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Sula Vineyards Chenin Blanc India 2023:
(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the Producer’s Website)
Varietal: 100% Chenin Blanc
Winery: Sula Vineyards
Location: Nashik Valley, India
Drink or Cellar? Drink now or cellar for cellar for another year
Some tidbits:
Discover the true essence of the best white wine in every sip. Embrace the natural harmony of flavors while cherishing the sustainable practices that goes into every step of its creation. India’s Best Selling White Wine. An easy drinking off-dry white wine
Tasting notes from the Producer:
Our exquisite Chenin Blanc wine is a refreshing and easy-drinking white wine that delights the palate with its subtle sweetness and perfectly balanced acidity. It is crafted with the utmost care, using sustainable practices that showcase our ultimate respect for the environment.
Food pairings
- Salads: The wine’s crisp acidity complements fresh greens and light dressings.
- Gujarati Thali: The semi-dry style balances the sweet and spicy elements of this traditional Indian platter.
- Vegetable Quiche: The wine’s fruitiness pairs well with the savory flavors of quiche.
- Rawa Fried Fish: The tropical fruit notes complement the crispy texture and mild flavors of semolina-coated fried fish.
- Creamy Curries: The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of dishes like butter chicken or paneer makhani.
- Seafood: Light seafood dishes, such as grilled shrimp or fish tacos, pair well with the wine’s refreshing profile.
- Goat Cheese: The wine’s acidity balances the creaminess of goat cheese, making it a delightful pairing.
From Them to You!
Rajeev Samant’s introduction to wines took place during his early years studying at Stanford University and working at Oracle in California, neither grapes nor wine were at the top of his mind when he returned to India in the early 90s. A chance visit to his family’s land in Nashik – a region well-known for growing table grapes – in 1994 led to the seed of an idea, and before he knew it, he began pursuing the idea of growing wine grapes in Nashik. His curiosity piqued, Rajeev spent three months at a small winery in California that belonged to his friend and mentor – Sula’s ex Master Winemaker – Kerry Damskey. Working on the frontlines of wine production gave him an inside look into the world of wines, and in 1996 Rajeev established Sula Vineyards, with several other wineries in India following suit over the next decade. The name “Sula” came from his mother’s name – “Sulabha” – and symbolized the rich, Indian heritage of his wines. This was a wine that took pride in being Indian, being the first company in the country to use an Indian logo.
Deeply influenced by his travels and his personal values, Rajeev Samant firmly believes in being a steward of the land and in sustainable business practices. Under his guidance, Sula is one of most sustainable wine businesses in the world with more than 2MW of installed solar PV capacity providing us with over 60% of our annual energy needs. We have a strong viticulture team which works closely with grape growers to assure quality and quantity as per our needs. Rajeev is also a leading advocate for India’s wine industry and is actively sought out to represent the interests of India’s wine producers and farmers to national and state Governments.
Source: https://sulavineyards.com/sula-classics/chenin-blanc.php
Famiglia Castellani Chardonnay Sicily, Italy
(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the Producer’s Website)
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Winery: Famiglia Castellani
Location: Sicily, Italy
Drink or Cellar? Drink now or cellar for cellar for another year
Some tidbits:
The Collesano Collection celebrates the Tuscan winemaking tradition and passion of the Castellani family for Art and Nature. The Andrea Collesano’s evocative graphics are associated with the most famous Tuscan wines, selected and aged in Castellani winery cellars, wines of great value created to accompany the finest cuisine.
Tasting notes from the Producer:
This bright and crisp Chardonnay from Sicily features a fresh bouquet with fragrances of pear and apple. The taste is very harmonious and versatile, soft and delicate.
Food pairings
- Spaghetti with Fish Sauce: The wine’s crisp acidity balances the richness of the sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Fish Salads: Its fresh pear and apple notes harmonize well with light, seafood-based salads.
- White Meats: The soft and delicate nature of the wine pairs nicely with dishes like roasted chicken or turkey.
From Them to You!
The Castellani Family has produced classic wines in Tuscany since more than 150 years. Every generation continually experiments with their vineyards and cellars in order to select the best Tuscan wines to be bottled under the family brand. Exporters of wine since 1903, the Castellani family have founded their high-quality wines on the belief that “the quality of the wine starts in the vineyard”. For the past 25 years, the family has worked hard to refine the soil types and microclimates that enhance their ‘great Tuscan vines’, investing in research and new technologies to ensure the Castellani name continues to be associated with ‘memorable wines’.
Mira Salinas Spain
(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the Producer’s Website)
Varietal: 100% Monastrell
Winery: Bodegas Sierra Salinas
Location: Alicante, Spain
Drink or Cellar? Drink now or cellar for cellar through 2026
Some tidbits:
The winery is located in Sierra Salinas (Alicante), hence its name, a privileged enclave bathed by landscapes of unparalleled beauty whose results are excellent DO Alicante wines . The winery is surrounded by a total of 92 hectares in which almond trees, olive trees and vineyards coexist in harmony on the slopes that are located 650-680 meters above sea level .
Today, 52 hectares are used for vineyard cultivation, of which 42 are planted with Monastrell grapes over 30 years old and 10 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante Bouschet and Petit Verdot, planted using a trellis and bush system.
Tasting notes from the Producer:
Intense and deep red, with a complex bouquet. Ripe dark berry and floral scents with hints of vanilla, and exotic spice. Juicy and focused on the palate, with mineral-laced cherry and black raspberry flavors. Impressive depth as well as liveliness. Finishes long. Jeb Dunnuck: 93 (2016) James Suckling: 90 (2016) Robert Parker: 90
Food pairings
- Grilled or Roasted Meats: The wine’s high tannins and bold fruit flavors make it a natural pairing for grilled and roasted meats, such as beef, lamb, and pork.
- Hearty Stews and Braises: Dishes like beef bourguignon, lamb tagine, or coq au vin harmonize with the wine’s depth and complexity.
- Spicy Dishes: The wine’s peppery notes and firm tannins make it a fantastic match for spicy foods featuring ingredients like chorizo, smoked paprika, or chipotle peppers.
- Aged Cheeses: Pairing with aged cheeses like Manchego or Gouda enhances the wine’s bold flavors and balances its tannins.
From Them to You!
It was in 2006, after five years of preparation and dedication exploring the magic of Alicante wines , when the Bodegas Sierra Salinas project became a reality with the inauguration, by the Castaño family, of a winery that is a faithful reflection of technology. A unique land and a privileged location are the aspects that make Bodegas Sierra Salinas in Villena (Alicante) one of the wineries with one of the sweetest landscapes in the southeast of Spain, becoming the property of MGWines Group in 2013. This privileged location makes the winery building a fantastic viewing point where wine lovers are enchanted by the scenic beauty of the area. From its vineyards comes one of the most prized designations of origin in Spain: DO Vinos de Alicante
Source: https://www.mgwinesgroup.com/
Yakut Kavaklidere Okuzgozu-Bogazkere Eastern Anatolia, Turkey 2022
(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the Producer’s Website)
Varietal: Bogazkere – Okuzgozu
Winery: Kavaklidere Wines Co.
Location: Eastern Anatolia, Turkey
Drink or Cellar? Drink now or cellar for cellar for another year
Some tidbits:
Yakut, the legendary red wine of Turkey, is crafted from carefully selected Öküzgözü & Boğazkere grapes from the finest vineyards of Eastern Anatolia and the Aegean Regions. Yakut is a unique red wine, boasting rich red fruit aromas perfectly balanced with ripe tannins.
Tasting notes:
On the lighter side with tangy, bright fruit, this charming red can be considered akin to a Gamay, with the structure and depth of a Beaujolais- Villages. Intense aromas of red fruit notes, including damson plum and sour cherry, complemented by violet undertones. On the palate, rich and concentrated flavors of red fruits, balanced by ripe tannins. The wine is well-balanced, with expressive aromas and a delightfully lingering finish
Food pairings
- Grilled Meats: The wine’s bright acidity and fruitiness balance the richness of grilled meats, such as kebabs.
- Roasted Vegetables: Its tangy notes enhance the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables.
- Spicy Grilled Fare: The wine’s structure supports dishes with a spicy kick, making it suitable for spicy grilled foods.
- Cold Cuts and Charcuterie: The wine pairs well with cold cuts, offering a harmonious balance with the savory flavors.
- Pizza and Lasagna: Its acidity and fruitiness complement tomato-based dishes like pizza and lasagna.
- Turkish Mezes: The wine pairs well with a variety of Turkish mezes, enhancing the flavors of these small dishes.
From Them to You!
Kavaklidere Wines was established in 1929 in the Kavaklidere District of Ankara, from which it took its name, as the first private sector wine producer of the young Republic of Turkey.
Source: https://kavaklidere.com/
Cortenova Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2021
(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the Producer’s Website)
Varietal: 100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Winery: Cortenova
Location: Italy
Drink or Cellar? Drink now or cellar for cellar through 2026
Some tidbits:
Cortenova Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a delightful red wine that showcases the best of the Abruzzo region in Italy. Produced in the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo appellation, this wine is crafted from carefully selected grapes grown in the region’s vineyards. The vineyard features a combination of favorable climate, soil, and altitude, which contribute to the wine’s exceptional quality. The winemaking process involves traditional techniques, including fermentation and aging in oak barrels, resulting in a well-balanced and full-bodied wine. With its deep ruby color, aromas of ripe berries, and a hint of spice, Cortenova Montepulciano d’Abruzzo offers a rich and flavorful experience that wine enthusiasts will appreciate
Tasting notes from the Producer:
On the nose, Cortenova Montepulciano d’Abruzzo offers enticing aromas of ripe dark berries, such as blackberry and black cherry, accompanied by subtle hints of spice and earthiness. These aromas are a prelude to the rich and full-bodied palate, where the flavors of the dark berries are complemented by notes of black pepper and a touch of leather. The acidity is balanced, adding freshness and ensuring a pleasant drinking experience. Cortenova Montepulciano d’Abruzzo has a medium to long finish, leaving a lingering impression of dark fruit and spice.
Food pairings
- Pasta Dishes: The wine pairs excellently with various pasta dishes, complementing the flavors and textures.
- Red Meats: Its structure and acidity make it a suitable companion for red meat dishes.
- Roasted and Braised Meats: The wine’s profile complements roasted and braised red meats, enhancing the savory elements.
- Poultry and Savory Dishes: It pairs well with poultry and other savory dishes, balancing flavors effectively.
Abruzzo!
Abruzzo is a wine region located in central Italy, on the Adriatic coast. The region is known for its rugged terrain, with the Apennine Mountains running through the center of the region. Abruzzo has a long history of wine production, dating back to ancient Roman times. The region is known for producing a variety of red and white wines, as well as some sparkling wines.
Source: https://www.kysela.com/wine/cortenova-montepulciano-d-abruzzo.html#tech-sheet
Camino de Navaherreros Tinto Spain 2022
(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the Producer’s Website)
Varietal: 100% Grenache
Winery: Bernabeleva
Location: Madrid, Spain
Drink or Cellar? Drink now or cellar for cellar for another year
Some tidbits:
Village wine. Navaherrerros is a red wine made from grenache grapes from every vineyard in the estate. Through different soils, orientations and microclimates, it expresses San Martin de Valdeiglesias’ terroir. The ages of the vines range from 50 to 90. Our soils are tawny sands formed from decomposed granite rock, with relatively high acidity and limited amounts of nutrients. Altitudes range from 700 to 840 meters above sea level. Manual harvest. Non-certified organic viticulture.
Tasting notes:
On the nose, fresh lavender and wild berries, offering beautiful aromatics. On the palate, lively with bright acidity, medium-bodied with smooth tannins, and a harmonious blend of juicy cherry flavors, earthy notes, and a touch of minerality.
Food pairings
- Grilled Lamb: The wine’s bright acidity and red fruit flavors harmonize well with the rich, savory notes of grilled lamb.
- Roasted Poultry: Dishes like roasted chicken or turkey benefit from the wine’s smooth tannins and medium body, enhancing the meat’s natural flavors.
- Tapas: A variety of Spanish tapas, such as chorizo, jamón ibérico, or patatas bravas, pair nicely with this Garnacha, complementing its lively character.
- Mild Cheeses: Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert match the wine’s approachable nature, creating a balanced tasting experience.
- Vegetable Dishes: Grilled or roasted vegetables, particularly those with earthy flavors like mushrooms or bell peppers, align well with the wine’s subtle earthy notes
From Them to You!
We own 35 hectares of old vines- mainly garnacha and albillo – with some moscatel de grano menudo and red morenillo. Some other different varieties are found in the vineyard, since replacements were done with available plants.
In Bernabeleva, we work the vineyard with a respect for balance with nature. Eco labels are not our aim, although we work to be worthy of them. The wines, produced from autochthonous varieties, show off differences in orientation, vegetation, altitude and soil of each locale. In the winery, we attempt to maintain the virtues of the raw material we obtain from the vineyard. Our wines express the characteristics of the vineyards and their surroundings, and our viticulture is in tune with its environment, for we understand it is the only way to work. Our logo represents the goddess of hunt, to whom, in ancient times, sacred forests were dedicated. In pre Roman cultures, consecration of a forest to this deity was signaled on tree barks or on something more imperishable like stone.
Bernabeleva, literally, means the path of the bear, where the bear lives, or next to the bear. We have used two primary inspirations in the design of our logo: the nearby Toros de Guisando (which maybe bears, bulls or boars); an old photo of Luisa, the doctor’s daughter, mimicking the myth of Europa and Zeus. Source: https://www.bernabeleva.com/
West Seattle Wine Cellars 