'Yee-ha—Let’s Go', Bobal!

Bodegas Arráez's Vividor, Bobal, is new on the Wild Wines list. The 'Yee-ha—Let’s Go' retro illustrations on the label give you a taste of how this under-the-radar indigenous grape, often overlooked compared to Spain's more famous grapes like Tempranillo and Garnacha, stages a triumphant return, blasting open the door with a passionate fury fueled by its rogue winemakers, Toni Arráez Calabuig and his gang.

Bodegas Arráez produce a current style of wine with respect and admiration for the past and without losing the essence of the area in which they are created. 

Vividor

Vividor is from a range of wines focused on a non-conformist public. A segment of wines designed to put an end to the seriousness that has historically been given to wine.

Bobal

Spain's Bobal grape is a distinctive native variety that finds its best expression in its heartland of Utiel-Requena. Toni's desire to showcase Mediterranean native grapes to the world contributes to an ever-growing fan base.This under-the-radar grape is Spain's 3rd most planted red wine and is loved for its fruity flavours, soft tannins, and velvety finish.

Let’s Drink

Vividor is a wine of profound depth and intricate complexity, boasting layers of luscious dark fruit, delicate spice, and a hint of earthiness.

Let’s Eat

Bobal is lusciously food-friendly. Its velvety tannins and perfectly balanced acidity make it a versatile companion for various dishes, from robust stews to succulent summer-grilled BBQ meats.

Image: Bodegas Arráez

Contact us for a taste and/or to request the new 2024-2025 Wild Wines list.

Jean-Pascal Aubron: The Maestro of Muscadet

In the Loire Valley, "the Garden of France", tradition meets innovation, where a fourth-generation vigneron named Jean-Pascal Aubron tends to the legacy of Domaine Aubron. Located just outside of Nantese - southwest of Vallet, on the edge of Mouzillon and Pallet - the maritime breeze from the Atlantic imparts a coastal personality to each wine while Jean-Pascal conducts the vineyard like a seasoned conductor guiding an all-star ensemble.

Jean-Pascal Aubron blends the gift of his terroir, winemaking history and invention to orchestrate the bone-dry Muscadet he's best known for. Jean-Pascal pushes his fermentations to an absolute crescendo to yield wines with zero residual sugar that are dry, crisp, with high acidity, and suitable for ageing.

Jean-Pascal Aubron's winemaking journey is deeply rooted in his family's history, dating back to 1875 when his great-grandfather worked as a vigneron. Since 1983, Jean-Pascal continued to expand the domaine to the 84 hectares it is today -- 35 hectares are of the acclaimed Grand Fief de l'Audigère, a lieux-dit which sits on gabbro (volcanic rock) deposits.

There are also challenges to living near the coast, including mildew issues, to which Jean-Pascal is not immune. This problem led to his foray into sustainable practices and wholehearted embrace of lutte raisonnée. The years to switch to organic farming meant considerable losses for several vintages. However, today, the vineyards and grapes are healthier than ever.

What is "Lutte raisonnée"?

"Lutte raisonnée" is a French term that translates to "reasoned struggle" or "reasoned fight". It is a middle ground between conventional and organic farming methods. The fundamental principles are minimising synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and fertilisers in the vineyard.

Jean-Pascal's non-interventionist approach focuses on maintaining soil health, allowing the terroir to shine, and extracting harmonies from the terroir and grapes best known to the region.

Jean-Pascal does not miss a beat in fine-tuning every detail from grape to glass. In fact, every vineyard is, by design, at most 15km from the winery. Jean-Pascal's strategy of purchasing only smaller vineyards neighbouring his current vineyards keeps the fruit as near the winery as possible, assuring the preservation of freshness by avoiding the sun and bruising while keeping the grapes cool. The wine is at its clearest after racked from its lees. 

When tasting Jean-Pascal Aubron's wines, expect his meticulous attention in the vineyard to gorgeously express itself in a composition of flavours and aromas with striking acidity, minerality, salinity, and a lovely purity of fruit. And, the value-for-quality ratio from this part of the Loire is most impressive - taste for yourself!

Domaine Jean Aubron, Cuvee Elegance, Muscadet Sevre et Maine

Jean-Pascal starts his fermentation in stainless steel and transfers the wine to glass-lined underground tanks to sit on their lees until he feels they’re ready. The result is a true masterpiece of its terroir with lemon, lime, white flowers and salty notes of the sea -- an intense mineral mouthfeel with a balanced and fresh acidity.

Domaine Jean Aubron, Folle Blanche Sur Lie 

100% Folle Blanche from old vines. Zippy and electric - just like the lighting bolts on the label. Crisp and bright as the sun, with notes of stone fruit, lime zest and limestone, white flowers and a bit of beachy salinity. Easy drinking but with the complexity of a creamy finish from its time on lees.

Domaine Jean Aubron, Les Bulles Pet'Nat

This is Jean Pascal's first walk into the world of pet'nat - a year-round gentle sparkler. Fermentation starts naturally and then finishes in a bottle. It is 100% Melon de Bourgogne with bright and refreshing acidity - zippy, soft lemon flavours, crisp minerality and a hint of salinity. Crown-capped and fun in a bottle.

Domaine Jean Aubron, Sauvignon Blanc Vieilles Vignes

This quaffable 100% Organic Sauvignon Blanc from old vines, undergoes a meticulous winemaking process, including stainless fermentation, no fining, light filtration, and minimal sulfuring. Grassy herbs on the nose lead to green apple peel, chalk dust, and honeydew melon notes, creating a symphony of flavours with additional hints of minerality and a touch of citrus.

Masot: Wine Fairy Tales & The Eccentric Charm of Prosecco's Alter Ego: Col Fondo

In the enchanting Italian town of Sarmede, amongst sprawling hamlets and stone houses cradled by the Cansiglio forest's emerald embrace, two brothers, Andrea and Daniele Da Ros, embarked on a magical odyssey in 2009. Choosing to set up their winemaking haven, "Masot – Fiabe di vino," on the family's cherished land in the region of Veneto, the brothers drew inspiration from the whispers of Sarmede's meadows, woodlands, and vineyards.

