Virginie Bigonneau: Domaine Bigonneau 2019 Quincy  Outstanding Sauvignon Blanc from an up-and-coming young woman winemaker in the Loire Valley! Located between Méreau and Brinay and isolated in the middle of the fields of cereals, Domaine Bigonneau vinifies both AOC Quincy and Reuilly. This estate, from a family-owned agricultural and wine-growing estate, has been in existence for several generations. At the turn of the 80s, Gerard Bigonneau seized the opportunity to build a vineyard on the slopes of the town of Reuilly. In 2006, he brought in his daughter, Virginie to take control of production. Prior to this, Virginie was the oenologue at the Cave Brinay, and studied in Dijon as well as worked in cellars in Champagne, Burgundy and Alsace. The consolidation to a single cellar and the arrival of Virginie has brought about a real focus to the wines. A perfect alternative to Sancerre at a fraction of the cost!

Camilla Scavino: Bricco Carlina 2017 Barbera d’Asti Superiore  The sibling duo of Camilla and Francesco Scavino founded this small winery in 2014 at the foot of the medieval castle that towers over the village of Grinzane Cavour. The name “Bricco Carlina” is a reference to the farm of their grandmother where the family would celebrate and party, which is also the place where Camilla and Francesco began experimenting with winemaking as teenagers. Vineyards are scattered between the hills of the Langhe and Monferrato, and farming is organic. Bricco Carlina’s releases are progressive examples of Piedmont’s landscape – deeply colored, opulent wines with tremendous purity and sense of place. This is a fully flavored, intense example of Barbera crafted with traditional, sustainable methods.

Laura Carter: Unico Zelo 2020 ‘Jade & Jasper’ Fiano  A new venture in the Adelaide Hills by couple, Brendan and Laura Carter, with Laura being the primary decision maker, and full time winemaker. Following their passions for Italian-inspired, textural and site-expressive wines, they seek to create Australian examples of Mediterranean varieties in an approachable and jovial fashion. This Fiano hails from two different vineyard sites with two different soil types (limestone and clay), and provides this wine with complexity and texture unparalleled in the Clare Valley. Full of white peach blossoms, honeydew and lemon, all covered in a generous splash of Grannysmith Apple. This continues onto an electric palate, lifted by a rich fruit-sweetness, and sparked to life with a crispy acidity.

Dorina Lindemann: Dorina Lindemann 2015 Touriga Nacional  In the late 1970’s Hans Jörg Böhm arrived to Portugal from his native Germany to undertake the daunting task of cataloging the Portuguese wine varietals. He suspected there were a number of lesser-known and unidentified varieties with great potential, he cataloged 340 different varietals, and went on to open the first vine nursery in Portugal. Hans’ passion for Portuguese wine geekery was passed to daughter Dorina Lindemann, who in 1997 founded the winery Quinta da Plansel. Dorina’s Touriga Nacional bottling was the first single varietal Touriga bottling in Portugal. Most commonly revered for its role in port production, it has only recently been championed as a dry red wine. We cannot get enough of it, especially with grilled sausages.

María Barúa: Bodegas LAN 2017 Rioja “D-12”  Bodegas LAN is a relative newcomer to the Rioja scene, having been founded in 1972. The name “LAN” is an acronym for the three provinces that make up Rioja, Logroño, Alava, and Navarra. The spirit of experimentation and innovation permeates the culture at LAN, and winemaker María Barúa is continually pushing the limits and preconceptions people have of the region. D-12 is homage to the workers of LAN. The name is a reference to “DEPOSITO 12,” the stainless-steel tank that holds the wine that, according to LAN winery staff, has the most outstanding attributes of that vintage. We don’t get much of this wine and our staff at Vino feel the same way about it as LAN does; most of it ends up riding home with us.

Laurence Feraud: Chateau Pegau 2019 Pink Pegau In 2012, Châteauneuf-du-Pape icon Laurence Féraud purchased a 100+ acre estate in Sorgues, and renamed it Château Pégau. It is an exceptional terroir situated less than 4 miles southeast of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Loaded with classic Côtes du Rhône fruit and spice, the wines retain the hallmark stamp and identity of Pégau. The here fruit is sourced from 35 to 60 year old vineyards located in Sorgues, along the Rhône. Vin de Table (27+ acres) planted in deep, stony, clay soils. Farming practices are organic, non-certified. This is a bone dry rose, with aromas of peaches and red fruits, and a crisp, mouth-watering acidity leading to a long, spicy, mineral finish.