CHRISTOPHE MIGNON NV ADN DE MEUNIER BRUT NATURE

CHAMPAGNE, FRANCE

Christophe Mignon's unique approach to viticulture, fondly referred to as the “Mignon Method”, combines natural practices including biodynamics, phytotherapy, homeopathy and geobiology. The moon is the guiding force for all actions in the vineyard and cellar, Christophe and his wife Laurence have been following its cycle for over 20 years now!!!

The ADN de Meunier (or DNA of Meunier) is made with fruit from two different vineyards that are, on average, 45 years old. Each site is vinified separately, without malolactic fermentation, before spending 5 months on lees prior to blending. It spends 36 months on lees before being disgorged. Brut Nature means the dosage was 0g/L.

It’s got rich, toasty notes of brioche and Marcona almonds that are highlighted by flavours of dried pears and strawberries & cream.

I’LAURI 2021 CHIOLA CERASUOLO D’ABRUZZO

ABRUZZO, ITALY

The Italian wine region of Abruzzo is located east of Rome, on the Adriatic coast. It has a handful of DOC’s dedicated to making wine using the Montepulciano grape; it is the region’s flagship variety after all! Cerasuolo D’Abruzzo is a DOC dedicated to the production of rosé made from Montepulciano. The word ‘Cerasuolo’ translates to ‘cherry red’, a reference to the colour of the wine produced from the grape; even just a few hours of skin contact for rosés results in a vibrant, deeply hued colour!

I’Lauri is located in the town of Loreto Aprutino, and this wine is an homage to the Chiola family, who ruled the town for over 100 years during the 19th Century. Loreto Aprutino was originally called Lauretum, derived from the Latin word for the bay tree, which is abundant here, and represented on the beautiful label.

Maybe it’s the power of suggestion, but aromas of cherry are plentiful and are echoed on the palate where they’re met with flavours of cranberry, clove and white pepper.

 

FINCA VILLACRECES 2019 PRUNO

RIBERA DEL DUERO, SPAIN

Along the Duero River, and at the center of the Golden Mile, there are a cluster of vineyards and estates considered by many critics to be the very best in Valladolid, if not the entire region. Here is where you’ll find Finca Villacreces, adjacent to the famed Bodegas Vega Sicilia. The first vines were planted on this estate in the 13th Century.

In 2003 the Antón family – owners of Bodegas Izadi in Rioja Alavesa – purchased the estate and invested in revitalizing the property and cellars; they immediately started converting the 64-hectare estate to sustainable and organic viticulture. They also ended contracts which saw most of the fruit sold off to neighbouring producers.

Handpicked grapes, 90% Tempranillo & 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, were fermented in stainless steel and raised in neutral oak barrels (3rd use) for 12 months. The resulting wine is deep and inky in colour with loads of baking spice and black currant on the nose. The palate is supple with flavours of black cherries, dried figs, fresh tobacco and a wisp of smoke.

MOUCHÃO 2018 DOM RAFAEL

ALENTEJO, PORTUGAL

In 1824 Thomas William Reynolds left Porto, heading south in search of a cork grove. He came across 900 hectares of land in the Alentejo region that fit the bill perfectly! The estate was quickly established and began producing honey, olive oil, wool and wine. Cork is still the main focus today, but Mouchão is definitely most famous for its wines. 

This tasty red is a blend of 33% Aragonêz, 33% Trincadeira, 30% Castelão & 4% Alicante Bouschet, all of which come from the estate. The handpicked bunches are foot-trodden twice daily and allowed to ferment for roughly 4-6 days in lagares (open stone troughs) before being moved to a combination of 5000L and 225L new and used oak barrels for malolactic fermentation. It then rests for 12 to 15 months before being bottled.

Mouchão says this is one of their “more fruit-driven-yet-structured vintages”. Ripe plum and blackberry are present on the nose and the palate, which is accented with notes of vanilla, mint, and dark chocolate. The finish is wonderfully persistent.

BOSCHKLOOF 2019 CABERNET SAUVIGNON MERLOT

STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA

Founded by father and son team Jacques & Reenen Borman in 1995, Boschkloof takes its name from the natural ravine or ‘kloof’ on the 25-hectare farm; the land consists of rolling hills and picturesque mountain backdrops.

In addition to the Borman’s, the Boschkloof team consists of three families that have worked on the farm and in the cellar for over 15 years now.

This is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon & 45% Merlot. The grapes were handpicked and fermented separately with both inoculated and native yeasts. Pump overs occurred four times per day to get gentle extraction of colour, tannins and flavor. After 20 days on skins the lots were pressed off into used French barriques and aged for 18 months.

A bouquet of violets, black cherries and toasty oak notes is complemented by a silky, plush mouthfeel. The mid-palate is quite concentrated with flavours of boysenberries and vanilla.

CHÂTEAU DE SAINT COSME LITTLE JAMES’ BASKET PRESS

RHÔNE VALLEY, FRANCE

Château de Saint Cosme is located north of the village of Gigondas in France’s Southern Rhône Valley, it’s the oldest estate in the region.

This is a very, very unique wine; it’s made utilizing the solera system, which is a process for aging liquids (such as wine, beer, vinegar, and brandy), by fractional blending in such a way that the finished product is a mixture of ages, with the average age gradually increasing as the process continues over many years. The purpose of this labor-intensive process is the maintenance of a reliable style and quality of the beverage over time.

This is predominantly Grenache, with a bit of Pinot Noir and the oldest wine in the blend dates back to 1999. So cool!

On the nose aromas of cherry pie filling and ripe blueberries, with a hint of cocoa, are brought together with underlying notes of potpourri. On the palate flavours of red cherries and black pepper balance out the structured, grippy tannins.