October 2024
2023 Gusto Tinto (Big Boy liter)
• Catalonia, Spain
• 55% Trepat, 45% Sumoll Negre
• Organic, native yeast fermentation
• Best served chilled
This wine is part of the first release from Gusto, offering large-format wines in liter bottles, crafted by Jaume Colet, an emerging winemaker from Catalonia. Jaume, a founding member of VIDA PNDS, is dedicated to showcasing the dynamic and vibrant wines of his homeland.
The wines in this collection, which are produced entirely from local grape varieties, come from vineyards that Jaume has worked with for years as they shift toward regenerative farming practices. The lineup includes a Rosado made from Trepat, a chillable red from a blend of Sumoll and Trepat, and a lively skin-contact wine made from Xarello. These wines, highly popular in Barcelona, are becoming increasingly sought after in California, especially for casual get-togethers.
Tasting Notes: Bursting with fresh strawberry and bramble fruit flavors, this wine is slightly zesty and extremely easy to drink. It pairs wonderfully with BBQ, pizza, and burgers.
2023 Bodega Calle Dharma Orange
• Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina
• 40% Semillon, 30% Torrontes, 30% Chardonnay
• Organic, vegan
• Co-fermented, aged on skins in a concrete egg for 8 months, followed by 4 months of aging before bottling
Bodega Calle is a small winery with a long history, originally established in 1925 and restored in 2001. Specializing in red and orange wines, the winery utilizes a gravity-flow system to move grapes to the fermentation tanks, ensuring minimal intervention. All of the grapes are farmed organically, without the use of herbicides or pesticides, and undergo natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts. This careful approach results in a slower, more controlled fermentation process. Bodega Calle, one of the few wineries certified organic in Argentina, also produces vegan and GMO-free wines.
Kirk Ermisch, the owner and manager, leads the operations at Bodega Calle, located in the renowned wine-producing region of Luján de Cuyo in Mendoza.
Their mission is to create high-quality wines using sustainable methods that honor the environment and the local culture, while contributing to the growth of Mendoza’s wine reputation.
Tasting Notes: This wine presents bright citrus flavors, balanced by refreshing acidity and a rich, textured mouthfeel. The slightly dry finish from the tannins makes it an excellent companion to dishes such as lamb, chicken, or mildly spiced cuisine.
2022 Scala Cirò Bianco
• Calabria, Italy
• 100% Greco Bianco
• Organic
This wine is crafted from Greco grapes, a white variety that was introduced to Calabria by the ancient Greeks. These grapes are cultivated in the Cirò region, at an elevation of 100 to 150 meters above sea level in vineyards that are planted on south/southeast-facing slopes. The vines were planted in 1997.
The Scala family has owned this property for over two centuries. The winery, originally established in 1949, underwent a major reconstruction in 2005. Native grape varieties such as Greco, Magliocco, Gaglioppo, and a bit of Nerello are cultivated on the estate. Luigi Scala, the current winemaker, focuses on crafting high-quality wines that reflect the terroir and Calabrian tradition. His son Francesco joined the family business in 2008 to handle the winery’s operations, continuing a legacy of family-driven winemaking. The Cirò DOC, which was established in 1969, is where this wine is classified.
Tasting Notes: This Cirò Bianco is known for its fresh, lively character, with mineral undertones and a fruity, floral essence. Its crisp, clean finish makes it a perfect bottle to bring to gatherings, sure to delight a wide range of palates. Best enjoyed with seafood, soft cheeses, or salads. It also serves as a refreshing aperitif.
2022 Il Principe Rosa Santa Colomba
(Special Release)
• Veneto, Italy
• Merlot, Garganega, Sauvignon
• Sparkling rosé
• Organic, native yeast fermentation
• Serve chilled
The “Principe Rosa” sparkling rosé is made from a blend of Merlot, Garganega, and Sauvignon grapes, fermented in the bottle using traditional methods. This wine is lively and refreshing, making it a great choice for casual sipping on crisp autumn evenings. Santa Colomba is a unique project that began in 2016 as a collaboration between Gianfranco Mistrorigo and Marco Dani. Located in the picturesque town of Lonigo, between Verona and Vicenza, this winery is part of the historic Villa San Fermo estate, which includes 8.5 hectares of vineyards within a protected park. The property is owned by a congregation of monks and follows the biodynamic principles of Rudolf Steiner, a philosophy that strongly influences their winemaking practices. Santa Colomba is the sole producer allowed to make wine on this land.
Tasting Notes: This sparkling rosé offers a medley of red berry flavors, balanced with fresh citrus and delicate floral hints. Its light, bubbly character makes it ideal for pairing with charcuterie, pasta, and meats, or simply enjoying on its own.