• Land: The Domaine de la Fessardière, situated within the Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine appellation, traces its roots back to 1978 when Michel Sauvion established his vision on a parcel of old vines near Chateau de Fessardière, known historically for its exceptional terroir. Today, the domaine spans 25 hectares of stony, siliceous-clay soils, nurturing vines that average 30 years of age, all cultivated under organic practices certified since 1997.
• Wine: The 2022 Sèvre-et-Maine from Domaine de la Fessardière presents a fuller-bodied Muscadet that skillfully maintains a remarkable salinity, making it an ideal companion for shellfish and oysters. The vinification process involves spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in both ancient Alsatian foudres and underground resin epoxy tanks, with careful attention to the natural character of the wine through hand harvesting and minimal intervention in fining and filtering.
• People: Jerome Dumanois and Emeline Bergeron, two devoted neo-vignerons with a decade of agricultural experience, helm the domaine. Influenced by their encounter with Michel Sauvion and their shared respect for nature, they've seamlessly blended traditional methods with their innovative approaches since 2015, further elevating the domaine's reputation for producing organic, precise, and distinguished wines within the Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine appellation.

The Land

The Meyer-Näkel Rosé of Pinot Noir 2022 is cultivated in the Ahr Valley, a small but prestigious wine region in Germany renowned for its steep slopes and slate soils. This challenging terrain, coupled with the region's moderate climate, provides ideal conditions for growing Pinot Noir grapes. The Ahr Valley's unique microclimate, influenced by the river that threads through the landscape, offers a cooler growing season, which is pivotal for developing the subtle aromas and delicate flavors in the Pinot Noir grapes. These geographical and climatic factors contribute significantly to the distinctive mineral quality and freshness evident in the wine.

The Wine

Displaying a pale salmon hue, the wine invites with aromas of red berries, notably strawberry and raspberry, complemented by hints of melon and a subtle floral undertone. On the palate, it presents a balanced acidity and a soft texture, leading to a crisp and refreshing finish. The wine's body is light yet expressive, reflecting a well-crafted harmony between alcohol content and its lively fruit character. It's a versatile rosé that pairs beautifully with light summer salads, seafood, or as a refined aperitif.

The People

Meyer-Näkel stands out in the German wine landscape as a family-owned estate with deep roots in the Ahr wine region. The Näkel family, particularly known for their pioneering work with Pinot Noir, applies a philosophy centered on precision and care, both in the vineyard and the cellar. Their approach is a blend of traditional methods and modern technology, aimed at enhancing the natural quality of their grapes while respecting the environment. Each vintage from Meyer-Näkel is a reflection of their commitment to expressing the unique terroir of their vineyards, with the Rosé of Pinot Noir 2022 encapsulating their passion for creating wines that are both pure and memorable.

The Land

Nestled in the rugged terrains of the Douro Valley, Portugal, Luis Seabra's vineyards epitomize the essence of this historic wine region, celebrated for its steep, schistose slopes and dramatic weather extremes. The Luis Seabra Xisto Ilimitado Tinto 2020 benefits from the unique microclimates and ancient terraces that challenge both viticulturist and vine, shaping a wine that distinctly echoes its origins. These hard conditions, combining intense heat and poor, rocky soils, force the vines to dig deep for sustenance, concentrating the character and flavor of the grapes. This natural adversity ensures that each vintage vividly articulates the story of its land.

The Wine

Luis Seabra Xisto Ilimitado Tinto 2020 is a masterful blend that captures the traditional spirit of Douro through its use of native varietals like Touriga Franca, Tinta Amarela, and Rufete. Crafted with a focus on showcasing the terroir, this wine presents a moderate alcohol level of around 13%, striking a fine balance with its bright acidity and structured tannins. Its palate is an intricate dance of ripe red fruits, floral undertones, and a distinctive mineral streak that pays homage to the schist soils it springs from. The aging potential of this wine promises a graceful evolution, while its current state is equally compelling, inviting immediate enjoyment with promises of unfolding complexity.

The People

Luis Seabra is a vanguard in the Portuguese winemaking scene, championing a philosophy of minimal intervention and a deep respect for the land. His journey from soil researcher to a revered figure in Douro's revolution in still wines reflects a profound connection to his roots and an unwavering commitment to quality. Since founding Luis Seabra Vinhos in 2013, his approach has been clear: to produce wines that articulate the distinct voices of their terroir. With each vintage, he achieves a compelling clarity of expression, crafting wines that are not only reflective of Douro's heritage but also of his own personal ethos and dedication. Seabra's wines are a tribute to the authenticity and potential of Portuguese viticulture, crafted for those who seek a profound connection with the land and its history.

• Land: Movia estate is located in the village of Ceglo, at the heart of Slovenia's Brda appellation, just steps from the Italian border. The area is known for its fertile soils and suitable climate for growing grapes. Movia farms its vineyards organically and biodynamically, which helps to produce wines that are distinctive reflections of this region.
• Wine: The 2019 Movia Cabernet Sauvignon features a deep ruby color and a rich bouquet of black currant, blueberry, and spices. The wine's texture is dense, leaving slow-moving tears on the glass. On the palate, it balances softness with a firm structure, presenting flavors that mirror its aromatic profile, including blackberries and a hint of smoke. Its tannins are youthful, adding dryness and a refreshing counterpoint to the wine's overall intensity.
• People: Aleš Kristančič leads Movia with an approach focused on organic and biodynamic farming. His methods aim to respect the natural environment and allow the wines to express their origins naturally. Under his guidance, Movia has gained attention for its high-quality wines and innovative practices within and beyond Slovenia.