Foxy Stole My Heart

Wild Nature Wines
Valpolicella DOC 2018
Corvina, Corvinone & Rondinella
Certified vegan, organic & biodynamic
Verona, Italy
Winemaker: Emilio Fidora

Shining ruby glass. Inhale and there are cherries & cherry cola, tiny roses & gentle bundle of spring flowers, raspberries, as time goes by a blackberry touch, and boysenberry. Tasting and this beaut is light, lovely and dry. There’s cherries (fresh & dried), blackberry (seeds & all bite), boysenberry, blueberries, tart fresh young plum and the pits, a tiny lemon squeeze in the back, a greenery exhale that’s a bit forest but not juniper, and a little reduction of it all. Even on a steamy summer night, I can really dig this…perfect for a backyard under the stars with a gentle breeze. Ok it’s still as lovely in my apartment near the BQE while the DOT rips up the asphalt under it for the umpteenth time. I’d prefer the sound of frogs to this cacophony of whirring & grinding machines along with the beep beep beep. I swear it seems like they do this so often. Wonder why city? 🤔 Future archeologists will unearth the truth.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: I like it. Deeper, darker, smooth

This is my 3rd “Wild Nature Wines”, but my first from their Valpolicella – Verona estate, and I’m so excited to have this little fox fall into my life. He’s just one of their beneficial neighbors that roam, hop, fly over, or buzz through their land, and grace their bottles. Must be wonderful to watch & listen to the wildlife, the breeze through the leaves and enjoy a moment of peace in such a beautiful part of the world (and not hear that infernal beep beep beep). Makes me grateful that the the Fidoras who took the care to insure their longevity by being the first estate to go organic in Veneto and Emilio to continue to further that path with going biodynamic & vegan certified. Thank you for making space for this little frisky 🦊 to be part of your wine family. He’s wiggled a way into my ❤️.

There’s No Fungus Among Us

Cantina Pizzolato
HOOPA
PIWI Collection
Pét-Nat
Veneto IGT
100% Johanniter
Organic, indigenous yeasts, vegan friendly, unfiltered
Villorba, Italy
Pizzolato Family: Settimo (father & owner) along with his wife Sabrina and children Federico & Stefania

Shining yellow green stained-glass with itty bitty bubbles. Sniffing and there’s pineapple, mango (that little bit of creaminess too), lemon/lime spritz, a drop of fresh squeezed orange, tangelo, citrus zest & and shake of salt, and a little southern in the heat of the night musky magnolia breeze that turns into wisteria or a little sultry romance. Wooo! Sipping and this is very easy drinking, so be careful. All that citrus is rolled into one shaken cocktail & the lime sings in it. Here comes pineapple & a little mango again with a light tingle, a small celery (cel-ray) crunch, sliver of very ripe just picked from the garden cucumber, and seltzer saltiness…just delicious & crisp.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: makes it even brighter

As far as this PIWI Collection is concerned, there’s no fungus among us. PIWI grapes are from a continuing international project/collaboration on breeding fungus disease resistant vines (this isn’t in a lab but in the vineyards & no genetic engineering) which is wonderful for keeping everything sustainable & organic. The Pizzolatos chose to let the labels tell the story of these wines, not just through the beautiful artwork/mandala labels that also peel back to reveal it also in words. As they say on their site, “For us, each of these wines represents the stage of a journey into a yet unexplored world that we are experiencing day by day. The names chosen for the PIWI wines bring back the imagery of exploration, travel and discovery: “Huakai” represents the journey; “Kontiki” the means used to land at the final destination “Hoopa” and “Hurrah” the moment of rejoicing with the group for having reached the destination.” I highly recommend picking up one of these beauties and joining them on this innovative & delicious natural journey. 🥂

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #wineoclock #instawine #petnat #Frizzante #bubbly #sparklingwine #worldbyglass #Tuscany #Italy #organic #winetime #cheezit #pairswithcheezits @piwiinternational @cheezit @cantinapizzolato @naturalmerchants  @docwineshop @docwinebar

Lucky Number 7

ILatium Morini
Soave DOC 2021
Garganega 85%, Trebbiano di Soave 15%
Mezzane di Sotto, Verona, Veneto, Italy
Winemaking family: Famiglia Morini

Yellow golden pour. Has my nose headed to a beach vacation with a tropical cocktail? There’s scents of pineapple, mango, white blossoms, pinch of saltiness, lemon & lime, followed with white peaches, and honeysuckle (which I so love and miss the ones from home). Sipping lemon/lime sizzle & a touch of zest on the back, pineapple, mango, firm peaches, that delicious honeysuckle nectar, and a touch of almond. Btw trying this on a lovely night with my windows open. Some neighbor is deep frying onion rings and oh they would be so good with this bottle.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: eh NO

ILatium’s logo of the seven-pointed starflower isn’t symbolic of any of the multitude of historical & religious references, or for a certain ⚽️ player’s  number…it’s actually the Morini family’s latest generation of a mix of 7 brothers & cousins that have expanded & grown the business but kept in harmony with their roots. Their passion for the vines not only makes their winery great, it also ties them closer together as a family. Btw it’s not just wine that’s keeping them happy, there’s also grappa…which I wish I could get my hands on because that would totally make my week! Anyone know where I might find one…anyone?

