The Land

Vincent Couche's Coteaux Bourguignons Symbiose is primarily Pinot Noir from northern Burgundy with, according to legend, a tiny amount of cru Beaujolais blended in. The estate has 32 acres of vines, split between two different terroirs: 7 acres of Chardonnay vines in Montgueux, which has chalky soils similar to Chablis, and 25 acres of mostly Pinot Noir in Buxeuil, where the parcels mostly face south and west on steep slopes overlooking the Seine river. The Pinot Noir grapes that go into this wine are from Molesme, France. The overarching philosophy is a deep desire to create healthy soils through biodynamic farming, allowing the unique terroir of each site to express itself.

The Wine 

This vibrant red is a showcase of the diversity and complexity of cool climate Pinot Noir. The 2022 bottling presents a bright ruby color and an alluring nose dominated by red fruit aromas like cherry and raspberry, interwoven with notes of spice, violets, and a touch of earthy undergrowth. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with lively acidity and well-integrated tannins. The flavors of red fruit are complemented by a savory complexity, with hints of dried herbs, spice, and a distinct minerality. The finish is long and elegant, leaving a lingering impression of fruit and spice. The winemaking is done with minimal intervention, resulting in a pleasantly natural but not totally bizarre wine.

The People

Vincent Couche is a renowned producer of both Champagne and Burgundy with a desire to craft wines that are true to his vision, rather than relying on tradition. He took over the family domaine in 1999, and began a wholesale restructuring of both the farming and the cellar work. The estate was the first in all of Champagne to receive Demeter certification. He is obsessed with his vines and the healthy soils they grow in, and he is dedicated to making wines in the cellar without any additions. Simply put, he is a leader of the natural wine movement.

Food Pairing
The Coteaux Bourguignons Symbiose 2022 is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.

• Classic French Fare: It's an excellent match for roast chicken, coq au vin, or boeuf bourguignon.
• Hearty Stews: The wine's structure and acidity make it a perfect companion for hearty stews like lentil soup or beef stew.
• Charcuterie & Cheese: Enjoy it with a selection of charcuterie and cheeses, such as pâté, saucisson, and Comté.

The Land

Villa Creek's "SOuL" Grenache originates from their estate vineyards nestled in the Adelaide District of Paso Robles (San Luis Obispo County, California). This region experiences high diurnal temperature shifts, which are vital for maintaining acidity and complexity in the grapes. Villa Creek's meticulous approach to sustainable farming practices, including cover cropping and biodynamic preparations, plays a vital role in shaping the character of this wine. They use a minimal intervention approach, ensuring the vines are healthy and expressing their terroir. This estate is also one of just a handful of wineries in the world to be Regenerative Organic Certified.

The Wine

This 2023 "SOuL" Grenache is a captivating expression of Paso Robles Grenache, crafted using a unique whole-cluster carbonic maceration technique. Unlike traditional Grenache production, the grapes undergo fermentation whole inside the bunch. This gentle process minimizes tannin extraction and preserves the fruit's delicate character, resulting in a lighter-bodied and more approachable wine. The wine boasts a shimmering ruby color and on the nose, it explodes with expansive aromatics of juicy cherry, bramble berries, and hints of violets. Subtle notes of orange peel and a touch of black pepper add complexity to the bouquet. The first sip reveals a fresh and juicy palate, bursting with flavors of strawberries and rhubarb. Hints of plum pit and a touch of minerality, reminiscent of limestone. The wine's vibrant acidity keeps the palate lively, while the soft, well-integrated tannins create a seamless and elegant mouthfeel. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering impression of red fruit and a subtle mineral note.

The People

Villa Creek Winery, a family-owned and operated estate, has been a leader in sustainable viticulture in the Adelaide District of Paso Robles for over 30 years. Their dedication to minimal intervention winemaking allows the soul of the vineyard, as the name suggests, to shine through in every bottle. The "SOuL" Grenache exemplifies Villa Creek's philosophy, showcasing not only the beauty of Grenache grapes but also the unique terroir of their estate.

Food Pairing:
The "SOuL" Grenache's lighter body and vibrant acidity make it a versatile food pairing companion. Here are some suggestions inspired by the wine's profile:

• Mezze Platter: Pair it with a selection of grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and peppers, drizzled with olive oil and herbs. Baba ghanoush, a smoky roasted eggplant dip, or Greek salad would also be a delightful complement.
• Herb-Crusted Lamb: The wine's bright acidity cuts through the richness of lamb, making it a perfect partner for herb-rubbed lamb chops or grilled leg of lamb.
• Pizza: Enjoy it with pizzas featuring lighter toppings like tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh arugula. A pizza with pesto and vegetables would also be a delicious option.

The Land
Guimaro Ribeira Sacra hails from the steep, terraced vineyards of the Ribeira Sacra region in Galicia, Spain. This dramatic landscape, carved by the Sil and Miño rivers, is characterized by slate-filled soils (locally known as "xabre") that impart a distinctive minerality to the wines. The vineyards, often planted on impossibly steep slopes, are farmed sustainably, reflecting the region's commitment to preserving this unique and challenging terroir.
The Wine
This wine is an awesome value! This is blend of Mencia, Garnacha, and Sousón offers a captivating glimpse into the soul of Ribeira Sacra. The 2023 vintage displays a deep ruby color and an alluring nose dominated by ripe red and black fruit aromas, such as cherry and blackberry, interwoven with notes of spice, violets, and a touch of earthy undergrowth. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with lively acidity and well-integrated tannins. The flavors of red fruit are complemented by a savory complexity, with hints of dried herbs, spice, and a distinct mineral character that echoes the slate-filled soils of the region. The finish is long and elegant, leaving a lingering impression of fruit and spice. 
The People 
Guímaro or "rebel" in Galician dialect, was the nickname of winemaker-Pedro's grandfather. The winery is a small and tucked away in the hills and is only accessible by dirt roads for miles. It is humble yet extremely efficient! Guimaro is a family-owned winery that exemplifies the Ribeira Sacra region. It’s a true gem of Spanish wine! Pedro Rodríguez is an artist and master of his craft. He is dedicated to crafting authentic wines that reflect the unique terroir and character of the vineyards. Not only is he an incredibly welcoming and kind person, he’s committed to sustainable viticulture and traditional winemaking techniques and ensures each bottle of his wine is an expression of the region's heritage and his passion.

Food Pairing:
The Guimaro Ribeira Sacra is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.

• Grilled Specialties: It's an excellent match for grilled meats, such as grilled lamb, pork chops, or grilled chicken with herbs.
• Hearty roasted dishes: The wine's structure and acidity make it a perfect companion for hearty stews like beef bourguignon or osso buco.
• Spanish Tapas: Enjoy it with a selection of Spanish tapas, such as chorizo, jamón Ibérico, patatas bravas and Manchego cheese. 

The Vineyard
The Uivo Vinhas Velhas Branco from Folias de Baco is a unique wine, from old vines (around 80 years old) cultivated organically in the stunning Douro region. While the Douro is renowned for its traditional winemaking and especially Port, Folias de Baco embraces a more modern and expressive approach within the Douro region. They make wines that reflect the unique character of their vineyards and the region's unique terroir. The grape varieties used, Gouveio, Rabigato, Vinhas Velhas, and Viosinho, find a distinct terroir with schist, granite, and clay soils, which imparts a distinctive minerality and complexity to the wine.
The Wine
This white wine displays a brilliant straw color with platinum reflections. On the nose, it reveals a complex and intense aromatic profile with floral and fresh tropical fruit notes, such as passion fruit and white peach, accompanied by nuances of herbs and a slight minerality. On the palate, it is a medium-bodied wine with vibrant acidity and a creamy texture. Flavors of ripe white fruit and citrus are complemented by notes of almond and a persistent minerality. The finish is long and elegant, with a saline aftertaste that invites another sip.
The Winery
Folias de Baco is a small producer that focuses on natural wines with minimal intervention, showcasing the unique character of the Douro beyond the traditional styles. The Uivo Vinhas Velhas Branco is vinified with spontaneous fermentation in granite lagares and aging in neutral wooden barrels and stainless steel tanks. This process preserves the purity of the fruit and the expression of the terroir, resulting in a wine that is both authentic and distinctive. 

Food Pairings
This versatile white wine pairs well with a variety of dishes, from appetizers and fresh cheeses to grilled fish and seafood. Try it with:

• Fish: Grilled sea bass with herbs, rillette
• Meats: Roasted chicken with lemon, pork tenderloin with vegetables
• Cheeses: Fresh goat cheese, salty cheese, buttery cheeses
• Appetizers: Cheese and charcuterie board, olives, bread with olive oil