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A Beautiful Dream

Domaine François Villard
L’Appel des Sereines 2022
IGP Collines Rhodaniennes
100% Syrah
Certified organic (Ecocert)
Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône, France
Owner & winemaker: François Villard

Ruby red. Sniffing cherries, blackberries, something soft & gentle like violets, grind of black pepper, and a pinch of toasted coriander. Sip and there’s dried & fresh cherries, blackberries, red currants, and again the black pepper. It’s so full of a life, juicy and very mouthwatering. Somebody please bring me a 🍔

Pairs with Cheez-Its: delicious

François’s path into wine started as a chef & over time he became a sommelier which then led to the siren’s call of the vines. Fortunately he had good friends already in the business to show him the ropes and eventually an education & certificate in agriculture with a focus on all things wine (growing & making). Early on he built his skills, grew with experience, and then found his organic & elegant groove over 42 ha. When you check out his site you’re greeted by a pic of his infectious grin that’s so full of life & joy just like the one on my face after a glass of “L’Appel des Sereines”. My bet it is because he has found his own way to happiness. As he says on his site, “My dream would be to produce great wines for aging that we could drink immediately”…well I think that dream is already here. 🍷

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #organic #wineoclock #wineoftheday #wineislove #winetime #worldbyglass #France #syrah #bowlerwine  #francoisvillard #docwinebar #docwineshop

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A Family Growing Together & Branching Out

Domaine Labbé 
Abymes 2023
Vin de Savoie AOC
100% Jacquère
Sustainable
Savoie, France
Alexandra and Jérôme Labbe (cousins)

Lovely yellow shine. Sniff and there’s scents of apples, pears, lemon/lime squish, cantaloupe, and a mineral whiff from a spring house. Tasting apples & pears, a lemon/lime spark with zest, honeydew, a dash of that mineral again but very mellow, tiny drop of honeysuckle/greenery, and a lick of limestone. It’s clean & bright with a dry light tongue tingling touch.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: yes please

Roger and Marc Labbé (the fathers of Alexandra [Marc’s daughter] & Jérome [Roger’s son]) started out farming with a little bit of this & a little bit of that such as cows, their products, and the grains that feed them. There was one more ingredient to their mix…grapes, but they were at first an only weekend & spare time endeavor. As time moved along those little fruits formed Domaine Labbé, and this is where the cousins came into the picture by taking the reins in 2004. They’re hard working and are keeping it naturally sustainable with letting the grass grow in the rows & indigenous yeasts do their magic in the cellar. A & R also added a splash of red into their portfolio with introducing a little Pinot Noir & Mondeuse into their lives. They’ve also branched out to a second venture, “Terres de 1248”. Sparked by their love & respect of nature this 1.45 ha hope to be organic approved by their 2025 harvest. All I have to say is cheers to that and their passion for their vines. 🥂Looking forward to the future & tasting the new wines.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #organic #wineoclock #wineoftheday #wineislove #winetime #worldbyglass #France #skurnikwines #domainelabbe #docwinebar #docwineshop

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Fun, Friendly, and Chill

Les Vignerons du Castelas
Tranquille Pinard 2023
VDF
Grenache 70%, Syrah 30%
Rochefort-du-Gard, France

Shining raspberry ruby glass. Oh and remember chill it…just a little bit. There’s scents of cherry, raspberry, cranberry, and a little red plum. Taking a few small sips and it’s so light, fresh and easy. Tasting cherries, raspberries, a blackberry here & there, boysenberry, ripe red & dark plums (skins & all), and a light sizzle/burn on the back in a good way that waves hello and then goes back into hiding only to pop back up later. It’s a total glou glou and don’t overthink like I often do…just enjoy.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: I wish but nope

The Castelas co-op is built up of over 40 wine growing families with around 450 hectares. Some farm organic, but all have a deep respect for their vines, the land that nourishes them, and the people that share in their bottles. As for this “Tranquille Pinard” it was born out of a rough time in many of our lives…you know that not so long ago pandemic…”This cuvée was born during the first period of COVID, we were looking for a funny and friendly concept and an easy-drinking, fruity wine that could be drunk chilled.” Les Vignerons wants us all to enjoy the happy moments and even the small things that bring us delight in each day. As it says on the label, “On n’est pas bien là?” and from what I see somewhat translates to “Isn’t this the life!” Santé! 🍷

