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Earth Rebirth

Domaine Giachino
Giac’ Potes
Red Savoie Wine 2018
Gamay & Mondeuse
Organic & Biodynamic
Savoie, France
Winemaking family: Frédéric Genton, his brother David, and David’s son Clément

Shining glistening garnet. First out the gate are whiffs of spring flowers and then a touch of mountain herbs and earth. Next up are blackberries, dried cherries and give it a little time as the strawberries and raspberries grow. Pow, pop, wow and the tastebuds are way awake. Those herbs are still there and it’s full of juicy raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, and a pucker up tart cherry accent. It’s very fun and easy to hang out with and as a wise and witty wine woman told me, “If your favorite Beaujolais went to college in Paris and came back all sophisticated and full of backbone, that would be this wine.”

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: bleh

Way back on the night of November 24th 1248, Mount Granier’s massive limestone and mud landslide took out villages, but a church in Myans was saved (as the tale goes) by the parishioners devotion and prayer to their “Black Madonna”. Now from this centuries old tragedy came a rebirth. This terroir is perfect for the vines of Domaine Giachino. Albeit rugged, rocky and a lot of hard work, brothers Frédéric and David have brought their grandfather’s vineyards back to the natural organic/biodynamic ways. They’ve even introduced “natural predators” (wondering if these sport feathers, fur or exoskeletons) to ward off pests. It’s this type of devotion, love and connection they have with the land and vines…it’s well…something pretty special. You’ll know what I mean when you have your first glass, and take the advice on the label and pair it up with a baguette and saucisson (ditch the Cheez-It).

#wine #vino #vin #葡萄酒 #ワイン #naturalwine #organic #Savoie #France #winestagram #instawine #Gamay #Mondeuse @worldbyglass #pairswithcheezits #domainegiachino @domainegiachino @jeffreyalpertselections @vinewinenyc @cheezit

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Do I Hear Hoofbeats?

Estación Yumbel
Tinaja 2020
Moscatel de Alejandria 100%
Really old vines, dry farmed, hand harvested, skin contact, unfined, unfiltered, (uncertified) organic & biodynamic
Secano Interior de Yumbel (Bío Bío Valley), Chile
Husband & wife wine team: Mauricio González Carreño & Daniela Tapia Berardi

Unfiltered warm golden goodness. Scents of orange blossoms (that grow and grow given time), lilacs, Valencia oranges and a salty breeze. Oooh! There’s a zippy zing that has my lips vibrating. Flavors of oranges and zest and blossoms, tangelo, fragrant floral, lemon, some funky fun pineapple, along with smoke, salt, a teeny tiny sprig of rosemary on the back, and lovely lavender.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: NOPE…shudder

Mauricio had a wine degree, worked in the industry but then went in search of the old enchanting vines of Bío Bío. What a beautiful place for he and Daniela to set down roots, make new friends, and raise a family. They’re all old school, low intervention and as you can see on the label this wine is fermented in an over 100 year old tinaja. Oh and Mauricio has another passion, horses (it’s evidently passed down from his father). From what I’m finding he trains majestic Arabians for endurance racing, and as you can see on his IG, he has another mature handsome friend that joins him in the vineyard…and in Mauricio’s own words: “Este caballo que viene para ayudarnos en el trabajo del viñedo, no es cualquier caballo, fue de un gran-super hombre, trabajador como ninguno, sin miedo, luchador y ejemplo para su descendencia. Es un orgullo para mí tenerlo en casa.”

#wine #MoscateldeAlejandria #Moscatel #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine @worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #Yumbel #biobio #chile #organic #biodynamic #horses @selectionsdelavina @maurogc_ @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

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The Brave Vignerons

A Los Viñateros Bravos
Granítico Blanco 2020
Moscatel 60% and Sémillon 40%
Organic, biodynamic, hand harvested, native yeasts, old vines, no irrigation
Itata, Chile
Winemaker: Leonardo Erazo

Warm deep golden skin contact goodness. Scents of peaches, nectarines, orange blossoms (heady) that turn into a whole big bouquet by adding in lilacs and a hint of roses, an orange zest zip, and a pinch of coriander floating in on a salty breeze. Pretty, pretty, pretty! Tasting oranges that smack into granite and a bit of smoke. Yeah that’s a very good thing. There’s also a mixed bag of citrus peels, crisp apple crunch, nectarine, and salt. Its tingly and fresh and feels like it’s inviting me to escape what little winter we’ve had and rush into summer.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: brings out a richer deeper orange

With all of his education, training and traveling, Leonardo Erazo picked a fabulous place for a winery. The Itata Valley has amazing old vines and a history stemming from the Spanish setting down roots literally and figuratively back in the 1550s. The land is already perfect with volcanic and granite soils, which show through the wines, and Leonardo knew to let a good thing just be. He keeps the whole process simple, natural, and as little intervention possible; and I’m betting this is why he was named one of the Top 10 Best Winemakers of South America in 2019. Just take a look at one of his tweets of “vine love”: “Que privilegio y que responsabilidad cuidar estas hermosas parras.” He fits right in with the brave, dedicated winegrowers and makers of old, which is no wonder he named his winery, “A Los Viñateros Bravos”.

#wine #vino #vin #葡萄酒 #ワイン #naturalwine #organic #Chile #Itata #winestagram #instawine  @worldbyglass #pairswithcheezits #ALosViñaterosBravos @leoerazolynch @ripewineimports @vinewinenyc @cheezit

 

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Recipes Run In The Family

Social Hour Cocktails
Prizefighter
Ragtime Rye Whiskey, Massenez Crème de Pêche, Faccia Brutto Fernet Pianta
11.5% ABV
Brooklyn, NY
Cocktail makers and shakers: Julie Reiner & Tom Macy

Pineapple gold with a good thick white head at first pour which leads to vibrant scents of whiskey, herbal bitters, a little Ricola, and a pineapple and peach smash. First crisp sip and my tastebuds are greeted by whiskey with a mellow butterscotch, pear, lovely white peaches, a little dried pineapple, a tiny cola, mild bitters and a shake of white pepper that balances everything. This is damn good! Oh and I have this one on the rocks, but hey if you’re lacking a glass just kick it back straight from the can. Heading to a family holiday party? Stash a few of these in your bag…especially if it’s a full on “Griswold” happening (Squirrel!!!!).

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: it really doesn’t do much and that’s a good thing

This is my second cocktail from Social Hour Cocktails and yeah, they totally brought their “A game”. The more of these canned goodies I try, I think I may have to branch out from the usual Cheez snack and take it up a notch. From what I’m reading, the Macy family was all in for their “Social Hours”. Tom’s father even created the perfect snacks to pair (John Wm. Macy’s Cheese Sticks). He whipped up the recipe in the 70s in CA before making his way to NYC and baking them from his EV walk-up apartment. Looks like delicious, fun, and portable creations run in the Macy family.

#cocktails #cocktailsofinstagram #spirits #bitters #Aperitivo #holidayparty #wine #vino #vin #葡萄酒 #ワイン #cheezit @worldbyglass #Brooklyn #NY #pairswithcheezits #winetasting #winestagram #RagtimeRye #facciabrutto #JohnWmMacys @socialhourcocktails @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

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Meet Me Under The Mistletoe

Fatalone
Teres Primitivo 2020
Primitivo Racemi 100%
Puglia IGT
Organic, sustainable, solar power, dry farmed
Gioia delle Colle, Puglia, Italy

Brilliant shining stained glass cranberry and cherry cocktail mix. Pull the cork and it’s butterscotch that merges into a basket of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and add in some gentle cherry. As it grows there’s a teeny tiny reminder of my Great-Aunt Parnice’s buttercream frosting. She was such an amazing professional baker and never failed to make me a special December birthday cake of green velvet which were occasionally decorated with my Star Wars action figures. Han and Leia just had to deal with frosting on their shoes. Sipping and oh this is just delicious! I almost don’t want to think and just enjoy. Opened at 58F but could even have a little more chill if it’s warm outside. There’s cherries and it’s full of bouncing berries. You know like strawberries (fresh and a smidge preserves), blueberries, raspberries, a little tart plum (that would go great in a cobbler) with a spark in the back of something herby. Can you tell I’m in full holiday mode?

