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Bottled Emotions

Weingut Claus Preisinger
Puszta Blanca! 2023
60% Grüner Veltliner, 35% Weissburgunder, 5% Muscat Ottonel
Organic, biodynamic, unfined/filtered, spontaneous fermentation
Gols, Burgenland, Neusiedlersee, Austria
Winemaker: Claus Preisinger

Shining yellow brick road with a touch of haze. Oh there are so many scents flying out. There’s cool ripe cucumber, melon, lemon, mango, and of all things dill which makes me laugh because I’m caught off guard, but it’s fun! Next up are limes, fresh raw peanuts like the ones I remember from my granny’s garden. Can’t tell you how much I used to look forward to digging those plants up & shaking the dirt. All of this is followed by green & golden delicious apples, camellia, and dainty roses. There are so many childhood memories floating here. Sipping and all of the scents are right there with the dill & a smidge of mustard seed being more of a pickle brine flavor, limeade, and a salt shake. Oh this is seriously delicious & zingy!

Pairs with Cheez-Its: So mellow

Preisinger’s wines bring out such bubbling emotions for me. Some make my tastebuds happily buzz around like a bee in an apple orchard, others steal a little piece of my heart, and this one makes me giggle like a giddy child from the dancing flavors bouncing all over the place. They’re like him…full of vibrant life. As I’ve mentioned in a past post he’s a surfer/kitesurfer (pic from 510w ago), in tune/connected with nature, has a “less is more” ethic from the soil, vines, & in the cellar. His winery & vineyards are settled near Lake Neusiedl in Gols (where the kite surfing pic is from), and also the area where his band of other like minded winemakers founded their association Pannobile (2024 is their 30th anniversary). Each winegrower creates a red & maybe a white cuvée from their local/indigenous grapes picked at that Goldilocks just right ripeness. It’s still bottled in their name but under the Pannobile label/umbrella, and for those that want to try 1 from each  of the 9, you can buy a case boxed in a true wooden artistic treasure.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #wineislove  #winetime #austria #worldbyglass #volkerwineco #clauspreisinger #docwinebar #docwineshop

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My Summer Crush

Weingut Leon Gold
Neon Gold 2023
Trollinger
Organic, biodynamic
Weinstadt, Württemberg, Germany
Collaboration with Super Glou
Owner & winemaker: Leon Gold

Shining garnet stained glass. Breathing in raspberries, strawberries, touch of blueberries, a childhood memory of Froot Loops, orange/lemon/lime rind, tiniest whiff of peat, and a dried herby alpine mix that’s so mellow. Sipping and hello raspberries again with cherries, a mix of ripe and green strawberries (some wild too), that citrus rind again but more gentle yet still very alive, a weird reminder of Hawaiian Punch’s Fruit Juicy Red that I had as a kid on a very hot summer day at Sea World, cranberry, red currants & that savory herb sprinkle again but as before M-E-L-L-O-W with a teeny tiny sliver of white horehound (horehound candy), and a chew of sour grass from the outfield. Chill it a little or a lot. Either way it’s so bright and so darn easy to glou glou.

Pairs with Cheez-Its:  brings out all the tarty party

So childhood dreams can be fulfilled. Leon Gold was first enchanted with the wine ideal very young and followed it through with education, dedication, learning to listen to the sun, moon, & all nature has to whisper, and patience. He lets the grapes have their space and time in the cellar. I can just imagine the pressed fruit calmly chanting “om” and being one with space & time until it transcends and travels into the bottle. It’s not all inner peace & slow pace for Gold. Leon is one of the 3 chosen winemakers for a cool event coming up on 8/28 (tonight) at the restaurant Bachofer’s Terrace in Waiblingen. It’s Wine Speed Dating & I’m not sure if you’re meeting people or just “dating” the wines to find one you may fall for and goes well with their BBQ tapas. I know which one is my summer crush. Cheers!

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #winetime #wineislove #speeddating #organic #Germany #bachofer #superglou #leongold #vinewine #vinewinenyc

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A Sparkling Future

Langmann
Pet Nat 2017
Gelber Muskateller
“Sustainable Austria” seal by the Austrian Winegrowers’ Association
Steiermark, Austria
The Langmann Family: Stefan & Anna (husband & wife), Günther & Stefan junior (sons), and Daniela (Stefan Jr’s wife)

Orange gold with an impressive head like an IPA. As I walked back from the kitchen after pouring scents of pineapple, pine needles, mango, a little IPAish vibe, tangerine, mandarins,  whiff of magnolia, hyacinth /jasmine, and almonds. Sipping and that head is still lingering. All of the scents are in the taste with a bit more orange/mandarin, papaya, teenist smidge of coconut, sprig of hay that waves bye, puff of peat/smoke that fades, pinch of nutmeg & a slight little warm spice burn on the very back, and once again that IPA vibe. It’s crisp, dry and so much fun!

