presented by Brad Werner of Ocean South Imports
Fratelli Ponte Moscato d’Asti “Fiore Di Loto” ~ 2021
The winery Fratelli Ponte is an exclusive family business, which since generations dedicated itself to the growth if its vineyards and to the production of wines with passion. Culture, passion and the art of making Wine has been passed down from father to son. Founded after WWII by Carlo Ponte in the San Damiano d’Asti area of Piedmont. The winery was significantly expanded in 1968 by his son Giuseppe. Today, the estate is managed by Giuseppe’s three sons—Massimo, Ivan, and Renato—who blend traditional “farmer’s wine” heritage with modern enological training.
Appellation: Moscato d’Asti DOCG, Italy
Grapes: 100% Moscato Bianco, ABV 5.5%
Tasting notes: Light straw yellow with a gentle, fine effervescence (frizzante).Intense aromas of fresh grapes, citrus blossoms, honeysuckle, and elderflower. Mildly sweet and creamy with flavors of ripe pear and orange blossom, balanced by a refreshing, tingly acidity.
Pairings: Fruit tarts, gelato with berries, light sponge cakes, or spicy Thai and Vietnamese cuisine.
Producer: Fratelli Ponte
Mia Lou Rheingau Riesling Roter Feinherb
Produced by Weingut Hirt-Gebhardt, a family with winemaking roots in the Rheingau dating back to the mid-17th century. The modern estate was established in 1948 and is currently operated by Christian Gebhardt Jr. and his wife Claire, representing over 500 years of regional viticultural tradition.
Appellation: Rheingau, Germany
Grapes: 100% Roter Riesling (a rare, red-skinned mutation of traditional Riesling)., ABV 11.5 – 12%
Tasting notes: Bright white with a faint, luminous hue reflecting the grapes’ red skins. Fragrant lemon curd, green apple, and peach, accented by light herbal spice. Soft and round on the palate with lemon-lime flavors and a fruit-forward “feinherb” (off-dry) finish with gentle acidity.
Pairing: Spicy shrimp fried rice, pork dishes, Thai curry meatballs, and semi-hard cheeses like Fontina or Havarti.
Producer: Weingut Hirt-Gebhardt
Channing Daughters Winery Rosso Fresco ~ 2020
Founded in 1982 by venture capitalist and sculptor Walter Channing. The winery is now a collaborative partnership between viticulturist Larry Perrine and Winemaker Christopher Tracy. Tracy, a former chef, treats the wine cellar like a kitchen, emphasizing artisanal methods like foot-crushing and wild yeast fermentation.
Appellation: North Fork of Long Island AVA, New York, USA
Grapes: 56% Merlot, 20% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Dornfelder, 1% Blaufränkisch, and 1% Teroldego, ABV 12%
Tasting notes: Vibrant, medium-intensity ruby red. High-toned aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and blackberry, with underlying notes of spice and tilled earth. Medium-bodied and dry with juicy acidity and very soft, silky tannins. Flavors include red plum and currant with a fresh finish.
Pairing: Tomato-based pastas, grilled chicken, charcuterie boards, or even salmon when served with a slight chill.
Producer: Channing Daughters Winery
Noble Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Simonsberg-Paarl ~ 2021
Purchased in 2006 by the Tillery family, an American family who previously farmed in Nigeria. Led by Kathleen and Kristopher Tillery, the estate has become a leader in organic farming. Kristopher, a Harvard-educated former consultant, is a self-taught winemaker who focuses on a minimal-intervention, elegant style. The average age of Noble Hill’s Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards is more than 20 years, meaning the vines are hardy, mature, and low-yielding. Through careful soil improvement practices and organic mulching, the vines grow evenly and produce a low yield of intense, compact berries.
Appellation: Simonsberg-Paarl, South Africa
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, ABV 12.5%
Tasting notes: Deep, dark garnet with a purple rim. Classic aromas of black currant (cassis), tobacco, and earthy cedar, with a distinct hint of Moroccan mint. Full-bodied and powerful with concentrated flavors of black fruit and plum. Structured, well-integrated tannins with a touch of oak spice.
Pairings: Traditional South African Braai (barbecue), marbled steaks like ribeye, roasted mushrooms, or venison.
Producer: Noble Hill
