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Let it Grow Free and Wild

Mathieu Apffel
Cremant de Savoie Bulles de Rouzan NV
Savoie AOP
Saint-Baldoph, Savoie, France
Jacquère
Organic, native yeast, no filtration, and has been letting the grass grow as it wants
Winemaker: Mathieu Apffel

Pale yellow with big bubbles. First thing that hits my nose is creamy vanilla, lemon, and super ripe just picked cucumber that I left growing for a tad long in the garden, so not quite a melon but fresh. Sipping and it’s a little creamy, then a citrus zing of lemon and lime, a little crisp green apple, and brioche toast. Fresh and clean and dry

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: gives it more body which is odd but good

This would be good with an Epoisses quesadilla. Yeah, I love stinky cheese. I have a fond memory of it when my S.O. was working/living in Basel and when I visited, we would sit on the balcony and devour it with bubbly and beer. Smells so funky and tastes so good. All I can say was grocery shopping there was so amazing! The array of cheeses puts NYC to shame. I miss Basel!

@vinewinenyc #MathieuApffel @louisdressnerselections @cheezits #wine @worldbyglass #needmorewine #cheezit #vinewinenyc #organic #SaintBaldoph #Savoie #France #Cremant #cremantdesavoie #Jacquère #Jacquere #epoisses #Basel

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Old World Meets New

Viña Echeverría
Es Pituko
Cabernet Franc 2019
Curicó Valley, Molina, Chile
Sustainable, aged 11 months in French barrels
Chief Winemaker: Roberto Echeverría Jr.

Murky rosy ruby with nice sediment. From out of the cloud comes whiffs of strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blueberries, and something toasty. Btw this is a chilled red and as recommended on the label, drink in the next 5 minutes, so let’s see what comes out first…strawberries, tart cherry tart, and all of the above but the toast. There’s dark stony finish, and a little oak and smoke. Also “Es Pituko” means “It’s Fancy!”, so where’s my bow tie? This is going to be a top notch night.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: fruit goes crazy

I feel like I’m drinking a bit of history from all over the world. Echeverría family roots started in the Basque region of Spain, then they transplanted themselves to Chile in the 1750s. 200 years later a taste of France (and pre-phylloxera French vines) was brought to the town of Molina by Roger Piffre de Vauban coming to Curicó Valley. As time went by and their families blended through marriage, offspring, and two wineries. Next Roberto Echeverría brought in a splash of the U.S. through his studies at Cornell and degrees in agronomy, winemaking, and economics; and living and working for a while in D.C. for the World Bank. Feeling the pull and seeing the great possibilities, they returned to Chile and rebuilt and revitalized the family winery. Now Roberto’s sons and daughters are the latest generation that are hands on and just as passionate about the land, their wines, keeping it sustainable, and keeping it natural.

@docwineshop @docwinebarny @echeverriawines @tedward.ws @cheezits #cheezit #wine #worldbyglass @worldbyglass #needmorewine #pairswithcheezits #chile #molina #viñaecheverria #curicowines #naturalwine #espituko #CabernetFranc #CuricóValley #CuricoValley

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A Liquid Postcard

Cantine Chessa
C’era Una Volta 2017
Vermentino di Sardegna DOC
Usini, Sardegna, Italy
100% Vermentino
Sustainable farming, indigenous yeasts
Winemaker: Giovanna Chessa

Deep gold skin-contact orangey. Breathing in honey and honeysuckles, smoke, melon, pear, and hazelnut. This is definitely an invitation to an enchanted evening of wonder. Tasting and again honey, smoke/a touch of oak, melon, and ripe pear. There’s also something mineral that I believe is white pepper. This is glorious! We need a choir hallelujah here!

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: bright melon and pear and lighter honey

Giovanna Chessa has woven a delightful dream with “C’era Una Volta” which translates to “Once Upon a Time”. She is truly such an amazing winemaker. Loving the four day skin-contact and also that she lets the spontaneous indigenous yeasts work their magic at first in stainless steel and then later in used French barrels, so it lets the grapes sing. Or as Giovanna says, “The bottle is a liquid postcard” that can transport you to Sardegna, and learn the history of the land, the grapes and her story. Also the label captures the beauty and fairytale of this wine. It even won a silver medal at the MUSE Design Awards for Redfish Adv and Sara Pilloni. If you’re inspired and want to find out more about Sara’s art, check it out here.

