Louis de Grenelle Saumur Corail Rosé Brut
Louis De Grenelle Saumur Corail Rose Brut NV Saumur, Touraine, Loire One of the oldest Maison in Saumur, Louis de Grenelle has been making sparkling wine since 1859. Three generations later, the 40 hectare estate is lovingly cultivated sustainably carrying on the timeless family traditions and methods. Made in the traditional method, this low yield 100% Cabernet Franc sparkler has been delicately and slowly pressed to showcase it’s palest of pale salmon color. Aged for a minimum of 12 months on the lees with a minimal dosage of 8g/L. The color is just so pretty and eye-catching, coral salmon color. The delicate wild red berry, floral and mineral character are so pleasing to the senses. The fine energectic bubbles are never ending in the glass (swipe to see and hear it’s excitement). The flavors are a symphony of raspberry and wild strawberry, violets, grass and rhubarb leaf, peach, biscuit and orange zest ending on the chalky mineral note. It’s so fresh and creamy with a zingy minerality. A wonderful QPR under $25 that is perfect for a fireside sipper aperitif or with a seasonal fruit tart or goat cheese roulade.
Cascina Fontana Barbera D’Alba
“At the heart of every family tradition is a meaningful experience.” A.A. Cascina Fontana Barbera d’Alba 2018 Monforte d’Alba, Piedmont, Italy A small, 6th generation family winery who specializes in the Langhe red varieties, their 5 hectares are sprinkled in the best zones of the beautiful Monforte d’Alba region (Castiglione Falletto, La Morra ( and Sinio) with Langhe’s noted varieties of Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo. Mario and Luisa Fontana respect and closely follow the traditions of the region, history steeped with regional culture and history. Their wines are unfiltered, no chemicals, this is purity of fruit with harmonious, natural goodness in the bottles. Pours into the glass a deep ruby red. The perfumed aromas of wild berries, tart cherry and cranberry, roses, sweet spice, earthy bay leaf and graphite. On the first sip, the concentrated berries and floral notes are followed by the sweet spice of licorice and pepper, graphite held together with ripe smooth tannins and sour acidity. It has a bit of funk balanced with the freshness into a lingering finish.
Champagne Moutard 6 Cepages 2010
ℍ𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕒 𝕜𝕚𝕤𝕤. 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕞𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕤𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕚𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕖𝕟𝕛𝕠𝕪 𝕚𝕥. — 𝔹𝕖𝕣𝕟𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝕄𝕖𝕝𝕥𝕫𝕖𝕣 Share happiness, represent terroir and family tradition are Champagne Moutard Diligent. This grower-producer dates back to the 17th century in the village of Buxeuil in Aube, Côte des Bars, (technically they are a NM (négotiant) yet 85% of their grapes comes from their estate vineyards). What is also unique is that the Moutard family have interests in both in Champagne and Chablis, Burgundy producing champagne, spirits, crémant, white, red and rosé wines. Both have warmer temperatures, the famous clay limestone and veins of Kimeridgian soils. This particular champagne undergoes a total of 10 years of ageing (a short maceration on the skins before the 2nd and 3rd years fermentation in previously used White Burgundy barrels. The wine then undergoes 6 years sur lie) with a grand finale of zero dosage. ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕞𝕡𝕒𝕘𝕟𝕖 𝕄𝕠𝕦𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕕, ℂ𝕦𝕧é𝕖 𝔻𝕖𝕤 𝟞 ℂé𝕡𝕒𝕘𝕖𝕤 𝔹𝕣𝕦𝕥 ℕ𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝟚𝟘𝟙𝟘 Fact: 7 varieties are permitted in Champagne – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier, Fromenteau (Pinot Gris), Pinot Blanc, Petite Meslier and Petite Arbanne This champagne is a unique blend of 6 of the 7 allowed varieties – Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Meunier, Pinot Noir, Petit Arbane and Meslier. Pours into the glass a dazzling golden color. The aromas are so fragrant and opulent – toasted brioche, croissant dough, baked apple, lemon curd, toasted almonds, red berries, chalk and white blossom. The champagne is rich and creamy in texture with racy acidity and persistent fine bubbles. The complexity is intense – deeply toasted brioche, buttery beauty, cherry and strawberry, smoke, mushrooms accompany pastry cream ending with a zingy ginger and marzipan. It has an allure that is just so unique, it’s own personality, it’s own sense of being…. It is pure happiness and Champagne Moutard always brings such joy. Pair with lobster croquettes, scallop carpaccio with lemon oil drizzle or a pan seared chicken filets bathed in truffle sauce.
