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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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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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Sipping Langa Style

La Ganghija
Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC 2017
100% Nebbiolo
Sustainable
Treiso, Piemonte, Italy
Winemaker: Enzo Rapalino

Super ruby. Breathing in cherries, plums, earthiness along with smoke, and a bit of warm spice blend peppercorns, clove & more. All of the scents are right there in the taste with more earth, and as it breathes cherries & strawberries pop out more and eventually morph into Jolly Ranchers, and some anise on the sides & oak on the back. This glass is rolling in some depth that dances with brightness.

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: yuck no

The last “La Ganghija” I had was back in 2021, and was their Langhe D.O.C. Chardonnay 2018 that was dreamy, unique & delightful. The Rapalinos had eons of generations working/selling grapes, but it took Enzo (and his family) to jump into the business of creating their own wine. Love & enthusiasm for Treiso led to his  dream taking root. Yeah, yeah I know enough with the vineyard references, but this one comes from the source. Their name “La Ganghija” in Piemontese means vine tendril which represents “small but powerful”. Well, this little green coil has now grown to have vineyards that reach from Trieso to Magliano Alfieri and Madonna di Como (Alba). Their family venture has an extended one too known as “Langa Style”. Enzo and 4 other guys from Langhe all studied oenology in Alba, and now bond together as friends and independent winemakers who support each other, promote each others’ wines, and believe it’s better to be colleagues instead of rivals. 🍷

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #instawine #worldbyglass #Italy #Treiso #Piemonte #Langhe #Nebbiolo #pairswithcheezits @cheezits @la_ganghija_enzo_rapalino @viaswine @docwineshop @docwinebar

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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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Wine = Resource

Col di Corte
Anno Uno 2021
100% Verdicchio
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi
Biodynamic, organic
Montecarotto (AN), Marche, Italy
Giacomo Rossi & Claudio Caldaroni (winemaker)

Springy light gold with a green sheen here and there. Scents of peaches with a touch of heady magnolia, a blend of citrus popping, and what I think is a little puff of smoke. Sipping those fresh peaches along with pears, a honeysuckle drop, blend o lemon, lime & zest, a squeeze of lovely Valencia too and every time I lean back and exhale there is a flutter of fresh cut grass. So fresh, “so good, so good!”…oh noooo now I have that song stuck in my head. Fully admit it, I can’t stand “Sweet Caroline” and still have nightmares of getting pulled into that karaoke. 

Pairs with Cheez-It’s: delightful. Neil has left the building

Have you seen “Natural Resistance” (Jonathan Nossiter’s documentary)? I did a while ago, and revisited it after meeting this wine. Turns out Giacomo was a producer on this film and that experience had a sway in his organic/biodynamic choices. Early on in the film, there’s a great quote by Giovanna Tiezzi (Pācina Wine), “We’re midwives. Our power lies in respecting completely only what nature gives us and understanding nature’s time.” At Col di Corte they definitely let that respect guide them, their lands speak through wine, and acknowledge each harvest’s seasonal bliss or twists & turns on each label in weather symbols. These guys are proud of their collaboration with their environment…their part of Marche, and that they “produce wine with the intention of offering a resource (not a product)” and a delicious one at that. ❤️

#wine #vin #vino #vinho #wein #葡萄酒 #ワイン #winestagram #naturalwine #instawine #winetime #organic #artisanwine #whitewine #worldbyglass #cheezit #pairswithcheezits #Marche #italy @coldicorte @selectedestatesofeurope @docwineshop @docwinebar @cheezit