HAPPY JULY!!!
Unkel ‘Life’s a Beach’ Orange Wine
- Producer: Unkel Wines
- Winemaker: Rob and Kate Burley (Proprietors and Winemakers)
- Varieties: Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
- Region: Nelson, New Zealand
Unkel Wines is a boutique winery based in New Zealand, dedicated to crafting exceptional wines with a focus on sustainability and terroir-driven winemaking. The winery is located in the Marlborough region of New Zealand, which is renowned for its high-quality wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc. Unkel Wines embraces this reputation while also exploring other varietals and styles. By nurturing the land and respecting nature, Unkel Wines aims to produce wines that express the unique characteristics of the Marlborough terroir! Unkel is about working with Mother Nature in the vineyard to produce the highest quality fruit. Once in the winery, rather than being that overbearing parent or father figure, you can think of Unkel Winery as more like the cruisy, fun, slightly wild Uncle in your life. Life’s a Beach is skin-fermented Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and Chardonnay aged in a mixture of old puncheons and stainless steel. A zesty, refreshing, medium-bodied wine that you want to keep sipping. Gentle, mouthwatering phenolics wrapped around a hit of peach cobbler, orange rind, stewed red apple and nectarine. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Rieffel ‘Numero 6’
- Producer: Domaine Rieffel
- Winemaker: Lucas Rieffel (Proprietor and Winemaker)
- Varieties: Sylvaner, Gewurtraminer, 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!
Le Coste ‘Rosso di Gaetano’
- Producer: Le Coste
- Winemaker: Gianmarco Antonuzzi and Clementine Bouveron (Proprietors and Winemakers)
- Varieties: Sangiovese, Syrah, Merlot
- Region: Lazio, France
Le Coste is a renowned winery located in the Lazio region of Italy. It is situated in the rolling hills near Lake Bolsena, in the town of Gradoli. The winery is known for its commitment to organic and biodynamic farming practices and its focus on producing natural wines that express the unique terroir of the area! The winery is owned and operated by Gianmarco Antonuzzi and Clementine Bouveron. They both have a deep passion for the land and vineyards, and their dedication to sustainable viticulture is evident in their approach. They cultivate their vineyards without the use of synthetic chemicals or fertilizers, allowing the vines to grow in harmony with nature. Le Coste primarily focuses on indigenous grape varieties that are traditional to the region, such as Aleatico, Procanico, Malvasia, and Moscato. These grapes are carefully harvested by hand and fermented with native yeasts, ensuring minimal intervention in the winemaking process. The wines are often aged in large oak barrels or clay amphorae to preserve their freshness and purity. "Rosso di Gaetano," named after Gianmarco Antonuzzi's grandfather, is one of their signature wines. This red wine is made from a blend of local red grape varieties and showcases the rustic and authentic character of the Lazio region. They have gained international recognition for its high-quality natural wines, which exhibit a sense of place and reflect the dedication of the winemakers. They exemplify a commitment to organic and biodynamic farming, as well as crafting distinctive natural wines that capture the essence of their vineyards. Rosso di Gaetano is an easy-drinking red wine with plenty of red cherry, earth and bitter herbs, while remaining incredibly light on its feet! Serve slightly cooler than room temp or proper chilled and enjoy life to its fullest! xo
Kunoh Wasurenagusa ‘Forget Me Not’
- Producer: Kunoh Wines
- Winemaker: Yuki Nakano (Proprietor and Winemaker)
- Varieties: Pinot Noir, Riesling
- Region: Upper Moutere, South Island, New Zealand
Yuki Nakano, the winemaker behind Kunoh Wines, is a former sommelier from Kyoto with a strong focus on how wine works on the palate. He maintains his tasting skills by eating only Japanese food, which he believes keeps his palate in top form! The name Kunoh comes from Yuki's maternal grandfather, and he decided to keep it alive in the name of his wine. Before moving to New Zealand, Yuki made wines in Japan and the Barossa Valley in Australia. He is a passionate jazz music lover and enjoys playing the guitar. He is also a semi-professional dart and tennis player! What can’t this man do? Yuki’s wines are crafted to be paired with food, drawing inspiration from his experience as a sommelier in Kyoto's fine dining restaurants. Yuki's wines reflect the umami flavors and culinary traditions of his native Kansai region in Japan. They reflect his unique and specific palate, shaped by his family's preference for fish and his inability to eat raw vegetables.
Despite not having formal winemaking training, Yuki possesses knowledge of microbiological and chemical processes and employs precise techniques in his cellar work. He gained experience at various renowned wineries, including an internship at Poggio Scalette in Chianti and working at Smallfry in the Barossa Valley (we love Smallfry!). Currently, Yuki is based in Tasman, New Zealand, where he works as a full-time assistant winemaker/grower at Kindeli estate and tends to his three hectares of organic vines. He also oversees wine production in Japan for friends and his own brand. ‘Forget Me Not’ is Pinot Noir dominant with a touch of Riesling. Please clock the color of this wine in your glass! A vibrant ruby red color with hints of garnet at the edges! Gorgeous! The nose reveals enticing aromas of ripe red berries, such as cherries and raspberries, complemented by floral notes and a subtle hint of citrus zest. On the palate, you’ll experience a harmonious blend of red fruit flavors, showcasing the characteristic depth and complexity of Pinot Noir. The ripe berry notes are accompanied by a touch of sweetness from the Riesling, adding a delightful freshness and hint of citrus. Serve slightly cooler than room temperature or go ahead and chill it all the way! It’s summertime baby!