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Bubbling Romance

Château de Minière
Bulles de Minière
100% Cabernet Franc
Sparkling Red Wine
Organic Agriculture Ecocert, HVE
Bourgueil, Loire Valley, France
Kathleen Van den Berghe & Sigurd Mareels

Deep maroon purple with pretty in pink bubbles. At first sniff there’a a bit of creaminess (kind of Oreo center) followed quickly by raspberries, fresh picked pink & red strawberries, boysenberries, spring house mineral fresh, cherries, tiny tarty plum, and after a bit a bouquet of spring flowers pop up. Sipping raspberries, blackberries & seeds, blueberries, strawberries, dried cherry & cranberry, a touch of lemon spark in the back and a crisp end. This bubbly is pure romance, so go ahead and shoot that arrow…through my heart!

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: brings out a bigger depth of berries

Well, this is truly a bottle of romance…after honeymooning Kathleen & Sigurd (originally from Belgium) began searching for a vineyard to call their own. Once they saw Château de Minière, well just take a look at the site for yourself, the home and grounds are just gorgeous (it’s like living in a fairytale setting), and has centuries of history with women at the helm of the manor. Kathleen has joined that line, not only with rejuvenating the castle while keeping it true to its historic roots, but also tending to the environment and all that resides in it. Even with the organic & biodynamic you would expect for the vines, there’s also a LPO bird sanctuary, bee hives, rainwater recovery, and more. Oh and not to be forgotten, “Careful thought has been given to the bottling of the wine, for instance: lightweight bottles, unbleached cardboard, strict traceability of corks, nothing is left to chance.” What started out in my mind as a bottle of romance, I now see as a beautiful passionate labor of love. ❤️

#wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #organic #naturalwine #worldbyglass #winelover #winetime #sparklingwine #bubbly #loirevalleywines #loirevalley #France @cheezit  @chateaudeminiere @communalbrands @docwineshop @docwinebar

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Like Father, Like Daughter

Ca N’Estruc BI
Xarel·lo Ancestral 2021
Pét-Nat
Organic, biodynamic, hand harvested, indigenous yeasts, unfined & unfiltered
Esparreguera, Catalunya, Spain
Winemaking family: Anna Martí Pitart (daughter), Francisco Martí Badia (father)

Light gold with dainty bubbles. Breathing in pears, a dusting of fresh baked baguettes & a teeny bit of pie spice. Everything is light & gentle as it opens to include white peach, apple, mild honeysuckle, a scattering of spring flowers, and a pinch of dried apricot that blossoms into a citrus blend. Sipping along and there’s a refreshing jumble of the scents along with an exhale of a sprig of hay. The apples & pears mingle beautifully like fresh bites in the orchard with a lime zest zing, and it’s so delightfully crisp that it leaves me with a big ol’ smile.

Pairs with @cheezit: brings out more apples

BI is Anna’s line of small production wines (this one has only 1,222 bottles so grab 1 before it’s gone) from her family’s estate, Ca N’Estruc which has usually passed to the sons through the generations & dates back to 1574. This is also a project & collaboration with her father (which I find absolutely endearing & cool to get to work with your dad). Growing up surrounded by vines, wine & people that respect nature, how could she not end up following in his footsteps while finding her own natural wine path. Her father Francisco is the man that changed the trajectory of Ca N’Estruc by telling his father, that they needed to make better wine. Thank goodness he listened! Oh, and one more thing about Francisco, I had absolutely no idea that he & Quim Vila joined forces around 30 years ago, to open the larger Vila Viniteca (wine store & distribution) on Carrer dels Agullers. That is a must stop every time I go to Barcelona because for a wine lover like me it is exciting & overwhelming in a good way. There’s shelves and shelves reaching the ceiling of bottles from all over. So Anna & Francisco, I may have never met you, but both of you have brought two great gifts into my life…your amazing wines & one of the happiest places (stores) on earth.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #vinnaturel #PétNat #petnat #winestagram #instawine #winelover #winetasting #winetime #organic #Spain #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #vilaviniteca #canestruc #josepastorselections #vinewinenyc

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Nothing Is Impossible

Aslina Wines
Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
Winemaker: Ntsiki Biyela

Twinkle twinkle little light yellow green star. Sniffing grapefruit, orange, lemon & lime, slice of pineapple, honey dew & other light melon, very ripe cucumbers, fresh rained on sidewalk with a cooling breeze, and pinch of salt. All of the scents are here in the taste along with a smidge of honey, a smooth operator feel of silk, satin or whatever might make you slide off the sheets, lemon & lime zest spark at the back, and a little fresh cut grass green good. This glass just keeps growing in personality and is definitely being added to my replay list.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: easy going good

