As the days grow longer, we grow more optimistic. We’re shaking the snow and soot off our hibernating hearts to get into the season of love. This year, we’re looking beyond romantic love and highlighting the relationships that have really held us through this…*experience*
Tète Blanche NV: for the love of Friends
Touraine, France
Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay +
It’s not nice to think about where we would be if it weren’t for the constant streams of photos, four hour FaceTimes, book clubs, music clubs, sending you pictures of my dinner every night clubs-whatever--you name it we’ve probably done it with our friends over the last 12 months. We're starting a "fantasize about making wine in the Loire Valley with your besties" club which is exactly what Nicolas, Phillippe, Baptiste and Vivien do—cute! Their wines are specifically engineered for platonic groups: “Les Tétes is about friendship, and wines you drink with friends.” Grab a bottle and start planning that dinner party for 50 of your closest.
Marie Courtin “Resonance” Extra Brut Champagne: for the love of Family
2015
Champagne, France
100% Pinot Noir
Winemaker Dominique Moreau named her estate after her grandmother who she describes as “a woman of the Earth.” We’re really into family in the wine world. Old world estates are generally on to second or third generation (or beyond) winemakers who inherited their vines from their parents, aunts or cousins, etc. Grapes are passed around like Christmas presents in wine families. The idea of family goes beyond biological bonding for wine and hospitality professionals, though. We also think of our co-workers as our families and are often celebrating major holidays and life events while working with them. Champagne is for you if you’re missing family—chosen or not.
Clos de la Roilette Fleurie: for the love of Pets
2019
Beaujolais, France
100% Gamay
What is now Fleurie was once part of Moulin-à-Vent and the original owner of what is now Clos de Roilette was not pleased about the change. Instead of labeling his wine with the Fleurie AOC, he just named it Roilette after his beloved horse. The name Roilette became more synonymous for great Beaujolais than Fleurie. Based on how many new puppies we’ve seen in Bushwick in the last year, we’re guessing that animals have really helped a lot of us adjust to the New World. This is a good bottle to pair with pet snuggles on the couch.
Old World Winery Sparkling Abouriou: for the love of Earth
2016
Russian River Valley, California
100% Abouriou
Darek Trowbridge works vines in Sonoma, some of which were planted by his great grandfather in the 1890s. His vineyards have been hit hard by the wildfires so, Darek has worked to nurture his vines back to health and has managed to produce healthy vintages. The winery also hosts an “Adopt-a-Vine” Program so that patrons can support the regeneration project. We believe a rich love affair with Mother Earth has been essential for our spirits, especially through winter. If you want to connect to the deep love of the universe this is the wine for you.
Domaine de Closel "Rosalia" Cabernet Sauvignon: for Self Love
2018
Loire Valley, France
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaker Evelyne de Pontbriand is a legend. She took over her family’s estate in 2001 and has become a well respected star of the Loire. She is the first female president of Savennières and she’s a protector of her cuvées—rumor has it she got into a tiffle with Nicolas Joly after he named a wine after one of hers. She’s strong, she stands up for herself and she inspires us. There’s nothing quite like self-love. We spend our lives chasing serenity and peace, only to have it shaken quite frequently by external forces. Get this bottle and give yourself a hug. You deserve it.
Thank you for reading! We hope to see you soon xoxo, BTB