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

Style:

Food

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.

Sweet-spicy chicken over rice, roasted vegetables, Parmigiano

Apricot, peaches, orange zest, white flowers, and honey. Grippy tannins with a savory finish.

Varietal:

Antão Vaz, Diagalves

Vintage:

• 2023

ABV:

• 12%

Funky Scale:

Funky

Style:

Region: Alentejo, Portugal

XXVI Talhas isn’t just a winery—it’s a tribute to tradition, a love letter to the past, and a celebration of community. Nestled in the heart of Vila Alva, a small village in Alentejo, Portugal, this project was born from a deep respect for the ancient Roman winemaking technique of talha—fermenting wine in large clay amphorae.

For generations, families in Vila Alva have gathered around these earthen vessels, crafting wines that speak of time, soil, and heritage. A group of friends, who grew up watching their elders carefully tend to the talhas, decided that this beautiful tradition shouldn’t fade into history. They restored the Adega do Mestre Daniel, where 26 original talhas still stand, and breathed new life into the ancient craft.

French Tartiflette, Thai Food, Pizza

Baked apple, peach, orange peel, and ginger.

Varietal:

Chenin Blanc

Vintage:

• 2022

ABV:

• 11.4%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Funky

Style:

Glou Glou

Region: Swartland, South Africa

Adorning the emblem of Wightman & Sons is a symbolic hand trowel, paying homage to Andrew Wightman's extensive background as a builder, while a bush vine signifies his latest endeavor: overseeing a 24-hectare farm named Môrelig in the Swartland region. This special terrain boasts a diverse array of seven organically farmed varietals, capturing the attention of esteemed winemakers within the Swartland community for its exceptional quality and distinct expression. While much of the farm's yield is eagerly sought after by renowned producers like Craig Hawkins, Eben Sadie, and Jurgen Gouws, Andrew, alongside his son Brandon, embarked on their winemaking journey with their debut label in 2015, producing a modest 900 cases annually.

Seafood, White Meat, Tapas

Flavors of ripe apricot, peach, and citrus, with aromas of dried fruits, honeysuckle, and fresh citrus zest, while hints of spice, honeyed notes, and earthy minerality complement a subtle almond and orange peel finish.

Varietal:

Semillon, Clairette Blanc

Vintage:

• 2014

ABV:

• 11%

Funky Scale:

Funky

Style:

Nerdy

Region: Western Cape, South Africa

The Three Foxes offer a collection of naturally crafted wines hailing from the Swartland region, situated north of Cape Town. Emphasizing Syrah and other Mediterranean grape varieties, we meticulously select grapes from the most captivating vineyards in the area. Each year, our quest leads us to discover unique parcels of extraordinary varietals, such as Sangiovese in 2008, Roussanne in 2009, and Mouvèdre in 2011, each contributing to the creation of a distinct second wine. Our winemaking philosophy revolves around natural fermentation, eschewing new wood, enzymes, filtration, and fining. The result is a collection of wines that authentically reflect the character of their vineyard origins.