@docwineshop @docwinebarny @Cantine.Chessa @steephillwine @sarapilloni86 @cheezits #GiovannaChessa  #steephillwine #cheezit #wine #worldbyglass @worldbyglass #needmorewine #pairswithcheezits #italy #Usini #Sardegna #Sardinia #Vermentino #sarapilloni

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Mixmaster Brewmaster

Stillwater Artisanal
Extra Dry Sake Style Saison
Water, malted barley, sake rice, hops, yeast
Hops: Citra, Hallertau Blanc and Sterling
4.2% ABV
Stratford, CT
Brewer and Owner: Brian Strumke

Golden pear yellow pour with Cava-like bubbles. Before the glass even gets near my nose it’s popping with tangerine, grapefruit, a little pear, serious vibrant tingle, and something lightly toasty. Maybe imagining it but reminds me a little when the rice gets a little crispy at the bottom of Bibimbap. Sipping and they weren’t kidding on the label about extra dry! There’s also light pear and lemon and maybe just the tiniest bit of pineapple. At end a touch of bitter like seared rice or some wood. This is a refreshing wake me up saison that would be great with oysters on the half or some bbq eel, or maybe even better some extremely lip burning hot Thai food.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: IN NO CASE SHOULD YOU PAIR THIS WITH CHEEZ-IT’S! Bleah! Ugh! Don’t do it! No, no, no!

Love the back story of Stillwater. Brian Strumke wasn’t always a brewer, from what I’m reading he was an internationally known DJ. I am still trying to find one of his sets, so if anyone has a link, please send it to me. From there he went from mixing tracks to mixing hops, yeasts, and all other sorts of ingredients in his backyard, and now look where that has him now. Can’t wait to see what brew he has on deck next.

@stillwater_artisanal @BeerBoutiqueNYC @twelve.percent.beer.project @twelve.percent.nyc.metro @cheezits #stillwater #brianstrumke #beer #saison #sake #cheezit @worldbyglass #nomad #pairswithcheezits

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Strawberry Swing

Gulfi
Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG 2018
Chiaramonte Gulfi, Ragusa, Sicily, Italy
50% Frappato, 50% Nero d’Avola
Organic and dry farmed
Winemaker: Vito Catania

Deep reddish purple yet glistening light sparkles. Beautiful berry fragrance, cherries, prunes, and delicate tiny flowers. Sipping strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blackberries (ok this is a lot of berries), prune which is more rich as it warms, and some tart yet becomes more velvety. There’s some earth, but also keeps stays light with a dry tingle. Oh, and this is also a wine you can give a little chill.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: berry goodness

The depiction of the passion that Eros and Psyche found in the end of their mythical soap opera tale, is found on almost all of Gulfi’s bottles and branded on their barrels. That same passion comes out in Vito Catania’s wines and his love and dedication to the land. Started with inheriting land from his father, and then over time further expanding. Vito invested a lot of research into the history and vines, and started working with Salvo Foti to sort which would be the best soils for his dream. Now Gulfi has grown to (from what I am finding) 70 hectares. I would so love to find out more about the winery, but their site is undergoing a revamp. Looking forward to when it’s back up, and I can learn more. In the meanwhile, let’s enjoy another modern mythical strawberry romance tale.

@docwineshop @docwinebarny @gulficantina @selectedestatesofeurope @cheezits #cheezit #wine #worldbyglass @worldbyglass #needmorewine #pairswithcheezits #Chiaramonte #Gulfi #Ragusa #Sicily #Italy #organic #coldplay

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WINE MEMORIES 10.31.18

Swick
Ellaguru 2017
American Red Wine
Sustainable farmed
Melon de Bourgogne 50%, Counoise 50%
Newberg, OR
Label quote: “Bring It”
Winemaker: Joe Swick

These are old notes before I kept them on a regular basis so take them with a grain of salt. (Also add a laugh there since I love salt so much). It’s a deep raspberry haze. Breathing in salt, smoke, strawberries, raspberry, cherry and a toastiness or a bit of shroomy. Tastes exactly what I wrote for nose, but more smoky salt. Also this is pre Cheez-It’s so there you go.

From what I’m reading, Joe has a thing for Captain Beefheart, and is definitely seen on this wine’s label. Take a spin with this funky bold tune: Ella Guru

@vinewinenyc @swickwines @swickjoe #wine @worldbyglass #needmorewine #vinewinenyc #organic #swickwines #MelondeBourgogne #Counoise #oregon #CaptainBeefheart #EllaGuru

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Life, Music and a Turntable

Lo-Fi
2019
Santa Barbara County
Buellton, CA
60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Chardonnay
Organic, indigenous yeasts, and naturally occurring malolactic bacteria
Winemakers: Mike Roth and Craig Winchester

Golden glass full of skin contact. Breathing in melon, flowers/honey, pear, salt, some richness and smoke. First taste is  honeydew and other melons, grass, pear, lemon, a little honey, salt, smoke, and gets heady as it breathes.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: as I would expect less tang, but not expected…there’s less honeydew, but it’s not a “honey don’t”. Still fun.

Mike and Craig started out Lo-Fi as a project aside from their winemaking day jobs. So glad they decided to share it with the rest of the world and not just keep it for their friends. They are all about natural and also good ol’ vinyl which is definitely reflected in their very cool labels and their tasting room which is unfortunately not open at the moment (but they do have wine to go). Here’s a quote from their site, “Wine is like life and music. Both are filled with resonance, distortion, simplicity, modesty, intimacy and ingenious integrity of the natural processes.” I also love and appreciate that they have used stainless steel and neutral French oak barrels for this wine. Oak and I have a love hate relationship when it comes to some California chardonnay (and blends). The light smoke/oak touch in this wine are just so perfectly suited. I could drink this all day, while spinning some old tunes that fit like a glove.

@docwineshop @docwinebarny @LoFiwine @lo_fi_wine @cheezits #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #wine @worldbyglass #needmorewine #organic #SantaBarbara #CA #california #SauvignonBlanc #Chardonnay #tweaker #DavidSylvian #Waxplotation

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A Kirkilla By Any Other Name

Ameztoi
Getariako Txakolina 2019
Txakoli D.O.
Getaria, Gipuzkoa, Spain
100% Hondaribi Zuri (native grape)
Sustainable farming and indigenous yeasts
Winemaker: Ignacio Ameztoi (5th generation)

Super light pale straw with some clingy bubbles hanging to the sides of the glass. First pops out light tiny floral bits, next is fresh green apple, a little tart pear, and sea salt. My tongue is tingling from the clean little bubbles. It’s refreshing! There’s citrus that as I drink more evolves into full on lime, and of course again my favorite…salty!

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: ooooo even more lemon-lime saltiness

The Ameztoi family has been making txakoli since 1820, and it sounds like they have been quite a happy family since they are nicknamed Kirkilla which means cricket. From what I’m reading crickets symbolize joy, happiness and pride. They do have a lot to be proud about with this fresh, fun, take me out on a boat and grill me some shrimps wine. Also their winery, vineyards and grounds are so perfectly situated. The winery is up on a hill over looking the vineyards that reach out to the sea. What an amazing view! I would never get tired of all the green and blue. I can’t believe, I’ve never tried this before, and once again I am kicking myself for never traveling to the Basque Country in Spain. Always wanted to, and said I’d always get around to it and now look at the situation we’re all in. I have way too many Expedia points just waiting to be used. So here we go and no points needed.

Well first off we should start with a Txakoli tasting at Ameztoi and then head to Getaria. Since it’s a fishing village, you know there has to be some fabulous fresh seafood. Anthony Bourdain visited Elkano (Michelin star) for the amazing grilled turbot. That would be incredible, but I would also love to wander the  streets and find some pintxos. Politena looks pretty good and has been around since 1968, and I just noticed a tv tucked in at the bar. That would make my S.O. very happy to be able to catch a soccer match while I’m grazing over all the different selections. Next stop is the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museoa. The lauded designer came from humble roots in Gertaria, where his father was a fisherman and his mother a seamstress. This year is the 125th anniversary of his birth and the museum will be celebrating with the first  international Cristóbal Balenciaga conference, albeit virtually on their site on October 1st and 2nd. They are still open in person too, but with modified hours and safety precautions. Through Jan. 10, 2021, the exhibit ”Fashion and Heritage. Cristóbal,” is still on display and is curated to show the man behind the brand. One last stop on this trip and it’s in San Sebastián. This wine trip is heading to a brewery. Mala Gissona takes it’s name and inspiration from the pidgin phrase, “For Jü Mala Gissona” (you’re a bad man). Pidgin is a blend of Basque and Icelandic and evidently this is what Icelanders called the Basque whalers. These weren’t necessarily bad men but rough around the edges. As you got to know them they’re sturdy, honest and loyal. This is supposed to be the same with their beers or as they say, “A honest and intrepid beer, loyal to its principles”. I think a good end to this venture is a pour of their Apatxe or translated “Free soul. Warrior heart” and once again stuff myself with pintxos.

