Elisa and her family have a deep connection to the land and their vineyards, which have been a part of their family for generations. They understand the importance of taking care of the soil and the environment to preserve the terroir and produce high-quality wines. The Gueneau estate’s vineyards are located on steep slopes that require careful attention and maintenance. Elisa observes her plots throughout the year to ensure that the vines receive the care they need. She keeps grass between the rows of vines, which helps to prevent erosion and provides a natural habitat for beneficial insects and microorganisms. By working the soil around the base of the vines, she promotes healthy root growth and improves the soil’s fertility.

The estate’s focus on environmentally responsible practices is evident in its approach to farming. They use sustainable farming practices, such as minimal tillage, cover cropping, and natural pest management, to minimize their environmental impact. They also use organic and biodynamic farming techniques to enhance the quality of the soil and promote biodiversity.

The result of this careful attention to the land and the environment is a range of flavorful and complex wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Sancerre region. Sauvignon Blanc, which represents 75% of the estate’s production, benefits from the calcareous clay soils, which give it body and richness. The red and rosé wines, made from Pinot Noir, benefit from the stony soils, which lend fruity notes to the wine.  Overall, Elisa’s approach to winemaking is focused on finding the balance between the needs of the vines and the respect of the terroir. By working with the land and the environment, she and her family are able to produce exceptional wines that reflect their passion and commitment to the land.

What to Expect: Les Terres Blanches, Sancerre. The dominant fruit flavors are white grapefruit, underripe papaya, and cactus pear. The acidity of the wine is precise and prickly, with a persistent flavor of fresh sage and resinous hoppy herbaceousness. The finish of the wine is like a wet shiny white stone.

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POE is a winery that places a strong emphasis on producing wines that showcase the unique terroir of California, while also drawing inspiration from the wines of Burgundy and Champagne. Founder Samantha Sheehan’s goal is to create wines that are both alluring and age-worthy, with minimal intervention and never any additives.

The winery produces a range of wines, including traditional Champagne method sparkling wines, rosé, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and a nouveau from Pinot Noir. Each wine is made in limited quantities and sold directly from the winery, as well as to high-end restaurants around the country. In addition her Poe line, she’s also venture into the aperitifs world with “Mommenpop” and everyday table wines like “Ultraviolet” featured below.

“Samanthaʼs Cab Sauv is made up of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. The Cabernet Sauvignon comes from three vineyards in the Red Hills AVA, which is just east of St. Helena, and west of Lake County. The vineyards are between 1500-2000 feet in elevation, with red volcanic soil and excellent drainage. Red Hills is one of the most geologically active areas in California, with a pocket of magma flowing two miles below. The Cabernet Franc comes from her personal vineyard plus a friends vineyard in Coombsville, which is the new AVA in Napa.” – Ultraviolet

What to Expect: Ultraviolet, Cabernet Sauvignon. Ripe and rich aromas of blueberry compote, plums, fresh violet petals, and currants. On the palate, it has a round and full mouthfeel with hints of blackberry bramble and black pepper. There is a Bordeaux-like earthiness that contributes to the wine’s complexity, and it is balanced by bright acidity and velvety, persistent tannins.

When venturing to the Manaresi winery in the hills outside of Bologna, you will usually be welcomed by Fabio Bottonelli with a warm smile. He will happily show off their gorgeous vineyard sites overlooking the capital of Emilia-Romagna. You will eventually find Donatella, either tending to the vines on her beautiful hillsides, or precisely monitoring the secondary fermentation of her Pignoletto Frizzante in the cantina. Fabio is the outgoing face of the project, but his wife Donatella is the heart and soul of Manaresi. The winery itself is named after Donatella’s grandfather, a renowned local artist who spent his free time in these hills known as the Colli Bolognese. Donatella, a former architect, is the winemaker behind one of the area’s most fascinating sparkling wines, the Pignoletto Frizzante. Her hillsides have also been influenced by the French in the times of Napoleon, and have been a home to Cabernet Sauvignon as well as Merlot for nearly 200 years. There is art inside every bottle that they produce, as indicated by the “picture frame” that is the label of her frizzante wine. Much of the cantina showcases Paolo’s artwork and is an homage to his talent, but it is really Donatella who deserves the credit for her artistry at the helm of Manaresi.

What to Expect: Manaresi Pignoletto Frizzante $23 Perhaps what makes frizzante from Pignoletto most interesting is the ability for the grape to drink both as vibrant and textured. The wine is made with the charmat method (similar to Prosecco) but with a bit less “frizz,” made intentionally with a few less bubbles. Notes of pear, green apple, white flowers, and citrus will be followed by a comforting nutty notes on the finish. Donatella calls this wine “Prosecco’s nemesis,” but it is so much more than just that!

What to Expect: Manaresi ‘RED’ Cabernet Sauvignon $23 As mentioned before, Cabernet Sauvignon is practically “native” to these hillsides, having been farmed here since the early 19th century. The RED is meant to be a young and easy expression of Cab, aged mostly in steel to bring out the more food-friendly side of this grape. But don’t let that fool you, the hills of Bologna are quite warm, which brings out the classic dark cherry, blackcurrant and spice that most desire from Cabernet Sauvignon. – James Mucci.