presented by Brittanie Wallace of Queen of Wines
Domaine Boutet Sauliner Vouvray Brut ~ NV
Christophe Boutet took over the family estate Domaine Boutet Saulnier in 1997. Christophe and his wife have practiced sustainable agriculture on their 12 ha of vineyards and are moving towards organic viticulture. A portion of their wines are biodynamic. The Boutets have excellent vineyards in the small Vouvray appellation with the famous Domaine Huet’s vines as neighbors to their vineyards. In Vouvray, Chenin Blanc is the main grape. Chenin Blanc is an extraordinary great value to me because it has got this acidity, this richness, so you can do beautiful wine, from dry to sweet or medium, sparkling, and this is very fascinating. I would compare Chenin Blanc to Riesling. Those two grape varieties are very beautiful.
Appellation: Vouvray, France
Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc
Tasting notes: The nose associates some citrus fruits to withe fruits aromas. On the palate, the attack is fresh and lively, then some fruity aromas are enhanced by a long and elegant ending.
Pairings: Perfect for the aperitif with cheese gougères
Producer: Domaine Boutet Sauliner
Van Ruiten Chardonnay ~ 2023
The Van Ruiten Family Winery is in Lodi, California, mid-way between the Sierra Foothills and the San Francisco Bay. The estate vineyards, benefit from the ideal climate influenced by the cool afternoon breezes of the San Joaquin Delta. For over 65 years, Lodi grapes grown in the Van Ruiten vineyards were harvested and shipped to other wineries every summer. The family wanted to branch out into winemaking, and in 1999 the first varieties of Van Ruiten wines went into production. Among them are favorites including their exceptional Lodi grown Chardonnay.
Appellation: Lodi, California
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay
Tasting notes: Bright aromas of apples and pears, this full-bodied Chardonnay has flavors of apples, with hints of pie spice and caramel.
Producer: Van Ruiten Family Winery
Altivo Tempranillo ~ 2021
Majestically nestled in the heart of our region, the high-altitude vineyards stand tall as living testaments to winemaking excellence and serve as guardians of the tradition and mastery that define the DOCa Rioja. Combining tradition (concrete tanks, aging in oak barrels and bottles) and modernity (cold maceration, traceability of the entire process) and guaranteed by the highest level of demand in the main certifications received.
Appellation: DOC Rioja, Spain
Grapes: 100% Tempranillo, ABV 13.5%
Tasting notes: Intense floral aromas, with fresh, fruit-forward palate of red & black fruit with delicate hints of black licorice.
Pairing: Perfect for enjoying every day or with any Mediterranean dish, such as rice, vegetables, pasta, and of course, with all kinds of tapas.
Producer: Altivo
Rosso di Montalcino DOC ~ 2021
Querce Bettina is a family-owned business founded in 1992, located in the southwest of the town of Montalcino at an altitude of approximately 440 meters. In 1999, Sandra and Roberto, the owners, decided to plant 2.5 hectares of precious vineyards cultivated 100% with Sangiovese (Brunello). Querce Bettina was the name given to their company, and their story spread as a tale of passion and success. Their wines captured the essence of the land, while the other productions brought the soul of those places to consumers. Querce Bettina became a place of oenological magic, offering bottles full of aromas and flavors, and transporting those who tasted them on a journey through emotions and dreams.
Appellation: Montalcino–Tuscany, Italy
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese Grosso
Tasting notes: Unfiltered, so some sediments are a sign of the product’s authenticity. Ruby red color in harmony with a strong aroma of red flowers and berries. The taste is full-bodied, persistent, round, and harmonious, balanced with the characteristic tannins of the grape and the terroir.
Pairings: This wine goes very well with all red meat dishes and cheeses, bread and cheeses.
Producer: Querce Bettina
