1. Cascina Preziosa Spanna Coste della Sesia (shown below!)
A classic, rustic red from one of the finest wine regions in the world! Cascina Preziosa, translating to "Precious Farmhouse," is a historic winery nestled in the Coste della Sesia region of Piedmont, Italy. With roots tracing back to the Napoleonic era, this esteemed estate has long been a significant player in Alto Piemonte's wine production. The 2020 Spanna Coste della Sesia is a captivating red wine, composed of 85% Nebbiolo and 15% Barbera. This blend beautifully captures the essence of the region, known for its ancient marine sand soils that impart a unique minerality to the wine. Aged for 12 months in large, medium-toast oak barrels, followed by an additional 6 months in the bottle, this wine showcases a harmonious balance of rich, complex flavors and structured tannins. On the nose, it offers enticing aromas of fresh red and black fruits, wild berry preserves, and subtle notes of licorice and violet. The palate is equally impressive, featuring a balsamic, mineral backbone with hints of forest floor and eucalyptus, making it a delightful and intriguing wine to savor. Cascina Preziosa's dedication to traditional winemaking methods and their commitment to quality shine through in every sip of this remarkable wine!
This sophisticated red wine pairs exceptionally well with so many dishes, thanks to its rich, complex flavors and balanced structure! A hearty osso buco or slow-braised beef stew will beautifully complement the wine's robust character and structured tannins. For pasta lovers, a dish of pappardelle with wild mushroom ragu or a traditional lasagna with rich, meaty layers will enhance the wine's earthy and balsamic notes. Cheese lovers will find that aged cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino bring out the wine's subtle flavors of licorice and violet. Chicken or turkey seasoned with herbs and served with a side of root vegetables, will harmonize with the wine's mineral backbone and hints of forest floor. Whether you’re indulging in a formal dinner or a cozy meal at home, the Spanna Coste della Sesia is sure to take your night to the next level. Salute!
- Producer: Cascina Preziosa
- Region: Coste Della Sesia Rosso DOC, Italy
- Varieties: Nebbiolo, Barbera
- Alcohol: 13.5%
2. Maison Noir Wines Horseshoes and Handgrenades (shown below!)
Maison Noir's Horseshoes & Handgrenades is a fruit-driven, full-bodied red blend crafted from grapes sourced in Southern Oregon and Red Mountain, Washington. This complex wine is predominantly made from Oregon Syrah, complemented by Washington Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which add structure and depth. Rich, ripe fruit flavors with hints of cherry pits and leather. Founded by sommelier André Hueston Mack, Maison Noir Wines emphasizes unique, high-quality wines with a distinct character! We love his wines so much!
Mack is a prominent American sommelier, winemaker, and entrepreneur known for his innovative approach to the wine industry. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Mack initially pursued a career in finance before transitioning to the world of wine. His passion for wine was ignited while working in a fine dining restaurant, leading him to leave his job in finance and follow his newfound calling! His career took off when he became the first African American to win the prestigious title of Best Young Sommelier in America in 2003, awarded by Chaine des Rotisseurs. He went on to work as a sommelier at the renowned French Laundry in Napa Valley and later at Per Se in New York City, both of which are Michelin-starred restaurants.
In 2007, Mack founded Maison Noir Wines, a boutique winery that produces a range of unique and expressive wines. His wines are known for their high quality and distinctive labels, often featuring bold and playful designs. Maison Noir Wines sources grapes from some of the best vineyards in Oregon, focusing on sustainable and organic farming practices.
Mack is also an accomplished author and public speaker! He has written books about wine and his journey in the industry, sharing his knowledge and experiences with a broader audience. His engaging and down-to-earth speaking style has made him a sought-after figure at wine events and conferences.
His philosophy revolves around making wine accessible and enjoyable for everyone, breaking down the barriers and elitism often associated with the industry. He is committed to diversity and inclusion, both in his business practices and in his advocacy work. Mack's influence extends beyond winemaking, as he continues to inspire and mentor aspiring sommeliers and wine enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds!
- Producer: Maison Noir Wines
- Region: Willamette Valley, OR
- Varieties: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
- Alcohol: 13.7%
3. Casa Belfi Frizzante Rosso Sparkling (shown below!)
This summer, we're all drinking sparkles. We deserve it! Casa Belfi is a renowned winery located in the Veneto region of Italy, particularly in the province of Treviso along the River Piave. The winery was founded by Maurizio Donadi, who, along with Albino Armani, initiated the Casa Belfi project with a strong focus on organic and biodynamic viticulture. Maurizio's journey towards organic farming began after experiencing adverse health effects from conventional farming chemicals, leading him to convert to organic methods by 2004 and achieve Demeter certification by 2016.
Casa Belfi Rosso Naturalmente Frizzante is a fruity sparkling wine with aromas of fresh strawberries combined with spicy nuances of licorice and black pepper. Produced using traditional methods with no added sulfites, it's both unfiltered and unfined, ensuring the preservation of its natural character and flavors. The grapes are manually harvested and undergo whole bunch carbonic maceration for 15 days. Natural yeast fermentation occurs in stainless steel vats, followed by 6 months of aging on the lees. The second fermentation takes place in the bottle, activated with grape must, without any filtration or fining, and without added sulfites. On the palate it’s fresh, wild and sparkling. A sparkling wine with a tart character but irresistibly easy to drink! Serve chilled and pair with your favorite assortment of charcuterie, grilled meats, or hearty vegetarian dishes. Its vibrant acidity and fresh, fruity profile make it a versatile wine suitable for many culinary experiences! Salute!
- Producer: Casa Belfi
- Region: Veneto, Italy
- Varieties: 100% Raboso Piave
- Alcohol: 10.5%
Jumbo Time "Pet Nasty" Grenache (shown below!)
Jumbo Time Wines is a natural winery based in both Los Angeles and Sonoma, California. Established in 2020, the winery is dedicated to producing wines with minimal intervention, using organically farmed fruit. When possible, they also employ dry farming and biodynamic practices. Their philosophy emphasizes that natural wine is primarily about the farming process rather than adhering to a specific taste profile. They believe in experimenting with different methods each harvest to explore what the diverse California terroirs can offer. This approach allows them to create a variety of wine styles, from fun and chilled reds to elegant Pinot Noirs and bold Syrahs!
Pet Nasty 100% Grenache from Zabala Vineyards in Arroyo Seco. This year's vintage is lighter than the previous two vintages, resulting in a more balanced wine. The wine was aged six months on the lees, resulting in a soft bubble with a ripple of fresh red berries and a slightly salt-laced nose. At almost 13% it’s a great food wine, but it’ll do wonders at your first picnic of the year. Serve chilled and enjoy! xo
- Producer: Jumbo Time Wines
- Region: Sonoma, California
- Varieties: 100% Grenache
- Alcohol: 13%