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #worldbyglass #Italy #soave #winetime #veneto #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #ronaldo #futbol #7 #jandamorewines @cheezit @docwineshop @docwinebar @latium_morini

The Duck Is Magic

Luís Pato
Baga Rosé Espumante Bruto
Amoreira da Gândara, Barriada, Portugal
Winegrower & maker/Baga Whisperer & Champion: Luís Pato

Stained glass amber/orange (or some might say pink grapefruit cocktail) with a magenta glow and tiny active bubbles tracing designs on the surface and as I glance am I nuts or does one look like a standing duck. I swear this is my first glass. Scents of strawberries & raspberries with a splash of faint orange peel & cloves/holiday spice. First sip and woooweee! Tingling & tart strawberries, raspberries, red currants, a little squeeze of lemon way in the back, and a mineral lick. Crisp, light and delightfully dry.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: surprisingly refreshing & not exactly what I expected

Loving this lively sparkler from the Duck Daddy himself, Luis Pato. I’ve tasted and written about many different forms of his & his daughters’ bottled flock; and each are so unique, delicious, and filled with a spark of life that runs throughout. Some flap their wings in joy, others soar, and then there’s always that duck that walks its own path and leads you down a good wild side. They’re serious about their Barriada land & grapes, as Luís says in the trailer for “Pato Pathos” celebrating his 40th harvest in 2020, “We always have to innovate, always do better, we cannot stop in time.” Well, they’re also serious about having fun and a good laugh, which you can see from Luís’ signature expression of hands/palms up by his ears & tongue out in silliness in pics and on his “Pato Rebel” bottle. There’s even a t-shirt which if I can find out where to buy one, will proudly wear because in all ways, the Duck is magic!

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #worldbyglass #rosé #sparklingwine #luispato #duckman #Portugal #baga @luispatowines @wine_in_motion_usa @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

Festive Redemption

De Stefani
Redentore
Refosco 2021
100% Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso
Veneto IGT
Sustainable, Biodiversity Friendly, indigenous yeasts, no added sulfites (which they are very proud of and I applaud)
Fossalta di Piave, Veneto, Italy
Alessandro De Stefani (4th generation)

Deep royal ruby. Sniffing and there’s cherry with a creaminess at the start, then all of a sudden blackberries bounce out, and after a good bit of air a raspstrawberry blend, licorice, pinch of cedar/pine needles, and as it continues it’s softer and more gentle. Now tasting those blackberries again with a little boysenberry, dried & tart cherries, Baker’s chocolate bite, a single pine needle that winks and then disappears, and a little dried fig too w a touch of balsamic reduction. A glassful that’s dry, rich and perfect for my evening with a good book.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: surprisingly smooth and beautiful

The Redentore line of De Stefani wines honor Venice’s yearly “Festa del Redentore” that celebrates the end of the 1575-57 plague (who wouldn’t want to celebrate post such an horrific time of illness, death & grief). Started as a religious festival/feast and a promise to God to build a the Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore (Church of the Most Holy Redeemer), it’s now a beautiful weekend (3rd in July) that is filled with fireworks that people will talk about for ages, incredible food, music, boat parties & historic ships, festive decorations, and a city filled with joy and of course wine. 🍷 If you want to get a quick glance of 2022’s locals and tourists partying down, check out Venezia Unica’s clip.

#wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #redwine #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #worldbyglass #organic #Veneto #Venice #Italy #FestadelRedentore #Redentore @destefaniwinery @bonvivantimport @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

Protect & Preserve

Montecariano
La Madonna del Cariano Veneto 2020
Veneto IGT
Corvina & Corvinone 45%, Pelara 20%, Molinara 20%, other varieties 15%
Sustainable, hand harvested
San Pietro in Cariano, Verona, Italy
Owners are mother & sons: Mariella Gini, Marco (winemaker) & Matteo (business side)

Very pale yellow/green starlight…maybe it’s divine. First sniff and it’s fresh rained on slate followed by something floral like orchard blossoms, light white peaches, jasmine, and for  a bit musky in a good way. Kind of sexy for a madonna (not Ms. Madonna). Sipping peaches & full pears, that bit of musk/spice again, apricot, yellow tart plum, minerally river fresh, and a pinch of parsley. It’s a vibrant non bubbly blanc de noir with depth or oomph and is like an album you want to keep on repeat and never let it end.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: it’s smooth but I prefer without

Mariella Gini always had her eyes on the land, whether it be her studies in archeology or return to her family’s in San Pietro, Cariano. They have strong feelings about the integrity of their soil, vineyards & history. She spells it out best, “I work with my sons Matteo and Marco – explains Mariella Gini – to protect this land, wanting to escape the rulebook. My intention was to preserve some natural grape varieties such as Pelara, Oseleta, Molinara, Teroldego, Croatina next to the tradional ones, Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, because for us the product must be a reminder of its land “. After even a single glass of their wine, I know their land has made a huge imprint on my tastebuds and my heart. Oh, if you want to see a video on the life of one of their special grapes & their “extraordinary story”, just click. He’s a cute little character.

#wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #frenchwine #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #worldbyglass #Verona #Veneto #petnat #Italy #Madonna @soilairselection @montecariano_wines @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

Deer Santa

Wild Nature Wines
Veneto Bianco IGT
Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay 
Certified vegan, 4 months skin contact, organic for more than 40 years, and biodynamic
Veneto, Italy
Winemaker: Emilio Fidora

Rose amber streaked sunrise glow. Sniffing orange & pear blossoms, honeysuckle (from my childhood home, and I can just see those bee butts wiggling in them in delight), nectarines, strawberries that bring with them a bit of creaminess, raspberries, cherries, and a touch of mineral slate pops out. Oh baby it’s all here on my tongue with a kick of depth! Again those strawberries & raspberries, tiny slivers of peach & nectarine, cranberry zip, a small squish of pineapple, and mineral lick of a rock with a balancing bite of bitter herb (in the back) that’s not fragrant and will have me dabbing my finger through my Penzeys collection searching until I sort it out.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: delicious

I jumped for joy when I saw this bottle. My first one of theirs was Prosecco Rosé Brut DOC 2019. It was scrumptious and I love their label art and am still searching for the artist’s name. Wild Nature Wines are essentially that. They have two estates in Veneto (Venice and Verona) where they live in harmony with the all sorts of four-legged and winged neighbors such as owls, foxes, rabbits, pheasants, and this stately European fallow deer (Dama dama) that stole my heart. Each wine gets their own unique familiar drawn entwined with the environment and growing as one. This family truly cares about every aspect of their environment, so how can they not be making such impressive wines. BTW I know it may be a little early to be writing Santa, but I truly hope he will put a case of these deers in my stocking.

#wine #vin #vino #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #orangewine #organic #naturalwine #worldbyglass #wineinfluencer #deer #Italy #Veneto #Venice #Verona #pinotgrigio #chardonnay #WildNatureWines @SkinContactWines @wildnaturewines @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit

Spring on a Wing

Wild Nature Wines
Prosecco Rosé Brut DOC 2019
Millesimato
90% Glera, 10% Pinot Noir
Certified vegan, organic for more than 40 years, and biodynamic
Veneto, Italy
Winemaker: Emilio Fidora

Salmon rose pour with delicate white bubbles. So alive and romantic! Breathing in a salty fizz, laid back strawberries and cherries, light cherry blossoms, red delicious apple peels, and a dreamy breath of Spring. This is a beautiful mouthful of cherries, strawberries, cranberry, and salt. The tingly bubbles also have a spritz of lime, and an apple roundness, a smidge of cinnamon on the back, and as time goes on all of a sudden a cherry jelly belly drops in. It’s a total party!

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: Makes it even more crisp if that is possible

Wild Nature Wines are essentially that. They have two estates in Veneto (Venice and Verona) where they live in harmony with the all sorts of four-legged and winged neighbors such as owls, foxes, rabbits, and even this regal and funky pheasant on this label. Each wine gets their own unique familiar drawn entwined with the environment and growing as one. I don’t know who the artist (anyone know?) is but they are truly talented. Talent also runs in this family, and innovation. Emilio’s grandfather (Guido), made history bringing on the organic over 40 years ago (Veneto’s oldest organic estate); and then Emilio decided to embark forward in the steps toward biodynamic and now they are certified bio and vegan and living up to their name.