@docwineshop @docwinebarny @txakoliameztoi @dmselections @politenagetaria @cristobalbalenciagamuseoa @malagissona @cheezit #cheezit #wine #beer #worldbyglass #needmorewine #pairswithcheezits #organic #Getaria #Gipuzkoa #Spain #Basque #Ameztoi

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Tacos Not Necessary

Off Color Brewing
Beer for Tacos
Gose style beer with lime juice and salt added
Malts: Pils, Wheat, Flaked Wheat, and Oats
Hops: Nugget
Secret Ingredients: Lime juice, Coriander, Pink Himalayan Salt
4.8% ABV (at least that’s what is printed on the can because the site says 4.5%)
Chicago, IL
Brewers and founders: John Laffler & David Bleitner
Acquired at Beer Boutique

Deep murky gold pour. The head disappeared pretty quick, leaving behind light bubbles. In a way it kind looks like a margarita. My nose says this is definitely a sour. There’s also a little mellow waft of corona (the beer), some lime and a little funk. Sipping and there’s tangy, sour, and then here comes the lime and coriander. Taking another sip and now I found that salt. Nice citrus too. Can see why this is a cocktail inspired beer because over time this grows into a sweet margarita. Yes, I can totally see why this would go great with tacos, but honestly, it’s great all on it’s own.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: brings out a sweet smooth lime flavor.

Reading about how Beer for Tacos is brewed, and it turns out they make it from two different beers. One is made with a Belgian yeast strain and coriander and the other is fermented only with Lactobacillus. Then they blend them and re-ferment with lime juice. Due to the Lactobacillus, not only is this Gose tangy delicious, but it also makes it good for your gut.

@offcolorbrewing @ocmousetrap @BeerBoutiqueNYC @cheezits #offcolorbrewing #beer #gose #sour #tacos #cheezit @worldbyglass #wine #chicago #IL #pairswithcheezits

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A Tale of Love and Wine

Parés Baltà
Indigena 2015
Penedès, Spain
100% Garnatxa
Organic and biodynamic, indigenous grape
Winemakers: Maria Elena Jiménez and Marta Casas (sisters-in-law)

Deep glistening garnet. Oooo there’s cherry cola with a hint of vanilla or maybe just something creamy hitting my nose. Next are raspberries, Canadian strawberries, the teeny tiny ones I have mentioned in the past. Best bought on the side of the road or just pull over and pick your own. Something floral yet woodsy. How I miss nature. Back to this glass and taking first sip…damn! This is all the berries! What an explosion! Cherry follows, woodsy again, earthy, toasted almonds, black pepper, smooth, graceful and just full on romantic.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: makes it very fruity

Parés Baltà has roots back to 1790, and the current generation is Joan and Josep Cusiné (and their father Joan still helps out). The winemakers are their wives, Maria Elena Jiménez and Marta Casas. Marta did have a bit of history in wine through her grandfather taking her as a child to view his vineyard where he would make a small amount just for the family. As she grew up and went to the University of Barcelona for pharmacy, she met Josep and well…love for him and for wine grew. She did end up getting that degree in pharmacy, but she took it a step further and enrolled in winemaking courses at the University of Tarragona. And then after all that, they got married and still travel the world to experience more wines, or in her own words, “We are wine lovers and so we think we have to keep learning”. Maria, also went to University of Barcelona but for chemical engineering, and after graduating and working in the field, she met Joan. And from what I am reading, it was love at first sight. Much like Marta, she dived into oenology studies, received a second degree from Tarragona, and went on her own world wine experience travels. Imagine if these couples never met. These are wines of love.

@docwineshop @docwinebarny @paresbalta @cheezits #cheezit #wine #worldbyglass #needmorewine #pairswithcheezits #organic #biodynamic #garnatxa #Penedès #Penedes #Spain #paresbalta #usawineimports