
A Toast to Earth Day with Domaine Bousquet's Gaia Wines
As promised, and ahead of Earth Day next week, we are sharing three of Domaine Bousquet’s current releases Gaia wines. These wines in particular represent Domaine Bousquet’s continuing commitment to earth-friendly farming and winemaking practices.
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A Tasting of Domaine Bousquet’s High-Elevation Organic Cabernet
Domaine Bousquet doesn’t do anything half way. The 672-acre estate in Gualtallary zone of Tupungato in Mendoza’s Uco Valley lies at an elevation of 4,000 feet above sea level. The vineyards were planted in virgin soil and have been farmed organically since Jean Bousquet established the winery in 1997. In 2011 Jean’s daughter, Anne Bousquet, and her husband Labid Al Ameri became the stewards of Domaine Bousquet and have continued to build on the organic foundation established by Jean.
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Esporão Monte Velho Reserva Red 2022: A New Addition to Esporão’s Monte Velho Wine Range
Esporão has its fingers in a lot of pies, so to speak. The Portuguese brand is involved in wine, beer, olive oil and tourism in three wine regions. Herdade do Esporão anchors Esporão firmly in the Alentejo region with its historic estate.
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Sandeman Founder’s Reserve Ruby Porto: A Tasty Place to Begin Your Exploration of Port Wines
Port wines are made from grapes grown in Portugal’s Douro wine region. The Douro was established as one of the first wine regions of the world in 1756. The region, which takes its name from the Douro River that runs through it, is home to vineyards planted along the river’s impossibly steep banks. The river begins its westward course in Spain, where it is known as the Duero, and empties into the Atlantic Ocean at Oporto, Portugal's second-largest city.
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Smith-Madrone 2021 Chardonnay: A Taste of Springtime in your Glass
Honestly, sometimes a wine comes along at the exact right time. Such is the case with the recently released 2021 Smith-Madrone Chardonnay. It tastes just like what I’m ready for — springtime. After tasting several vintages of this wine, I have a certain expectation: Chardonnay that expresses the vintage with only a gentle guiding hand from the winemakers.
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A Pink Crémant de Bourgogne to Sip for Valentine's Day
Pink bubbly is not just for Valentine's Day (obviously), but it is the obvious choice to celebrate the day because of its lovely color. Beyond its beautiful hue, rosé crémant is a delicious and affordable choice over champagne that is perfect with food. Today we are tasting a Crémant de Bourgogne made with Burgundy’s two signature grapes.
Pull That CorkThree wine estates sit under the umbrella of San Felice in Tuscany representing three different regions. San Felice is... #samples
https://pullthatcork.com/2025/san-felice-tuscanys-premier-regions/

San Felice: Making Wine in Three of Tuscany's Premier Regions
Three wine estates sit under the umbrella of San Felice in Tuscany representing three different regions. San Felice is comprised of 370 acres of vines (and 15,000 olive trees) in Chianti Classico. Campogiovanni sits in Montalcino with approximately 57 acres of vineyards, 34 of which are dedicated to making Brunello. Bell'Aja is located close to the ocean in Bolgheri where 5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and 10 acres Merlot are cooled by sea breezes. The vineyards here are surrounded by forest and the estate is also home to 2540 Cypress trees.
Pull That CorkAvignonesi was established in 1974 and sits in Tuscany's Vino Nobile di Montepulciano denomination. Sangiovese is, of course, the focus of its Nobile wines. #samples
https://pullthatcork.com/2025/avignonesi-tuscany/

Avignonesi: Blending Tradition With a Modern Flair in Tuscany
Avignonesi was established in 1974 and sits in Tuscany's Vino Nobile di Montepulciano denomination. Sangiovese is, of course, the focus of its Nobile wines. Viticultural practices embrace organic and biodynamic principles, and not just in word. Avignonesi is certified organic and biodynamic, which means they fulfill the required record keeping and inspections
Pull That CorkThere is something very special about mountain-grown wines. They can express an intensity while maintaining their freshness that is very appealing. #sample #wine
https://pullthatcork.com/2024/smith-madrone-cabernet-sauvignon-resolve-to-taste-this-wine/

Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon: Resolve to Taste This Wine
We’re in that brief period of time between holidays when many of us can relax for a few days after the rush of Christmas before gearing up for New Year’s Eve. Those celebrating Hanukkah get to continue celebrating right into the new year. By early January we will all be happy to slow down and finalize our New Year’s Resolutions. Here’s one more resolution for your list: taste Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon. Let me tell you why.
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Moscato Bianco: The Star Grape in Asti DOCG Wines
Moscato Bianco is the undisputed star of the wines made in Piedmont’s Asti DOCG where it must comprise a minimum of 97% of all wines. It has been used in winemaking in this part of northeastern Italy since at least the 1300s according to in Ian D’Agata in Native Wine Grapes of Italy. He argues that because it grows in nearly every region of Italy, where it goes by many names, it is more likely to be of Italian origin than Greek origin, which he concedes some still favor.
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