CROSS-PORTFOLIO POSTS
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS IN WINE, SPIRITS, & SAKE – INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2021
In the spirit of International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting 19 of Skurnik’s many esteemed female producers and proprietors across the world.
THINGS WE’RE FEELING RIGHT NOW (JAN/FEB 2021)
POUR YOURSELF A (JANCIS) GLASS & ENJOY OUR TOP POSTS OF 2020
TERRE NERE, SELBACH-OSTER, JEAN VESELLE & MORE SELECTED IN WINE & SPIRITS’ ‘TOP 100’ [OKI]
10 of our suppliers were selected in Wine & Spirits Magazine’s ‘Top 100 Wineries of 2020’. We detail what makes these growers so special with a staff pick.
SELBACH-OSTER, RAÚL PÉREZ, HIRSCH & MORE SELECTED IN WINE & SPIRITS’ ‘TOP 100’ [CALIFORNIA]
6 of our suppliers were selected in Wine & Spirits Magazine’s ‘Top 100 Wineries of 2020’. We detail what makes these growers so special with a staff pick.
SELBACH-OSTER, SIGALAS, TERRE NERE & MORE SELECTED IN WINE & SPIRITS’ ‘TOP 100’ [NEW YORK]
12 of our suppliers were selected in Wine & Spirits Magazine’s ‘Top 100 Wineries of 2020’. We detail what makes these growers so special with a staff pick.
PINK PERENNIALS: 5 ROSÉS TO DRINK NOW & INTO THE FALL [CALIFORNIA]
‘Rosé Season’ presents the occasion to celebrate sunny, summer days, and those opportunities to share a bottle (or more) of fresh favorites with friends.
PINK PERENNIALS: 6 ROSÉS TO DRINK NOW & INTO THE FALL [NEW YORK]
‘Rosé Season’ presents the occasion to celebrate sunny, summer days, and those opportunities to share a bottle (or more) of fresh favorites with friends.
AUGUST 11TH SEMINAR WITH ANDY SHALLAL
Andy Shallal addresses issues of diversity & inclusivity as we endeavored to expand our awareness into the bias that undermines the hospitality industry.
INDEPENDENCE DAY REDS, WHITES, & BOOZE
INDEPENDENCE DAY REDS AND WHITES [CALIFORNIA]
This July 4th has us reflecting on the American wine icons that we’re proud to represent. This post focuses on those growers who we define as visionaries.
THE FATHER’S DAY WINE AND SPIRITS GUIDE [NEW YORK]
THE FATHER’S DAY WINE AND SPIRITS GUIDE [NEW JERSEY]
THE FATHER’S DAY WINE AND SPIRITS GUIDE [CONNECTICUT]
THE FATHER’S DAY WINE GUIDE [CALIFORNIA]
With Dad’s Day on the horizon, we wanted to share some potent potables that we thought perfect to cellar or celebrate with father figures of all kinds.
MEMORIAL DAY 2020 – A GUIDE TO SOME OF OUR FAVORITE PORTABLE LIBATIONS
MEMORIAL DAY 2020 – A GUIDE TO SOME OF OUR FAVORITE PORTABLE LIBATIONS [CALIFORNIA]
Find some space to toast to our ancestors, whether it’s with a can, flask, half-bottle, or bag this Memorial Day!
FOR MOMS, BY MOMS – A MOTHER’S DAY TRIBUTE
FOR MOMS, BY MOMS – A MOTHER’S DAY TRIBUTE [NATIONAL]
FOR MOMS, BY MOMS – A MOTHER’S DAY TRIBUTE [CALIFORNIA]
We are inspired by all that moms do, and today shine a spotlight on some of our producers that are creators of wine, sake, and spirits – and are also moms!
FRANCE
PRODUCER: Pierre Girardin
REGION: Burgundy
In 2017, Pierre-Vincent made his very first vintage; it is rare to see a producer’s first releases display such a clear vision of terroir and place.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – FULL TERROIR TALK WITH PIERRE GIRARDIN
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – BEGINNINGS (0:00)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – PIERRE’S PHILOSOPHY (8:34)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – BOURGOGNE BLANC ‘ECLAT DE CALCAIRE’ (14:11)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – ST. AUBIN 1er CRU ‘MURGERS DES DENTS DE CHIEN’ (18:20)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – PIERRE ON MEURSAULT (21:32)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – PHILOSOPHY FOR MAKING RED WINES (24:16)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – VOLNAY 1er ‘CLOS DES CHENES’ (33:08)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – PIERRE ON POMMARD (35:35)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – EXPOSITION: POMMARD ‘LES VAUMURIENS’ VS. ‘LES VIGNOTS’ (37:34)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – HOW POMMARD IS CHANGING (38:58)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – STYLE & TASTE: POMMARD ‘LES VAUMURIENS’ VS. ‘LES VIGNOTS’ (40:52)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – POMMARD 1er ‘LES CHARMOTS’ (46:03)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – BOURGOGNE ROUGE (51:12)
TERROIR TALK: AN INTERVIEW WITH CLÉMENT VERGNON OF CHAMPAGNE JL VERGNON
PRODUCER: JL Vergnon
REGION: Champagne Cote des Blancs
An interview with Clément Vergnon, the 5th generation to lead Champagne JL Vergnon! We discusss 70 years of Vergnon history in Grand Cru Le Mesnil.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: FULL TERROIR TALK WITH CLÉMENT VERGNON OF CHAMPAGNE JL VERGNON
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: 1950s TO 1980: THE HISTORY OF THE VERNON FAMILY IN CHAMPANGE (0:00)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: THE 80S: CLÉMENT’S GRANDFATHER DEVELOPS HIS OWN STYLE & WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY (4:27)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: 1988 TO 1999: CLÉMENT’S GRANDMOTHER MANAGES THE DOMAINE (7:34)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: MURMURE PREMIER CRU BRUT NATURE (22:50)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: CONVERSATION GRAND CRU BRUT (27:40)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: ELOQUENCE GRAND CRU EXTRA BRUT (34:02)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: ROSEMOTION GRAND CRU EXTRA BRUT ROSE (38:29)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: MSNL ‘CHETILLONS & MUSSETTES’ GRAND CRU EXTRA BRUT (43:30)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: HAUTES MOTTES 2011 (50:55)
TERROIR TALK: AN INTERVIEW WITH GUILLAUME & YANNICK DOYARD OF CHAMPAGNE DOYARD
PRODUCER: Doyard
REGION: Champagne Cote des Blancs
An interview with the 11th and 12th generations of Champagne Doyard, who produces some of the most expressive, terroir-focused Champagne out there.⠀⠀
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: FULL TERRORIR TALK: GUILLAUME & YANNICK DOYARD OF CHAMPAGNE DOYARD
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: THE DOYARD FAMILY IN VERTUS (0:00)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: YANNICK’S BEGINNINGS (3:52)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: A TURNING POINT FOR DOYARD – YANNICK SEPARATES FROM BROTHER (8:38)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: YANNICK & LES ARTISANS DU CHAMPAGNE(11:22)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: YANNICK’S WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY (14:49)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: VENDEMIAIRE 1ER CRU BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT (18:14)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO:THE TWO COQUARD PAI PRESSES AT DOYARD (24:52)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: REVOLUTION GRAND CRU BLANC DE BLANCS NON DOSE (27:25)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: CLOS DE L’ABBAYE 1ER BLANC DE BLACS EXTRA BRUT (32:37)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: OEIL DE PERDRIX EXTRA BRUT GRAND CRU (40:39)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: BLANC DE BLANCS EXTRA BRUT GRAND CRU (49:00)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: LES LUMIERES GRAND CRU EXTRA BRUT (52:38)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: COTEAUX CHAMPENOIS BLANCE ‘EN VIEUX FOMBRES’ (59:28)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: 2015 COTEAUX CHAMPENOIS BLANC ‘EN VIEUX FOMBRES’ (1:03:37)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: LA LIBERTINE (1:06:57)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: TWO FUTURE CUVEES (1:14:01)
PROFILES OF BURGUNDY: BACHELET-MONNOT
PRODUCER: Bachelet-Monnot
REGION: Burgandy
Our interview with Marc & Alex Bachelet of Bachelet-Monnot in Dezizes-les-Maranges. We detail the history of the Maranges, of the domaine, & so much more!
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: Profiles of Burgundy: Marc & Alex Bachelet of Bachelet-Monnot
2020 HARVEST NOTES FROM FRANCE – PART II!
PRODUCERS: Bachelet-Monnot, Domaine Francois Mikulski, Domaine Yvon Clerget, Domaine Paul Pillot, Arnaud Mortet, Domaine Denis Mortet, Domaine Jean-Marc Millot, Domaine Balland-Curtet, Domaine Dureuil-Janthial, Domaine Pinson, Domaine de la Butte [Jacky Blot], Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups [Jacky Blot], Florent Cosme, Domaine de l’Enchantoir, Domaine Alain Cailbourdin, Thibaud Boudignon, Chateau de Coulaine, Doyard, JL Vergnon, Domaine Michel Tete, Domaine Mittnacht, Domaine Rolet Pere et Fils, Chateau de Pibarnon,
REGION:France (Burgandy, Loire, Champagne, Beaujolais, Alsace, Loire, Jura, Provence)
2020 has been another complicated, warm, dry growing season across France — hear from our French growers who detail every aspect of the 2020 vintage.
TERROIR TALK: ALAIN GRAILLOT’S BEGINNINGS, PHILOSOPHY, & PROJECTS
PRODUCER: Alain Grillot
REGION: France (Rhone)
Few people in the wine world are as kind, generous, and wield Alain’s level of knowledge and history, notably with the energy & passion of one in their 30s
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: BEGINNINGS & WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: CROZES-HERMITAGE
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: CROZES-HERMITAGE BLANC
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: DOMAINE DE FA
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: SYRAH DU MOROCCO, ‘SYROCCO’
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: ENCINAS, BY ANTOINE GRAILLOT & RAÚL PÉREZ
2020 HARVEST NOTES FROM FRANCE
PRODUCERS: Bachelet-Monnot, Joseph Colin, Domaine Francois Mikulski, Domaine Yvon Clerget, Pierre Girardin, Domaine Paul Pillot, Arnaud Mortet, Domaine Denis Mortet, Domaine Arlaud, Domaine de L’Arlot, Domaine Jean-Marc Millot, Domaine Dureuil-Janthial, Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau, Les Heritiers du Comte Lafon, Domaine Pinson, Domaine de Fa [A & M Graillot], Domaine Michel Tete, Domaine des Marrans, Doyard, Domaine Rolet Pere et Fils, Domaine de la Butte [Jacky Blot, Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups [Jacky Blot], Thibaud Boudignon, Laurent Fayolle, Alain Graillot
REGION: France (Burgandy, Beaujolais, Champagne, Jura, Loire, Northern Rhone)
2020 has been another complicated, warm, dry growing season across France. You have to go back some 500 years to find an earlier harvest…
PRODUCERS: Thibaud Boudignon, Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups [Jacky Blot], Le Rocher des Violettes [Xavier Weisskopf] , Mullineux
REGION: Loire, Swartland
We explored all aspects of Chenin with a remarkable group of growers who are all taking this noble variety to its maximum potential.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – Profiles of Chenin: Thibaud Boudignon
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – Profiles of Chenin: Andrea Mullineux of Mullineux Family Wines
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – Profiles of Chenin: Xavier Weisskopf of Le Rocher des Violettes
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – Profiles of Chenin: Geologist & Terroir Specialist Brenna Quigley
TERROIR TALK: THIBAUD CLERGET OF DOMAINE YVON CLERGET
PRODUCER: Domaine Yvon Clerget
REGION: Burgandy
An interview with Thibaud Clerget, the 28th generation to lead the historic Domaine Yvon Clerget and the next star of the Côte de Beaune.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – FULL TERROIR TALK: THIBAUD CLERGET OF DOMAINE YVON CLERGET
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – HISTORY OF THE DOMAINE (0:11)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THIBAUD’S FIRST VINTAGE (2:05)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO -WHAT THIBAUD HAS FINE-TUNED SINCE 2015 (4:51)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – FARMING PHILOSOPHY (7:09)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE ’15, ’16, ’18, + ’19 VINTAGES (9:47)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE NEXT GENERATION OF WINEMAKERS IN BURGUNDY (11:52)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – WHAT’S NEXT FOR DOMAINE YVON CLERGET (13:46)
IN THE CELLAR WITH THIBAUD BOUDIGNON, A LIVING LOIRE LEGEND
PRODUCER: Thibaud Boudignon
REGION: Savennières
A deep dive into the complexities of Thibaud’s cuvées and how he is using Chenin as a medium to express each distinctive terroir that he works with.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THIBAUD BOUDIGNON ON ‘LA VIGNE CENDRÉE’
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THIBAUD BOUDIGNON ON ‘LE CLOS DE FREMINE’
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THIBAUD BOUDIGNON ON ‘CLOS DE LA HUTTE’
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THIBAUD BOUDIGNON ON THE ROSÉ DE LOIRE
TERROIR TALK: PIERRE-YVES COLIN (PYCM) ON THE 2018 VINTAGE, ST. AUBIN, & PERNAND-VERGELESSES
PRODUCER: Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey
REGION: Burgundy
We’re sharing three videos from Pierre-Yves Colin (PYCM) – from the cellar, from just outside the village of St. Aubin, and in Pernand-Vergelesses.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – PIERRE-YVES COLIN ON ON THE 2018 BURGUNDY VINTAGE
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – PIERRE-YVES COLIN ON ST. AUBIN
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – PIERRE-YVES COLIN ON PERNAND-VERGELESSES
TERROIR TALK: THIERRY PILLOT OF DOMAINE PAUL PILLOT
PRODUCER: Domaine Paul Pillot
REGION: Burgundy
Thierry Pillot is truly one of a kind – a thoughtful vigneron who consistently provides some of the most soulful insights into the world of Burgundy.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – FULL TERROIR TALK WITH THIERRY PILLOT (6:46)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – MASSAL SELECTION AT ‘LA ROMANÉE’ (0:43)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – BEDROCK ABOVE ‘LA ROMANÉE’ (1:02)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – ‘LA ROMANÉE’ (1:26)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – ‘LA GRANDE MONTAGNE’ (1:08)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – BEDROCK ABOVE ‘LA GRANDE MONTAGNE’ (0:46)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – ‘LES GRANDES RUCHOTTES’ (0:32)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – ‘LES CAILLERETS’ (1:24)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – TOP OF ‘LES CAILLERETS’ (0:45)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – ‘CLOS ST. JEAN’ (0:54)
TERROIR TALK: DOMINIQUE LAFON ON TRAILBLAZING THE MÂCONNAIS
PRODUCER: Héritiers du Comte Lafon
REGION: Burgundy
This is a video from Dominique’s visit to New York in early March for the 20th La Paulée. In this interview we dive into the nuances of the Mâconnais – an under-appreciated Mecca for chiseled Chardonnay and discuss the latest arrivals, including his delicious 2018’s!
