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Will You Do The Fandango?

Barranco Oscuro
La Traviesa Tinto 2020
Garnacha & Tempranillo
Organic, unfiltered, unfined, indigenous yeasts
Alpujarra, Granada, Andalucía, Spain
Manuel (Manolo) & Lorenzo Valenzuela

Chill this bottle but after the pour let it linger a while. Shining glass of maroon/ruby and a bit of bubbles. Breathing in raspberries, ripe strawberries, a slight touch of balsamic, and flowers dance in & out. Sip and it reminds me of a framboise lambic. There’s raspberries, pucker up sour cherries, dark & red plums, and a touch of cedar. FYI Joe, this one’s for you.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: step away from the bag…just say NO…but please pass me the pretzels

So if I’m understanding this right, if it were not for a politically motivated exile, this wine might not exist. During the era of Franco, Manolo had to leave Spain for France and was bitten by the natural wine bug. Once he was able to return home with high aspirations…or shall I say altitude…which is where he decided to cultivate & tend to his grapes with no pesticide. Their “La Traviesa” line’s grapes are still from 1,300+ meters up but sourced from local organic growers/neighbors. BTW this bottle’s name, it’s feeling a little bit naughty & mischievous (since they can’t officially put the “Sierra de La Contraviesa” DO), and giving a wink & nod to the 1935 flick, “Naughty Marietta” & the leading lady Jeanette MacDonald is sending you a flirty look from the label. Look closely and there’s also another treat in a phrase by trovador (troubadour) Epifanio Lupión, “¡Como la leche en la lumbre esta tierra ha de subir!” which led me to investigating Andalucía’s folk music & fandango, but I am stumped when it comes to the proper translation (betting it’s political). Can someone please help a fellow wine lover out, so I can stop chasing my tail and uncover all the easter eggs this wine has to offer? This educational adventure is fun, and so much more than the SNL bit from years ago, that first popped into my mind.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #naturalwine #instawine #winetime #organic #artisanwine #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #Spain @barrancooscuro @selectionsdelavina @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

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Keep That Vinyl Spinning

Vinos Malaparte
The New Wave Girl 2021
100% Verdejo
Natural farming, no pesticides or herbicides, indigenous yeasts & spontaneous fermentation & skin contact in amphorae
Segovia, Castilla y León, Spain
Winemaking family: Mariano de Frutos, Elisa de Frutos, Ruben Salamanca

Hazy orange gold and as I head into glass 2 it turns even deeper. First scent and the word decadent popped in my head. Hmmm…deep fresh squeezed oranges, tangerines, kumquats, tangelos, and all their blossoms, along with warm summer ripe peaches & apricot with a touch of musk. Sipping those perfectly ripe peaches and all the previously mentioned citrus that expands, and add a sliver of pineapple The orange goes all Valencia (which makes me smile and dream of a plane ticket) also a good bit of their zest to even it all out. There’s also a creamy feel that’s evened with a tart pop & a shake of salt. Oh “New Wave Girl”, drop the needle on that vinyl and keep things spinning!

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: sweet and lovely

Malaparte fangirl here! Each one I’ve tried has been a natural celebration of their land and well…them too. What a talented family! They do have a project I haven’t tried yet and hope I’ll be able to track one down, “Uvas Nomadas”. Sourced through crowd funding, Ruben & Elisa find an old or “just right” small vineyard/plot that could use their love & care. They and the land owner strike a deal for a year, Malaparte works their magic, and in the end the participants reap their rewards in wine. Pretty darn good investment in my book!

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #orangewine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #worldbyglass #organic #Verdejo #Spain #80s #EchoAndTheBunnymen #vinyl #newwave @malapartewine @antosicurezza @steephillwine @vinewinenyc @cheezit

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Pairs With Pina

Bodegas Altos de Montanchez
Vegas Altas Orange 2021
Cayetana 50%, Pardina 50%
Organic & biodynamic
Extremadura, Spain
Winemakers: Juan Sojo and Ángel Luis González

Deep warm orange amber. Breathing in and there’s so much at once! Starts with orange creamsicle, orange blossoms that goes earthy with a light touch of smoke, a bit of caramel, dried apricots, and mandarin oranges & zest. All of the scents are there in the taste with a bit of grass, a spice moment of ginger along with tarragon, and as it warms up apple/pear cider.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: smooth operator

Sounds like these two winemakers were thrown together in oenology school and their blend of specialties in farming (Ángel) and science (Juan) creates a perfect mix in their creation of their wines. Their grapes are sourced but they are really selective and particular about when they are harvested under the moon in September…or in other words just at the right bio time. Not to forget they are the only organic winemakers in Extremadura, and they have an extra ingredient of “patience”. Also I’d like to add about this particular bottle, I don’t normally pair a wine with dance/theater but this goes so well with Pina Bausch. The structure, the romance, the passion and the strength…so damn good. Please check it out alongside a viewing of Wim Wenders 2011, “Pina”.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #orangewine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #worldbyglass #organic #Extremadura #Spain #WimWenders #pinabausch #AltosdeMontanchez @selectionsdelavina @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

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The Gentle Giant

La Araucaria
Rosado 2021
100% Listán Negro
DO Valle de La Orotava
Organic, hand harvested, cordón trenzado
La Orotava, Valle de la Orotava, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Winemaker: Dolores Cabrera Fernandez

Shining 80s magenta watermelon-orange tint sunset. Scents of plums, strawberries, cherries, figs with some fresh tilled warmth of earth but not overpowering just mellow, and gentle roses & some greenery that play well with everything. Fun sip of tart plum & cherry, green strawberries, smashed blackberries & raspberries, a bit of citrus spark, and a lot of personality that also is grounded on the back in a good way with some bit of earth dark goodness. Just so fresh and very light on its feet. Like a memory of summer that in a way hasn’t ended.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: mmm yeah this really works

There’s a bit of “Girl Power” going on in the vines. During harvest, Dolores has a crew of women to work the vines because she thinks they have a more skilled/light hand for picking the grapes. And what a beautiful land where they work…not just that you get a chance to stare at Mount Teide, but also the artistry of their “braided cord” old vines. There’s another majestic natural sight that you’ll also notice on the label, the Araucaria tree that lives by their winery. It’s like a gentle giant that keeps watch over them, just as Dolores does with her passion for keeping the land organic and spreading the word to others to join her natural way of life.

#wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #naturalwine #rosado #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #Tenerife #CanaryIslands #Spain #organic #DoloresCabreraFernandez @josepastorselections @vinewinenyc @bodegalaaraucaria @dolorescabrerafernandez @cheezit

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Character Reference

Bodegas Hornillos Ballesteros
Mibal 2021
100% Tempranillo
Ribera del Duero D.O.
Organic, biodynamic, hand harvested
Roa de Duero, Burgos, Spain
WInemakers: Miguel Hornillos y Javier Ballesteros

Dark purple with a ruby rim. Floating up to my nose is a butter cherry vanilla cream start then just good ol’ fresh cherry followed by plums, blueberry & blackberries with a tiny touch of boysenberry, dried cranberry, raisins, and some wild herbs all tangled up. Now all those wafts are dancing on my tongue like a shaken cocktail of cherries, pomegranate, blueberries, raspberry zip, dried berries of all sorts, some brambly bits and as it opens a pinch of espresso. A glass of evening intrigue. Hey, want me to pour you one? What’s the harm? 💋

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: mmmm cozy and juicy

Guess this is kind of a buddy story that ended up a family tale. Miguel and Javier already BFFs came from wine families and became fully related when Javier got hitched to Miguel’s sister. Not sure which came first the wedding or the “garage”, but these two ended up with one cool wine experiment or more apt…it’s a continual experience. Each harvest gives them a new palette to create from, or as they say, “Just as a master chef will never prepare the same dish, our winemakers never act in the same way with each wine and each year. In this way we forge unique wines with their own character.” In my book they get a fabulous character reference from me. 🍷

#wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #organic #riberadelduero #Spain #Tempranillo #garagewine #hornillosballesteros @tedward_ws @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

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Hands On

Finca Mas Perdut
Mà de Mas Perdut 2021
Penedés DO
Organic, stainless steel, 5 days skin contact, indigenous yeasts
50% Xarel.lo Vermell, 25% Garnatxa Blanca, 25% Macabeu
Santa Oliva, Baix Penedès, Catalonia, Spain
WInemakers: Josep Ma Rosell Gracia & Rebeca Ollé

Amber warmth. Let it breathe…a while. After giving it some space, scents of lilacs, wisteria, orange blossoms float up along with orange & zest, tangelo, earth, and a bit of memory of Yellowstone’s paint pots mixed with fresh cut grass. Sipping a mishmash of all sorts of citrus, a wedge of lime, puff of funky smoke & sprig of hay that fades, tart green apple, salt, and as it grows a back of perfume dancing on the back. Just vibrant and lively.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: ick sour

This bottle immediately got my attention with an IG post…the medical illustration of that hand! Once I fancied going down that artistic route, sigh. Turning away from dreams of past and back to the wine and this family. They’re 5th generation growers, and in 2010, Josep went down the winemaking route, later to be joined by Rebeca after these two oenologists fell in love. Grapes aren’t alone on the farm though, there’s also almonds, olives, veggies and they live off their land. Nothing like the satisfaction of growing your own food. I remember working my tail off in our crops and even as a young kid feeling some pride that I watched everything grow from seed to our table. Can only imagine the elation this couple feels after each harvest, fermentation, bottling and finally when the time is just right tasting a glass that sums up their knowledge, passion, and hand in the whole process. Must be absolutely amazing.

#wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #naturalwine #whitewine #skincontact #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #Penedès #Penedes #catalunya #catalonia #Spain #organic #fincamasperdut @bonvivantimports @vinewinenyc @fincamasperdut @cheezit

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A Designed Tribute

Adega Alba
Castro de Balar 2020
100% Albariño
Rías Baixas DO
Women run winery, hand harvested
Rarís, Teo, Spain
Owners/winemakers: Adega Gonzalo Martinez along with her sister and mom

Glistening yellow-green. There’s pears, apples & grapefruit at the same first whiff along with scents of apricots, white peaches, salt, slate, and mineral creek rocks. Tasting and again there’s apples, pears, grapefruit, tangerine & a bite of seeds from them all. Did you have a mom that said, “don’t chew or swallow the seed, you might grow a tree in your gut”. Well, I didn’t pay any attention because I loved the bitter bite and look Ma no tree. Now there’s a lemony flair and all the citrus has some zest added to it and a glide of a honeysuckle stamen with a bit of smoke and mineral goodness. So purely delightful and this is one special Albariño.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: it’s just still delicious and a little more bright

The figure on the front of this wine really got my curiosity up. Who is this mysterious creature? Turns out it’s Adega Alba’s version of a petroglyph of a Gallic warrior holding a shield and wearing a dagger. Teo is known for petroglyphs throughout their land….such beautiful and at times seemingly mystical designs and depictions. With each new year, the back label graces another of piece of historic art found around their home, “As a tribute and recognition to the land that feeds our wine”. ❤️

#wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #spanishwine #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #worldbyglass #petroglyphs #galicia #Albariño #Albarino #riasbaixas #spain #AdegaAlba @soilairselection @castrodebalar @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

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Pure Devotion

Celler Credo
Can Credo 2017
100% Xarel·lo
Penedès D.O.
Organic, biodynamic, skin contact, dry farmed, hand harvested, vegan
Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, Penedès (Barcelona), Catalonia, Spain
Xarel·list & winemaker: Ton Mata (Josep Mata Capellades’ grandson)

