South of France is always a good idea…

We have 100% Grenache from the south of France and what I love about this producer is that they are organic and incorporate biodynamic practices. Biodynamic farming goes beyond organic farming and focuses on vineyard ecology, natural cycles and soil health. It is a holistic approach to viticulture and truly laid down the foundation for sustainable viticulture practices. They are located in an area in the Agly Valley called Maury which is in the region Roussillon. This area is known for having a hot climate and lots of wind.

"Oiseau Rare" translates to rare bird and this specific wine was created to represent the landscape and terroir. It not only sums up the vineyard plots but also reflects the true nature of wines from the south of France.

Tune in now and get all the details as I open up this "rare bird" Grenache.

1:35 - Introduction to today's wine

2:55 - Rousillon, south of France

3:11 - Known for producing Grenache

3:55 - Biodynamic vineyard

4:18 - Perfect for growing Grenache

5:15 - Holistic approach to farming

7:25 - Visual analysis

7:38 - Olfactory analysis

7:58 - Tasting notes

8:45 - Hidden gem

9:37 - Rating on the wine

Today's wine: 2020 Mac Amiel Oiseau Rare $35

(Plum Market)

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Pablo & Hector Durigutti purchased 5 hectares of old vine Malbec vineyards in Las Compuertas, Mendoza. They came up with a project called "Proyecto Las Compuertas". With this project they aim to support local growers who proudly maintain the vineyards and traditional practices of the historic region in the face of urbanization. This project is a way of giving back to the region.

They have some of the coldest weather in the region being at 3,500ft. Altitude with soil diversity throughout the vineyard (5 different soils). Today's wine is limited production, they make around 416 cases a year. Tune in now to get all the details on this producer and here my thoughts on this South American Cabernet Franc.

2:05 - Introduction to today's wine

3:40 - El Almacén

5:00 - Proyecto Las Compuertas

7:45 - Organic farming & limited production

8:15 - Fermented in concrete eggs

9:25 - Visual analysis

9:42 - Olfactory analysis

10:10 - Tasting notes

11:30 - Rating of the wine

Today's wine: 2023 Proyecto Las Compuertas Durigutti Cabernet Franc $32

(El Almacén)

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We get into the south of Italy today with a beautiful white blend of native grapes to the area. Tenuta Delle Terre Nere is exposed to the northern slope of Mount Etna. This blend consists of 70% Carricante, 20% Catarratto, 5% Grecanico and 5% Inzolia.

I also dive into the power of doing things that scare you. We are never fully ready to do things but opportunities will present themselves to us when we are ready for them (even if we feel like we aren't). Everything happens for a reason and presents itself to you when you are ready to move forward in your growth journey. If it didn't feel scary, it wouldn't be growth.

Tune in now and try Etna Bianco with me!

1:15 - Intro to today's wine

2:00 - Made up of four grape varietals

4:22 - Main theme of the week

5:20 - You are never fully ready

7:15 - Visual analysis

7:25 - Olfactory analysis

8:05 - Tasting notes

9:45 - Rating of the wine

Today's wine: 2024 Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Bianco 2024 $32

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Two friends worked together for 25 years at Bodega Catena Zapata and decided to open up their own winery. Manos Negras was created by Alejandro Sejanovich, a viticulturist (one of the most knowledgeable experts on the terroir of South America) and Jeff Mausbach (an American born sommelier). Their winery's name reflects their philosophy towards winemaking; getting their hands dirty with a hands on approach. They do have organic farming practices being used and are located in the southern part of the Uco valley.

Tune in now as I talk about this winery, taste the wine and give you an update on my puppy Titus. Hope you enjoy this episode with a glass of wine (or bottle) as always.

1:30 - Introduction to today's wine

2:50 - Manos Negras

4:22 - Titus tore his ACL

8:15 - Visual analysis

8:30 - Olfactory analysis

9:00 - Tasting notes

10:05 - Rating of the wine

11:22 - South American Pinot Noirs are not my jam

Today's wine: 2014 Manos Negras Pinot Noir $20

(Vintage Liquors Pinecrest)

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Moved into a new space, got a puppy and had a crazy high season during the holidays… it's good to be back and I definitely needed a glass of wine and chat with you guys asap. Today we drink 100% verdicchio white wine from Marche, Italy.

I dive into my experience with filming my EP with Shawn (episode 111) who just launched his own wine brand and how I will bring you all more episodes like the one I did with him. The biggest theme for me that has been coming up lately is the power of resilience and how what you do can impact others. Special thank you to Shawn for complimenting me on being inspired by my resilience, those words definitely meant more than you will ever know.

Tune in now to drink this nice crispy, highly acidic Italian white wine with me and let's catch up.

2:10 - Intro to today's wine

5:40 - New space, new puppy

6:30 - Pour the wine

7:05 - Olfactory analysis

7:55 - Tasting notes

8:35 - What I would pair this with

9:30 - Life pause that was necessary

10:30 - Resilience

11:11 - Is what I am doing really impactful?

12:15 - What is resilience?

13:35 - I don't give up

15:40 - My life flashed before my eyes

19:12 - Rating of the wine

Today's wine: 2023 Sartarelli Verdicchio Classico Superiore Tralivio

(Plum market Aventura)

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Today I am joined by Shawn Valbrun who came down from Brooklyn, New York. We met about a year ago at a wine event and ever since then have stayed connected. He is currently launching his wine brand this year called Elevyn Cellars. I decided to bring Shawn to one of my recent favorite greek restaurants in Ft. Lauderdale, FL called Theo's Estiatorio. We go into detail in regards to his wine brand, music career, gaming career, food, wine and much more.

As we wine and dine at the restaurant, we end up ordering some delicious food and a 2022 Boutari Assyrtiko. Boutari is considered one of the top leading Greek wine companies and is located in Megalochori, Santorini (southwestern part of Santorini). Assyrtiko is an indigenous grape varietal to this area and it is one of my faves because it tends to be highly acidic with strong citrus notes coming through giving us some nice minerality and texture.

Tune in now as we pair this delicious bottle with some dips, sardines and fried calamari and dive deep into conversation.

1:50 - Introducing today's wine, Assyrtiko

2:45 - Tasting notes with Shawn

3:22 - Pairing highly acidic wines with oily foods

4:03 - Elevyn Cellars

6:30 - Shawn doesn't really eat food

8:40 - First five varietals

11:11 - Fashion is a passion

11:25 - Target audience for his wine brand

12:45 - You don't know what you don't know

14:00 - Safe space for everybody

17:00 - Brand launch 2026

17:40 - Shawn's music career

19:05 - Olives are a no for us

20:15 - Gaming career

28:30 - Trying mediterranean dips with the wine

33:33 - On & off camera

34:22 - Shawn continues to try dishes

37:50 - Man of many hats

38:40 - Sardines and calamari

40:45 - Meeting at Avaline

41:51 - Ties to France, left bank Margaux

43:15 - One of his introductions to wine

46:30 - James Suckling event

47:50 - Shawn's nugget of knowledge for the people

Today's wine: 2022 Boutari Assyrtiko

Restaurant: Theos Estiatorio 1826 E Sunrise Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Connect with Shawn on IG, TikTok & YouTube @foundshawn

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Check out my Italian Wine Guide at https://stan.store/nicoledipasquale

Saperavi is one of the oldest varietals and most important in Georgia's commercial winemaking industry. This grape tends to produce big, rich wines with a dense tannic structure. This specific producer uses an old Georgian winemaking technique called Qvevri.

Qvevri is a large, ceramic egg-shaped vessel used for wine fermentation. The crushed grapes, stems, skins and seeds are placed in the qvevri then buried underground to maintain a stable temperature during the fermentation and aging process. This traditional method dates back 8,000 years.

Tune in now to get the full details on this winemaking style and try out this bold Georgian wine with me.

1:10 - Introduction to today's wine

2:00 - Old Georgian winemaking process

3:30 - Egg like vessel

4:44 - Natural wine practice

7:30 - Olfactory analysis

8:08 - Tasting notes

10:08 - Rating of the wine

11:11 - It's different

Today's wine: 2021 Togonidze wine Saperavi Red $29

(Plum market Aventura)

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Malvasja Istrijana is a native grape to Istria, Croatia located in the northwestern part of the Istrian peninsula bordering Italy and Slovenia. As we all know, wine is a product of the soil they come from and this area is known for it's mediterranean style climate aiding the grapes to produce a fresh, crisp, aromatic and mineral wines.

This producer is all about preserving indigenous Istrian varieties honoring the region and heritage. Gianfranco Kozlovic is the largest private producer of Malvasia in Istria and is a stickler for quality. This winery has been in the family for generations and is currently being run by the fourth generation. They produce around 150,000 bottles of this wine each year.

Tune in now and watch me taste Croatian wine for the first time while I spill all the details on the production, producer and wine.

Cheers!

1:11 - Croatian wine

2:00 - Introduction to the producer

2:44 - Northwestern Istria

3:05 - Indigenous grape

4:20 - Blend 2% fermented in oak

5:30 - Visual analysis

5:45 - Olfactory analysis

6:20 - Tasting notes

8:15 - Rating of the wine

Today's wine: Kozlovic Malvasia 2023 $25

(Plum market Aventura)

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Check out my Italian Wine Guide at https://stan.store/nicoledipasquale