Patagonia – Where the End of the World Meets Extraordinary Wine

 

At the bottom of the world, where Andean winds scour the land and volcanic soils stretch toward the horizon, a handful of pioneering winemakers are crafting some of the most thrilling bottles in South America.

When most people hear the word Patagonia, they immediately think of the clothing brand or rugged mountains, glaciers, hiking trails, and breathtaking landscapes stretching across the southern reaches of South America. But for wine lovers, Patagonia offers something equally exciting: one of the world’s most fascinating and rapidly emerging wine regions.

Spanning southern Argentina and Chile, Patagonia sits at the edge of the known wine world. Often referred to as “the end of the world,” this remote region produces wines of remarkable freshness, elegance, and character thanks to its unique climate and geography.

If you’re looking to discover wines beyond the familiar bottles of Napa, Bordeaux, or Tuscany, Patagonia deserves a place on your radar. Once you have a taste of the Chardonnay or Pinot Noir you will be shocked, a smile will erupt on your face and you will be seeking out these beautiful wines

What Makes Patagonia So Special?

Patagonia covers a vast area across both Argentina and Chile, extending from the Andes Mountains to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The region is known for dramatic scenery that includes towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, glaciers, windswept plains, and some of the most untouched landscapes on Earth.

For winemakers, these extreme conditions create a unique environment unlike anywhere else.

One of Patagonia’s defining characteristics is its isolation. The vineyards are far removed from major cities and industrial development, allowing producers to focus on sustainable and environmentally conscious farming practices.

Many vineyards are planted in areas that were once considered too cold or too remote for viticulture. Today, those same conditions are producing wines that are gaining international recognition.

The Climate: Cool, Dry, and Windy

Patagonia’s climate is the secret behind its distinctive wines.

The region experiences:

• Cool temperatures

• Intense sunlight

• Very low rainfall

• Strong winds

• Significant day-to-night temperature shifts

The dry climate helps reduce disease pressure in the vineyard, allowing growers to use fewer chemical treatments. Meanwhile, the cool nights preserve the grapes’ acidity and freshness.

Perhaps the most famous element of Patagonian viticulture is the wind. Constant breezes flowing off the Andes Mountains help keep vineyards healthy while naturally limiting vine vigor. The result is smaller berries with concentrated flavors and excellent balance.

The long growing season allows grapes to ripen slowly, developing complexity without excessive sugar levels. This often leads to wines with vibrant acidity, moderate alcohol, and exceptional food-friendliness.

Patagonia’s Signature Grapes

Pinot Noir

If Patagonia has a calling card, it may be Pinot Noir.

The cool climate and long growing season allow Pinot Noir to develop beautiful aromatics and bright fruit flavors while maintaining freshness.

Expect notes of:

• Cherry

• Raspberry

• Cranberry

• Rose petals

• Earthy undertones

Many wine lovers compare Patagonia’s Pinot Noir to examples from Oregon’s Willamette Valley or New Zealand’s Central Otago.

Malbec

Argentina is synonymous with Malbec, and Patagonia offers a different expression of the grape than you’ll find in Mendoza.

Patagonian Malbec tends to be:

• More elegant

• Lower in alcohol

• Brighter in acidity

• More focused on red fruit than jammy black fruit

These wines often showcase cherry, plum, violet, and mineral notes with silky tannins.

Merlot

Merlot thrives in Patagonia’s cool climate, producing wines with freshness, structure, and refined fruit flavors.

Look for:

• Black cherry

• Plum

• Herbal notes

• Soft spice

Chardonnay

Patagonia’s cool temperatures are ideal for Chardonnay.

Styles range from crisp and mineral-driven to richer barrel-aged versions, often featuring:

• Green apple

• Pear

• Citrus

• White flowers

• Flinty minerality

Sauvignon Blanc

Particularly on the Chilean side of Patagonia, Sauvignon Blanc develops intense aromatics and mouthwatering acidity.

These wines often burst with:

• Lime

• Grapefruit

• Fresh herbs

• Tropical fruit

• Saline minerality

The Chilean Side of Patagonia

While Argentina receives most of the attention, Chilean Patagonia is becoming one of South America’s most exciting frontier wine regions.

Located farther south than most traditional Chilean vineyards, producers are experimenting with cool-climate varieties that thrive under extreme growing conditions.

The combination of Pacific Ocean influences, glacial water sources, and volcanic soils creates wines with remarkable freshness and precision.

As climate change continues to impact traditional wine regions, many winemakers see southern Chile as an area with tremendous future potential.

Wine Tourism in Patagonia

For adventurous wine lovers, Patagonia offers one of the most unforgettable wine travel experiences on the planet.

Unlike crowded wine destinations, Patagonia combines world-class wines with jaw-dropping natural beauty.

Imagine spending your morning tasting Pinot Noir and your afternoon hiking through landscapes that look straight out of a National Geographic documentary.

Visit Patagonia’s Wine Regions

Neuquén Province (Argentina)

Home to some of Patagonia’s most recognized wineries, Neuquén offers modern tasting rooms, vineyard tours, and luxury accommodations.

Río Negro Valley (Argentina)

The oldest wine-growing area in Patagonia, Río Negro is known for historic vineyards and elegant Pinot Noir.

Chilean Patagonia

Wine tourism is still developing, making it ideal for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Beyond Wine: Why You’ll Fall in Love with Patagonia

Patagonia isn’t just a wine destination.

Visitors can:

• Explore glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park

• Visit the famous Perito Moreno Glacier

• Hike in Torres del Paine National Park

• Cruise through fjords and ice fields

• Spot penguins, guanacos, condors, and whales

• Experience some of the clearest night skies in the world

For travelers who love both wine and nature, few places offer a more complete experience.

Why Patagonia Should Be on Every Wine Lover’s Bucket List

Patagonia represents the spirit of discovery that makes wine so fascinating.

Its remote location, extreme climate, and pioneering winemakers are producing wines that challenge expectations and showcase a completely different side of South American viticulture.

Whether you’re sipping an elegant Pinot Noir from Río Negro, a vibrant Sauvignon Blanc from southern Chile, or planning a future trip to this breathtaking corner of the world, Patagonia reminds us that some of wine’s greatest treasures are found far from the beaten path.

Wine of the Week: Vale do Homem Loureiro 2022 Vinho Verde DOC

When most people hear the words Vinho Verde, they often think of an inexpensive, slightly fizzy white wine that appears at summer picnics and backyard barbecues. While that's not entirely wrong, Vinho Verde is so much more than that. This week's Wine of the Week, the Vale do Homem Loureiro 2022 Vinho Verde DOC, is a perfect example of why this region deserves a closer look.

On a recent hot evening, I pulled this bottle from the refrigerator looking for something crisp, refreshing, and easy to enjoy. What I found was a wine bursting with personality, vibrant acidity, and a hint of spritz, making it incredibly refreshing.

In the Glass

The nose opens with aromas of citrus blossom, green apple, pear, and fresh lime zest. As the wine opens, subtle floral notes emerge, characteristic of the Loureiro grape.

On the palate, the wine is light-bodied and lively, showing flavors of lemon, green apple, pear, and a touch of white peach. A subtle mineral note runs through the wine, adding complexity and balance. One of the hallmarks of many Vinho Verde wines is a slight natural effervescence, and this wine delivers a gentle spritz that enhances its refreshing character without overpowering the fruit.

The finish is crisp, clean, and mouthwatering, making it nearly impossible to stop at one glass. And we didn’t, we had two bottles. No judging.

Understanding Vinho Verde

Vinho Verde is not a grape variety. It is a wine region located in the northwestern corner of Portugal, known for its lush green landscapes, Atlantic influence, and cool climate.

The name "Vinho Verde" literally translates to "green wine," but it refers to the wines’ youthful style rather than their color. The region produces white, rosé, and red wines, though white wines are by far the most widely recognized internationally.

The region is divided into nine sub-regions, each with its own unique growing conditions. This wine comes from the Cávado Sub-Region, located between the Cávado and Homem rivers. The area's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean contributes cooling breezes that help preserve acidity and freshness in the grapes.

Decoding the Label

Portuguese wine labels can sometimes feel intimidating, but once you

understand them, they tell you a great deal about what's inside the bottle.

Vale do Homem – The producer.

Vinho Verde DOC – Indicates the wine comes from the protected Vinho Verde Denomination of Origin.

Sub-Região do Cávado – Identifies the specific sub-region within Vinho Verde where the grapes were grown.

Loureiro – The grape variety used to make the wine.

Unlike many New World wines that prominently display the grape on the front label, Portuguese wines often emphasize the region first. Learning to identify names like Loureiro, Alvarinho, Arinto, and Trajadura can open the door to discovering some of Portugal's exciting wines.

The Grapes of Vinho Verde

One of the fascinating aspects of Vinho Verde is the wide variety of indigenous Portuguese grapes grown throughout the region. Some of the most common white varieties include:

• Loureiro – Aromatic with floral, citrus, and stone fruit notes.

• Alvarinho – aromatic white grape known for its crisp acidity, bright citrus and stone fruit flavors. Called Albariño from neighboring Spain.

• Arinto – Known for vibrant acidity and citrus character.

• Trajadura – Adds softness and fruitiness to blends.

• Avesso – Fuller-bodied with tropical fruit notes.

This bottling highlights Loureiro, its fragrant aromatics and refreshing acidity. It is one of the signature varieties of the Lima and Cávado areas and shines particularly well when bottled on its own.

Food Pairings

The bright acidity and slight effervescence make this wine incredibly food-friendly.

Perfect pairings include:

• Fresh oysters

• Steamed clams

• Shrimp cocktail

• Grilled scallops

• Sushi and sashimi

• Fish tacos

• Summer salads

• Goat cheese

• Grilled vegetables

• Lemon herb chicken

Its refreshing character also makes it a wonderful aperitif on a warm afternoon, enjoyed simply with good company, by the pool, ocean, on the boat, just anywhere.

Wine of the Week: Domaine Cep d'Or 2023 Auxerrois Coteaux de Stadtbredimus

 

As I prepare for my upcoming trip to Luxembourg, I decided it was time to start exploring some of the country's wines. I opened a bottle of Domaine Cep d'Or 2023 Auxerrois Coteaux de Stadtbredimus, and all I can say is wow.

This was my first experience with the Auxerrois grape, and it certainly won't be my last. The wine immediately grabbed my attention with its freshness, bright fruit character, and wonderful balance. It's exactly the kind of wine that makes you stop, look at the label, and wonder why you've never been drinking it all along.

Meet the Auxerrois Grape

Auxerrois is a white grape variety that is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors like Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. Auxerrois (also known as Auxerrois Blanc) is a white grape variety that is something of an unsung hero in the wine world. It is most closely associated with the Moselle Valley — both in Luxembourg and Alsace — and is believed to be a natural crossing of Pinot Blanc and Gouais Blanc.

In Luxembourg, Auxerrois is considered a true specialty of the Moselle, where the cool climate and mineral-rich soils allow it to express a particularly fine, aromatic character. The grape tends to produce wines with moderate to good acidity, soft fruit profiles centered on apple and pear, and a gentle floral or spice note depending on how it's handled. At its best, it carries that signature Moselle minerality — a chalky, stony quality that gives the wine structure and a long, clean finish.

Tasting Notes

The 2023 Domaine Cep d'Or Auxerrois opens with inviting aromas of fresh apple, ripe pear, and just a hint of citrus.

On the palate, the wine delivers exactly what the nose promises. Crisp orchard fruit flavors dominate, with notes of green apple and juicy pear leading the way. A touch of citrus adds brightness, while lively acidity keeps everything fresh and energetic.

What really impressed me was the underlying minerality. There's a subtle stony character that provides structure and complexity without overwhelming the fruit.

The finish is clean, refreshing, and leaves you immediately wanting another sip.

Food Pairing Suggestions

The bright acidity and fresh fruit profile make this a versatile food wine.

I would happily pair it with:

• Fresh seafood
• Grilled white fish
• Chicken piccata
• Summer salads
• Goat cheese
• Asparagus dishes
• Pork schnitzel
• Mild cheeses

It would also make a fantastic aperitif wine on a warm afternoon.

About Domaine Cep d'Or

Located in the village of Stadtbredimus along Luxembourg's Moselle River, Domaine Cep d'Or is a family-owned estate with roots dating back to 1762 when the Vesque family settled in the region. Today, the winery farms approximately 18 hectares of vineyards on the steep limestone and marl slopes that overlook the Moselle.

The unique terroir around Stadtbredimus consists of calcareous marl, limestone, and clay-rich soils that contribute freshness, aromatic intensity, and minerality to the wines. The estate focuses on quality-driven viticulture, practicing sustainable farming and reducing yields to maximize grape quality rather than quantity.

Cep d'Or produces many of Luxembourg's traditional varieties, including Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, and Auxerrois. The winery has earned recognition for its still wines and Crémants while continuing a family winemaking tradition that spans more than 250 years.

Final Thoughts

One of my favorite things about wine is that there is always something new to discover.

This bottle reminded me exactly why I love exploring lesser-known wine regions and grapes. Luxembourg may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of wine, but if this Auxerrois is any indication, it deserves a place on every wine lover's radar.

I can't wait to get to Luxembourg and continue my exploration of its wines firsthand. That will have to wait until the fall.

Schioppettino: Friuli’s Peppery Secret and the Women Preserving It

Somewhere in the northeast corner of Italy — 500 meters from the Slovenian border, an hour and a half from Venice, tucked into a green valley of gentle hills and marine-origin soils, there’s a winery run entirely by women. It has been, in one form or another, for over 150 years.

And at its heart is a grape that was once illegal to grow.

I sat down with Francesca Mecchia of Vigna Petrussa to talk about the Schioppettino — a grape so rare, so distinctly tied to its tiny corner of the world, that its very existence was nearly erased. What I got was something far bigger: a story about resilience, inheritance, and what happens when women refuse to let things disappear.

A Winery Built by Women — Three Generations Deep

The story of Vigna Petrussa begins with Francesca’s great-grandfather, who owned a large property with diverse activities — a mill, horses, farmland, and vines. But with nine children, the land was divided like a cake, each piece going to a different heir. The portion that passed to Francesca’s grandparents was modest. And when her grandfather died, her grandmother was left to run it alone.

“None of the local men wanted to help her,” Francesca explained. “Working under a woman was not acceptable then.” Her grandmother found support near the Slovenian border — a family that still works with them today.

When Francesca’s grandmother began to age, her mother — an elementary school teacher — started making the drive every weekend to help. Eventually, she made the decision to move back entirely, immerse herself in the winery, earn her sommelier credentials, and learn the land from the ground up.

“She became like a totally different woman,” Francesca said of her mother. “Stronger, more stubborn, full of passion.”

Then came Francesca herself — an architect, trained and working internationally — who received the same message her mother had once received from her grandmother: it’s time to come back.

She did. And she brought with her an international perspective on how wine is drunk, how markets work, and how a small family estate can find its place in a rapidly changing world.

Three women. Three chapters. One unbroken thread.

The Middle of Nowhere — and Why That Matters

“I always say we are in the middle of nowhere,” Francesca laughs, “because really everybody knows it, but not many people come to visit. And that’s a shame.”