Ntsiki saw an opportunity and ran with it. Post high school she was searching for a university scholarship and ended up receiving one in winemaking, but here’s the catch, at the time she really didn’t know anything about wine, but that wasn’t going to stop her. After graduating in 2003, she started working with Stellekaya Wines, became South Africa’s first black female winemaker, started accumulating awards & recognitions including “Woman Winemaker of the Year, 2009”, and following her desire to have her own business, she started creating her own wines. When it came to picking a name, “Aslina” is very fittingly named after her grandmother who raised her, was always there for her, is still a guiding force in her decision making (as in considering what would Aslina do in this situation), and gave her the inspiration that

“nothing is impossible”. There’s a great video/interview by Food For Mzansi that shows Ntsiki ’s reverence and joy talking about her grandmother, her expanding wine life, and a part that really hits @worldbyglass home with me about tasting wine. “When you pour this wine in a glass, where does it take you to, what do you imagine when you’re having that wine…it must create a memory, it must remind you of your life. It must remind you of certain things you grow up with…”. ❤️

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #worldbyglass #southafrica #organic #WesternCape #wineinacan #winetime #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits @cheezit @wine4theworld @aslina_wines @docwinebar @docwineshop

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Bubbling…Morning, Noon & Night

Bernard Vallette
Pét Matin
Sparkling Wine
100% Chardonnay
Biodynamic, Demeter certified, hand harvested, native yeasts
Lachassagne, Beaujolais, France
Agnès Clamens & Bernard Vallette

Warm gold with very active fine bubbles. Breathing in pears, brioche or a memory of mom’s homemade pie crust, sprig of hay, Golden Delicious apples, a lively lemon squeeze that after a bit lime joins in, as time goes by some orchard blossoms & a little magnolia, and a touch of honey dew. Take a sip and again there’s pears & green apples, touch of Nilla wafer, a lemon splash and green smidge of lime zest. It’s crisp, delightful, delicious, and a little seltzer sparky. Makes you just want the bottle to never run out.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: a bright and elegant dance

I love not only this wine, but oh this label! Great retro movie poster style and colors, which has me wondering is there a flick this is referencing? Anyone know? Now as for the type/words, I and Google Translate may be butchering this translation, “When there’s no room in the cellar in the morning, we have to drink”. Yes, just give me an excuse to have a small bit of bubbles with breakfast. I’ll welcome making space in the cave. Also look a bit further down in the small print. Now I really have to chuckle, “There is no explicit mouse in this wine. However, there are scents of wildness that may be considered shocking. No one under 21 will be admitted.” Thank goodness NO MICE! I’m fine with a little wild tumble, but please let’s keep this Mickey free.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #vinnaturel #PétNat #petnat #winestagram #instawine #winelover #winetasting #winetime #organic #France #Beaujolais #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #naturalwine #BernardVallette #mfwwineco #vinewinenyc

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Believing In & Building The Future

Bosman Family Vineyards
Generation 8 
47 Varietal Rosé 2022
(yes this special field blend from their “Vine vineyard” is truly 47, just check out the breakdown on their tech sheet)
Wellington, South Africa
Vine growers & wine producers: Bosman Family (8 Generations so far)
CEO Petrus Bosman

Rosy pinky orange sunrise. Scents of strawberries, cherry & cranberries, pink plums, a little Southern biscuit, and a touch of Yellowstone (my parents loved doing that roadtrip when I was a kid and those paint pots made a big impression) that will fade. Sipping and there’s strawberries (wild, homegrown and green to red), raspberries, cranberries, lemon zing, and pink, yellow & green plums (skin and all). Just fresh and easy drinking.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: smooth and brings out more berries

Whenever I end up with a bottle from Bosman, I think about how this bottle factors into so much social responsibility. The Bosmans have been an accredited Fairtrade producer since 2009, and back then their 260 employees received a 26% stake of the business. They really care about their workers, community and growing healthy vines that can be spread to other producers which can also be seen with their work with the Adama Trust. Each bottle sold gives back a percentage to the Adama foundation and the community can sort how to allot the funds, such as education, child care, housing, healthcare, a choir and so much more. As Petrus Bosman said, “We have lived together, worked together and cared for each other on this farm for centuries, passing on values and skills from one generation to another, over and over again. For us creating opportunities for advancement within our community is not simply a good idea, it is a way of life.”

#wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #southafrica #bosmanwines #Rosé #wine4theworld @cheezit @wine4theworld @bosmanwines @docwineshop @docwinebar

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¡Es Rosa!

Bodega Txakoli Rezabal
Txakoli Rosé 2022
Getariako Txakolina D.O.
Hondarrabi Beltza 80%, Hondarrabi Zuri 20%
Sustainable, hand harvested, indigenous yeasts
Zarautz, Basque Country, Spain
Family owned winery: The Rezabals

Light salmon pinky splash with a little fizz. From the first inhale here come the strawberries, a little Oreo cream smooth, salty breeze, and a lemon squeeze with a light orange zest. Now there’s a jumble of strawberries from farm to wild and I do love the wild ones (pink to red) dancing on my tongue, next a raspberry bounces through with a creamy feel, some lemon curd with a brighter lime spark, seltzer salt, and a mineral rock lick. It’s joyful and very easy to drink so pick up a couple.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: makes it too acidic so NO

The Rezabals are rooted in their passing of the wine/vine from generation to generation and holding on to traditions while utilizing today’s technology. It’s a beautiful harmony of the people, land, their micro-climate, and of course in the end the excellent grapes that convey their whole story. As they say, “Txakoli Rosé is “Female – Musical – Captivating” “We call Txakoli Rezabal Rosé “musical” because there is a good harmony in its sensations.” As many of you know, when I explore a wine, music usually just pops in my head like the bottle’s own soundtrack, and since today is Barbie’s big day, well it’s PINK! As Lizzo says…Vamos Barbie…

🎶“In pink goes with everything (Oh, yeah)
Beautiful from head to toe
I’m read’ to go, you know, you know
It’s pink (Pretty pink)
Good enough to drink (Oh, yeah)”🎶

#wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #winemaking #winetime #Rosé #rosewine #winelover #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #basquecountry #Spain #Txakoli #Lizzo #Barbie #Barbiemovie @cheezit @ripewineimports @docwineshop @docwinebar @rezabaltxakoli

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A Wild Frisky Bounce

Clos Kixhaya
“Pet by Nat” 2021
Vin mousseux de France
Méthode ancestrale
Brut nature
100% Cabernet Franc
Natural, biodynamic, sustainable
Chinon, Loire Valley, France
Winemakers: Béatriz Papamija & Étienne Le Blanc

Amber salmon streaked sunset with fine bubbles tracing designs on the surface. Breathing in young strawberries, raspberries, pomegranate, a squeeze of lemon, a sprig of hay, little apple cider tart tingle in a good way & natural forest floor that fades, and a pinch of shortbread cookie. Sipping and there’s a jumble of all the berries including goose, pomegranate, little lemon, a mellow scone moment, and as it opens a bit of Georgia peach with a mineral lick of a rock & a wild frisky bounce. Just delightful!

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: step away from the bag, this is a full on NO

Béatriz & Étienne are a very well rounded couple with backgrounds in everything from economics to architecture and now wine. Sure looks like these two can do just about anything when they make a decision, listen to their intuition, and make sure they end up exactly where they feel they should be. Turns out their home base in the wine world is in Chinon and includes not only the 4.5 ha of old 50-90 year old vines (only Cabernet Franc) but also a house & cellar which is perfect for raising a family & a farm (that also benefits the vines). If you want to see some beautiful images of their labor of natural love, pop over to their IG page. I love the pinned video of Béatriz spraying the vines with “valerian flower extract dynamised in water”. I had no idea that what helps us with stress also works for plants. As said, “We love the idea of healing plants with other plants!” 🍇🐇

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #vinnaturel #PétNat #petnat #kixhaya #closkixhaya #winestagram #instawine #winelover #winetasting #winetime #worldbyglass #organic #France #Loire #Chinon #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #vinnature #naturalwine #loirevalley #loirevalleywines @cheezit  @vinewinenyc @clos_kixhaya @terrestrialwine

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Playing In The Waves

Las Jaras Wines
Waves Botanical Spritzer
Gruner Veltliner 75%, Albariño 15%, Chenin Blanc 10%
Angelica Root, Juniper, Rose Buds, Green Cardamom, Grapefruit Peel, Rosemary, Coriander, Douglas Fir Needles, Anise, Star Anise, Lemongrass (all organic)
Organic
Sebastopol, CA
Winemakers: Joel Burt and Eric Wareheim
Label art: Jen Stark

Pop that chilled can and pour…it’s light gold with green glimmers and a touch of fizz. Inhale a few times and out pops up juniper, cardamom, clove, a light sprig of rosemary, allspice, celery salt, and light white cherry soda. Sipping in the shade and there’s all of the above spices, light grapefruit squeeze with lemon/lime spritz, lemongrass, white & yellow cherries, a basil/mint spark, tiny crack of white pepper, and as it opens Cel-ray. This is very refreshing and tingly, and something about it makes me crave a grilled hot dog and some kielbasa so pack some up for a backyard party and don’t forget to bring a good sharp mustard.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: meh