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – FULL TERROIR TALK WITH DOMINIQUE LAFON (22:55)
TOP OF THE HILL! JEAN-PHILIPPE BLOT OF DOMAINE DE LA BUTTE
PRODUCER: Domaine de la Butte [Jacky Blot]
REGION: Loire
Jean-Philippe Blot visited our NYC headquarters in January and in this video, he discusses some of his remarkable 2018 releases from Bourgeuil as well as his organic farming practices.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – Jean Philippe Blot – 2018 Bourgueil from Domaine de la Butte (Jacky Blot)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – Domaine de la Butte – Le Haut de la Butte, Perrieres, & Mi-Pente
A VISIT WITH GROWER CHAMPAGNE ROYALTY – EGLY-OURIET
PRODUCER/S: Egly-Ouriet
REGION: Montagne de Reims, Champagne
A love letter about a visit to Egly-Ouriet, highlighting two new wines soon to be released (a 2016 Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay blend and a stunning Chardonnay-based Grand Cru bottling from vines planted in 1902 in Verzy)
THE 2018 VINTAGE IN CHABLIS IS ONE FOR THE AGES
PRODUCER/S: Domaine Pinson, Domaine Vincent Dampt
REGION: Burgundy
Charlene Pinson and Vincent Dampt discuss why 2018 will go down as one of the most astonishing vintages that Chablis has ever encountered.
THIERRY SABON OF CLOS DU MONT-OLIVET – THE UNTAPPED MAGIC OF LIRAC
PRODUCER/S: Clos du Mont-Olivet
REGION: Rhône
Adding to the next generation of winemakers learning from the last, Thierry Sabon, along with his father Jean-Claude, strategized to make their mark in the Cru of Lirac, a new site for the winery.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – FULL TERROIR TALK WITH THIERRY SABON (5:38)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THIERRY SABON ON LIRAC (5:14)
THE GOLDEN AGE OF FRENCH WINE IS NOW (DESPITE THREATS OF TARIFFS!)
PRODUCER/S: Bachelet-Monnot, Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau, Joseph Colin, Pierre Girardin, Domaine Jean-Marc Millot, Domaine Pinson, Champagne Doyard, JL Vergnon, Domaine de la Butte, Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups, Laurent Fayolle
There has been no better stretch of great vintages or more exceptionally talented growers at the height of their powers than TODAY. So what about the last ten years or so make it the Golden Age for French Wine?
2019 HARVEST NOTES FROM OUR FRIENDS IN FRANCE
PRODUCER/S: Bachelet-Monnot, Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau, Domaine Yvon Clerget, Domaine Dureuil-Janthial, Pierre Girardin, Domaine Remi Jobard, Domaine Jean-Marc Millot, Domaine Pinson, Domaine de la Butte, Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups, Thibaud Boudignon, Domaine Rolet, Domaine Remejeanne, Clos Bellane
2019 has been a rollercoaster for our some of our favorite producers in France, as Mother Nature has again thrown the proverbial kitchen sink at them this growing season. The bright side is that most of the great growers were better prepared than almost any other year before, as the practice and lessons learned from years like 2003, 2009, and 2015 have helped them find creative and effective solutions to deal with global warming and its effect on wine growing, harvest, and vinification.
HISTORY AND DESTINY: THE FIRST RELEASES OF MEURSAULT’S PIERRE GIRARDIN
PRODUCER/S: Pierre Girardin
REGION: Burgundy
One might ask what they were doing when they were 20-21 years old? Pierre-Vincent Girardin can say he made a range of 18 wines from Bourgogne level all the way up to storied Grand Crus such as Corton and Montrachet – and at a quality level that has already put him in the conversation with more experienced and famous growers.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – FULL TERROIR TALK WITH PIERRE GIRARDIN (3:31)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – PIERRE GIRARDIN ON ‘PULIGNY MONTRACHET FOLATIÈRES’ (3:20)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – PIERRE GIRARDIN ON ‘BÂTARD MONTRACHET GRAND CRU’ (3:08)
IN THE VINEYARD WITH BURGUNDY’S BEST KEPT SECRET – DOMAINE FRANTZ CHAGNOLEAU
PRODUCER/S: Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau
REGION: Burgundy
An abbreviated history of Domaine Frantz Changnoleau, plus some highlights in the vineyard from our latest trip to Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau, with some notes and narration by Skurnik’s David Hinkle.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – TOP OF THE HILL IN VIRÉ
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – NEXT LEVEL FOLIAGE MANAGEMENT
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – A VINE’S QUEST FOR MOISTURE
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – A NURSERY FOR ALL-STAR CHARDONNAY GENETIC MATERIAL
PIERRE-YVES COLIN-MOREY: THE ROCK OF CHASSAGNE
PRODUCER/S: Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey
REGION: Burgundy
Since his first vintage in 2004, Pierre-Yves Colin immediately caught the world’s attention with wines of unparalleled energy and verve. Even his Bourgogne Blanc put everyone on notice, leading one of the top wine writers in the world, Jancis Robinson, to remark.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – PIERRE-YVES COLIN ON ON THE 2018 BURGUNDY VINTAGE (2:19)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – PIERRE-YVES COLIN ON ST. AUBIN (2:17)
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – PIERRE-YVES COLIN ON PERNAND-VERGELESSES (2:07)
GROUNDBREAKING FLEURIE: DOMAINE DE FA FROM GRAILLOT + DOMAINE DES MARRANS FROM MATHIEU MELINAND
PRODUCER/S: Domaine de Fa & Domaine des Marrans
REGION: Rhône & Beaujolais
Among the 10 crus of that represent the highest tier of quality in Beaujolais, the pink granite-laden Fleurie is the one that most consistently delivers grace and beauty. Growers who have excelled at displaying Fleurie’s more delicate side are the famed Graillot brothers of Domaine de Fa and the young Mathieu Melinand of Domaine des Marrans.
JOSEPH COLIN: THE NEXT CHAPTER OF A BURGUNDIAN LEGACY
PRODUCER/S: Joseph Colin
REGION: Burgundy
Joseph is the son of Marc Colin, and the younger brother of Pierre-Yves Colin; he effectively started his own domaine in 2017 with approximately 6ha of vines from the original Domaine Marc Colin
DOMAINE DUREUIL-JANTHIAL: BURGUNDY’S QUIET SUPERSTAR
PRODUCER/S: Domaine Dureuil-Janthial
REGION: Burgundy
The immensely talented Vincent Dureuil, only in his mid-30s, produces a stunning range of single-vineyard white and red Burgundies in the Cote-Chalonnaise village of Rully, where his family has been since the 1500s
POSTCARDS FROM THE 2018 HARVEST IN FRANCE
REGION/S: Provence, Burgundy, Jura, Beaujolais, Northern Rhône, Loire, Champagne, Alsace
With the barrels being filled, the tanks frothing away, the presses put to slumber, and the birds eagerly eying their leftover treats, the 2018 harvest in France is beginning to wind down. Join us as we look through the eyes of the people on the ground, who for the past month have toiled night and day in an effort to accurately capture a snapshot of mother nature’s work in 2018.
ARLAUD’S 2016 VINTAGE: A TRIUMPH IN TIMES OF TROUBLE
PRODUCER/S: Domaine Arlaud
REGION: Burgundy
After the most difficult vintage of his career, Arlaud emerged with a lineup rivaling any top producer in Burgundy.
PRODUCER/S: Domaine Rémi Jobard & Domaine Boyer-Martenot
REGION: Burgundy
PRODUCER/S: Sitting in a restaurant with some of Burgundy’s brightest stars, the evening started with a simple question, “Meursault, Puligny, or Chassagne?”
DOMAINE DE LA PETITE GALLEE: LYON’S GAMAY KING
PRODUCER/S: Domaine de la Petite Gallee
REGION: Coteaux du Lyonnais
Families from all over Lyon flock to Domaine de la Petite Gallee’s cellar to purchase what many consider to be the finest wines in the region.
PRODUCER/S: Domaine Taille Aux Loups, Domaine de la Butte, Domaine Alliet, Domaine du Carrou
REGION: Loire
While 2015 wasn’t always “easy” on the ground, the trend of warmer vintages of the past decade came to a stunning climax with the epic reds of 2015.
JACKY BLOT: THE MAESTRO OF MONTLOUIS
PRODUCER/S: Jacky Blot
REGION: Loire
Jacky Blot of Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups and Domaine de la Butte has been leading the movement towards laser-pure, dry, terroir-driven Loire Valley Chenin for decades
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – JACKY BLOT: THE MAESTRO OF MONTLOUIS
JACKY BLOT FULL INTERVIEW PART 1
PRODUCER/S: Jacky Blot
REGION: Loire
Part 1 of our interview with Jacky Blot of Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups and Domaine de la Butte!
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – JACKY BLOT FULL INTERVIEW PART I (7:48)
JACKY BLOT FULL INTERVIEW PART 2
PRODUCER/S: Jacky Blot
REGION: Loire
Part 2 of our interview with Jacky Blot of Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups and Domaine de la Butte!
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – JACKY BLOT FULL INTERVIEW PART II (6:54)
JACKY BLOT FULL INTERVIEW PART 3
PRODUCER/S: Jacky Blot
REGION: Loire
Part 3 of our interview with Jacky Blot of Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups and Domaine de la Butte!
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – JACKY BLOT FULL INTERVIEW PART III (7:48)
JACKY BLOT FULL INTERVIEW PART 4
PRODUCER/S: Jacky Blot
REGION: Loire
Part 4 of our interview with Jacky Blot of Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups and Domaine de la Butte!
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – JACKY BLOT FULL INTERVIEW PART IV (6:06)
JACKY BLOT FULL INTERVIEW PART 5
PRODUCER/S: Jacky Blot
REGION: Loire
Part 5 of our interview with Jacky Blot of Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups and Domaine de la Butte!
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – JACKY BLOT FULL INTERVIEW PART V (4:27)
THE BIG FREEZE IN FRANCE APRIL 2017 – SNAPSHOTS AND REFLECTIONS
In April 2017, a dangerous frost swept through Northern France. Here are stories from some of our winegrowers on the ground, battling nature.
THE LEGACY OF GRAILLOT: MAXIME GRAILLOT & DOMAINE EQUIS
PRODUCER/S: Domaine Equis
REGION: Northern Rhône
Maxime Graillot of Domaine Equis & Domaine Alain Graillot has been reassuring Syrah fans around the world that the Graillot name will live on in Rhone lore.
BENCHMARK BIODYNAMIC BURGUNDY: DOMAINE DE L’ARLOT
PRODUCER/S: Domaine de l’Arlot
REGION: Burgundy
Domaine de l’Arlot embodies what is possible with exceptional Burgundian terroir, through biodynamic farming and non-interventionist winemaking.
ON TOP OF THE WORLD – CHÂTEAU DE PIBARNON IN BANDOL
PRODUCER/S: Château de Pibarnon
REGION: Provence
Perched at the highest point of Bandol, Château de Pibarnon crafts wines of seductive elegance that can age for decades.
CHAMPAGNE EGLY-OURIET: POWER AND ELEGANCE IN AMBONNAY
PRODUCER/S: Egly-Ouriet
REGION: Champagne Montagne de Reims
Egly-Ouriet continues to be a leading light in the world of Grower Champagne, crafting wines of staggering complexity and ageability
THE INSPIRING BUBBLES OF JL VERGNON
PRODUCER/S: Champagne JL Vergnon
REGION: Cote des Blancs, Champagne
Based in the Grand Cru Village of Le Mesnil, Christophe Constant of Champagne JL Vergnon is crafting chalky, terroir drive wines.
DOMAINE PINSON: KIMMERIDGIAN NOBILITY
PRODUCER/S: Domaine Pinson
REGION: Burgundy
Domaine Pinson is a historic estate in the heart of Chablis, crafting crystalline Chardonnay that relays the singular qualities of Kimmeridgian soil.
DOMAINE ARLAUD: BALANCE AND BIODYNAMICS IN BURGUNDY
PRODUCER/S: Domaine Arlaud
REGION: Burgundy
Domaine Arlaud is a pioneer of biodynamic farming in the Burgundy village of Morey St. Denis. Cyprien Arlaud crafts beautiful and balanced Pinot Noir.
DOMAINE DANIEL ET JULIEN BARRAUD: THE MASTER OF VERGISSON
PRODUCER/S: Domaine Daniel et Julien Barraud
REGION: Burgundy
With holdings in the best and oldest vineyards in the region, the wines of Daniel et Julien Barraud are a PhD level course in world-class Chardonnay.
FRANTZ CHAGNOLEAU: TERROIR-DRIVEN MÂCONNAIS WINES
PRODUCER/S: Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau
REGION: Burgundy
Domaine Frantz Chagnoleau is a small estate run by two talented farmers and winemakers, Frantz Chagnoleau and Caroline Gon.
CHAMPAGNE DOYARD IS A MASTER OF CHARDONNAY
PRODUCER/S: Doyard
REGION: Cotes des Blancs, Champagne
Champagne Doyard is a master of Chardonnay in Vertus. Winemaker Charles Doyard’s relentless and painstaking devotion to his craft has elevated the domaine into a beacon for precise, mineral-etched Champagnes.
CHAMPAGNE, GERMANY, & AUSTRIA
THE 2020 GERMANY VINTAGE REPORT
PRODUCERS: Johannes Selbach, Dönnhoff, Kruger-Rumpf, Müller-Catoir, Theresa Breuer, Von Winning, Spreitzer, Braunewell, Theo Minges, Strub, Goldatzel, Dautel, Georg Breuer
REGIONS: Rheingau, Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Nahe
A series of interviews with our growers from all over Germany detailing the growing conditions of the vintage and what this points to in terms of the general character of the wines.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE 2020 VINTAGE IN GERMANY – Andreas Huetwohl
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE 2020 VINTAGE IN GERMANY – Dönnhoff
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE 2020 VINTAGE IN GERMANY – Spreitzer
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE 2020 VINTAGE IN GERMANY – Braunewell
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE 2020 VINTAGE IN GERMANY – Selbach – Oster
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE 2020 VINTAGE IN GERMANY – Müller-Catoir
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE 2020 VINTAGE IN GERMANY – Diel
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE 2020 VINTAGE IN GERMANY – Theo Minges
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE 2020 VINTAGE IN GERMANY – Strub
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE 2020 VINTAGE IN GERMANY – Kruger-Rumpf
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE 2020 VINTAGE IN GERMANY – Goldatzel
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE 2020 VINTAGE IN GERMANY – Dautel
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE 2020 VINTAGE IN GERMANY – Georg Breuer
PRODUCER AND PLACE: CHAMPAGNE TODAY
PRODUCERS: Vilmart & Cie , Pierre Péters, Cédric Moussé, Mouzon-Leroux, Pierre Gimonnet & Fils, Geoffroy
REGIONS: Champagne Vallee de la Marne, Champagne Montagne de Reims, Champagne Cote des Blancs
Recently, articles have been written in The Wall Street Journal and Wine Enthusiast about Grower Champagne. Both well-written pieces touch on familiar themes, a re-telling of the David and Goliath parable: big brands versus small, artisanal growers.
THE 2020 AUSTRIA VINTAGE REPORT
PRODUCERS: Nikolaihof, Alzinger, Bernhard Ott, Hiedler, Schloss Gobelsburg, Prieler, Heidi Schrock, Nigl,
REGIONS: Kamptal, Neusiedlersee-Huggeland
In Austria, 2020 is characterized as “classic”; a cooler vintage with excellent structure, lower overall alcohol levels, high aromatics, and great balance.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO- THE 2020 VINTAGE IN AUSTRIA – Nikolaihof
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO- THE 2020 VINTAGE IN AUSTRIA – Alzinger
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO- THE 2020 VINTAGE IN AUSTRIA – Ott
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO- THE 2020 VINTAGE IN AUSTRIA – Hiedler
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO- THE 2020 VINTAGE IN AUSTRIA – Gobelsburg
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO- THE 2020 VINTAGE IN AUSTRIA – Prieler
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO- THE 2020 VINTAGE IN AUSTRIA – Heidi Schröck
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO- THE 2020 VINTAGE IN AUSTRIA – Nigl
PRODUCERS: Müller-Catoir, Theo Minges, Braunewell, Geil, Kruger-Rumpf
REGIONS: Pfalz, Rheinhessen
Scheurebe (Sh-oy-Rey-Buh), a cross of Riesling and an unknown grape variety, Scheurebe, is highly aromatic with bracing, Riesling-like acidity. Check out some of our excellent 2019 offerings of this oft-misunderstood and wonderful grape.
FOUNDATIONS OF FLAVOR: ON ACID WITH JOHANNES SELBACH
PRODUCER: Selbach
REGION: Mosel
A dialog with Johannes Selbach about acidity and its role in wine, climate change, the rise of dry wines in the Mosel, and Riesling’s demands of a drinker.
CHAMPAGNE’S SPÉCIAL CLUB: NEW RELEASES FROM OUTSTANDING GROWERS
PRODUCERS: Pierre Gimonnet & Fils, Mouzon-Leroux, Gaston Chiquet, Goutorbe, Mousse Fils, Marc Hebrart, A. Margaine
REGIONS: Champagne
We are excited to share with you the latest releases from Spécial Club growers Gimonnet, Mouzon-Leroux, Chiquet, Goutorbe, Moussé, Hébrart, & A Margaine.
THANKSGIVING MIS EN PLACE: OUR PICKS FROM GERMANY, AUSTRIA, & CHAMPAGNE
PRODUCERS: Dautel, Schloss Gobelsburg, Gaston Chiquet, Geoffroy, Pierre Gimonnet & Fils, Bernhard Ott, Donnhoff, Nikolaihof, Prieler, Ziereisen, Goldatzel, Selbach-Oster, Schloss Lieser, Willi Schaefer, Hans Reisetbauer, A. Margaine, Mouzon-Leroux, Marc Hebrart
REGIONS: Germany (Wurttemberg, Nahe, Baden, Rheingau, Mosel), Austria (Kamptal, Wagram, Neusiedlersee-Huggeland, Upper Austria) Champagne (Champagne Vallee de la Marne)
Selections for this Thanksgiving, from bracing bubbles to start, to whites and reds for dinner, champagne for the cleanup crew, and every moment in between!
THE LAST FIVE METERS: KRUGER-RUMPF COMES INTO THEIR OWN
PRODUCER: Kruger-Rumpf
REGION: Nahe
If you haven’t tasted wines from Kruger-Rumpf in the past few vintages you’re missing something special in the world of wine; a rising star.
EXQUISITE 2019S AND THE MOSEL’S NEWEST VDP MEMBER: AJ ADAM
PRODUCER: A.J. Adam
REGION: Mosel
One of the finest estates in the Middle Mosel, AJ Adam is based in the village of Dhron. We discuss the AJ Adam vineyards, 2019s, and their VDP membership.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – Andreas & Barbara Adam of A.J. Adam on the Single Sites
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – The 2019 Vintage: Barbara and Andreas Adam of A.J. Adam
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – Andreas & Barbara Adam of A.J. Adam on Joining the VDP
DÖNNHOFF’S 2019 COLLECTION: TIRELESS WORK, INCREDIBLE RESULTS
PRODUCER: Dönnhoff
REGION: Nahe
We tasted with Cornelius Dönnhoff earlier this year and while 2019 was not an easy harvest, hard work in the vineyards produced an outstanding collection.
GERMANY, AUSTRIA, & CHAMPAGNE VIDEO ARCHIVE
GERMANY’S NAHE: A GEOLOGIST’S PARADISE
PRODUCERS: Hexamer, Dönnhoff, Schneider, Kruger-Rumpf, Schlossgut Diel
REGION: Nahe
The Nahe is one of the smallest and the most geologically diverse regions in Germany; learn all about the Nahe through the lens of our producers.
THE 2019 GERMANY VINTAGE REPORT
PRODUCERS: Schloss Lieser, Braunewell, Selbach-Oster, Loewen, Schlossgut Diel, A.J. Adam, Strub
REGIONS: Rheinhessen, Nahe, Mosel
A breakdown of the 2019 climactic conditions in Germany, what they mean for our offering, and virtual conversations with winemakers on the vintage.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – The 2019 Vintage: Thomas Haag of Schloss Lieser
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – The 2019 Vintage: Stefan Braunewellraune
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – The 2019 Vintage: Johannes Selbach
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – The 2019 Vintage: Christopher Loewen
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – The 2019 Vintage: Caroline Diel
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – The 2019 Vintage: Barbara and Andreas Adam of A.J. Adam
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – 2019 Vintage Report with Sebastian Strub
THE 2019 AUSTRIA VINTAGE REPORT
PRODUCERS: Nikolaihof, Alzinger, Berger, Ott, Bründlmayer, Hiedler, Gobelsburg, Setzer, Prieler
REGIONS: Austria: Wachau, Kremstal, Wagram, Kamptal, Weinviertel, Neusiedlersee – Hügelland
A breakdown of the climactic conditions growers worked through, what they mean for our offering, and virtual conversations with winemakers on the vintage.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE 2019 VINTAGE NIKKI SAAHS NIKOLAIHOF
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE 2019 VINTAGE LEO ALZINGER
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE 2019 VINTAGE ERICH BERGER
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE 2019 VINTAGE BERNHARD OTT
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE 2019 VINTAGE ANDREAS WICKHOFF OF BRÜNDLMAYER
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE 2019 VINTAGE LUDWIG HIEDLER
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE 2019 VINTAGE MICHAEL MOOSBRUGGER OF GOBELSBURG
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE 2019 VINTAGE HANS SETZER
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – THE 2019 VINTAGE GEORG PRIELER
CLICK HERE FOR 2019 VINTAGE REPORT
VON WINNING’S 2018 GGs: BEST COLLECTION YET
PRODUCER/S: von Winning
The highlights of our most recent tasting at Von Winning were the GGs; 2018 vintage marks the 10th year that we’ve offered these wines.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – ANDREAS HUETWOHL ON THE MITTELHAARDT
PFALZ: THE WINES OF THE RHEINLAND
PRODUCER/S: Theo Minges, Gregor Messmer von Winning, Müller-Catoir, Eugen-Müller, Darting
REGION: Pfalz
In this post we detail the rich geological history of the Pfalz and break down the unique characteristics of the Südpfalz, Mittelhaardt, and Unterhaardt.
PRODUCER/S: Ecker, Berger, Setzer, Hofer, Darting
REGION: Kremstal, Weinviertel, Wagram, Pfalz
Our top large format (liter) bottle suggestions featuring Ecker, Berger, Setzer, Hofer & Darting
CHAMPAGNE’S SPÉCIAL CLUB: NEW RELEASES FROM OUTSTANDING GROWERS
PRODUCER/S: Gimonnet, Mouzon-Leroux, Gaston Chiquet, Goutorbe, Mousse Fils, Marc Hebrart, A. Margaine
REGION: Champagne
We are excited to share with you the latest releases from Spécial Club growers Pierre Gimonnet, Mouzon-Leroux, Gaston Chiquet, Henri Goutorbe, Moussé & Fils, Marc Hébrart, & Arnaud Margaine.
INTRODUCING SCHLOSS LIESER & THE HAAG FAMILY: MOSEL RIESLINGS WITH COMPLEXITY & PRECISION
PRODUCER/S: Schloss Lieser
REGION: Mosel, Germany
From the time that Thomas announced that he would stay and develop Schloss Lieser, the estate would enter a period of intense investment and growth, adding more Grand Cru sites to their already impressive holdings.
SUMMER AIN’T OVER YET! SKURNIK STAFF PICKS FROM GERMANY, AUSTRIA, & CHAMPAGNE
PRODUCER/S: Prieler, Mouzon-Leroux, Pierre Peters, Marc Hebrart, Bernhard Ott, Sclossgut Diel, Schneider, Vilmart & Cie, Mousse Fils, Brundlmayer, Kruger Rumpf
INTRODUCING DEHOURS & FILS: MEUNIER SOUTH OF THE MARNE
PRODUCER/S: Dehours
REGION: Vallee de la Marne, Champagne
Jérôme is a producer who is full of energy and life, who loves his work and the community of growers in Champagne; he’s one of the founders of Les Artisan du Champagne, a group of growers formed to promote high-quality RM wines. His wines reflect his curiosity and excitement but also an uncommon precision which deepens each year. We are very excited to introduce you to the Dehours family and these outstanding Champagnes!
INTRODUCING BRAUNEWELL: RHEINHESSEN
PRODUCER/S: Braunewell
REGION: Rheinhessen
Braunewell is a family-run enterprise, with 27 hectares, and operating with wisdom, sentiment and competence. The family is serious about what they do, making wines with care and craftsmanship – it’s not an estate operated by amateurs. Braunewell is contemporary, but not “modern”; it has soul and character.
VILMART: WINE FIRST, THEN CHAMPAGNE
PRODUCER/S: Vilmart & Cie
REGION: Montagne de Reims, Champagne
Founded by Désiré Vilmart in 1890, the Vilmart Estate has produced their own wines since the beginning.
BOOZE & BUBBLES: MEET THE MEN & WOMEN BEHIND THE MARQUES!
Skurnik’s Spirits continue to grow in breadth and reputation. This past October, Spirits took the lead in a tasting appropriately titled, “Booze & Bubbles.”
ALZINGER: PRECISION & ELEGANCE FROM THE WACHAU
PRODUCER/S: Alzinger
REGION: Wachau, Austria
Leo Alzinger is located in Unterloiben, just across the street from Knoll. Leo owns parcels in two of the great vineyards in this part of the river valley: Loibenberg and Steinertal. On the terraced vineyards of both sites, riesling is cultivated on the higher, more primary rock rich parcels while grüner veltliner is cultivated on the lower, silty, loess based parcels.
INTRODUCING CHAMPAGNE PHILIPPE GLAVIER!
PRODUCER/S: Philippe Glavier
REGION: Cotes des Blancs, Champagne
Phillipe used the cellars of Véronique’s family until the two were able to buy their own cuverie. Essentially, this is a winery started from scratch.
INTRODUCING MOUZON-LEROUX: RISING STAR IN VERZY
PRODUCER/S: Mouzon-Leroux
REGION: Montagne de Reims, Champagne
These are some of the most exciting wines we’ve tasted in a long time – pure expressions of Verzy Grand Cru. We are now partnering with Sébastien Mouzon!
PRODUCER/S: Pierre Gimonnet, Gaston Chiquet, Henri Goutorbe, Mousse & Fils, Marc Hebrart, A. Margaine
REGION: Champagne
In 1971 a group of twelve growers started an organization to promote the concept of terroir and estate bottled, or grower Champagne in France and abroad. Today, the group consists of 28 growers, including three of the original members: Pierre Gimonnet, Gaston Chiquet and Paul Bara.
GOBELSBURG: TRADITION AND TERROIR IN THE KAMPTAL
PRODUCER/S: Schloss Gobelsburg
REGION: Kamptal, Austria
This synthesis between old and new, tradition and innovation is what makes Schloss Gobelsburg one of the most vital estates in Austria.
PRODUCER/S: Alfred and Rolf Merkelbach
REGION: Mosel, Germany
Drinking Merkelbach can be a profound juxtaposition of an experience that is deep-rooted, while humble, and always full of life.
GRÜNER VELTLINER: AUSTRIA’S GLORIOUS GRAPE
PRODUCER/S: Hofer, Setzer, Berger, Nikolaihof, Hiedler, Ott, Hirsch, Alzinger, Schloss Gobelsburg, Brundlmayer
REGION: Austria
Grüner Veltliner from top Austrian producers can achieve incredible aromatic depth in the cellar and age beautifully for many years.
NIKOLAIHOF: DEEP ROOTS IN THE WACHAU
PRODUCER/S: Nikolaihof
REGION: Wachau, Austria
On the eastern edge of the Wachau valley, lies Nikolaihof in the village of Mautern, this biodynamic wine estates history dates back to the 1st millennium.
MOUSSÉ FILS: MEUNIER THROUGH TRAGEDY AND TRIUMPH
PRODUCER/S: Champagne Mousse Fils
REGION: Vallee de la Marne, Champagne
Moussé Fils is a Meunier focused estate in the village of Cuisles, home to one of Champagne’s young heroes, Cédric Moussé, a fourth generation vigneron.
HOMAGE AND LEGACY AT PIERRE PÉTERS
PRODUCER/S: Pierre Péters
REGION: Cotes de Blanc, Champagne
The story of the Pierre Péters estate is one of commitment, reconciliation, and above all passion for the land and legacy.
HEIDI SCHRÖCK: A REVIVAL IN RUST
PRODUCER/S: Heidi Schrock
REGION: Neusiedlersee-Huggeland, Austria
Heidi Schröck’s family has been making rare and wonderful sweet wines in the Austrian village of Rust, on Lake Neusiedl, for two hundred years.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – HEIDI SCHRÖCK: IN PURSUIT OF SWEETNESS (2:43)
WEINGUT PRIELER: BENCHMARK AUSTRIAN BLAUFRÄNKISCH
PRODUCER/S: Prieler
REGION: Neusiedlersee-Huggeland, Austria
The Prieler family has been farming in the village of Schützen, on the western side of the Lake Neusiedl, for more than 150 years.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – WEINGUT PRIELER: VITICULTURE & TRADITION IN AUSTRIA’s BURGENLAND (2:44)
KRUGER-RUMPF: TERROIR IN THE NAHE
PRODUCER/S: Kruger-Rumpf
REGION: Nahe, Germany
The Kruger-Rumpf estate is a small family-owned winery in the northern Nahe region of Germany.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – KRUGER-RUMPF: TERROIR IN THE NAHE (1:29)
WEINGUT HIRSCH: GREAT KAMPTAL TERROIR
PRODUCER/S: Johannes Hirsch
REGION: Kamptal, Austria
Johannes Hirsch is crafting some of the finest wines in the Kamptal, Hirsch is a tireless force in the region, constantly pushing boundaries.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – HIRSCH: TERROIR IN THE KAMPTAL (1:51)
INTRODUCING GOLDATZEL: QUINTESSENTIAL RIESLING FROM GERMANY’S RHEINGAU
PRODUCER/S: Goldatzel
REGION: Rheingau, Germany
Goldatzel is a small family estate in the Rheingau. Gerd & Andrea Gross, with their son Johannes Gross craft world-class, terroir driven Rieslings.
