Cheese Plate, Tapas, Picnic Food

A refreshingly tangy feel and great salinity. Wild cherry and strawberries.

Varietal:

Syrah, Grenache, Carignan Gris, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino, Chenin Blanc

Vintage:

• 2024

ABV:

• 12.5%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Funky

Region: Languedoc, France

Olivier Cohen, a dynamic winemaker hailing from the Hérault region in the Languedoc near Montpellier, is the visionary behind Les Vignes d’Olivier. His repertoire boasts an exquisite rosé and an array of captivating red wines.

Initially immersed in the wine-selling scene, Olivier's journey took a pivotal turn while working at renowned natural wine bars like La Part des Anges in Nice and Vinivore nearby. It was here that his ardor for natural winemaking ignited, propelling him towards his own viticultural pursuit.

Seeking mentorship and hands-on experience, Olivier ventured to Corsica to collaborate with the esteemed Antoine Arena.

Mushroom soup, fried chicken, roast duck, grilled sausages, pork dishes, roasted vegetables, aged cheeses

Blackberries, black cherry, cracked pepper, baking spice, violet, earthy notes, bright acidity, soft tannins

Varietal:

Blaufränkisch, Syrah

Vintage:

• 2022

ABV:

• 13%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Region: Primorje, Slovenia

In the mid-12th century French Carthusian monks settled in this northeast region of Slovenia and planted it with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines. The Podkubovšek family, starting with Vlado and his son, Marko, has always cherished and been proud of this local heritage, hence the fact that all of their wines are made in a traditional style, where the vines and the microclimate speak for themselves. All of the grapes are strictly hand-picked on steep marl-rich slopes of up to 45°, and vinified with minimal intervention in the winemaking process. - Sanctum

Grilled meats, rich stews, or aged cheeses.

Black fruits, ripe berries, hints of vanilla, with a bold structure and smooth tannins

Varietal:

Malbec

Vintage:

• 2023

ABV:

• 14%

Funky Scale:

Classic

Region: Mendoza, Argentina

Founded in 2005 in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Alpamanta, meaning "Love to Earth" in Quechua, is a certified Organic and Biodynamic winery. Led by Austrian CEO Andréj Razumovsky, Alpamanta produces naturally fermented wines without additives or sulfites, utilizing spontaneous fermentation, carbonic maceration, and lunar cycles. Their offerings, including Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, and Malbec, reflect their dedication to minimal intervention and indigenous yeasts. Alpamanta employs sustainable practices such as composting, water recycling, and solar energy, earning certifications from Demeter, Ecocert, and IRAM. With a focus on ecological cultivation, Alpamanta creates wines that embody the land's essence while promoting teamwork and biodiversity.

Smoked Salmon, Veggie Hummus Flatbread, Greek Mezze Platter

Cranberries, raspberries, melons, and rose mallows!

Varietal:

Pais

Vintage:

• 2024

ABV:

• 13%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Region: Cuircó Valley, Chile

Originally established to produce bulk wines, in 1990, the winery shifted its focus to crafting quality wines for export. Echeverria quickly became one of the few boutique wineries in Chile and the first family winery from the country to sell wine to Harrods in London.

Over time, the family began purchasing grapes to enhance the complexity of their wines. "We realized that to succeed and stand out, we needed to be open," says Roberto Echeverria, the Technical Director and Chief Winemaker, whose first solo vintage appeared on the market in 2001. With sustainable practices in the vineyard, Echevarria produces wines to suit every palate while maintaining a philosophy rooted in consistency.