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: richer with a bit of dried fruit

This is my 2nd Fatalone, and again it’s another “Great Seducer” (check out previous post). It pairs well with kissing the dishy brooding one you’ve had your eye on under the mistletoe…or if that’s not in the picture this year, hang onto the bottle (chill it a little more) till the seasons gets warmer again when you can do a cannonball in the pool. Either way, I am still fascinated with their piping in classical music and nature sounds (wind, rustling leaves, rain, and birdsongs) into their soundproofed cellar for the sake of the micro flora. They believe the soft vibrations will improve its activity. Hey post this hectic holiday rush, I could use a few hours alone sitting in the dark with all that ambiance too. Sounds so peaceful, dreamy and relaxing…and I think I’ll open up a bottle while drifting in the cave too. 🍷

#wine #holidaywine #holidays #Primitivo #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine @worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #Puglia #Apulia #organic #sustainable #Fatalone @FataloneWines @bonvivantimports @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

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Where’s My Sequin Dress?

Domaine de la Renaudie
Touraine Chenonceaux AOP 2019
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Terra Vitis and HVE certified
Mareuil sur Cher, Loire Valley, France
Winemaking Family: Charlotte (daughter that is now at the helm), Patricia and Bruno Denis

Light golden straw. Delicious scents of tangerine, grapefruit (not whack you over the head like some IPAs but gentle), apricot, pears, and of all things…Mom’s lemon custard pie, wow what a weird memory (sans the meringue). I’m realizing there are so many of her recipes that I need to reinvestigate and maybe even attempt. Back to the taste and there’s pears, apricot, kumquot, pineapple, honeysuckle and some of that smooth lemon pie filling is still there with a thin slice of fresh zest on top, and a smidge of herb like rosemary on the back and exhale. As it opens it grows into a more sophisticated encounter or rather a date night, and I think I need to switch up outfits from comfy casual. Now’s time for that sequin dress but still rocking my old favorite La Canadienne nubuck knee boots. You never know when you may have to hit the dance floor!

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: it’s nice, like a picnic…but I’d rather stay on my date in the sequins

Domaine de la Renaudie’s wines (including this one) have racked up the awards and accolades, but none of that is as important as the care this family has for their land and what they produce. There’s a lovely video of Charlotte giving you the quick tour, and you can see that passion and love in her eyes as she speaks of their soil, climate and her great-grandfather’s special Côt wine. Please check it out because my words do not do it justice, so I will end with their quote, “Like those who came before us, we remain humble and modest in front of Nature, we take the time to observe and respect.”

#wine #holidaywine #holidays #SauvignonBlanc #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine @worldbyglass @lacanadienneshoes #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #Touraine #LoireValley #France  #domainedelarenaudie #sustainable @charlotte_dnis @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

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Brightest Star in the Sky

Clos Santa Ana
Sirios 2016
65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 15% Carménère 
organic, biodynamic, native yeasts, unfined & unfiltered
Coluchagua Valley, Chile
Owners: Roberto Ibarra García and Luiz Antonio de Gracia Allegretti

Shiny garnet pour. Scents gently emerge and grow of cherries, wild plums, leather that turns into olives and then cola, throw in a sprig of hay, lavender, and lilacs. Tasting tart and dark cherry, plums, orange zest and a little raspberries start. Next up is a small oak/wooden moment (reminds me of my grandfather’s woodshop) and a little balsamic droplet, tiny hay exhale and a white pepper tingle. Just darn comfortably rustic.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: Absolutely NO…BUT is amazing with Picandine’s Pico soft ripened goat cheese. The wine turns into velvet.

Not going to lie, I totally bought this wine due to Sirios (Sirius) the label. Little did I know that it would lead me to one of the coolest animal foster homes in the world. They’ve been known to have around 100 dogs at any given time and that’s not all. You’ll also find cats, horses, geese, goats, sheep, donkeys and the big surprise for me…peacocks! The grounds and the 150 year old hacienda are just gorgeous (check their video). You can even rent a room to spend time with not only the wine and animals, but also too take time to appreciate their art collection. This place is just a little slice of heaven on earth.

#wine #vino #vin #winelife #redwine #葡萄酒 #ワイン #naturalwine #organic #Chile #adoptdontshop #dogs #cats #Sirius #winestagram #instawine  @worldbyglass #pairswithcheezits  #ClosSantaAna @louisdressnerselections @vinewinenyc @clossantaana @cheezit

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Don’t Forget To Have Fun

Gabernik 23
Rose Piquette (Pikola)
Sparkling Wine
55% Blaufrankisch, 35% Riesling, 10% Pinot Noir
Sustainable, dry farmed
Štajerska, Slovenia
Small family owned winery passed down from father to son
Owner: Janko Bogatic
Winemaker: Nicholas Gee

Color electric cran-raspberry with a big pale pink poofy foam. Popping out of those bubbles are nose tickling raspberries, pomegranate, faint lemon, apricots and their blossoms, and dainty tiny roses. Tilt the glass and take a taste and it’s fresh, zippy and fun…like a last bit of summer memories. There’s watermelon juice, raspberries, those tiny roadside wild strawberries from Canada that I so love, pomegranate cocktail with a little limoncello splash, lilac, and seltzer. You’re not going to want this bottle to end.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: not bad but better solo. Let those flavors fly!

This wine is a reminder to have fun (and not to always be over thinking everything…like I can have a tendency to do), and if I could pair a painting with this wine, it would be Will Cotton’s 2010, “Cotton Candy Katy”…you know the one that was Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” album cover. I just LOVE Cotton’s confectionery dreams so c’mon join me and let’s head over to Candyfornia!

#wine #holidaywine #holidays #Piquette #rose #sparklingwine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #katyperry #snoopdogg #willcotton #winestagram #instawine @worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #organic #sustainable #Blaufrankisch #Riesling #PinotNoir #Slovenia #gabernik23 @vsiwine @gabernik23 @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

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Flying into the Holidays on Dragonwings

Woodstock Brewing
Baby Dragon
Pale Ale
5.5% ABV
Phoenicia, NY
Founders: Rick Shobin and Scott Shimomura
(Originally caught in the wild at Sugarburg)

Warm golden pour with full on thick white foamy head, and lots of teeny tiny active bubbles. It’s a crisp fresh breath of air with an easy breezy mix of tangerine, grapefruit, a little lemon zest, and a pinch of pine needles that make me go “Hello Christmas!” Sipping and again it’s crisp with some welcome bitter herbiness, lemon, pineapple, and mixed citrus zest. This is one easy drinker.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: perfect snack pairing

So for those of you that love holiday trivia and the chance of winning a $500 tab, then you’ll want to drop by Sugarburg (the place I caught this dragon in the wild). The place looks like Christmas exploded in it and there’s 15 hidden items/scenes from your favorite movies/shows. Just grab a drink, wander through the wonderland, find those festive moments, fill out the answer sheet and cross your fingers! Happy holidays and keep your eyes out for mistletoe!

#beer #craftbeer #paleale #ale #beerstagram #beerlife #beersofinstagram #holidays #dragons #babydragon #Phoenicia #NY #Woodstock #wine #winestagram #instawine #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits @sugarburgbk @woodstockbrewing @cheezits

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What’s in a Name?

Pantaleone
Onirocep 2020
100% Pecorino
Falerio Pecorino DOC
Organic, hand harvested, biodiverse
Ascoli Piceno, Marche, Italy
Family (Pantaloni) owned winery in latest hands of Federica and Francesca (and her husband Giuseppe)

Remember that yellow-green crayon? Well think a little more yellow. Give the glass a little time to grow and scents of pears, apricot, pineapple, and musky white peach are joined with smoke/peat and rained on slate…this is darn lovely. First sip and there’s a little mild sizzle on the front edges of my tongue. Tasting and there are those pears and apricot again followed by Mandarin orange, nectarine, a sliver of dinosaur plum and its skin, pineapple and a smidge of pineapple gummy bear (those are my favorite!) and a little bitter herby like a rosemary and thyme mix. Yum, yum yum!!!

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: crisp yet luscious at the same time

So I evidently opened this bottle a tiny bit early. I’m reading online that Federica advises to wait 2 years. Well, we’re almost to 2022 (I can’t believe how time has flown this year), and if it gets better than what I just had then I’m getting another bottle and sitting on it. Heck, maybe I should buy a whole case! As for the name “Onirocep” I kept thinking is that the name of the artwork on the label or is it the name of some ancient beast that roamed the land? Then it hit me…it’s Pecorino spelled backwards. Before it was a DOC (2012) it was an IGT and you weren’t allowed to list the varietal on the bottle. Why do I always overthink things 🤣? Cheers y’all!

#wine #whitewine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine @worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #Marche #Italy #Pantaleone #Pecorino #organic #jandamorewines @pantaleonewine @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit