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Precisely Mature

Domaine Couly-Dutheil
Blanc de Franc 2020
100% Cabernet Franc
Sustainable farming
Chinon, Centre-Val de Loire, France
Winemaker: Arnaud Couly Dutheil (4th gen)

Shining gold with a tiny warm blush. Scents of strawberries, cream or an Oreo center, and later green strawberry garden grassiness with the little smidge of lemon hint. Drinking in lovely strawberries (red and the whole range to green), raspberries, lemon/lime squeeze, and a touch of that Oreo cream…but is definitely dry. Elegant, smooth and like a magical kiss from a woodland nymph.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: pretty good. I was expecting to channel my inner Bill the Cat pfffft

Franc Blanc…huh? What a beautiful surprise! I know you may think beautiful an overused term, but truly it best describes what I see when I taste this wine. It’s a painting of delicate colors of rounded shapes woven within intricate lace and moments flecks of gold & magenta. Domaine Couly-Dutheil, a long time star of Chinon and Loire, celebrates their Cabernet Franc (it takes up 98% of their 90 ha of vines). They are so focused on just the right maturity for harvest which gives them only a few Goldilocks days (4-5). This is part of what makes them stand apart from so many other Cab Francs. “For many decades, a catchphrase has highlighted the vegetal notes or the green pepper taste of Cabernet Franc… we consider these notes to be a reflection of a lack of maturity. This is why we are convinced of the importance of a good maturity of the grapes which gives the wines notes of ripe fruit, silky and supple tannins while keeping a great freshness.” See…beautiful.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #worldbyglass #CabernetFranc #Loire #Chinon #France @coulydutheil_vin @cynthia_hurley_french_wines @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

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Sooie!

Famille Arbeau
Rince Cochon 2021
100% Negrette
VDF
Organic, less is more
Labastide-Saint-Pierre, Sud-Ouest, France
Anne and Géraud Arbeau (sister & brother)

Ruby/cherry haze. Chill it a little, let it breathe and you’ll start catching scents of cherry, blueberry, green peppers/tomato leaves, strawberries with the caps too, young raspberries, and digging in the dirt. Sip and it’s very bright tart cherries, bell peppers, blackberries, green bitey strawberries, springy green flowers, and it’s popping full of life and light…and needless to say it’s piggy perfect! Sooie! Yes, I do actually know how to call a hog…even though I’m a city gal now. You probably don’t want to hear it though, it’s pretty ear shattering.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s:  good but rather have a fried pork rind

As with many wineries, this family has farming roots (theirs from 1878), but as they say, “already, back then, it was the vine that led the dance.” Géraud had known for a long time he wanted to be continue in these wine steps, and aligned his studies for it. Anne ventured a different path at first, receiving a PhD in Fluid Mechanics before returning to the family business based in their lovely town Labastide-Saint-Pierre, which I ❤️ their description of “where cassoulet and rugby form part of our DNA”. Sounds like my type of place! Soul warming food, a fun scrum, and damn good wines. Cheers to that vine that keeps on leading, or to quote Bryan Ferry, “Don’t Stop the Dance”. 

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #redwine #BryanFerry #pork #bbq #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #worldbyglass #organic #Negrette #France @annearbeau @zevrovineselections @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

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A Memory Worming Its Way In

Weingut Georg Gustav Huff
Pinot Gris 2021
Organic, green fertilizer, grapevine moth pest control by sexual confusion
Nierstein, Rheinhessen, Germany
Wine family: Dieter & Helga Huff, their sons/winemakers: Stefan & Daniel Huff, daughters-in-law, & grandkids

Starlight with a little green shimmer. Scents of melons (of all types), grapefruit and tangerine enter the room (in a good way, not smack you over the head ultra IPA way) as it warms up, lemon zest, a little honeysuckle blooms joined by orange blossoms. Tasting Valencia oranges, followed by a citrus mix, a little really ripe English cucumber in the background that just flirts a little, lovely honeydew (like the ones we used to grow. More lovely on the inside than the natural sandy bottoms on the outside), mellow cantaloupe, golden delicious apple, an herby welcome bite, and Meyer lemons. It’s bright and mildly lip tingling.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: gives everything a ⚡️

Oh this is definitely a family affair, everyone pitches in with their own unique skills & specialties. These folks love and are devoted to their land, vines, and everything living in it…as any good vineyard parents would be. They make sure it’s healthy, organically well nourished and think about its future because to have the best outcome of their wine they have to prepare for whatever may come their way. One of these preps is getting ahead of the weather with green compost & straw since too much rain can spoil a good thing. Staving off some of the erosion can also help out our beneficial buggy & wormy friends that live below and are a major part of this winery’s circle of life. On a personal note, I have always been fascinated by earthworms since childhood. My great-grandfather used to have two garden beds of them that he’d cultivate & feed every day. These were his prime fishing friends…ok maybe they were more a dangling dinner for catfish. Oh those were the carefree days. Thanks to this Pinot Gris & the Huff’s for unearthing this moment with my my dear old Poppa. ❤️

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #worldbyglass #organic #pinotgris #Germany @weingutgghuff @baronfrancois.ws @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

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The Duck Is Magic

Luís Pato
Baga Rosé Espumante Bruto
Amoreira da Gândara, Barriada, Portugal
Winegrower & maker/Baga Whisperer & Champion: Luís Pato

Stained glass amber/orange (or some might say pink grapefruit cocktail) with a magenta glow and tiny active bubbles tracing designs on the surface and as I glance am I nuts or does one look like a standing duck. I swear this is my first glass. Scents of strawberries & raspberries with a splash of faint orange peel & cloves/holiday spice. First sip and woooweee! Tingling & tart strawberries, raspberries, red currants, a little squeeze of lemon way in the back, and a mineral lick. Crisp, light and delightfully dry.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: surprisingly refreshing & not exactly what I expected

Loving this lively sparkler from the Duck Daddy himself, Luis Pato. I’ve tasted and written about many different forms of his & his daughters’ bottled flock; and each are so unique, delicious, and filled with a spark of life that runs throughout. Some flap their wings in joy, others soar, and then there’s always that duck that walks its own path and leads you down a good wild side. They’re serious about their Barriada land & grapes, as Luís says in the trailer for “Pato Pathos” celebrating his 40th harvest in 2020, “We always have to innovate, always do better, we cannot stop in time.” Well, they’re also serious about having fun and a good laugh, which you can see from Luís’ signature expression of hands/palms up by his ears & tongue out in silliness in pics and on his “Pato Rebel” bottle. There’s even a t-shirt which if I can find out where to buy one, will proudly wear because in all ways, the Duck is magic!

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #worldbyglass #rosé #sparklingwine #luispato #duckman #Portugal #baga @luispatowines @wine_in_motion_usa @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

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Beautiful, Romantic & Bubbly

Château Moncontour
Tete de Cuvée Brut
100% Chenin Blanc
Vouvray AOC
Méthode Traditionnelle
Vouvray, France
Owners: Feray family

Gold bullion warm with fine lively bubbles. Pop the cork in the kitchen and scents of vanilla and “hot & ready” old school Krispy Kreme doughnuts hit your nose first. Give it a little time, walk back to the bedroom to relax with your pour, and tasting bits of brioche that lead to apricots fresh & a little jam emerge with dried pineapple & golden raisins…mmm elegant & cozy. Sip and again apricots (dried & fresh), dried pineapple, a splash of young tart yellow plums, Nilla wafers, and a bright lime twist. Toasty and zippy delight.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: sharpens everything

Bubbly is so often seen as romantic…a thing of beauty…and so is this historic Château. King Charles VII of France gifted it to his very influential “Dame de beauté”, Agnès Sorel. (Have you seen the paintings of the lady and designs of the tops of her dresses to give you a peek at what may be waiting for you? Ooh la la, they are quite titillating!) Honoré de Balzac fell in love with the structure and so badly wanted to own it and share it with his wife & inspiration, Ewelina Hańska. Sadly buying it was out of the picture, so he memorialized it in “La Femme de trente ans”. Now the Feray family are caring for the domaine, cherishing its history, and creating their celebrated wines so we can all taste a bit of that romance. 🥂

#wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #champagne #bubbly #sparklingwine #Balzac #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #worldbyglass #cheninblanc #Vouvray #Loire #France @chateaumoncontour @baronfrancois.ws @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

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Spark It Up

C. Cassis
CC Spritz
Sparkling blackcurrant canned aperitif
Hudson Valley grown blackcurrants (many from Greg Quinn’s crop who helped get overturn their ban in NY State)
5.4% ABV
Catskill, NY
Made by Rachael Petach

Vibrant bright cranberry glass cocktail with teeny bubbles. Nose tickling black currants pop up & if there was a Jolly rancher version of it then that too, and a slight mint vibe that heads into alpine herbs floating around. All the scents are in the sip with a blend of citrus peels, raspberries, seltzer sizzle with a tart pop, a little lemon squish, and a touch of honey

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: ugh blerg NO

So for those of you who may have some bubbly leftovers from the holidays…who am I kidding…how can there ever be any bubbles left behind? Well, at least not in my place. Anyway, say you do want to spark up your sparkly. Just pour a 50/50 cava, champagne, or sparkling wine with CC Spritz and that blush in the glass will soon be spreading to your cheeks and maybe even the tips of your ears. It’ll make you want to as Salt-N-Pepa says, “Get down with the party”!

#cocktails #spirits #cannedcocktails #wine #vin #vino #vinho #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #worldbyglass #saltnpepa #cava #hudsonvalley #catskill #NY @currentcassis @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

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Festive Redemption

De Stefani
Redentore
Refosco 2021
100% Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso
Veneto IGT
Sustainable, Biodiversity Friendly, indigenous yeasts, no added sulfites (which they are very proud of and I applaud)
Fossalta di Piave, Veneto, Italy
Alessandro De Stefani (4th generation)

Deep royal ruby. Sniffing and there’s cherry with a creaminess at the start, then all of a sudden blackberries bounce out, and after a good bit of air a raspstrawberry blend, licorice, pinch of cedar/pine needles, and as it continues it’s softer and more gentle. Now tasting those blackberries again with a little boysenberry, dried & tart cherries, Baker’s chocolate bite, a single pine needle that winks and then disappears, and a little dried fig too w a touch of balsamic reduction. A glassful that’s dry, rich and perfect for my evening with a good book.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: surprisingly smooth and beautiful

The Redentore line of De Stefani wines honor Venice’s yearly “Festa del Redentore” that celebrates the end of the 1575-57 plague (who wouldn’t want to celebrate post such an horrific time of illness, death & grief). Started as a religious festival/feast and a promise to God to build a the Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore (Church of the Most Holy Redeemer), it’s now a beautiful weekend (3rd in July) that is filled with fireworks that people will talk about for ages, incredible food, music, boat parties & historic ships, festive decorations, and a city filled with joy and of course wine. 🍷 If you want to get a quick glance of 2022’s locals and tourists partying down, check out Venezia Unica’s clip.

#wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #redwine #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #worldbyglass #organic #Veneto #Venice #Italy #FestadelRedentore #Redentore @destefaniwinery @bonvivantimport @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

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Light Of My Life, Fire Of My…

Domaine Moutard-Diligent
Qu’est-ce que c’est Aligoté
Bourgone Aligoté 2021
AOC Bourgone
Sustainable, as hands off as possible, unfiltered,
Molosmes, Burgundy, France
Winemaker: François Moutard & family

Light hazy gold. Breathing in tangerine rind & a light citrus flair, then honeysuckle & orange blossoms waft through with pears, slate and a shake of salt. The taste is same as the scents but with a touch more citrus(maybe tangelo). It’s clean, fresh and happy easy drinking. Oh and check out the quote from the back of the bottle. “Aligoté, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul. Ah-lee-go-tay…” Sound familiar 😏

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: funky but good

Domaine Moutard-Diligent is built of not only passing from parent to child through the generations. The current generations are also working together with their cousins and each member has a gift from their experiences, educations, and passions. Some contribute their wine/farming knowledge, others have organization & business skills, having a head for numbers, promotion, marketing, branding, and the open mind to travel, learn and spread their brand to the world. As François says on their site, “We play off each other and the advantage of being a family, that is what makes us trust each other, each person in their own skilled role”. What a wonderful family to be a part of where everyone works together to form a smooth running machine filled with creativity, love, and distinguished wine, champagne & spirits. Oh yes, they make an assortment from whisky, marc, gin, etc. and the one that I want to get my hands on is their 100% Champenoise Vodka. So if any of you can point me where I might find one, please, please let me know! 🍸

#wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #worldbyglass #champagne #Burgundy #France #Aligote #vodka #spirits @famillemoutard @communalbrands @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

 

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Créé Avec Passion

Croix d’Irval
Premier Cru Extra Brut
Pinot Meunier (primarily), Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Sustainable, indigenous yeast, hand harvested
Coulommes la Montagne, Marne, Champagne, France
Owner & winemaker: Jean Servagnat

Golden with tiny very active bubbles tracing geographic patterns on the surface. Once the cork is popped elegant & rich/savory fragrances flow out. There’s biscuits/scones (maybe even almond scones), a soft blend of cherry, raspberry and dark plums almost heading toward dried, and a warm toasty vibe. All of the scents are in the taste joined with a squish of citrus, Marcona almonds, and a savory dry toasty depth that makes you feel special. Comfortably festive and romantic!

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: crisp & delightful

Créé avec passion (created with passion) greets you when you first visit Croix d’Irval’s site. Reminds me of a quote by Elle Woods (“Legally Blonde” don’t judge I can see you shaking your head….)if you want to see why see below*. “On our very first day at Harvard, a very wise Professor quoted Aristotle: ‘The law is reason free from passion.’ Well, no offense to Aristotle, but in my three years at Harvard I have come to find that passion is a key ingredient to the study and practice of law — and of life.” Jean Servagnat has incredible passion for Pinot Meunier. He’s one of the few growers in Champagne making that grape his home grown star in his own label bottled creations. Hey, he even left a life in finance to follow that dream, and when you taste his bubbly, you’ll know what a wonderful thing that is for the rest of us that have a chance to experience his artful collaboration with nature.

*After 9/11, due to my job, my office was temporarily relocated out of state due to our building being damaged…very damaged…and holed up in a hotel for a very long stretch. “Legally Blonde” was one of the happy movies accessible to us, and I kept it on repeat. Was a good end to the day(s) of wondering where life would take us and you know what…I still love it.

#wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #champagne #champagnepremiercru #bubble #winestagram #instawine #worldbyglass #ellewoods #aristotle #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #Marne #France #JeanServagnat #CroixdIrval @steephillwine @antosicurezza @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

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Always Moving Forward

Antonelli San Marco
Contrario 2015
Umbria Rosso IGT
Sagrantino
Organic
Montefalco, Italy
Owner: Filippo Antonelli (5th generation)

Deep ruby and just the perfect color that would make a gorgeous ring. Scents float up of deep cherries along with a bowl of strawberries, raspberries & blackberries, a bit of orange rind fresh & singed with a touch of roses so let’s say cassis, and a small bundle of alpine herbs. Sipping and again there’s dark cherries with a holiday orange/peel that take my memories flying of youthful December vacation days filled with freedom, also blackberries (seeds and all), raspberries & strawberries, some deep plums & their skins, and at last a pleasant herbal bite. Delicious!

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: darkens and sharpens everything in a very good way

Antonelli San Marco’s lands have quite a long history way before Francesco Antonelli purchased the estate 1883…all the way back to medieval times. Ever since it first became part of the Antonelli family, each generation has constantly worked to turn it into the best it can be and move forward with continued success…from replanting, making “improvements for the tenant farmers’ welfare” (in days long gone), turning to organic in 2009, and now including cooking classes in traditional Umbrian recipes. Just think, you can go visit a historic spot, taste their wines, book an apartment in their “Casale Satriano”, learn some regional dishes, take a dip in the pool or if it’s too cold out just sit by the fireplace, listen to it pop & crackle and enjoy a cozy moment with one of their bottles. Sounds pretty heavenly to me! 🍷

#wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #redwine #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #worldbyglass #organic #Umbria #Italy #Montefalco #antonellisanmarco @omniwines @antonellisanmarco @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit