Wine

Dan Schaaf and Aaron Olson are the “Deux Punx”, two former punk rockers, who now make minimal intervention wine in Napa, sourcing grapes from around Northern Cali. They embrace vintage variations each year, focusing on purity of expression. Wet stone and

So light it could even be classified as rosé. Located in Corbieres in Languedoc, the winery has been active for over two centuries. They’re certified organic, and beginning to experiment with more natural techniques with this new line of VDF’s.

Pirouettes is a project in which veteran winemaker Christian Binner comes alongside younger growers and lends his expertise to help them make delicious, affordable natural wine (rather than sell their grapes to co-ops). The Pinot Gris here adds depth and

The name of this wine translates to “I love you, but I’m thirsty”. We can all relate. A lovely easy drinking gamay with characteristic bright juicy fruits and a touch of mineral. Chasselay is certified organic, and practices some biodynamic-leaning treatm

Located in Terrasses du Larzac, a (strong) stone’s throw from the Mediterranean, this area gets plenty of sun for ripeness, but also plenty of cool air to keep the wines from becoming heavy & clumsy. Instead, it’s earthy, floral & bright with great energy

The vineyard for this wine is one that most Cali winemakers looking to turn a buck would just uproot and re-plant; the vines are old, gnarly, and don’t give high yields. These are actually good things for making complex wine, however, so winemaker James J

Don’t panic folks, this is the old Escudo Real, just with not only a new label, but also a new name! Light and lively with a fresh, light fizziness. Trajadura and Arinto give the wine body and length, as well as aromas of apple, orange peel and grapefruit

This delicious orange is aged a full two months on the skins in stainless steel, imparting a balance of structure and purity. It’s lithe, fresh and spritely. A touch of tangerine fruit, earth, and classic green herbs. The Bauer family is in conversion to

Light, fresh, clean & juicy – everything you want for a lovely porch-pounder, as they say. 20 year old vineyards in the Coteaux du Pont du Gard in southern France give great fruit & winemaker Christophe Aguilar does the rest. Serve with a light chill, if

Château Massiac lies on an ideal setting at the southern end of the Massif Centrale mountains – a site that has been producing wines since the days of the Roman Empire. Fresh, bold, playful fruit with firm, soft tannins. Substantial, but not heavy and com

Winemaker Gonzalo Gonzalo marches to a different drum than most. This wine is fermented and aged in concrete (unheard of in Rioja) to maintain the freshness of his fruit. Flavors of freshly muddled blackberry evolve into more and more violet/floral notes

Mulberry and crushed strawberries are the name of the game here, with a touch of an ashy minerality on the palate and a bit of tannin. Throw a nice chill on this co-ferment and enjoy.