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Pair ‘Em Up!

Kuentz-Bas
Alsace Blanc 2021
65% Pinot Blanc, 15% Muscat, 14% Riesling, 6% Gewurztraminer
Biodynamic, organic
Alsace, France
Owner & vigneron: Jean-Baptiste Adam
Winemaker: Olivier Raffin

Yellow gold and a little green shimmer. Lovely scents of yellow melons, mango, a well shaken citrus cocktail, and pineapple,  All of the scents are their in the taste with pears, Lady apples, kirbys, and fresh basil herby in the back. Crisp, dry and hits the spot.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: oh so smooooth

This young Kuentz-Bas blend just sings of its Alsatian roots, tradition & terroir; and plays well with just about anything from a romantic candle light dinner of seared tuna in a black pepper crust to an afternoon in the sun backyard grilled cheeseburger with a side of onion rings. Actually this domaine got its start from a pairing. First there were the Kuentz from back in 1795 that blended through marriage in 1895 with the Bas family. Now it’s in the hands of Jean-Baptiste Adam (since 2004) and he and his team take great care of their lands and all that inhabit it with their biodynamic ways. If you want a moment of zen, watch this video of them prepping and applying the “Bouse de Corne”. With a workout like that you’ll never need a gym membership. 💪💪💪💪

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #worldbyglass #Alsace #France #organic #winetime #whitewine #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits @cheezit @kuentzbas @kermitlynchwine @docwineshop @docwinebar

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Rocking & Rolling With The Next Generation

Raïmones Wines
Engrescada Sparkling Orange 2020
Marina, Pansa Blanca (Xarel-lo)
Organic, hand harvested, wild yeast, unfiltered
Penedès, Catalonia, Spain
Winemakers: Montse Carbó, Jordi Jané & Marti Sadurní 

Neon sign on the fritz zingy tangerine orange gold…frrrzzp…white bubbles…frrrppp. Sniffing and there’s Mandarin orange that has a mellow cream soda bit, peachy keen mango flow, a touch of gingersnap with a pop of lemon, and a natural wildness of Queen Anne’s lace. Whew that was a lovely lot. Now onto the taste…apple cider, lemon/lime crisp, tangelo & singed rind, orange blossoms, splash of pineapple into the mix, seltzer & salt, touch of light comfy cardamon, and a green grassy herb on the back. This truly is a bottle of unedited enthusiasm 🤸🏻‍♀️or wheeeee (engrescada).

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: crisp and clean

Ok this one is so fun! These 3 friends/winemakers are the offspring from La Salada, Mas Candí and Raimon Sadurní. Now how cool is it that the kids are “keeping the band together” or in their case the project rolling along, and cultivating & keeping the rare Marina growing. Now as for where they came up with their name…well, here’s what they say on IG:

“Where do you think “Raimones” come from?

a) Two of our partners are called “Ramon” 👬

b) “Raim” means grape in catalan, while “Ones” means waves. RaimOnes, grapes really close to the Mediterranean sea 🍇🌊

c) We like Rock and Roll and its our little tribute to the “Ramones” band 🎸🤘

Or maybe the three of them are correct…😜”

My bet is all 3 because these winestars are definitely rocking. 🥂

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #sparklingwine #winelover #winetasting #winetime #worldbyglass #organic #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #Spain @cheezit @raimoneswines @wearenomadic @vinewinenyc

 

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A Real Work Of Art

Las Jaras Wines
Superbloom Cuvée Zero Zero 2022
California Table Wine
Co-ferment of red & white grapes sourced from Sierra Foothills
Organic
Sebastopol, CA
Winemakers: Joel Burt and Eric Wareheim (yes, that foodie & funnyman Eric)
Label art: Jade Roche

Deep very ripe watermelon juice fresh from the garden. Sniffing and right off there’s so many layers of goodness. There’s watermelon, raspberries & strawberries, bell pepper & a little slice of French breakfast radish (as it opens up), fresh rained on cement & granite in the early summer warmth, squeeze of lemon & lime, and orange zest. Ooh I love this stuff! Dancing on my tongue are those watermelons again with not quite ripe strawberries, zippy citrus blend, kiwi, fresh rhubarb, green gooseberry, maybe even little twinge of tomatillo, a tiny green peppercorn, and a little wild fling. It’s bright, vibrant, so alive, and full of multiple personalities.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: NOPE

I have walked past this cheerful looking bottle (the label made me think of what Rothko would paint if he’d microdosed) so many times meaning to pick it up but for some reason always getting distracted by something else. I have so been missing out! Joel & Eric’s wine is a rollicking good time. Just watch their videos and you can see how enthusiastic they are about the whole grape growing/winemaking process and also the art that graces their bottles & cans. Love that they asked friends to come up with imagery to pair with the wines and actually give them credit that is easily found and I don’t have to run around going nuts searching. Now I can just spend that extra time enjoying another glass of Superbloom. Cheers!

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #worldbyglass #California #organic #superbloom #winetime #redwine #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits @cheezit @lasjaraswines @docwineshop @docwinebar

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Can You Blow Out 100 Candles?