@docwineshop @docwinebarny @wildnaturewines @SkinContactWines @cheezits #pairswithcheezits #Millesimato #wine #vino #cheezit #Prosecco #Rosé #rose #sparklingwine #bubbly #organic #naturalwine @worldbyglass #needmorewine #winestagram #instawine #Italy #Veneto #Venice #Verona #Glera #PinotNoir #WildNatureWines

A Little Natural Fun Experimentation

United Colors of Wine
G-Ray
Pinot Grigio Ramato 2019
100% Pinot Grigio
Vicenza, Veneto, Italy
Chemical free, organic but not certified, old school Pergola training, 10 day skin contact, indigenous yeasts, unfined, and unfiltered
Winemakers: Andrea Marchetti and Antonio “Billy” Camazzola (Vigne del Pellagroso)

Unscrew that cap and it’s a glass of Blood Orange rose. BTW this is another of those bottles you need to fully read the label because it tells you not to serve too cold and let it breathe a while. Trust me, do it. As it breathes more scents start emerging. There’s orange, a dozen roses mixed with tiny white flowers, and oddly it stirs a happy memory of rock candy. Also a splash of spice like coriander and Turkish oregano. Oh I’m really looking forward to the tasting. Here comes tangerine, orange, there’s some good funk happening, a lick of granite, and now more fruit! It’s cherryplumilicious, orange jolly rancher, it’s both luscious and dry and is a fun light tangy party in my mouth. Yep, I said it and own it…in my mouth.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: beautiful. Tames everything into an elegant sip.

I feel overwhelmed and in awe of the amount of info I’m reading about both Andrea and Billy. Wow, two passionate, serious yet fun loving, and natural winemakers brought together to collaborate through Andrea’s “United Colors of Wine”. Where to even start…I guess Andrea, he seems to be one of those non stop energetic wine lovers that went down the path to be a winemaker. Also he dreamed up “Vinessum” an artisan wine fair which led to his collaboration with “Blu Nautilus” and then also the “Back to the Wine” fair, and prior worked as a blogger where he came up with the term #nogomma which denotes refusing any industrial intervention in the vineyard or cellar (so it’s all about keeping it natural). When does this man rest? And now here’s Billy melding into this dream team. He started small when he was still in the restaurant business. Found a little bit of land that needed a LOT of love, and worked hard at making this chemical free. His “Vigne del Pellagroso” name also came from nearby where a long gone newspaper. Il Pellagroso was only around from 1884 to March of 1885, when it was shut down due to their director being arrested for being on the side of human rights, justice and proper working conditions which stirred up local farmers to strike. Needless to say the  govt. wasn’t happy. It’s a fitting name for Billy’s wine since he’s so dedicated to biodynamic, organic and bucking the norm. He’s expanded over time, still kept it green and natural and with the 2020 harvest he is certified! Now these two buds get to play/experiment (well work) in Billy’s cellar and come up with beautiful, natural, and very delicious wines.

@docwineshop @docwinebarny @andrea_marchetti @vignedelpellagroso #unitedcolorsofwine @steephillwine @antosicurezza @cheezits #wine #cheezit #whitewine #ramato #winestagram #instawine #worldbyglass @worldbyglass #needmorewine #pairswithcheezits #Italy #pinotgrigio #Vicenza #Veneto #vinessum #biodynamic #organic #nogomma

Not Your Parents Soave

Nardello
Robian
Garganega 2019
100% Garganega
Soave Classico DOC
Veneto Region
Monteforte d’Alpone, Verona, Italy
Sustainable farming, spontaneous yeasts, no sulfites added (and any there are naturally occurring)

Winemaker: Daniele Nardello

It’s a cloudy deep orange golden…kind of like Tang. You remember… the astronaut beverage. First off scent of oranges, salt, pretty little flowers, and a little natural funk. Slightly sizzling sip of tangy sassy orange, peachiness, dried apricots, a little hay, and something soft candy feel, like maybe those classic old circus peanuts. There’s also mineral and as it warms up it becomes richer.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: Hmmm more of the sizzle feeling. More funk. Darker orange

Years ago (in the US) Soave wines got a bad rap due to mass produced ones you could pick up anywhere. I remember in childhood the old tv commercials hawking the bottles. The wines of Soave Classico DOC kick that antiquated ideal to the curb. The volcanic soil in Monteforte d’Alpone, really enhance the two vineyards and the wines of Nardello. Honestly, I’m not sure which of the two, Robian’s Garganega comes from. It actually could even be both. Either way this orange wine with it’s crunchy crystal sediment is a great summer drinker.

@docwineshop @docwinebarny @nardellovini @omniwinesnyc @cheezits #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #wine @worldbyglass #needmorewine #italy #garganega #soaveclassico #soave #verona #veneto