Pairs with Cheez-Its: it’s ok

The Langmann family have been working the vines since 1746, and are still devoted with 3 current generations living and working on their land. I love it when I hear about people that truly respect the earth and take on the mantle of what their footprint will leave behind. As mentioned before they received recognition for sustainability for over a decade which means, “the rows of vines are planted with a variety of grasses and flowers, the vineyards are free of herbicides and insecticides, the winery relies on 100% green electricity and offers fair working conditions for all employees.” That is how you strive toward a better & sparkling future for all. 🥂

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #sparklingwine #petnat #PétNat  #winelover #winetasting #winetime #wineislove #organic #sustainable #austria  #MonikaCahaSelections #weingutlangmann #Langmann #vinewine #vinewinenyc

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“Work It! I need a glass of…”

Nuria Renom
Can Barceló
Les Cantarelles
Adda 2022
100% Parellada
Vino Espumoso
Organic with biodynamic treatments
Sant Martí del Sarroca, Alt Penedès, Spain
Nuria Renom and Arola Tous-Galí

Cloudy almost sea monkey yellow with VERY active bubbles. Open it over a sink. Don’t be me… Sniff and recommend y’all give it a little time out since it’s pretty natural (think forest floor/Yellowstone paint pots with a bit of hay). It does back off and is joined with a squeeze of lemon oven roasted pears & apples, pie spice, I think a little pastry, salt, and yellow plums. Rolling around on my tongue and it’s so refreshing & lively, all of the lovely lemon & bit of a tart, crisp yellow & green pears, same goes for apples, very young yellow plums but skinless, smidge of nectarine and Lemonhead candy. All in all it’s very bright with a delightful bit of excitement.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: like cheddar on apple pie

Think about doing a shift as a sommelier at a hip bustling bar in Barcelona (Bar Brutal) then after hopping the train back home to vines that need tending & wine that needs making and then put the cycle on repeat. That was Nuria’s life while working with her natural thinking friends’ grapes. Now she & Arola (her partner) have their own farm, Can Barceló, where they have grown their project Les Cantarelles. I believe that all those long hours, traveling back & forth (that must have been so exhausting), and passion have truly paid off…just try this joyful bubbling sparkler and it will exuberantly let you know they worked it, yes they definitely made it, and the glass sizzles with Missy Elliott’s lyrics, “this the kinda beat that go ra-ta-ta-ra-ta-ta-ta, ta-ta-ta-ta-ta”.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #sparklingwine #petnat #PétNat  #winelover #winetasting #winetime #wineislove #organic #Spain #josepastorselections #LesCantarelles #NuriaRenom #vinewine #vinewinenyc

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🎶And Howl, Howl, Howl, Howl🎶

Villa Wolf
Gewürztraminer 2022
Certified organic (2021), no artificial fertilizers, no herbicides or pesticides, hand harvested
Wachenheim, Pfalz, Germany
Winemakers: Patrick Möllendorf
Owner: Ernst Loosen

Super light straw with a teeny touch of green. Breathing in gentle spring flowers, peach blossoms, miniature roses, peaches, mango, lychee, grapefruit tangelo blend, and a touch of honeysuckle followed by a mineral dappled cool stream. Sipping away and there’s that honeysuckle again but it’s stepping out from behind the shadows, peaches, lychee, mango, mix of melon, pineapple popsicle, Valencia oranges & zest & a tiny shave of grapefruit with Buddha’s Hand zest too, Lemon Kas with a tingle and fresh, fresh, fresh.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: brings out more pears and silkiness or should I say a pearapalooza

When I see a Villa Wolf wine, I always think of the villa’s gorgeous architecture & design inside and out, that deserves to be on @accidentallywesanderson (If you haven’t followed them, check out the pics). Dating back to the 1700s and previously known as the J.L. Wolf estate, their famous and established shine began to wane in its last years before being rescued by Ernst Loosen (Dr. Loosen) in 1996. A fresh yet classic new energy grew through their vineyards and cellar, also with Patrick Möllendorf’s viticulture & winemaking hands dearly in it. As stated in their philosophy, “A great wine begins in your head, but the true measure of any wine is where it ends – in your glass.”, and this 🐺doesn’t just howl in joy of their ethereal & earthly collaboration…it gets on stage and sings! 🎤✨✨✨