Waves is a perfect name for this spritzer, since those flavors/scents just ebb & flow over your tastebuds and tickle your nose. Also very cool pairing with Jen Stark’s artwork bursting with color and life…kind of like a cross between a psychedelic star burst & a reminder of Jasper Johns’ “Target”. There’s nothing static about her work because her vibrant colors that are at times combined with reflective surfaces will draw your eye like a dance throughout the entire piece. Btw I love how Las Jaras finds artists they love for their labels. Check more out here.  🌊

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #worldbyglass #California #organic #wineinacan #winetime #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #spritzer #waveswine @cheezit @lasjaraswines @waves.wine @docwineshop @docwinebar

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A Sultry Night In The Heart Of The City

Swick Wines
City Nights
Rosé
44% Mourvedre, 36% Grenache Noir, 20% Syrah
Bring it.
Conley Vineyard
Columbia Valley AVA
Yakima, Washington
Certified organic situated at 1600-1700 feet elevation
Bottled & produced Newborn, OR
Winemaker/Proprietor: Joe Swick

Sunset salmon. There’s scents of strawberries (green & pink & red & wild), wild sour grass, lemon spritz, fresh running spring or creek where you turn over rocks looking for crayfish, yellow cherries & plums, a little forest funk, as it opens there’s mild watermelon, and a bit of torn fresh basil. All of the scents are right there in the taste with a whiff of smoke & that lick of rock, salt, and a brighter lemon spark with some orange zest. Lovely and a stand out star!

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: berg way too tart…just don’t

I’ve lost track of how many Swick wines I’ve had and honestly each one has brought me joy in one way or another, albeit thoughtful, expressive, or just happy. Their site says this rosé is, “Inspired by the opening track on Allan Holdsworth’s 1989 album Secrets” which I can totally see…well hear and feel, but last night when I was relaxing with a glass in the sultry heat of this city night, I couldn’t help but switch to a heartfelt Mark Eitzel mix. Is he a poet, is he a singer/songwriter or is he just a pure artistic soulful siren? Kind of like Joe’s masterful creative intuitive winemaking touch that always draws me in, so these two just vibe together oh so well or should I say they both “Bring it”. Here’s a set to enjoy while keeping cool on another hot evening with another glass. Cheers!

#wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #worldbyglass #winelover #wineoclock #markeitzel #winemaker #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #naturalwine #Rosé #organic #washington #oregon #swickwines @cheezit @swickwines @swickjoe @docwineshop @docwinebar

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Enjoy The Ride

Celler Escoda-Sanahuja
Els Bassotets 2021
Garnacha Blanca 70%, Parellada 20%, Garnacha Gris 10%
Organic, biodynamic, native yeasts
Conca de Barberá, Catalunya, Spain
Joan Ramón Escoda & Mari Carme (husband & wife)

Hazy orange/warm deep gold. Nose tickling citrus blend of lemon, tangerine, kumquat, orange (all with zest) & more, lively wild tanginess with a straw of hay, puff of smoke, a toasty bit of homemade bread, and tart young green apples. Take a sip and there’s a cideresque bit at first, all that tangle of wild goodness hay & toast is there with all that sparky citrus jumble but more depth, a bit of rhubarb, tart pear & green apples, white pepper on the back, and I think a little fresh green bell pepper. Let this baby breathe and enjoy the ride as it grows and looking forward to where it takes me because that pepper is growing.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: surprisingly really good

Oh the description of Joan on his site is too good not to just quote, “He’s not just a winemaker, he’s a grassroots innovator, a radical winemaker, a sentimental husband, a stressed-out father, and an absolute anarchist … absolute rock and roll. If you’ve ever tasted their wines, you’ve got the proof … it’s never banal.” He definitely has a lot going on from keeping the winery very, very natural & sulfite free; then there’s also Tossal Gros (their seasonal, organic restaurant in the winery); oh and did I mention that he & his friend, Laureano Serres, founded PVN (Spain’s 1st natural wine association) & they have a yearly wine fair H2O Vegetal. I’m already winded just thinking of every exciting & inspiring move they’re making…just so naturally cool.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #whitewine #orangewine #winestagram #instawine #winelover #winetasting #winetime #worldbyglass #organic #Spain #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #ElsBassotets #escodasanahuja @restaurant_tossal_gros @indiewineries @vinewinenyc @cheezit