Exciting News – My Wine Club!
Exciting News Alert! I’m thrilled to announce the launch this September of my very own WINE CLUB, in partnership with SocialSomm! Get ready to elevate your wine journey with exclusive bottles delivered straight to your door. Get ready to unlock your wine world! I’ve listened to your feedback, and I’m crafting selections just for you, my wine enthusiasts friends! SocialSomm is not just a wine club—it’s a vibrant community celebrating wine and social connections. Each shipment is curated by me and includes a QR code leading to a treasure trove of tasting notes, pairing ideas, and engaging videos. SocialSomm is your passport to discovering global flavors and stories. 🥂 As club members, you’ll receive quarterly shipments of 3 to 5 exceptional bottles, priced at $150-$180. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just beginning your journey, SocialSomm offers fun, knowledge, and camaraderie every step of the way. Let’s toast to finding your next favorite vintage together! Cheers! Sign up today! My Wine Club SocialSomm Searching for the perfect gift? Overwhelmed by endless choices at the store? Look no further!
A Lakeside Celebration: Tasting Champagne Moussé Eugène Rosé
Join me on an exciting journey to Cuisles in the picturesque Côte des Bars, where we’ll visit the enchanting Champagne Moussé. During my visit in February 2024, I posed a question to Cédric, the talented winemaker—what’s your favorite Champagne? As you can imagine, each Champagne holds a special place in his heart, much like his own creations, his beloved ‘babies.’ Without hesitation, he revealed that Eugène Rosé is his top choice. This was the first Champagne he crafted on his own, a testament to his father’s unwavering trust and confidence in his abilities. This rosé champagne is a blend of 82% Meunier (12% vin rouge), 18% Pinot Noir, 45% from plots located in Cuisles, Jonquery, Châtillon-sur-Marne from the 2022 vintage wih 55% perpetual blend 2003-2021 crafted using the saignée method. This method is whereby juice is allowed to macerate with the grape skins for a short period, imparting a beautiful color and enhancing the aromatic profile. Fermented and aged in stainless steel (still Meunier aged in older barrels). A treasure of a champagne, a rosé de saignée is the best of what champagne and lighter styled red wine brings to the table. Imagine yourself on a pontoon boat on a shimmering lake, surrounded by loved ones, as the sun shines and casts a glow over the water. Now, add a touch of elegance to this idyllic scene with a glass of Champagne Moussé Eugène Rosé – Rosé de Saignée. This exquisite champagne is a true family favorite for special moments by the water, blending tradition, finesse, and the joy of shared memories. Pouring into the glass, this Rosé de Saignée reveals a luminous, rose petal blush. Its delicate, fine bubbles rise playfully to the surface, sparkling like sunlight dancing on the lake’s surface, inviting anticipation and delight. The aroma is a captivating symphony of compote red berries—bing cherry, strawberries, tangy raspberries, and a whisper of red currants and blood orange zest bursting with vibrancy. Layers of subtle floral notes, like powdered rose and lavender, intertwine with hints of toffee, brioche, crushed almonds and minerality evoking a breezy, lakeside serenity. The first sip envelops you in a luxurious vibrant savory embrace of flavor. The fruit-forward profile continues rich berries and quince. These lively flavors are perfectly balanced by a complex yet refiend structure and a silky, creamy mousse that caresses the tongue. Fresh acidity lends a crisp, invigorating quality, while hints of mineral undertones and subtle toastiness add complexity and elegance. The finish is lengthy, clean, and invigorating, with lingering traces of spice and baked berry sweetness and a delicate toasty breadiness that echoes the champagne’s artisanal craft. It leaves a refreshing note, ideal for relaxed conversations and laughter with family and friends. A shining pairing for grilled shrimp skewers or pork tenderloin. Champagne Moussé Eugène Rosé – is a celebration of life’s beautiful moments. Its vibrant character and refined elegance make it the ideal toast for family laughter, peaceful lakeside afternoons, and creating cherished memories that linger long after the last sip. Watch the Instagram Reel Lakeside=Champagne
A Coup De Coeur From Champagne Piot-Sevillano