Bodega Finca Abril
Alhambra Malbec Reserva 2020
Single Vineyard
Valle De Uco
Sustainable, organic, hand harvested
Mendoza, Argentina
Founders: Gustavo and Maria Laura

Deep purple with ruby shimmers. First scent up…vanilla cream center that later sticks around in the background, but let it keep breathing and then there’s raspberries, cherries, plums, baker’s chocolate, and a warm spice & smell from what I remember from my grandfather’s woodworking shop. Oh even in the first sip this has all the scents and more…blackberries (seeds & all), prunes (in a good way), deep darkest bitterly good chocolate, drop of singed citrus peel blend & a shave of cedar.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: deliciously juicy smooth

Finca Abril was started by Gustavo and Maria Laura in 1996, but they have vineyards far older…back to 1922, which means some had a massive birthday last year. Who blew out the candles on that cake? Now that would be quite a set of lungs. This bottle does come from some of the younger vines, and is called one of their entry level wines, but honestly if this is a “starter kit” for learning about what they have to offer, then bring on their “Art Collection”! Not only do you get limited edition blends (some of the senior grapes mingle with the teenagers), the labels also have artworks by select Argentinian artists, so get a wall mount to keep it on display because you’re not going to  want to put that bottle in the recycle bin.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #worldbyglass #Mendoza #Argentina #organic #winetime #redwine #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits @cheezit @tedward_ws @bodegafincaabril @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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Uprooted

Takri
Brut Nature
Sparkling wine
Voskehat 40%, Khatuni 30%, Banants 30%
Hand harvested
Vineyards are in the Vayots Dzor region, Armenia
Owners: Kaprielian Family

Light gold twinkling starlight with fine active bubbles, and as time goes by it turns more warm golden. Scents float up of toasty brioche & a bit of Nilla wafers, pears, peach cobbler, yellow plums, apricots, kumquat, and just a touch of magnolia. Sipping and all of the scents are right there, but lighter on the brioche & wafers, and tagging along is a blend of golden & red delicious apples, a small sprinkle of salt, and a citrus/key lime zing. It’s crisp, bright, elegant, and I absolutely love it and wish I had few more bottles on hand.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: Step away from the bag

Takri means “roots” in the Artsakh dialect, where their winery was originally located, but they were sadly uprooted due to war/conflict and this wasn’t the first time. Their ancestors were also in the wine business owning 11 vineyards before the Armenian genocide. I reached out to them wondering where this bottle originated, it turns out these “grapes are sourced from Armenia proper”, but they do still have still have “other vintages that are available for purchase are made with grapes from our vineyard in Artsakh.” I had read that they found new property in Armenia, but couldn’t imagine what they have been going through. So I reached out again to find out how the progress was going, and I received word that everything is up in the air due to the blockade. Their inventory and people cannot leave…my heart sank for them. They also sent a link to an article on Amnesty International’s site (2/9/23) detailing the conditions people are living in. Hoping and praying that peace will come, people will be safe and secure, and I’ll get the opportunity to try more of their lovely wines in the future.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #sparklingwine #bubbly #worldbyglass #Armenia #armenianwine @takriwines @docwineshop @docwinebar

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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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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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Behind (Or Beside) Every Great Woman, Is Another Great Woman

HER
Pinotage 2021
100% Pinotage
Sustainable
Western Cape, South Africa
General Manager & Winemaker: Praisy Diamini
Consultant Winemaker: Natasha Williams
Viticulturist: Ruth Faro
Logistics: Jody-Ann Appollis
Accountant: Janine Goosen
Production Clerk: Nichole van Wyk
Quality Manager: Verna Ross

Shining ruby. Starts off with scents of tomato leaves (oh I love tomato leaves!), plums, prunes, cherries (fresh & dried), a touch of Pepsi, and a dried fruit bundle of raisins, figs & apricots. Tasting all the same fruit along with strawberry, blackberries, boysenberry, some garden fresh red bell peppers, lemon twist, a pinch of anise & forest herbs, and a bite of an olive pit. It’s young, lively, and a perfect wine for grilling season. Bring on the steaks!

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: actually smooooooth and adds blueberries

You may wonder why I mentioned the names of the whole HER team. Every single one of these women are important to the whole entity. As they say on their site,  “Each of us brings our skills, our heritage, our energy and our expertise. The HER Wines Team is comprised of a group of black women who, by grabbing at opportunity, working hard and relying on each other, have stepped into the world of business, previously unattainable to our families, particularly the women.” They also know the importance of giving back, and are setting aside 2% of their profits toward a scholarship for the driven, talented & passionate children from families that work with the vineyards where HER sources their grapes. Who knows, some of these young ones may be the next big winemakers that we’re all chasing for their next bottle in the future. 🍷

Oh and this has sparked an old Eurythmics (ft Aretha Franklin) song to get stuck in my head.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #worldbyglass #westerncape #southafrica @herwinecollection @wine4theworld @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit