{"title":"March 7: WCC","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"tensley-syrah-santa-barbara-california-2021","title":"Tensley, Syrah, Santa Barbara, California, 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIn 1998 Joey Tensley launched Tensley Wines with one hundred cases and one single goal – to start a well-priced, Syrah-driven brand that let the unique vineyards of Santa Barbara County speak for themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoey’s first experience with wine took place when he was just twelve-years-old and his soccer team toured a winery while taking part in a tournament in France. Joey vividly recalls the chill of the old caves and the aromas of wines fermenting in barrel. From that moment on he knew he wanted to be a winemaker. “Which pretty much made me the only kid in Bakersfield with that particular dream,” Joey says.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTen years later, in 1993, Joey got his start in the wine business working as a “cellar rat” for Fess Parker Winery in Santa Barbara County. After only three years he became the assistant winemaker at Babcock Vineyards. While there Joey came to appreciate the importance of the vineyard and the grower. He also came to appreciate the uniqueness of Santa Barbara County as a growing region. “We’re one of the only places in the world with a mountain range that runs east-west. That gives us many different, unique microclimates, so a Syrah grown in one place is so different from a Syrah grown in another. It’s an exciting place to make wine.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1998 Joey moved on to become the assistant winemaker at Beckmen Vineyards where he was offered space to make his own label. At Beckmen he developed his love for Rhône varietals and decided Tensley would produce only Rhône varietals and only source from Santa Barbara County.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine press began taking notice of Tensley in 2001. That year Matt Kramer of the Wine Spectator named two of Tensley’s 2001 Syrah’s to his list of the Top Ten Wines in the World and Robert Parker scored all the ‘01’s in the high 90’s, calling them “serious, hand-crafted efforts.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2008 Food and Wine Magazine named the 2006 Colson Canyon Syrah “Top Syrah in America Over $20.” Two years later, Robert Parker gave the 2008 Anniversary Series Colson Canyon Syrah 99 points, and The Wine Spectator named the 2008 Colson Canyon Syrah #17 of its Top 100 Wines in the World. The 2007 Colson Canyon Syrah was ranked #22 the year before.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore recently Tensley has received high praise and high scores from wine critics such as Josh Raynolds, James Laube, and Jeb Dunnuck. Dunnuck gave Tensley’s 2008 Syrah Noir 99 points and named Joey, “one of the rising superstars in California.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2017 Joey also launched “Fundamental Wines” by Joey Tensley. The name was chosen because he felt it perfectly reflected the brand’s philosophy – make fundamentally sound, straightforward wines that over-deliver for the price on every level. Priced at about $18 per bottle, the brand has been a hit with the critics. The 2015 Joey Tensley “Fundamental” red blend received 92 points from The Wine Enthusiast and was an Editor’s Choice while the 2016 scored 90 points with both Jeb Dunnuck and The Wine Spectator. Dunnuck gave The 2016 “Fundamental White” 92 points.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Tensley and its reputation have continued to grow, Joey has stayed true to the philosophy he had from day one – make quality wine that is well priced and always, “get out of the way and let the vineyard speak for itself.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Click here to watch our YouTube video about this wine!\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":2561,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"12\":0,\"14\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":0}}' data-sheets-hyperlink=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/WbD2IZ8A9KE\" data-sheets-hyperlinkruns='{\"1\":6,\"2\":\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/WbD2IZ8A9KE\"}{\"1\":10}'\u003eClick \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/shbBfDv0cFo\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e to watch our YouTube video about this wine!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eJoey Tensley\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e100% Syrah\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSanta Barbara, California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis year’s Santa Barbara county Syrah is truly representative of the Santa Barbara county appellation. This blend brings together the best that Santa Barbara County’s diverse microclimates have to offer. The grapes come from five different vineyards: Zaca Mesa, Nolan, Laird, Thompson and Tensley. These different vineyards come together to produce a wine that is velvety and structured. Look for notes of blackberry and pepper to be balanced by bright, fresh notes of raspberries and juicy plums. This wine has a solid structure and long finish. Drink this blend now or age it up to 7-10 years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeading off the 2021 barrel samples, the 2021 Syrah Santa Barbara County has a big, juicy, up-front, and full-bodied style carrying ample darker, almost blue fruits, lots of peppery herb nuances, sweet tannins, and a great finish. It’s a ripe, sexy wine in the making that will drink well right out of the gate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Merchant of Wine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40393430564906,"sku":"","price":29.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Tensley_Syrah_Santa_Barbara_California_2021.jpg?v=1762529576"},{"product_id":"kopke-colheita-tawny-port-douro-portugal-2007","title":"Kopke, Colheita Tawny Port, Douro, Portugal, 2007","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn 1638, \u003c\/span\u003eKopke's path as a winegrower is entwined with the history of its location. The Douro was destined to become the chosen stage for this marriage between the will of man and nature took place. \u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eQuinta de São Luiz was acquired in 1922 and has since become the place where all Kopke’s DOC Douro wines are produced. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe great connoisseurs of Douro wines have always recognised this property as one of the most important in the region, for the quality of its soil and vines and for its cultural traditions. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFor many years, one of these traditions was to paint the Quinta’s stone walls white once a year. These white walls are pieces of history that are cherished to this day and underline the Douro landscape in a unique way.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn the centuries to come, Kopke will endeavour to honour its legacy, that was built with passion throughout generations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eGrapes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTouriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eDouro, Portugal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eGolden-brown colour, with reddish highlights. On the nose, it shows aromas of dried fruit and spice, with subtle hints of vanilla and jammed ripe fruit. It is refined and sophisticated on the palate, revealing good body and perfect balance between tannins and acidity. A long and appealing finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSlightly refreshed, expresses all the finesse and sophistication when combined with caramel desserts, dried fruits and spices, like caramel fondant with apple and ginger jelly, tatin tart, burnt cream and Cheeses of minimum intensity. Despite the age, the freshness remains. Extraordinary marriage with a refreshing tangerine parfait. The multiplicity of possible harmonies is amazing, having the consumer the pleasure to go in search of new flavours.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91 Points - Wine Spectator \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLight brown color with an orange glow. In the palate figs, apricots, almonds and hazelnuts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Skurnik","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44061948281137,"sku":"","price":69.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/products\/Kopke-Colheita-Tawny-Port-Douro-Portugal-2007.jpg?v=1762530037"},{"product_id":"atelier-ilaria-pinot-noir-sonoma-coast-napa-valley-california-2021","title":"Atelier Ilaria, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWinemaking is a family affair in the Monticelli home. Anna's husband, Mario, was born into a family whose roots as winemakers span four generations. His father emigrated from Italy to California where he worked for over 50 years making wine for Gallo. He introduced Mario to the family business when Mario was still a child, instilling in him a passion for cultivating grapes and making wine that defines his life today.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnna's winemaking journey began at the University of California Davis, where she earned a degree in Viticulture and Enology. She spent her fourth year studying at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. After completing her degree in California, she returned to France to work the 2000 vintage at Château Cheval-Blanc. She was very fortunate to work for their technical director, Kees Van Leeuwen, one of the foremost viticultural professors in Bordeaux.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMario and Anna also make the Stack House and Tether wines in Napa Valley. They have Italian and French winemaking projects in the regions of Piedmont, Tuscany, Abruzzo, Friuli, Champagne and the Rhone Valley. They travel to Italy and France with their three children to work on their wines there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAnna \u0026amp; Mario Monticelli\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e100% Pinot Noir\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSonoma Coast, California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe 2022 Atelier Ilaria Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir gracefully wafts out of the glass with notes of red cherry, raspberry, strawberry and blood orange. Hints of wildflowers and crushed rock frame the fruit profile. The palate features balance, integrated acidity and ultra-fine tannins while the finish showcases purity and finesse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91 Points - The Wine Palate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eMedium ruby-purple colored, the 2022 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir sashays out with gregarious notions of red cherries, juicy raspberries, and roses, giving way to hints of black pepper and forest floor. The medium to full-bodied palate is silken textured with a lively backbone framing the bright red berry flavors, finishing on a floral note.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51475201818929,"sku":null,"price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Atelier_Ilaria_Pinot_Noir_Sonoma_Coast_California_2022.jpg?v=1774011268"},{"product_id":"bisci-verdicchio-di-matelica-marche-italy-2024","title":"Bisci, Verdicchio di Matelica, Marche, Italy, 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe Bisci farm is the result of the passion of brothers Giuseppe and Pierino Bisci for their territory and their land. In 1972 they bought an estate of about 25 hectares and transformed it over the years in one of the reference estates in the production of Verdicchio di Matelica.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday Mauro and Tito Bisci, sons of Giuseppe, are the owners of the company. The property is situated in Matelica in between the provinces of Macerata and Ancona. It covers an area of about 25 hectares, entirely within the territory of Verdicchio di Matelica DOC. The 20 hectares of vineyards are organic farmed (CCPB certified), more than 17 hectares of which are under Verdicchio di Matelica vines and a bit more than 2 hectares are cultivated with red grapes such as Sangiovese and Merlot. The vineyards are located in mid-hill at an altitude that goes from 320 to 370 meters above sea level, slightly sloping and in prevalence exposed to the south.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bisci cellar located at the center of the vineyards, was built in 1980, partly adapting the old country houses and partly building new annexes. Viticulture practices have always been at high quality standards and nowadays follow Organic protocols (certified by CCPB). Sulphur and copper base products are utilized and “Managed” cover crops between the rows of vines are used. If the necessity arises, the soil is tilled in order to avoid hydric competition with the vines. When needed, organic fertilizer (manure) is used after the harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrganic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv title=\"Page 1\" class=\"page\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAroldo Bellelli\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e100% Verdicchio \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eMarche, Italy\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eColor is pale straw yellow with green reflections. Flavour is full bodied, savory, fresh, and quite balanced. Nose is intense and typical with white flowers and green apple. Serve at 8-10°C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e90 Points - Vinous\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eHonied florals, honeydew melon, crisp yellow apple and hints of citrus set the stage for soothing textures that balance ripeness of fruit against stimulating mineral tones. There’s a sweet-and-sour sensation here that creates further intrigue, as well as lending a drink-me-now persona to the wine. All is in perfect balance here.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Skurnik","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51791034908977,"sku":null,"price":21.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Bisci_Verdicchio_di_Matelica_Marche_Italy_2024.jpg?v=1756823255"},{"product_id":"figli-luigi-oddero-barolo-docg-nebbiolo-langhe-piedmont-italy-2021","title":"Figli Luigi Oddero, Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont, Italy, 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eYou cannot look ahead if you do not know what lies behind you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe winery was established by Luigi Oddero, a winemaker and very inquisitive and cultured man, deeply in love with his land, the Langhe. A country gentleman, as Mario Soldati described him in his 1975 interview, which was published in the book Vino al Vino. A man who combined a practical mind and long-term vision, well representing the fusion between energies of the past and the skill of looking ahead. A charismatic figure, poised between progress and preservation, always turning his attention to technical innovation, but doing so without ever losing sight of his family’s history, which began in the 1800s with his grandparents, winemakers and wine merchants themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLuigi, while busy experimenting with and planting international varieties, always gave preference to the Langhe’s native variety, Nebbiolo, and to all the other local traditional grapes, such as Barbera, Dolcetto and Freisa. In more recent times, he kept pursuing Barolo’s traditional winemaking method by using large barrels. Luigi was not only a winegrower. Driven by the passion for his land, he also grew hazelnut and peach trees and other typical fruits of the Langhe hills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, after Luigi’s death, the winery is managed by his wife Lena and children Maria and Giovanni, who were named after their great-grandparents, with whom the winery’s history began. And so, tradition represents continuity, the common thread running through the past, present and future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eDante Scaglioni\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e100% Nebbiolo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePiedmont, Italy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBright ruby-red colored. Floral and fruity aromas typical of the Nebbiolo variety. Dry and savoury on the palate with notes of fruit and wilted flowers. Excellent structure, great balance and long aromatic persistence. Best served at cellar temperature in a wide wine glass, this wine pairs well with all appetizers, including cured meats, sausages and raw meat dishes, and with Piedmontese-style mixed fry, fondue, risotto and pasta with or without truffle, barbecued meat, poultry and stewed meat, Cacciatora-style rabbit, spit-roasted meat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91 Points - Falstaff\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBrilliant garnet red with oily reflections. Hesitant, delicately scented nose, redcurrant, later light clove and distinct black pepper. Strongly astringent on the palate, lively acidity and a persistent finish. The wine can be expected to mellow with a little ageing. \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elevage Wine Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51792006218033,"sku":null,"price":27.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Figli_Luigi_Oddero_Langhe_Nebbiolo_Piedmont_Italy_2021_22712163-8116-46e5-9cc2-6a209745b0a4.jpg?v=1756843092"},{"product_id":"masottina-r-d-o-le-rive-di-ogliano-ponente-extra-dry-valdobbiadene-superiore-italy-nv","title":"Masottina, 'R.D.O. - Le Rive di Ogliano Ponente', Brut Millesimato, Valdobbiadene Superiore, Italy, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWith every harvest for the past more than 75 years the Dal Bianco family has renewed its roots and inspiration. For this family, being winemakers means passing on over the years and generations the continuous thrill of taking care of Mother Nature’s precious gifts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMasottina wines have their roots in the over 370 hectares of vineyards acquired over the years by the family. Vine growing is the result of synergies between a constantly forward-looking approach and attention to origins, united by a common theme that enhances the different terroirs. These are the factors that inspire the entire vinification process, through to the final selection, to create well-balanced wines, sealed with the names of the locations they represent the most.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe winery is the place where our winemaking spirit is fully expressed, maintaining the promise made years ago by Adriano Dal Bianco, who strived to vinify his grapes accurately and rapidly to keep them from oxidising. Today this approach involves painstaking tasks, from selecting grapes on the vine to getting them to the winery first thing in the morning, where a second selection takes place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAdriano Dal Bianco\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e100% Glera\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProsecco, Veneto, Italy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eElegant straw yellow colour with bright greenish-golden hints. Fine, lingering perlage. The bouquet is fresh and variegated, with clear, intense hints of bergamot, white mulberry, peaches, loquats, melons and acacia blossoms. The rich mix of aromas is completed by lemon balm, thyme, mint and sage. On the palate there are fresh, delicate floral fragrances, enhanced by pleasant mineral hints. The long, well-balanced finish closes with a nuance of lime, ginger and spices.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Falstaff\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBrilliant greenish yellow with a silvery shimmer. Delicate on the nose, lemon zest, some pear, light mineral notes on the finish. Fine mousse on the palate, beautiful alternation of dancing acidity and great juiciness. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52195783672113,"sku":null,"price":24.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Masottina_R.D.O._-_Le_Rive_di_Ogliano_Ponente_Brut_Valdobbiadene_Superiore_Italy_2023.jpg?v=1765552074"},{"product_id":"mullineux-family-wines-straw-wine-swartland-south-africa-2024-375ml","title":"Mullineux Family Wines, Straw Wine, Swartland, South Africa, 2024 (375mL)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWe are a small, highly focused Family winery based in the village of Riebeek Kasteel producing a select Family of hand-crafted wines from the granite and shale based terroirs of the Swartland Region of South Africa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Swartland is a beautiful and wild place. The landscape is a series of rolling hills, with a few significant outcrops of rock that form the Paardeberg, Riebeek Kasteel and Piketberg Mountains. It is not an easy place to establish vines, and is a region that has as much of an influence on the vineyards and people who farm there as the people have on the land itself. This brings to mind what film director David von Ancken has to say about the old American West: \"The primal, universal power of the landscape strips away everything but the truth of men's souls.\" In much the same way, we feel the Swartland landscape bares the souls of grape vines, and in those varieties that can take the ruggedness, true personality of site is revealed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVegan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAndrea and Chris Mullineux\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChenin Blanc\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSwartland, South Africa\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe 2024 Mullineux Straw Wine has a beautiful luminous golden colour. The exceptionally well-balanced acidity and attractive viscosity of this vin de paille-style wine is highlighted on the palate. Grown in the ancient granite soils of the Paardeberg, it has a very distinct flavour profile reminding one of Mebos, with an intense mouthfeel like that of silky lemon meringue pie. The extraordinarily fresh and lingering finish, culminating from the old vines of the Swartland, which also allow dappled sunlight to penetrate the canopies of the bush-vines and develop the stone fruit aromas of this wine. Best served chilled at 8 to 10 °C with savoury-lead or sweet desserts or a combination of hard cheeses. This is a vegan friendly wine.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Vinous \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2024 Straw Wine comes from deep, decomposed granite soils in Paardeberg that offer the highest natural malic acid to counter the concentration. The fruit is dried off the vine for four weeks, with ten months' fermentation before it naturally comes to a halt. It has extraordinarily pure acacia honey, orange pith and tangerine scents that are beautifully defined. The palate has stunning delineation, a razor-sharp line of acidity and ample weight, but it is not cloying in any way. The finish feels quite stem ginger, leaving the mouth tingling afterwards. Brilliant. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHoney, golden raisins, figs, candied oranges, dried pineapples and lemonade on the nose of this concentrated dessert wine. So much sweet, dried-fruit goodness packed in, beautifully balanced by sharp acidity. Long and intense. From chenin blanc grapes grown on granite soil, dried for four weeks in the shade. Drink or hold.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e 375ml\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Skurnik","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52386564112689,"sku":null,"price":59.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Mullineux_Family_Wines_Straw_Wine_Swartland_South_Africa_2024_375mL.jpg?v=1768572610"}],"url":"https:\/\/merchantofwine.com\/collections\/march-7-wcc.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}