Rioja Legend Ramon Bilbao
Ramon Bilbao is a pioneer of winemaking in Rioja. He helped bring the DO to it’s estimable status with his ageing techniques with both French and American oak. Established in 1924, the wines were each made with a unique personality and produced in the highest of quality standards. In 1999 the Zamora company took over the estate and has since the expanded the holdings from 2 hectares to 203 in other regions of Spain, including Rias Baixas. Ramón Bilbao Albariño Rías Baixas 2018 Albariño is said by some to be the most food-friendly wine in the world. It’s subtly floral, so alive, so pure and well defined. It’s one of my summer go to white varietals. Pours in the glass a medium lemon gold color Swirl and powerful aromas of lime, fresh pineapple, pear, minerals and orange blossom assaults the senses. Sip and first bam is the acid – you feel it all over your mouth like the shape of a square in it’s cleansing fresh ability. This medium bodied wine has fresh and juicy flavors of green apple, citrus, white flowers, mint. It’s elegant and delicate yet fuller in texture than a typical Albariño from this region. Great with roasted clams with citrus broth, lobster salad and cheese appetizers as seen in the photo .
Argentina Malbec Showdown
Malbec – born & blender in Bordeaux, bold in Cahors and famed in Argentina. This is no ordinary red grape variety. It’s soft, juicy “damson fruit” (plum species), floral perfume and lovely dark purple are it’s tell tale signs of Malbec. A favorite of warm, dry climates. This grape is skillfully grown in Argentina, it’s the country’s signature red variety. They maximize it’s perfume character and lush structure. Tobacco Leaf, damson, violets, lush fat dark fruit flavor, soothing ripe tannins, loves new oak (but you don’t want to smother it natural deliciousness) Fun fact: First brought to Argentina in 1852 from Bordeaux. Have you ever compared 2 wines so similar on paper except for 1 small yet important detail – ageing. These two wines are from the Barbarians wine group – a group of independent family wineries that focus on hight quality wines from Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Uco, in Mendoza, Argentina. Each family has their own style and mark on the wines, but ultimately they share the same passion for wine and common goals – respect for the terroir, sustainable farming, natural winemaking and support the local community. Both wines from the same region, the same altitude, hand harvested, 100% Malbec, young aged vines HOWEVER one is aged in oak vs. no use of oak. Barbarians Gualta Malbec 2018 Gualtallary D.O., Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina 14% Fun Fact: The name “Barbarians” was inspired by the legendary rugby team (founded in 1890). Pre-fermentation maceration for 10 days, followed by a 15 day fermentation using indigenous yeasts. Pours in the glass a bright ruby purple color Swirl and the sweet, candied red & black are followed by vanilla, sweet tobacco leaf and violets. Sip and the soft medium tannins coat your mouth are balanced with the medium fresh acidity. The fresh, fruity flavors of candied cherry, raspberry, red plum, blackberry, licorice, mint, earth and violets. It starts off sweet and finishes dry on tobacco note. I chilled it just slightly to bring it to proper room temperature. I found on the first sip it was too warm (alcohol) but once chilled the alcohol tasted well integrated with the fruit. This is a fresher, juicer style of Malbec – expect loads of fresh fruits (blackberry, raspberry) & floral, soft ripe tannins and balanced acidity. Bocanada Malbec 2018 Gualtallary D.O., Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina 14% Founded in 2012 by young winemaker Leandro Boullaude, a 5th generation winemaker who’s family moved to Mendoza in 1896 from Veneto. He studied winemaking and viticulture both in Spain and Argentina. Bocanada Wines are known for high quality wines and innovation. They use concrete egg-shaped vessels for the fermentation and aging in order to preserve the powerful terroir and varietal characters. The vines are at an altitude of 1 400m in sandy loam soil. The grapes are manually harvested and undergo a 10 day pre-fermentation maceration, followed by 15 days of fermentation in concrete eggs using ambient yeasts. Once complete, the must is pressed and aged for 12 months in small French oak barrels. Pours into the glass an intensely deep purple ruby color. Swirl and you are hit with intense leather, manure, barnyard, dirt followed by blackberry, plum. Sip and you taste the fruit notes first of tart black plums, ripe black cherry and blackberries, medicinal mint, licorice, red pepper flakes, bramble, cocoa and hums into the sweet tobacco, earthy finish. The high alcohol is well integrated with the fruit, medium acidity and medium soft ripe tannins that lingers in the mouth. A seductive Malbec that has a lot character and charm. Burgers with blue cheese anyone? Bison filet with plum sauce? Roasted duck medallions? Yes to all of the above.
