Category Archives: wine

La Farra ‘Rive di Farra di Soligo Millesimato’ Extra Dry Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG

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Estate: The La Farra estate was established in 1997 by brothers Innocente and Guido Nardi, following in the footsteps of their family’s long winemaking history. Located in in Farra di Soligo, in the heart of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG, the 20 hectares of vineyards also stretch into the municipalities of Pieve di Soligo, Follina and San Pietro di Feletto. [The Prosecco Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG zone has long been celebrated for the quality of its grapes and its steep, hillside vineyards. For more details about this acclaimed region, click here.]

Winemaking: Hand harvested and crafted from a “Cru” of grapes from vineyards with “limey soils” in the high hills of Farra di Soligo. Charmat method [or tank fermentation].

Tasting Notes: Pale gold in colour with delicate aromas of apple, honey and delicate white flowers. Yellow apple, apricot and a touch of honey fuses with an abundance of dense fine bubbles. The distinctive, vivid almond on the dry finish is the star. Fantastic on its own, or with light dishes.

Pairing Suggestions from the Winery: Excellent aperitif, also an ideal end to the meal [especially with fruit pastries].

100% Glera
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
Italy
Bottled by Azienda Agricola La Farra
11% Alcohol
$17 [average price]
Enjoy now

 

Sample submitted for review purpose.

Maison Noir Wines ‘Love Drunk’ Rosé 2016

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Winery: Maison Noir Wines was founded by sommelier André Hueston Mack in 2007.  The unique and distinctive wines were initially created for some of the New York’s best restaurants for whom Mack was a sommelier, now they are available for home enjoyment. The Garage Wines [Garage d’Or] focus on specific terroirs in Oregon, sourcing the best fruit possible from the Willamette Valley region, producing wines which express the individuality of their respected sites.

Winemaking: Grapes were sourced from “100% single vineyard from McMinnville AVA Vineyards. The varietal combination and percentage was inspired by the Champagne region in France.

Tasting Notes: Light coral pink in colour with inviting aromas of cherry, strawberry and clean minerals overlaying an herbaceous streak. Tasting similar to the aromas with tart cherry, wild strawberry and light minerality complimented by lively acidity. Silky smooth, finishing dry and fruity. Almost delicate in character, and incredibly easy drinking, just fantastic.

75% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir
Oregon
Bottled by Maison Noir Wines
13.3 % Alcohol
$15
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Fritz Müller ‘Perlwein Rosa’ Trocken NV

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Winery: Fritz Müller was founded in 2009 by Guido Walter, a “hardworking, cheerful wine merchant from Munich, and “rising star” winemaker Jürgen Hofmann, from Appenheim in Rhinehessen, Germany’s largest wine producing region. The duo’s goal in establishing the winery was to “breathe new life into a traditional German grape variety which had been pushed out of the public eye: Müller-Thurgau”. They have received many accolades for revitalizing German sparkling wine and crafting character driven, inexpensive wines.

Philosophy: “To create a fresh, fruity, exhilarating wine that makes people happy.”

Tasting Notes: Bright red-pink in colour with aromas of fresh strawberry, raspberry and minerals. Red berries with a pinch of pepper abound, but the star here is the sprightly, fizzy red grapefruit and mineral finish. Friendly and so fun to drink, each fizzy, fruity glass will disappear much faster than you expect.

Serving Suggestions from the Winery: Serve at 47°F [8°C], on the rocks, or as a cocktail with a sprig of mint.

Portugieser and Spätburgunder [Pinot Noir] [I could not confirm varietal percentages.]
Germany
12% Alcohol
$12
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Les Vignerons D’Estézargues ‘Cuvée des Galets’ Côtes du Rhône 2015

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Winery: Les Vignerons D’Estézargues is a co-operative winery of 10 different growers in the small town of Estézargues, just west of Avignon. Founded in 1965, they became a pioneer for quality and individuality in their wines when in 1995 they began to vinify their wines separately and to make single cuvées from their best plots.

Winemaking: With nearly 1000 acres of vineyards, they are now one of the most modern and progressive co-ops in the Southern Rhône, with a focus on sustainable agriculture, low yields and small batch vinification. Believing in as little intervention as possible, they do not add external yeast, sugar, or enzymes in their production process. Sulphur is only added in minimal amounts during bottling, and their wines are neither refined nor filtered.

Tasting Notes: Red-violet in colour with enticing aromas of wild berry pie and earthy spice. Fresh wild strawberry, raspberry, blackberry and a drop of red currant are smeared over an earthy core and supported by grippy tannins. Black pepper and berry fruit return on the plush finish. Hearty and rustic, a fantastic value and versatile companion at the table.

Predominately Grenache with Carignon [I could not verify varietal percentages.]
Côtes du Rhône
France
Bottled by Les Vignerons D’Estézargues
14% Alcohol
$10 [average price]
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Piera Martellozzo ‘Blu Giovello’ Moscato Puglia IGT NV

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Estate: The Martellozzo estate was founded in 1899 by Giovanni Martellozzo. At the age of 29, 3rd generation winemaker Piera Martellozzo took over the estate her grandfather established. Today the estate stretches over three regions: Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige. The Giovello line is crafted to be fresh, lighthearted and enjoyed young.

Philosophy: “Donating the pleasure of wine in the name of tradition and contemporary taste.”

Winemaking: Hand harvested from organically farmed vineyards 300-400 meters above sea level with morainic and volcanic soils. Fermented in stainless steel, followed by “then a short Charmat method, about two months. In the end the wine is chilled, filtered and isobaric bottling is carried out”.

Tasting Notes: Pale gold in colour with aromas of peach, apricot and citrus. Concentrated peach, apricot, honey and white flowers are accented by light fizz. Citrus zest compliments sweet honey on the dry finish. Sweet, but not cloying, a good choice with light snacks or to begin the afternoon/evening.

Pairing Suggestions from the Winery: Cheese courses, charcuterie or antipasto plates. Its versatility, and the lower alcohol also make it an ideal aperitif candidate.

100% Moscato Giallo
Puglia IGT
Italy
Bottled by Piera Martellozzo S.P.A
9% Alcohol
$9
Enjoy now