Combining the teaching from their grandfather Arturo with their education from the prestigious "Colletti" School of Oenology, they were weaving a mystic tapestry, intertwining the spirit of the land with the boundless promise of what lay ahead for such a small enterprise.

Andrea and Daniele christened their endeavor "masot," a term endearingly denoting a "small landowner." Theirs was a tale where each bottle of wine became a chapter in a fantastical narrative, a fusion of tradition and daring audacity.

The Da Ros Brothers

"We honour the traditions of the past while courageously looking to the future — a future of passion, fairy tales, flavours, and aromas."

Unveiling the Eccentric Charm of Prosecco's Alter Ego: Col Fondo

At the heart of Masot's organic winemaking philosophy lies the art of Col Fondo, a traditional technique deeply rooted in the winemaking heritage of the Veneto region. "Col Fondo," translating to "on the bottom," refers to the sediment that naturally settles in the bottle. Unlike the more widely known Prosecco style, which undergoes a second fermentation in stainless steel tanks and is typically clear, crisp, and fruit-forward, Col Fondo undergoes fermentation in the bottle. Masot embraces this method, infusing their wine with a rustic charm and unparalleled complexity.

Image: Wine Folly

Col Fondo, the progenitor of Prosecco wasn't the familiar sweet, fruity, effervescent delight we savour today. "Col Fondo" (or "Rifermentato in Bottiglia,") is unconventional and hazy defying norms, offering a truly unique tasting experience unlike any other.

Col Fondo Proseccos are frizzante rather than spumante, so slightly less fizzy as well.

Col Fondo Agricolo joins the names of seventeen vintners and their respective wineries to protect the tradition of the hills of Treviso and their bottle-fermented wines under the brand Col Fondo Agricolo. “A long-lived wine that is not afraid to age, not even in a bottle.” - Col Fondo Agricolo.

Masot Wines

Colli Trevigiani IGT Colfondo Agricolo - Sarmede – Treviso, Italy.
100% Glera

Tradition Redefined

Masot's Colli Trevigiani IGT Colfondo Agricolo is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Pouring a golden haze, this wine reveals an intricate tapestry of aromas featuring ripe stone fruits and hints of brioche. On the palate, layers of flavour unfold, showcasing orchard fruits, almonds, and a distinct minerality. The unfiltered character of Col Fondo imparts a unique texture, offering an authentic and unforgettable tasting experience.

Prosecco DOC Brut Marna Blu - Sarmede – Treviso, Italy.
100% Glera

Elegance Unleashed

Masot's Prosecco DOC Brut Marna Blu is a celebration of elegance and precision. Drawing inspiration from the vineyards of Veneto, this sparkling gem opens with a captivating bouquet of green apples and delicate florals. The palate is a dance of crisp acidity intertwined with citrus notes and a subtle minerality. 

Images: Masot Wines

Château Vieux Moulin - True Corbières wines

"Together, my wife Laurence and I strive to make wines that reflect our values. Wines to share, full of fruit and flavour, full-bodied, and honest. We certainly hope that our wines inspire emotion in those who taste them." - Alexandre They

Alexandre, along with his wife Laurence, are the 7th ​generation of the family to run the 200-year-old family estate. Château Vieux Moulin is 70 acres of entirely certified organic vineyards.

Alexandre is a visionary winemaker with a reputation for making authentic Corbières wines that fully express their terroir. Respecting nature's systems and cycles is vital in making their terroir-driven wines.

Vieux Moulin's terroir is in the very centre of the Languedoc. The land is hot and dry, which, as Alexandre states, "can be hard, but also rewarding, like the Carignan grape." (The emblematic grape of the region.)

The wines are made with natural yeasts and low levels of SO2, but in some cases, no additions at all – just delicious wines which happen to be natural.

Winemaker Alexandre They. Image courtesy of: Château Vieux Moulin

Try these two reds from Château Vieux Moulin to see why Alexandre's wines earn so much attention.

Château Vieux Moulin - Terre d'éole 

Carignan, Cabernet-Sauvignon

"If one day, your path leads you to Chateau Vieux Moulin, you will be greeted by the avenue of pines, which leads to the domaine. Majestic...bent by the almost constant wind which blows here. We’ve learnt to live with it. Sometimes we stand straight, other times we let ourselves move with it, we bend a little. This vintage is a perfect blend of this force and this suppleness, which this element imposes on us; it’s part of us." - Alexandre They

A blend of 50% Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon, a balanced expression of power and suppleness. Pure, dark and dry, with scents of the garrigue. Fine, but present tannins and a persistent finish. A well-balanced, very fruity wine. 

Château Vieux Moulin – Corbiéres 

Carignan, Grenache Mourvèdre, Syrah

"The fiery sun + the arid land + the precious water + the heady wind = a wine full of character, complex, and well balanced." - Château Vieux Moulin

A true Corbières red, with deep, dark, rich earthiness and incredible fresh, pure fruit. Violets, baking spices, blackcurrant.

References/Images: Château Vieux Moulin

Bodegas Antonio Arráez: Defenders of Their Grapes

Wines for People Like You

"We don't make wines for snobs. We are not conventional; we don’t like clichés and being snobbish, because we believe that good wine is something that everyone should be able to enjoy, at any time and in any place. We are irreverent, daring and a little bit naughty, because we like to live life and because being different is not incompatible with doing things right." - TONI ARRÁEZ

Tradition Meets Revolution

Toni and his father. Image: Bodegas Antonio Arráez

Toni Arráez Calabuig, director since 2007, has brought about a revolution by contributing his personality and vision of a modern, rogue, current style of wine without losing the essence of the area in which they are made -- stemming back three generations. His passion for showcasing Mediterranean native grapes to the world is resulting in an ever-growing fan base and a special connection to the wines produced here.

The Arráez winery is in Font de la Figuera, in the province of Valencia and built on the site of three former wine cellars belonging to private winegrowers. It is in this sacred space where they maintain their winemaking traditions and thoughtfully incorporate the latest oenological techniques.