Christine Piot-Sevilliano is one of my favorite women in Champagne. This extraordinary Rosé de Saignée is one of my favorites from her portfolio, it is as edgy and full of personality as the winemaker herself. Champagne Piot-Sevillano L’Instant Meunier Rosé de Saignée is a captivating rosé bubbly that transcends ordinary. It is the result of meticulous craftsmanship and a daring approach—crafted entirely from the the saignée method, meaning “bled” in French. Made from a small plot/Lieu dit “Les Raies Tortues” planted by Christine’s grandfather in 1969, a limited release of 600 bottles! During production, a portion of the juice is intentionally macerated with the grape skins, infusing it with a stunning blush color and an intense core of flavor. This skin contact elevates the wine beyond typical style, imbuing it with richness, concentration, and depth. After gentle pressing, the juice ferments in stainless steel to preserve its bright freshness. The secondary fermentation in the bottle creates a delicate mousse and adds layers of complexity from months of aging on the lees, developing toasty, brioche notes that complement its vibrant fruit character. Minimal dosage ensures purity, freshness, and a lively, dynamic profile that is simply irresistible. Made exclusively from the Meunier grape, this Champagne showcases the grape’s charming personality—fleshy, aromatic, and incredibly layered. Unlike the more high-profile Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, Meunier’s native charm is amplified, offering layers of ripe fruit, subtle spice, and a silky softness that’s utterly captivating. Pour yourself a glass and prepare to be enchanted. Its deep magenta hue radiates elegance, complemented by a fine, persistent mousse that dances in the glass. An intoxicating bouquet of red berries—crushed strawberries, ripe cherries, cranberries and fresh raspberries—intertwine with delicate floral notes of violet and rose. Hints of spice, citrus zest, and a whisper of toasted bread from lees aging weave a complex aromatic tapestry that beckons closer. Bold yet refined, this Rosé de Saignée explodes with juicy, ripe fruit at first sip—red currants, fresh strawberries, and tart cherries—opening up a symphony of flavor. Bright acidity invigorates every corner of your palate, while hints of minerality and a slight saline undertone add sophistication and balance. The fine, persistent bubbles elevate the experience, making each sip feel lively, elegant, and utterly memorable. Crisp, clean, and lingering, with a delicate fruitiness and a mineral depth—an enduring reminder of the wine’s powerful presence and finesse. This is one that leaves a lasting impression a true showstopper. Perfect for grilled pork tenderloin or roasted filet of salmon. Santé!
Your Perfect Summertime Red Grill Wine
What’s cooking good lookin’ is your perfect summertime grill wine! Get ready to brighten up your summer with Hermann J. Weimer’s Blaufränkisch 2023 from the Finger Lakes! This vibrant red is like a splash of sunshine in a glass, bursting with fresh, juicy fruit and lively acidity perfect for warm days and crisp evenings. Hermann J. Weimer is renowned for producing high-quality, expressive wines in the Finger Lakes, NY, with a focus on showcasing the region’s unique terroir. The biodynamic winery is known for its commitment to craftsmanship, balance, and elegance, consistently delivering wines that reflect both the purity of fruit and the sophisticated complexity of the Finger Lakes. Pretty in ruby red with a purple rim, it’s an irresistible bouquet of sweet cherries, zesty blackberries, and a playful hint of black pepper—think of it as summer berries mingling with a dash of allspice and violets! That first sip is wildly, delicious and juicy. It’s lively and refreshing, featuring flavors of juicy red and dark berries and bramble complemented by a streak of spice and a touch of earthy minerality. The smooth yet vibrant tannins make it a perfect companion for BBQs, grilled veggies with a warm spice rubbed pork tenderloin. Thanks to the cool Finger Lakes climate, this Blaufränkisch offers a crisp, invigorating savory sweet red pepper finish that keeps the summer fun flowing. Whether you’re hanging out on the patio or packing a summer getaway, this wine is your new go-to for good vibes and great flavor. Cheers to sunny days, warm nights, and unforgettable sips! Watch the Instagram reel Perfect Summertime Grill Wine Wine
Catch The Rosé Wave With Gerard Bertrand
Gérard Bertrand Côte des Rosés 2024 hails from the picturesque Languedoc region in southern France, a place known for its sun-kissed vineyards and breezy Mediterranean charm. This delightful rosé is crafted from a dreamy blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah grapes. Prepare to be swept off your feet by this flirtatious rosé! With its lovely salmon-pink hue, Gérard Bertrand Côte des Rosés casts a charming spell on the senses. On the nose, expect a playful dance of red berries, zesty citrus, and a hint of floral notes like blooming roses in a summer garden. Take a sip, and let your taste buds waltz through flavors of fresh strawberries, peach, and a whisper of lavender, all wrapped up with a crisp, refreshing finish. Cheers to a wine that’s as vibrant and lively as a spontaneous beach party! The bottom of the Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses wine bottle is shaped to resemble a rose, and the foil is also representative of a rose. Additionally, the unique Vinolok glass stopper helps keep the wine fresh for several days, if it lasts that long. Watch the Instagram Reel Catch the Rosé Wave
Magnificent Magnum: A Tempranillo Time Capsule in Every Pour!
Tasting a Condado de Haza Crianza 2018 in a magnum format is an experience that invites you into the depth and richness of the Familia Fernandez Rivera winemaking, offering both the immediate allure of its aromatic profile and the promise of graceful aging extended by its larger bottle size. Aged for 18 months in 225L oak barrels before being bottled, with an additional 6 months in bottle.. The regulations in Ribera del Duero stipulate Crianze requires at least 12 months in barrel and the remaining time in bottle. As you pour the wine into your glass, the wine greets you with a deep, ruby red hue, shimmering with garnet reflections. This enchanting visual is indicative of its aging potential and vibrant expressiveness. The wine opens with a captivating bouquet of ripe blackberries and dark cherries, intertwined with subtle notes of crushed violets. As it breathes, hints of cedar, tobacco, mocha, and a touch of vanilla from its time in oak barrels weave through, providing a sensual complexity that promises much more to unfold with each swirl. The first sip reveals a full-bodied wine that is lush and well-structured. The ripe fruit character detected on the nose transitions beautifully onto the palate with juicy plum and fig notes. This fruitiness is balanced with fine-grained tannins and a vibrant acidity that carries hints of mocha, clove, and an earthy undertone. The lengthy finish is both elegant and persistent, leaving a lingering note of graphite and spice that tempts you back for another sip. While this Crianza is already showing splendid character, the magnum format offers significant benefits for aging. Wine in a magnum, with its reduced oxygen exposure relative to volume, ages more slowly and evenly, allowing flavors to deepen and integrate harmoniously over time. This slower aging process ensures that by the time you revisit this wine years down the line, its potential will be magnificently realized, with richer complexities and smoother textures emerging. The extended aging in a magnum format enhances the wine’s longevity and often results in greater depth and balance, presenting an opulent journey through its evolving profile. The result? A joyous encounter that not only showcases the compelling craft of the Familia Fernandez Rivera but also offers the tantalizing promise of gentle maturation, revealing more nuanced pleasures with each passing year. This is an invitation to savor the passage of time itself. There’s nothing like sharing a magnum of Condado de Haza Crianza 2018 with family, alongside a perfectly grilled prime rib au jus. This lakeside meal at my brother’s cottage in Quebec was a beautiful moment to pause and savor life’s precious connections. Our heartfelt thanks to Veronica for this generous and thoughtful gift, as she said” “a magnum calls for a celebration and what better way than with family.” Sublime!
Francesca Mara – A Sparkling Rosato Celebration of Emilia-Romagna’s Spirit
Francesca Mara Laurenti Lambrusco Rosato Secco – A Sparkling Celebration of Emilia-Romagna’s Spirit This lively sparkling rosato is crafted using traditional Italian techniques in the heart of Emilia-Romagna. This Lambrusco reflects the region’s terroir—limestone and clay-rich soils, warm sunny days, and cool nights. It’s a true terroir-driven wine that embodies the vibrant character of this historic region, where wine is woven into daily life and celebrated with passion. Made primarily from native 70% Lambrusco Marani, 25% Lambrusco Salamino and 5% Amcellota,, it undergoes a gentle fermentation in stainless steel tanks to capture its fresh, vibrant personality. With a dry style (“Secco”), minimal residual sugar preserves its crispness, while delicate bubbles dance through the wine, adding a touch of effervescent joy. The result? A wine that’s both lively and refined, bursting with youthful energy and authenticity. Pour it into your glass and watch the soft, salmon pink hue that catches the light, promising freshness and fun. Imagine a garden in full bloom—aromas of ripe strawberries and raspberries, with floral whispers of rose and violet. Notes of tart cherry and zesty citrus awaken your senses, hinting at the wine’s playful vibrancy. Bright as a summer day, this wine is light, crisp, and irresistibly refreshing. Juicy flavors of strawberries, wild cherries, and watermelon along with milk chocolate flow across your palate, balanced by lively acidity and a touch of minerality. The gentle sparkle adds a festive touch, making every sip feel like a celebration. Its dry finish leaves a clean, saline tang—a perfect palate cleanser for any occasion. Clean, crisp, with a lingering fruitiness and a fabulous mouthfeel that beckons for another sip. An all-star for every moment—think antipasti, charcuterie, fresh cheeses, or flatbread pizza. We enjoyed it seaside with sunshine and friends, what else is required? I first tasted this sparkling wine with Francesca at Vinitaly in April 2025, where she launched her new product. A big thank you to Francesca for this lovely gift! Raise your glass to Emilia-Romagna’s spirited heritage with Francesca Mara Lambrusco Rosato Secco—where passion, tradition, and a touch of sparkle come alive in every sip. Cheers! 🥂
Champagne Is Always The Answer
PSA: Champagne is always the answer, but what what the question?? Sparkling Smile courtesy of Champagne Fleury, a magical 2010 Extra Brut, blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay. This darling was waited 12 years sur lie before discouragement two years ago whispered her invitation that it was time to shine. From the moment it graces the glass, a delicate stream of effervescent pearls dances upwards, promising something exquisite. The nose is an intoxicating embrace of ripe red berries—think sun-warmed wild strawberries and a hint of crushed raspberries—intertwined with the sophisticated allure of toasted brioche and a subtle, creamy almond. There’s a mineral tension, a flinty spark that hints at the depths beneath its charming surface. The first sip is a tantalizing paradox: rich and full-bodied, yet exquisitely precise. The Pinot Noir asserts its sensual presence with a velvety texture and a core of dark cherry and plum, while the Chardonnay lends a bright, almost citrusy curd and a long, lingering finish of salted caramel and a hint of white truffle. The extra brut dosage leaves its kiss, urging you back for more. Undeniable charm and elegant power. Paired with my favorite sushi rolls – Spicy Salmon and The Mexican.. Wath the Instagram Reel Champagne is the answer
Captivating Castel Juval
Let’s delve into the captivating Castel Juval Pinot Nero Riserva 2019, a wine that whispers of its high-altitude origins. Weingut Unterortl is a well-regarded winery located in the South Tyrol region of northern Italy, known for its high-quality wines and beautiful estate. The winery emphasizes sustainable practices and traditional winemaking techniques, producing a variety of wines that showcase the unique terroir of the area. Imagine vines clinging to steep hillsides, basking in the crisp mountain air at 630-700 meters – this is the terroir that shapes the refined and spirited character of this Pinot Nero. As you pour, a deep ruby hue unfolds in the glass, the merest hint of garnet at the rim suggesting a wine with both youthful vibrancy and the subtle embrace of time. The nose is an invitation to a delicate dance. Initially reserved, it gradually unveils a succulent array of dark cherries and ripe blackberries, their sweetness tempered by a touch of earthy blackcurrant. There’s a captivating moorish quality here, an almost savory undertone that adds intrigue. Breathe deeper, and you’ll discover elegant whispers of forest floor and a subtle, graceful spice – a testament to its careful aging. On the palate, this Riserva truly shines. It’s medium-bodied with a silken texture, the fine tannins providing a gentle caress rather than a firm grip. The juicy cherry and blackberry notes echo beautifully, their vibrancy lifted by a refreshing acidity that keeps the wine lively and engaging. There’s a subtle minerality that speaks of the hillside terroir, adding a layer of complexity that lingers on the graceful finish. This Pinot Nero is effortlessly elegant, a harmonious blend of fruit, earth, and delicate structure that invites contemplation with every sip. It’s undeniably “moorish,” beckoning you back for another taste. This Castel Juval Pinot Nero Riserva 2019 is a testament to the heights that Pinot Nero can achieve. It’s a wine that whispers of its origins and unfolds with a refined and spirited charm. Perfect alongside grilled salmon or a cacio e pepe, it’s a bottle that promises a truly elegant and memorable experience. And with its graceful structure, it hints at even greater delights to come with a few more years in the cellar.
