presented by Alex Freedman from Millennium Beverage
Zimbro Douro Branco
The roots of Manuel Hespanhol’s Quinta do Zimbro run deep within the rugged terraces of the Douro Valley in Northern Portugal. Known historically as the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, the estate prides itself on extracting maximum expression from steep hillsides dominated by poor, fractured schist soils. By following time-honored traditional practices alongside low-intervention cellar care, the family ensures that their white wines stand as complex, site-specific field blends. The intense daily heat of the valley is countered by altitude and river breezes, which are fundamental in capturing a brilliant balance between structural power and pure, refreshing acidity.
This Douro Branco serves as a vibrant, incredibly layered expression of Portugal’s native white varieties. Fermented cool to protect its aromatic integrity, it avoids heavy oak masking to let the stony, sun-kissed fruit characters shine through.
Appellation: Douro DOC, Portugal
Grapes: Cerceal Branco, Malvasia Fina, Gouveio – ABV: 14%
Tasting notes: Rich and vibrant. It delivers pleasant aromas of citrus and orange blossom, expanding smoothly into a balanced palate loaded with yellow plum flavors, refreshing acidity, and a light hint of warming spice.
Pairing: Best served chilled at 9–11°C. It stands as an exceptional match for grilled codfish, garlic prawns, broad bean stews, roasted poultry, or rich local cheeses.
Producer: Quinta do Zimbro (Manuel Hespanhol)
Alberti Dharma Organic Red
Founded in 2002 and nestled in a historically restored 1920s cellar on Calle Alberti in Luján de Cuyo, Bodega Calle is a small, independent estate focused on small-lot production. Managed under the natural philosophy of winemaker Kirk Ermisch, the winery utilizes gravity-led processing to handle fruit with maximum gentleness. The grapes are sourced entirely from organic, biodynamically farmed single-vineyard plots across the high-altitude terrains of Mendoza, Argentina. Sinking their root systems deep into well-draining alluvial soils, the vines capture intense mountain sunshine balanced by chilly Andean nights, establishing a premium foundation for the estate’s eco-certified red blends.
The “Dharma” Reserva bottling is a highly expressive, certified organic and vegan red wine blend that celebrates natural purity with minimal intervention. Fermented gently using indigenous wild yeasts, the wine is meticulously cellared for 12 months in a combination of neutral French oak barrels and concrete eggs to soften its frame without masking the raw fruit core.
Appellation: Luján de Cuyo / San Carlos, Mendoza, Argentina
Grapes: 60% Malbec, 40% Cabernet Franc – ABV: 14%
Tasting notes: Fruit-driven, structured, and pure. It showcases expressive aromas of black cherry and baking spice, giving way to a smooth palate defined by fluid dark fruit, graphite minerality, and fine-grained tannins.
Pairing: Best served at a cellar temperature of 16–18°C. This bold blend serves as an exceptional companion to grilled ribeye steak, roasted lamb chops, rich mushroom empanadas, or hearty lentil stews.
Producer: Bodega Calle (Winemaker: Kirk Ermisch)
Domaine Villaudiere Sauvignon Blanc
The winemaking history of Domaine de la Villaudière is a multi-generational legacy proudly managed today by Jean-Marie Reverdy alongside his wife Catherine and their sons, Guillaume and Baptiste. The family-run estate overlooks the picturesque village of Verdigny, surrounded by a breathtaking mosaic of roughly 80 vineyard plots facing the iconic hill of Sancerre in France’s upper Loire Valley. Practicing sustainable cultivation under High Environmental Value (HVE Level 3) certification since 2020, the estate relies on traditional, non-interventional principles. The vines derive unique character from a diverse soil profile composed of marl, limestone, and flint, defining their global reputation for crafting sharp, elegant whites.
This Sauvignon Blanc is a remarkably bright, crisp, and mineral-fresh selection that serves as a beautiful snapshot of its cool-climate French terroir. Vinified cleanly in stainless steel vats to safeguard its natural, energetic vivacity, it presents a clear, limpid straw color with green highlights.
Appellation: Sancerre AOC / IGP Val de Loire, France
Grapes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc – ABV: 12.5%
Tasting notes: Vibrant, green, and flinty. It balances expressive aromas of lime zest and nettle leaf against a crisp palate driven by racy acidity, bright orchard fruit, and an unmistakable wet-stone mineral core.
Pairing: Serve well-chilled at 8–10°C. It serves as an ultimate pairing for fresh goat cheese, raw oysters, steamed shellfish, light tapas, or fresh summer salads.
Producer: Jean-Marie Reverdy & Fils (Domaine de la Villaudière)
Dom La Loyanne Cotes du Rhone
Situated in Rochefort du Gard within the southern reaches of France’s Rhône Valley, Domaine La Lôyane is a celebrated family estate managed by Romain Dubois and his wife Laure, who acts as vineyard manager. Drawing from over 75 acres of premium, mostly old-vine parcels, the property balances a rich winemaking heritage with dedicated organic farming practices. The vines thrive under the intense Mediterranean sun, digging deep roots into clay-limestone and stony terrace soils that naturally store daytime heat. By focusing on manual harvesting and low-intervention vinification inside stainless steel vats, the Dubois family crafts authentic blends that emphasize pristine varietal expression over heavy oak manipulation.
The “Cuvée Bonheur” bottling stands as a flamboyant, highly approachable, and beautifully rounded expression of a classic Southern Rhône red. Fermented and matured cleanly in steel to trap its youthful, flamboyant energy, it ensures that the naturally rich, peppery qualities of the fruit take center stage.
Appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC, Rhône Valley, France
Grapes: 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah – ABV: 14%
Tasting notes: Flamboyant, round, and ripe. It layers rich aromas of dark plum and wild herbs over a fleshy, fruit-forward palate that remains balanced by soft, warming tannins and a savory, peppery aftertaste.
Pairing: Best enjoyed at a standard cellar temperature of 15–17°C. It acts as a perfect match for rosemary-rubbed lamb chops, roasted quail, grilled Mediterranean vegetables, or rich tomato-based pasta dishes.
Producer: Domaine La Lôyane
