Fattoria Di Gratena Chianti
- Producer: Fattoria di Gratena
- Region: Tuscany, Italy
- Varieties: Sangiovese
- Alcohol: 14.5%
Fattoria di Gratena has been engaged in organic farming since 1994, tending to their 18 hectares of vineyards and 1,600 olive trees with a commitment to natural cultivation and a profound respect for climatic cycles. "Fattoria" is an Italian word that translates to "farm" or "estate." In winemaking and agriculture, it often refers to a farm or estate where various agricultural activities take place, such as the cultivation of grapes for wine production, olive trees for olive oil, or other crops. It’s honestly the most charming type of farm we can imagine! The winery is located in Tuscany, just south of Florence, near Cortona (where the movie Under the Tuscan Sun was filmed)! Nestled within Gratena's microclimate, encompassed by vast woodlands, the estate enjoys a sanctuary-like environment that minimizes the risk of non-biological contamination, allowing nature to flourish freely, akin to a grand natural park.
Their approach involves the use of manure for fertilization, copper and sulfur for treatments, and meticulous hand-harvesting of crops. The fermentation process is entirely natural, utilizing indigenous yeasts in outdoor steel tanks, benefiting from diurnal temperature variations. Following the completion of alcoholic fermentation with no added sulfites, the wine is transferred to indoor tanks in the cellar. Firmly rooted in the concept of "Terroir," Fattoria di Gratena is dedicated to preserving the distinct characteristics of their wines. They exclusively employ native grape varieties, like Sangiovese. This Chianti is 100% Sangiovese. Chianti Classico must be made primarily from the Sangiovese grape variety, which typically comprises at least 80-100% of the blend. Some small percentages of other approved red grape varieties may also be used, such as Canaiolo, Colorino, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and others. You’ll experience notes of red and dark cherries, plums, and red currants and hints of spices, such as black pepper and anise! Pair with pasta with tomato sauce, sausage pizza, or grilled lamb chops!
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Domaine de l'Ecu Melon B.
- Producer: Domaine de l'Ecu
- Region: Muscadet, Loire Valley
- Varieties: 100% Melon de Bourgogne (aka Muscadet)
- Alcohol: 12%
Domaine de l'Ecu, an avant-garde winery now under the reigns of winemaker Fred Niger, emphasizes the fundamental role of the vineyard in crafting exceptional wines. Since 1975, they've maintained organic certification and embraced biodynamics since 1998, with Demeter certification in place. Rejecting technological artifices in winemaking, they focus on terroir and vintage authenticity, refusing yeasting, enzymage, and other standardizing processes. Sulfur use is minimal, adhering to levels far below authorized thresholds. They're proudly associated with Biodynamic winegrower groups advocating terroir respect. Their wines grace renowned global tables, from Noma to Le Bernardin. Avoiding supermarkets, their wines reach discerning consumers through passionate wine merchants, completing their philosophy. This Muscadet is clean and pure with a pronounced minerality that can be reminiscent of oyster shells, sea breeze, or wet stones. There's a distinct salinity that adds to the wine's overall freshness, making it an excellent choice for seafood pairings! The finish is crisp and dry, leaving you wanting more! Pair with lighter dishes like salads, white fish, and sushi. The wine's high acidity can cut through rich and creamy sauces, making it suitable for dishes like chicken in a creamy lemon sauce!
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Karim Vionnet Grabuge Sparkling Red
- Producer: Karim Vionnet
- Region: Beaujolais, France
- Varieties: 100% Gamay
- Alcohol: 11%
Karim Vionnet, a maverick in the wine world, personifies a bold, unapologetic spirit reflected in his wines. The "Sex, Rock & Gamay" motto on his t-shirt encapsulates his carefree persona. A Morgon native of North African descent, he embraced his full identity, rejecting advice to obscure his ethnicity on labels. Raised among French winemaking luminaries, Karim's journey began as a grape picker at ten, later training under notable vintners. In 2006, he ventured into winemaking. His 12-acre estate, predominantly bush vines, thrives under organic practices. Karim employs full carbonic maceration, minimal sulfur, and avoids unnecessary intervention, championing terroir-driven, high-quality Gamay wines. Grabuge is one of our most favorite wines, especially for a big dinner with friends and family. It’s a light, frizzante, refreshing sparkling red wine that is fun to serve as a first drink when your guests arrive - pair with your favorite cheeses and charcuteries before dinner! Serve chilled and pair with roast turkey, chicken or pork tenderloin! It will pair well with all the Fall flavors! Enjoy! xo
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Scala Cirò Rosato (Couriers!)