Kuenhof Riesling Kaiton 2019
Kuenhof is one of the best white wine domaines in Northern Italy. Steep, stoney terraced vineyards at an average of 550-700m (1 800-2 300 feet), with the very distinctive schist and quartz soils create electric minerality in their aromatic wines from Riesling, Gruner Veltliner and Sylvaner. The 6 hectares are organically grown and are careful hand selected. Owners Peter and Brigitte Pilger winery has been in the family for over 200 yers, but the farmhouse Kuenhof dates back to the 12th century. It wasn’t until the early 1990’s that the couple decided to make their own wines utilizing biodynamic practices instead of selling to the local coop. Fermented ambient yeasts, stainless steel and a portion of large oak casks, then screw cap (of which the owners are very proud of, as the wines will taste exactly as the winemaker intended. Kuenhof Riesling Kaiton 2019 Südtirol-Alto Adige, Italy 6 000 bottles made Pours in the glass a pale watery lemon color. Swirl and the snappy minerality is followed by aromas of citrus fruits (lime peel), pear & honey. Sip and the true to form zingy acidity hits your first, followed by the fresh flavors of lemon, lime peel, apple, pear, peach, smoke, ginger, white pepper, brioche and finishes on an almost electric mineral note that just lingers for a long time. Clean, brilliantly bright and has loads of electric character and personality. I paired it with grilled lemon zest and chive swordfish kebabs. To be quite honest, this wine was fantastic on it’s and disappeared VERY quickly.
Donnhoff Riesling
Riesling reigns supreme in Germany. Nahe is often forgotten by the better known Mosel and Rheingau regions. The style is similar to Mosel but does not have as much edgey tension as Mosel and is fuller in body. It’s acidity is the backbone of the wine, it’s Riesling’s calling card that always says “Hey, look at me.” Donnhoffs came to the Nahe region about 200 years ago. They have some of the best vineyards in the region and throughout the Grand Crus of Germany. Certified organic & sustainable, these vines grow in stony, volcanic soils with a mix of slate and quartzite. Grapes are hand harvested after 2-3 passes through the vineyard. To preserve laser-like focus and clarity in the wines, the grapes are pressed almost immediately and fermented in a combination of stainless steel & traditional German casks. Dönnhoff Riesling Trocken 2020 Nahe, Germany Pours in the glass a watery pale lemon color Swirl and the mineral purity jumps out at you along with citrus peel, tropical and honeyed notes. Sip and dry (borderline off-dry) with prickly yet refined acid, medium body and bright flavors of lemon peel, grapefruit, pear, honey, pineapple, honeydew melon, peach, honeysuckle and finishes on a light petroleum minerality. It’s clear, crisp and a senses stimulator. Paired with a cheese and charcuterie board from Block & Bottle: Manchego Cheese, Creamy Blue Cheese & Bresola – the just shy of off dry sweetness level & higher acid of the wine created a WOW factor with this board.
Sancerre and Seafood
Sancerre is famous for it’s racy, citrus and flinty Sauvignon Blanc thanks to the chalk, limestone-gravel and flint (silex) soils. white, bracingly acidic, and has pungent aromas of gooseberries, grass, nettles, and a hint of stony minerality. Michel Thomas & Fils Sancerre Le Chant du Merle 2020 Sancerre, Loire Valley, France A perfect pairing for all kinds of seafood: 🦞 Lobster Blue Corn Fritters 🦞 Mystic Oysters 🦞 Seafood A La Parilla- wood grilled whole rock crab, ½ lobster, colossal shrimp, little neck clams, oysters, mussels, street corn, smoked red chili bourbon butter, mango habanero aioli. Swirl and fresh cut grass, gooseberry, pink grapefruit, citrus, green fruits and minerality envelops the senses. Sip and the zippy acidity just cuts through the richness of the briney seafood. Well balanced in its intensity and flavors of grass, lemon and lime, crisp pear and green apple, gooseberry and hay as well as flinty minerality. It’s elegant, fresh and so moorish.
Prinicipiano Alta Langa Leonardo Extra Brut 2016
Bubbles and summer sipping poolside – care to join me? 🇮🇹 Alta Langa DOCG, located in Piedmont, Northern Italy produces beautiful Italian Sparkling wines made in the Metodo Classico (traditional method) – be it white or rosé from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It can be either 100% of either varietal or a blend. The style can range from brut nature to extra dry. It has to be aged for a minimum of 30 months on the lees. The altitude of the region along with cooler temperatures come into play to contribute to the linear, lively acidity and expressive sparkling. 🥂Ferdinando Principiano Alta Langa Leonardo Extra Brut 2016 Alta Langa, Piedmont, Italy 🇮🇹 Ferdinando Principiano is a young winemaker who inherited the family’s estate. In a short period of time, he turned it all around to be all natural winemaking & biodiversity, focused on high quality, terroir driven wines that speak to the tradition of the region. He produces phenomenal reds as well as sparkling wine. These vineyards are located at an altitude of about 750 meters (2,470 feet). This particular Extra Brut sparkling is produced according to the SoloUva method (without added sugars to promote second fermentation). 🍇 Blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay ➡️Minimum 42 months lees ageing 🥂5 000 bottles produced 🥂Pours in the glass a pale lemon color 🥂Sip and you are met with a bouquet of citrus, floral, flinty minerality, ripe green apples with crispy toast. 🥂Sip and the subtle sweetness dances along with the fine, persistent bubbles. The energetic acidity compliments the fine, persistent bubbles. It has a fresh edge to it of crisp green apple, lemon curd, tart cherry, honeysuckle, smoke, golden toast, pastry, honey that gracefully finishes on almonds and flinty minerality that just lingers and lingers. It’s freshly feminine in it’s expressive minerality, pure fruit and an energetic vibrance. Paired with my version of a Seafood Board – tarragon tuna rillette, citrus poached shrimp and local smoked peppered salmon. Perfection 🥂
Domaine Zafeirakis Limniona Rosé
Greek rosé? Absolutely! Domaine Zagerakis is 4th generation winemaking family, steeped in family tradition. The talented winemaker Christos Zafeirakis not only rescued the Limniona varietal from extinction (usually found in field blends with Xinomavro), he is 100% dedicated to the restoration of indigenous Greek varietals. Not an easy task as you can imagine! For those of you who have never heard of Limniona, it originates from Thessaly – specifically in the Karditsa and Tyrnavos areas. It’s either made as a red or rosé. On the nose it is rich, very expressive, with red fruit, herbs & minerality. The palate has a great line, with a firm but not aggressive medium tannins (for the reds) and medium bodied. It is always very balanced by the bright acidity. Domaine Zafeirakis Limniona Rosé 2019 Tyrnavos, Greece 100% Limniona Certified Organic The grapes undergo a cold pre-fermentation maceration for 8 hours and fermentation of the first must at 15°C. Pours into the glass a rich, vibrant watermelon color. Swirl and the fragrant, fresh cranberry and strawberry aromas hit you with savory sage, rosemary, ash and white blossom. Sip and the dry, medium bodied rosé is fresh and silky in texture. Lively high acidity accompanies the bright flavors of pomegranate, strawberry, cranberry, blood orange, peach, hibiscus, smokey minerality, and finishes on savory undertones of mint, sage and rosemary. It goes without saying this wine is ultra-food friendly – try a Red Snapper Crudo with lemon zest and olive oil, crab cakes with basil aioli or wood oven Prosciutto Pizza Bianca with a spinach almond and strawberry salad as I did. Have you ever tried a Greek Rosé before? If yes, which one?
Valle Las Nencias Rosé 2020
Valle Las Nencias Rosé 2020 La Consulta, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina 🍇 100% Malbec Altitude 600m (1,300 feet) 14.9%abv A family forged in wine – Multigenerational winemaking family that are not only united by blood, but also effort and love in each task performed. the Las Nencias valley Is located at 3000 m above sea level, with the backdrop view of Marmolejo glacier and the Andes mountains. The valley gets its names from the beautiful wild growing purple- blue “nencias”flowers that scatter the valley. Pours into the glass a soft salmon pink color Swirl and delicate aromas of raspberry, strawberry, white peach, violets and minerals. Sip and minerality jumps out at you to say Heeellloooo, followed crisp acidity and a hum of rhubarb, watermelon, raspberries and violets. It’s a refreshing, medium bodied wine, perfect for a day by the pool. Not a pool pounder mine you at 14.9% abv 😉 but balanced none the less. This Rosé can be enjoyed as an aperitif with soft cheeses and roasted almonds, or with grilled herb chicken or fish. A special thanks to for this lovely Argentina Rosé
Fiano di Avellino
Fiano is a grape that has been in Southern Italy for hundreds of years (13th century). The name ‘Fiano” comes from a place named Appia near Avelinno where the grape comes from. The main region in Campania is Fiano di Avellino DOCG. Fiano likes lees ageing which adds texture, flavor and weight to the wine. Fiano thrives in the volcanic soils of the Apennine Mountains. Terroir has a big impact style of Fiano which range from taut and minerally intense to nutty and rich. Fiano is a wine that can age beautifully. Ciro Picariello Ciro 906 Fiano di Avellino, Italy 2018 A cult producer of serious, age worthy whites. The winery was founded in 1997 by husband and wife team, their first vintage under their own label was not until 2004. Their 12 hectares of vineyards owe their minerality to the volcanic soils and some of the highest altitudes in Campania. This is their flagship white is at 650 meters in elevation and is their oldest vines planted in 1990. This wine is not produced every year, only in colder vintages (more acidity). Use of ambient yeasts, no filtering or fining. It sits on the lees for 12 months on in stainless steel followed at least another 12 months in the bottle before release. Fun Fact: 906 is the number of this parcel on the official Avellino map. 3500 bottles, it’s only produced in the best & coolest vintages. Pours in the glass a medium lemon color with green tinge Swirl and be delighted by aromas of honeysuckle, lemon, pink grapefruit zest, green apple, hay, flinty minerals, melon and white peach. Sip and the prickly acid hits you first, followed by ripe flavors of honeydew melon, orange zest, lemon, green apple, hay, yeast, nectarine, honey, hazelnut skins and finishes on flinty fennel vegetal note. It is a medium bodied wine that has a great freshness, complexity and layered character. Not to mention at 12.5% abv is a great summer white. Pair with scallop carpaccio with lemon oil drizzle, grilled mackerel, charred cctopus salad or pasta with peas and lentils. It’s best with well structured dishes.
Greco di Tuffo
Last but not least varietal on our virtual Campania, Southern Italy tour. Greco, an ancient variety and one of Italy’s most well known wines, grows in many places throughout Campania, but the crème de la crème Greco di Tufo DOCG. It is also found in other regions such as Puglia, Tuscany and Lazio. It often gets confused with Greco Bianco from Calabria but they are completely different. “Tufo” is named for the volcanic tuff rock that dominates the earth in which it thrives. The region’s volcanic soils, an abundance of sunshine and coastal Mediterranean breezes all contribute to the bright flavor, full body, delicately aromatic, herbal, apricot, racy, minerals. Greco is less aromatic than Fiano but has a stronger personality – it’s chalky minerality, citric and memorable in it’s structure. I Favati Greco di Tufo DOCG “Terrantica” 100% Greco di Tufo 12.5% Cantine I Favati’s story began in the early 1900s. As many wineries do, it began by producing wine for close family and friends in the traditional way. “The passion and artisanal traditions of those ancestors continue to thrive today. “ Their production is on a small scale as their focus is on quality, not quantity. Elevation at 500 meters (1,580 feet) above sea level the 2 hectares of 6-7 year old vines were grown on clay-limestone soils and harvested in the traditional method. Macerated on the lees and fermented in cool stainless steel tanks. Pours into the glass a straw yellow color. Swirl and delicate bouquet of apple, citrus, honey, yellow blossoms, apricot kernel, flint and almonds tickle your nose. Sip and you are met with both a palate coating creaminess in texture, dry wine with a brisk acidity. The fuller bodied wine carries flavors of honey, lemon peel, stone fruit, herbal fresh cut grass, ripe mango, hyacinth flowers and finishes on lingering flinty minerality. Pair with white pizza of wild porcini mushrooms, fried calamari, Butter Poached Scallops, Brandade de Morue or grilled lemon and olive oil Corvina white fish.