Image: Bodegas Antonio Arráez

The vineyards are 90 km from the Mediterranean Sea at an altitude of 600-800 meters between two valleys whose orientation generates a Mediterranean-Continental microclimate. Together with the poor soils, this forms a perfect combination for growing quality grapes. The winery owns 30 hectares of vineyards, with a predominance of native varieties, such as Monastrell, Tempranillo, Garnacha Tintorera, Verdil and Moscatel, which perfectly complement the foreign varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Arráez is not just a surname, nor is it just one family. This great team is made up of many more people, united by the same ideas and the same way of understanding wine. If just one link were to fail, the result would not be the same.

Image: Bodegas Antonio Arráez

Calabuig is a tribute by Toni Arráez to his mother, fulfilling her request to make a wine for every day and easy to drink - a red and a white.

Bodegas Antonio Arráez, Calabuig Tempranillo, Valencia, Spain.

A nose of fresh hedgerow fruit and subtle vanilla leads to a generous but fresh palate of raspberries and blackberries, with hints of cinnamon and exotic spice.

Bodegas Antonio Arráez, Calabuig, Macabeo, Valencia, Spain.

Flavours reminiscent of pear and apple, with vibrant acidity balanced by a delicious creaminess.

Bodegas Antonio Arráez, Malavida Red, Valencia, Spain.

Monastrell, Shiraz, Cabernet and Tempranillo. Dark cherry red colour and aromas of great intensity, with red fruits and a background of spices and roasted aromas. The unctuous palate has sweet, ripe tannins and long-lasting fruit flavours.

References: Bodegas Antonio Arráez

Images: Bodegas Antonio Arráez

Giustini: Wine in Movement

The Vineyard by the Sea

In between the sea of Taranto and the heights of the Itria Valley is San Giorgio, a small village in the Primitivo di Manduria DOC region in Southern Puglia and home to Giustini. The Scirocco and Tramontana winds blow strong here, and the vines grow abundantly on a unique soil of clay, sand and fossil shells.

“We strive for a wine capable of treasuring past experience, interpreting the signals of the present and accepting the challenges of the future. We will take you on a journey with us, to rediscover nearby places and distant cultures; We will tell our story without ever getting tired or stopping because we are not just wine: WE ARE WINE IN MOVEMENT!” - Giustini Wine

Tradition & Passion

Giustini Wine is led by Giuseppe Papadopoli, together with his sons Salvatore and Federico. Giuseppe is the heart of the company and applies the experience of four generations to grow grapes of the highest quality in his vineyards; Salvatore is a young and passionate enologist who desires to experiment and extract the best juice from his father's work. Federico is the cellar master: his eyes and arms guaranteeing all daily operations.

Giustini's goal is to preserve their wines' typicity and characteristics to enhance and not distort. Minimal interventions in the vineyard and targeted refinement in the cellar give their wines the aroma and scents of the grapes that give life to their wines.

Wild Wines are happy to introduce the following wines from Giustini to Ireland:

Giustini, Frida, Puglia IGP, Italy. Rosé di Primitivo.

Named after 20th century painter, Frida Kahlo. A wine that fully expresses its identity with delicate hints of red apple and wild berries. The structure of the Primitivo meets the freshness of the Rosé in a unique, surprising sip. A work of art!

Giustini, Jento Bianco Vivace, Puglia IGP, Italy. Malvasia.

Slightly sparkling | intense & fruity | pleasant soft white fruits & crunchy fresh finish.

Giustini, Vecchio Sogno, Puglia IGP, Italy. Negroamaro.

Full, round, fresh & fruity taste | cherry, plum & red-fleshed fruits.

Giustini, Avoglia, Puglia IGP, Italy. Primitivo.

Red berries, blackberries & violet | soft and round mouthfeel | fruity finish.

Reference/Image: Giustini Wine

Meet the Winemaker Tour: Weingut Gold

Wild Wines and Ireland welcome German winemaker Leon Gold of Weingut Gold from the 24th - 26th of August 2023. Join us on one of the stops on Leon’s tour:

Thursday - 24th August 2023 - Row Wines - Dublin - 7:00PM. Row Wines is the dynamic new venture of Marc and Conor Bereen. Opening up in the heart of the city with a hip ‘wine, food and vinyl’ proposition, their aim is to capture the imagination of Dublin’s cultured, well-traveled food and wine aficionados. Address/tel: Coppinger Row Unit , City Assembly House, Dublin 2 - 01 444 4928. Follow Row on Instagram - @rowwines

Friday - 25th August 2023 - Side Hustle - Galway - 6:30PM. Gosie & Sheena deliver summer pop ups with natural wines, guest chefs and tunes. Side Hustle #3 is located at 12 St John’s Terrace, Henry Street, Galway with Guest Chef: Sarah Croffey. For tickets and info, click here. Follow Side Hustle on Instagram - @sidehustlegalway

Saturday - 26th August 2023 - Armorica - Galway - Lunch tasting - 1:00PM. Armorica was born from the encounter between French technique and Irish food legacy. Its core values include a serious commitment to using sustainably produced and locally sourced ingredients. Address/Tel: Main Street, Oranmore, Co Galway, 091 388 343. Follow Armorica on Instagram - @armoricagalway

Saturday - 26th August 2023 - Savoir Fare - Westport - Food & Wine Night - 7:00PM. SOLD OUT. “Alain Morice told The Irish Times that ‘Irish produce is the best in the world.’ Alain might have added that he is one of the great expositors of this great produce. As he is too modest a dude to say that, we will: Alain Morice knows his way around Irish artisan produce with a skill, understanding and affection that has to be born in the blood, and run deep as the bone.” John & Sally McKenna. Savoir Faire also serves choice low-intervention wine. Follow Savoir Fare on Instagram - @savoir_fare

For more information on Weingut Gold, click here.

Image: Weingut Gold

Mark your calendar for upcoming Wild Wines Meet the Winemaker tour dates - September 2023 - Vini Be Good & October 2023 - Giustini Wines (dates/times tbd).

What is Pet Nat?

Have you met sparkling wine's wild and untamed cousin? Let us introduce you to Pet Nat.

What is Pet Nat?

Pet Nat, short for Pétillant Naturel, is a charmingly rebellious member of the sparkling wine family. Pet Nat, unlike its more refined relatives, is naturally effervescent. Although Pet Nat is thought of as trendy (we’ve even heard it referred to as 'hipster bubbles'), it is made in the French method "PETillant-NATurel" - the oldest way of creating fizz. 

How is Pet Nat Made?

Pet Nats get their sparkle from a single, wild fermentation. This means the wine is bottled before the fermentation is complete, allowing carbon dioxide (CO2) to form naturally, trapping the bubbles in the bottle. It's like catching grape juice in the act of turning it into wine. Pet Nats are bottled with zero sulphur or additives. This process requires minimal intervention, and, like most natural wines, it typically ranges from 10-12% ABV. And thanks to the natural yeast, pet nats produce unique funky aromas and characteristics.

How to Open Pet Nat? 

Pet Nat has a naughty side and on occasion if not tamed before serving - can result in a geyser-like explosion (we're talking 5-6 atmospheres of pressure here). First and foremost, mega-chill the bottle before serving. Choose a wine cooler or refrigerator over an ice bucket. Pry the crown cap slightly and let the pressure fizzle out before fully opening the bottle. Pet Nat is rowdy when it makes its way out of the bottle, so keep your glasses nearby for an exhilarating pour.

How to Store Pet Nat?

Think of it like a delicate unicorn – it doesn't like extremes. Keep it away from temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight. Store it somewhere cool and keep the bottle upright so the sediment settles to the bottom.

Why are restaurants embracing Pet Nat?

Sommeliers are adding these naturally sparkling wonders to their wine lists, and winning adventurous wine drinkers' hearts. Customers love the playful and surprising flavours of pet nat as well as its versatility. You can pair pet nat with a wide range of dishes, from fancy to funky to classic fare. 

Pet Nats are also particularly popular with natural wine lovers and those searching for a lower-alcohol sparkling with less residual sugar. 

The Wild Menagerie of Pet Nat:

Pet Nat comes in all shapes and sizes. Here are a few from Wild Wines to get you started:

• Viña Echeverría Pet Nat Miao Rosé, Curico Valley, Chile. 98% Chardonnay, 2% Cabernet Franc. A beautiful burnt orange -- easy bubbles with smokey orchard fruit and wild herbs. Total crowd pleaser for those who walk on the wild side.

• Weingut Gold, Pink Gold Pet-Nat, Württemberg VDP, Germany. A tart and zippy pet nat made from Trollinger is the gold standard (pun intended) for mouth-wateringly fresh glou glou juice. It bursts with notes of pink grapefruit, underripe strawberries, cherries, and wild rose, and the lengthy finish will surprise you with a big hit of minerality.

• Jean Aubron NV, Les Bulles Pet Nat, Loire, France. Jean's first pet nat, made from old-vine Melon de Bourgogne grapes grown on gabbro soils. The wine is gently sparkling, with refreshingly bright notes of soft lemon and crisp minerals. Fun in a bottle.

Summer Wine Pairing: BBQs and Ice Cream

Summer is here - long days, Bank Holiday BBQs, sea dips and 99's. Tis the season to guide you to a place where the art of conventional and unconventional wine pairings meet the rising temps. Including some sweet inspiration from the whimsical Folderol in Paris, where a wine bar serving natural wine and ice cream sees lines out the door in the (very cool and some may say trendy) 11th arrondissement.

So, let’s have dessert first — Wine & Ice Cream Pairings

In the spirit of Folderol, we thought we'd suggest some summer pairings that are quirky yet oh, so joyful and delicious. When Folderol's owners were asked - why natural wine and ice cream? Their answer was simple: pairing two things that derive so much pleasure and are also thoughtfully produced results in an unlikely perfect pairing. And we couldn't agree more. A la their renowned ice cream flavours like olive oil, cold brew coffee and fig sorbet, we've been inspired to throw out some weird and wonderful confections (as well as the Irish summer go-to's) for you to pair with sunshiny swill.

99’s & Moscato d'Asti or Spumante: A light and sweet or semi-sweet sparkling wine from Italy offers enticing floral aromas and delicate fruit flavours - a delightful combination contrasting a 99's flaky textures and vanilla flavours. Wild Wines: Dolce Veleno Spumante Demi Sec DOC, Italy 

Strawberry & Pétillant-Naturel: Picture a bowl of luscious strawberry ice cream paired with the charmingly effervescent and frothy bubbles of a pét-nat. The wine's vibrant acidity and lively palate are in harmony with the sweet and tangy notes and texture of the ice cream. Wild Wines: Weingut Gold, Super Glou Pink Gold Pet’Nat, Württemberg VDP, Germany

Aromatic Whites & Citrus Sorbets: Let the bright and zesty flavours of citrus sorbet dance on your palate as you sip on an aromatic white like Riesling or Grüner Veltliner. The wine's vibrant acidity and fruity undertones balance the sorbet's tanginess, creating a refreshing and invigorating pairing. Wild Wines: Funkstille, Skin Contact, Niederösterreich, Austria (Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Gewürztraminer, Muscat)

Salted Caramel & Orange Wine: Indulge your taste buds with the decadent combination of salted caramel and a glass of orange wine. The wine's tannins and citrusy flavours playfully balance the richness of the ice cream -- a symphony of sweet and quenching sensations. Wild Wines: Château de Cranne Vin Orange, Côtes-de-Bordeaux, France; No es Pituko, Romi Orange, Curicó Valley, Chile 

Lavender Honey & Chenin Blanc: Transport yourself to a fragrant lavender field with a scoop of lavender honey ice cream paired with a glass of Chenin Blanc. The crisp acidity and tropical fruit notes of the Chenin Blanc beautifully accentuate the subtle floral sweetness of the lavender. Wild Wines: Domaine Vincent Carême, Vouvray Pétillant Brut, France; Les Athletes Du Vin Chenin Blanc, Loire Valley Vin de France 

Earl Grey & Riesling: Embrace the pleasing contrast of a bergamot-infused Earl Grey ice cream with a crisp and acidic Riesling. This versatile white exhibits citrusy and stone fruit characteristics, along with a racy acidity that cuts through the richness of the ice cream. Wild Wines: Weingut Gold, Riesling Trocken, Württemberg VDP, Germany

Next, the classic BBQ Staples — Grilled Meats & Bold Reds.