- Producer: Scala
- Region: Calabria, Italy
- Varieties: 100% Gaglioppo
- Alcohol: 13%
For two centuries, the Scala family has nurtured their property, a legacy that began in 1949 and saw the winery rebuilt in 2005. Today, it's Luigi Scala who guides this Calabrian estate, prioritizing quality over quantity. He's committed to crafting exceptional Calabrian wines by honoring family traditions, from grape cultivation to wine refinement. His journey was joined in 2008 by his son, Francesco, who manages the business side. The Cirò DOC, established in 1969, is where their story unfolds. Their 18-hectare vineyard yields 60,000 bottles, with a potential for 100,000, all sourced from their estate. Native grape varieties like Greco Bianco, Gaglioppo, Magliocco, Nerello Mascalese, Mantonico, and Greco Nero thrive in the argillaceous and sandy soil of the hinterland plains and hills. Certified organic since 2016, the vineyards benefit from lupin-based fertilization, enriching the soil with nitrogen and naturally controlling weeds. While Luigi's grandfather relied on indigenous yeasts, the current winemaker, Benedetto Lorusso, opts for a carefully selected approach. Gaglioppo is a red grape variety primarily associated with Calabria. It is the dominant grape used in the production of wines from the Cirò DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) and other nearby appellations. This rosato is light but structured enough to pair with hearty dishes like herb-roasted vegetables, stuffing, or Cauliflower Gratin. The wine’s high acidity and red fruit flavors complement everything from turkey to cranberry sauce! Serve chilled and enjoy!
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Mae Son Vino Orange (Pickups!)
- Producer: Mae Son (Cantina Furlani)
- Region: Porvo, Trento Alto Adige, Italy
- Varieties: Muller Thurgau
- Alcohol: 11.5%
Matteo Furlani, a third-generation winemaker from Trento, Italy, embarked on a new winemaking venture alongside his established label, Cantina Furlani. In collaboration with export manager Claudio Coronato and Jenny and Francois Selections, he introduced the Mae Son label. This new venture is a heartfelt tribute to family, craftsmanship, and their wines' careful creation. The name playfully incorporates the initials of family members - M for Matteo, A for his wife Annalisa, and E for their children Alessia and Edoardo. This name, pronounced "my son" in English or "maison" (meaning "my home") in French, reveals the personal story behind the label.
Matteo's winemaking journey was nurtured by hands-on experience alongside his father and grandfather on the high slopes of the Dolomites. While deeply passionate about the environment, he furthered his knowledge by pursuing a degree in agriculture and oenology. He took over his family's vineyards in the early 2000s, revitalizing the shuttered Cantina Furlani and embracing biodynamic practices. Matteo's mission is to create joyful, pure expressions of the mountainous terroir, focusing on spumante wines and predominantly indigenous grape varieties.
Cantina Furlani's vineyards span 14 hectares, with a mix of local and well-known grape varieties. All grapes are hand-harvested from steep limestone and clay vineyards. Fermentation occurs naturally with indigenous yeasts, and the wines are aged in stainless steel tanks or 20-year-old barrels. Mae Son's 2022 wines showcase exuberant floral and mineral qualities, offering a delightful and pure taste of the mountainous terrain. These wines vividly reflect Matteo's passion for winemaking and respect for nature.
This light skin contact wine is versatile and refreshing! Layered with citrus peel and stone fruit with a hint of minerality. Serve chilled and pair with your favorite Thanksgiving dishes!