Tag Archives: organic

Volcanos and clay

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Clay over volcanic rock is part of the terroir that makes this certified organic white. It is matured on its lees. Lees are the natural deposit formed by the solid particles in the wine over the winter. After alcoholic fermentation is complete, the wine rests on its lees all winter until bottling at the end of March.

It is never racked, which allows the conservation of a small quantity of carbon dioxide, giving the wine a fine beading, a quality appreciated by many.

The palate is dominated by lively acidity, impeccably balanced by a refreshing tropical fruity note mixed with a soft creamy texture.

The Goddess of Wine tells me I often serve my whites too cool …except this one.  She says Chill it well. So we did, and served it with fish.

An interesting mystery to solve would be to try a red from the same terroir.

MUSCADET SEVRE ET MAINE SUR LIE – CHATEAU DE LA GRAVELLE 18

$19.49 regularly $20.99

12% alcohol

UPC: 03760233945574

Another new Star

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Emiliana is the largest organic winery in the world, and has come up with another winner.

We’ve had their Cab Sav/Carmenere and Sav Blanc, so were eager to try the Pinot Gris. Novas means new star – and it certainly is.

An organic Chilean Pinot Gris that starts with citrus aromas, and ends with floral notes on the palate. Medium acidity, medium-bodied, smooth finish. Paired it with grilled pork chops and scalloped potatoes.  It also went well with Chinese food the night before too!

Novas Gran Reserva Pinot Gris

Running and Galloping

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A little person present at dinner made concentrating on the wine a little difficult.  Besides, she didn’t want any.  She just couldn’t understand the concept of Running Ducks down on the Galloping Goose Trail.  Just doesn’t make any sense to a 6 year old. (Doesn’t to her 73 year old Great Grandpa either).


Deep in colour, medium weight but still fresh, given it’s 14% alcohol content.  Nicely rounded finish.


A red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) and Pinotage (30%), produced from organic grapes in a vegan friendly and fair trade way.


South Africa’s Western Cape Province, Stellar Winery is a producer of organic, fair trade wines. Farm and winery employees own 26% of the enterprise through shares in the Stellar Winery Empowerment Trust. In addition, the Stellar Foundation is in its first phase of “Getting Off The Grid” renewable energy initiative. The focus of the pilot project is to develop sustainable electricity solutions, as well as to help farms/wineries save money on electricity.


First time was with a homemade meaty spaghetti (one of Little Person’s favourites). Next time?  A lamb tangine maybe. (another of Little Person’s favourites).

CAB SAUV PINOTAGE – STELLAR ORGANICS RESERVE FAIR TRADE

$14.49 regularly $17.99

14% alcohol

UPC: 6009679895959

Mediterranean Mezes Mix

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The Languedoc-Roussillon has for long been a Mediterranean cultural crossroads that ensures a dynamic exchange of ideas, people and grape varieties.


This 2019 Blanc is an organic blend of Viognier and Marsanne grown south of Carcassone in Languedoc. A long time proponent of organic viticulture in Languedoc, Chateau de Caraguilhes has been making wine for more than two centuries, and growing organic since 1987. 


It’s crisp, fresh, and clear. Makes me think of the Mediterranean islands because this would be an idea sipper whilst enjoying light mezes.


PAYS D’OC VIOGNIER MARSANNE – L’OLIVETTE ORGANIC 2019

$15.49 regularly $16.99

12.5% Alcohol

UPC: 00626990305903

Mountain Fresh

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Fresh, Fresh, Fruit flavours with a softer palate.  


The vineyards start at about 5500 feet above sea level and rise to over 6,600.

The Calchaqui valley is bordered by 2 mountain ranges – the Quilmes to the west and the Aconquija to the east, creating a natural barrier and microclimate. Temperatures in the valley have a wide, thermal amplitude with hot days and cool nights. Plentiful sunshine, more than 330 days a year and limited rainfall, less than 8 inches a year, help to create wines with deep colour, rich fruit and crisp acidity. 

Cuma Torrontes is NOP certified organic. 

TORRONTES – MICHEL TORINO CUMA ORGANIC

$13.99

13.5% Alcohol

UPC: 07790189040074

A realization

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We very much like wines produced with  ‘low intervention’ by the vintner.  Even better when it’s organic.


The Goddess of Wine is again pushing the envelope with a new white grape – Melon de Bourgogne.  Loire Valley, from the Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC Appellation.  

Domaine Bonnet-Huteau has been producing Muscadet for over 150 years. They have been certified organic since 2005, and biodynamic since 2010.


Lovely fruit characteristics…slightly peppery.  


Wine Enthusiast calls it a 91 pointer – and we agree.


It will be easy to spot with it’s signature bottle.

MUSCADET SEVRE ET MAINE LA TARCIERE – DOM BONNET HUTEAU 2018

$22.99 regularly $24.99

12% Alcohol

UPC: 03497850009029

One Mystery Solved

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What is the best white wine we’ve had so far in the mystery cases?

This is our first encounter with the Grillo grape … It’s confirmation that we tend to like grapes grown at slightly higher elevations (over 1000 feet).  

Harvest is mid-August to retain a balance between sugar levels and acidity. The grapes are pressed, fermented and aged in steel to preserve the freshness.

The organic wine is very dry, light, but remarkably refreshing.

And I’ve already gone back for more – before you snatch up the remaining stock.

Sicilia Grillo – Rapitala Organic

13% alcohol

UPC: 08002010675423

$16.99

Double Trouble

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This one over delivers with a nice blend of Grenache, Mataro, and Monastrell from the Jumilla region of Spain – on the south eastern, Mediterranean side. It’s hot and dry, but they’ve been growing grapes here since Roman Times.

JUMILLA – CASTILLO DE MADAX RED BLEND

Alcohol:  13%

UPC:  08436005760601
Now comes the part that’s surprising.  $7.99, on sale from $9.99

Definitely worthy of another trip back to get more to stowaway over the seasons change for when you need a quick lift to go with a hearty meal.  A certain someone will probably buy a case for unsuspecting relatives that drop in.

Was still thinking about Herr Stein when I making this selection.  The Goddess of Wine was on a well deserved break away from her tribe, so I was on my own with this – and my training wheels got a little wobbly.  

If His Impatience has sneaked a sample before the meal was on the table, he would have been disappointed in the organic choice.  

It was the blend that got my attention: 70% Aglianico, 20% Cab Savignon and 10% Syrah.


Once dinner was served and we poured more, things really changed.  REALLY changed.

Warm. Rich and avery nice structure gets you through your first taste. Now the Aglianico grape really had my attention. Slides down almost like velvet.


I’d like to try this with something a little gamey – maybe venison.


CASTEL DEL MONTE – TORMARESCA TRENTANGELI ORGANIC 2016

UPC:  08026530000862

14% alcohol

$22.99