Can Sumoi, Penedès Xarel-lo (2018)

Geography: Catalonia, Spain

Appellation: Penedès

Features: Organic, Biodynamic

Can Sumoi is the newest project from Pepe Raventós and Francesc Escala – a found treasure in the mountains of the Baix Penedès where they realize their vision and dreams in the remarkable landscape and passion for natural wines. Can Sumoi is an agricultural farm dating to 1645, located in Massís del Montmell, 600 meters above sea level. The estate has 400 hectares of land of which 30 are vineyards planted with Parellada, Xarel.lo and Sumoll; the rest is forest of oak, white pines, tall oaks and old stone walls that surround the winery and three farmhouses from the end of the 17th century, where wine used to be made.

100% Xarel-lo fermented with indigenous yeasts in tank. Twice-weekly batonnage for a further 3 months in tank before bottling. No additives; unfined and unfiltered.

Bodegas O’Ventosela, Ribeiro Blanco Gran Leiriña (2018)

Grapes: Treixadura, Albariño, and Godello

Geography: Galicia, Spain

Appellation: Ribeiro

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Filipa Pato, Bairrada 3B Método Tradicional Rosé (NV)

Geography: Beiras, Portugal

Appellation: Bairrada

Features: Biodynamic

The 3B (Baga – 70% e Bical – 30%, from an Atlantic region beginning by B… Bairrada) was born the desire to create an aromatic Tradicional Method, refreshing, honest and elegant based on indigenous grapes from vineyards that respect the region tradition of cultivating.
Because the winery does not agree with the description sparkling, they designate the wine by the Traditional Method. Waiting that the country decide for a specific name such as Spain with Cava and Italy with Franciacorta

Bairrada, with its cooler maritime climate, has a long history of producing fresh and distinctive sparkling wines of quality from the native grapes of the region. Filipa Pato admirably keeps the tradition alive with her delicious and unpretentious brut rosé made from a blend of Bairrada’s signature noble red variety Baga and the tangy high acid white grape, Bical. Spicy and zesty with notes of bright citrus and red berries, this is a great (and affordable!) pairing for baked fish with paprika and Iberian olive oil or smoked fish brunch.

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Murgo, Etna Rosato (2018)

Grapes: Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio

Geography: Sicily, Italy

Appellation: Etna Rosato

Features: Sustainable

The Scammacca del Murgo family is one of the few winemaking families who can claim long, deep Etna roots; longer than even some of the older Nerello Mascalese vines! For more than 100 years this family has cared for olive and fruit trees, crafted fine olive oils and jams, and nurtured Etna’s native grapes under Etna’s looming shadow. Yet it’s only been since 1980 that the baron Emanuele Scammacca del Murgo transformed the farm into a modern agricultural estate.

The slopes of Etna, now known for excellence in white and red wines of the great native grape varieties, also imbibe rosés with a unique volcanic guise which are a definite must-try. Graci is definitely one of the most historical and popular wineries, and produces, in very selected and limited quantities, a rosé that cannot fail to engage fans of this extraordinary terroir. As a matter of fact, the grapes used for this rosé come from the winery’s best performing vineyards, grown on the northern slope of the volcano. These vines produce gems like Arcurìa, an Etna winemaking masterpiece, from altitudes above 600 metres above sea level with vines trained in the traditional bush-vine method supported by espaliers. The soil, rich in stone, iron, nitrogen, and which is obviously densely volcanic, do the rest: this is the prelude to an irresistible and timeless rosé, which you will never tire of drinking.

Vinified in concrete and aged for six months in stainless steel, Etna Rosato di Graci immediately reveals its rosé character and verticality. Given that the wine is produced using soft pressing and without skin maceration, it is of a beautiful bright salmon pink colour. A delicate look that the nose confirms, of sleek refinement: plum and peach are a counterpoint to the more wild strawberry notes and the ubiquitous and explosive volcanic minerality. It’s a different type of rosé, timeless in its specificity. Indeed, with its perfectly balanced and extremely pleasant taste, this wonderful Nerello Mascalese is extraordinarily full-bodied and fresh, which is, given its extremely delicate vinification, surprising for its velvety and warmly caressing verticality, which is never overly pungent.

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Bodegas y Viñedos Raúl Pérez, Ultreia Saint Jacques Bierzo (2017)

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Traditionally the cherry blossom represents the fragility and beauty of life. Made using cherry blossoms collected from throughout the Olmsted Park System, this gin opens with a soft delicate texture and finishes firm, floral, and slightly sweet.