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Félines, Fêtes, & A Flamboyance

Domaine Félines Jourdan
Picpoul de Pinet 2022
AOP Picpoul de Pinet
Sustainable
Mèze, France
Winemaker: Claude Jourdan

Shimmering gold with green blips. Scents flow out of apples, pears, tangerine, light grapefruit, fresh cool rained on pavers, lemon, lime, honey & comb, and a touch of mango & lychee. All of the scents are there in the sip with a bit more honey, a little mild (maybe even like how it gets milder when roasted) fennel, that rain is now on river rocks & their mineral fresh lick, a few blades of grass, an extra shot of lime-ade, and a pinch of salt.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: bleh no

Domaine Félines Jourdan is situated in such a beautiful part of Languedoc-Roussillon, where they have 100 hectares in 3 plots of differing terroirs ranging from La Coulette (protected from winds by a forest), Les Cadastres (50m alt & has a view of the Mediterranean sea), and finally Félines which benefits from being so close to the water where the winds carry cool moist breezes & my favorite part…you can catch a sight of flamingos & sea dwellers that can pair so very well with this bottle. (BTW do you know what a group of 🦩🦩is called?) Claude’s lovely Mèze also has quite a celebration coming up very soon with the Festival de Thau, July 10-21. It’s filled with music & culture, local wine & food, and promoting sustainability with a goal of zero single use plastic and sparking eco dialogues. So pick up some tickets, get ready to get your groove on this summer, and kick back a few 🦪🦪 with a glass of Claude’s Picpoul. Cheers! Oh and don’t forget your sunscreen.

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

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Women Powered Wine

Friã Friõ
Vinho Verde D.O.C.
2022
Loureiro, Trajadura and Arinto
Sustainably grown
Sousa, Portugal
Founders: Jocelyn Brent and Lisa Rankin
Winemaker: Joana Santiago

Bright & lively shining yellow-greenish. Taking a breath and there’s green apple, a clean fresh springhouse scent, light grapefruit & even more light tangerines & kumquat, and a dash of wild flowers with a smidge of fresh cut greenery. Sipping green apples and a few others thrown in, lemon/lime squeeze with other citrus blends, orange blossoms, ripe pears, a tiny sizzle/sparkle, and a little bit of that mineral springhouse again. It’s fresh, bright & easy to drink and love.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: whoa even more bright, tart and zingy

Some people call Vinho Verde wines feminine, well with this one they are right, but not for what they might assume. Friã Friõ was founded by women, has an amazing and established woman winemaker, and then there’s “Rose” (mentioned on their site but no last name given) handpicking the grapes & working in the vines. This is girl power or should I say woman power in its best form. Their creations are as they put it, are “made for your blue sky day”…light, refreshing, and full of their love. Just pick up a bottle, sip it, and know you’ve found your summer go to wine. Oh, and it’s even better when shared with friends, so pass me another glass. Cheers!

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #sustainable  #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #winetime #wineislove #portugal #vinhoverde #vinhoverdewines #drinkwildman #friafrio #vinewine #vinewinenyc

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Keep It Chill

Swick Wines
Chillable
2022 American Red Wine
Mourvedre, Malbec, Verdelho, and Pinot Noir
Organic & practicing organic
Yakima, WA & Newburg, Oregon
Winemaker: Joe Swick

Do you remember that jiggling color of cranberry sauce that slid out of the can during the holidays…that color. Scents started emerging immediately of raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, cherry& a little cherry blossoms too, apple/blueberry jelly bellies, dark plums dance through with some earth thrown in with orange zest, a touch of vanilla (or Oreo cream), violets, and the slightest bit of wisteria. First taste and there’s cherries/plums with depth, followed rapidly in the next sip of a mad delicious blend of raspstrawcranblackblueerry along with a tangy twist of all and a Skittle or two thrown in.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: sharpens all the flavors

