1. Podere Pradarolo "Ex Plana" Skin Contact
- Producer: Podere Pradarolo
- Region: Emilia-Romagna, Italy
- Varieties: 100% Spergola
- Alcohol: 12.5%
Podere Pradarolo is a winery located in Emilia-Romagna, Italy dedicated to organic and biodynamic farming practices, owned and operated by Alberto Carretti & Claudia Iannelli. They place a strong emphasis on respecting the environment and maintaining the health of their vineyards. This means they avoid the use of synthetic chemicals in the vineyard and cellar - their wines are 100% certified organic. Their winemaking process aims to allow the grapes to express themselves with minimal intervention. Podere Pradarolo produces wines from various grape varieties, including Malvasia, Barbera, and Lambrusco but they are particularly well-regarded for their skin-contact (orange) wines (like Ex Plana!). The winery's vineyards are located in the Parma hills, and the unique terroir of the region contributes to the character of their wines. They are known for aging their wines in traditional clay amphorae, which are buried in the ground. This ancient winemaking technique allows for a unique aging process! Ex Plana is a skin contact wine made with a grape called Spergola, a white grape variety native to the Emilia-Romagna region, specifically in the provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia. It has a long history in the region and is considered one of the traditional grape varieties of Emilia-Romagna! This wine is rustic + layered with tropical fruit, balanced with minerality and herbs. It is a favorite among the hip set that always seem to know what to drink and whatâs trending. Serve chilled and pair with tacos, spicy Thai dishes, or an assortment of your favorite cheeses. Be sure to break out your most beautiful glassware because this wine deserves to shine! Cheers! xo
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2. Le DĂ©bit DâIvresse My Favorite Things
- Producer: Le DĂ©bit DâIvresse
- Region: Roussillon, France
- Varieties: 100% Grenache
- Alcohol: 14%
Luc Devot is the winemaker behind the beloved Domaine Le Debit d'ivresse in Estagel (located in the Roussillon region of France). Luc is a man of many talents! Heâs a cook, a fisherman, a musician, an animator, and an educator. Heâs lived many lives before becoming a winemaker! My Favorite Things is an easy-drinking yet complex light-bodied organic red wine made from 100% organic Grenache. The harvest is done by hand, the vinification is as natural as possible, in whole harvest and by carbonic maceration at low temperature. The wines are neither filtered nor fined and do not undergo any aggressive treatment. You can taste the love and care that goes into his wines. My Favorite Things is crunchy + explosive with brambly fruit and subtle notes of baking spice and all thatâs nice - itâs a comforting red wine that will keep you warm at night. We would serve this one with a chill and pair with an assortment of charcuterie or as an aperitif/first drink at a dinner party.Â
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3. Elisa Guérin Beaujolais Villages
- Producer: Elisa Guerin
- Region: Beaujolais, France
- Varieties: 100% Gamay
- Alcohol: 12%
Winemaker Elisa GuĂ©rin is the vibrant force behind the Moulin-Ă -Vent wine regionâs renaissance. She's bringing Gamay back in the spotlight with her enchanting creations! Elisa's journey began with agronomy studies in Dijon, followed by a stint as a Parisian chef's local produce scout. Eventually, she circled back to the family vineyard in Moulin-Ă -Vent in 2018, reuniting with her childhood pals OphĂ©lie Dutraive and Alex Foillard. The trio shared a vision from the start: to craft exceptional wines from their home turf. The GuĂ©rin domaine covers 4.2 hectares in Moulin-Ă -Vent and an elevated 0.8 hectares in Chirouble. The crown jewel is 'Les Thorins,' a 1.5-hectare plot nestled near the iconic windmill. History buffs, take note: Moulin-Ă -Vent was once 'Romache-Thorin,' its wines cherished even by King Louis XIV. Moulin-Ă -Vent's Burgundian influences linger, adding a particularly unique touch to the region.
Elisa hand draws all the charming labels - a wild garden interpretation of her terroir. Beaujolais Villages is made from old vines on volcanic soils. It has that classic Beaujolais red fruit with bright acidity and a hint of baking spice on the finish. Easy, dry, and food friendly. Serve chilled or at room temperature - whatever you prefer. Pair with roast chicken, grilled salmon, pork tenderloin, mushroom dishes, or cheese and charcuterie.Â
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4. Domaine Tardieux-Gal, Touraine Chenonceaux âLes Masellesâ Sauvignon Blanc
- Producer: Domaine Tardieux-Gal
- Region: Touraine, Loire Valley, France
- Varieties: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- Alcohol: 12.85%
Winemaker Simon Tardieux started out as a teenager helping out in the vineyards at Clos Roche Blanche, a famous organic winery. He then diverged on a different path for a while, attended university and worked for a while as a social worker. But the vineyard bug kept buzzing, and he eventually returned to his viticulture roots in ThĂ©sĂ©e. But for Simon it wasnât just about farming organically. It was about building community between local farmers and winemakers. This included collective composting, organizing organic wine fairs, and capturing vineyard life through photos. Sauvignon Blanc is the star at Tardieux-Gal. They make two different types: Les SagĂšres from white clay and slate soils, and Les Parcs from limestone terroir. Simon's all about keeping them separate, and guess what? Tasting sessions prove he's onto something. Les Maselles (which is located next to an ancient site) is one of two single-vineyard cuvĂ©es that he introduced. This Sauvignon Blanc is DIVINE! Vibrant, fresh, youthful and herbaceous. Youâll notice notes of citrus fruits like zesty lemon and grapefruit, along with green apple, pear, and hints of pineapple. A pronounced minerality adds complexity, reminiscent of flint or wet stones. This is the kind of wine we love to enjoy on a sunny day, paired with lobster rolls and crispy fries or a Shrimp Louie salad. Serve chilled and enjoy this classic + crisp Sauvignon Blanc to the fullest! xo