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Wine Is A Window

Illimis Wines
Transparency
Sum of the Parts 2021
Cinsault 50%, Pinot Noir 31%, Pinotage 19%
Sustainable
South Africa
Founder & Winemker: Lucinda Heyns

Shining cherry ruby. Lovely scents of cherries (dried & fresh), dark plums, a raspberry cranberry cocktail, and spring flowers with a touch of vanilla frosting or kinda “Milk Bar” Confetti Cookies. Sipping and it’s a jumble of all the cherries & plums, cranberry tang, pomegranate squeeze, a mix of raspblueblackberry velvet, small shave of singed orange zest bite, and a poof of gentle smoke. A light & classy youngster that has their act together.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: nah

As Lucinda Heyns says, “wine should be a window to where its vineyard is rooted” and her way of letting that happen is through minimal intervention and letting the grape tell you its own tale. With this “Sum of the Parts” the fruits blend beautifully together as a synergistic symphony. While becoming fascinated and learning about Heyns’ wines, I found out something to love them even more. She has a big heart. As it says on her site “Life is a gift, and it offers us the opportunity and responsibility to give something back” and she does to the non-profit Horizon House “which is a residential and sheltered-employment centre specialising in the holistic care of people with a primary intellectual disability.” It’s a safe space for them to live, learn skills, and socialize. You can even purchase some of their creations from their bakery and other goods, or if you also want to help, you can give back by donating too.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #SouthAfrica #organic #winetime #redwine #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #huishorison #illimiswines @illimiswines @wine4theworld @docwineshop @docwinebar

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Let’s Bounce Today

Clos D’Audhuy
Queue de Pressoir
VDF
70% Ségalin, 30% Malbec
Organic, hand harvested
Lacapelle-Cabanac, France
Winemaker: Benoit Aymard

Deep shining ruby purple. Breathing in a little creme dappled strawberry, raspberry, tiny touch of cherry along with soft & gentle blossoms in the breeze (good grief that sounds cheesy but it’s there), dollop of jam, and a smidge of earth. Oh this tastes so delicious…young & ripe strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and a few other berries mixed in with a moment of Starbursts that flutters away, a little cherry & plum tart tang, and after a while a zippy shave of citrus zest and back to that bit of earth. As this juicy goodness rolls around in my mouth it gives me a happy bounce. You know that feeling sailing free at the rink on roller skates (NOT blades) and getting in to that dance flow groove bounce. Those were good days filled with laughter and even crashing out didn’t hurt. Just get up again and let the song get you back on your way. 🛼

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: brings on a deeper delight

When Benoit ended up with his old Malbec vineyards, turns out some it also came along with some Ségalin. As he says on his site, “when you find yourself with a plot of Ségalin, a rustic grape variety from Quercy, you are a little annoyed.” Well, he obviously  overcame that little irritation and harnessed it into a beautifully joyous velvet blend that loves a little chill and pairs well with my new favorite YouTube channel @SkateLyfeTV.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #redwine #winelover #winetasting #winetime #worldbyglass #organic #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #France @skatelyfe_tv @cheezit @closdaudhuy @ripewineimports @vinewinenyc

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Brothers, Burgundy & Bubbles

Chapuis et Chapuis
La Bulle 2019
100% Pinot Noir
VDF
Sparkling wine
Organic, hand harvested, methode traditionnelle
Ladoix-Serrigny, Burgundy, France
Winemakers & brothers: Romain & Jean-Guillaume Chapuis

There was a bit of a tussle between my tiny wiry hands and the cork but as you can see…I won! Pour and it’s warm gold with a touch of rose and fine active bubbles. Sniffing and my first thought is fresh out of the oven Pear en Croute with buttery pastry (no cheese) and blended with apples, dried apricots & golden raisins, and a light citrus zest. Take a sip and it’s zippy, bright, & crisp! There’s a citrus zing along with those pears & apples with buttery pastry/brioche, tart plum, a lick of slate and a teeny grind of black pepper waaaay on the back. Mmmm…lip tingling.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: surprisingly good but I prefer without to get the full flavor

Does anyone know who did this beautiful label? Please help stop me from going down the artist googling rabbit hole again! Back to the Chapuis brothers, who come from a lineage of winegrowers but have gone their own path with not 1 but 2 wine labels, Chapuis Frères and Chapuis et Chapuis (their side project & natural line…which is mighty fine). Before Romain returned to Burgundy to team up with Jean-Guillaume, he spent time learning/working in wine from France, New Zealand, Australia, & Lebanon. Wow Lebanon! Just watched “Wine and War” this weekend and it put so much into perspective about how impassioned winegrowers/makers can be in all conditions. Romain, if by any chance you actually read this post and would love to share, I would love to hear more about that experience! 🥂

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #sparklingwine #winelover #winetasting #winetime #worldbyglass #organic #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #pinotnoir #burgundy #France @chapuisetchapuis @jeffreyalpertselections @vinewinenyc @cheezit

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Fresh, Friendly & Live Frogs

Domaine Marcel Richaud
Bulbille 2021
Appellation Côtes du Rhône Protégée
51% Grenache, 34% Counoise and 15% Syrah
Organic
Cairanne, France
The Richaud Family: Marcel (dad), Thomas (son) & Claire (daughter)

Shining ruby with little bits of blue. Breathing in lively cherries, raspberries, red plums along with tiny spring flowers and a touch of tilled earth that waves bye on a breeze. Rolling around on my tongue are those cherries & raspberries joined by blackberries with seeds and a little ramble bramble, a bit of smoke, and a grind of pepper. This glass is light on its feet and so fresh!

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: mmm smooth

What would you do if your teenage son came to you and said, “I want to be an independent grower & winemaker!”? Probably the same reaction my parents had when I decided to go to school for art. Actually probably not in Marcel’s case since he had a leg up on vine education since his family was well versed in growing & selling grapes, and working with the local co-op. As you can see, the path he chose turned out to be a successful one and now includes his adult kids. Evidently this wine, Bulbille was a “young bud”ding idea from his daughter Claire on “making fresh wines even in very warm climates”. Well Claire & all, it definitely works!

Side note: this was tasted while watching Season 3, Episode 2 of “The Mandalorian”. It’s definitely Grogu approved, but does not pair well with live frogs.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #sparklingwine #winelover #winetasting #winetime #mandalorian #themandalorian #worldbyglass #organic #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #redwine #cotesdurhone #France @domainemarcelrichaud @louisdressnerselections @vinewinenyc @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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A Rocking Winemaking Jedi Master

Gönc Winery
Anna 2021
Dry Rosè
50% Žametna črnina, 20% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Grigio, 10% Blaufränkisch
Hand harvested, natural winemaking
Štajerska-Slovenia, Eastern Slovenia
Winemaker: Peter Gönc

Salmon on the lighter side. Beautiful mix of scents that sing summer…cantaloupes, honeydew, watermelons, strawberries, red currants, SC peaches from my old orchard (used to make the best hand cranked ice cream), and a whiff of slate. Sipping mild cantaloupe, strawberries, super ripe cucumber, peaches, lemon tingle, and a flinty mineral lick.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: makes everything more crisp and sharpen

I’m asking all of you to PLEASE watch “I Hate Everything About Wine”, a very short documentary on Gönc Winery. Just going to say it, I’ve never met this man, but I think I’ve just fallen in love with Peter Gönc within over 5 minutes of video. He hated wine because as a boy because his dad kept him working in the vineyard while all the other kids got to go out and play, so when he had his chance to head in a different direction he just took off only to realize later…maybe it’s not so bad after all. On return he realized whoops, he didn’t know how to make wine, so he just Googled & Youtubed. He somehow is like a natural wine Jedi Master or DJ. He feels what is right, and oh boy does it work. While he’s alone in the cellar, rock music keeps him company. One day he just wrote Starman on a barrel and it went from there. Names began to mesh with the labels, so you’re drinking his groove. Albeit the two I had weren’t from that series. Instead I got a UFO abduction and this one “Anna” named for his grandmother. Guess that means I’m going to have to pick up more asap to spin with some Bowie. ⚡️Peter you seriously rock!

#wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram  #instawine #winemaking #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #rosé #rosato #Rosè #Slovenia #bowie  @jp.bourgeois @goncwinery @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

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The Language Of Flowers

Sonshine Vins
Blanksia 2019
100% Colombard
Biodynamic, indigenous yeast
Jujurieux, France
Winemaker: Lisanne van Son

Spun gold. Breathing in and it starts out soft or should I say creamy with mellow peach, pear & apple, a tiny tangerine whiff, pluots, and salt. Sip and it elegantly glides in with nectarine, pear & apple, also those pluots again & green plums, a lime/citrus stabilizing spark, and lick of slate. It’s just fresh, delicious, and full of life.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: vibrant joy

Blanksia’s name is taken from Australia’s Banksia flower(s). I had always wondered what these exotic looking beauties were. Turns out they symbolize rebirth and new beginnings which could represent each part of Lisanne’s wine globe hopping tale. Originally from the Netherlands (somm life started there), then on to the stops in the UK & Belgium, next up is France where she set her sights on making her own wine in a troglodyte cave with grapes from reputable organic/biodynamic grapes which she was part of the hand harvesting. She doesn’t stop there either, bc there’s also Australia and another project with other natural wine friends in the Adelaide Hills. I can’t wait to see where or what she has coming up next!

#wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #Colombard #France #tessbryantwine @tessbryant.wine  @vinewinenyc @sonshinevins @cheezit

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When Life Brings You Grapes

Commune of Buttons
Gloria 2019
100% Pinot Noir
Organic, biodynamic, indigenous yeast
Basket Range, Adelaide Hills, South Australia
Winemakers, owners & farmers: Sophie & Jasper Buttons (sister & brother)

Shining ruby with purple splashes. Ooh what’s that waving at my nose…strawberries, cherries, some forest floor with a dash of cardamon, and then back to blossoms. Tasting strawberries ( both ripe and green), cherries…and oddly a little of a cherry starburst (over time), lemon (fruit & zest), a splash of mandarin orange, red currants, and a pinch of white pepper. Just remember give it a little breathing room…don’t crowd it…a little extra space and time is a good thing.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: yummy

Jasper and Sophie came back not to get into winemaking but to revitalize their parents’ farm. Well..sometimes life just throws you a new route. You know how the saying goes, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”, and in their case it brought them grapes and influence & knowledge from natural winemaker Anton van Klopper, so then hey, make organic/biodynamic wine! Not only did they make wine but Jasper was voted in as the 2016 Best New Act at the Young Gun of Wine Awards. Guess they were really fast learners and got into the rhythm of the vines to the cellar. Also in 2016, they branched out past the farm to become a partner in the restaurant/wine bar and communal conversation place, “The Summertown Aristologist” which added on their “Cellar Door” in 2020, where you can do a wine tasting and if you like, take some home. Sounds like they are keeping quite busy in a beautiful way of life. 🍷

#wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #PinotNoir #SouthAustralia #Australia #adelaidehills #communeofbuttons #thesummertownaristologist @tessbryant.wine @vinewinenyc @commune_of_buttons @cheezit

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Naturally Engineered

Maysara
Cyrus
Pinot Noir 2014
McMinnville AVA
Biodynamic, native yeasts
McMinnville, Oregon
Owners: Moe & Flora Momtazi and their 3 daughters: Tahmiene (winemaker), Naseem (sales manager), Hanna (events & hospitality)

Ruby stained glass beauty. Breezing in are fresh & dried cherries, puff of smoke, plums, prunes, very ripe strawberries, roses, and dried marjoram. Tip and tasting cherry, a tobacco tingle, prunes, singed orange zest, raspberry, rhubarb, a pinch of earth, and a good berry darkness. Alive, bright and smooth all at the same time and stays that way over several days.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: mmmm silky

“Pure, female-made biodynamic wines: grown with intention, crafted in harmony with the land we farm.” Reading a statement like that always piques my curiosity, so I wondered about how did the parents of these brilliant young women start this wine dream, and it was more than I expected. Moe was originally from Iran, but had come to the U.S. for an engineering degree, and after finishing he returned home with his wife Flora in 1978. I was a kid back then and remember my parents having the news on at dinner and hearing about unrest and upheaval and then the “Iran hostage crisis” so I can’t imagine how their family felt when they knew it was time to leave. Luckily they did get political asylum in the U.S. and in 1997, they bought their farm because it turns out Moe did have more than just an engineering background…his dad and grandfather both used to make wine. From the start they were dedicated to biodynamic, so as for the pesky weeds…no problem just plough and turn the earth over and over and let it rejuvenate. Also instead of chemicals they use natural tea concoctions. As they say”90% of the winemaking is in the vineyard”, and it’s so gloriously natural with such a delicious outcome!

#wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #PinotNoir #Oregon @vinewinenyc @maysarawinery @cheezit

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Don’t Forget To Have Fun

Gabernik 23
Rose Piquette (Pikola)
Sparkling Wine
55% Blaufrankisch, 35% Riesling, 10% Pinot Noir
Sustainable, dry farmed
Štajerska, Slovenia
Small family owned winery passed down from father to son
Owner: Janko Bogatic
Winemaker: Nicholas Gee

Color electric cran-raspberry with a big pale pink poofy foam. Popping out of those bubbles are nose tickling raspberries, pomegranate, faint lemon, apricots and their blossoms, and dainty tiny roses. Tilt the glass and take a taste and it’s fresh, zippy and fun…like a last bit of summer memories. There’s watermelon juice, raspberries, those tiny roadside wild strawberries from Canada that I so love, pomegranate cocktail with a little limoncello splash, lilac, and seltzer. You’re not going to want this bottle to end.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: not bad but better solo. Let those flavors fly!

This wine is a reminder to have fun (and not to always be over thinking everything…like I can have a tendency to do), and if I could pair a painting with this wine, it would be Will Cotton’s 2010, “Cotton Candy Katy”…you know the one that was Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” album cover. I just LOVE Cotton’s confectionery dreams so c’mon join me and let’s head over to Candyfornia!

#wine #holidaywine #holidays #Piquette #rose #sparklingwine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #katyperry #snoopdogg #willcotton #winestagram #instawine @worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #organic #sustainable #Blaufrankisch #Riesling #PinotNoir #Slovenia #gabernik23 @vsiwine @gabernik23 @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit