April Wine Club

Bora Tier:

Fiorini's Lambrusco Gras

parossa 'Becco Rosso' is a delightful sparkling red wine that brings a burst of joy to any occasion. Hailing from the heart of Emilia-Romagna in Italy, this wine is crafted by the esteemed Fiorini family, whose winemaking legacy dates back to 1919.

The Fiorini estate is nestled at the foot of the Apennine mountains near Modena, where the red clay soils and favorable climate nurture the growth of the Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro grapes. The 'Becco Rosso' is made predominantly from these grapes, with a touch of Lancellotta to enhance its character. The wine undergoes a six-day maceration on the skins and a 60-day secondary fermentation, resulting in a vibrant ruby red color and a fine, persistent effervescence.

On the nose, 'Becco Rosso' offers an aromatic bouquet of black cherry, blackberry, and violet, setting the stage for a flavorful palate. The taste is full-bodied yet fresh, with well-integrated tannins and a lingering, creamy finish.

Pair this versatile wine with a variety of dishes to elevate your dining experience. It's an excellent match for traditional Emilia-Romagna fare such as tortellini, gnocchi, and cured meats like prosciutto and salami. Its refreshing acidity also complements grilled meats, hearty pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces, and even spicy cuisines like Indian or Thai.

Whether you're enjoying a casual meal or celebrating a special moment, Fiorini's Lambrusco Grasparossa 'Becco Rosso' adds a touch of Italian elegance and effervescence to your glass.

Altùris's 2023 Friulano is a delightful white wine that encapsulates the essence of Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region.Produced by the Altùris winery, established in 2009 by brothers Marco and Massimo Zorzettig, this wine reflects their dedication to sustainable practices and modern winemaking techniques.

The vineyards are situated near Cividale del Friuli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC.This area boasts a unique blend of flat and hilly terrains, influenced by both continental and Mediterranean climates, resulting in wines with distinctive minerality and freshness.

The 2023 Friulano is crafted from 100% Friulano grapes. It presents a straw-yellow color with greenish hues and an aromatic profile reminiscent of lime-tree honey, white flowers, and pear. On the palate, it is balanced, offering a captivating softness complemented by lively freshness and a persistent finish.

Pair this versatile wine with a variety of dishes to enhance your dining experience. It complements traditional Friulian fare such as San Daniele prosciutto and fresh, fatty cheeses. It's also an excellent match for seafood appetizers, light pasta dishes, and Asian cuisines, including curried shrimp and rice.

Altùris's 2023 Friulano offers a refreshing taste of Friuli's rich winemaking heritage, making it a perfect choice for springtime enjoyment!

Le Mistral Tier:

Nestled in the scenic Colbún region of Chile's Maule Valley, Laberinto Winery crafts exceptional wines that reflect their unique terroir. Established in 1993 by Rafael Tirado, Laberinto spans 23 hectares planted in a labyrinthine pattern, enhancing biodiversity and grape quality. The vineyards thrive at 1,800 feet above sea level on volcanic ash and granite soils, contributing to the distinctive character of their wines.

Le Mistral Tier:

The 2023 Cenizas Sauvignon Blanc is a testament to Laberinto's commitment to excellence. Hand-harvested from vines Rafael personally planted in 1993, this wine offers a bright nose of guava, passion fruit, and lemon, leading to a mineral mid-palate with subtle crushed rock undertones. Fermented entirely in stainless steel, it maintains a juicy and refreshing profile.

Renowned wine critics have lauded this vintage. Tim Atkin, MW awarded it 96 points, highlighting its remarkable tension, acidity, and flavors of elderflower and lemongrass. Patricio Tapia of Descorchados also gave it 95 points, praising its expressive fruit, freshness, and invigorating acidity.

Pair this vibrant Sauvignon Blanc with a variety of dishes to enhance your dining experience. Its lively acidity and minerality make it an excellent match for seafood such as oysters, ceviche, and grilled shrimp. It also complements vegetarian fare like grilled vegetables, quinoa salads, and goat cheese dishes.

Laberinto's 2023 Cenizas Sauvignon Blanc encapsulates the essence of Chile's Maule Valley, offering a delightful and memorable tasting experience.Introducing the 2023 Gyotaku by Domaine Christophe Mittnacht—a white blend that's as captivating as its name suggests. Crafted in the picturesque Alsace region of France, this wine is the brainchild of winemaker Christophe Mittnacht and his wife, Yuka, a renowned Japanese chef. Their collaboration resulted in a wine specifically designed to complement sushi and sashimi, embodying a harmonious fusion of French winemaking and Japanese culinary artistry.

The name "Gyotaku" refers to a traditional Japanese art form where fish are pressed onto rice paper, symbolizing the couple's dedication to creating a wine that honors both their cultures.

This 2023 vintage is a delightful blend of 45% Pinot Blanc, 23% Pinot Gris, 16% Gewürztraminer, 8% Riesling, and 8% Muscat. Sourced from the clay and limestone soils of Hunawihr and Ribeauvillé, the vines average over 30 years in age, contributing to the wine's depth and complexity. The grapes undergo fermentation with indigenous yeasts and are aged in large, old Alsatian oak barrels, resulting in a wine that's both aromatic and structured.

On the palate, Gyotaku offers flavors of apricot, Gala apple, lime flower, and peach, balanced by a refreshing acidity that cleanses the palate—making it an ideal companion for raw fish dishes.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Sushi and Sashimi: The wine's crisp acidity and vibrant flavors enhance the freshness of raw fish.

• Grilled Fish: Pair with dishes like grilled sea bass or mackerel for a delightful experience.

• Vegetarian Delights: Enjoy alongside grilled vegetables, quinoa salads, or dishes featuring goat cheese.

Discover the 2021 Touraine Côt Vieilles Vignes from Le Rocher des Violettes—a wine that beautifully marries tradition, passion, and the unique terroir of France's Loire Valley.

The Producer: Le Rocher des Violettes

Nestled in the heart of Touraine, between the Cher and Loire rivers, Le Rocher des Violettes is the brainchild of Xavier Weisskopf. After studying winemaking in Chablis and Beaune, Xavier founded the estate in 2005, focusing on organic viticulture. The 17-hectare vineyard thrives on clay-limestone soils, with vines averaging 80 years old—the oldest dating back to 1891.

The Region: Touraine, Loire Valley

Touraine, often called the "Garden of France," is renowned for its rich history and diverse vineyards. Situated in the Loire Valley, this region offers a tapestry of soils and microclimates, making it ideal for cultivating various grape varieties, including Malbec, locally known as Côt.

The Wine: 2021 Touraine Côt Vieilles Vignes

This 100% Malbec wine is crafted from seven parcels totaling one hectare in Montlouis. The grapes undergo carbonic maceration with 80% whole cluster fermentation, using indigenous yeasts. Aged for 14 months in large, older barrels, it remains unfined and unfiltered, preserving its authentic character.

Tasting Notes

The 2021 vintage presents a nose of sweet and sour cherry, fresh blackberry, and herbal nuances. On the palate, it's concentrated and intense, featuring silky tannins and an elegant finish.

Pairing Suggestions

This versatile red pairs wonderfully with:

• Grilled Meats: Think juicy steaks or tender lamb chops.

• Hearty Stews: Dishes like beef bourguignon or coq au vin.

• Aged Cheeses: Enjoy alongside robust cheeses such as aged cheddar or gouda.