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #redwine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #organic #wineoclock #wineoftheday #wineislove #winetime #worldbyglass #France #SkinContactWines #lesvigneronsducastelas #docwinebar #docwineshop

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Preserving The Lands

Wither Hills
Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Certified Sustainable
Marlborough, New Zealand
Head winemaker: Matt Large
Winemakers: Andrew Petrie, Patricia Miranda-Taylor

Starlight shimmering light yellow-green. There’s scents of orange & other blossoms, wisteria, lemon, lime, grapefruit, guava, and a mineral salty breeze. Sipping away…lemon, lime, grapefruit, squeeze of tangerine & all the citrus zest, passion fruit, sliver of mango, green apples, super ripe home  grown cucumber, touch of bell pepper, cool mineral river rock lick, shake of salt, and a really teeny pinch of white pepper as it grows & then fades. Oh this glass has me craving a seafood tower like the one we had in Zeebrugge with langostinos, winkles & all.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: it’s complicated

Back in 2000, Wither Hills purchased their Rarangi Vineyard which had previously had not been given the proper care needed, and the wetlands (one of the largest in the region) in the middle of the site had been damaged due to areas being drained for farming & cattle, the water being compromised and invasive weeds popping up. Once it was in the winery’s hands they set off to fix the past wrongs. The cows were shown the door, pests were removed by trapping, native flora were replanted, they implemented careful protection of rare & threatened plants (like the Mazus novaezeelandiae) that were still sticking it out. Now the Rarangi Wetlands Conservation Project has an annual indigenous greenery planting day for members to celebrate that they’re continuing to keep it all sustainable. Now that is commendable and cool.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #organic #sustainable #wineoclock #wineoftheday #wineislove #winetime #worldbyglass #newzealand #distinguishedvineyards #witherhills #docwinebar #docwineshop

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Forever Strong

Azienda Agricola Fabiana
Negroamaro Salento IGP 2020
Total respect for their ecosystem, hand harvested, keeping it local
Faggiano, Salento, Puglia, Italy
Fabiana Baruzzi & mom

Shining ruby with a touch of garnet glints. Scents build over time of black cherries & skins, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries (maybe dried), hint of oak & touch cigar that expands to dark plums over time, little run through the bramble, with a touch of oil cured olive pits, a teeny bouquet of spring flowers & their leaves…and something that reminds me of repotting hanging plants under the warmth of the sun. Going in for the taste and there’s dark cherries & skins, red plums, and now trying again on day two there’s a depth that is wow with fresh & dried raspberry & strawberry, blackberry, little fennel/anise (maybe toasted), blueberries, orange zest, earth grows as we ride along, wild bramble with a bit of tobacco. This wine is romantic in a way you don’t want it to end and want to be selfish with it…well I definitely do.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: juicy bouncy & smooth

This bottle was a surprise shared on my birthday & then another gifted as a present later. Yes, that’s the same day I was & still going through dental insanity & couldn’t do any chewing but hey I could/can still drink wine. This jazzy little bottle pulled me right out of my doldrums because it truly is a wine of celebration of all things local to the Azienda which is important to this family. As I’ve been learning about who they are I’m finding a story of resilience & strength. In one year Fabiana’s father passed from cancer & her brother had to take over the winery while she utilized her business skills marketing the wines, then the unthinkable happened…her brother Michele unfortunately died in a car accident. To be punched emotionally twice in one year is so heartbreaking, but she was determined to keep her father’s memory alive with assistance from her mom. There have been attempts to buy & sabotage their land, crops, steal their grapes, etc, but she is not backing down. Fabiana, you are my inspiration…you are one strong woman & winemaker. Raising a glass to you, your family, and your magical wines. 🍷❤️

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #organic #wineoclock #wineoftheday #wineislove #winetime #worldbyglass #Italy #tradizionenyc #agricolafabiana #fabianawines #docwineshop #docwinebar

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“It Is Simply Cultural”

Azienda Biologica Bio Vio
U Bastio 2021
Rossese 100%
Riviera Ligure di Ponente DOC
Organic
Bastia d’Albenga, Liguria, Italy
Aimone Giobatta Vio & family (Mom: Chiara; Daughters: Caterina, Camilla, Carolina)

Ruby stained glass. Breathing in bouncing raspstrawblueberries (and maybe a few others in the mix), twist of cherry, lemon & orange zest, and a pinch of light earth & cool slate. All I’ve been sniffing are there in the sip that wakes up my mouth & puts a smile on my face. There’s also blackberries (seeds & all), a little chew of wild sour grass from childhood that has kind of a rhubarb vibe too, light earth turns into a savory & pinch of peppery pixie dust including that slate, a tangle of wild herbs that you really don’t need to think about unless you want to dissect like me (marjoram, oregano, and savory) and orange zest

Pairs with Cheez-Its: I think I like it…still making up my mind…but you know what it pairs lovely with Cowgirl Creamery’s Mt. Tam

Bio Bio is so much more than just a winery. It’s about family, respect, traditions, the Ligurian way of life, and more. As they say, “Growing organically is neither a technical nor an economic choice: it is simply cultural .” For generations they’ve farmed carciofo spinoso di Albenga, herbs, Taggiasca olives, Brussel sprouts, other leafy vegs, and of course native grapes; and you can experience it all in person by booking a stay at one of their Pigato Biovio Farmhouse apartments. From there you can investigate all they & Albenga have to offer. Later join them in their OrtOsteria René where you’ll find local & home grown seasonal delights (BTW Orto = home vegetable garden) created by Chef Carolina (youngest of the 3 daughters) who interprets recipes passed down from her mom, nonna e nonno. Check out their IG (tagged in pic) and it will have you checking your calendar & booking a reservation as fast as you can. I’m already dreaming of their Farfalle di castagna, funghi porcini, rape dell’orto and another glass of wine. 🍄‍🟫🌰❤️🍷

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #organic #wineoclock #wineoftheday #wineislove #winetime #worldbyglass #Italy #winemonger #ortosteriarenebiovio #biovioaziendagricola #docwinebar #docwineshop

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Tingly Tastebud Vibrations

Dio Cocktails
Turmeric Ginger Lemon Mule
Super Natural
13.5% ABV
Based out of NY, NY
Made in Athens, GA
Co-founders: Bronson van Wyck & Nick Bradley

Lovely pour of yellow with a green splash & bubbles. Sniff and there’s turmeric, ginger, sugar cane, lemon, a whiff of white pepper, and a salty breeze. Sipping and wow that is quite a delicious explosion and it’s all there from the sniff with more crisp lemon & zest, a teeny shave of orange, a peppery vibe that grows & a shake of salt. Awesome tingly tastebud vibrations, or as they say “A double dose of spirit with a splash of sin”.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: bleh

Two men of international intrigue…one with a flair for getting the party started & the other with expertise in getting a brand launched (both originally Southerners btw) paired to make intriguing classic & inventive cocktails with a nod to mythology, gods, other worldly pleasures. Dionysus would be totally impressed with these men and their lively libations, since “DIo  is crafted from the world’s finest, all-natural ingredients, offering modern twists on classic cocktails from around the world. Divinely distilled from Herculean-strength spirits, our luxurious libations are sweetened sinlessly . . . so you don’t have to be.”

#cocktails #cannedcocktails #gin #wineinacan #wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #wineislove #winetime #worldbyglass #drinkdio #docwinebar #docwineshop

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Lingering Over The Last Glass

Domaine de La Taille aux Loups (Jacky et J.P. Blot)
Brut Tradition
100% Chenin Blanc
Certified organic, indigenous yeasts, no sugar, hand harvested
Montlouis-sur-Loire, France
Jean-Phillipe Blot

Golden shine with fine bubbles. Sniff and up floats a little croissant or toasty pastry, a zesty bit of lime, lemon cream pie, as it grows there’s also an apple blossom or 2, apple/pear baked, and a scratch of tangelo zest. Sipping…it’s tickling & tingling on my tongue with all of the scents, a crisp & bright clean mineral/stainless elegance, lemon & lime keep dancing but more than just zest with a smidge of kumquat, and on the very back a bit of poached pear or actually maybe quince…yeah, it’s quince. It’s a glass of pure celebration.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: Just don’t

Many years ago Jean-Phillipe joined his father in winemaking at the age of 16, and now he is at the helm after his father’s passing in 2023. I never had an opportunity to meet him but through this bottle I think I have a glimpse into his dream. Found out that earlier in his life he was a paratrooper, and thanks to his brother was turned on to wine which led to being a wine broker and then his curiosity and passion led him to become a winemaker. In the late 80s, he picked up 8 ha in Montlouis-sur-Loire (Domaine de La Taille aux Loups) and focused not on Vouvray but Chenin Blanc. There were ups and downs but his resilience and determination paid off. He became an acclaimed winemaker, one of the finest in Loire, and a champion of Chenin Blanc. As brilliant of a wine figure he was, there are so many words people use to describe him in tribute..he’s generous, friendly, welcoming, so very kind, wanting to share his knowledge & joy of tastings, and he was so loved by so many. I’m down to my last glass, savouring it and raising it as a salute to Jacky & also J.P. as he carries on the traditions. 🥂

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #brut #sparklingwine #bubbly  #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #organic #wineoclock #wineoftheday #wineislove #winetime #worldbyglass #France #loirevalley #cheninblanc  #skurnikwines #domainedelatailleauxloups #docwinebar #docwineshop

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“Friendship Is A Slow Ripening Fruit”

Supergay Spirits
Two Fruits
Cosmo
Sustainably sourced & packaged
12.5% ABV
Based in Brooklyn, NY
Distillery in PA

Hazy pink grapefruit pour. At first there’s fragrant scents of pink/orange jelly beans that grow into a natural fruit blend of nectarines, orange/citrus sparkle, and light cranberry with a lime squeeze. Such an easy sipper & tasting nectarine, cranberry, an orange/lime/kumquat (spelling) swirl with their zest singed & twisted in the edge, a small reminder of chewing sugar cane as a kid on holidays…but not too sweet & just dry enough on the back. FYI one can holds two cocktails, so beware of cocktail goggles, or you know…just go with it and see what present you end up unwrapping. 🎁

Pairs with Cheez-Its: Just don’t.

Two Fruits is Supergay Spirits’ line of cocktails but it’s more than that. They care about sustainability in all aspects of their production, less waste (recycle it!), and work with local producers (when available) like in this can with their Supergay Vodka (Yonkers, NY) & Heimat Nectarine Liqueur (Hudson Valley, NY). Another thing to add about Supergay is they “only use 100% organic and ethically sourced”ingredients in their spirits, and are “queer owned and operated and we donate a percentage of profits to local LGBTQI+ organizations.” That’s a big plus for me. Another plus is Two Fruits was founded by friends…who doesn’t need supportive friends who you can share your dreams & drinks. As they say on their site in a quote attributed to Aristotle, “Friendship is a slow ripening fruit.” ❤️🏳️‍🌈

#cocktails #cannedcocktails #cocktailsofinstagram #cosmo #wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #wineislove #winetime #friyay #weekend #weekendvibes #worldbyglass #supergayspirits #twofruits #docwinebar #docwineshop

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Imagine Better

Gérald Vallée
Mercies-Vallée
La Closerie Imaginaire 2023
Sauvignon Blanc
Touraine AOC
Organic (Ecocert certified now), hand picked
Touraine, Loire Valley, France
Gérald Vallée & family

Light shimmering gold. Scents start popping out of lemon, lime, tangerine, grapefruit, kumquat, Valencia oranges along with orange blossoms, mineral river rocks, and an old favorite of Orangina. Sipping and there’s a good squeeze of the scents including the rock, pineapple, little scrape of mango with green apples & pears, and a blade of grass.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: Easy as pie

Gérald Vallée’s father Claude passed along the love and devotion for their vines (Domaine de la Cotelleraie) and when he took over in 1997, he realized to move forward with his wines, he had to focus more. They had for years cultivated their grapes along with other farming, but he would be the 1st generation to be “devoted itself solely to wine.” This led him toward heading to the organic side in 1999, growing not only in ha but also together in rhythms, setting up “rigorous work schedule of plowing, digging, hoeing and treatment with sulfur or copper from spring to avoid the use of chemical weedkillers, fertilizers and other pesticides”. Well, obviously it has paid off. He’s known & acclaimed for his cabernet francs, so was a bit of a delightful surprise to see this sauvignon blanc that even on the label calls for us to imagine something better for the world…to follow him to a better way of wine life through nature. Oops now I have that classic John Lennon song stuck in my head, so I’m passing this earwig on to you. 

“You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one”

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #organic #wineoclock #wineoftheday #wineislove #winetime #worldbyglass #France #loirevalley #zevrovineselections #DomainedelaCotelleraie #MerciesVallée #docwinebar #docwineshop