Presented by Josh Cronin of Curated Wine Group
Azimut Cava
Azimut Cava Brut Nature NV comes from Alt Penedès in Catalunya, Spain’s most renowned sparkling wine district. The Suriol family produces this traditional-method Cava using organically grown from clay-limestone soils. A super important part of Suriol’s natural approach is their Azimut project, named after the Arabic word for direction. And the direction here is clear: promoting organic agriculture! They have created a brand of fun, easy-drinking wines made from their own and certified organic grapes that they purchase from their neighbors, thus encouraging them to pursue respectful viticulture. Based on typical local grapes and the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle, these wines are the perfect everyday dash of joy and color that can be enjoyed, as Assis would say, with a clear conscience.
Appellation: Penedès, Spain
Grapes: Macabeu 40%, Xarel-lo 30%, Parellada 30%
Tasting notes: Pale straw yellow with persistent fine bubbles rising in steady streams. The nose offers white pear, green apple, white flowers, and a subtle yeasty note from lees aging. Crisp and elegant on the palate with tropical fruit hints, mineral undertones, and a clean, refreshing finish.
Pairing: Jamón ibérico, Manchego cheese, grilled prawns, oysters, fried calamari, salt cod croquettes, vegetable tempura, sushi, fresh goat cheese.
Producer: Cellers de Can Suriol
Le Fruit Defendu Picpoul ~ 2024
Picpoul de Pinet is the only white wine appellation in the Languedoc. The wine is called Picpoul de Pinet, but the grape variety is actually Piquepoul blanc. The wine’s name Le Fruit Défendu, literally the Forbidden Fruit in French, is a reflection of both the Story of Creation and the new “Garden of Eden”. The status of organic products and eco-friendly wines have both been categorized at times, as being only for the hobbyist. However, like Eve in the Garden, once tasted, a new empowerment is realized. Vine growing and wine are in his blood.
Appellation: Languedoc, France
Grapes: Picpoul – ABV 11%
Tasting notes: On the palate, it is tonic, tense, and ultra thirst-quenching (though still tart!). The finish is bright, slightly saline, and clearly calls the next glass.
Pairing: Ideal with seafood, oysters, and light salads.
Producer: Bruno Lafon
Wrath EX Pinot Noir ~
Our wines are a record of the topography, geology and climate of a finite, naturally defined piece of land over the span of a growing season. They chronicle the elaborate dance between terroir, grape, people and time. While all our wines possess strong varietal characteristics, their real strength is their ability to deliver the unique aromatics, flavors and textures of a specific site. With a name meaning “out of” in Latin, EX speaks to our focus on expressing the personality and characteristics of our Certified Sustainable (SIP) estate vineyard. Wrath’s 2024 EX Pinot Noir offers a true barometer of the quality and soul of our estate fruit.
Appellation: Monterey, Central Coast, California
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir – ABV 14.2%
Tasting notes: The nose is unmistakably and entrancingly vegetal, with strong rhubarb and notes of Earl Grey. As it opens, the orange peel, exotic sandalwood, turmeric and lavender unfold, making this a wine that is built for evolution.
Producer: Wrath Wines
Kind Stranger Red Blend “Alter” ~ 2023
We’re inspired by taking the name KIND STRANGER quite literally and turning toward others around us. We’ve seen our national landscape shift over the last few years, and we feel it’s as important as ever to be a real kind stranger in the world. Proceeds from this wine benefit Mary’s Place at the local level here in Seattle and the International Rescue Committee on a broader scale, please click the links to see the important work they do. Cheers! Label artwork is by Kris Chau, based on a work titled, “Alter of Labor + Love.”
Appellation: Columbia Valley, Washington
Grapes: 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Syrah, and 14% Malbec– ABV 14%
Tasting notes: Excellent depth of fruit and ample structure, with a touch of earthy concentration, spice notes, and fruity volume to the palate. There are layers on dark-fruited intrigue and breadth to the finish. Fruit-intense, dark berries, sage, white pepper, and silky tannins.
Producer: Latta Wines
