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2021 Quinta de Vale de Pios Pios Branco

• Duriense, Portugal
• 50% Voisinho, 50% Rabigato
• Organic

Located in the far eastern reaches of Portugal, Quinta de Vale de Pios translates to "the winery in the valley of bird chirps." Standing in the vineyard, with eyes closed, the chorus of birds is all you hear. Situated within the Parque Nacional del Douro, also a Wild Bird Preserve, the area brims with natural beauty. The closest village, Barca d’Alva, is the final stop on the Douro River before it transitions into the Duero in Spain’s Arribes DO. This arid region receives just six inches of annual rainfall, creating a near-desert climate that supports only grapes, olives, and almonds. Its soil is a patchwork of broken quartz, granite, shale, and black schist subsoil. While summer days soar above 105°F, nighttime drops into the upper 50s, enhancing grape freshness and acidity. Joaquim founded the winery in 2003 and has since navigated some of the wine world’s toughest conditions. A one-man team, Joaquim plants, tends, harvests, and vinifies his wines in a modest cellar near Portugal's border with Spain.

Tasting Notes: A balanced wine with citrus, minerality, salinity, and tropical fruit notes. Rich yet reminiscent of Albariño, it pairs perfectly with shellfish, chicken, light pasta, and tapas like marinated olives, sardines, or croquettes.

 

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2023 Clos Roussely VDF Skin Contact

• Touraine, France
• 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Menu Pineau, 10% Chenin Blanc
• Organic, biodynamic, dry farmed

Le Clos Roussely has been intertwined with village history since the 18th century, once part of the local castle. Vincent Roussely, the fourth-generation steward, continues his family’s legacy. His great-grandfather Anatole purchased the property in 1917, moving winemaking here. Marcel, Vincent’s grandfather, expanded the vineyard in 1947, and by the 1980s, Vincent’s father and aunt focused on wine trading, leaving vineyard care to others. Vincent reclaimed the estate, preserving its heritage and passion for wine.

Located in Angé overlooking the Cher River, the 8-hectare vineyard lies within the Touraine and Touraine-Chenonceaux appellations and has been certified organic since 2007. Its 80-year-old vines flourish in clay-limestone soil rich in flint, perfect for Sauvignon Blanc, which comprises 80% of the estate. Other varieties include Côt, Pineau d’Aunis, Cabernet Franc, and Gamay. Practices emphasize biodiversity, manual ploughing, and horse-driven work, avoiding herbicides and pesticides. All harvesting is done by hand, reflecting their dedication to natural methods and exceptional quality.

Tasting Notes: A vibrant orange wine with aromas of orange zest and apricot, lively acidity, earthy minerality, and complex flavors. Pairs beautifully with fish, Thai cuisine, and cheeses like gouda and cheddar.

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2023 Jeremie Huchet La Bretetesche Brut Nature

• Muscadet, France
• 100% Melon de Bourgogne
• Organic, dry farmed

Domaine de la Chauvinière, founded in 1946 by Constant Huchet, is nestled in the valleys of the Maine River in western Loire. Once part of a monastery and purchased by Constant’s father, Joseph Arnaud, the estate is now led by Constant’s great-grandson, Jérémie Huchet. Since taking over in 2001, Jérémie has expanded the vineyards from 6 to 38 hectares and transitioned them to organic viticulture.

The estate is celebrated for its Melon de Bourgogne, the cornerstone grape of Muscadet wines. Jérémie’s winemaking philosophy honors Muscadet’s ancient traditions and unique terroirs, emphasizing organic practices, soil health, and hand-harvesting. He believes great wines are born from observing nature and nurturing the soil's microbial life, ensuring each vine thrives.

Through his dedication, Jérémie has preserved the integrity of the land while crafting wines that embody the complexity and tradition of the region. His commitment to excellence has established Domaine de la Chauvinière as one of the Loire Valley’s premier producers, delivering world-class wines that reflect the essence of their origins.

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.

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2023 Catch & Release Anyone Anytime Anyplace

• Mendocino to the Santa Cruz Mountains, CA
• 65% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 15% Chardonnay
• Organic/biodynamic
• Serve with a slight chill

At Catch & Release, the team creates wines they love to drink, collaborating with growers at the forefront of regenerative farming. Their bottles range from playful to serious, but their approach remains consistent: native fermentations, neutral oak, minimal sulfur, and unfiltered finishes. While they are not farmers themselves, they partner with exceptional ones. The fruit is sourced from handpicked organic and biodynamic vineyards, stretching from Mendocino to the Santa Cruz Mountains. They believe exceptional raw materials are the foundation of every great bottle.

In the cellar, simplicity is paramount. All wines undergo native fermentation, with sulfur (SO₂) as the only additive. Sulfur is viewed as a tool to be used thoughtfully, rather than prescriptively. To preserve the wine’s raw, living nature, all bottles are unfined and unfiltered.

Catch & Release releases their wines twice a year, in spring and fall. Each release offers a mix of younger, playful wines alongside a selection of extended élevage wines. Whether fresh or aged, their wines reflect the care and connection behind every bottle.

Tasting Notes: Savory, sultry, rugged, notes of wild berries, tamarind, cola. Fruity, chillable red. Pair with lasagna, Korean BBQ, or roasted eggplant.