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Drop That Olive And Salut!

Casa Mariol
Vermut Blanc
Macabeu & local herbs
Organic & vegan
Batea, Terra Alta, Spain
Josep Maria & Marta Vaquer Llop (current generation and brother & sister)

Shining yellow with a bit of green blip. Hovering over the glass and scents start off with a cream ’nila feel that leads to Sprite with an herbal swirl of mints (chocolate, wintergreen, spearmint), basil, sage, thyme, a drop of Riccola, touch of an ocean breeze, and a hint of icing (not buttercream). Sipping (btw I haven’t added the olives in yet) and all of the scents explode in the taste with a welcome bitter bite, orange and other citrus zest, and then it all goes mellow and beckons me to relax, kick back and drop that olive in.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: Due to the olive incident, I have not had a chance to try. You’ll see later.

This reminds me of my first vermut encounter provided by my friends in Belgium that was ages ago…actually years…and a whole other lifetime.  My young American mouth was not familiar with any sort of vermouth. All of my tastebuds rose to attention and went on high alert. With time and advice from friends, I realized what I had been missing in my youth was adding an olive or two since they bring out more herbs and a dryness, and are so delightful to munch on. Well, they were until last Saturday night. I swear if it’s not one thing it’s another lately. 🤣 Let’s just say I am going to the dentist in a few days to have my hillbilly front tooth repaired. I will say this Vermut Blanc is worth a visit to Dr. 🦷🦷, and again Casa Mariol, I can’t wait to get a chance to visit y’all in person to try the rest of your wines with a new smile. Salut!

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #vermut #vermouth #winelover #winetasting #winetime #wineislove #organic #Spain #vinoslibres #CasaMariol #vinewine #vinewinenyc

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“We Are All Duckman”

João Pato Aka Duckman
Rosa Duck
Pét-Nat
95% Fernão Pires and 5% Baga
Sustainable, unfiltered, unfined, natural, spontaneous fermentation, and hand-harvested
Óis do Bairro, Anadia, Portugal
Winemaker: Maria Pato

Rose gold with active fine white bouncing bubbles. Sniff and there’s a crumb of a yeasty roll, lemon along with orange zest…citrus blend, raspberry, young strawberries, red & green delicious apples, watermelon rind, a faint hint of Pop Rocks, white pepper, and a kind of cideresque tingle. All of it is there in the swig. It really has a cider feel in a very very very good way, and all of my beer buddies (especially Joe) pick it up. As time passes ripe strawberries and roses (or old school pink jelly beans) emerge. Just crisp, dry and so happy.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: smoooooth

As some of you know, I’m a huge fangirl of the whole Pato family and how they celebrate Bairrada & their grapes (in particular Baga). In their own words, “Duckman is all of us who embrace this spirit of building a better world together!” They also put their support behind artists from their region and their wines shared with the world help shine a light on these creators of all forms…“photo, music, writing…everything that can be considered as art”. So join in with their flock, because Duckman “does not forget his people, neighbors, and friends who help us to have a more meaningful life”. “We are born human. We were born wild. We’re looking for a tribe. We chase dreams.” So be a duck since, “We are all Duckman”.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #wineislove #winetime #rosé #sparklingwine #worldbyglass #portugal #gkselections #luispato #duckman #docwinebar #docwineshop

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“You Don’t Have To Be A Millionaire”

4Kilos
Motor América 2021
Callet
Organic, vegan
Felanitx, Islas Baleares, Mallorca, Spain
Francesc Grimalt & Sergio Caballero

Shining cranberry plum glass. Sniffing and there’s an earthy/iron start that starts to blend and fade, next up is cherry followed by strawraspcranberry, a touch of a mint/herbal blend, grind of pepper but not heavy, then roses with a touch of magnolia, and pipsissewa. Sip and there’s a tangy start of all the previous berries that becomes more luscious over time, on the back a smidge of an eucalyptus beneficial herby mix, puff of smoke on the waters, an oil cured black olive pit, and a touch of forest floor funk.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: bright

