White Wine Bonny Doon Picpoul 2019. Bonny Doon winery was founded in 1983 by maverick winemaker Randall Grahm who studied philosophy before falling in love with wine and pursuing a degree in viticulture at UC Davis. Grahm later became known as the ‘Rhone Ranger” for his commitment to introducing California to classic Rhone varietals and blends including GSM or Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre blends. The philosophy at Bonny Doon focuses on minimal intervention in the winery and growing the very best grapes possible from vineyards where conditions are well-suited to each variety. This light bodied white wine is made from the Picpoul grape which is famous in the South of France for its vibrant wines which are high in refreshing acidity. The grapes are sourced from Beeswax Vineyard in Arroyo Seco which has ideal terroir for the variety thanks to its relatively cool climate. On the nose there are delicate aromas of lemon, apple, pear and ripe peach while the first sip reveals a light body, mouthwatering freshness and distinctive minerality or salinity. The finish is pure and clean with hints of citrus zest. Perfect for pairing with oysters, shrimp and other fresh seafood dishes as well as pan-fried fish and leafy salads.
2019
White Wine Bonny Doon Picpoul 2019
White Wine Ca’ Momi Chardonnay 2019. Ca’ Momi is named after Momi dea Bionda, the characteristic former owner of the home that appears on the label who used to patrol his vineyards with his faithful blind dog, his motorcycle, and his rifle. The wines of Ca’ Momi capture this wild, authentic spirit thanks to the talent and dedication of the project’s three founders, Italian winemakers Dario De Conti, Valentina Guolo-Migotto and Stefano Migotto. The Ca’ Momi project fuses Old World winemaking heritage with the vigour and audacity of Napa’s terroir. Their elegant Napa Valley Chardonnay is handcrafted from estate-grown fruit which is carefully vinified by winemakers Dario and Stefano. The young wine is then aged in French and American oak barrels for 10 months, adding complexity and a rich, creamy texture to the ripe fruit flavours. Succulent peaches, pineapple, mango and even hints of lychee immediately burst out of the glass, while the palate reveals notes of butterscotch, citrus, caramel and vanilla from the oak maturation. There’s a perfect balance between bold fruit character and a bright streak of acidity followed by a long finish seasoned with gentle spice and hints of dried herbs. A great wine to enjoy with roast chicken, creamy pasta dishes, grilled salmon or tuna, or even a simple platter of cheeses and charcuterie.
2019
White Wine Ca’ Lojera Lugana Superiore 2019. Ca ‘Lojera is one of the key wineries in the Lugana appellation thanks to Ambra and Franco Tiraboschi who founded the estate in the early 1990s in Sirmione. They soon transformed the property from a fruit and vegetable farm into a high end winery with 20 hectares of vines planted close to Lake Garda and the nearby hills of Ponti sul Mincio. Their Lugana Superiore is made from the classic Trebbiano di Lugana or Turbiana grape which is thought to be the same vine genetically as Verdicchio delle Marche. The Ca ‘Lojera vines sit on exceptional white clay soils which help give a distinctive freshness and elegance to the finished wine. Once in the winery the grapes are carefully pressed and then fermented in neutral wooden barrels with regular lees stirring. The young wine is then left to mature in oak barrels for 24 months, adding enticing notes of spice, toast and vanilla to the complex flavour profile. Expect plenty of delicate citrus, white flower, and mineral notes along with a bright streak of acidity and a pure, clean finish. Serve as a refreshing aperitif or an accompaniment to lake fish, soft cheeses, or spicy Asian dishes.
2019