Beyond the Bottle: Sebastián Labbé’s Quest for Authenticity, Elegance, and a Touch of the Ocean
Imagine winemaking as a captivating dance with nature, a never-ending quest shaped by climate, tradition, and an unwavering passion for capturing the purest expression of the land. This is the vibrant reality for Sebastián Labbé, a globe-trotting enologist whose diverse experiences have converged to forge his distinctive vision for the future of Chilean wine. His journey is a compelling tale of exploration, innovation, and profound dedication. Recently, I had the immense pleasure of sitting down with Sebastián for a one-on-one discussion about his journey, his philosophy, and his hopes for the future, all while savoring the exquisite Premium Wines portfolio of Viña Santa Rita. Sebastián’s path began with a solid foundation in agricultural engineering and enology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, but his true education unfolded far beyond his home country. His journey to becoming a champion of Chilean terroir started in some of the world’s most renowned wine regions. Training in New Zealand instilled in him a deep appreciation for meticulous viticulture and a laser focus on sustainability. He was captivated by how a relatively small island nation could make such a profound global impact with its distinctive Sauvignon Blanc. “They’re very good with a strength in sustainability and biodiversity,” he reflects. Australia offered a different kind of education, broadening his understanding of winemaking on a grander scale. He immersed himself in larger-scale operations and a wider range of varietals, honing his craft with Semillon and Shiraz. Bringing his unique global insights back to Chile, Sebastián joined Viña Carmen as Chief Winemaker, part of the esteemed Santa Rita Group in 2005 and later in 2017 spearheading the Ultra-Premium portfolio of Sant Rita. Here, he embarked on a mission to produce exceptional wines that truly capture the essence of Chile’s diverse terroirs. He’s not just a pioneer in flavor, but also in sustainable practices, ensuring the wines are as kind to the earth as they are to your palate. Santa Rita Winery, one of Chile’s most iconic wine producers, boasts a rich history intertwined with the country’s cultural and political landscape. Founded in 1880 by Domingo Fernández Concha in the renowned Maipo Valley, Santa Rita quickly gained a reputation for quality by introducing French grape varieties and modern winemaking techniques. This progressive approach was groundbreaking at a time when Chilean wine was largely rustic. The winery also holds a piece of Chilean history; during the War of Independence, it provided refuge to 120 soldiers—an event commemorated by their popular “120” wine. Today, Santa Rita continues to expand and modernize, maintaining an unwavering commitment to sustainability, quality, and tradition, producing everything from accessible labels to premium wines that highlight Chile’s rich terroir. “I think there’s more and more focusing on farming in general,” Sebastián emphasizes, setting the tone for a conversation centered on the vital connection between the vine and its environment. For him, it’s not just about growing grapes; it’s about cultivating a holistic ecosystem. He spoke passionately about compost preparations, meticulous soil work, and the intentional integration of animals into the vineyard, all fostering a thriving, biodiverse environment. While organic certification isn’t always the sole objective, the philosophy of sustainability is paramount. It’s a deliberate move “back to before the industrial ages, where natural wines, you’re seeing a lot more to the farming and going back to the terroir, as opposed to the conventional methods.” He points to a global shift, even among Burgundy winemakers once reliant on herbicides, now embracing organic practices—a testament to this mindful approach to viticulture. Tasting the Vision As Sebastián guided me through his journey, we sampled the latest releases from Santa Rita’s ultra-premium collection, including the minimal-intervention Floresta wines, the iconic Pewën Carmenere, their Bordeaux-inspired blend Triple C, and the winery’s flagship Casa Real. The Floresta range truly embodies Sebastián’s passion, showcasing his vision for wines that are fresh, vibrant, and deeply expressive of their origins. The wines are terroir specific with minimal intervention as “we wanted to make wines that were more of that style, fresher and with less use of oak,” he explains. Tasting these wines is akin to taking a guided tour of Chile’s diverse viticultural landscapes. Sebastián’s vision for Chilean wine extends beyond crafting exceptional wines; he seeks to challenge preconceived notions and pave the way for future generations of winemakers. “I was tired about this stereotype of Carmenere being big, rich, flat, slightly herbal, ripe with a ton of oak,” he admits, expressing his desire to showcase the true potential of this iconic Chilean variety. He advocates for earlier harvesting, fermentation in concrete tanks, and a judicious use of oak to allow the purity of the fruit to shine through. “There is a big difference, and I still find between herbal characteristics and vegetated characteristics. I think this one is freshness, and the other is under-ripeness.” His continuous challenge is to fine-tune the wines without compromising the house style, especially when dealing with eight subdivided blocks—a challenge he consistently meets head-on. He vividly recounts Chile’s geological history, explaining how the formation of the Andes Mountains and the presence of calcium carbonate deposits in the Limarí Valley contribute to the wines’ unique character. “So that might have that kind of a beautiful tension, but they got a little bit more checks at the same time.” This deep understanding of terroir isn’t merely academic; it informs every decision he makes in the vineyard and the winery. As for advice to future oenologists, he implores them to travel and immerse themselves in the diverse realities of the wine world. Experiencing winemaking firsthand in different regions is crucial for gaining wisdom and unlocking future potential. In a personal choice that speaks volumes about his values, Sebastián recently moved back to the ocean. “After a pandemic, I said, I wanted to return to my roots, closer to the ocean,” he shares. For him, the ocean is more than just a scenic backdrop; it’s a source of tranquility and inspiration, a constant reminder of the natural forces that shape his wines.