Ross-Idi Nikolaevo Gewurztraminer ~ 2020
The combining of owners’ names Rosie & Eddie Kourian established the foundation of Rossidi in 2008. “Rossidi wines are born out of our love and passion for fine wines. We believe that wine needs to reflect the terroir it comes from, as well as the main features of the variety it is made of; it should not be a commercial product deliberately shaped by high-tech equipment to match the current fashionable tastes!”
Region: Thracian lowland, Nikolaevo village, Bulgaria
Grapes: Gewurztraminer 100% – ABV 13.5%
Tasting notes: An elegant nose reveals rose water, fresh herbs, and candied orange peel. Tight body, fresh and fruity with a hint of grapefruit in the finish.
Pairings: light spicy dishes, sushi and seafood
Les Vignerons du Castelas L’Amarante Rosé (Côtes du Rhône) ~ 2022 [90 pts Best Buy 2020 – Wine Enthusiast]
In 1933, Rochefort-du-Gard became one of the first villages to be approved and included in the very young Côtes du Rhône Appellation. Les Vignerons du Castelas was started in 1952 by a group of winemakers to combine their efforts and produce “Less wine but better ….” This quote is still inscribed today on the wall of the cellar. Today, there are 42 winemakers, 450 hectares of vines, and 4 distinct soil types (clay and limestone for this wine). The Amarante is a small bird native to Africa, with pale pink plumage.
Region: Rhône Valley, France (South Rhône)
Grapes: Grenache 70%, Syrah 20%, Cinsault 10% – ABV 13%
Tasting notes: beautiful pale pink color. A rich nose with notes of citrus, blood orange, grapefruit, and exotic fruit. On the palate, aromas of red fruits, sour cherries, and currants. Its freshness and tangy finish make l’Amarante a wine for pleasure.
Pairings: calamari, chicken tagine, Basque-style chicken, tomato mozzarella.
Cantina San Biagio Vecchio Cacciabruco Ravenna Bianco ~ 2021 [Organic]
Husband and wife Andrea and Lucia currently manage San Biagio Vecchio winery: “A small winery with just a few hectares of vineyards on the beautiful hill of San Biagio Vecchio, on yellow sand and clay soils.” This wine is made of a blend of white grapes, left in skin contact for 8 days – a dry and tannic, but balanced, example of orange wine.
Region: Faenza/Ravenna, Italy
Grapes: Malvasia Aromatica 20%, Trebbiano 40%, Chardonnay 40% – ABV 13%
Tasting notes: Golden yellow color, chamomile, apricot, and wildflowers on the nose, open lively on the palate with a hint of almond. Nice round mineral long-lasting finish.
Pairings: salads, asparagus risotto, appetizers, fish, pasta, poultry, medium-aged cheese
Bodega Tandem Inmune Garnacha ~ 2020 [90 pts Best Buy 2020 – Wine Enthusiast] (Vegan, Sustainably Farmed)
The winery was launched in 2003 – Tandem means ‘at last’. They are committed to respect for nature, meticulous care, and working with the least intervention possible. Located in the very north of Spain, near the border with France and the sea. In Spanish, Inmune means ‘immune’ – “Immune to disease, to failure, to setbacks, to critics, etc. … We aimed to make a powerful, deep and concentrated wine, with nice weight and tannins in which the purity of the fruit Garnacha would shine.”
Region: Yerri Valley, Navarra, Spain
Grapes: Garnacha (Grenache) 100% – ABV 14.5%
Tasting notes: Deep and attractive red color with a purple rim. Mountain wine with a powerful terroir expression. Intense black fruit, thyme, rosemary, and scrubland notes. The palate is long, very fresh, wide, and savory, with a gentle structure and attractive texture.
Pairings: charcuterie, Spanish omelette, red meat, pasta dishes, cheese
Lambert Estates ‘The Chocolatier’ Tawny ~ NV
Founder Jim Lambert is from America but moved to Australia in the 1990s. Currently, son Kirk and daughter-in-law Vanessa are the winemakers. For The Chocolatier: “The secret lies in the harmony between tawny port and dark chocolate with both flavours well balanced and contributing their best attributes to this fortified wine. Made from a blend of red and white grape varieties and fortified wine of different ages, the youngest being 5 years old and oldest being around 30 years old.”
Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
Grapes: Fortified wine, blend – ABV 17%
Tasting notes: lively and bright with amber hues, leading to aromas of dark chocolate, cherry, and toffee with hints of vanillin and walnuts. On the palate, butterscotch notes come alive with dried fruits and nuttiness. It’s a luscious, rich, generous tawny with a lingering chocolate finish.
Pairings: A pleasant accompaniment with richly flavored cheeses, chocolate and caramel desserts, salted and smoked nuts.
