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🎵
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 – cardamom, clove, and a touch of star anise. But beneath that, a deeper melody emerges – 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 – like a glass of great Pinot Noir – 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.
Champagne La Rogerie Is Art
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤 𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙚𝙨 – 𝙈𝙄𝘼 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒈𝒏𝒆 𝑳𝒂 𝑹𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆 𝑯é𝒓𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒄 𝒅𝒆 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒔 𝑬𝒙𝒕𝒓𝒂 𝑩𝒓𝒖𝒕 2013 Wine is art – from the beauty of nature to the artisanal winemaking to what is in the bottle. Champagne La Rogerie embodies all of these artisanal components and much more. This bubbly embodies vigour, vitality, beauty and a fresh snowfall sparkle. Justine and Francois Petit-Boxler have centuries of tradition in winemaking between them (her from Alsace and his from Avize). It’s not surprising that their energy, love and dedication all contribute to the sense of place in their champagnes. They took over Francois grandfather’s 0.6 hectare domaine in 2015 and first order was to convert to biodynamic farming. The vines were planted between 1937 and 1961 therefore the entire vineyard is composed of very old vines, massale selection. They wanted to continue the tradition but put a modern spin and stamp on champagne beauty. This new generation in grower champagne is dressed to impress – they produces small batch champagnes with extended lees ageing from their chalk soil domaine located in Avize Grand Cru, Côte Des Blancs, which nestled snuggly in between Selosse and Louis Roederer by the way. Their bottle foils are designed by their friend and artist Nicolas Maitrot to represent the celebration of life in six different ways. This 100% Chardonnay is a bright gold color that just shines through the exuberant fine perlage. It’s complex in its aromatics – layers of mushrooms, umami, earthy smoke, acacia, baked apple, toasted brioche and nuts, citrus and spice. First sip and Tchaikovsky’s Waltz Of The Flowers popped into my head- every single element danced together as one in complete harmony. Super fine perlage swayed in unison with the bright acidity. The 96 months sur lie adds a huge amount of rich complexity and goodness. The low dosage of 2 g/L allows the pure flavors of dried apricot, hay, croissant dough, lemon curd and lemon zest, baked apple, caramel, chalk, toasted brioche and long finish on ginger spice. It has its own center core, its own delicate rhythm and flow. 6048 bottles produced I recommend losing yourself in it’s artisanal finesse and beauty.
Celler Credo Miranius 2019
Creativity is the greatest rebellion in existence – Osho Celler Credo Miranius 2019 Catalonia, Penedès DO, Spain Recaredo – 3 generations of quality, natural and pure essence Corpinnat (high quality traditional method sparkling wine that has strict regulations) began to make single vineyard still white wines from the same native grapes use to make Corpinnat (Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada). These vineyards are at steep elevations (200-600 meters) in sub areas of the Penedes region. All produced organically and biodynamically, low yields, ambient yeast fermented, some skin contact in old clay vessels and unfiltered. The Miranius on the label is the sly little fox who waits for the precisely the right moment to sneak into the vineyard in stealth mode and eat the delicious Macabeo and Xarel-lo grapes. MIranius is the only 100% Xarel-lo single varietal wine made in the region. Extended skin contact and aged for 3 months on the lees, this wine is so full of character and unique freshness. Such a pale lemon color it’s almost translucent. Perfumed floral bouquet with green fruit, yellow plum, citrus, doughy character, warm fresh herbs (thyme, fennel). Crisp acidity, buttery saline mouthfeel with flavors of green apple and grass, gooseberry, lime zest, peach, ginger zip – it tastes like the Mediterranean Sea with some fruit freshness. This wine is just bright all around in its personality and life. Pair with gambas à la plancha, marinated mussels, chorizo bread bites or friend calamari.