tomato leaf with a kiss of anise, mint and cinnamon – a fleshy elegance with such a fresh acidity and firm yet very silky tannins. Your senses will guide you through this silky journey from start to finish. Grazie tante per questa bella bottiglia
Gunther Steinmetz Wintricher Geierslay Riesling 2016
Weingut Günther Steinmetz is a renowned winery located in Brauneberg, Mosel, Germany. They specialize in producing elegant and terroir-driven Rieslings and Pinot Noirs from around 12 hectares of steep slopes in the region. The winery is committed to sustainable viticulture and uses biodynamic and natural winemaking practices in the vineyard and cellar. Gunther Steinmetz Wintricher Geierslay Riesling 2016 A captivating pale gold, shimmering with flecks of green, whispers of the sun-kissed Mosel slopes where this beauty originates. On the nose, an initial burst of citrus, vibrant grapefruit and lime leading the dance, followed by delicate notes of white peach and a kiss of apricot. As the wine opens, mineral nuances emerge – crushed slate, wet stones, and a whisper of flint, hinting at the terroir’s magic. Subtle floral notes of jasmine and honeysuckle weave through, adding a touch of elegance. Razor-sharp acidity dances on the tongue, perfectly balanced by a hint of residual sugar that lingers just a moment before receding. The citrus fruits return, juicier this time, joined by ripe green apple and a fleeting touch of honey. The mineral symphony intensifies, slate and oyster shell weaving a complex harmony against the backdrop of vibrant fruit. The texture is pure silk, gliding across the palate with grace and leaving a lingering echo of its mineral essence. Long and beautifully poised, the acidity keeps the party going, while the subtle sweetness whispers a farewell. Stone fruit, citrus, and minerals intertwine in a lingering embrace, promising a memory that will stay with you long after the last drop is gone. A great pairing for goat cheese salad with arugula or Asian-inspired cuisine with its balance of sweet and savory flavors. This is a wine that deserves to be savored slowly, over good conversation and perhaps with a breathtaking view.