Ok, as many of you know I love Swick Wines, and I’m betting a whole lot of y’all do too. When you see that distinctive font, you know you’re getting a winner. “Chillable” knocks it out of this blazing hot park with ease…oh, and take the optional advice on the  back label and don’t forget to fridge it. Love that they work with “historically farmed regional varieties” and also experiment with others to mix it all up. It’s like Joe is weaving the song of summer with his carefully selected grapes with this bottle…you know like that track you keep going back to and fuels your memories and keeps you moving and grooving through these bright months. What’s your go to tune? My latest is one by my favorite spinner Fatboy Slim and to my surprise it’s his 500th single. Check it and the video out, keep the Swick flowing, and keep it “chill”.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #wineislove #winetime #organic #oregon #washington #worldbyglass #normancook #fatboyslim #swickwines #docwinebar #docwineshop

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Lighter On Their Feet

Djuce
Core Wines (their house wines)
Crispy White
Trebbiano
Organic & vegan
Abruzzo, Italy

Starlight with a blip of yellow green crayon. Breathing in and as it opens it starts off with Texas toast, then emerges honeydew & other melon balls, pears both crisp & full, fresh cool rained on paving stones that turn into creek rocks, and a smidge of wild chives/onions that I used to pick by the lake as a kid…that fresh sweet but savory green moment. All of the scents are in the sip with crisp green & crab apples, a lemon/lime crisp squish, and garden fresh peeled cucumbers. It’s easy-peasy fresh, crisp and lively.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: scrumptiously delicious

Djuce started popping up in my feeds maybe a week or so ago, so when I saw one in person of course had to try one. They work with organic/natural/biodynamic/like minded European winemakers and pair them with a cool assortment of artists whose work makes it a little hard to toss in recycling because you might want to make a little art shelf to display your collection (this can’s little creature is by Johan Alenius and check out the animation here https://www.instagram.com/p/C748e4ti7hE/?hl=en ). Speaking on recycling & the good it does for the environment…since they are using cans, it also trims back on their carbon footprint. They’re also very portable and can be cracked anywhere like hanging by the pool, hiking in the woods (just remember if you bring it with you, take it back out with you when you leave),  dancing at a concert under the stars, or like me chilling on a hot summer night at home. Anyway, I bet you’ll find your favorite sipping spot. Oh and I know a some of you are still iffy on wine in a can. I’ve had my share of stinkers too, but these are definitely a hit.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #wineinacan #cannedwine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #wineislove #winetime #organic #italy #Sweden #worldbyglass #JohanAlenius #zevrovineselections #docwinebar #docwineshop #djuce

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A Viking With A Cause

Vichingo
Lust For Light 2021
60% Valdiguié, 30% Gamay, 10% Gewurztraminer
Organic & biodynamic
North Coast, California
Collaboration of G.E.O. & Hobo Winery

Shining ruby with light garnet rim. Scents float up of cherry (fresh & dried), plum, raspberry, a white/pink pepper blend, and as time goes by roses. First sip after it has warmed up on this damn hot night is tangy with tart cherries mixed with a lemon squeeze, young raspberries & blackberries, green strawberries, yellow plums, pinch of that pepper blend lingering in the back, light boysenberry pops out over time, and realizing there’s a taste of whittled/stripped green fresh apple tree twig. This is one happy fresh chilled viking.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: kind of goes sour so step away from the box

Well, this was quite a surprise. Vichingo (Italian for viking) is a collaboration project with G.E.O (the creative, branding & design team of Garrett Morin & Elisabeth Dilk) and wineries/winemakers from Italy, Spain, California and possibly more that I haven’t found. This “lusty” bottle hails from CA & Hobo Wine Co. who are very invested in caring for the planet and all that inhabit it. Not only do they make decisions to work organic, biodynamic, or sustainable; they also consider the effect their packaging and transport into the big picture and their “winery is powered by local renewable sustainable geothermal energy via Sonoma County’s EVERGREEN CLEAN POWER program”. They’re also a member of “1% for the Planet and donate 1% of their gross revenue from all of their brands to non-profit environmental organizations. Since joining, they have donated over $171,459; $150,043 in cash and $21,271 in wine.” The more I hear of wineries, winemakers, distributors/importers, and sellers caring and taking in consideration to their impact & what they can do to help the world gives me hope and lightens my heart for the future.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #organic #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #winetime #wineislove #hobowine #hobowinecompany #vinewine #vinewinenyc

