Podere Pradarolo | "Indocilis" Barbera Rosé Pet-Nat | Emilia Romagna, Italy | 2020
🍇 Grape Variety: 100% Barbera
🌱 Farming: Organic with biodynamic & regenerative principles
🍾 Winemaking: no sulfur added, native yeast fermentation, no filtration, secondary fermentation with chilled must, not disgorged
🧑🏼🌾 Winemaker: Alberto Carretti & Claudia Iannelli
🌎 Region: Ceno Valley, Emilia Romagna, Italy
🌡 Serve: Cold
Claudia Iannelli, from chemical and furniture sectors, traded suits for trousers and rubber boots, captivated by the historical charm of the Ceno Valley. Despite a background in conventional "trophy" wines, she embraces a more natural approach, adjusting to nature's rhythms.
The microclimate, marked by cool temperatures and marine air, supports 9 hectares of vineyards on their 60-hectare estate. The cellar is in an old stable, while the archaic barn turned into an office, a vinegar factory, and a bakery.
Podere Pradarolo focuses on farm revitalization and architectural restoration. Alberto balances preserving authenticity with modern functionality. They're committed to new products and conservation projects, including a nursery for genetic material production to combat wood diseases and climate change effects.
Domaine de la Pépière | "La Pepie," Melon | Muscadet-Sevre-et-Maine, Loire Valley | 2022
🍇 Grape Variety: 100% Melon de Bourgogne
🌱 Farming: Biodynamic
🍾 Winemaking: bunches were direct-pressed and the juice settled for 12 hours. Native yeast fermentation in stainless steel tanks; aged on its lees for 6-8 months in large, underground, glass-lined cement tanks; bottled without filtration
🧑🏼🌾 Winemakers: Rémi Branger and Gwénaëlle Croix
🌎 Region: Muscadet-Sevre-et-Maine, Loire Valley, France
🌡 Serve: Cold
Rémi, a local known to Marc since childhood, joined in 2006. Gwen, a former industrial worker turned wine enthusiast, entered the scene after studying viticulture. Her, Marc and Rémi hit it off, and she became a partner in 2014.
Marc's legacy lives on, with Rémi steering toward organic viticulture and Gwen championing biodynamics. Their teamwork extends to the cellar, where longer sur-lies élevages and meticulous winemaking push Pépière to new heights.
Pépière's journey started with Marc's seven hectares, unifying terroir into one wine. As the estate grew, so did the diversity of terroirs, prompting the creation of single vineyard cuvées like Clos des Briords in 1988 and Cormermais in 1992. In the Muscadet region, dominated by bulk production, Pépière's commitment to showcasing terroirs has set it apart.
Despite Muscadet's potential, the region struggles to attract new talent due to low prices and market challenges. Pépière, however, thrives with half its 42 hectares in the esteemed crus of Clisson, Monnières-Saint Fiacre, Château-Thébaud, and Gorges – a testament to Marc's foresight.
The La Pépie cuvée blends fruit from Pépière's diverse terroirs, with 50% falling within Muscadet Sèvre & Maine and 50% in the crus. Since 2016, purchased fruit supplements the blend due to low yields. Pépière continues to leave a legacy, pioneering Muscadet's true potential in every bottle.
Renzo Castella | "Madonnina" Nebbiolo | Langhe, Piedmont, IT | 2020
🌱 Farming: Organic
🍇 Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo
🧑🏼🌾 Winemaker: Renzo Castella
🌎 Region: Langhe, Piedmont
🌡 Serve: Room Temp
Renzo embraces natural methods, eschewing pesticides and herbicides, crafting wines in the tradition of his forefathers in Diano. Free from excessive oak, his creations boast pure fruit flavors, delicate florals, and a hint of rustic charm. The palate is dense yet lively. Fresh, focused, and tannic, these wines are an easy choice for a sophisticated yet approachable weeknight indulgence, reflecting Renzo's dedication to his craft.
Brea Wine Co | Cabernet Sauvignon | Margarita Vineyard, Paso Robles, CA | 2021
🧑🤝🧑 Pair with: grilled steaks, roasts, hardy stews
🍇 Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
🌱 Farming: Organic
🍾 Winemaking: 100% destemmed, aged 10 months in neutral French Oak
🧑🏼🌾 Winemaker: Chris Brockway
🌎 Region: Margarita Vineyard, Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
🌡 Serve: Room temp
📦 Production: 3,800 cases
BREA Wine Company is a collab between Chris Brockway of Broc Cellars and Tim Elenteny of Elenteny Imports. The idea is to make site-specific, terroir-driven, and sustainably farmed wines in California. While avant-garde winemakers explore unique varieties, BREA offers classic bottlings like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir into the Low Intervention movement.
Building strong relationships with farmers and selecting vineyards with top-quality grapes, BREA produces accessible, high-quality wines that are both wallet-friendly and ready to drink, yet suitable for short-term aging. They aim to reintroduce classic varieties to open-minded wine enthusiasts.
Their seventh vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon from Margarita Vineyard in Paso Robles reflects a less-oaked, moderately low-alcohol approach, breaking from the typical California style. Situated at 1,000 ft. elevation, 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the vineyard's maritime climate offers a longer growing season for a delicate, mineral-infused Cabernet expression. Balanced acidity and mild tannins make this wine a unique and delightful California Cabernet!