July 2023

July 2023

HAPPY JULY!!!

Vermentino IGT Toscana 'Vigne Basse', Terenzuola 2021

  • Producer: Terenzuola
  • Winemaker: Ivan Giuliani
  • Variety: 100% Vermentino
  • Region: Tuscany, Italy

It’s officially Vermentino season! WoOOOo! Our shop guests have been asking more and more for Vermentino and it makes us so happy. Vermentino is a crisp, dry white wine believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region, specifically in Italy and France. Sardinia, Liguria, and Tuscany in Italy, as well as the islands of Corsica and Sardinia in France have a long history of cultivating Vermentino grapes and producing wines that showcase its unique characteristics. Vermentino has also gained popularity in other wine regions around the world, including Australia and California, where it is often grown in warmer climates to preserve its vibrant acidity and aromatic profile. 

Currently, Ivan Giuliani is the fearless leader of the Terenzuola estate. During his youth, starting in 1993, he assisted his uncle in bottling their harvest and selling the wine to nearby restaurants. However, in 1995, he was unexpectedly called away from home to fulfill his mandatory military service. Coincidentally, he was stationed in Friuli and Slovenia, which resembled his native Lunigiana as a borderland region. During his time there, he had the opportunity to learn from local winemakers, honing his skills and developing a deep appreciation for sustainable practices and living in harmony with the land. As a winemaker, he places great importance on sustainability and environmentally-friendly approaches. Upon completing his military service, Ivan returned home with a newfound dedication to making wine at his family estate, committing himself to the craft for the rest of his life.

'Vigne Basse' displays a pale straw color that shimmers in the glass! Vibrant aromas of fresh citrus fruits like lemon and grapefruit, accompanied by delicate floral notes on the nose. Then, it greets the palate with a refreshing acidity! You’ll experience flavors of zesty lemon and ripe white peach, offering tangy and juicy sensations! Pair this Vermentino with fresh seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp, lemony ceviche, or a classic bruschetta. It also complements light salads, creamy pasta dishes, and soft cheeses beautifully! Salud! 


Dinamo Nucleo Orange x Litro Orange Umbria Bianco 2021

  • Producer: Dinamo Agricultural Program x Danilo Marcucci
  • Winemaker: Danilo Marcucci x The Nofrini Family
  • Variety: Trebbiano d’Abruzzo (still wine)
  • Region: Abruzzo, Italy

Dinamo is a small yet passionate family venture and sustainable viticulture experiment guided by their neighbor and esteemed winemaker, Danilo Marcucci. Their goal is to recreate the natural and "more nutritional" wines reminiscent of Danilo’s childhood. With over four decades of winemaking experience, Danilo found inspiration to recreate the wines he made alongside his grandfather during his childhood. In the elevated vineyards located east of Lake Trasimeno, the Nofrini family and Marcucci have successfully established an agricultural program dedicated to crafting pure and natural wines, characterized by their exceptional nutritional and energetic qualities. Starting with the acquisition of exceptional grapes that guarantee the vines' natural development, the winemaking process in the cellar is centered around embracing the path already set by nature. 

To understand the significance of this wine, you have to wrap your head around the visionary that is Danilo Marcucci. Danilo is a big deal. He’s a renowned figure in the Italian Natural Wine Movement, despite not seeking fame or publicity. He has over 20 years of experience in viticulture and cellar work - growing up in a family that made wine for personal consumption, Danilo developed a passion for winemaking from a very early age. After witnessing the infiltration of modern manipulations and shortcuts in winemaking, such as selected yeasts and chemical additives, he felt compelled to take action and change the industry, kickstarting his quest to learn the secrets of "true wine" from renowned but lesser-known Italian producers. Danilo's experiences with these cult producers formed the foundation of his formidable winemaking expertise. Guided by his vision, Danilo sought out producers and vineyards with untapped potential to create natural wines. He began collaborating with like-minded individuals, such as the Mattioli family of Collecapretta and Iole Rabasco in Abruzzo, bringing forth the purest expressions of natural winemaking. Danilo's work extends beyond Umbria, encompassing collaborations with small-scale, hyper-natural producers in the Dolomites and Rome, fostering a collective improvement and innovation in the world of Italian Natural wine. 

In homage to the inventor of the direct-current generator, Italian physicist Antonio Pacinotti, the Nofrini family chose the name Dinamo. It’s light and bright, embodying the spirit of a generator, offering continuous delight and energy! It satisfies the cravings of skin-contact wine enthusiasts while also enticing n00bs to explore the world of orange wines. Serve chilled and enjoy! Xo


Rieffel ‘Numero 6’

  • Producer: Domaine Rieffel 
  • Winemaker: Lucas Rieffel (Proprietor and Winemaker)
  • Varieties: Sylvaner, Gewrurtraminer, Muscat Ottonel
  • Region: Alsace AOC, France

Lucas Rieffel is the third generation winemaker of Domaine Rieffel, since 1996. The winery is located in the village of Mittelbergheim in Alsace, France and is part of a group of winemakers known as "The Mittelbergheim School," including Lucas Rieffel, Jean-Pierre Rietsch, Catherine Riss, André Kleinknecht, Ludo Rohrer, and Antoine Kreydenweiss. Their focus is organic farming and minimal intervention winemaking techniques. The estate has vineyards in Mittelbergheim as well as nearby Grand Cru vineyards, including Kirchberg de Barr, Zotzenberg, Wiebelsberg, and Kastelberg. The winery specializes in Cremant sparkling wines, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Sylvaner, and Pinot Gris from different vineyards.

The wines are known for their transparency to terroir, firm sustainability, and overall identity, making Lucas Rieffel one of the best young vignerons in Alsace. ‘Number 6’ is aromatic and floral, with notes of white flowers, rose petals, and orange blossom. There are also hints of tropical fruits like lychee and pineapple, as well as subtle herbal undertones. The palate is dry and crisp giving delicious ripe stone fruits, like peach and apricot, with a touch of citrus zest. There is a distinct spiciness from the Gewürztraminer, adding complexity to the wine and the Muscat Ottonel contributes a floral and aromatic character. Serve chilled and pair with a variety of dishes, including seafood, light salads, and spicy cuisine!


Heiligenblut Riesling Gutswein Trocken 2020

  • Producer: Winery Heiligenblut
  • Winemaker: Gerhard Hannemann
  • Region:  Alzey-Weinheim, Rheinhessen, Germany
  • Variety: 100% Riesling
  • Alcohol: 12%

Heiligenblut winery has been owned and operated by the Hannemann family since 1924, now in its 4th generation. The winery's label was redesigned based on the oldest known bottled wine label from 1842. According to legend, the winery premises date back to 454 AD when Christian monks were executed by Attila the Hun. In 746 AD, Saint Boniface established a chapel and planted the first vines in memory of the event! Talk about history! The winery is situated near the Holy Blood Mountain, which is their monopoly location covering less than 3 hectares (approximately 7.41 acres!). The vineyards are characterized by volcanic melaphyre, a dark volcanic rock that influences the character of their wines.

Heiligenblut winery focuses on producing sustainably produced, honest, and authentic wines. They see themselves as a bridge between low-intervention winemaking and tradition, catering to both wine beginners and enthusiasts. Their primary grape varieties are Riesling, Silvaner, and Scheurebe, a crossbreed developed in Alzey. The winery is operated by two brothers who share a passion for preserving nature and culture while bringing joy and passion to their wines. With their combined experience from various wine companies and a clear vision, they are committed to showcasing the best qualities of their vineyards, particularly the Holy Blood Mountain. Their dry Riesling is intense and aromatic, with notes of citrus fruits such as lime, lemon, and grapefruit. It boasts with floral aromas of white flowers like jasmine and honeysuckle! The palate is crisp and refreshing, with a lively acidity that provides a vibrant character we love to see in Riesling. It’s dry, but strikes a balance between fruitiness and acidity. Flavors of citrus fruits persist, along with subtle mineral notes and sometimes a touch of petrol or kerosene (don’t be scared!). Serve chilled and enjoy as an aperitif or paired with a variety of dishes, including seafood, poultry, spicy cuisine, or light vegetarian fare!

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