Alberto Viberti Langhe Nebbiolo
“I am in love with the wine and its world, its colors, its perfumes, its charm. I love its sense of belonging and its ability to createsharing and emotion.” Meet the fabulously talented Alberto Viberti. His love began at his family winery, Cascina Ballarin in Barolo, Piedmont, which continued to grow via a wealth of knowledge learned at Torbreck (Australia) and Arcangeli (South Africa). He wanted to create his wines in his style, his own expressions with his love and passion. This little gem from Langhe, Piedmont is 100% Nebbiolo. The 15-20 year old vines are planted at 290 meters, in a mix of marlstone, sandstone and sand. Fermented in both concrete and steel, followed by 6 months of ageing in French oak with a further 4 months again in the bottle. 1,100 bottles produced. Langhe Nebbiolo DOC LogHero 2018 Pours into the glass a bright ruby color with a light garnet rim. Elegant aromas of fresh red fruits, violets and roses, forest floor, smoke and sweet spice. The savory palate is so fresh and persistent with sweet tart cherry, blood orange, rhubarb stalk, ash and smoke and ending on the anise and cinnamon. The acidity is lively and fresh carrying along the soft tannins into a persistent finish. It’s feminine, pure freshness and irresistible. Pair with seared venison medallions with star anise, sausage & lentil stew or homemade gnocchi with roasted 7 vegetable sauce.
Elena Walch Pinot Grigio
Ancient traditions meets modern elegance, innovative winemaking and just plain delicious. I’m talking about Elena Walch Wines. If you haven’t already guessed, I am a huge fan and admirer of her wines. A 4th generation female winemaking family with a philosophy to get the best quality from the grapes by using various viticulture techniques. Fully sustainable, environmentally focused, terroir driven wines. 𝔼𝕝𝕖𝕟𝕒 𝕎𝕒𝕝𝕔𝕙 ℙ𝕚𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝔾𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕚𝕠 𝔸𝕝𝕥𝕠 𝔸𝕕𝕚𝕘𝕖 𝕊𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕫𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕊𝕦𝕕𝕥𝕚𝕣𝕠𝕝 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟘 Pours into the glass a pale lemon color. The fruity aromas of ripe white peach, white blossom and dried herbs greet you. The creamy palate opens up to stone fruit, ripe melon & pear, yellow plum and citrus, soft honeysuckle, soft saline minerality followed by dried sage and a long finish on hum on white pepper that carries with the mouthwatering acidity. It’s sleek, structured and just plain delicious. Pair with Creamy Lobster Bisque, Cioppino Stew, Brie, Fresh Mozzarella, roasted shrimp, crab salad, calamari or oysters, crunchy crudités, vegetable antipasto, asparagus risotto. Wine is a pleasure meant to be shared and I had the immense pleasure of introducing a lovely group of wine enthusiasts to this gem of a region and producer.
Champagne Laherte Frères Les Beaudiers Rosé de Saignée
Meunier, the third sibling of famed champagne trinity, is being seen more and more as a single varietal champagne thanks to its grower producers such as Aurelien Laherte who showcases it’s whimsical personality and poise beautifully. Champagne Laherte Frères Les Beaudiers Rosé de Saignée Vielles Vignes de Pinot Meunier Extra Brut Chevot, Épernay, Champagne, France Seven generation producer, biodynamic approach to farming, a natural winemaker and champion of the underdog varietals. His champagnes are terroir driven, low yielding and uses just enough dosage to balance the wine. A delicious champagne rosé of 100% old vine Meunier (average age 65 years) from the biodynamically farmed Les Beaudiers’ single vineyard In Chevot, Épernay. The vines sit in hard bedrock of limestone with topsoils of silex, schist and clay contributing to it’s smoky flinty minerality and just bounces off of the juicy red fruit. Fun fact: The first release featured an accidental typo on the label, and so the name of ‘Les Beaudiers’ stuck. This isn’t your typical rosé champagne. This champagne was made in the saignée method, left to macerate on the skins for 12-24 hours before fermentation in neutral barrels with no malolactic fermentation. The method contributes to it’s vibrant color, texture and profile. This type of rosé champagne is less common as it is more time consuming to make (labor wise and time on the skins) and therefore more costly. The 2015 harvest was aged on the lees for 4 years, disgorged in May 2019 with a low dosage of 3 g/L. Only 3319 bottles were produced. Intense crimson hue with a delicate effervescence. Seriously aromatic red berries, blood orange, grapefruit, rose petals, dried herbs and earthy core. This wine is all about power – the burst of flavors – tart cherry, pomegranate, earthy mushrooms, smoke, strawberry, dried apricot, chalk and spice. The delicate tannins, racy acidity, looooonnn smoky/flinty and bright personality just carry on so long ends on a bitter fennel almond skin finish. It’s deeply expressive, intoxicating and just plain gorgeous. I’ve never tasted anything like it. This is a richer, more concentrated style champagne. Pair with a traditional French dish of duck confit, chorizo or brie with pomegranate compote.
Blackbird Vineyards Paramour Napa Valley Proprietary Red 2011
When the temperature goes down outside, the desire of a warmer styled beverage increases. Personally I don’t have a “go to” cold weather beverage. It honestly depends on my mood, my craving and/what I may be making that night. This particular evening was freezing cold in the northeast, so I reached for an impressive Artisanal wine producer? Right Bank inspired wines? Terroir driven? Sustainable since day 1? Winery named in honor of Merlot (French patois for “little blackbird”? If you haven’t guessed already, I am referring to Blackbird Vineyards, located in Napa Valley, California. These ultra quality wines. They focus on Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in their blends. The 10 acre estate in Oak Knoll has similar qualities of the Right Bank in Bordeaux – soil composition and microclimate. Their wines are aged in 100% French oak for at least 20 months. Blackbird Vineyards Paramour Napa Valley Proprietary Red 2011 Oak Knoll, Napa Valley, California Their wines have the elegance of the Right Bank but the richness and polish of Napa. The blend is 71% Cabernet Franc, 19% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet gem with a ruby center. Perfumed aromas of sweet tobacco, cedar, cocoa, sweet blue fruit, crushed red berries, blackberry jam, cola, and violets. Layers of texture – chocolate, nutmeg, fine grained tannins, velvety smooth with a persistent length ending on a coffee mocha note. A full bodied wine 14.2% abv, 11 years old it still had a youthfulness to it which could have easily aged for another 5+ years. Succulent, soft and seductive, perfect for cold weather or with a classic surf and turf.
Raineri Dolcetto Dogliani DOCG
The little sweet one in everyones eyes of Piedmont lovers is Dolcetto. Raineri Dolcetto Dogliani Zovetto DOCG 2018 Located in the heart of Langhe, Azienda Agricola Raineri Gianmatteo is based on tradition, hard work, absolute love and care for their vines. Friends Gianmatteo Jimmy Raineri, Fabrizio Giraudo, and Luciano Racca started Raineri in 2005 as a small production of Dolcetto from the famous Dogliani area. Their passion and respect for wine and the winemaking traditions pushed their dreams to become a reality. They take great pride in their eco-sustainable agriculture. Their manual harvesting practices select only the best quality bunches. The Zovetto vineyard in Farigliano is located at 400 meters, these 45 year old vines get all of the TLC. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel for 10 days followed by another 8 months of ageing. Only 800 bottles produced. Pours into the glass an intense ruby hue. The sweet one’s delicate aromas of red fruit, earth and flowers tickles your nose playfully. A lively acidity is balanced with the soft tannins and the flavors of cherry, red plum, blackberry, pepper, cocoa, violets, minerality, dried herbs and a soft almond skin finish. The wine is all around harmonious and pleasant to drink. I paired it with a roasted eggplant, tomato and garlic tian dish with some cured meats
Kelley Fox Wines Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Blanc
As you know, I am a huge fan of Kelley Fox – she is a kickass winemaker and creates such pure, unadorned wines. 𝕂𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕖𝕪 𝔽𝕠𝕩 𝕎𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕤 𝔽𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕕𝕠𝕞 ℍ𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕍𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕪𝕒𝕣𝕕 ℙ𝕚𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝔹𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕔 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟘 Willamette Valley A.V.A., Oregon This single vineyard Pinot Blanc was whole cluster pressed on the day of picking and then racked to a stainless steel tank for primary fermentation. Aged for 5 months in neutral, tight-grained French oak barrels. Translucent lemon color. Youthful aromas of citrus, floral and lithe minerality with a hint of peach. Bone-dry with a creamy texture and delicate vanilla flavors, it has a freshness that’s balanced with the racy acidity. Brilliantly alive and fresh in flavor and profile. It was soooo pleasant to enjoy by the fire and paired lovely with panko lemon zested scallops with olive oil mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus.
Forge Cellars Riesling
I love Riesling in all of it’s glory. Before you start virtually yelling at me that you don’t like Riesling, it’s too sweet etc etc. …… listen to the Canadian – NOT ALL RIESLING IS SWEET. This adored grape can range from bone-dry to sweet to sparkling variations. It’s calling card is its crisp and sharp acidity, freshly picked orchard and citrus fruits, blossoms as well as minerality. It tastes like spring in a glass. One thing that I can suggest is pay attention to where the wine is from climate wise. The warmer the climate, the riper the fruit. The riper the fruit, the more residual sugar. The cooler the climate, the more acidity the grape produces and the drier the wine. Warmer climates like California produce sweeter Rieslings, while cooler climates like Germany, Alsace, Austria, and the Finger Lakes produce drier ones. This isn’t a hard and fast rule but it’s a good place to start. When in doubt, ask your local shop for guidance. They are professionals and are there to help. That being said, a great value to quality Riesling can be found in the Finger Lakes, NY. Forge Cellars has their hands in everything – from the harvesting, sorting, pressing, to the very end of the production line. Riesling is one of the most food friendly and versatile wines in existence. Their acidity compliments lighter dishes and cuts through heavier ones, and their sweetness (whether it be a little or a lot) works wonderfully with spice and heat. I paired my kitchen fridge chicken and veggies fried rice.