Salad with a citrus dressing, grilled prawns, thai curry, and samosas

Orange blossoms and plump nectarines, honeysuckle, almonds, and a dash of salt

Varietal:

Moscato

Vintage:

• 2021

ABV:

• 13.5%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Funky

Style:

Region:, Italy

Angelo Paternò's journey from winemaker to vineyard owner reflects a profound dedication to Sicilian viticulture. With 25 years of experience at esteemed Sicilian wineries, he recognized the potential of a 60-hectare hill in southeastern Sicily, near Pachino, as an exceptional viticultural site. Entrusting the operation to his daughters, Marilina and Federica, Angelo instilled his passion for organic farming and minimal intervention winemaking practices. Inspired by local natural winemaking guru Frank Cornelissen, they prioritize biodiversity, dedicating nearly half of the land to polyculture. Across the remaining hectares, an array of grape varieties including Nero d’Avola, Grecanico, Muscat Blanc, and Chardonnay flourish. In the cellar.

Bibimbap, Spicy Indian Food, Drunken Noodles

Lovely frothiness and slight biscuit notes. Lemon tart and grapefruit.

Varietal:

Maria Gomes

Vintage:

• NV

ABV:

• 11.5%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Funky

Style:

Region: Bairrada, Portugal

The Duckman wines epitomize the essence of Bairrada's indigenous grape varieties and its distinctive maritime influence. Deliberately eschewing any indication of the region on their labels, Maria Pato, daughter of Luis Pato, spearheaded this project to showcase the region's terroir and varietal authenticity with minimal cellar intervention. Fueled by a deep love for Bairrada and its native grapes, Maria and Luis reject the notion of Bairrada wines being defined by imported varietals, affirming that true Bairrada wine must stem from indigenous grapes. Working primarily with two vineyards, Amoreira da Gândara with sandy soils and Óis do Bairro with chalky-clay soils, they cultivate an array of red and white varietals, including Baga, Bical, Cercial.

Soft cheeses, roasted chicken, light Asian dishes

Ripe peach, honey, and light florals. Crisp, with earthy undertones and a tannic finish.

Varietal:

Riesling

Vintage:

• 2020

ABV:

• 11.5%

Funky Scale:

Funky

Style:

Region: Elgin, South Africa

Pieter Kruger and Kosie Van Der Merwe own a negociant winery with operations in both Elgin, South Africa, and Mosel, Germany. This unique setup allows them to source grapes and produce wines in two distinct wine regions, each renowned for its own varietals and terroir. In Elgin, known for its cool climate, they have access to a diverse range of grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. Meanwhile, in Mosel, famous for its Riesling, they can take advantage of the region's steep slopes and slate soils to create high-quality wines with a distinctive character. By owning and operating in both regions, Kruger and Van Der Merwe can explore different winemaking techniques and styles while showcasing the best of each region's unique characteristics.

Spanish Tortilla,  Tandoori Chicken, Goat Cheese Salad

White peach, apricot, citrus, elderflower and a touch of clove.

Varietal:

Riesling, Sylvaner, Gerwurztraminer

Vintage:

• 2023

ABV:

• 13%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Style:

Region: Alsace, France

Les Vins Pirouettes is a project launched by Christian Binner, that brings affordable natural wines to the table, and at the same time helps organic and biodynamic grape growers in Alsace move away from selling their grapes to cooperatives towards making and bottling natural wines. Each cuvée is made at a young grower’s winery, where they supply the grapes and Christian supplies his 20 years of expertise in making natural wine in Alsace, and of course his marketing and distribution savviness. Each cuvée will feature the name of the grower on the bottle. - Jenny & Francois