VON WINNING: GRAND CRU RIESLING FROM THE PFALZ
PRODUCER/S: Von Winning
REGION: Pfalz, Germany
Von Winning is one of the finest wineries in German making powerful Grand Cru Rieslings from the best sites in the Mittelhaardt.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – VON WINNING: HISTORY, TRADITION, & TERROIR (1:45)
INTRODUCING GEORG BREUER: CLASSIC RHEINGAU RIESLINGS
PRODUCER/S: Weingut Georg Breuer
REGION: Rheingau, Germany
We are pleased to announce a new partnership between Skurnik Wines & Weingut Georg Breuer, one of the finest estates in the Rheingau.
SELBACH-OSTER: BRILLIANT MOSEL CLASSICS
PRODUCER/S: Selbach Oster
REGION: Mosel, Germany
Johannes Selbach talks about the his family’s estate and 400 years of history and winemaking – a passion for Riesling!
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – SELBACH: RIESLING ROOTED IN TRADITION (2:28)
PRODUCER/S: Donnhoff
REGION: Nahe, Germany
The Dönnhoff family has been in Nahe, Germany for 250 years. Cornelius speaks about his sustainably-farmed Riesling and how his world-class wines are made.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – DÖNNHOFF: A NAHE LEGEND (2:27)
A.J. ADAM: DELICATE & MINERAL MOSEL CLASSICS
PRODUCER/S: A.J. Adam
REGION: Mosel, Germany
Andreas Adam of A.J. Adam is one of the top producers in the Middle Mosel.
JAPAN
5 SAKE WE’RE FEELING RIGHT NOW (& INTRODUCING OUR FULL JAPANESE BEVERAGE PORTFOLIO!)
PRODUCERS: Kurosawa Brewery, Kirinzan Brewery, Nagai Shuzo, Kenbishi Shuzo
REGIONS: Nagano, Niigata, Gunma, Hyogo
We’re excited to announce an expansion of our offerings in OH & KY! We’re also offering our focused favorites– 5 choice sake from 4 different producers.
IWAO NIIZAWA: QUIET REVOLUTIONARY OF THE SAKE WORLD
PRODUCER/S: Niizawa Jozoten
REGION: Miyagi Prefecture
What can sake be? Niizawa pushes the limits for the category with ‘the ultimate food sake’ & a sake from rice polished to 7% of its original size.
RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY: THE FIRST 500 YEARS OF KENBISHI BREWERY
PRODUCER/S: Kenbishi Shuzo
REGION: Hyogo
One of the biggest sake makers in the world, in business since 1505, Kenbishi still has more traditional methods (and are more hands-on) than most makers a fraction of their size. They even create their own equipment!
AN IN-DEPTH SHOCHU SEMINAR WITH THE ‘YOUNG GUNS OF MIYAZAKI’
PRODUCER/S: Kuroki Honten Distillery, Kodama Distillery, Yanagita Distillery, Watanabe Distillery
REGION: Miyazaki
Four artinsinal shochu producers visited Skurnik in February 2020 to showcase one of the most popular spirits from Japan. Fun fact: there is about three times more shochu produced every year than tequila!
THE OLD WAYS: BODAIMOTO, KIMOTO, & YAMAHAI
PRODUCER/S: Kurosawa Brewery, Kenbishi Shuzo, Kodama Brewery, Yucho Brewery, Kiminoi Brewery
In the past decade, sake fans and brewers alike have become interested in the old ways and there has been a revival of the fascinating range of flavors they can bring.
NEW TO CALIFORNIA: OUR JAPANESE SAKE PORTFOLIO
PRODUCER/S: Yamachu Honke Brewery, Gochoda Brewer, Hamakawa Shoten Brewery, Isojiman Brewery, Niizawa Brewery, Sumikawa Brewery, Takagi Brewery, Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten
Skurnik Wines is pleased to announce the addition of a premium Japanese sake portfolio to California!
BEFORE THE BOTTLE, GROWING SAKE RICE IN JAPAN
PRODUCER/S: Onda Brewery, Yamachu Honke Brewery, Niizawa Brewery
Japan has a particularly strong history with rice which dates back 3,000 years, and since its introduction from mainland Asia rice has become an integral part of Japanese culture. From daily meals to Shinto religious ceremonies to sake itself, rice touches every part of life in Japan. Even tax payments were once made directly with rice!
“SELLING SAKE IN YOUR BAR AND RESTAURANT” WEBINAR FEATURING SKURNIK’S JAMIE GRAVES!
Jamie-san covers some of the most frequently-asked-questions in the biz, why restaurants and bars should care about building a sake program, and tips for selling sake.
SAKE ISN’T PICKY ABOUT FOOD (BUT IT DOES HAVE FAVORITES) – SAKE AND FOOD PAIRING
PRODUCER/S: Hamakawa Shoten Brewery, Matsuse Brewery, Sakata Shuzo, Mutemuka Brewery
Sake pairs with food in a much more subdued manner than wine pairings. Wine in general has much higher levels of acid than sake, and those acids mark a dividing line between wine and food. They cut through fats and rich flavors, or provide a subtle high note that can sing through the flavor. Traditionally the role of sake and drink in Japanese cuisine was not necessarily to pair with food but to focus, support and amplify it.
HAPPY BREW YEAR! OCTOBER MARKS THE START OF THE NEW SAKE BREWING SEASON
PRODUCER/S: Kirinzan Brewery, Akishika Brewery, Hamakawa Shoten Brewery, Umenoyado Brewery
AN INTRO TO SHOCHU: JAPAN’S TERROIR-DRIVEN SPIRIT
PRODUCER/S: Kuroki Honten Distillery, Yanagita Distillery, Munemasa Shuzo Distillery, Kuroki Honten Distillery, Watanabe Distillery, Kodama Distillery
Japan’s most popular drink after beer, having improbably outpaced sake in terms of overall consumption since 2006, has no signs of turning back.
MILLENNIA OF INNOVATION: HOW NARA HAS BEEN REVOLUTIONIZING SAKE SINCE 700 AD
PRODUCER/S: Yucho Brewery
REGION: Nara
In this oldest part of Japan there is now a wave of innovation sweeping breweries, and it looks like Nara of all places may start to push sake even further.
KIRINZAN – TOP OF THE CLASS IN NIIGATA, JAPAN
PRODUCER/S: Kirinzan Brewery
REGION: Niigata
Kirinzan reflects the traditions of Niigata itself, intensely proud and involved in its local community to showcase the qualities of Niigata to the world.
THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT: FRESH, BRASH, AND YOUTHFUL SAKE MUROKA NAMA GENSHU
PRODUCER/S: Takenotsuyu Brewery, Moriki Brewery, Mutemuka Brewery, Kidoizumi Brewery, Uehara Brewery
REGION: Yamagata, Mie, Kochi, Chiba, Shiga
We now have many sake that show amazingly well when still young and fresh. What they may lack in subtle finesse they make up for in energy and vitality.
NISHIYAMA SHUZO: POET OF THE SAKE WORLD
PRODUCER/S: Nishiyama Shuzo
REGION: Kansai
Founded in 1849, the sake brewery Nishiyama Shuzo is located in the heart of Hyogo Prefecture, one of the finest sake regions in the country.
SOME LIKE IT HOT: THE SURPRISING ELEGANCE OF WARM SAKE
PRODUCER/S: Kinshihai Brewery, Kiminoi Brewery, Musashino Brewery, Kirinzan Brewery
REGION: Niigata,
We feature a few sake we’re looking forward to warming up during the winter months.
ISOJIMAN SHUZO: SAKE FROM THE SEASHORE
PRODUCER/S: Isojiman Shuzo
REGION: Shizuoka
Few breweries in Japan have as defined a sense of purpose and as clear an identity as the revered Isojiman Shuzo from Shizuoka prefecture.
STARTING POINTS FOR THE SAKE NOVICE
PRODUCER/S: Aoki Shuzo, Midorikawa Brewery, Yamachu Honke, Sumikawa Brewery, Nishiyama Shuzo,
REGION: Niigata
Starting points for getting acquainted with sake. We cover several major premium styles, as well as a range of the textures & flavors possible in fine sake.
INTRODUCING OUR JAPANESE PORTFOLIO!
We here at Skurnik Wines and Spirits are very excited to expand our horizons into the wide world of Japanese sake and spirits!
SPIRITS
REEL COCKTAILS: 2020 HOLIDAY EDITION
PRODUCERS: Compania Elaboradora, Ayiti Bitters Company, Pinhook Whiskey, Rhum J.M, Domaine de Montreuil, Giffard-Bigallet, New Riff, Gruppo Caffo,
REGIONS: Chihuahua, Haiti, Kentucky, Montagne Pelée (Martinique), Normandy, Loire, Calabria
A collection of libations inspired by a few of our favorite holiday films. Here’s wishing you and yours a cozy holiday with a delicious drink in hand.
WHAT DO I DO WITH THIS?: NORDEN AQUAVIT ORIGINAL TAFFEL STYLE
PRODUCERS: Norden Spirits, Giffard-Bigallet
REGIONS: Michigan, Loire (France)
In this series, we’ll demystify some of our favorite — though perhaps not always intuitive — spirits for cocktailing, starting with Norden Aquavit!
PRODUCERS: Tipperary Boutique Distillery, Casco Viejo Tequila, Antica Torino, Rhum J.M, Penderyn Distillery, Hans Reisetbauer, Kilchoman Distillery, Apologue, Brennivin, Emilio Lustau (Brandy and Vermouth), St. Lucia Distillers, Worthy Park Estate/ Rum-Bar, Giffard-Bigallet,
REGIONS: Ireland, Jalisco (Mexico), Piedmont, Montagne Pelée (Martinique), New South Wales, Upper Austria, Scotland, Illinois, Reykjavik (Iceland), Andalucia, Castries, Jamacia, Loire,
All the spooky Halloween cocktail inspiration that you need, fresh from our Spirits portfolio– plus links to cocktails of the last two years!
SUSTAINABILITY IN SPIRITS: RHUM JM
PRODUCER/S: Rhum J.M
REGION: Macouba, Martinique
Rhum J.M has been producing world-class agricole rhum since 1845 in the volcanic hills of Martinique and is working to drastically reduce their impact.
SUSTAINABILITY IN SPIRITS: VICARIO
PRODUCER/S: Vicario Spirits
REGION: South Carolina
Husband & wife team Renato Vicario and Janette Wesley source from organic farms in both Tuscany and South Carolina to create the Vicario liqueur lineup.
SUSTAINABILITY IN SPIRITS: JEAN-LUC PASQUET
PRODUCER/S: Pasquet
REGION: Cognac, France
Though their EU certified organic practices have been underway since 1995, the Pasquet family has been producing top-notch cognac from Grand Champagne since 1924 on vineyards dating all the way back to 1730.
SUSTAINABILITY IN SPIRITS: NOVO FOGO
PRODUCER/S: Novo Fogo
REGION: Brazil
Novo Fogo has both a USDA certification in addition to the rigorous French-based ECOCERT which also certifies labor conditions.
SUSTAINABILITY IN SPIRITS: REAL MINERO
PRODUCER/S: Real Minero
REGION: Oaxaca
Graciela maintains a nursery and laboratory dedicated to protecting, preserving, & studying agave, and champions social justice within the mezcal industry.
SUSTAINABILITY IN SPIRITS: AZTECA AZUL
PRODUCER/S: Azteca Azul
REGION: Jalisco
Azteca Azul not only keeps their environment safe from improper waste disposal, but also manages to transform its by-products into useful products…
SUSTAINABILITY IN SPIRITS: APOLOGUE
PRODUCER/S: Apologue Spirited Liqueurs
REGION: Illinois
Chicago-based Apologue Spirited Liqueurs employs taglines like “know your spirit” and “transparency throughout.” As such, their spirits are made from all-natural, Non-GMO Project Verified ingredients like fruits, roots, herbs and barks—and they even list everything that is in the bottle, on the bottle.
SUSTAINABILITY IN SPIRITS: SQUARE ONE VODKA
PRODUCER/S: Square One Organic Spirits
REGION: Idaho
Allison Evanow created one of the first exclusively organic spirits in 2004, producing Square One Vodkas from Idaho with a 100% USDA-Organic Certification. This post talks about her sustainable practices and fantastic vodka (flavor infused choices available too.)
KITCHEN COCKTAILING PART 1: THE AQUAFABA SOUR
PRODUCER/S: Penderyn Distillery
REGION: Wales
Utilizing the staples in your liquor cabinet and pantry, here’s a classic sour recipe to enjoy at home made with Pendryn’s single malt whiskey.
RUM ROUNDUP: 7 SKURNIK SELECTIONS AND THE CASE FOR TERROIR IN SPIRITS
PRODUCER/S: El Dorato Rum, St. Lucia Distillers, Hampden Estate, Worthy Park Estate/Rum Bar, Uruapan Charanda, Novo Fogo Cachaca, Rhum JM, Tosba Mezcal, Azteca Azul, Calvados Lemorton
Highlighting the three distinct rum styles in Skurnik’s portfolio: traditional molasses, Jamaican style and sugarcane juice. 7 rums are profiled here.
HOW TO NAVIGATE OUR GRAND PORTFOLIO TASTING AS A SPIRITS BUYER
Tips for tasting through the GPT.
INTRAMURAL COCKTAIL CHALLENGE: PAMPLEMOUSSE SPRITZ
MAIN PRODUCER: Giffard-Bigallet
OTHER PRODUCERS: Emilio Lustau, Farnum Hill Ciders, The Pinot Project, Vicario Spirits, Sweetdram, Etna Bitter, Distilleria Alpe, Churchills Port, Contratto, Worthy Park Estate/Rum Bar, Mata Hari, Vignetii del Sole, Rhum JM, Gruppo Caffo
The members of our Spirits Team each created a Spritz recipe following ONE RULE: it must contain Giffard Crème de Pamplemousse Rosé.
SPIRITS STAFF PICKS: 7 COCKTAILS WE’RE FEELING FOR 2020 & BEYOND!
PRODUCER/S: Nuestra Soledad, Giffard, Domaine de Montreuil, Contratto, Lemorton, Mizu, Château de Pellehaut, Reisetbauer, Helix Vodka, Emilio Lustau, Vermouth Routin, Lustau
Whether drinks we never put down, or were jazzed to rediscover, we promise they won’t disappoint, so keep these tried and true tipples queued up in your 2020 cocktail rotation!
DELIGHTFUL DIVERSIONS & DELICIOUS DRINKS – HOLIDAY EDITION!
PRODUCER/S: El Dorado Rum, Lustau, Rhum JM, Alpe Genepy, Agave de Cortes, Mizu Shochu, Diamond Reserve, Reisetbauer, Pinhook, Portobello Road Gin, Contratto, Rapa Giovanni, Antica Torino, Mata Hari Absinthe, Norden Aquavit, Brennevín Giffard, Rum Bar, Vicario, Argala, Vermouth Routin
The holidays are finally here! For many of us, this is a time of socializing, seeing loved ones, cooking, overeating, giving gifts, and having a merry time. With that said, maybe you can take time to sneak away, find a cozy nook, and settle in with a delightful diversion and delicious drink.
