Grilled meats, dark chocolate, pasta ai funghi

Black cherry, plum, black pepper, forest floor, and licorice. A persistent finish with integrated tannins.

Varietal:

Grenache, Carignan, Pinotage, Cinsault

Vintage:

• 2023

ABV:

• 12%

Funky Scale:

Classic

Region: Swartland, South Africa

Tremayne Smith's journey into winemaking began in East London, where he initially pursued a career as a chef. Influenced by his father's passion for wine, he transitioned into the world of winemaking. After completing his studies, he honed his skills as the assistant winemaker and vineyard manager at Sijnn, followed by a stint at Mullineux, before assuming the role of winemaker at Fable. In 2014, Tremayne embarked on his own venture, The Blacksmith, driven by his experiences working with varietals like Cinsault, Carignan, and Grenache, both locally and abroad. The ethos of The Blacksmith centers on crafting natural wines that captivate the senses and resonate with the soul. Tremayne possesses a profound understanding of the nuances involved in producing natural wines.

Seafood, Grilled Chicken, Sushi

Complex and intriguing with great structure to pair with intense cuisine.

Varietal:

Moscatel Galego

Vintage:

• 2023

ABV:

• 11%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Region: Douro, Portugal

Tiago Sampaio, the innovative young winemaker behind Folias de Baco, began his journey in 2007, though his passion for winemaking traces back to his childhood, where he explored his family's farms and vineyards alongside his grandfather. Always curious and adventurous, Tiago's willingness to experiment shaped his path. He pursued agricultural studies in Santo Tirso and spent five years at university in Vila Real before embarking on a PhD in Viticulture and Enology in Oregon. There, he absorbed modern winemaking philosophies and aesthetics, all while cherishing his Douro roots. Returning to the Alto Douro, specifically in the challenging sub-region of Cima-Corgo, Tiago established his estate. His vines cling to steep slopes of schist and granite, ranging from 500 to 700 meters in altitude.

Roast White Meats, Seafood, Fried Food

Fresh with soft notes of honey and nuts.

Varietal:

Xarello, Macabeo

Vintage:

• 2022
• 2023

ABV:

• 12.5%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Region: Catalunya, Spain

Fredi Torres, an unconventional winemaker, transitioned from a career in Switzerland's nightlife scene to pursue winemaking after a revelatory encounter with Clos Mogador 1998. Determined, he embarked on a journey that led him to Priorat, where, alongside his partner Mark Lecha, they established Lectores Vini in 2013. Cultivating 6 hectares in Priorat's mystical terroir, they labor meticulously by hand due to the challenging rocky terrain. Their Priorat wines, both immediate and age-worthy, defy convention, reflecting Fredi's singular dedication to crafting exceptional wine. Expanding into Montsant, they embrace a playful, fruit-forward style, showcasing the region's cooler climate with vibrant character and a distinct lack of pretension.