Bring together the mix of Francesc (winemaker & native grape champion [especially Callet]) & Sergio (musician & founding partner & co-director of the Sonar Music Festival) and what you get is 4Kilos (named after what the two invested to launch this project: 4 million pesetas [€24,000]). As Mr. Caballero said, “There’s no need to be a millionaire to make wine; all that’s needed is passion and hard work.” Now to see their passion, hard work, having fun, artwork of all sorts, collaborations, and songs about wine…just check out their site: http://4kilos.com. I got lost clicking through the videos and finding out about their label (12Volts) that features an illustration from Gary Baseman who I have ❤️ forever, and their working collab with Esment (org “that helps people with intellectual disabilities and their families enjoy and improve their quality of life and have the same opportunities as all citizens”) to create their Gallinas & Focas wines. Turns out the name came from a fun brainstorming session with the participants and means “Chicken & Seals”. Why that name…well, “chickens are funny and seals applaud” and then they were able to let their artistic vibes fly to draw what would later grace bottles. 4Kilos are a winery that not just make me smile due to their wines but also to the way they live life to the fullest with joy and a sense of humor. Oh and before I forget…check out the video of the running nun.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #winetime #wineislove #organic #Spain #mallorca #4kilosvinicola #vinewine #vinewinenyc

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Fueling The Spark Of Art

La Moulinière
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Grapes from Chateau Loumelat’s vineyards
Sustainable
Bordeaux, France
Famille Lesgourgues

Twinkle twinkle light yellow that warms on the pulse with green highlights starlight. Scents of pear, very fresh apples picked on a warm summer day, lemon, lime, honeydew, a kneaded dough rising smell, tangerine/grapefruit spritz, and light pineapple. Sipping and there’s lemon, lime, a grapefruit splash with a tangerine cocktail of all the citrus, pineapple, lychee (I remember as a kid  from a restaurant that I only got to go to when I got straight As on report card), ripe cucumbers, cool mineral like from our spring house minus the salamanders, a little honeysuckle, and pinch of salt. 

Pairs with Cheez-Its: tart fireworks

The Lesgourgues family has 5 châteaus in total (as far as I know) and the one that these Sauvignon Blancs grapes are sourced from is Chateau Loumelat. What took me with them in particular was not just their wines, but also their passion for contemporary art which is near and dear to my own ❤️. At Château de Laubade (known for their armagnac) they have residencies for artists, and who wouldn’t want to create in such a beautiful place. People working in the vines, cellar, distillery, etc. are also encouraged to engage and collaborate with the artists, so it’s a full winery venture. The public also has the opportunity to view the finished works during their “open houses”. It’s just wonderful that wine, armagnac, & this family fuel the spark for young artists to grow and bloom.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #wineislove #winetime #France #worldbyglass #baronfrancois #LaMoulinière #ChateauLoumelat #ChateaudeLaubade #docwinebar #docwineshop

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Family Traditions

Cleto Chiarli e Figli
Vecchia Modena
Premium Honorable Mention
Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC
100% Lambrusco di Sorbara
Sustainable
Castelvetro, Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Owners: Mauro & Anselmo Chiarli

Sunset rose with tiny light Pinky (Tuscadero) bubbly foam that later trace active designs on the surface. Nose tickling scents pop up of raspberry, strawberry, light Oreo center, cherry blossoms on a cool breeze, and on the back a little alpine herb but not overly. The moment it hits my tongue and there’s those strawberries again (green, pink & red), raspberries, cranberry, a little young blackberry, sorrel, wild backyard sourgrass tang, and a crisp tingly sizzle spark. It’s a little joyful party in a bottle that has a reminder of a Sour Patch Kid in a good adult way.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: BIG NO

This noble sparkler’s roots stem back to the 1800s, when their founder Cleto Chiarli was making wines for his own restaurant, and it’s just continued to grow in estates, vineyards & prestige. This groundbreaker even created his own wine producing company that was the 1st in Emilia-Romagna. Over the years the family has continued to look to the future, how to push & grow, and only stopped for two years after a bombing in WWII, but they rebuilt and kept the momentum going. I was way too young to drink back in the 70s, but I still remember hearing of crappy supposed “Lambruscos”…Cleto has NEVER been one of them. They have from the very beginning been about keeping traditions & quality which can be found in the commitments the current generation has made. Sure you can take my word for it, or just see the awards they’ve garnered, but the best way you can truly know is to pop a bottle for yourself. Once it hits your lips, you’ll get it, your eyes will brighten, and maybe you might even do a little happy dance like I did on my 2nd glass. 💋

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #wineislove #winetime #Italy #Lambrusco #worldbyglass #dallaterrawinerydirect #cletochiarli #docwinebar #docwineshop

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How Did I Miss Out?

Casa Mariol
Garnatxa Blanca 2022
100% White Grenache
Organic & vegan
Batea, Terra Alta, Spain
Josep Maria & Marta Vaquer Llop (current generation and brother & sister)

Light yellow that grows as it breathes…kind of like the label. Breathing in gentle orange wrapped in a bit of lime zest & lemon squeeze, pears, green apples, lime blossoms, and a fresh free flowing spring water coolness. Zip…zap and all of the citrus is there in the taste with a bit more zest and as time goes more of that lemon/lime-ade blend, green apples & pears, light honeysuckle, a fun tingle, with a little herby bit of say oregano, flat parsley, and maybe dried basil on the back side with a salt shake.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: NO NO NO please NO

Casa Mariol describes themselves as “one big family” including relatives and their whole team. Not only does this “family” make fab single varietal wines like this Garnatxa Blanca (all of the bottles are dressed in their finest eye catching designs by Mirko Borsche)…they also produce distinctive vermuts (blanc & negre), and have a wine bar in Barcelona. Now here’s the one thing I can’t believe, I have never been to their bar. I’m pretty sure I even walked right by and didn’t realize what a delicious experience I was missing out on according to all the rave reviews. Feeling the wine walk of shame right now and definitely going to have to wander my way there on my next trip. In fact, in order to temporarily absolve myself before I get there, I’m going to track down the rest of their rainbow of bottles. 🌈🍷

Update: I picked up their Vermut Blanc…excited!

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #winetime #wineislove #organic #Spain #vinoslibres #CasaMariol #vinewine #vinewinenyc

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Pop Muzik

Domaine Arsac
Pop Color 2022
VDF
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Biodynamic/organic farmed, horses working in the vineyard, compost from their cows, native yeasts
Saint Jean Le Centenier, Ardèche, Rhône Valley, France
Winemaking family: Sebastien & Dimitri Arsac

Lemon yellow with a touch of skin contact orange-ade. Sniffing and there’s lemon, lime, a blend of Valencia & Navel orange. orange blossoms, a refreshing cool mineral rock, and greenery covered in fresh morning dew. Taking a sip and then another and all of the scents are in the sip with a gentle squeeze of light grapefruit, citrus zest with the tiniest touch of thyme on the back, as time passes there’s a bit of green bell pepper, and it all ends in a dry delight. BTW I could see beer drinkers turning to the wine side for this bottle.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: ACK I RAN OUT

This is my 2nd wine from Domaine Arsac, and both have been absolutely delicious & delightful. For those that didn’t read the 1st post on their “Rosé La Chaumette 2023”, here’s a recap on who they are, how they see wine, and their dedication to the land & the whole process. “Wine is an incredible social bond, and in order to introduce it to a wider audience, it is important to have an uninhibited, sharing approach. A glass of wine is a story of the lives of men, of territories, but also a story between friends.” The Arsacs’ shared story on their site took me by surprise. Their history begins with Gaston (the grandfather) and his return to France after being a POW in WWII. Honestly, I can’t even imagine what he saw, went through, and then the feeling of returning to his homeland, getting married and channeling his energy & passion into the farm & vines. The latest generation of Sebastien & Dimitri have followed in their grandfather’s footsteps by adhering to his old school teachings which has led them to becoming organic & practicing biodynamic. I know, I know…everyone says “organic”, but this family really cares about keeping tradition, digging deeper & expanding their natural knowledge for the good of all even in our hectic contemporary times. 🐄🐎❤️

BTW this bottle has given me the gift of M’s “Pop Muzik” stuck on repeat in my head.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #wineislove #winetime #organic #orangewine #France #worldbyglass #Rhone #docwinebar #docwineshop #DomaineArsac #SkinContactWines

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Félines, Fêtes, & A Flamboyance

Domaine Félines Jourdan
Picpoul de Pinet 2022
AOP Picpoul de Pinet
Sustainable
Mèze, France
Winemaker: Claude Jourdan

Shimmering gold with green blips. Scents flow out of apples, pears, tangerine, light grapefruit, fresh cool rained on pavers, lemon, lime, honey & comb, and a touch of mango & lychee. All of the scents are there in the sip with a bit more honey, a little mild (maybe even like how it gets milder when roasted) fennel, that rain is now on river rocks & their mineral fresh lick, a few blades of grass, an extra shot of lime-ade, and a pinch of salt.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: bleh no