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Tasty, Colorful & Timeless Expressions

Cantina di Mogoro
Le Giare (The Jars) 2022
Vermentino di Sardegna DOC
100% Vermentino
Mogoro (Mòguru), Alta Marmilla, OR, Sardegna, Italy

Light spun straw yellow. Breathing in apricots, peaches, honeydew, something like a cool/fresh stream running over rocks, smidge of baguette, and as it opens a citrus blend emerges of kumquat, lemon, and more. Taking a few sips and the citrus blend starts, soon  followed by apricots & white peaches, tart pears, even a touch of crabapple, a good lemon/lime squeeze and a shave of zest, s sprinkle of thyme & oregano, along with a bit of fresh cut grass. Absolutely delicious!

Pairs with Cheez-Its: brings out more of an herbiness

Cantina di Mogoro (dates back to 1956) and is still making fabulous wines that truly represent the beauty of Sardinia. Just another reason for me to ask myself (as I did even last week)…why haven’t I traveled there to experience all of this wonderful wine & food in person? I have to stop putting things off! Anyway, I’ve written before about Sardinia’s beautiful woven arts and it turns out Mogoro has their own art & craft festival (or artisan might be a better word albeit at times overused), “Fiera dell Artigianato Artistico della Sardegna“ (textiles, clay, metalwork like knives, etc. & more) where you can just look or it you’re so inclined can bring some home. The local women also have their own group passing down the history of their looms, “Su Trobasciu”, and I love this description of how they are set apart from other weavers…“In Mogoro the joyful floral explosions, capable of escaping the rigid schematisms more typical of other areas of Sardinia.” Way back in time they used to even have more than 600 of these looms which turns out was “more than one per family.” No wonder it is so important to carry on this beautiful & passionate tradition, and see how their members artistically & creatively grow in modern times. Now, when should I start packing a bag? 🧳❤️

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #sardinia #sardegna #Italy #wineislove #winetime #vermentino #worldbyglass #omniwines #cantinadimogoro #docwinebar #docwineshop

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Hello Michigan!

Neu Cellars
Crispy
Chardonnay 50%, Baco Noir 33%, Léon Millot 17%
Old Mission Peninsula AVA (Baco, LM), Leelanau Peninsula AVA (Chardonnay)
Sustainable & practicing organic
Honor, Michigan
John Keller & father

Looks like an inviting watermelon cranberry cocktail. Giving it a sniff and a river rock waves hi at first to fall back behind cherries, strawberries, raspberries, red currant, and a  light Lemon/lime zest. After a quick swig there’s a zippy slightly effervescent start or a crisp tingle tangle of tart cherry, raspberry,  pink & green strawberries, pomegranate, red currant again with a smidge of just picked blackberry, and a lime spritz that kind of makes me think of kiwi. It’s bright, clean, and a fun co-ferment party in a glass.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: I wasn’t expecting this but it makes all deeper

Well, this is my first Michigan wine and I’m so behind the times and not keeping up with the cool kids. Even this morning, I read an article  from theSkimm, “Forget Cape Cod — Northern Michigan Is the Beach Destination to Visit This Summer”. Turns out John’s family had a holiday place in N. Michigan and eventually they bought and built a little place which gave him a foothold to the area. When he decided to ditch biochemistry studies for wine & head to the west coast in an internship at Ravenswood which once again landed him in a lab environment, sampling, and doing the doing the science end of the “big wine business”. He must have realized he wanted more…something more natural…more authentic & fresh…less structured science and more in tune with nature which is an art. Finding his calling & his father’s retirement project, Neu was born. Grapes are sourced from a like mind and John has also planted an organic vineyard which “is located at the tip of Leelanau Peninsula AVA”. Now he’s making delicious, fresh wines that are as he says, “There are no additions or subtractions. If there were an ingredient label, it would read: grapes.” Cheers to Neu, Michigan, and keeping it real & “Crispy”.