When it comes to grilled meats like steaks, lamb chops, or beef burgers, you'll want wines that match their robust flavours. Opt for full-bodied red wines with rich tannins and ample fruitiness. Some crowd-pleasing choices include:

Cabernet Sauvignon: This classic red with its blackcurrant and dark cherry flavours and structured tannins stand up beautifully to grilled red meats. Wild Wines: Propuesta,Curicó, Chile; Laudario, Tuscany, Italy; Château Ka Source de Rouge, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon; Cartlidge & Browne, Napa Valley, CA, USA

Malbec: Known for its velvety texture, ripe black fruit flavours, and hints of spice. Malbec's smoothness and acidity complement the BBQ fare's smoky flavours and charred edges. Wild Wines: Cinco Fincas, Mendoza, Argentina; Proemio Origins, Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina 

Grilled Seafood & Crisp Whites

If you prefer seafood on the barbie, lighter-bodied whites with refreshing acidity will do the trick. These wines help cut through the richness of the fish and offer a vibrant contrast. Consider the following classic options:

Sauvignon Blanc: Its zesty citrus notes and herbaceous aromas make Sauvignon Blanc an ideal partner for grilled fish, prawns, or scallops. The wine's acidity beautifully complements the flavours of seafood while providing a refreshing palate cleanse. Wild Wines: Viña Echeverria Reserva, Curicó Valley, Chile; Les Athletes Du Vin Touraine, Loire Valley, France; Diane, Famille Arbeau, France (Sav Blanc & Mauzac); Domaine Isle Saint Pierre, IGP Méditerranée, France (Sav Blanc & Gewürztraminer); Castillo del Moro, Southern Spain (Sav Blanc & Airen)

Chardonnay: Opt for unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnays that offer crisp acidity and vibrant fruit flavours. These wines pair well with grilled lobster or buttery garlic shrimp. Wild Wines: Château Ka Source de Blanche, Bekaa Valley (Sav Blanc & Chardonnay); Les Athletes Du Vin Chardonnay, Loire Valley, France 

Vegetarian & Rosé

Vegetables can be incredibly versatile on the BBQ and deserve wines that enhance their natural flavours. Rosés, with their delicate profiles and bright acidity, are excellent companions for grilled veggies (and sunny weather, in general). Wild Wines: Domaine Isle Saint Pierre, Since 1927 Rosé, France; Manz Penedo do Lexim, Lisboa, Portugal, No Es Pituko Rosé, Curicó Valley, Chile 

Summer is a time for reveling and embracing the unexpected. So, let your imagination run wild when pairing your warm weather fare. And cheers to a splendid and safe Bank Holiday filled with laughter, enchantment, and delightful indulgence!

Chardonnay: A Wild Wines Journey

Gone are the days of that shady mantra "ABC" (Anything But Chardonnay). It's time to embrace the diversity and charm of this noble grape as we embark on an enjoyable Wild Wines journey comparing four Chardonnays from different corners of the World. Buckle up, it's going to be a wild ride!

First stop: Les Athletes Du Vin and the enchanting Loire Valley, France. Picture yourself strolling through vineyards with castles in the backdrop. This is one of the top-selling Chardonnays from the Loire. It's perfect for everyday yet comparable to a more expensive white Burgundy. An unoaked Chardonnay with classic Loire flavours of green melon, pears, and boatloads of minerality with a similar acidity found in many a Mâcon Chardonnay. With its distinctive "sporty" labels designed by Michel Tolmer, Les Athletes du Vin is a wild creation from a group of Loire Valley winemaking friends who call themselves "Vini Be Good" and continue to grow quite the cult following.

Next, we jet off to Napa, California, where Chardonnay reigns supreme. This golden west coast nectar from Cartlidge & Browne boasts a luscious and creamy texture, embracing you like the warm California sunshine. Cartlidge & Browne's unusual blend of Chardonnay 96%, Sauvignon Blanc 2%, and Riesling 2% likens a Burgundian style with its elegant mineral complexity. The aromas of green apples and honeysuckle lead to flavours of pear, melon and light citrus with oak tones of sweet caramel and hazelnut. Cartlidge & Browne is known for their varietally pure Californian wines while sticking to their Napa Valley 'garagiste' (Napa Valley OG) roots. 

Hold on tight because our wine adventure takes us to Château Ka in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon with a unique blend of the archetypal varietals of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, giving you the best of both worlds. While this blend has a touch more Sauvignon Blanc, the Chardonnay adds a beautiful roundness and length. Imagine tasting a wine that reflects its Mediterranean roots, boasting floral aromas and exotic citrus flavours with a great depth from the Chardonnay. Lebanon boasts a 7,000-year history of winemaking, and at this moment, it is a really good time for Lebanese wine. Château Ka is the only winery in Lebanon to produce wine entirely from their own vineyards, producing beautifully fresh, fruity, crisp white wines that are some of the finest in the country.

Last but not least, we land in the beautiful Curicó Valley of Chile. Here, Chardonnay shows its versatility by flaunting a balance between freshness and richness. No es Pituko's natural wine is a roller coaster of flavours with strong aromas of banana, apple, pear and toasted brioche jumping from the glass. It is a full-bodied and rich Chardonnay, with a creamy and refreshing fruit acidity one would only expect from the cooling influences of the Andes.

So, let's toast the renaissance of the beloved Chardonnay grape. Whether it's the elegant Loire Valley, the lush Napa Valley, the exotic Bekaa Valley, or the vivacious Curicó Valley, don’t let anyone ever tell you again that they ‘don’t like Chardonnay’ as each Chardonnay tells a very different story.

Discover Château de Cranne

Winegrower Vincent Lacoste is the sixth generation of his family to produce wines in the heart of Bordeaux on the banks of the Garonne River. The story of Château de Cranne began in 1833 when Jean Villers bought the estate. Vincent took over the estate in 2008, and by 2009, he had obtained organic farming certification. In the same year, INAO declared the merging of four previously recognized communes into the new Côtes-de-Bordeaux appellation. Côtes-de-Bordeaux is the youngest AOC appellation in Bordeaux, and it is here that you can find hidden gems for great value -- prime examples are the wines from Château de Cranne.

