United States
California
Cycles Gladiator (USA - California)
The very first thing he (Dennis Carrol) did was to pick up and take over the iconic wine label Cycles Gladiator. Simultaneously, he put the original founder and highly talented winemaker, Adam LaZarre, back at the helm. After his departure, Cycles Gladiator had become a producer of mass wines where quality completely took a backseat. The label itself was refurbished and restored to its former glory. The red-haired beauty slicing through the sky on her bike symbolizes the struggle for freedom of women all over the world and their fight for equality after centuries of oppression and repression. LaZarre is one of the most talented and experienced winemakers in the Paso Robles region. His wines almost all feature in the "Best Buy" lists of all trade publications. They embody the most flavorful version of each respective grape used.
Shortbread (USA - California)
When referring to butter in wine terms, we almost always end up with Chardonnay. It is California's most popular grape, combining the ever-present sunshine with seductive exotic fruit notes, hints of vanilla, coconut, and its wonderfully creamy and buttery character inherent to this grape. The name of this Chardonnay playfully nods to the hugely popular, originally British biscuit. It embraces the finer things in life — a wine for every occasion! A Buttery Chardonnay!!
Broadside (USA - California)
Paso Robles is literally translated to English as the Pass of the Oaks. Vineyards and oak trees alternate in a hilly landscape where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns supreme. King Cab! At Broadside, sustainability is highly valued. 'Share now, preserve the future' is their motto, in the broadest sense of the word. With benefits for both humans and nature. Efficient energy policies, ecologically responsible cultivation, safeguarding and promoting the local ecosystem with biodiversity as a primary focus, erosion control, water management, and intelligent irrigation systems. On a human level, employees can count on competitive wages, ongoing education, and professional development. Here too, Adam Lazarre is at the helm, responsible for some of the best Cab Sauvs that this region has to offer.
Salt + Stone (USA - California)
The idea behind this latest blend from the Wine Hooligans originates from the benefits of blending. This can involve using a different grape variety or the same grape variety that underwent a different 'upbringing', where shortcomings or deficiencies of a grape or its specific vintage are complemented by another grape or the same grape that has been aged differently, for example. This makes the result more complete and interesting without tampering with the soul of the wine. However, here the same grape from two different locations is always combined. Vineyards near the coast benefit from the wind and temperature variations (Salt), while inland vineyards are usually warmer and experience less cooling (Stone). This gives the winemaker the opportunity to combine the structured, refined, and slightly salty character of the coast with the warm, lush, and deeper character of the inland. It results in a more complete and complex wine that showcases the best of both worlds.
Sonoma County
Au Contraire (Sonoma County)
This was the first family vineyard of the renowned Taub family in Sonoma County. The wines are specially made for those who fully embrace life. For those who make the impossible possible! This vision is also presented in a fun way on the label with an illustration that turns expectations upside down. Au Contraire has enviable "Cool Climate" vineyards, especially in these times. Just like in Burgundy, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the royal couple, and just like in the Côte d’Or, the best wines in the world are made here. The exceptional quality is guaranteed by the legendary Californian winemaker Tom Hinde and his experienced team. Who again said that the best Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs are undoubtedly from Burgundy ...? You'll definitly say...AU CONTRAIRE!
Washington State
Portlandia (USA - Washington State)
When you open the Portlandia website, you are greeted with large bold letters that say, 'PLAY HARD WORK LATER!'... A piece of advice we certainly can't just ignore. It also says a lot about the founder and winemaker Damian Davis, who in 1999 set off on a long road trip from Florida to the northwest of the United States in search of a job in the technology sector. When he arrived in the Willamette Valley during harvest season, he instantly fell in love with the most beautiful landscape he had ever seen. By the time he reached his final destination, his car was so loaded with wine bottles that he could barely make it. In 2008, he decided to leave his career behind and make a fresh start in the wine industry. Portlandia was born. In this rather cool climate, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris are the absolute protagonists. With the help of Adam LaZarre, Damian produces a range of extraordinary wines that combine exceptional taste pleasure with a pleasant price.