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #organic #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #winetime #wineislove #michigan #neucellars #vinewine #vinewinenyc

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“Reverse Migration”

Santa Tresa
Rina Russa 2022
Frappato Terre Siciliane IGP
100% Frappato di Vittoria
Organic & biodiverse
Sicily, Italy
Stefano and Marina Girelli (brother & sister)

Bright shining light cherry. There’s scents of cherries & blossoms, lilacs, raspberries, strawberries (and their caps & greenery), a little cola, and light orange zest. Tasting cherries of all sorts & tart ones too, raspberries, young strawberries, drop of blackberry, citrus bend & zest, tart dark & bright plums & pits, and it’s all just full of a lively spirit.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: brings out a smooth depth

Stefano & Marina, originally from Trentino, along with generations of their family in the wine business, fell for Sicily (in particular Vittoria) and as they called it they did a “kind of ‘reverse migration’ of coming from the North to the South, rather than the opposite way round”. Now not only do they have Santa Tresa but also Azienda Agricola Cortese. Brother & sis saw Sicily as a welcoming community built through history of differing cultures/countries that colonized, mixed, meshed and each contributed to the language, dialects, dishes, and the arts of all forms…and also in its wines. They celebrate the local grapes, reignite forgotten ones, work with traditions & still experiment to breathe new life into others, and let the land tell its unique tales through their bottles. ❤️

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #wineislove #winetime #organic #redwine #frappato #Sicily #italy #worldbyglass #viaswine #docwinebar #docwineshop #santatresa

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What’s In A Name Or A Number

Contini 1898
Flor 2019
100% Vernaccia
Vernaccia di Oristano DOC
Cabras, Oristano, Sardegna, Italy
Contini Famiy

Golden burnt orange amber. Sniffing and it has a headiness that reminds me of sherry, apricots dried & fresh, peaches, dried brown figs & little date thrown in with hazelnuts & almonds, orange blossoms, and a salty breeze. All of the scents are on the sip with honeyhoneycomb, preserved lemon, lime zest, almond biscotti, ginger, a little baked goodness like the caramelized/burnt edges of chewies my mom used to make, and a lick of salt.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: just say no

I was so excited to try this glass! The Continis are so proud of their origins and have a darn good reason to be. They spell it out on their site, “A name and a number define our company and mark the origins of our story. We are proud to be the first and oldest winery in Sardinia, an honor that we owe entirely to our founder, Salvatore Contini, and his wife Anna Maria Dessi.” There’s so much more of their history in this bottle than just the vintage. Sipping this makes me feel a part of their timeless world which is on my bucket list to visit (hopefully soon).

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #pairswithcheezits #cheezit #winelover #winetasting #wineislove #winetime #organic #sardegna #sardinia #italy #worldbyglass #docwinebar #docwineshop #Contini #Contini1898

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Drink Me…Share Me

AHA Wines
Bebame Red 2016
Cabernet Franc 98.5%, Gamay 1.5%
Sustainable
El Dorado County
Fair Play, Sierra Foothills, CA
Don Heistuman, Steve Edmunds, and Ron Mansfield

Shining ruby glass. Breathing in tomato leaf, white pepper, cherries, red currants, blackberries, and dried cranberries. Sipping crancherblackberries, red currants again, dark & medium plums (skins, pits & all), boysen & blueberries, and a smidge of white & bell pepper.

Pairs with Cheez-Its: juicilicious

Seen this wine around for a while now and finally stepped up to the plate. As Alice’s curiosity gets the best of her with the “Bebame” or “drink me” potion, this bottle is so enticing too..luckily you won’t shrink like she did. Instead this easy drinker (chilled or not) will take your tastebuds on a trip to the “old world” via loving west coast “new world” hands and vines. So glad Don Heistuman found a way to scratch that European itch with a CA flair. BTW this bottle is one you’ll find on the under $20 shelf, so you’ll want to pick up a few because this is a wine to share with friends along with good conversation. ❤️🍷

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #sustainable #winestagram #instawine #winelover #winetasting #winetime #wineislove #california  #bebame #ahawines #vinewine #vinewinenyc