Mushroom risotto, pasta with tomato sauce, cured meats, grilled salmon, roasted root vegetables

Wild strawberry, red cherry, orange peel, dried herbs, baking spice, light tannin, savory finish

Varietal:

Pinot Grigio

Vintage:

• 2021

ABV:

• 13.5%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Funky

Region: Vipava Valley, Slovenia

High above the Vipava Valley, Mansus is a small family project from the Makovec family, farming steep hillside vineyards in the village of Brje. Up here, warm Mediterranean air meets cooler continental winds from the Karst Plateau, creating a natural balance in the vines.

The vineyards are farmed organically, and the cellar work stays hands off. All wines ferment with native yeasts only, with no additives or shortcuts. Mansus is also among the few producers working with Klarnica, a rare indigenous grape native to Vipava, helping preserve the region’s wine heritage.

The wines are quietly expressive and textural, with freshness, gentle grip, and a clear sense of place. They are not flashy, just honest, naturally made wines that feel rooted in where they come from.

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.