SPIRITS AND SPECTERS AT THE PLAZA HOTEL
PRODUCER/S: Lustau, Caffo, Giffard, Prosecco della Contessa, Portobello Road Gin, Domaine de Montreuil, Apologue, Vicario, El Dorado, Giffard, McKenzie, Rhum JM
Drinks that been inspired by the larger-than-life characters that colored the Plaza Hotel’s early history and some of the cocktail templates that are known to have been served at this historic establishment throughout the years.
AN INTERVIEW WITH SHAUN CALEB, MASTER DISTILLER OF DEMERARA DISTILLERS LIMITED AND EL DORADO RUM!
PRODUCER/S: El Dorado Rum
REGION: Demerara River, Guyana
At its peak, Guyana had more than 300 operating plantation rum distilleries. Today, there is just one left. But bartenders, cocktail lovers, and rum aficionados all over the world over revere the name Demerara, and with good reason.
THE CHU-HAI: OUR FAVORITE COCKTAIL THAT YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF
PRODUCER/S: Munemasa Shuzo Distillery
REGION: Saga
Shochu was truly only seen as an affordable, nondescript cocktail ingredient until the craft spirits movement in the early 2000s. (Something good did happen in the early 2000s!) Mizu features three distinctive expressions: Barley, Green Tea, and Lemongrass. With this care and effort, shochu surpassed sake in consumption in Japan for the first time in fifty years.
PRODUCER/S: Greenhook Ginsmiths, Novo Fogo Cachaca, Rey Campero, Worthy Park Estate/ Rum-Bar
Bottle service reached its heyday in the early 2000s, and, like many trends, became such a thing, that it lost its meaning or appeal. “Service”, in any capacity, became an afterthought. Still, we like to think that there is something so hospitable about a guest’s personal bottle served with a set of mixers. Today we’re seeing a resurgence of a new kind of bottle service, with an emphasis on that latter component—service.
FROM CUP TO COUPE: THE ENTICING COMBINATION OF COFFEE & SPIRITS
PRODUCER/S: Vicario Spirits, Rhum JM, Giffard-Bigallet, El Dorado Run, Helix Spirits, Domaine Pacory, Azteca Azul, Rapa Giovanni, Tipperary, Gruppo Caffo, Calvados Lemorton, Antica Torino, Disilleria Gualco, Chateau de Pellehaut
Although coffee lives at the center of many a morning ritual, and spirits tend to dwell in the happy hours of our hearts, it is the power of these two elements combined that continue to capture the imaginations of consumers and hospitality professionals alike. And why not? The two beverages have been in cahoots for decades.
GINS APLENTY AT SKURNIK WINES!
PRODUCER/S: Neversink Spirits, Greenhook Ginsmiths, The Kyoto Distillery, Vanagandr Gin, Portobello Road Gin, Hans Reisetbauer
Gin is enjoying a resurgence, and we at Skurnik are joining in with a half-dozen gins to choose from! All six are unique, and come from all over the world.
WHAT IT’S NOT: AN EXERCISE IN BLIND TASTING
PRODUCER/S: Donnhoff, Estancia Distillery, Chateau de Pellehaut, Rhum JM, Neversink Spirits, Worth Park Estate/Rum-Bar, Las Perlas, Ohishi Distillery, Barrel Craft Spirits, Chapter 7 Scotch
In this classroom-style seminar our Skurnik Spirits team shared best practices for tasting spirits before putting our deductive sipping skills to the test. Gabriel Clary of Skurnik’s esteemed Germany, Austria, and Champagne Portfolio shared tasting techniques from the world of wine, and armed with this perspective, we blind tasted a variety of spirits before discussing their identity.
WIDENING THE LENS: A GUIDE TO PRESENTING UNUSUAL AND OVERLOOKED SPIRITS
PRODUCER/S: Marcame Tequila, Compania Elaboradora, Domaine de Montreuil, Charles Medley Distillery, Brennivin, Hans Reisetbauer, Vicario Spirits, Giffard-Bigallet, Angelisco Tequila, Chateau de Pellehaut, Nuestra Soledad, Emilio Lustau, Rhum JM, Estancia Distillery, Damoiseau, El Dorado Rum, Chateau de Briat, Distilleria Alpe, Distillerie des Alpes
In October 2018, the Skurnik Spirits Team hosted a seminar at HQ entitled, “Widening the Lens: A Guide to Presenting Unusual and Overlooked Spirits”. In this three-part seminar, we explored everything from grassy Agricole rhums to unusual Italian liqueurs and discussed ways to introduce these lesser-understood gems to a wider audience.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – PART 1: GATEWAY COCKTAILS
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – PART 2: MENU PSYCHOLOGY
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – PART 3: THE ELEVATOR PITCH
AROUND THE WORLD IN TEN ICONIC COCKTAILS
PRODUCER/S: Azteca Azul, Giffard-Bigallet, Rhum JM, Charles Medley Distillery, Hans Reisetbauer, Contratto Spirits, Grupo Caffo, Maison Dudognon, Munemasa Shuzo Distillery, Contessa
In the middle of a freezing Northeast winter, thoughts of paradise beckon. Imagine a fruit-filled drink in hand as you sway in a hammock, as the ocean waves quietly crash next to you..
OUR AGAVE PORTFOLIO IS IN FULL BLOOM!
PRODUCER/S: Nuestra Soledad, El Jolgorio, Real Minero, Rey Campero, Mezcalosfera, Cruz de Fuego, Tosba Mezcal, Compania Elaboradora, Flor Del Desierto, Estancia Distillery, Las Perlas
From Chihuahua to Jalisco, from Michoacan and south to Oaxaca, the team here at Skurnik has always held a special love for Mexico and their Spirits.
Here, our friendly Skurnik spirits team reflects upon what we found ourselves most passionate about in 2018, and also what we hope to cheers with in the year ahead.
PRODUCER/S: Kilchoman Distillery
REGION: Islay, Scottland
Kilchoman Distillery was founded in 2005 and is the first distillery to be built on Islay for over 120 years. Kilchoman displays all that is great about the grass-roots traditions of Scotch whisky distilling.
BRANDY IS THE BEDROCK: A Q&A WITH CHARLES NEAL
PRODUCER/S: Domaine Boingneres, Chateau de Ravignan, Chateau de Briat, Calvados Adrien Camut
REGION: Armagnac & Cognac
Skurnik Wines and Spirits longest spirits partnership has been with importer and writer Charles Neal of Charles Neal Selections.
THE PAJAMA SPRITZ: AN INTRODUCTION
To spritz is to take a hand in one’s own destiny by stepping—lightly and effervescently—into the world of celebratory living. And it’s easy to do.
DELIGHTFUL DIVERSIONS AND DELICIOUS DRINKS – A LABOR DAY WEEKEND TRIBUTE!
PRODUCER/S:
We teamed up with some local bartenders to put together an array of thermometer-friendly Labor Day cocktail recommendations and pairings.
RESPECT TO THE MAESTROS: AGAVE, COMMUNITY AND SOCIOECONOMICS IN MEZCAL
PRODUCER/S:
REGION:
While agave production has created new international markets for Oaxaca, the quality of life for many who cultivate it is dire, and exploitation is rampant.
THE BITTER AND THE SWEET SIDE OF LIQUEURS: A LONG-LIVED TIPPLE
PRODUCER/S:
I’M NOT A PLAYER – I JUST SLUSH A LOT
PRODUCER/S:
It’s difficult not to conjure mirage-like visions of fruity, frozen concoctions when the summer sun bears down. Crank that AC and turn on the blender!
PRODUCER/S:
For better or worse (mostly better), fermentation and the consumption of potable alcohol is one of the human race’s defining characteristics.
TOP RANKING: A DEEPER DIVE INTO THE MAGIC OF TRUE JAMAICAN RUM
PRODUCER/S: El Dorado, Worthy Park, Hampden Estate, Lemon Hart
REGION:
How Jamaican pot-still rum estates’ distinct “funky” flavor became synonymous with Jamaican rum and contributed to the island’s popularity for centuries.
BACK TO THE BEGINNING: VODKA’S LEGACY AND WHAT IT CAN TEACH US
PRODUCER/S: Square One, Helix,Hans Reisetbauer, Contratto, Neversink,Brennivin, Lustau, Brannland, Vicario, Giffard
REGION:
Vodka is the spirit of the unimaginative. When weaving liquid stories within a complex cocktail, what possible purpose could it serve?
BUBBLES & BOOZE: A NEW YEAR’S COCKTAIL PRIMER
PRODUCER/S: Rhum J.M., El Dorado, Lemorton, Caffo, Helix Vodka, Contratto, Medley Brothers, Giffard
To really kick 2018 off right, and lay 2017 to rest, we’re going to need both bubbles and booze.
DON’T CALL IT A COGNAC: BRANDY’S BEEN HERE FOR YEARS
PRODUCER/S: Dudognon, Fort Hamilton, Rum Fire, Grateaud, Rapa Giovanni
REGION:
When we look back on cocktail history, Cognac was king, and a cursory flip through some of the first drink tomes shows this to be true.
NOG, PUNCH & GLÖGG: HELPFUL HOLIDAY TIPPLES
PRODUCER/S: Contratto, Bigallet, Square One, El Dorado, Rhum JM, Fort Hamilton, Emilio Lustau, Barrel Bourbon, Vicario, Neversink, Pinot Project, Brennivin
‘Tis the season for entertaining. At Skurnik, we love the idea of a thoughtfully prepared…punch!
PRODUCER/S: Rum Fire, El Dorado, Chairmans Reserve, Antica Torino, Caffo, Agave de Cortes, Sweetdram, Hamilton Distillers, Del Bac,
Last time around, we focused on some classic combos. Whiskey and lager, bitter and cider, biere amer… standards of the style. This time, we’re going to get a little more creative with our match-ups.
THE ART OF INDEPENDENT BOTTLING: SINGLE CASK NATION
PRODUCER/S: Single Cask Nation
We sat down with Joshua Hatton, President and CEO of Single Cask Nation, in order to shed some light on the art of independent bottling.
LOW ABV LIBATIONS: PROOF IS IN THE COCKTAIL
PRODUCER/S: Contratto, Lustau, Vermouth Routin, Banzai, Contratto, Antica Torino
How can we incorporate delicious & traditional low-ABV beverages in innovative cocktails? We’ve asked bartenders for their favorite low-impact originals.
SKURNIK IN THE WELL: SOLID TO THE CORE
PRODUCER/S: Helix Vodka, Agave de Cortes, Azteca Azul, El Dorado, Medley Brothers
N/A
Skurnik Wines & Spirits has specifically curated a portfolio able to meet the needs of every quality bar, restaurant or retailer and their programs. Let’s examine some of the core brands that check those diverse boxes, and why they each deserve your consideration.
SUMMER LOVIN’: GREENMARKET COCKTAIL TIPS & TECHNIQUES
PRODUCER/S: Azteca Azul, Contratto, Giffard, Neversink, Agave de Cortes, Bigallet, Greenhook Ginsmiths, Chateau de Pellehaut, Helix Vodka, Vermouth Routin,
Nearly everything that’s coming up rosy right now at the greenmarket has a welcome home in our summer cocktails.
BRAIN FREEZE: BOOZY POPSICLES AND BLENDED DRINKS
PRODUCER/S: Selbach Oster, Aragoshi, Azteca Azul, Chairman’s Reserve, Square One, Greenhook, El Dorado, Hamilton Distillers, Giffard, Pinot Project
With temperatures climbing, nothing could be more refreshing than something frozen with a bit of alcohol or boozy popsicles!
SUMMERTIME COCKTAILS: A BOOZY BEACH DAY GUIDE
PRODUCER/S: Greenhook, Giffard, El Dorado, Rapa Giovanni
As always, we have you covered with seasonally appropriate libations to enjoy during this summer’s escapes to the shore.
PRODUCER/S: Medley Brothers, Bigallet, Contratto, Brennivin, Agave de Cortes, Azteca Azul
Boilermakers retains one simple equation in its recipe; it’s a shot and a beer. The twists are endless, but the idea is the same.
APRIL SHOWERS: OUR FAVORITE FLORAL COCKTAILS
PRODUCER/S: Greenhook Ginsmiths, Neversink, Giffard, El Dorado, Hans Reisetbauer
We love flowers! Not just looking at, smelling, arranging, planting, stroking (just to see if they are real!), but we also love drinking them.
FARM TO BOTTLE: AN INTERVIEW WITH NEVERSINK SPIRITS
PRODUCER/S: Neversink Spirits
New York
The duo behind Neversink Spirits sat down with Skunik Spirits and answered some questions about the history of their inspiration, progress, and pitfalls.
PRODUCER/S: El Dorado, Hampden Estate, Barrell Rum, Rhum J.M, Chairman’s Reserve
REGION: Carribean
Let rum be rum! We buy a spiritual ticket to the Caribbean, every time we buy a bottle – come with us, take the ride.
PRODUCER/S: Rhum J.M, Lemon Hart, Medley Brothers
Now, what will ignite your spirits the rest of this winter? We at Skurnik have a few ideas…
SPIRITS OF PASSION: A VALENTINE’S DAY GUIDE
PRODUCER/S: Square One Organic Spirits, Lustau, Giffard, Sweetdram, Bigallet, Neversink, Brennivin, Domaine de Montreuil
There are many herbs and spices of interest in our spirits portfolio that have especially appealing implications on an evening of romantic revelry.
SKURNIK COCKTAIL SERIES ?: AMER SOUR
PRODUCER/S: Bigallet, Grateaud
The Skurnik Spirits team is proud to present our SKURNIK COCKTAIL SERIES ?! Volume 8: AMER SOUR!
SKURNIK COCKTAIL SERIES ?: CRYSTALLINE COLLINS
PRODUCER/S: Brennivin, Giffard
The Skurnik Spirits team is proud to present our SKURNIK COCKTAIL SERIES ?! Volume 6: CRYSTALLINE COLLINS
WINTER WARMERS: COCKTAILS FOR HOLIDAY HOSTING
PRODUCER/S: Lemorton, El Dorado, Giffard, Rhum J.M, Medley Brothers, Contratto, El Dorado, Giffard,Reisetbauer, Rapa Giovanni, Lustau
This time of year is all about gathering, sharing & giving, and our Spirits team is here to help, with a few of our favorite cold weather holiday cocktails!
SKURNIK COCKTAIL SERIES ?: JET PILOT (C.1958)
PRODUCER/S: El Dorado, Lemon Hart
The Skurnik Spirits team is proud to present our SKURNIK COCKTAIL SERIES ?! Volume 6: JET PILOT!
SKURNIK SPIRITS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
PRODUCER/S:
The holidays are a time of giving, and a time of sharing, and there’s hardly anything people love to receive (or to share) than a good bottle of booze!
SKURNIK COCKTAIL SERIES?: TWO THUMBS UP!
PRODUCER/S: Agave de Cortes, Alpe Genepy, Contratto
The Skurnik Spirits team is proud to present our SKURNIK COCKTAIL SERIES ?! Volume 5: TWO THUMBS UP!
CIDER COCKTAILS: MIXING WITH APPLES & PEARS!
PRODUCER/S: Chateau de Pellehaut, Rapa Giovanni, Astarbe Sagardotegia, Duche Loungeville, Bigallet
As the leaves turn among us, our thoughts turn to the comforts of fall flavors and a good, strong cocktail.
SKURNIK COCKTAIL SERIES?: PAN AM CLIPPER
PRODUCER/S: Lemorton, Neversink, Argala Pastis
The Skurnik Spirits team is proud to present our SKURNIK COCKTAIL SERIES ?! Volume 4: PAN AM CLIPPER
FIRESIDE CHATS: THE SPIRITS SPECIAL
PRODUCER/S: Lemorton, El Dorado, Adrien Camut, Contratto, Medley Brothers, Domaine de Montreuil
Let’s take a moment to explore some of our favorite options for fireside boozing.
SKURNIK COCKTAIL SERIES?: GRANDFATHER
PRODUCER/S: Neversink, Medley Brothers, Contratto
The Skurnik Spirits team is proud to present our SKURNIK COCKTAIL SERIES ?! Volume 3: Grandfather
SKURNIK COCKTAIL SERIES?: DISCOURSE ON A STORM
PRODUCER/S: Rhum J.M., El Dorado, Contratto, Lemon Hart
The Skurnik Spirits team is proud to present our SKURNIK COCKTAIL SERIES ?! Volume 2: DISCOURSE ON A STORM
PRODUCER/S:
Assuming you joined us for Home Bar Essentials: Part I, it’s time we dug deeper to discuss techniques & tools that will put your home bar over the top.
SKURNIK COCKTAIL SERIES?: MARTINEZ (VARIATION)
PRODUCER/S: Greenhook Ginsmiths, Rapa Giovanni, Contratto
The Skurnik Spirits team is proud to present our SKURNIK COCKTAIL SERIES ?! Volume 1: MARTINEZ
PRODUCER/S:
Our guide to the ideal home bar setup – or at least, the bare minimum home bar setup to achieve the maximum home cocktail potential!
PRODUCER/S: Agave de Cortes, El Jolgorio, Nuestra Soledad, Mezcalosfera, Real Minero
Mexico
Join us for a three-day dive into the wild world of Oaxaca, Mexico.
GREENHOOK GINSMITHS: AMERICA’S ONLY DEDICATED GIN DISTILLERY
PRODUCER/S: Greenhook Ginsmiths
REGION: Greenpoint, Brooklyn
There is only one gin distillery in America that is dedicated to its singular craft, Greenhook Ginsmiths.
RHUM AGRICOLE: GUADELOUPE & MARTINIQUE
PRODUCER/S: Rhum J.M.
REGION: Montagne Pelée, Martinique
Travel with us to Guadalupe & Martinique! We visit Distillerie Damoiseau & Rhum J.M and explore what makes Rhum Agricole such a unique spirits.
EL DORADO RUM: A TASTE OF DEMERARA
PRODUCER/S: El Dorado Rum
REGION: Guyana
Diamond Distillery, producers of El Dorado Rum is the last Demerara rum distillery in Guyana – the only home of Demerara sugar.
THE MAGICAL MEZCAL MYSTERY TOUR
PRODUCER/S: Agave de Cortes, El Jolgorio, Nuestra Soledad
REGION: Oaxaco, Mexico
Mezcal is an incredibly terroir-driven spirit, and it is nothing short of a miracle that any of this precious juice makes it into the United States.
CINCO DE MAYO: THE LEGEND, THE SPIRITS, THE PARTY
PRODUCER/S: Azteca Azul, Agave de Cortes, El Jolgorio, Nuestra Soledad,Real Minero
REGION: Mexico
Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that celebrates the spirit of Mexico! It’s only fitting that we should celebrate the spirits of Mexico!
AXBERG VODKA: PRECISION AND PURITY FROM HANS REISETBAUER
PRODUCER/S: Axberg Vodka
REGION: Austria
A true farm-to-bottle distillate, Reisetbauer Axberg Vodka exhibits the precision and purity expected from the Mühlviertel Maestro.
WINTER COCKTAILS WITH ADAM SCHUMAN
PRODUCER/S: Rossa Amaro, Greenhook Ginsmiths, Lemorton Calvados, Rhum J.M
Adam Schuman, Spirits Portfolio Manager at Skurnik Wines, shares winter cocktails to try at home.
SQUARE ONE ORGANIC VODKA: INSPIRED BY THE GARDEN AND THE ART OF MIXOLOGY
PRODUCER/S: Square One Organic Spirits
REGION: Idaho
Square One Organic Vodka is a premium spirit made from 100% organic rye and pristine water from the Teton Mountains. The quality of Square One Rye Vodka is the direct result of the painstaking, sustainable decisions made through farming, fermentation, and distillation.
USA
JAX – THE QUINTESSENTIAL SMALL, FAMILY WINERY OF THE NAPA VALLEY
PRODUCER: JAX
REGION: California
JAX produces hand-harvested, family-owned, & earth-friendly wines. Fruit-forward profiles are driven by top fruit from esteemed Napa & Sonoma vineyards.
SEAN MINOR ON HIS BACKGROUND & CALIFORNIA COLLECTION OF WINES
PRODUCER/S: Sean Minor
REGION: California
We love working with Sean & Nicole Minor. Here’s a short video straight from Sean which touches on his background, beginnings, and lineup of Cali wines.
“IN HIS OWN WORDS” AN INTERVIEW WITH SEAN MINOR
PRODUCER/S: Sean Minor
REGION: California
A sit down with Sean Minor highlighting how he got into wine, his signature wine series and working closely with his wife, Nicole and their small team.
“IN HIS OWN WORDS” AN INTERVIEW WITH RUDY MARCHESI OF MONTINORE ESTATE
PRODUCER/S: Montinore
REGION: Oregon
Montinore is one of the largest producers of certified estate wines made from biodynamic grapes in the country, with a total of 230 acres under their stewardship.
PRODUCER/S: Capiaux Cellars, O’Shaughnessy
REGION: Monterey, California
Sean’s winemaking style is a blend of classic and contemporary; cutting edge equipment and meticulous processes are paired with hands-on and minimalistic winemaking techniques. His philosophy is to produce wines that express the unique terroir from which they came.
USA SUMMER TRIP: THE LEGENDS TOUR 2019
PRODUCER/S: Kistler, Corison, Bonny Doon Vineyard, Ramey Wine Cellars, Martinelli Winery, Continuum Estate,
REGION: California
Skurnik Wines was founded in 1987 with six small California wineries – a couple of which are still with us decades later – and our American portfolio has only gotten stronger over the years. This post details our trip to California in Summer 2019.
THE PINOT PROJECT: WINE FOR THE PALATE, THE POCKET, AND THE PEOPLE
PRODUCER/S: The Pinot Project
REGION: California
When Michael & Harmon Skurnik started The Pinot Project in 2009, it was to answer a call from their customers in New York who were looking for great quality Pinot Noir at a reasonable price.
HANZELL VINEYARDS: TIMELESS EXPRESSION OF SONOMA
PRODUCER/S: Hanzell
REGION: Sonoma
Today, Hanzell is a 200-acre estate – a true “bio-farm” and a truly spectacular place; alongside the 46 acres of vines, one will find pigs, chickens, turkeys, sheep, and deer roaming through the fields, a fully productive garden that feeds the Hanzell staff year-round and not a trace of chemical or pesticide in sight.
MEET THE 2ND GENERATION OF FOUR NEW WORLD ICONS: KISTLER, RAMEY, TURLEY, AND HIRSCH
PRODUCER/S: Occidental Vineyards, Kistler Vineyards, Ramey, Turley, Hirsch
REGION: California
We interviewed the new generation of proprietors from some of our most successful American wineries – Catherine Kistler, Claire and Alan Ramey, Christina and Whitney Turley, and Jasmine Hirsch – to find out about their experiences and what eventually led them to following in their parents’ footsteps.
THE REALITY OF RIESLING: HOW OUR PRODUCERS ARE CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE OF A CHALLENGED VARIETY
PRODUCER/S: Ravines, Hermann J. Wiemer
REGION: Finger Lakes
American Riesling belongs in a category all its own and we’ve invested considerable energy, time and passion into our partnerships throughout this burgeoning region, especially with Ravines, Hermann J. Wiemer and Standing Stone Vineyards.
BRUCE SCHNEIDER: AN INSUPPRESSIBLE ENTREPRENEUR FINDS HIS GROOVE (FOR NOW)
PRODUCER/S: Bieler, Onabay, Gotham Project
REGION: Finger Lakes, Long Island, Spain, Argentina, Sonoma
It might sound like New Age mumbo jumbo when someone tells you that they’re “…trying to do less,” but when Bruce Schneider says it – it seems fair.
“IN HIS OWN WORDS” THE ARTS AND CRAFTS OF TYLER’S JUSTIN WILLETT
PRODUCER/S: Tyler
REGION: California
Few of California’s young winemakers possess the regional mastery illustrated by the work of Justin Willett, who shares his story on #skurnikunfiltered.
INTRODUCING CARACCIOLI: FARMER FIZZ FINDS A FRAMEWORK IN CALIFORNIA
PRODUCER/S: Caraccioli Cellars
REGION: California
The Caraccioli family have been farmers in the Salinas Valley for generations, and in 2006 Gary convinced his brother Phil and his uncle Jim to take some of the acreage they had in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, that wasn’t really suitable for most kinds of agriculture, and turn it into a vineyard.
ZINFANDEL: AMERICAN HERITAGE IN A GLASS
PRODUCER/S: Turley, Robert Biale Vineyards, The Terraces, Hendry, Green & Red, Martinelli, Dashe Cellars, Failla, DAY
REGION:
With its increasing demand in the mid-20th century, Zinfandel was planted in new climates and soils where production was ramped up to excess and the resulting wines were less than ideal. But, in the 1990s and beyond, as premium wine producers began to take care of the grape and lessen their yields, the wine community fell in love with the grape all over again.
A RETURN TO CLASSIC: THE STYLISTIC EVOLUTION OF CALIFORNIA WINE
PRODUCER/S: Mindego Ridge, Mindego Ridge, A Tribute to Grace, Ceritas, Sandhi
REGION: California
California has been in the spotlight, leading the way toward a return to a lower alcohol, higher acid, more mineral-driven winemaking style than in the previous two decades. While it might be colloquially referred to as a “new wave” movement, there is nothing really new about it – rather, it is a return to a more classic, Californian “Old World” style…
AMERICAN RIESLING: DEFINING A NOBLE GRAPE ON AMERICAN SOIL
PRODUCER/S: Hermann Wiemer, Ovum, Tatomer,
REGION: New York, Oregon, California
We can better understand the evolution of Riesling in the United States through the lens of three wineries producing wines worthy of the world stage: Weimer, Ovum & Tatomer
AMERICAN WINEMAKER VIDEO SERIES: DAVID AND JASMINE HIRSCH
PRODUCER/S: Hirsch Vineyard
REGION: California
In June, 2018, we were fortunate to have David and Jasmine come to our NYC headquarters to present a vertical tasting of their wines.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – JASMINE INTERVIEW
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – FULL HIRSCH SEMINAR
“GOING TO THE WOODS IS GOING HOME”: PEAY VINEYARDS AND THE CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN WINE ESTATE
PRODUCER/S: Peay
REGION: California
“Nobody else has my fifty-one acres,” Andy Peay exclaims – a statement of pride that appears to humble him as he says it.
WHERE THE HILLS MEET THE SEA: TYLER WINERY’S EXPLORATION OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
PRODUCER/S: Tyler
REGION: California
Few of California’s young winemakers possess the regional mastery that is illustrated by the work of Justin Willett, of Tyler winery.
INTRODUCING MAYACAMAS: 128 YEARS, SINGULAR & RESILIENT
PRODUCER/S: Mayacamas Vineyards
REGION: California
We are proud to announce the addition of Mayacamas Vineyards to the Skurnik Portfolio!
INTRODUCING ASHES & DIAMONDS: COLLABORATION AND REVERENCE IN NAPA VALLEY
PRODUCER/S: Ashes & Diamonds
REGION: California
Ashes & Diamonds, “a love letter to the Napa Valley of the 1960s,” has set out to revive this storied era’s pioneering energy by celebrating collaboration.
AMERICAN WINEMAKER VIDEO SERIES: FRED MERWARTH OF HERMANN J. WIEMER
PRODUCER/S: Hermann J. Weimer
REGION: Finger Lakes, NY
Fred Merwarth reminds us that winemaking is both a reverent glimpse into our past and an unshakeable pursuit of experimentation and progress.
ALTERNATIVE VARIETIES: AN EXPLORATION OF HERITAGE AND INNOVATION IN AMERICAN WINE
PRODUCER/S: Lang & Reed Wine Co, Ferdinand, Dashe Cellars, Brick House
REGION: California
Califonia winemakers seek “alternative” varieties as inspiration for their young wineries and often to complement to an existing portfolio of core wines.
CEASELESS WILD: A TRIBUTE TO GRACE & THE GRENACHE OF CALIFORNIA
PRODUCER/S: A Tribute to Grace
REGION: California
Angela Osborne of A Tribute to Grace teaches us that Grenache – ebullient and unbridled, in the fields, the barrel, the glass – must be confronted with intention and finesse.
AMERICAN WINEMAKER VIDEO SERIES: JOHN RAYTEK
PRODUCER/S: Ceritas
REGION: California
John Raytek’s story is one of quiet and individual perseverance – a humble and focused pursuit in the artistry of place.
AMERICAN WINEMAKER VIDEO SERIES: EHREN JORDAN
PRODUCER/S: DAY by Ehren Jordan
REGION: California
Celebrated for a career that has traversed varieties and styles, appellations and countries, Ehren Jordan is a high-wire act.
In June we hit the road in California to properly introduce ourselves with a series of tastings in San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. We hope everyone who attended had as much fun as we did!
AMERICAN WINEMAKER VIDEO SERIES: TEGAN PASSALACQUA
PRODUCER/S: Turley Wine Cellars
REGION: California
A third generation son of Napa, but the first winemaker of his family, Tegan navigates the state’s diverse Zinfandel plantings as if they were in his childhood backyard (and some, more or less, are). He does so as the winemaker of Turley Wine Cellars.
AMERICAN WINEMAKER VIDEO SERIES: DAVID RAMEY
PRODUCER/S: David Ramey
REGION: California
Few winemakers have been as formative in establishing the modern voice of California wine as David Ramey.
AMERICAN WINEMAKER VIDEO SERIES: TIM MONDAVI
PRODUCER/S: Continuum
REGION: California
From up on Pritchard Hill, east of Napa’s valley floor, Tim Mondavi can tell a story of nearly one hundred years and three generations – now four.
AMERICAN WINEMAKER VIDEO SERIES: DOUG TUNNELL
PRODUCER/S: Brick House Wine Co
REGION: Oregon
Doug Tunnell’s passion for wine was cultivated during his stations for CBS in Germany and France. In 1998, he learned that Burgundy’s Domaine Drouhin had purchased property in Oregon’s Willamette Valley – where his own story began.
AMERICAN WINEMAKER VIDEO SERIES: CATHY CORISON
PRODUCER/S: Cathy Corison
REGION: California
The first Napa Cabernet in our portfolio, Cathy Corison’s wine has been an unwavering testament to the power of restraint, elegance, and purity.
AMERICAN WINEMAKER VIDEO SERIES: RANDALL GRAHM
PRODUCER/S: Bonny Doon Vineyard
REGION: USA
Making wine, or drinking it, often leaves us with more questions than answers. Few winemakers celebrate this ineffability as gracefully as Randall Grahm.
AMERICAN WINEMAKER VIDEO SERIES: SASHI MOORMAN
PRODUCER/S: Sandhi Wines
REGION: California
Sashi Moorman is a winemaker. And, in navigating the Sta. Rita Hills and their surrounds, a rather adept geographer, historian, geologist, and storyteller, too. Sashi’s wines are unrelenting works of intricate engagement with terroir.
STONY HILL VINEYARD: PIONEERS OF SPRING MOUNTAIN
PRODUCER/S: Stony Hill Vineyard
REGION: California
The lean, bright, and age-worthy wines of Stony Hill honored the great wines of the Old World, and were recognized as such from the very first vintage.
TECTONIC ORIGINS: A GLIMPSE INTO STA. RITA HILLS
PRODUCER/S: Sandhi Wines
REGION: Santa Rita Hills, CA
The wines of Sta. Rita Hills remind us that great wines can share the story of a place, its land and its people.
ZINFANDEL: AMERICAN HERITAGE IN A GLASS
PRODUCER/S: Turley, Biale Vineyards, The Terraces, Martinelli, Dashe, Failla
REGION: USA
Since its earliest mentions in horticultural catalogs of the 1820s, Zinfandel has been claimed as America’s own wine variety.
THIS MUST BE THE PLACE: HOMESTEADING WITH FAVIA WINES
PRODUCER/S: Favia Wines
REGION: Napa, CA
The Carbone winery, built in Coombsville in 1886, is standing proof of a history of self-reliance. In the hands of Favia Wines it will be a legacy, too.
RAD DAD WINES: FATHER’S DAY SELECTIONS FROM THE USA
PRODUCER/S: Cristom, Ramey, Sidebar, Lang & Reed, Ken Wright, Januik, Robert Biale
REGION: USA
For Father’s Day we celebrate some of our excellent domestic wines that are made by fathers whose children are also involved in their family’s wineries!
THE STORY OF THE BLACK CHICKEN
PRODUCER/S: Robert Biale Vineyards
REGION: Napa
The tale behind Robert Biale’s Zinfandel named “Black Chicken”
TALLEY VINEYARDS: A RICH HISTORY IN THE ARROYO GRANDE VALLEY
PRODUCER/S: Talley Vineyards
REGION: California
The Talley family owns 190 acres of grapes across six unique vineyards located in the Arroyo Grande Valley as well as the neighboring Edna Valley.
THE ORIGINS OF OREGON: A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY
PRODUCER/S: Patricia Green Cellars, Shea Wine Cellars, Brick House Vineyards, Cristom Vineyards, Soter Vineyards
REGION: Willamette Valley, OR
Early settlers hung their hats on the noble Pinot Noir, which continues to be the driving force behind the Willamette Valley wine industry.
OCCIDENTAL WINES: THE LEGACY OF STEVE KISTLER
PRODUCER/S: Occidental Winery
REGION: California
Occidental, on the far reaches of the Sonoma Coast, is the where Steve Kistler decided to put his own roots down after 35 years of experience.
GOTHAM PROJECT: WINE ON TAP, JUST AS IT ALWAYS WAS, AGAIN
PRODUCER/S: Gotham Project
REGION: North Fork, LI
Gotham Project’s goal is to improve the wine industry, and the world, through wine on tap, one glass at a time.
GREECE, SPAIN, PORTUGAL, CIDER
WHEN LEGENDS MEET: ‘ENCINAS’ FROM ANTOINE GRAILLOT AND RAÚL PÉREZ
PRODUCER: Bodegas y Viñedos Raúl Pérez
REGION: Bierzo
DOMINIO DE ANZA: INTRODUCING THE MAGNIFICENT BIERZO OF DIEGO MAGAÑA!
PRODUCER: Dominio De Anza
REGION: Castilla Y Leon
Native of Navarra and son of the pioneering Juan Magaña of the iconic Viña Magaña estate, Diego Magaña has rapidly consolidated his position since 2014 as one of northern Spain’s young stars.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – BIERZO AT DOMINIO DE ANZA
ALVAREDOS-HOBBS: PAUL HOBBS TURNS TO GALICIA
PRODUCER: Alvaredos-Hobbs
REGION: Ribeira Sacra
A fortuitous meeting between Paul Hobbs & Antonio López was all the encouragement either needed… introducing Alvaredos-Hobbs!
ANZA: THE FRESH FACE OF RIOJA FROM DIEGO MAGAÑA
PRODUCER: Anza [Diego Magaña]
REGION: Rioja
Diego Magaña is one of the hottest names in the new generation of young Spanish winemakers, and as great as his wines are, he’s only just getting started.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: Anza – Harvest 2020
PATHBREAKING PERSPECTIVES ON VINHO VERDE: ‘MUROS ANTIGOS’ FROM ANSELMO MENDES
PRODUCER: Anselmo Mendes
REGION: Portual (Minho)
Anselmo Mendes is, simply put, one of Portugal’s most revered winemakers. His crisp, lively wines demonstrate some of the best quality/price in Vinho Verde.
FRESH FROM THE ALENTEJO: ANTA DE CIMA!
PRODUCER/S: Anta de Cima
REGION: Portugal (Alentejo)
We’re thrilled to welcome the beautiful wines of Anta de Cima to the Skurnik portfolio from a region of Portugal new to many: the Alentejo!
CHURCHILL’S: PORT ON A HUMAN SCALE
PRODUCER/S: Churchill’s Port
REGION: Douro
We here at Skurnik are turning our gaze northwest towards that other great fortified wine of the Iberian peninsula: Churchill’s Port!
CLEAN SLATE — THE GALVANIZING GODELLO OF A COROA
PRODUCER/S: A Coroa
REGION: Valdeorras
A Coroa’s crop, one of the lowest-yielded in the entire appellation, is hand-harvested. Autochthonous yeasts propagated via pied de cuve carry out the alcoholic fermentations, and the intrinsically low malic acidity of the Godello variety allows for a natural eschewal of malolactic fermentation. This, along with cool and reductive élevage, furnish the estate Godello with a piercingly focused brilliance.
A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD EIGHT-YEAR-OLD WINE
PRODUCER/S: Bodegas Barbadillo
REGION: Cádiz
This lot of Manzanilla En Rama Saca de Invierno 2012 from Barbadillo is akin to the proverbial yard sale Jackson Pollock – one man’s trash is another man’s treasure…
IN A KINGDOM BY THE SEA: THE WINES OF BODEGAS BARBADILLO
PRODUCER/S: Bodegas Barbadillo
REGION: Vinho Verde
Bodegas Barbadillo is now in its seventh generation, making it one of the oldest privately-held companies in any sector in Spain.
PRODUCER/S: Aphros
REGION:
Founded in 2002, Aphros is a project designed to combine ecological and economical aspects to create true sustainability. Their belief is that nature and labor should combine in a meaningful way and they seek to capture this through Biodynamic viticulture, letting the uniqueness of the land shine through the fruit for inimitable wines. Loureiro and Vinhão have grown in these vineyards for centuries and serve as the reference point for the region.
THE GOLDEN APPLES OF THE SUN: A QUICK TOUR OF SKURNIK’S BURGEONING CIDER PORTFOLIO
PRODUCER/S: Farnum Hill, Eve’s Cidery, Kite & String, Finnriver, Astarbe Sagardotegia, Brännland Cider, Perry’s
The first new crops of Mutsu, Macoun, and the rest of the gang hint at the impending onslaught of snacking apples, and as the autumnal chill descends, CIDER ascends its seasonal throne. (We implore the use of cider at table as a year-round beverage, but there’s almost no resisting its fall inevitability. No one’s telling you to stop drinking rosé in the summertime, after all.)
THE LOST WORLD: PRE-PHYLLOXERA ALBARIÑO IN THE VAL DO SALNÉS
PRODUCER/S: Atalier by Raúl Pérez
REGION: Rias Baixas
The 2017 ‘A Cruz das Ánimas’ from Atalier by Raúl Pérez is a vanishingly rare example of the heights that old-vine Albariño can reach.
SPANISH SINGLE VINEYARDS: READY TO MINGLE
PRODUCER/S: Bodegas y Viñedos Artadi, Finca Torremilanos
REGION: Rioja
In such a world, it may yet come as a surprise to learn that Spanish wine, too, is made in the vineyard. Or at least it can be.
“AN EMOTIONAL FOOTPRINT”: SARA PÉREZ, RENÉ BARBIER AND VENUS LA UNIVERSAL
PRODUCER/S: Venus La Universal
REGION: Montsant
Husband and wife team Sara Pérez and René Barbier (Fils) are the children of two of the great pioneers of the Priorat D.O., Josep Lluis Pérez of Mas Martinet and René Barbier of Clos Mogador. Sara and René are both very well respected vignerons in their own right, so it seemed natural that they should start a project together. For this project, they decided to stake their claim not in Priorat, but in the slightly sleepier D.O. of Monsant.
CHECKING IN WITH RAVENTÓS I BLANC
PRODUCER/S: Raventós i Blanc
REGION: Conca del Riu Anoia
It’s been a while since we trained our eye on one of the very nearest and dearest of all estates to the collective Skurnik heart: Raventós i Blanc.
FINCA TORREMILANOS: A GEM HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT
PRODUCER/S: Finca Torremilanos
REGION: Ribera del Duero
As of 2015, the entire Finca Torremilanos estate farms on Demeter-certified biodynamic principles—a first in the entire appellation.
AVANT-GARDE ALAVESA: BODEGAS Y VIÑEDOS ARTADI
PRODUCER/S: Bodegas y Viñedos Artadi
REGION: Rioja
In 1985, Juan Carlos López de Lacalle, a native of Laguardia in the Basque section of Rioja, the Alavesa, laid the foundations for what is known today as Bodegas y Viñedos Artadi.
THE DIAMOND’S EDGE: A SOJOURN IN GREECE WITH DIAMOND IMPORTS
PRODUCER/S: Mylonas, Alpha Estate, Alexakis, Douloufakis Winery, Domaine Karydas, Kir-Yianni, Domaine Skouras, Santo Wines, Domaine Sigalas, Vassaltis Vineyards
REGION: Greece
What would we discover traveling Greece with Diamond Imports? The answer, ranging through five administrative regions and several climate zones, was more complex than we thought.
SKURNIK WINES WELCOMES RAÚL PÉREZ TO OUR NATIONAL IMPORTS PORTFOLIO
PRODUCER/S: Bodegas y Viñedos Raúl Pérez
REGION: Bierzo
Two Days on the road with Raúl Pérez!
INTRODUCING ASTARBE SAGARDOTEGIA!
PRODUCER/S: Astarbe Sagardotegia
REGION: Basque Country
Cider has been produced at the Mendiola farmhouse in Astigarraga by members of the Astarbe family for close to five centuries.
VENUS LA UNIVERSAL: A PASSION PROJECT BORNE OF LOVE
PRODUCER/S: Venus La Universal
REGION: Montsant, Catalunya
Organics and sustainability are not a sales pitch for Venus la Universal, they are a way of life.
DOMAINE SIGALAS AND THE MAGIC OF SANTORINI
PRODUCER/S: Domain Sigalas
REGION: Oia, Santorini, Greece
Paris Sigalas is widely considered to be the top producer on Santorini, and many call him the greatest producer of white wines in all of Greece.
ITALY
BISCI OF MATELICA: WHERE VERDICCHIO MEETS THE MOUNTAINS OF LE MARCHE
PRODUCER: Bisci
REGION: Marche
The high-elevation, calcareous clay soils of Bisci’s Matelica home doesn’t make just quaffable wine for everyday consumption– it’s capable of much more!
BUON NATALE 2020: CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS FROM OUR ITALIAN WINEMAKERS’ TABLE TO YOURS!
PRODUCERS: Salvatore Molettieri, Colli di Lapio – Clelia Romano, ARPEPE, Carlo Giacosa, Pomona, Ca d’Gal
REGIONS: Campania, Piedmont, Lombardia, Tuscany
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: Tajarin with Carlo Giacosa
MAURO MOLINO: LA MORRA IS JUST THE BEGINNING!
PRODUCER: Molino
REGION: Piedmont
We’re detailing the Molino family’s roots in Piedmont and the story of each wine in the Molino lineup, with videos from ‘Leradici’ & ‘Gallinotto’.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: Our new project: Barbera d’Asti Leradici
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO: Mauro Molino – Vigna Gallinotto
ARPEPE 2013 RISERVAS: THE MAKING OF A LEGEND
PRODUCER: ARPEPE
REGION: Lombardia
Only 3 or 4 times in a decade are conditions so perfect in Valtellina that the wines from ARPEPE’s single vineyards bare their vaunted Riserva labels.
SCOPETONE AND THE ORIGINAL TERROIR OF BRUNELLO: SCARNACUOIA
PRODUCER: Scopetone
REGION: Tuscany
Scarnacuoia is perfect for expressing the original terroir of Brunello. We’re sharing the story of Scopetone and all the details on their current releases.
INTRODUCING CA’ D’GAL TO SKURNIK WINES WEST!
PRODUCER: Ca d’Gal
REGION: Piedmont
In addition to the exciting news that ARPEPE has joined the Skurnik portfolio, we are launching three new exciting Italian wineries this fall!
INTRODUCING CA’ D’GAL, POMONA, & CARLO GIACOSA!
PRODUCER: Ca d’Gal, Pomona, Carlo Giacosa
REGION: Tuscany, Piedmont
In addition to the exciting news that ARPEPE has joined the Skurnik portfolio, we are launching three new exciting Italian wineries this fall!
ENZO TIEZZI OF MONTALCINO: HE WROTE THE BOOK ON BRUNELLO (AND ROSSO)!
PRODUCER: Tiezzi
REGION: Tuscany
For Dr. Tiezzi, tradition is gospel, and so his wines are always quintessentially old-school: ripe, silky, with pure fruit & rich, rustic, earthy qualities.
MONTALCINO’S CASTELLO TRICERCHI: THE REBIRTH OF AN ANCIENT DYNASTY
PRODUCER: Scopetone, Castello Tricerchi
REGION: Tuscany
It takes a deal of bravado to leave a successful family business in Rome & venture into a life of winemaking in Tuscany, but Tommaso has bravado to spare…
100 YEARS OF AZELIA: OLD, STUBBORN BEAUTY IN BAROLO
PRODUCER: Azelia
REGION: Piedmont
These 2016 Barolos are not just an occasion to celebrate a legendary vintage from a top-tier producer –it heralds Azelia’s centenary.
UCCELLIERA: ANDREA CORTONESI’S DEEP ROOTS IN MONTALCINO
PRODUCER: Uccelliera
REGION: Tuscany
The first vintage of Uccelliera Brunello may have been 1991, but the roots of Andrea Cortonesi run much deeper into both time and terroir in Montalcino.
AR.PE.PE: THE NEW DAWN OF NEBBIOLO FROM VALTELLINA
PRODUCER/S: Ar. Pe. Pe
REGION: Valtellina, Lombardia
Again and again, what should have been a classic Greek tragedy instead turned into the vinous underdog story of all time: AR.PE.PE.
TOUR THE VINEYARDS OF SOTTIMANO WITH ANDREA
PRODUCER/S: Sottimano
REGION: Piedmont
Andrea Sottimano, from quarantine in the hills of Neive, Barbaresco, would like to share his thoughts on some of his newest releases with you!
ALTO PIEMONTE: A REGION ON THE RISE
PRODUCER/S: Tiziano Mazzoni, Vallana, Antoniolo
REGION: Alto Piemonte
Over the last two decades the Alto Piemonte has experienced a renaissance, with the next generation discovering a newfound passion for the countryside and its wines.
BUON NATALE 2019: CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS FROM OUR ITALIAN WINEMAKERS’ TABLE TO YOURS!
PRODUCER/S: Luigi Voghera, Wassererhof, Cavalchina, Valle Dell’Acate
Great wines are made by passionate, attentive, meticulous, and loving hands. And it never hurts to remember that our wonderful winemakers are people who come in from the fields every day and look forward, as we do, to a moment of respite, to time spent with good food around a table with those whom they love most.
SARDINIA’S BEST-KEPT SECRET – THE VERMENTINO OF SURRAU
PRODUCER/S: Surrau
REGION: Sardinia
Surrau is located at the entranceway to Sardinia’s Emerald Coast in the northeast corner of the island in the heart of the Gallura appellation. Its perfect position, tucked between the Limbara massif with its granite peaks, and the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean, provides a perfect growing area for both whites and reds of extraordinary elegance.
MOCCAGATTA: A SIX VINTAGE VERTICAL ARRIVES FROM ONE OF BARBARESCO’S STORIED CRUS!
PRODUCER/S: Moccagatta
REGION: Barbaresco, Piedmont
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to taste the history of the Muncagöta cru, brought to you by people who sleep, eat, and breathe this particular hill of Barbaresco.
DREAMING WITH GINI: SANDRO’S SOAVE SECRET
PRODUCER/S: Gini
REGION: Soave, Veneto
Gini’s organically farmed, old vine, volcanic hillside vineyards are quietly making some of the best white wines in the appellation— if not all of Italy. Case in point, Gini’s entry-level Soave Classico 2016 was recognized by Wine Spectator with 90 points and included in their “Top 100 Wines of 2017”.
MALVIRÀ: THE LAST GREAT STASH OF CELLAR-AGED OLDER WINES IN PIEDMONT?!
PRODUCER/S: Malvira
REGION: Piedmont
We are happy to share what may be the last “great stash” in Piedmont from our friends at Malvirà, from the exceptional vineyards of San Michele, Trinità and Renesio.
ALBERICO: THE LEGENDARY WINES OF THE PRINCE OF VENOSA!
PRODUCER/S: Alberico
REGION: Lazio
As happens all too often, the wines of Alberico passed into legend only after their creator, the prince of Venosa, had left this earthly world behind. The prince was an eccentric recluse who had planted Bordeaux varieties on his estate at the gates of Rome in Lazio in the late 1940s. To quote Eric Asimov of The New York Times…
BUON NATALE 2018: CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS FROM OUR ITALIAN WINEMAKERS’ TABLE TO YOURS!
For our 3rd Annual “Buon Natale” post, we thought it a perfect opportunity to check in with some of our newest Italian producers to the Skurnik family: BiancaVigna, Benito Ferrara, Torre Raone, and Malvirà. Each producer was kind enough to offer their family’s holiday traditions and favorite recipes, which we are thrilled to share with you.
PIAGGIA & THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF CARMIGNANO DOCG
PRODUCER/S: Piaggia
REGION:
GRAND CRU PUGLIA: THE WINES OF COSIMO TAURINO
PRODUCER/S: Cosimo Taurino
REGION: Puglia
The Taurino family’s respect for terroir and for native grapes is inspiring, and their impact on the vinous history of Puglia is undoubtable.
BACK TO THE FUTURE OF SOAVE (AND VALPOLICELLA)!
PRODUCER/S: Gini
REGION: Soave
Refined, distinctive, and so unlike the Valpolicella that flood our market, the aim of these wines is nothing short of redefining the appellation.
E. PIRA – CHIARA BOSCHIS: NOW A FAMILY AFFAIR!
PRODUCER/S: E Pira – Chiara Boschis
REGION: Piedmont
Chiara Boschis: rock star, rebel, feminist, pioneer, entrepreneur, iconoclast—these are just a few terms that come to mind when considering this prestigious Barolo producer.
FAMIGLIA STATELLA ON MOUNT ETNA: “A STAR IS BORN”!
PRODUCER/S: Famiglia Statella
REGION: Etna, Sicily
It’s with these words “A star is born” that Vinous has blessed the very first vintage of Calogero Statella’s very own estate.
TENUTA SANTA MARIA DI GAETANO BERTANI: A KEY ESTATE IN ITALIAN HISTORY, CULTURE, AND WINE
PRODUCER/S: Tenuta Santa Maria
REGION: Veneto
Imagine there was a family estate in our portfolio whose impact was so great that it shaped the culture, history, and wine of Italy…
BUON NATALE 2017: CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS FROM OUR ITALIAN WINEMAKERS’ TABLE TO YOURS!
PRODUCER/S: Rocca di Montegrossii, Fiorini, Cigliuti
We thought the holidays were a great opportunity to check in with a few of our favorite Italian producers to ask: What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
MOLETTIERI: MAESTRO OF MONTEMARANO
PRODUCER/S: Molettieri
REGION: Campania
Molettieri is one of the most fascinating young producers to come out of Campania … [and] one of my favorite[s].”—Antonio Galloni
CAVALLOTTO: THE LEGEND OF BRICCO BOSCHIS
PRODUCER/S: Cavallotto
REGION: Piedmont
At Cavallotto all farming is done organically and the focus on expressing their wine’s sense of place continues with 100% estate owned and farmed fruit.
VOLIERO: THE HIGH FLYING COUSIN OF UCCELLIERA!
PRODUCER/S: Voliero
REGION: Tuscany
The Voliero is made from one of the most prestigious vineyards on the northern side of Montalcino.
ROCCA DI MONTEGROSSI: BENCHMARK CHIANTI CLASSICO
PRODUCER/S: Rocca di Montegrossi
REGION: Tuscany
The Ricasoli name is inextricably linked not only to the history of Chianti, but also to the history of Tuscany.
PRODUCER/S: Ansitz Waldgries, Wassererhof, Abbazia di Novacella
REGION: Alto Adige
Join us on a two-day tour as we explore Italy’s northernmost point, the region of Alto Adige which has always existed as a cultural crossroads.
WELCOME BACK TO SKURNIK: LE POTAZZINE
PRODUCER/S: Le Potazzine
REGION: Montalcino
Le Potazzine, one of the rising stars of Montalcino, produces wines that are laser pure expressions of their Montalcino terroir.
CIGLIUTI: PURITY AND TERROIR IN BARBARESCO
PRODUCER/S: Renato Cigliuti
REGION: Piedmont
Renato Cigliuti may produce some of the best damn Barbaresco you’ve never heard of, but he is, first and foremost, a farmer.
BUON NATALE 2016: CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS FROM OUR ITALIAN WINEMAKERS’ TABLE TO YOURS!
PRODUCER/S: Molino, Vallana, Uccelliera, Paolo Scavino
This year, we asked a few of our producers to share their holiday traditions with us.
THE LEGEND OF VALLANA: AN EIGHT DECADE VERTICAL TASTING WITH FRANCIS FOGARTY VALLANA
PRODUCER/S: Vallana
REGION: Piedmont
On Wednesday, November 9th, Skurnik Wines had the great pleasure of hosting an eight decade vertical tasting of the wines of Vallana.
GINI: FAMILY & TRADITION IN SOAVE
PRODUCER/S: Gini
REGION: Soave, Veneto
The Gini family has roots in Soave Classico dating from the 1700s and owns 25ha of vineyards situated on the very best hillside position of the appellation.
PAOLO SCAVINO: BAROLO IS THE FAMILY BUSINESS
PRODUCER/S: Paolo Scavino
REGION: Piedmont
Elisa Scavino of Paolo Scavino discusses her family’s rich history in the Barolo village of Castiglione Falletto & estate’s diverse, terroir-driven Barolos.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – PART 1
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – PART 2
PRODUCER/S: Andrea Sottimano, Cavalotto, Paolo Scavino, Mauro Molino, Giacomo Fenocchio, Elio Altare, Ccontratto
REGION: Langhe
The Langhe, which encompasses the wine-growing areas of both Barolo and Barbaresco, has become more accessible to tourists than ever before.
UNDISCOVERED ITALY: THE CLASSIC BRUNELLO OF ENZO TIEZZI
PRODUCER/S: Tiezzi
REGION: Tuscany
The Tiezzi estate is four small farms in two different locations that were brought together under the doctor’s vast experience.
TERENZUOLA: WHERE THE ALPS AND THE MEDITERRANEAN MEET
PRODUCER/S: Terenzuola
REGION: Liguria, Tuscany
At once both Tuscan and Ligurian, the wines of Terenzuola reflect the dualTerenzuolaMapity of their terroir.
TERRE NERE: AN ERUPTION OF ELEGANCE FROM ETNA
PRODUCER/S: Terre Nerre
REGION: Etna, Sicily
The Terre Nere estate stands at roughly 21 hectares, of which 15 are planted to vines. Production is simple, classic, and Burgundian in style.
WORLD
TOURING THE VINEYARDS OF DAVID & NADIA SADIE
PRODUCER: David & Nadia Wines
REGION: The Swartland, South Africa
A firsthand look at three of David & Nadia’s old vine Chenin Blanc parcels spread out across the Swartland’s diverse terroir.
EXPLORING SWARTLAND TERROIR THROUGH CHENIN WITH ANDREA & CHRIS MULLINEUX
PRODUCERS: Mullineux, Kloof Street
REGION: The Swartland, South Africa
A deep dive into the complexities of Andrea Mullineux’s dry-farmed, terroir-focused examples of Chenin Blanc from the Swartland region of South Africa.
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – Kloof Street Chenin Blanc Online Tasting Note
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – Video Tasting Note Mullineux Old Vines White
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – Video Tasting Note Single Terroir Chenin Blancs
LINK TO YOUTUBE VIDEO – Video Tasting Note Mullineux Straw Wine
EMBRACING VALUE IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
PRODUCER/S: Mount Riley, Vina Maitia, Altos Las Hormigas, Happs Wines, Kloof Street, Prisma
REGIONS: New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, Australia, South Africa
While we continue to fight alongside our winemakers each and every day to reshape public perception of the Southern Hemisphere and afford them proper recognition for the terroir-driven wines they produce, the current health crisis we’re enduring here in New York City and around the world has us simply appreciative of the incredible values we have in our portfolio.
“IN HER OWN WORDS” ANDREA MULLINEUX ON LEEU PASSANT
PRODUCER/S: Mullineux, Leeu Passant, Kloof Street
REGION: South Africa
Andrea Mullineux – winemaker & proprietor behind Mullineux, Kloof Street, and The Fog Monster – shares the inspiration and process behind the Mullineux family’s newest project; Leeu Passant, an exploration of Cape wine heritage and an homage to the pioneers of the South African wine scene.
AUSSIE SPOTLIGHT: BEN HAINES – VICTORIA
PRODUCER/S: Ben Haines
REGION: Victoria, Australia
Aussie Spotlight on Skurnik Unfiltered is back, this time featuring Victoria-based winemaker and viticulturist Ben Haines!
INTRODUCING MULLINEUX: TRUE EXPRESSION OF SWARTLAND TERROIR
PRODUCER/S: Mullineux, Leeu Passant, Kloof Street
REGION: The Swartland, South Africa
We are very proud and excited to announce Mullineux as the newest addition to the Skurnik Wines national import & distribution portfolio.
AUSSIE SPOTLIGHT: MOOROODUC ESTATE – MORNINGTON PENINSULA, VICTORIA
PRODUCER/S: Moorooduc Estate
REGION: Victoria, Austrailia
Moorooduc Estate is a small, family-run winery on the Mornington Peninsula in Southern Victoria, established in 1981 by Richard and Jill McIntyre.
TZORA VINEYARDS: THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT IN THE JUDEAN HILLS
PRODUCER/S: Tzora Vineyards
REGION: Judean Hills
Tzora Vineyards is at the forefront of the burgeoning Israeli wine scene centered in the Judean Hills.
THE COOL, COASTAL WINE WORLD OF CHILE
PRODUCER/S: Kingston Family Vineyards, Prisma, Tres Palacios, Aupa
REGION: Chile
Let’s delve into the wine world of Chile; the country with the longest north-south coastline in the world and a unique variety of coastal wines.
BURN COTTAGE: EXCELLENCE IN BIODYNAMICS & PINOT NOIR
PRODUCER/S: Burn Cottage
REGION: Central Otago, New Zealand
Burn Cottage is a 28 hectare vineyard, farm, and estate in the foothills of the Pisa range in Central Otago, New Zealand.
A NEW AUSTRALIA: LITTLE PEACOCK IMPORTS DELIVERS A FRESH TAKE DOWN UNDER
PRODUCER/S: Ashbrook Estate, Ben Haines, Best’s Great Western, Beelgara, Happs, Leconfield, Moorooduc Estate, Picardy, Punt Road
REGION: Australia
Skurnik Wines & Little Peacock Imports work together to bring new, balanced Australian wines to the market.
MOUNT RILEY: A FAMILY WINERY IN THE HEART OF MARLBOROUGH
PRODUCER/S: Mount Riley
REGION: Marlborough, New Zealand
Mount Riley is a family owned and operated vineyard in the heart of Marlborough, New Zealand
SKURNIK VIDEO SERIES
SKURNIK VIDEO SERIES: PRODUCER TESTIMONIALS
Our Winemakers share their thoughts about Skurnik Wines…
SKURNIK VIDEO SERIES: SAUSAGES AND HANDS
We asked Michael Skurnik to share some of his most valuable secrets to the success of the company! Take a look!
We asked our employees and producers “In one word, what does Skurnik mean to you?” Here’s what they had to say…
SKURNIK: IT’S ABOUT THE WINE AND THE PEOPLE
We are proud to release this latest video, which pays homage to our family of talented and amazing employees! Without them, we would be nothing. For all you do, this wine’s for you!
SKURNIK WINES & SPIRITS: CELEBRATING 30 YEARS!
It’s been a wild ride! Special thanks to all our customers, winemakers and employees, without whom we wouldn’t be here today to celebrate this milestone!
