Wine With Wanda

When Clean is Controversial: Avaline's Simple Wines Bring Plenty of Delicious Drama!

Katherine Power & Cameron Diaz, Founders of Avaline 
image courtesy of Avaline

The response from the wine media was fast and furious when actor Cameron Diaz and entrepreneur Katherine Power introduced their Avaline wines to the world last year. Quicker than you could chill a bottle, Avaline’s "clean wine" claims were branded as misleading. It’s true that much of the language surrounding clean wines is cloudy; there is no legal definition of clean wine.

Avaline's website states that “Avaline makes clean, delicious wines with organic grapes. Transparently produced, full of natural goodness, free of unnecessary extras.” It is wonderful that Avaline’s wines are crafted from organic grapes, but that’s not quite revolutionary. Regarding additives, Avaline does filter their wines with bentonite clay, and cream of tartar is added to prevent the formation of crystals. There’s nothing controversial about these additives, but they’re certainly not necessary -- trust me, wine geeks love an unfiltered wine!  

I like the charming and talented Cameron Diaz, she actually seems like someone that it would be fun to share a bottle with, but I confess that I always approach celebrity wines with some skepticism. But I finally accepted an invitation to give Avaline a swirl. From all accounts, Avaline is a hit with consumers, so I wanted to taste the wines sent to me with an open mind. No one likes a wine snob. 


Avaline White Wine ($24)
The label says Made In Spain, but no region is listed. Vintage and information about the blend are also absent. A search on Avaline's website yielded more info: Avaline White is a combination of Xarel-lo, Macabeo, and Malvasia grapes sourced from Can Ràfols dels Caus, respected producers in Penédes, Catalunya. That’s a delightful surprise -- Xarel-lo and Macabeo are essential to producing the Spanish sparkling wine Cava, so it’s a treat to encounter these varieties in a still wine. The label describes the wine as “dry with a crisp fresh finish”. I must admit, this is a pleasant sip. Fresh with perky acidity, flavors of citrus, green apple, pear, fresh-cut grass, and a hint of salinity, this is a charming summer wine to enjoy as an apéritif or paired with salads and fresh seafood. 

Avaline Red Wine ($24)
The label simply states Vin de France with no indication of region or the blend, so once again, I had to do some detective work on Avaline’s website. A blend of Grenache & Syrah from the Southern Rhône, “the winemaking family respectfully asked Avaline to keep their identity confidential." A light-bodied and juicy red with flavors of black cherry, and pops of black pepper and spice, I recommend serving this red slightly chilled. A tasty pairing with barbecue or pizza. 

My final thoughts? Fresh, fruit-forward, and tasty, Avaline’s wines aren’t complex, but they are enjoyable everyday wines. I applaud their commitment to using organic grapes and for avoiding some of the more questionable additives often seen in mass-produced wines. The wines are also Vegan Friendly. The debate about clean wine is an important one, but I wish Avaline would devote some space on their labels to detailing the grape varieties. Personally, I want to know more about the grapes, regions, and producers: come clean with those great details and don't bury them on the website! 

Love Leads at Loveblock Winery in New Zealand

 

"Going organic is a choice, and for us, feels like the right thing to do. Our intention is to nurture the ecosystem of the soil and the vines and give back to its roots as naturally as possible. Ultimately, I believe the resulting wine is better and truer to its terroir.”
 Erica Crawford, Founder & CEO of Loveblock Winery

When Erica and Kim Crawford stood on the hills high above the hustle and bustle of Marlborough's Awatere Valley, they fell in love with the breathtaking view below and the untamed land at their feet. They aren't kidding when they say "Loveblock was forged from a love affair with a view and a challenge."

When Erica founded Loveblock, she hired the best winemaker she knows -- her husband and award-winning winemaker Kim Crawford. I met Kim several months ago and his commitment to authentic and quality winemaking has earned him well-deserved accolades in New Zealand and around the globe. 

I recently interviewed Erica for my Instagram Live series. Watch the video above or on YouTube. During our conversation, we discussed Loveblock's commitment to low intervention farming, which they believe enables the wine to show its true and naked terroir. We also discussed Erica's disdain for wine snobs! You'll even learn why so many wines from New Zealand are bottled under screw cap. Grab a bottle of Loveblock, watch the video, and discover why “Loveblock is a true love story, it is one of depth and dedication." Erica and I tasted three Loveblock wines during our chat. 


Loveblock Pinot Gris 2018, Marlborough ($22.99) 
Dry but fruit-forward with lingering flavors of stone fruit and lime. Quite luscious! 
 

Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc 2019, Marlborough ($28)
Not aggressively zesty but absolutely vibrant, this elegant Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and juicy with flavors of white peach, tropical fruits, and a hint of herbs. 2% Pinot Gris in the blend adds a lush roundness. Rated 90 points by Wine Spectator and recently featured as their Wine Pick of the Day.


Loveblock Pinot Noir 2018, Central Otago ($29.99)
Rated 93 points by Wine Spectator and #46 on their Top 100 Wines of 2019, this medium-bodied Pinot Noir has vibrant red fruit flavors and a hint of earthy mushroom. 

From the South of France to South America: The Bousquet Family Follows Their Wine Destiny to Mendoza

image courtesy of Domaine Bousquet

Who says a vacation can't change your life? When third-generation winemaker Jean Bousquet visited Argentina in 1990, he became so captivated by the rugged and soaring beauty of the Gualtallary Valley in Mendoza that he began uprooting his life in Carcassonne, in the south of France. It took a few years, but in 1997 Bousquet purchased a substantial parcel of land and this French family began a new chapter as Argentine winemakers in dramatic fashion at an altitude of 4,000 ft. in Tupungato - at one of the highest altitude wine vineyards in Mendoza and the world. The locals, and even the real estate broker, thought Bousquet was a bit crazy to believe that wine grapes would thrive in this semi-desert and very cool climate area where no vines were planted. But his naysayers were proven wrong and today Domaine Bousquet is the world's most awarded organic wine producer. 

"Our wines are a mix of France and Argentina. Argentinean terroir with a French expression." - Anne Bousquet

Domaine Bousquet is now led by Jean's daughter, Anne Bousquet (CEO, Co-founder & Partner) and her husband Labid Ameri (President, Co-founder & Partner). A trained economist, pragmatic Anne was skeptical of her father's vision of creating world-class wines in the wilds of Mendoza but her father's whim has proven fortuitous and she is now a fully invested and passionate ambassador. Domaine Bousquet wines are available in 50 countries and I recently had the pleasure of tasting her family's wines with Anne while she was visiting New York City. 


image courtesy of Domaine Bousquet

 I was very impressed by Domaine Bousquet's commitment to sustainable and organic wine production. "We are dedicated to farming organically while improving our land’s biodiversity. We believe that the healthier the vineyard, the better the fruit and of course the wine. In other words, by nourishing the land and treating it with respect, we know that the land will give us back its finest fruits." 

Expressive of their terroir, I found the wines of Domaine Bousquet possessed a consistent grace and freshness that lives up to their motto of "naturally elegant wines." Available at very accessible price points, their wines prove that quality wine does not have to cost a fortune and that the hard work of organic production does yield fantastic results in the vineyard and the bottle. 


Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé ($13) is a flirty and fresh introduction to their style. At first, the family only produced this charming bubbly for their own consumption but smartly realized that consumers would find it appealing. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with fresh & lively red fruit & citrus flavors, persistent fine bubbles, and a long finish. Pretty to the eye and playful on the palate. 


Domaine Bousquet Chardonnay 2017 ($13) is unoaked but time on the lees adds creamy texture and nuance. Citrus and melon flavors are revved up by a touch of tropical fruit and perky acidity. A pleasant and easygoing sip that doesn't compromise quality. 


Of course, no discussion of Argentine wine is complete without acknowledging their signature grape Malbec. Sometimes Malbec is maligned simply because it is so popular but Malbec is not a one-note wine. I still think Mendoza is one of the world's most exciting wine regions because producers are exploring Malbec's potential to express itself in a myriad of ways. Domaine Bousquet Reserve Malbec 2016 ($18) really showcases the beautiful influence of their high-altitude vineyards. Concentrated and intense but still fresh, this is a rich and balanced wine with luscious berry and plum flavors and subtle hints of chocolate and spice. 


"We're from Languedoc, we love Syrah," said Anne and their Gaia Red Blend 2015 ($20) adds a healthy share of rich Syrah (45%) to Malbec (50%) and a kiss of Cabernet Sauvignon (5%). A fantastic melding of their French heritage and commitment to Argentina, this wine is a winner. Rich and velvety with silky tannins, Gaia is an impressive tapestry of flavors: dark & ripe fruit, spice, and earth. A well-crafted wine with character and complexity at a jaw-droppingly reasonable price. 

image courtesy of Domaine Bousquet

If you're planning a trip to Mendoza (and you should!), Domaine Bousquet welcomes guests for tours & wine tastings. You can also dine with a breathtaking view of the Andes Mountains at their contemporary French bistro Gaia, which showcases local cuisine with select ingredients from their organic garden. 

Can't Buy Me Love But I'll Take a Bottle of Loveblock Wine!

Many of my friends tease me about being a hopeless romantic and I'm fine with that. One of the many reasons that I adore chatting with winemakers is their tendency to share my full wine glass perspective on life - why do anything halfway? Love and Mother Nature are the most powerful forces on the planet and devoting one's life to winemaking requires an optimistic but strong spirit that can withstand Mother Nature's mercurial moods. Whether the harvest is magnificently perfect or heartbreakingly challenging, a winemaker maintains a loving, patient, and respectful bond with nature. Erica Crawford of Loveblock brings all of this and more to the beautiful wines that she and her winemaker husband, the renowned Kim Crawford, produce in New Zealand. 

"We want to make the best wine we can, wine that speaks with the voice of naked terroir. To do this I hired the best winemaker I know." - Erica Crawford

Committed as partners in life and business, Erica and Kim also share a special connection with their vineyards, perched high on the hills overlooking Marlborough's Awatere Valley. The Crawfords purchased the untamed terrain in 2006 and as it was being cultivated, using organic and sustainable practices, Erica began to affectionately refer to it with the pet-name Loveblock. 


“I am Erica’s husband and the winemaker here at Loveblock. Making wine is really the only thing I have ever done; I’ve been doing it for almost 30 years now." - Kim Crawford
image courtesy of Loveblock

For the Crawfords, winemaking is a labour of love and passion and their wine absolutely expresses this energy. Elegant without pretension, Loveblock wines are evocative reminders that real wine tells a story. 

 Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ($21.99)
An elegantly restrained Sauvignon Blanc that is vibrant but not aggressively zingy. Beautifully balanced stone fruit, tropical, and herbal flavors are supported by refreshing acidity and mineral texture. 


Loveblock Pinot Gris 2014 ($21.99)
And the fantastic flavor lingers on and on in this charming expression of Pinot Gris. Fresh but nuanced with an approachable complexity. 

Loveblock Pinot Noir 2014 ($29.99)
New Zealand has become one of my favorite regions for Pinot Noir and Loveblock's is stellar. Fruit-forward but quite sultry with plenty of finesse. 

To learn more about Loveblock, visit their website. Cheers!