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
Poggiosecco Rosato
- Producer: Proggiosecco
- Winemaker: Marco Filipello & Giuseppe Pluchino (Proprietors and Winemakers)
- Varieties: Sangiovese and Merlot
- Region: Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
Poggiosecco is a winery owned and operated by Marco Filipello & Giuseppe Pluchino, founded in 1967. It has been a part of the Consorzio del Chianti (an organization that represents, protects and promotes the Chianti wine region in Italy) since then. They have been organic and biodynamic, growing both wine and olives, since 2001. Marco and Giuseppe closely adhere to biodynamic principles in the vineyard and cellar, including following the biodynamic calendar, respecting moon phases, and using minimal treatments and plant infusions. The name "Poggiosecco" translates to "dry slope," reflecting the well-drained nature of the estate's soils. Good drainage is the key to great grapes and happy plants!
This rosato will lift your mood with one glance of its beautiful pink hue, reminiscent of delicate rose petals. On the nose, it offers enticing aromas of strawberries, raspberries, citrus zest, and watermelon. The palate is lively and refreshing, with bright acidity and a crisp texture! Notes of ripe red juicy fruits on the palate! This rosato showcases the harmonious blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, a delightful balance between freshness, fruitiness, and elegance. It is a versatile wine, ideal for pairing with a variety of dishes such as light salads, seafood, grilled vegetables, or even enjoyed on its own as a refreshing aperitif. Serve chilled and down it!
Domaine La Nouvelle Don(n)e ‘Nouvelle Vague’
- Producer: Domaine Le Nouvelle Don(n)e
- Winemaker: Wilfried Walt
- Variety: Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre
- Region: Calce, Roussillon, France
Domaine de la Nouvelle Don(n)e is located in the Rousillon region of France. The Rousillon wine region is situated in the southern part of France, bordering Spain, and is known for producing a range of high-quality wines.
At Domaine de la Nouvelle Don(n)e, the winemakers focus on crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir and characteristics of the region. The vineyards are typically planted with grape varieties that thrive in the Mediterranean climate, such as Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, and Mourvèdre, among others. They employ traditional winemaking techniques combined with modern practices to create wines that express the flavors and aromas of the grapes and the region. Nouvelle Vague (which translates to “New Wave” in English) is an easy-drinking yet complex red wine with a bouquet of ripe dark fruit, like blackberries, black cherry, and plum with a touch of dried herbs and black pepper. Ripe black fruit flavors dominate, accompanied by nuances of blackcurrants and dark chocolate! The wine exhibits a medium to full body with well-integrated tannins that provide structure and a velvety texture. This red blend combines the power and fruit-forwardness of Carignan, the richness and generosity of Grenache, and the structure and depth of Mourvèdre. The result is a well-rounded and complex wine that pairs beautifully with hearty dishes, grilled meats, stews, or aged cheeses. Serve chilled or just slightly cooler than room temp. Sánte!