Le Piane Boca
Le Piane Boca 2016 Christoph Kuenzli visited Boca DOC and fell in love instantly with the countryside, wines and felt the uniqueness of the region. When he tasted Antonio Cerr’s wines (a winemaker who kept the local varieties alive) , he knew he had to be a part of this lost treasure of a region. He later purchased Mr. Cerri’s farm after his passing in 1997 and was determined to bring Boca wines to the Piedmont wine lovers of the world. Christoph expanded the holdings to todays size of L8 hectares of which 2 are old vines. Boca DOC is one of the smallest and Northernmost appellations of Piedmont. The vines are planted on hilly terraced slopes and surrounded by Monte Rosa (the 2nd highest peak in Europe), glacier lakes and have mineral rich (iron, magnesium and potassium) soils all provide ideal growing conditions for Nebbiolo, Vespolina and Uva Rara. The wines are racy acidity, distinctly savory “blood like” quality, ageability and complexity. A very ripe year but not especially hot, Nebbiolo grapes were able to hang long before the 2016 harvest began, developing complex savory flavors. Le Piane is a blend of 85% Nebbiolo and 15% Vespolina, which gives the wine a bit of body, floral and spice notes. Pours into the glass bright ruby color A rich explosion of intoxicating rose petals, mineral rich and savory red fruit and herbal aromatics. Rich flavors of mint, pine nuts or pine, crushed rock, blackberries, currants, sweet licorice , it has such freshness, depth and energy that carries along with racy acidity. A medium bodied wine that has a strong personality of the region. It is, in a word, dazzling my friends. Pairs with roasted portobello mushroom and pecorino cheese pizza or classic meatballs and sauce, roast boar ragu or aged sharp cheeses
Calatroni Metodo Classico 2015
𝐵𝒶𝓁𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒹, 𝒾𝓉’𝓈 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓉𝑒 – 𝒥𝒶𝓃𝒶 𝒦𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈𝒻𝑜𝓇𝒹 As is with life, it’s also important to have balance in the bottle. That was the aim of A.A. Calastroni when they began making Metodo Classico – ensure the utmost balance in ever bottle. 𝒜.𝒜. 𝒞𝒶𝓁𝒶𝓉𝓇𝑜𝓃𝒾 𝒫𝑜𝑔𝑔𝒾𝑜 𝒹𝑒𝒾 𝒟𝓊𝒸𝒶 𝒟𝒪𝒞𝒢 𝒫𝒶𝓈 𝒟𝑜𝓈é 𝒮𝓅𝓊𝓂𝒶𝓃𝓉𝑒 𝑀𝑒𝓉𝑜𝒹𝑜 𝒞𝓁𝒶𝓈𝓈𝒾𝒸𝑜 𝒫𝒾𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝒩𝑒𝓇𝑜 𝑀𝒾𝓁𝓁𝑒𝓈𝓈𝒾𝓂𝒶𝓉𝑜 𝟤𝟢𝟣𝟧 Organic grapes from Il Poggio vineyard of Oltrepo’ Pavese, this Lombardia Metodo Classico imbues freshness and character thanks to the mineral rich limestone and clay soils, as well as the concentration of flavor from the 40 year old vines and zingy acidity thanks to the varying 200-540m altitude. Each vineyard is vilified separately and aged for 48 months sur lie. 600 bottles made. Pours into the glass a light-toned yellow with greenish reflections. Delicate yet complex aromas of white blossom, yellow apple, red berries, citrus, hints of bread crust and smokey minerals leading to somewhere special on the palate. Creamy texture with lively fine perlage. An electric acidity joins the flavors of honeysuckle, burnt honey, lemon zest, pastry cream, raspberry, toast, toasted hazelnuts into a lingering savory mushroom finish. An engaging sparkling that has a glorious Pinot Nero personality – it’s sharp & pure in its brut nature character, elegant and complex. Paired with creamy zucchini potage, fried chicken or pan-seared sea bass with cherry tomato confit.
Blanc de Rose Champagne – Champagne Geoffroy
ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕞𝕡𝕒𝕘𝕟𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕔, 𝕚𝕥 𝕕𝕣𝕒𝕨𝕤 𝕞𝕖 𝕚𝕟 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕚𝕥𝕤 𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕟𝕖𝕥𝕚𝕔 𝕡𝕦𝕝𝕝. This particular bottle is no exception…. 𝔹𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕔 𝕕𝕖 ℝ𝕠𝕤𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕞𝕡𝕒𝕘𝕟𝕖 𝔼𝕩𝕥𝕣𝕒 𝔹𝕣𝕦𝕥 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕁𝕖𝕒𝕟-𝔹𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕖 𝔾𝕖𝕠𝕗𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕪 has an 𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐔𝐑𝐄. 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 Cumières in the Vallée de la Marne. The wine is made in the saignée method with 60 months of sur lie, 3g/L dosage. It’s such a special bottle that only 2 000 bottles were produced. 🥂Pours 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 Sémillon. Brief history, Chateau Beauregard Ducasse dates back to 1850 whereby Albert Duran established the domaine in Mazères, 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, it’s just refreshingly wonderful. It’s 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 it’s 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 Italy’s 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 Südtiroler Blauburgunder 2019 10,000 bottles made A gem of a garnet wine in it’s 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, there’s 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 “après-ski” is in order, which is by definition “the social activities and entertainment following a day’s skiing.” 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 Jacquère 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 Jacquère, Altesse, and Mondeuse. Domaine Saint-Romain Vin de Savoie Blanc “Jongieux” 2020 Wines made with Jacquère 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 Rosé 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 doesn’t have to be hot outside to enjoy Rosé wine. It is such a versatile wine, with or without food. As you can tell from the photo, it’s the middle of winter, freshly fallen snow and the first wine to open after a good day of skiing. Matthiasson Wines Rosé 2020 Napa Valley, California A blend of 45% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, and 5% Counoise comes from their Windmill and Hurley Vineyards. These grapes are grown specifically for their darling rosé. 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. It’s 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 ….. ᴄᴏʀᴛᴇ ʀᴏɴᴄᴏʟᴀᴛᴏ ᴅᴜʀᴇʟʟᴏ ʙʀᴜᴛ ɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴇ ꜱᴘᴜᴍᴀɴᴛᴇ ᴍᴇᴛᴏᴅᴏ ᴄʟᴀꜱꜱɪᴄᴏ ᴘᴀꜱ ᴅᴏꜱᴇ 2017 It’s the fresh and fun sparkler from Veneto, Italy that I am holding in my hand. This cuvée 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
𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙖 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙮 – 𝘼𝙣𝙤𝙣𝙮𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙨 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 don’t 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 “house style/cuvee” 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. ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕞𝕡𝕒𝕘𝕟𝕖 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕚𝕖 ℂ𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕥𝕚𝕟 É𝕗𝕗𝕝𝕠𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕔𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝔼𝕩𝕥𝕣𝕒 𝔹𝕣𝕦𝕥 𝟚𝟘𝟙𝟝 Éfflorescence means “to evolve in perpetuity”. 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 Éfflorescence 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 Côte 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. It’s just plain beautiful. A spiritual experience in every way – join in on the vibrations and energy of this full of life bubbly. Let’s 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 “back pocket” 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. It’s 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 🎵 What it all comes down to my friends, yeah, Is that everything’s gonna be fine, fine, fine🎵