Château de Cranne has vineyards covering 43 hectares. Their organic vineyards are said to be a tapestry of diversity: terroirs, colours, varietals and know-how. "We are committed to offering fruity wines to be tasted on the spot or kept for major events. The promise of a moment of sharing, conviviality, and discovery." - Vincent Lacoste

Discover Château de Cranne

In this case, you can actually judge a book by its cover (or a bottle by its label). The fun wine labels embody the joy of sharing a glass of Château de Cranne among friends and family. Both the winemakers and the estate is entertaining. Winemaker Vincent Lacoste is a rugby player and has a passion for a good bbq (he's even a Big Green Egg Ambassador — if you don't know what that is, Google it!). If you visit the estate, you cannot only taste wine and learn about the Château's history but experience escape rooms, walk a sensory/sound path among the vines, dine, and see the apiarium on the estate (where their bees live, producing honey and helping the ecosystem flourish).

Wild Wines is delighted to add three of Château de Cranne's organically certified wines to the portfolio.

Dompter la Bête ("Tame the Beast!")

Merlot and Cabernet

"I vinify this cuvée with the idea of ​​a light red wine: ready to drink, fresh red fruits, long and balanced finish." Vincent Lacoste.

Organic Orange

Orange wine from Sémillon vinified in maceration. This unique creation demonstrates the ingenious creativity of its winemaker. Lively, fresh and exquisitely gastronomic.

Organic Black

A full-bodied young Malbec from plot-by-plot vinification of small ripe berries with a purple tinge and dusty hints of dark berries and liquorice. Fresh acidity and a nice crunch of tannin. Natural yeast, organic, delecta!

Please contact us if you'd like to meet this tasty trio from Bordeaux.

Domaine Isle Saint Pierre Sets Anchor in Ireland

Domaine Isle Saint Pierre: The Rhône River, an Island, a Vineyard, and a Sheep Herd

"In 1927, pioneering Parisian wine merchant Pierre Chassaing, founded Domaine Isle Saint Pierre, devoting himself to cultivating a vineyard and raising a sheep herd. A few vines remain from this era, together with a flock of Merino sheep (this is why the ram is mascot of the island) that dutifully supply manure that nourish the vines.

Today, the 230-hectare vineyard surrounds Isle Saint-Pierre's winery. This island in the Rhône, located 15km away from the mouth of the river, is the southernmost vineyard in the Rhône valley. Swept by the Mistral wind, it enjoys temperate heat due to its proximity to the sea. Its position in the river provides natural protection for the health of the vines playing a vital role in the vineyard. The vineyard is situated on deep, well-drained sandy-silt soil. 

Patrick Henry, Marie-Cécile and their children, the third and fourth generations of winegrowers, have restructured and modernised the vineyard in keeping with tradition while making the most of the latest technological advances. Everything has come together to produce subtly balanced red, white and rosé wines. Their wines have been aptly described as “Delicious, easy-drinking “bistro-style” wines that are perfect for everyday drinking!”

Domaine Isle Saint Pierre, allows their terroir to express itself through environmental-friendly and quality-oriented farming practices."

Source: Domaine Isle Saint Pierre

Behind the Label

The Isle Saint Pierre cross symbolises: faith represented by the cross, hope by the anchor, and charity by the heart. The ram's heads at the ends of the cross reference the history of the estate, and the key to paradise, guarded by Saint Peter, in the centre of the heart.

Wild Wines are delighted to add to its portfolio the following wines from Domaine Isle Saint Pierre:

Since 1927 Rosé

Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Arinarnoa, Petit Verdot, Tannat

The attractive rose petal, pale and brilliant colour dresses this wine, and its elegant and airy nose of fresh red fruits follows up with the same sweetness on the palate. The saline soil adds a distinctive iodised note.

Since 1927 White Blanc 

Chardonnay, Muscat Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc

A beautiful pale yellow with a floral nose that releases notes of white fruits, leading to a balanced mouth of lemony freshness punctuated by iodised notes.

Carménère" Cuvée

The Carménère cuvée is an incredibly well-balanced wine with an intense purple colour leading to a nose of strawberries, blackberries and slightly spicy black fruits. The palate is elegant and persistent. The finish is long with notes of blueberries and spice.

Wild Wines have struck Weingut Gold!

Introducing Weingut Gold to Ireland. Winemaker Leon Gold brings the Gold standard to you from his organic and biodynamic vineyard’s in Gundelsbach, a district of Weinstadt, Germany.

“The dream of owning a vineyard arose in Leon's childhood through his fascination with his neighbors’ vines. He was led via the Bottwartal and the Remstal in the South Palatinate to a biodynamic winery whose mode of agriculture shaped him to a great extent, amplifying his desire to create his own wines. After training as a technician for Viticulture and Oenology at the State Teaching and Research Institute in Weinsberg, Leon came back to his "adopted home,” the Remstal. With the foundation of his own winery, a long-cherished childhood dream has come to fruition.

According to the motto "quality arises in the vineyard and not just in the cellar,” a healthy dose of idealism and perseverance is needed to produce a special quality of wine instead of "Goldgräberstimmung" (digging for gold). Knowing the importance of biological cycles and moon phases, Leon chooses to support the wild balance in the vineyard, forgoing synthetic agents and instead using specially prepared compost.

In taking a step back and letting nature run its course, Leon has found his own gold. His vines are healthy and abundant, standing on layers of gypsum keuper, red sandstone, Bunte marl and pebble sandstone. These layers of terroir translate to layers of texture in the glass : the embodiment of independent, living wines.”

Source: Weingut Gold

Wild Wines is introducing the following Weingut Gold wines to Ireland.

Riesling Trocken. A dry, fresh, lively and handmade Riesling from the different sandstone layers of the Remstal. Spontaneously fermented, complex and minerally underlaid with firm fruit.

White Gold. A dry, joyful and fruity with an aromatic cuvée from Kerner, Müller-Thurgau, Muskateller and Riesling. Artisanal, juicy and straightforward - the uncomplicated sip for every day.

Gold Trollinger. A wine bursting with red berries like strawberries and raspberries, with cherries dominating the nose. The skin contact creates a hint of rhubarb. A mild fruit sweetness buffers the fine acidity on the palate. A slightly aromatic spiciness complements the red fruits.

