Native Species Winery
Domaine A. et P. de Villaine
Bouzeron Aligoté 2019
Burgundy 🇫🇷 is renowned for its Chardonnay, but did you know that Aligoté is the second most planted white grape in the region? 👀
Some of the finest Aligoté comes from ‘Bouzeron,’ an appellation in the Côte Chalonnaise region (north of Mâconnais, south of Côte d’Or).
In a land of Pinot Noir & Chardonnay, Bouzeron AOC is 100% dedicated to producing Aligoté 🙌🏻. In fact, it first became a legally-recognized AOC in 1998 thanks in part to the efforts of Aubert de Villaine, the winemaker behind this beautiful bottle. 👏🏻
Interestingly, Aubert is also a co-owner & co-Director of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) (and, as an aside, was on the tasting panel for the 1976 Judgement of Paris 😆)…
Yet, instead of devoting himself exclusively to DRC — one of the world’s most famous and prestigious estates — he and his wife, Pamela (a California native), were enchanted by the possibilities of Aligoté, and terroir of Bouzeron, where they put down roots through “Domaine de Villaine”.
This wine is Domaine de Villaine Bouzeron AOC (2019). It has a shimmering lemon robe and bouquet of white blossom, just-ripe white peach, yellow apple, pear, citrus, fennel, and wet slate notes. It’s remarkably fresh on the palate with mouth-watering acidity balancing the warm (14% ABV) and fruit-driven profile. It’s positively delicious!
We’re pairing it w/ pan-seared sea scallops, roasted asparagus, & lemon-herbed farro…
Cheers to nurturing the diversity of Burgundy in all of its splendor! 🥂
💙🤍♥️ — 3 years ago
Macchia
Delicious Lodi Barbera 2023
Macchia – Delicious Barbera 2023
Lodi, California – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
Barbera may be native to Italy, but in Lodi it thrives in the warm days and cool nights, producing generous, fruit-driven wines. Macchia has built a reputation for crafting some of the most expressive New World Barberas, with a track record of winning international medals (including Gold at the International Barbera Competition in Italy for earlier vintages). This 2023 vintage keeps that pedigree alive with a vibrant, approachable style.
Aromas & Flavors
Explodes with blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry layered with chocolate, spice, and hints of licorice. There’s an intensity of fruit without losing freshness, showing why Barbera adapts so beautifully outside its homeland.
Mouthfeel
Juicy, full of energy, with supple tannins and balancing acidity. Medium-plus body with a long, fruit-forward finish dusted with cocoa and spice.
Food Pairing
Pairs effortlessly with rich tomato pasta, grilled lamb chops, or a hearty sausage pizza. Also excellent with strong cheeses that complement its ripe fruit core.
The Verdict
Macchia delivers again with a Barbera that’s as delicious as its name. The 2023 vintage stands out as a casual yet compelling New World take on an Old World classic—backed by a winery whose style already carries international pedigree.
✨ Personal highlight: This wine style has pedigree from past events, but the 2023 is very much its own statement. It’s “delicious” in every sense and shows how consistent Macchia has been across vintages. Cheers! — 8 months ago
Kuleto Estate
Native Son Lake County Napa County Red Blend 2019
Great flavor. — 3 years ago
Alpine Roots
Valais Humagne Rouge
Alpine Roots Humagne Rouge 2023, AOC Valais, Switzerland 🇨🇭
Overview
100% Humagne Rouge, an indigenous Alpine variety from the Valais region of Switzerland. Grown in steep mountain vineyards with strong sun exposure and cool alpine influence. A terroir-driven wine that reflects the purity, freshness, and rustic charm of Swiss mountain viticulture.
Aromas & Flavors
Wild dark berries, red currant, cocoa powder, subtle dried herbs, and a touch of alpine earthiness. The fruit remains fresh while savory tones begin to emerge with air.
Mouthfeel
Light to medium body with soft edges and refined rusticity. Gentle tannins and bright acidity keep the wine lively and approachable. A textured palate that leans savory rather than fruit-heavy.
Food Pairings
Charcuterie, roasted poultry, mushroom dishes, alpine cheeses, lamb sausages, or herb-driven Mediterranean dishes.
Verdict
Distinctive and surprisingly charming. A wine that doesn’t try to imitate global varieties but instead celebrates its mountain identity. Approachable, food-friendly, and quietly intriguing.
Did You Know?
Humagne Rouge is native to the Swiss Alps and thrives in the steep terraces of Valais, where intense sunlight and cool mountain nights help maintain freshness and aromatic clarity.
🍷 Personal Pick
A wonderful curveball wine. Rustic, cocoa-tinged, and incredibly food friendly, the kind of bottle that makes people ask, “Wait… Switzerland makes wine?” — 3 months ago
Grgić Vina
Pošip Korcula Vineyard Kvalitetno Suho Vino Poip 2022
Grgić Pošip, Korčula Island 2022
A Croatian white with California roots and Adriatic soul.
Crafted by Grgić Vina, the Croatian project of Napa legend Miljenko “Mike” Grgich (of Judgment of Paris fame), this 100% Pošip is sourced from steep, sun-drenched vineyards on Korčula Island, overlooking the Adriatic.
Pošip, a native Croatian grape born from a spontaneous crossing of two local varieties, delivers a crisp, dry, and complex profile. This 2022 vintage is beautifully aromatic, with notes of citrus, ripe melon, apple, and savory herbs, rounded by hints of vanilla, hazelnut, smoke, and lemon rind. There’s even a faint whisper of resin and orange blossom in the background.
On the palate, it’s voluptuous yet vibrant, a brilliant balance of brisk minerality, layered fruit, and a clean, snappy finish.
Pairing tip: It sings with seafood, think oysters, shrimp pasta, grilled white fish, or even creamy pasta with wild fennel. Also works nicely with soft cheeses.
A standout wine that’s both regional and refined, offering a true taste of Dalmatian coastal charm.
Cheers!
— a year ago
Tetramythos
Achaia Roditis 2021
My first taste of this native Greek white grape. Lemony golden color. Lemon is also the dominant aroma and flavor of this wine. Additional notes of white flowers, nuts and honey. Crunchy minerality and a bit of saline on the long and creamy finish. Possibly some lees aging? Bright acidity and a bit of effervescence. A bit sharp right out of the bottle (possibly a bit oxidated) but the wine softened quickly. Interesting. — 3 years ago
Austin Hohnke
Great for natural and biodynamics, but once you’ve had the GG’s leaves you wanting. At Dai Nemici. — a month ago