Tinto de Verano

From the New York Times June 28, 2023 By:Rebekah Peppler A drink built and named for summer, Spain’s effervescent tinto de verano (summer red wine) matches the season’s easy-going nature. At its most traditional, the recipe sticks to just three ingredients: ice, red wine and citrus soda. (La Casera, from Spain, is most classic, but 7Up and Sprite also work.) This version includes an option […]

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Baron de Ley Reserva, Rioja 2014 Magnum

Who doesn’t love a magnum…

Baron de Ley Reserva, Rioja 2014 Magnum I wasn’t familiar with this producer initially, but what caught my attention was the combination of price and bottle size. Who doesn’t love a Magnum? It’s perfect for a dinner party, as why open two bottles when one is easier? Baron de Ley is a relatively new producer, established in 1985, boasting an expansive vineyard spanning almost 1500 […]

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Montenidoli Canaiuolo Rosado 2022

Montenidoli Canaiuolo Rosado 2022

Montenidoli is situated on 500 acres of woodland atop a hill that overlooks San Gimignano, facing the Chianti Classico region between Florence and Siena. This pristine land resides high up on the hill, benefiting from clean air and remaining untouched by any chemical pollutants created by humans. Under the guidance of Elisabetta Fagiuoli for over fifty years, Montenidoli has emerged as a leading producer of […]

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Bodegas Breca - Brega 2018

Elegance and Finesse

Bodegas Breca – Brega 2018 Elegance and finesse are words commonly associated with high-end, expensive French wines such as those from Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, and the overly priced Napa Cabernet Sauvignons like Heitz, Stags Leap, and Opus 1. However, in this case, I’m referring to Spanish wine. Spain has been producing incredibly elegant and nuanced wines, utilizing heirloom, native grapes from 100-year-old vines and exceptionally […]

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Solid and Consistent

Made from a combination of 34% Grenache, 32% Barbera, 16% Counoise, 14% Mouvedre, and 4% other reds from the Windmill Vineyard, and Barbera from the Muller Vineyard, both in the Dunnigan Hills, CA Since 2003, Matthiasson Wines has produced wines organically and using sustainable agricultural methods. Very pale salmon color. Subltle aromas and flavors of strawberry and pink grapefruit. Dry and bright with strong acidity. […]

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Pico Maccario Lavignone Rosato 2022

Pico Maccario Lavignone Rosato 2022

This wine hails from Piedmont, a region in Italy that borders France and Switzerland, nestled at the foot of the Alps. The vineyard is owned by the Maccario brothers, who firmly believe in allowing the clean and healthy Barbera fruit to speak the loudest in the final wine. Harvesting takes place between late September and early November when the estate fruit reaches its optimal level […]

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Bernabeleva Camino de Navaherreros 2021

Bernabeleva Camino de Navaherreros 2021

I was searching for a Spanish white wine made from the Verdejo grape, similar in style and flavor to Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. However, the shop owner didn’t have any in stock but recommended another wine to me, primarily Albilio Real. This grape offers mostly neutral flavors and a light perfume aroma. Just a short distance west of Madrid, you’ll find Bodegas Bernabeleva. Nestled […]

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Garnacha de Fuego 2021

Greatness in a Bottle

Garnacha de Fuego 2021  $16. (Jorge Ordoñez) 100% Garnacha D.O. Calatayud Let me introduce you to the one and only Breca Garnacha de Fuego! Jorge Ordoñez has always had a knack for bringing a fresh twist to the grape game. And let me tell you, the 2021 vintage is nothing short of lovely, flavorful, and well-balanced. Now, what makes this wine truly extraordinary is the […]

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Lucien Crochet Rose 2021

Elevate Your Picnic Game

Lucien Crochet Rose 2021 $36 (Rosenthal Wine Merchant) Loire Valley 100% Pinot Noir Behold the majestic salmon pink in your glass, adorned with a bouquet that whispers sweet juicy orange into your nostrils. It’s got that classic Sancerre structure, the kind that’s clean, full-bodied, and makes your taste buds come alive. Now, fair warning, this bottle might dig a little deeper into your pockets. But […]

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Chateau Peyrassol 2022 Mediterranee La Croix

A Millennium of Wine

Chateau Peyrassol 2022 Méditerranée, La Croix $17 (Wilson Daniels) Provence 50% Cinsault, 40% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 2% Carignan In the year 1204, Alphonse II, the Count of Provence, generously handed over the estate to none other than the legendary Order of the Knights Templar. And voila! “Peirasson” officially joined the ranks of the Templar commanderies in the beautiful land of Provence. And let me tell […]

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