July 2025 | Enthusiast Wine Club
by Caileen BrisonDomaine Laougué Marty 2022 Madiran
This 100% Tannat from Domaine Laougué comes from 60+ year-old biodynamically farmed vines, planted without pesticides, and situated at the base of the Pyrenees Mountains. The wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and then racked to a neutral barrel for aging.
Immediately upon opening, the wine is explosive with notes of boysenberry liqueur and blackberry, drenched in textured graphite, pencil shavings, dried violets, black pepper, and celery seed. After a short time, the wine becomes slightly redder and pinker, with iron notes and glimpses of red currant and pink peppercorn, creating an overall sense of softening. On day two, the wine becomes noticeably dense and round, with more fruit presence balancing the herbaceousness and more lifted black fruit notes.
I enjoy this wine to the same magnitude but for different reasons on different days. On day one, I appreciate its tenacious energy, while day two feels more like a warm hug. For food pairings, I suggest heavy protein or fat dishes to balance the high tannin concentration; think Italian sausage, grilled lamb, or aged parmesan with dense balsamic vinegar. Drink now – 2032 and serve in all-purpose stemware at cellar temperature.
Punta Crena 2023 “Vigneto ca da Rena” Pigato
Hailing from the gorgeous land of Liguria in Italy, this lesser-known varietal strikes a structural harmony for many wine lovers. Similar to its more recognized local white varietal, Vermentino, this wine carries density through a mouth-coating sense of oiliness but is brightened with notes of pink apples, yuzu, and rocky minerality.
Over time, the wine begins to reveal a stronger sense of place, tasting faintly of ocean breeze, oyster shell, and citrus juice. On day two, the lees contact becomes apparent and softens the wine overall, though its core of bright aromatics still holds strong.
For food pairings, I might suggest vegetables with pesto, oysters, or sea salt focaccia. Drink now – 2029 and serve in all-purpose stemware at refrigeration temperature.
Anna Espelt 2022 Pla de Gates
This wine truly came as a pleasant surprise, reminding me just how vast the wine world is and how little of it I’ve explored. This blend of Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris hails from Empordà, a DO in Spain located in the northeastern corner of Catalonia. Specifically, this biodynamically farmed vineyard lies within Spain's Cap de Creus Nature Reserve, on its rocky coast, giving rise to this absolutely delicious bottle of wine.
Right out of the bottle, the wine offers bright tropical notes of pink grapefruit, starfruit, passionfruit, and lilies, along with an overtly rocky minerality laced with moderate acidity. Over time, the wine undergoes a remarkable evolution, shifting from golden cake, shortbread, and pineapple to pollen and fresh honey. This bottle remained in my fridge for four days, and on days three and four, it exhibited invigorating notes of saffron and candied ginger. What a delightful (and extremely value-driven) bottle of wine!
For food pairings, if possible, try paella. The mix of seafood and spice would complement the wine's bright and almost spice-driven notes incredibly well. If paella isn't an option, steamed seafood with fresh vegetables, herbs, and crusty bread would be fantastic. Drink now – 2030 and serve in all-purpose stemware at refrigeration temperature.