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #wineislove #florenceandthemachine #wolf #howl #winetime #Gewurztraminer #pfalz #Germany #worldbyglass #drloosen #villawolf #docwinebar

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A Dürerable Experience

La Spinetta
Il Rosé di Casanova
50% Sangiovese, 50% Prugnolo Gentile
Toscano IGT
Organic & sustainable
Terricciola (Pi), Tuscany, Italy
Rivetti family

Copper rose stained glass. First whiff and there’s grapefruit that turns into a tomato leaf blend, roses, cantaloupe, strawberry, and  young raspberry. Sipping and there’s strawberries & raspberries again, a tiny touch of blueberry, grapefruit twang in a good way…”so fresh, so good, so right ba ba ba” (sorry that song has been stuck in my head tonight), light lemon zest, and a mineral rock lick.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: In the famous words of Bill the Cat, “Ack ack ack thppt!”

Such a weighty creature on the label for such a gentle & refreshing wine. Y’all know the distinctive beast that graces many of La Spinetta’s wines. Giorgio Rivetti’s a big fan of Albrecht Dürer, so what better reason to emblazon his woodcut on their bottles. He also picked another work by the artist, “Il Leone di Dürer” to grace their Barolo Campè & Barolo Garretti since “The so-called king of the jungle is the best representation of the king of wines and said the wine of kings.” BTW every time I see that rhinoceros my heart has a longing feeling for not just their wines which are always fabulous but also for Albrecht’s handiwork. I’m a huge fan too and some of you may not know I have a MFA in printmaking and each glance takes me back to the feel of the tools, the smell of the ink in the printshop, and just getting thoroughly dirty but in the most satisfying way. After hours of work there would be nothing better than a long shower and a big glass of a Spinetta wine. Cheers! ❤️🦏❤️

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #wineislove #winetime #Italy #worldbyglass #AlbrechtDürer #skurnikwines #laspinetta #laspinettacasanova #docwinebar #docwineshop

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Drop That Olive And Salut!

Casa Mariol
Vermut Blanc
Macabeu & local herbs
Organic & vegan
Batea, Terra Alta, Spain
Josep Maria & Marta Vaquer Llop (current generation and brother & sister)

Shining yellow with a bit of green blip. Hovering over the glass and scents start off with a cream ’nila feel that leads to Sprite with an herbal swirl of mints (chocolate, wintergreen, spearmint), basil, sage, thyme, a drop of Riccola, touch of an ocean breeze, and a hint of icing (not buttercream). Sipping (btw I haven’t added the olives in yet) and all of the scents explode in the taste with a welcome bitter bite, orange and other citrus zest, and then it all goes mellow and beckons me to relax, kick back and drop that olive in.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: Due to the olive incident, I have not had a chance to try. You’ll see later.

This reminds me of my first vermut encounter provided by my friends in Belgium that was ages ago…actually years…and a whole other lifetime.  My young American mouth was not familiar with any sort of vermouth. All of my tastebuds rose to attention and went on high alert. With time and advice from friends, I realized what I had been missing in my youth was adding an olive or two since they bring out more herbs and a dryness, and are so delightful to munch on. Well, they were until last Saturday night. I swear if it’s not one thing it’s another lately. 🤣 Let’s just say I am going to the dentist in a few days to have my hillbilly front tooth repaired. I will say this Vermut Blanc is worth a visit to Dr. 🦷🦷, and again Casa Mariol, I can’t wait to get a chance to visit y’all in person to try the rest of your wines with a new smile. Salut!

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #vermut #vermouth #winelover #winetasting #winetime #wineislove #organic #Spain #vinoslibres #CasaMariol #vinewine #vinewinenyc

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“You Don’t Have To Be A Millionaire”

4Kilos
Motor América 2021
Callet
Organic, vegan
Felanitx, Islas Baleares, Mallorca, Spain
Francesc Grimalt & Sergio Caballero

Shining cranberry plum glass. Sniffing and there’s an earthy/iron start that starts to blend and fade, next up is cherry followed by strawraspcranberry, a touch of a mint/herbal blend, grind of pepper but not heavy, then roses with a touch of magnolia, and pipsissewa. Sip and there’s a tangy start of all the previous berries that becomes more luscious over time, on the back a smidge of an eucalyptus beneficial herby mix, puff of smoke on the waters, an oil cured black olive pit, and a touch of forest floor funk.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: bright

Bring together the mix of Francesc (winemaker & native grape champion [especially Callet]) & Sergio (musician & founding partner & co-director of the Sonar Music Festival) and what you get is 4Kilos (named after what the two invested to launch this project: 4 million pesetas [€24,000]). As Mr. Caballero said, “There’s no need to be a millionaire to make wine; all that’s needed is passion and hard work.” Now to see their passion, hard work, having fun, artwork of all sorts, collaborations, and songs about wine…just check out their site: http://4kilos.com. I got lost clicking through the videos and finding out about their label (12Volts) that features an illustration from Gary Baseman who I have ❤️ forever, and their working collab with Esment (org “that helps people with intellectual disabilities and their families enjoy and improve their quality of life and have the same opportunities as all citizens”) to create their Gallinas & Focas wines. Turns out the name came from a fun brainstorming session with the participants and means “Chicken & Seals”. Why that name…well, “chickens are funny and seals applaud” and then they were able to let their artistic vibes fly to draw what would later grace bottles. 4Kilos are a winery that not just make me smile due to their wines but also to the way they live life to the fullest with joy and a sense of humor. Oh and before I forget…check out the video of the running nun.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #winetime #wineislove #organic #Spain #mallorca #4kilosvinicola #vinewine #vinewinenyc

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Fueling The Spark Of Art

La Moulinière
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Grapes from Chateau Loumelat’s vineyards
Sustainable
Bordeaux, France
Famille Lesgourgues

Twinkle twinkle light yellow that warms on the pulse with green highlights starlight. Scents of pear, very fresh apples picked on a warm summer day, lemon, lime, honeydew, a kneaded dough rising smell, tangerine/grapefruit spritz, and light pineapple. Sipping and there’s lemon, lime, a grapefruit splash with a tangerine cocktail of all the citrus, pineapple, lychee (I remember as a kid  from a restaurant that I only got to go to when I got straight As on report card), ripe cucumbers, cool mineral like from our spring house minus the salamanders, a little honeysuckle, and pinch of salt. 

Pairs with Cheez-Its: tart fireworks

The Lesgourgues family has 5 châteaus in total (as far as I know) and the one that these Sauvignon Blancs grapes are sourced from is Chateau Loumelat. What took me with them in particular was not just their wines, but also their passion for contemporary art which is near and dear to my own ❤️. At Château de Laubade (known for their armagnac) they have residencies for artists, and who wouldn’t want to create in such a beautiful place. People working in the vines, cellar, distillery, etc. are also encouraged to engage and collaborate with the artists, so it’s a full winery venture. The public also has the opportunity to view the finished works during their “open houses”. It’s just wonderful that wine, armagnac, & this family fuel the spark for young artists to grow and bloom.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #wineislove #winetime #France #worldbyglass #baronfrancois #LaMoulinière #ChateauLoumelat #ChateaudeLaubade #docwinebar #docwineshop

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Family Traditions

Cleto Chiarli e Figli
Vecchia Modena
Premium Honorable Mention
Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC
100% Lambrusco di Sorbara
Sustainable
Castelvetro, Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Owners: Mauro & Anselmo Chiarli

Sunset rose with tiny light Pinky (Tuscadero) bubbly foam that later trace active designs on the surface. Nose tickling scents pop up of raspberry, strawberry, light Oreo center, cherry blossoms on a cool breeze, and on the back a little alpine herb but not overly. The moment it hits my tongue and there’s those strawberries again (green, pink & red), raspberries, cranberry, a little young blackberry, sorrel, wild backyard sourgrass tang, and a crisp tingly sizzle spark. It’s a little joyful party in a bottle that has a reminder of a Sour Patch Kid in a good adult way.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: BIG NO

This noble sparkler’s roots stem back to the 1800s, when their founder Cleto Chiarli was making wines for his own restaurant, and it’s just continued to grow in estates, vineyards & prestige. This groundbreaker even created his own wine producing company that was the 1st in Emilia-Romagna. Over the years the family has continued to look to the future, how to push & grow, and only stopped for two years after a bombing in WWII, but they rebuilt and kept the momentum going. I was way too young to drink back in the 70s, but I still remember hearing of crappy supposed “Lambruscos”…Cleto has NEVER been one of them. They have from the very beginning been about keeping traditions & quality which can be found in the commitments the current generation has made. Sure you can take my word for it, or just see the awards they’ve garnered, but the best way you can truly know is to pop a bottle for yourself. Once it hits your lips, you’ll get it, your eyes will brighten, and maybe you might even do a little happy dance like I did on my 2nd glass. 💋

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #wineislove #winetime #Italy #Lambrusco #worldbyglass #dallaterrawinerydirect #cletochiarli #docwinebar #docwineshop