J. Brix Signs + Wonders Vol. IV
- Producer: J. Brix
- Region: Santa Barbara, California
- Varietals: Grenache, Carignan, Reisling
- Alcohol: 12.9%
J. Brix Wines, founded by Jody and Emily Towe, exemplifies a passionate and personal approach to winemaking. Their journey began in the Santa Maria Valley, where a bottle of Pinot noir inspired them to volunteer as harvest interns, igniting their love for the winemaking process. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for their own venture, J. Brix Wines.
Jody Towe, with his background in horticulture, brings a deep understanding of plant physiology to their winemaking. This knowledge is crucial in interpreting how each growing season uniquely impacts the vines, fruit, and ultimately the wine. His intuition, honed through years of working with plants, plays a pivotal role in making winemaking decisions that vary with each harvest.
Emily Towe, on the other hand, is captivated by stories. As a writer and designer, she finds great joy in the storytelling aspect of winemaking. Each year presents a new, unscripted narrative, which she skillfully translates into written and graphic forms, adding a unique dimension to their wines.
The Towes' philosophy in winemaking, as in life, is guided by the motto "Only Love." This is reflected in their minimalist approach to winemaking. They use neutral vessels, native-yeast fermentation, and minimal intervention, only adding sulfur dioxide as necessary. This approach eschews fining, filtering, or cold-stabilizing the wines, allowing the natural character of the wine to shine through.
J. Brix Wines is characterized by its diversity and experimentation. The Towes are continually compelled to explore new grapes and styles, adding a new variety with each harvest. Their fruit is sourced from various soul-stirring vineyards across California, highlighting the region's rich variety. The small quantities they produce underscore their commitment to quality and exploration.
In summary, J. Brix Wines stands as a testament to the Towes' dedication to authentic, story-driven winemaking. Their journey from volunteer interns to co-winemakers showcases their passion for the craft, their respect for the natural process, and their love for the stories each bottle of wine tells.
- Producer: Phillipe Chevarin
- Region: Loire Valley, France
- Varietals: Melon de Bourgogne
- Alcohol: 12.5%
- Producer: Wild Arc
- Region: Finger Lakes, New York
- Varietal: Riesling
- Alcohol: 7%
In 2016, Todd and Crystal, after 30 years in Brooklyn, moved to Pine Bush in the Hudson Valley, renowned for its longstanding food production and historic wineries. With minimal agricultural experience, they aimed to demonstrate that the Hudson Valley's granitic soils and unique microclimates are ideal for producing distinctive, world-class wines on their small, biodynamic, permaculture-focused 10-acre farm at Wild Arc Farm.
Wild Arc's Botanical Spritzer features Piquette of Riesling, fortified with grape spirit, and infused with farm-grown Lemon Basil and foraged Sumac. Derived from Folts Farm in Finger Lakes, the herbicide-free wine undergoes three months of botanical infusion, blending with organic wildflower honey before bottling. Something lighter than the usual to keep you on your toes going into the new year! Cheers! xo
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Glow Glow "Weiss" 2022
- Producer: Glow Glow
- Region: Nahe, Germany
- Varietals: Scheurebe, Müller-Thurgau, Bacchus
- Alcohol: 10%
Glow Glow's 2022 white wine, created by winemakers Pauline & Carl Baumberger, represents the fifth and sixth generations of the family behind the renowned Weingut Baumberger. Established in 1855 as a small mixed agricultural farm, the Baumberger winery has evolved to focus on wine, cultivating 14.5 hectares under organic farming principles. This white blend, consisting of Scheurebe, Müller-Thurgau, and Bacchus, offers notes of yellow peach, bruised apple, quince, elderflower, mountain water, and honey.
Overcoming initial challenges as a female winemaker in Germany, Pauline's journey at her family's winery is a testament to her resilience! Her Glow Glow wines have rapidly gained popularity across Europe, marking Glow Glow as a leading new-wave German natural wine producer to watch!