Pink Gold Pet-Nat. This tart, zippy pet'nat made from Trollinger is the gold standard (pun intended) for mouth-wateringly fresh glou glou juice. Made in a pet’nat style, the wine is spontaneously fermented, and carbonation occurs naturally in bottle. It bursts with notes of pink grapefruit, underripe strawberries, cherries, and wild rose, and the lengthy finish will surprise you with a big hit of minerality. Bottled unfined/ unfiltered with no added So2; zero-zero; 11.5% ABV.

_________________________________________

Country: Germany

Region: Swabia

Sub-region or Appellation: Württemberg

Viticulture: Certified Organic, practicing biodynamic

Size: 12 ha

Valentine’s Day Wine - 5 Alternatives to Champagne

Happy Valenwines! Move over Champagne; you're not the only fun and flirty wine in town. Take a walk on the wild side with us and consider trying these 5 alternatives for Valentine's Day wine (or Galentine's / Palentine's Day).

OPPOSITES ATTRACT

Dolce Veleno Spumante Demi Sec combines two very different and contrasting grapes: Moscato -- sweet, intense and aromatic and Raboso -- full-bodied, rugged, and concentrated. But the result is a beautiful and lasting union – a rich deep red sparkling wine with wild strawberries, raspberries and rose petal aromas.

LOVE YOU WHOLE-BUNCHES

Are you reaching for a Saint Amour Beaujolais to express your… amour? How about something a little less predictable this year. A Loire Valley Gamay like Les Athletes du Vin is exceptional and offers excellent value in comparison. And like the ballerina on the label, it's light, graceful and firmly on point with a little punch of spice from its whole-bunch fermentation (carbonic maceration). This romantic red dances with flavours of bright red fruits, black cherries, and violets. Try it slightly chilled.

ROSÉS NOT ROSES

Food-friendly rosés are always a wise choice for the holiday of love -- and you can't drink flowers! (yes, we know you've heard that one before, but we couldn't resist).

Mabis, Biscardo Rosapasso is a brilliantly coloured rosé made from Pinot Nero. This pink beauty is a well-defined yet delicately fruity rosé with wild strawberry and cherry, leading to a smooth and harmonic palate. Veneto wines are dangerously drinkable and outstanding value for money.

Manz Rosé is made from Castelão and harvested manually in Lisboa. The dreamy bottle looks like it was designed with this day in mind. The bottle glows with a tantalizing coral colour and is full of complex flavours reminiscent of fragile and tasty red fruits like wild raspberries and strawberries. The refreshingly dry finish and crisp acidity is exactly what you’d expect in an award-winning rosé from Portugal.

WE FERMENT TO BE

Giustini, Jento Bianco will delight with a brilliant surprise of sparkle from a second natural fermentation. This 100% Malvasia from Puglia promises an effervescent party in your mouth with pleasant soft white fruits and a crunchy fresh finish. Look no further for an offbeat alternative wine to pair with the traditional valentine's oysters!

Behind the Label: No es Pituko - ‘It ain’t fancy’

Behind the Label: No es Pituko - ‘It ain’t fancy’

How did a successful, established bulk winery in Chile go from selling wine to Harrods in London to pivoting to a boutique winery focused on sustainability with a natural wine series called 'No es Pituko' ('it ain't fancy')? 

Viña Echeverría's agricultural heritage dates back to the 1700s. The Echeverria family started the winery in 1930 and experienced a plot twist in the 1990s when Robert Echeverria Jr. returned home to work alongside his much-loved and critically acclaimed winemaking father. This transition included switching to sustainable methods in the vineyard and cellar. Today they are one of the most exciting boutique wine projects in Chile. It painstakingly took 20 years, but the wines remarkably speak for themselves to tell the story. 

The vineyards are in Molina, a town in the Curico Valley. Here, they grow grapes from French pre-phylloxera rootstocks on 80 ha. The Echeverría family's French heritage is behind the focus on producing wines from French varietals in a distinctive style blending New World innovation and Old World elegance.

Wild Wines started with a few wines from the No Es Pituko (slang for 'it ain't fancy') series, and it's looking like we are soon to carry just about every varietal available. The comical name illustrates the point that this wine was vinified naturally, without any additions at any stage. It ain't fancy, but it seriously will spoil your tastebuds.

New on our list is another natural charmer from Viño Echeverria - Romi Orange Sauvignon Blanc!

ROMI ORANGE SAUVIGNON BLANC

The label states, "Contains no oranges", but you could have fooled us with the honeyed aromas of orange blossom and distinctive orange hue. This skin contact wine has a subtle effervescence and the malolactic fermentation lends a beautiful yeasty and creamy texture with stewed apple and orange marmalade on the palate. There are also quite well defined tannins and racy acidity with this mouthwatering gem. (91 Points in Tim Atkins 2022 Chile Report).

BEHIND THE LABEL

Everything from the irreverent packaging to the colourful wax seals and animated labels leads us to believe the No es Pituko series is a fun, approachable and delicious wine -- and it does exactly what it says on the tin!

The Romi Orange label is designed by illustrator and wine label designer Julia Soward. She is also responsible for the delightfully entertaining 'WineZine' available for download on the No es Pituko website. The 'WineZine' is a clever little tutorial on natural wine, the winery and even a "how to" on opening wax seals -- complete with paper plane-like instructions on how to fold the printout into a booklet.

The original, eye-catching artwork on the No es Pituko labels were designed by Roberto Jr's wife, Julia.

Contact us for an 'It ain't fancy' kind of tasting.

Behind The Label: Les Athlètes du Vin & Michel Tolmer

BEHIND THE LABEL

Les Athlètes du Vin | Vini Be Good | Artist: Michel Tolmer

With its distinctive "sporty" labels, Les Athlètes du Vin is developing quite a cult following. The wines are from a négociant project made by a group of friends in the Loire Valley known as 'Vini Be Good.' When Francis del Tedesco, a founding partner, was asked where the idea came from, he said he was just looking out the window and saw the gym across from his office. He instantly thought of 'Les Athlètes du Vin' and ran with it (pun intended). The idea being winemaking (and drinking wine) is a kind of sport. "Basically, we joked around so much with the idea, and because of that, we knew that the name was good," said Francis.

MICHEL TOLMER

Michel Tolmer is a French artist, illustrator, and cartoonist who is the unofficial star artist of the French natural wine movement. His work is easily recognisable and you’ll often see copy cat illustrations of his art in the wine marketing world, but there's nothing more complimentary than a real deal Michel Tolmer wine label collaboration.

The partners had met Michel Tolmer at previous wine fairs and liked his style (but, of course). They approached him with their ideas and ethos on winemaking, and we're guessing some bottles from Vini Be Good for good measure, and long story short - Michel agreed to design the labels.

How do they decide which sport to feature?

For the first label (Sauvignon), Michel drew someone jumping rope – with the ends of the ropes as bottles of wine. For all the labels hereafter, winemakers are asked about their favourite sport, and Michel takes it from there, creating ironical and fantastical illustrations in a way only he can do.

Voilà - l’histoire des Athlètes du Vin’s labels!

Les Athlètes du Vin at Wild Wines

Wild Wines carry Les Athlètes du Vin Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Pineau d' Aunis. We also have some exciting news! Because these have gone down such a treat, we will soon have their Gamay and Groulleau in stock!

Please let us know if you would like to try a taste.

The 1-Litre Bottle Movement

"The times they are a-changin'"!

The 1-litre bottle represents a current movement in the traditional wine industry driven by a new generation seeking options for sustainability in winemaking. As winemakers become increasingly transparent in all aspects of the trade, alternative packaging helps to address their environmental impact. Along with lighter glass bottles, bag-in-boxes, and canned wine, the 1-litre bottle is fueled by an environmental consciousness while also addressing practicality, value and approachability.

Where did the 1-litre bottle get its start?

There are differing opinions on the 1-litre bottle's birth. Still, we find most writings on the subject agree the inspiration harkens back to a time when people in the French countryside brought a jug of wine to the table as an everyday affair. Austria brought it to the fore in the early 2000s with organically grown ready-to-drink Grüner. In 2010, natural wine importers Selection Massale (not to be confused by the wine terminology 'selection massale') began a litre project of ready-to-drink affordable natural wines with a nod to sustainability. The trend's roots really take off from here. Fast forward to today, and it looks like 1-litre bottles are here to stay for a variety of reasons.

1-litre bottles are sociable! It's sizable enough for solo with a few glasses left over and absolute perfection when sharing with friends over dinner.

A 1-litre bottle hits a sweet spot between a standard bottle of wine and a magnum. There are 7 glasses of wine in a 1-litre bottle, 5 in a standard bottle and 10 in a Magnum.

Wild Wines is introducing SFERA to Ireland. Sfera is a 1-litre bottle project that spans from the Alps to the Mediterranean and perfectly fits into our ethos of sustainability. Sfera is a collaboration with small certified-organic farmers to bring bottle litres to the masses in limited runs.

Wild Wines currently has four 1-litre bottles available from SFERA.

Sfera Rosato - Winemaker: Crotin. Vineyard: Cocconato. Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo.

Sfera Bianco - Winemaker: I Clivi. Vineyard: Galea. Varietals: 100% Ribolla Gialla.

Sfera Rosso - Winemaker: Cossentino. Vineyard: Partinico. Varietals: Nero d’Avola, Perricone and Cataratto.

Sfera Rosso - Winemaker: Frecciarossa. Vineyard: various plots in the Casteggio commune. Varietals: Uva Rara (30%), Barbera (30%), Croatina (10%), Pinot Nero(10%), Riesling (15%).

What is “Sustainably Produced” Wine?

Welcome to Wild Wines first blog post!

You're visiting this page because you love good wine and care about where and how it is made. You're environmentally conscious, and what is happening with climate change has strengthened your commitment to seeking sustainably produced goods. We share this ethos with you, as do our incredible farmers and winemakers.

Respecting Nature | Supporting Integrity

Wild Wines is committed to sourcing from winemakers who respect nature to make honest wines. They take the extra steps, taking significant risks, to choose minimal intervention in their approach to sustainably producing wines.

So, what is "sustainably produced" wine?

Are these just trendy marketing buzzwords? The short answer is: No. (After all, this is what puts the wild in Wild Wines)! A sustainable winery keeps the entire production environmentally friendly — everything from vineyard biodiversity to packaging, waste management and general operations.

What makes a wine organic?

Organic wines are very simply wines made from organically grown grapes. For grapes to be organic, a winemaker must work sustainability in the vineyard and the cellar. Now, organic doesn't mean any additives. Some additives, including yeast, animal enzymes, and egg whites, get the okay in organic wines. So confusingly, organic doesn't necessarily mean a wine is vegan, but it is made without harsh chemicals.

Organic wines can be certified in some countries, but sustainable farming rules are not always cut and dried. It is up to the winemaker to do their best to follow guidelines, and purveyors like us do the legwork to ensure the wine we sell is directly sourced from winemakers truly walking the sustainability walk.

Wild Winemakers make wines in tandem with nature without using artificial chemicals. One needs only to walk the vines to see the difference. In most cases, it can starkly contrast the overly manicured rows of its neighbour's vineyard if they use conventional methods of synthetic fertilisers and spraying. In an organic vineyard, you find rich biodiversity among the vines — plants, flowers, bees and butterflies and sometimes geese or lambs let loose to eat bugs or worms. Wild Wines are, in every sense of the word, terroir-driven wines.

The discussion of sustainable viticulture can lead down a rabbit hole of subjects, from what constitutes a low-sulphite wine to what the moon has to do with biodynamic winemaking principles. These are all topics we can't wait to uncover for you in the future of the Wild Wines Blog. The important takeaway in our first post is the assurance that the wine you are drinking from us is directly from winemakers who Respect Nature and Support Integrity.

Pictured: Vina Echeverria. The Echeverria family are committed to social responsibility. They have been awarded sustainable status by the Wines of Chile Organization, working with a model of micro viticulture; each plot, no more than half a hectare, is identified according to its terroir and micro-climate and planted accordingly.

Note: In the Wild Wines brochure, we let you know if each wine is: Organic (certified or converting to certified), Biodynamic (certified or converting to certified), Unfiltered, Low S02, Vegan or hand-harvested.