Warm gold pour. Sniff and there’s so much going on all at once. There’s pears, mix of apples, some greenery…oh it’s fennel, a touch of smoke that turns to oak, honeysuckle, lime/orange spritz & zest, a little kumquat, and a dash of salt. Sip of elegance with a creamy feel, with a mix of lime, apple, crisp pear, that little oak touch, some salt & limestone, and a tiny bitter herb (maybe a little fennel seed) touch in the end that makes a perfect ending for this delicious tale.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: sweeter and just lovely

I so LOVE Celler Credo’s wines (Recaredo’s still white wine label) which I’ve gushed about before as in the case of their ꓕⱯNƎꓒꓕⱯꓤ and Miranius. Their devotion to Xarel·lo and its extremely natural cultivation totally shines through in their wines. It’s like a love story to this special grape (which is one of my favorites), their lands and all that live there. “Can Credo 2017” is limited to 1,633 bottles, so if you find one, I highly recommend picking up a bottle and sharing it with someone special in your life. Maybe a little of this “love story” will add a spark to your night.

#wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #naturalwine #Xarello #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #Penedès #Penedes #catalunya #catalonia #Spain #organic #madrosewine @rosenthalwinemerchant @vinewinenyc @cellercredo @cheezit

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Oh Those Dancing Bubbles

Bujonis
(produced and bottled by Bodegas Sumarroca)
Cava Brut
Parellada 41%. Xarel·lo 27%, Macaque 23%, Chardonnay 9%
Sustainable, estate bottled, family run
Subirats, Alt Penedès, Catalonia, Spain

Cool straw with bouncing bubbles. Smells crisp all around of apple, pineapple (smidge), and citrus blend, with wet granite, and a tiny crumb of buttery brioche. First sip and it is so ALIVE! Again crisp, green and red delicious apples that wake up your cheeks, a squeeze of lemon and zest, and a lick of mineral rocky seltzer. Just so bright and refreshing.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: pretty good. Kind of like how cheddar and apples meld

One of my favorite things in the whole wide world is to kick back with a glass of cava. In fact, it’s a ritual of mine in the evening. There’s just something about all those dancing bubbles of a good crisp pour that takes my mind well…on vacation. It gives me that same feeling as the first day we’ve set down in Spain and are about to start a new adventure. It’s the simple things that sometimes awaken the best memories. ✈️🥂❤️

#wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #Cava #sparklingwine #brut #winestagram #vinblanc #instawine #winemaking #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #AltPenedes #Penedes #catalunya #catalonia #Spain #bujonis @bsumarroca @vinoslibres @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

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Enjoy The Silence

Companyia Vitícola Sileo
Sileo 2020
Grenache 90%, Carignan 10%
Organic
Cornudella de Montsant, Montsant, Catalunya, Spain
Winemaker: Agustí Torelló Sibill

Maroon crayon with cranberry shimmers. Breathe in and there’s a gentle creamy start, cassis, cherry, raspberry, and a little oak chip that adds a bit of rugged oomph that leads to back cherry, and a tiny eucalyptus lift. Sip and cherries, raspberries, blackberry, blueberries and it’s at first a rugged in a good way that turns into a suave velvet song. Also all that berry goodness gets mixed in with that eucalyptus that now am realizing is more hyssop and a lick of limestone.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: makes it sooo smooth, so go on and grab a wedge of really good sharp white cheddar

When I grabbed this bottle, I honestly wasn’t paying a lot of attention except that Monstant D.O. was on the label. Well, well…we meet again Agustí Torelló Sibill. Last time was a lovely AT Roca sparkler. Sileo is a whole other delicious nurtured creation, that means to be still or silent (Latin). Silent isn’t exactly what I feel about this wine. It’s so alive and develops the longer you spend the evening with it. Maybe that’s what the label is telling me to do…stay still…enjoy the moment and let the the flavors whisper you the tale of their land.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #Montsant #Spain #Grenache #Carignan #naturalwine @worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #organic #galacticwines @josepastorselections @viticolasileo @vinewinenyc @cheezit