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“Social Solidarity”

Vite Colte
La Luna e i Falò 2022
Barbera d’Asti DOCG Superiore
Vineyards at least 15 years old, low yields, hand harvested, integrated or organic viticulture
Barolo (CN), Italy

Deep ruby/maroon with lightened edges. Breathing in cherry, touch of vanilla, raspberries, strawberries, violets, anise/licorice, and red currants emerge over time. Tickling my tongue are all sorts of cherries, pinch of vanilla, brambly blackberries, licorice, raspberries, strawberries, black currants, and cranberry. It’s a tingle tangle of dry even with all the fruit, and it’s wild and elegant at the same time.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: so darn good

Vite Colte is not only known for their wines but also the design of their winery. Gianni Arnaudo’s award winning architectural creation embraces modern styles along with incorporating itself into its surroundings. As Arnaudo says “Vote Colte is a cultural message in its own right, visually summarizing the many transformations carried out in the Barolo area to ensure that production takes place in a way that is environmentally sustainable.” The winegrowers included in this group must adhere to either Integrated defense (sustainable) or organic viticulture. Beyond the vines they also use lighter weight bottles (helps lower their carbon footprint), recycled paper (office & packaging), 20% of their electricity comes from renewable energy, and native trees are planted in. “green areas” to encourage & protect biodiversity. Another part that is very important in this band of growers, friends & partners is their “social solidarity”. They also very importantly work together for sustainable incomes “small family farms that make up the productive and cultural fabric of Piedmont’s viticulture, those who manage and protect the agricultural landscape” which makes this group one intertwined large family. ❤️🍷

#wine #vino #vin #winestagram #instawine

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A Little Art History

Azienda Agricola Orneta
Centovie 2022
Irpinia DOC
100% Aglianico
Sustainable Agriculture
Ariano Irpino AV, Italy

Deep ruby with shiny glints. Inhaling cherry, plum, light creaminess/vanilla, dried autumn leaves; and as it opens there’s blueberries, blackberries, fresh cut clover, and a smidge of diesel that fades. Sipping and there’s cherries (skins, pits & all), blueberries, raspberries, plums, blackberries, and very ripe strawberries. Even with all this fruit, there’s a dryness & it’s so elegant, and reminds me of days past sitting outside at an in my old favorite haunt just relishing the the sun on my face, conversations with good friends, and passing around appetizers that warm my belly & heart.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: pretty darn good

Orneta dates back to 2013, and is the combined work of 3 families: Pannese, Pizzano, and Cerullo. Their current generation is upholding their grandparents traditions along with a touch of modern times. Speaking of traditions, this wine & its label have led me to another special part of their town Ariano Irpino. They have a long history in ceramics dating back centuries. There’s even a red banded jug (dates to 7-8th c.) found in the Ariano’s castle in 1929, that is now housed in their Museo Civico e della Ceramica. During the 13th-16th centuries plates, flasks, jugs, amphorae, oil lamps, etc became more adorned in plant & geometric designs and also more vibrant colors (cobalt blue, copper green, manganese brown and a little yellow & iron red). By the 17th century the designs, vessels & sculptural objects go even more radiant and detailed. In the 18th & 19th c. the clay works become full throttle over the top with hidden flasks & chalices in the shape of mermaids, sphinx, fish, etc. There’s also lively & spirited centerpieces & salt cellars with polychrome floral decorations & cherubs, tile work, communal serving plates, religious panels, and personal holy water holders. There are no words that I type that can do them justice so take a look at their page @museoceramicaariano. Some of these works might just take your breath away.

#wine #vino #vin #winestagram #instawine

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When In France…

When In France…
Wandering Barman
White Negroni
Gin, house made blanco vermouth, blanco amaro liqueur, juniper, & water
23% ABV
Brooklyn, NY

Super pale yellow haze. Breathing in pine needles (gin), golden pears & apples, starfruit, cinnamon (holiday vibe) & alpine herbs, fresh mineral water from a spring, white pepper and a pinch of salt. All of the scents are in the sip with that good amaro bite, and a little bit of pine wood.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: NO

This cocktail got my curiosity up, so I decided to take myself down a very short rabbit hole. “Punch” had the best summation of this drink’s history. Turns out it was created out of a craving for an “ice cold Negroni”. Nick Blacknell & Wayne Collins were in France for a wine & spirits exhibition along with a cocktail competition. While readying themselves for the next day’s event, the warm weather had them bar hopping looking for the elusive Negroni. After failing on their quest, they decided to make them and headed to the local market only to find not all of the ingredients were available. This sparked the lightbulb moment of while in France why not use their counterparts. Lillet Blanc replaced the usual sweet vermouth and Suze in lieu of Campari. They already had gin and to give it all one more treat they added a wedge of pink grapefruit to the mix. Now after all these years of mixology, Wandering Barman’s portable Brooklyn spin on this drink has me totally crushing on this delicious cocktail.

#wine #cocktails #cocktailsofinstagram #spirits #negroni

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Preserving History To Make A Better Future

Bodegas Faustino
Cava Brut NV
D.O. Cava Guarda
Macabeo (mostly) & Chardonnay
Sustainable Wineries for Climate Protection (SWfCP)
Oyón (Álava), Spain
Current generation of the Martinez Family: Carmen Martínez Zabala & Lourdes Martínez Zabala

Golden shimmer with very active bubbles. After a few sniffs there’s apples, pears, touch of brioche, fresh from the beehive honey & wax but not overly sweet, cantaloupe, honeydew, and ripe cucumbers. Tasting crisp apples & pears, honeydew, green watermelon rind, splash of lemon, that honey again (not too sweet but just right), a bubbly sizzle, lick of salt, and a delightful longing for how it will grow & bloom over time.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: definitely and bring on a seafood tower too

Bodegas Faustino has over 160 years history in wine, and they were also the 1st winery in Rioja to be certified SWfCP, which is something everyone should be thinking about with how climate change is affecting our world. This designation includes the sustainability of the environment (greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, water & waste management, biodiversity, and healthy soil), sustainable management (proper communication and ethical behavior), ability to change & evolve to benefit the industry, being socially conscious and care about their employees & working partners, make sure their products and work environments are safe, and a part that I am always happy to see…holding onto and preserving traditions & culture, and their lands. When we all put our minds to a similar way of thinking we not only preserve history, but also look forward to a better future. 🥂

#wine #vino #vin #winestagram #instawine

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Time To Fire Up That Grill!

Kuentz-Bas
Alsace Blanc 2024
30% Sylvaner, 30% Pinot Blanc, 20% Riesling, 10% Muscat, 5% Pinot Gris, 5% Gewurztraminer
Certified biodynamic & organic
Alsace, France
Owner & vigneron: Jean-Baptiste Adam (father/14th gen) & Laure (daughter/15th gen)

Sniffing and there’s pears, white peaches, a blended splash of mandarin oranges, tangerine, lemon, & kumquats. Then next up tickling my nose are spring fruit tree blossoms (pear, apples, plums, and more), tad of pineapple, gentle honeydew, touch of beeswax fresh from the hive, and that cool & clean springhouse feel. All of those lovely scents are in the sip with honeysuckle, a little kirby, mango, lychee, and that citrus tingle sizzle. It’s one dreamy wine.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: sparky

Kuentz-Bas’ reveal the beauty of their grapes, terroir, and Alsatian heritage. This Alsace Blanc’s pairing suggestions are brats & crab cakes, so I say it’s time to fire up that grill! Actually this domaine got its start from a pairing. First there were the Kuentz from back in 1795 that blended through marriage in 1895 with the Bas family. Now it’s in the hands of Jean-Baptiste Adam (since 2004) and he and his team take great care of their lands and all that inhabit it with their biodynamic ways. If you want a moment of zen, watch this video of them prepping and applying the “Bouse de Corne”. With a workout like that you’ll never need a gym membership and will definitely pump you and your biceps up. 💪 ❤️

#wine #vino #vin #winestagram #instawine

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What Can Warm The Coldest Heart?

Azienda Ai Galli
Prosecco Rosè 2024
Brut Millesimato DOC
Glera 90%, Pinot Nero 10%
Pramaggiore, Veneto, Italy
Galli Family

Light flash of salmon belly pinkish blush with active bubbles. Sniffing and there’s strawberries (reminds me of the wild Canadian ones we used to get on the roadside), white peaches, green pears & apples, lychee, light mandarin & lemon, and a smidge of kumquat. All of the scents are in the sip that is crisp, bright and lively. It’s one of those lip vibrating bubblies that’s like a first kiss.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: YES

What makes a snowy night better…this rosè prosecco! The once enchanting snowflakes have become annoying and by morning it will be a grey slushy mess. A glass will bring you a blast of life or a touch of spring on the horizon. It’s also a glass of romance that can warm the coldest heart. Cheers to no more snow and to the hope of warmer & sunnier days! 🥂

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Collaboration, Inclusion & Breaking Down Cultural Barriers

Caruso E Minini
Arancino
Bianco Macerato
Catarratto
Terre Siciliane IGP
Organic & sustainable
Marsala, Trapani, Sicily, Italy
Wine team: Stefano Caruso & Mario Minini (co-founders), and Giovanna & Rosanna (Stefano’s daughters)

Light orange golden and as it opens it deepens. Sniffing Valencia orange & blossoms, honeysuckle, mandarins, light tangerine, persimmon, wild flowers and sea breeze. Sipping and all of the scents are right there along with fresh picked basil, marjoram, thyme, parsley and a little shake of salt. It’s so crisp, fresh and delightful.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: Big yes

This is my 2nd Caruso E Minini wine, and I just love their labels, but I didn’t know the history until now. Turns out the illustrations are created by people from Turin’s Laboratorio Zanzara. The program is a non-profit that is “dedicated to the integration and creativity of people with intellectual and behavioral disabilities, under the direction of Gianluca Cannizzo”. They work from pics & objects from Marsala & then combine their ideas with a touch of Matisse’s style. While creating, they can share ideas, chat, and grow. As it says on Laboratorio Zanzara’s site, “I make, therefore I am” is the starting point to find fulfillment, both as individuals and as a group. It’s a path of giving back and active participation in society”. The collaboration of the winery & lab “exemplifies how art and business can come together, proposing a new language capable of breaking down cultural barriers; a fusion of taste and beauty, destined to leave an indelible mark on the mind and heart”. Cheers to this project and their others that are a creation of love.

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A Dog’s Tale

Lubanzi Wines
Red 2023
Shiraz
Certified organic Ecocert
Swartland, South Africa
Charles Brain & Walker Brown and their team

Deep purple pour with maroon glints. Sniffing raspberry, rosehips, cherry, blackberries, boysenberry, dried Mission figs, plums & their blossoms, and  a little smoke. Sipping and there’s plums (bright & dark with pits, skin & all), cherries, blackberries, boysenberry, singed orange peel, dates & dried fig, again that smidge of smoke, and at last black pepper tingle.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: Party time!

You have to love a wine named after a dog. The story told is Charles Brain & Walker Brown (originally from USA) while they were exchange students in South Africa (2014) went on a backpacking adventure. On their second day a “wandering dog” joined their trek. Locals called him “Lubanzi” and he followed alongside them for 6 days/100 miles until one night he just disappeared. Was he really a dog, their protector, or a spirit animal? It’s fitting that their kindred traveling friend’s name is now emblazoned on their wines. In 2016, they moved back to ZA with a plan. They brought the right people & grapes into their lives, and wanted to give back to the country they so loved. Lubanzi Wines “pledged 50% of our net profits to back the Pebbles Project, a Non-Profit that works with the low-income families who live and work on South Africa’s wine farms. They focus on growing families by providing resources and improving access to high-quality health care & educational services.” Charles & Walker are truly not only making great wine, but also making positive impact for people, offsetting their greenhouse gas emissions, and making our planet a better place. As they say, “We believe in the power of business to change the world.” ❤️🍷

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“An Oasis Of Peace”

Azienda Agricola Pojer e Sandri
Palai Müller-Thurgau 2024
100% Müller-Thurgau
Natural winemaking
San Michele all’Adige, Faedo TN, Italy
Mario Pojer & Fiorentino Sandri

Light yellow with a green sheen. Sniff and there’s light peaches, grapefruit, grassy wild flowers along with white blossoms, peppergrass, and lemon zest. Sipping lemon, lemongrass, grapefruit,  peach but not overly fruity…kinda dry, kumquat, crabapple, sourgrass & a touch of peppergrass, lick of mineral, and s dash of salt.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: Easy as pie

Back in 1975, Fiorentino inherited his family’s vineyards & Mario had graduated enological school, which sounds like a recipe for a perfect pairing… except some thought the lands might not be great. Boy did they prove the doubters wrong with their 1975 Palai Müller-Thurgau, and have continued as they grew from 2ha to so much more. In 1998, they were the first in Italy to market Chardonnay, then in 2002, they “patented the reduction and press vinification process with nitrogen recovery, which drastically reduces the use of sulfites” & started “washing the grapes in a grape jacuzzi” (I just love the image of 🍇 chilling in a jacuzzi), and in 2013, launched their Zero Infinito project which means, “Zero chemical treatments in the countryside, Zero sulfur dioxide, Zero commercial yeasts, Zero fining agents, Zero filtration, Zero antioxidants”. Along with their wines, they also produce grappas, fruit brandies & vinegars; and you can experience it all by booking a tasting or even better staying in one of their apartments on the farm nestled within the vineyards…or as they call it “an oasis of peace”. ❤️

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A Common Thread

Brogalia
La Meirana 2023
Gavi D.O.C.G. del Comune di Gavi
100% Cortese di Gavi
Gavi, Italy
Brogalia family: current generation – Roberto & Fillipo (Piero’s sons), Bruno (Paolo’s son)

Shining yellow with a green sheen. Breathing in light grapefruit/tangelo, firm pears, white peaches, winter melon & a touch of honeydew, honeysuckle blossoms that later blend with jasmine, and a bit of mineral that is like fresh rained on pavers. What I’m sniffing is in the taste along with a splash of lime, white nectarines, and almonds that give it a dry fresh feel yet still fragrant. Simply lovely.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: just don’t

Before the Broglia family bought their estate “La Meirana” from Count Edilio Raggio in 1972, it had a long history dating back to at least June 3rd AD 972 as found on a lease stored in the l’Archivio di Stato di Genova. Two years after becoming the new owners, the Gavi DOC status was created and just in time for their first bottled wine. Later in 1998, it rose to DOCG. Now their lands are 100 ha in total, and 65 ha are vineyards (oldest are from 1950s) all of their celebrated Cortese. All along they have looked for ways to improve and innovate their grapes & winemaking. Along with renovating the winery, they have also worked with the University of Turin in clonal research and the University in Milan on sulfite-free wine production. All of this research and progress not only assists them in growth & higher quality wine…it also helps their neighbors and even all off us that have a chance to sip a glass from one of their classic bottles.

One more bit to add about this “family rooted in the heart of Gavi”, is a quote from their greeting video that sums up their passion and makes me smile. “We are all connected by a common thread, we love our land, we love the countryside, we love drinking wine, warm fireplaces, dogs, and a good bottle of wine.” Now that’s a beautiful life.