New Year, New Wines

Rich & Elegant

Softly-textured wine from an estate in Montagne-Saint-Emilion. Moulin Noir consists of seven hectares of vineyards on a good clay and limestone site. 

For this 2010 blend, grapes are sourced from a satellite region of Bordeaux known as Lussac-Saint-Emilion even though the estate is located in neighbouring Montagne-Saint Emilion. Lussac-Saint-Emilion is the northernmost of the satellites and is slightly higher and more hilly than the others. The name of the estate means "blackened mill", and is in reference to two feuding brothers of the Middle Ages one of which burned the Château to the ground.

From an excellent vintage, this wine has held up remarkably well and is a delight to drink at present, salty and a touch ferrous with dried wild herbs, leather and macerated cherry on the palate. The tannins have been abated over time adding a velvety volume to the palate. Excellent length.

Floral & Mineral

The Puiggros family has been producing wines from their own vineyards in Odena since 1843 for friends and family, however their wines have only been available commercially since 2008. The family came to realize that their traditional techniques and special terroir were something worth sharing with the rest of the world.

Signes del Priorat is Puiggros' first experience in the Priorat. A very limited edition of 600 bottles, made exclusively with Carinyena grapes planted on the steep slopes of the Porrera area. The slate soil on the slopes is known as llicorella ("licorice," due to its dark color) and is the main feature of the soil's terroir and the success of its native grapes.

The region's infertile soil imparts a characteristic minerality to the wine. On the nose, the wine has aromas of lavender and eucalyptus, that mingle with hints of candied fruit, rosemary, caramel and liquorice. Many of the vines harvested for this wine are old and produce low yields, which contributes to the wine's intensity on the palate.

Pair this wine with grilled meats or vegetables, something that will stand up to the tannins in the wine is key here. Avoid chili heat, as alcohol content enhances these flavours.

Spicy & Smooth

“The Farm” is a 10-acre vineyard in Niagara’s Twenty Mile Bench, planted to Pinot Noir. The property is rooted in traditions of gathering family & friends, and where Peter and Dora Neudorf call home.

This is a single vineyard Pinot Noir from the Twenty Mile Bench. The land is marked by a complex array of slopes, steep V-shaped valleys, and a series of well-developed terraces. The soils, laid down by passing glaciers are deep clay and till, with a high proportion of limestone and shale. The wine was aged in French Oak Burgundy Barrels for 12 months, blended and bottled unfiltered in The Farm cellar.

While the vineyards that sit on the hill of Punset have been farmed by the Marcarino family for generations, it is truly thanks to Marina and her incredible energy that the estate is how it is nowadays. In the 1980s, she decided to pursue organic farming in her family's vineyards – a demanding choice that was rewarded by becoming the first estate to receive the organic certification in Italy back in the 80's.

Her passion for the soil and the environment led her to embrace biodynamics and the agronomic philosophy of Manasobu Fukuoka. From one of the healthiest vineyards in Italy, Marina crafts wines that brim with life, energy, and pure terroir.

Known for the very first certified organic Barbaresco of Italy, Marina continues to show the world that you can preserve tradition and think of the future simultaneously.

This mixed case includes the following wines:

1 bottle x Punset Ne? Langhe Bianco DOC 2023. This white is called 'Ne?' after a popular Piedmontese slang, used to finish a sentence, similar to  'eh. It is a blend of Arneis and Nascetta, local grapes in Piedmont. About 30% of the grapes macerate on their skins before starting fermentation, acquiring a special texture both on the palate and the nose. The wine ferments for month and ages in stainless steel.

Rich and fruity on the nose, displaying floral notes and white fruit flavours, with a hint of spice. This fruity sensation transitions in the mouth to deeper notes of honey, mellow butter and a light acidity that swiftly cleanses the palate. Well structured, with excellent acidity and balance.

Marina recommends to enjoy this wine as an aperitif, with fish or white meat.

1 bottle x Punset Arneis Langhe DOC 2023. Although the 2023 vintage was warmer than 2022, this year's Arneis shines with remarkable minerality and liveliness compared to previous releases. Half of the grapes undergo a few days of skin maceration, and after pressing, the juice ferments steadily in stainless steel tanks for about 45 days.

Marina conducts battonage for approximately six months to enhance the purity and texture of the Arneis, a grape renowned for its aging potential. The wine boasts a golden hue and intense floral notes that evolve into flavours of fruit and honey, all mirrored on the palate with a good body, persistence, and balance. Its complexity is well-structured, and an electric acidity adds a refreshing touch.

With its texture, Arneis pairs beautifully with lighter dishes such as seafood pasta, creamy salad dressings, and shellfish.

1 bottle x Punset Neh! Langhe Rosso DOC 2021. This red is called 'Neh! after a popular Piedmontese slang used to finish a sentence, similar to  'eh. It is a blend of Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo, the local red grapes in Piedmont.  This wine has deep fruity aromas with red summer fruits, like black cherry, strawberries and raspberries. The colour is dark ruby and the wine shows good structure, acidity and medium body with a distinct earthiness.

Punset Neh! is an everyday wine, perfect with all kinds of food and even by itself. Uncork this bottle any time and enjoy it!

1 bottle x Punset Dolcetto d'Alba DOC Superiore 2022. This Dolcetto presents itself as a vibrant fruit bomb, complemented by earthy and rustic undertones. To achieve a fresh and lively profile, maceration is carefully managed to be brief and sweet —no longer than 10 days— while the wine is aged for approximately a year in concrete tanks.

On the nose, it presents a bouquet of fresh dark fruits, with notes of ripe blackberry, succulent plum, and a hint of cherry, intertwined with subtle floral undertones and a whisper of earthiness. The vinification technique, emphasizing a short maceration, allows the wine to express its fruity aromas elegantly while avoiding overly harsh tannins. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, showcasing a harmonious balance between its lively acidity and soft, pleasant tannins that caress the mouth.

1 bottle x Punset Barbera d'Alba DOC 2022. The Barbera d'Alba stands as Punset's flagship wine, exemplifying the esteemed traditional style that defines the Piedmont region. This Barbera is characterized by its authenticity and a desirable touch of rusticity. 

The fermentation process occurs in small batches to prevent elevated temperatures and the emergence of overly jammy aromas. A crucial aspect of the winemaking process is achieving a harmonious balance between alcohol content and acidity, with freshness being the paramount objective.

The resulting ruby red wine presents delightful aromas of fresh red berries that are both intense and harmonious. On the palate, the fruity notes shine through, characterized by an energetic acidity and a dry, clean finish. Its appeal lies in its authentic character and distinctiveness, made even more evident by the complete absence of oak aging. Thanks to its high acidity, Barbera pairs wonderfully with rich, fatty foods.

1 bottle x Punset Langhe Nebbiolo DOC 2022. This Nebbiolo is sourced from the youngest vines within Punset's estate, up to 10 years old. Despite the limited age of the vines, the wine impressively exhibits notable elegance, complexity, and a rich aromatic profile. After harvesting, the stems are removed, and the grapes are pressed. Fermentation happens naturally with indigenous yeasts in concrete tanks. After spending a short time in barrels, most of the wine ages in concrete until it’s bottled.

This Nebbiolo presents an inspiring bouquet, characterized by vibrant aromas of fresh strawberries, which are elegantly enhanced by floral notes of roses and violets, along with nuanced hints of forest mushrooms and chalk powder.

Spicy & Peppery

RR81 stands for 'Regional Road 81' - the road The Farm sits on, and a main artery through wine country. The RR81 approach to winemaking is simply fermented grapes with nothing added. One-off wines sourced from some of the best single vineyards in Niagara. These wines are made in the barn at The Farm with minimal intervention (just a few bins and an old basket press). The result equals some of the best, and most unique, wines coming out of Niagara.

Naturally fermented, unfined and unfiltered. The grapes were handpicked on October 4th, and fermented with a mix of whole berry and whole bunch. It was then pressed and transferred into neutral French oak barrels and aged on primary lees. Only 6 barrels made.

Spice is the name of the game with this wine; the party gets going with a generous pinch of white pepper on the nose. The palate kicks off with savoury notes of fresh dill and the perfect July heirloom tomato you spend the rest of the year longing for, followed by dark, crunchy, just-ripe blackberries.

Juicy & Fresh

While the vineyards that form Punset have been farmed by the Marcarino family for generations, it is truly thanks to Marina and her incredible energy that the estate is how it is nowadays. Her passion for the soil and the environment led her to embrace biodynamics and the agronomic philosophy of Manasobu Fukuoka. From one of the healthiest vineyards in Italy, Marina crafts wines that brim with life, energy, and pure terroir.

The Barbera d'Alba stands as Punset's flagship wine, exemplifying the esteemed traditional style that defines the Piedmont region. This Barbera is characterized by its authenticity and a desirable touch of rusticity. 

The fermentation process occurs in small batches to prevent elevated temperatures and the emergence of overly jammy aromas. A crucial aspect of the winemaking process is achieving a harmonious balance between alcohol content and acidity, with freshness being the paramount objective.

The resulting ruby red wine presents delightful aromas of fresh red berries that are both intense and harmonious. On the palate, the fruity notes shine through, characterized by an energetic acidity and a dry, clean finish. Its appeal lies in its authentic character and distinctiveness, made even more evident by the complete absence of oak aging. Thanks to its high acidity, Barbera pairs wonderfully with rich, fatty foods.

Given the high acidity, fatty foods work beautifully with Barbera wine.

Floral & Delicate

One of the most coveted, yet accessible natural wines in France. From legendary winemaker Matthieu Barret of Domaine de Coulet in Cornas. The Matthieu Barret labelled wines are from a leased organic and biodynamic vineyard in Visan, about an hour South of the Domaine. 

Black Flag is made from Syrah grown in the terroirs of Ardèche. It is aged for 12 months in concrete eggs and used oak barrels, with a final ageing of a year in concrete tanks. This is a very fresh Syrah with a silky and delicate texture. The nose has notes of liquorice, violet, black olive tapenade, cured meats and pink peppercorn, wrapped around a core of dark fruit.  On the palate is savoury, medium-bodied, and absolutely delicious. A very clean, fresh and lively Northern Rhone.

Spicy & Smooth

“The Farm” is a 10-acre vineyard in Niagara’s Twenty Mile Bench, planted to Pinot Noir. The property is rooted in traditions of gathering family & friends, and where Peter and Dora Neudorf call home.

Made from a blend of Pinot Noir from select vineyards across Niagara. After fermentation, the wine was aged in French Oak Burgundy barrels (228L) for 14 months. This particular vintage we were given ideal weather conditions during ripening and at harvest with warm sunny days and cool nights.

This is translated through the glass as we find our Black Label has firm structured tannins with notes of dark cherries and earthy undertones. Blended and bottled unfiltered in The Farm cellar. 

Enjoy this Pinot with grilled salmon or other fatty fish. It would also be ideal with duck and other game birds.