Grape: Picpoul

Geography: Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Appellation: Picpoul de Pinet

Near the Bassin de Thau and running along the Via Domitia, Domaine Morin Langaran has existed since 1330. Then, it belonged to the Order of the Knights of the Holy Spirit. During the religious wars, monks abandoned their possession and families to ensure its upkeep. François Engarran acquired and gave it its current name in 1595. The estate stayed in the Engarran family until 1652. At the end of the First French Empire and with the rise in popularity of Picpoul, the life and wines of the estate expanded rapidly. In 1896 and 1897, the Despetis family represented Domaine de Langaran for Picpoul and Clairette. Legend has it that the Empress Eugénie (Napolean’s wife)tried to buy this property as a secondary home. The Morin family, who have been a winemaking family since the early 1800’s, acquired it in 1966. Caroline Morin has taken over as winemaker for the family from her father Albert. Caroline, a young and dynamic winemaker, brings out the best of this excellent terroir in wines with much finesse and a lovely minerality.

From sustainably farmed vineyards near the Bassin of Thau, the vines face the morning sun. Dry and cold wind blows away the clouds and dries out the soils. This lack of water is partially balanced by the sea sprays coming from the Bassin of Thau, the region’s oyster capital. This terroir gives birth to elegant and aromatic white wines. Picpoul de Pinet is a late ripening grape and harvest takes place end September, into October. Night harvested in order to preserve aromas and freshness. Immediate pressing and cold settling at a very low temperature. Once fermentation is complete, the wine is aged on the fine lees with occasional batonnage

---

Domaine Moutard-Diligent, Bourgogne Pinot Noir (2017)

Grape: Pinot Noir

Geography: Burgundy, France

Appellation: Bourgogne

The Moutard-Diligent family has been making wine in the village of Buxeuil since the 17th century. Their specialty is well-aged bubbly made primarily from Pinot Noir grown in Champagne’s southern-most region of Côtes des Bars. Domaine Moutard-Diligent also has 60-acres in the villages of Epineuil and Tonnerois, where they make classically dry & fresh Bourgogne Rouge. Though this northern outpost of Burgundy is known more for white wines, Pinot Noir flourishes just ten miles north-east of Chablis. Francois Moutard crafts his 2017 with fruit from 20 to 60-year-old vines, then matures the wine for nearly eight months in 50% stainless steel vats and 50% in 228L neutral oak vats. Minimal fining, filtration, and sulfur are used.

Flavor Profile: Medium-bodied, dry. Flush with raspberry on the nose and throughout the palate. Crunchy berry flavor on a dry finish of minerals, tannin, and bright acidity. Pair with lean meats, charcuterie, cheeses, and summer fare.

---

Ciu Ciu, Rosso Piceno Bacchus (2018)

Grapes: Sangiovese and Montepulciano

Geography: Marche, Italy

Appellation: Rosso Piceno

Ciù Ciù wines are the authentic expression of the company’s commitment and tradition, the result of research and quality in both the vineyard and in the cellar, but also of a natural wine-growing ecosystem of quality with a “terroir” (microclimate, soil and subsoil) that is unique and irreplaceable.

The Ciù Ciù Organic winery is located in the heart of the Piceno hills, at Offida (Ascoli Piceno), in the Rosso Piceno Superiore production area and its vineyards extend over an area of 150 hectares.

This ruby red wine, with purple shades tending to orange is a product of Montepulciano and Sangiovese vines that are carefully grown on the Marches hills. The wine is harmoniously delicate and tannic. It is dry, full bodied and tastes faintly tannic. It expresses its finest characteristics between the first and the second year of its life, although further maturation gives it a greater equilibrium and smoothness.

---

Fratelli Antonio e Raimondo, Barolo (2015)

Grape: Nebbiolo

Geography: Piedmont, Italy

Appellation: Barolo

The wine is named after the brothers of Fratelli, Antonio &Raimondo Levis, who founded the winery in 1938. Both had a passion for the Nebbiolo grape, which led them to the Langhe region. The brothers’ driving philosophy was “quality at any cost” and they worked tirelessly to meet that goal. In 2002, Raimondo Levis died and as a result, Antonio partnered with the esteemed Sartirano Family who has been making wine in the region since 1871. The Sartirano Family handles all aspects of the winemaking while still holding true to the Fratelli’s original ideals- producing honest, classically styled wines.

A classic example of a Barolo and at such a great price. Aromas of violets, roses and berry fruit. Full and velvety in flavor w/ some savory notes of balsamic and wild herbs yet very well-balanced. Its structure and body make it an ideal match for meat, game and cheese.

No chemical fertilizers are used in the vineyard. A manual harvest and sorting is rigorous. Matured for 24 months in Slovenian oak casks.