December 2024
2023 Hollow Wines Sunset Skin Contact
• Santa Barbara County, CA
• 100% Chardonnay
• 7 days skin contact
• Organic, dry- farmed native yeast fermentation
Alison, Quinn, and Mina Hobbs are the passionate proprietors behind Hollow Wines. Alison, originally from Margaret River, Australia, developed a love for wine early on. Quinn, a Central Coast native, ventured to Alison’s hometown to learn the art of sustainable winemaking. Together, they focus on minimal intervention, allowing the grapes’ true terroir to shine, while ensuring their wines are 100% vegan and sustainably produced. Their Went Clone Chardonnay comes from Zabala Vineyards in the Arroyo Seco AVA, where the vines are organically dry-farmed. Harvested at 20.5 Brix and 2.2 g/L malic acid, the grapes were destemmed and fermented natively on skins for 17 days. After pressing, the wine completed both primary and malolactic fermentations in neutral oak barrels, where it aged for 11 months before being bottled with minimal sulfur dioxide (15 ppm). The result is a clean, expressive Chardonnay that highlights the purity of the fruit and the unique character of the vineyard.
Tasting Notes: A skin-contact Californian white wine with tropical fruit flavors, citrus aroma, hints of spice, subtle vegetal notes, and fresh acidity. Perfect with holiday salad, charcuterie, gorgonzola, cheese, and honey.
2022 Preston Farm & Winery Barbera
• Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma CA
• 100% Barbera
• Organic & Biodynamic, estate grown
Preston Farm and Winery is a family-owned, organic estate nestled in Healdsburg’s Dry Creek Valley. Spanning 125 acres, the property lies between a serene salmon-spawning stream and a quiet stretch of historic wagon trail. Over the past 45 years, the Preston family has transformed the land from a traditional vineyard into a diversified farm that includes vineyards, vegetables, fruits, olive trees, grains, and pastured livestock. The estate features a welcoming winery, tasting room, and farm store, where visitors can enjoy estate-pressed olive oil, fresh sourdough loaves, pickles, and seasonal produce alongside the wines. Committed to organic and biodynamic farming, the Prestons blend traditional values with innovative practices, offering a timeless experience rooted in sustainability, community, and a deep connection to the land.
Tasting Notes: This bright, playful Barbera bursts with raspberry, cherry cola, and red licorice aromas, followed by a tangy palate of red fruit, spiced orange, and pine sap. With gentle tannins and refreshing acidity, it pairs beautifully with pizza, pasta, barbecue, or hard cheeses.
2021 Joan Colet Rius Reserva Brut Nature Cava
• Penedès, Cataluña, Spain
• Xarel·lo, Macabeu, Parellada
• Organic
Joan and Jaume Colet Rius, a father-and-son team, produce exceptional organic Cava in their underground urban winery in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia. Specializing in Reserva and Gran Reserva wines, they focus on extended aging and meticulous craftsmanship, performing all riddling and disgorgement by hand. Their small-scale production, just 2,500 cases annually, reflects a deep commitment to quality and tradition. Now led by Jaume Colet Romero, the third generation of the family, the winery has become a pioneer in organic farming and a founding member of the Vida Penedès consortium. Beyond their renowned Cavas, they are exploring still wines made from indigenous Penedès grapes. Behind a humble wooden door on a bustling street lies a cellar of single-vintage wines, embodying the artisanal spirit of the region.
Tasting Notes: Jaume’s hand-crafted Reserva Brut Nature, aged 24 months on lees, features Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada. With vibrant fruit, bright acidity, fine bubbles, and a creamy finish, it pairs beautifully with seafood, tapas, or desserts.
2023 Abbodanza Bianco Pecorino
• Abruzzo, Italy
• 100% Pecorino
• Organic
• vineyards with clay, limestone deposits, and silt 200m above sea level.
Family-owned Abbondanza is nestled in the picturesque hills of Loreto Aprutino, between Gran Sasso National Park and the Adriatic Sea. The vineyards, perched at 250–350 meters elevation, thrive on clay soils enriched with limestone and sand. Practicing organic viticulture, the estate emphasizes harmony with nature, utilizing no irrigation and renewable wind energy, making it carbon-neutral. Their commitment to sustainability also extends to vegan-certified wines. Located in Abruzzo, often called “the green lung of Italy,” the region is celebrated for its biodiversity, with 33% of its land protected as parks or reserves. The unique climate, blending mountain and sea influences, creates perfect conditions for viticulture. With a winemaking history dating back to 216 BC, Abruzzo’s natural beauty and ancient traditions are reflected in Abbondanza wines, showcasing the exceptional character of this extraordinary landscape.
Tasting Notes: Clean, crisp, and bright, this light-bodied white wine offers vibrant green apple notes and a hint of seafoam spray. Its smooth texture and zesty flavor make it perfect alone or with seafood.