Domaine Félines Jourdan is situated in such a beautiful part of Languedoc-Roussillon, where they have 100 hectares in 3 plots of differing terroirs ranging from La Coulette (protected from winds by a forest), Les Cadastres (50m alt & has a view of the Mediterranean sea), and finally Félines which benefits from being so close to the water where the winds carry cool moist breezes & my favorite part…you can catch a sight of flamingos & sea dwellers that can pair so very well with this bottle. (BTW do you know what a group of 🦩🦩is called?) Claude’s lovely Mèze also has quite a celebration coming up very soon with the Festival de Thau, July 10-21. It’s filled with music & culture, local wine & food, and promoting sustainability with a goal of zero single use plastic and sparking eco dialogues. So pick up some tickets, get ready to get your groove on this summer, and kick back a few 🦪🦪 with a glass of Claude’s Picpoul. Cheers! Oh and don’t forget your sunscreen.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #wineislove #winetime #France  #worldbyglass #festivaldethau #baronfrancois #felinesjourdan #docwinebar #docwineshop

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Women Powered Wine

Friã Friõ
Vinho Verde D.O.C.
2022
Loureiro, Trajadura and Arinto
Sustainably grown
Sousa, Portugal
Founders: Jocelyn Brent and Lisa Rankin
Winemaker: Joana Santiago

Bright & lively shining yellow-greenish. Taking a breath and there’s green apple, a clean fresh springhouse scent, light grapefruit & even more light tangerines & kumquat, and a dash of wild flowers with a smidge of fresh cut greenery. Sipping green apples and a few others thrown in, lemon/lime squeeze with other citrus blends, orange blossoms, ripe pears, a tiny sizzle/sparkle, and a little bit of that mineral springhouse again. It’s fresh, bright & easy to drink and love.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: whoa even more bright, tart and zingy

Some people call Vinho Verde wines feminine, well with this one they are right, but not for what they might assume. Friã Friõ was founded by women, has an amazing and established woman winemaker, and then there’s “Rose” (mentioned on their site but no last name given) handpicking the grapes & working in the vines. This is girl power or should I say woman power in its best form. Their creations are as they put it, are “made for your blue sky day”…light, refreshing, and full of their love. Just pick up a bottle, sip it, and know you’ve found your summer go to wine. Oh, and it’s even better when shared with friends, so pass me another glass. Cheers!

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #sustainable  #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #winetime #wineislove #portugal #vinhoverde #vinhoverdewines #drinkwildman #friafrio #vinewine #vinewinenyc

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Keep It Chill

Swick Wines
Chillable
2022 American Red Wine
Mourvedre, Malbec, Verdelho, and Pinot Noir
Organic & practicing organic
Yakima, WA & Newburg, Oregon
Winemaker: Joe Swick

Do you remember that jiggling color of cranberry sauce that slid out of the can during the holidays…that color. Scents started emerging immediately of raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, cherry& a little cherry blossoms too, apple/blueberry jelly bellies, dark plums dance through with some earth thrown in with orange zest, a touch of vanilla (or Oreo cream), violets, and the slightest bit of wisteria. First taste and there’s cherries/plums with depth, followed rapidly in the next sip of a mad delicious blend of raspstrawcranblackblueerry along with a tangy twist of all and a Skittle or two thrown in.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: sharpens all the flavors

Ok, as many of you know I love Swick Wines, and I’m betting a whole lot of y’all do too. When you see that distinctive font, you know you’re getting a winner. “Chillable” knocks it out of this blazing hot park with ease…oh, and take the optional advice on the  back label and don’t forget to fridge it. Love that they work with “historically farmed regional varieties” and also experiment with others to mix it all up. It’s like Joe is weaving the song of summer with his carefully selected grapes with this bottle…you know like that track you keep going back to and fuels your memories and keeps you moving and grooving through these bright months. What’s your go to tune? My latest is one by my favorite spinner Fatboy Slim and to my surprise it’s his 500th single. Check it and the video out, keep the Swick flowing, and keep it “chill”.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #wineislove #winetime #organic #oregon #washington #worldbyglass #normancook #fatboyslim #swickwines #docwinebar #docwineshop