The Colli Orientali del Friuli sits in Italy’s far northeast — a region of rolling hills that peak around 250 to 300 meters, bordered by Slovenia on one side and the Dolomites to the north. The climate is cool and often rainy, with fresh mountain winds meeting sea breezes that keep disease pressure low and vines healthy. Temperatures can swing 15 degrees Celsius between day and night — a gift for aromatic complexity and freshness in the wines.

But the real secret is underground.

The soils here are called ponka — a local name for the Eocene-era flysch: thin, fragile layers of marl and sandstone that crumble under rain and tractor weight, releasing minerals slowly into the vines. Francesca describes it beautifully: “Like millefoglie — the Italian pastry made with many thin layers. Under the weather and the tractor, it breaks into thousands of pieces, releasing a lot of minerality.”

That minerality — saline, almost oceanic — is a signature of every wine Vigna Petrussa makes.

The Grape That Almost Didn’t Survive

Before Schioppettino, there was Schioppettino — and then there was almost nothing.

The phylloxera epidemic that devastated European vineyards in the late 19th century wiped the grape nearly out of existence. What remained was quietly maintained by just one family in the village of Prepotto, even after the variety was removed from the official list of approved cultivars. Growing it was, technically, illegal.

It took until around 2003 — following years of painstaking work by a consortium of local producers, researchers, and passionate advocates — for Schioppettino di Prepotto to be recognized as its own DOC subzone. The area around Prepotto, a tiny village between the towns of Cormòns and Cividale del Friuli, was identified as the grape’s spiritual home: the terroir that best expresses its most defining trait, that vivid spice of black and green pepper.

There are now approximately 23 producers in the denomination. Vigna Petrussa is among the most dedicated — and arguably the most obsessed.

The name itself tells you something. Schioppettino comes from scoppiare — to burst, to explode. Named for the way the small, thick-skinned berries pop in your mouth with a satisfying crunch.

Four Faces of One Grape

If Francesca’s mother has a passion for Schioppettino, she has, as Francesca puts it with a smile, “an obsession.” Vigna Petrussa produces not one, not two, but four distinct expressions of the grape — each revealing a different dimension of the variety.

Rinera The entry point. Vinified in stainless steel with no wood influence, Rinera (named because the variety’s alternate name, Ribolla Nera, could no longer legally appear on labels) is Schioppettino in its most transparent form: crunchy red fruit, bright acidity, a whisper of pepper, and that characteristic lightness that makes it incredibly food-friendly. It spends a minimum of one year in bottle before release. Perfect as an aperitif, or chilled slightly with summer food.

Schioppettino di Prepotto This is the “star of the area,” as Francesca calls it — the denomination’s flagship expression and Vigna Petrussa’s most celebrated wine. By regulation, yields are capped at 1.5 kilos per plant (from a vine capable of producing five), and the wine must age a minimum of 18 months in large wood barrels, plus one year in bottle.

The winery uses old, large-format wooden casks deliberately — so that wood integrates without overshadowing the grape. On the nose: violet, forest floor, dark fruit, and that unmistakable green-and-black pepper. In the mouth: silky tannins, elegant structure, a mineral thread from the ponka, and a finish that lingers with precision and grace. It can pair with everything from mushroom risotto to seared tuna to Sichuan-spiced dishes — and it can be slightly chilled without losing a thing.

Riserva Produced only in the finest vintages, the Riserva spends three years in tonneau (medium-format all-wood barrels) plus one year in bottle. One might expect a bold, powerful wine — but Francesca takes a different approach. “It’s a female winery, so we tend to have a lighter wine. Where we point out on wines that are elegant.” The Riserva is more floral, more refined — a wine to drink slowly, to think about, to let evolve in the glass.

Perla Nera The fourth expression — and the most surprising. Perla Nera, meaning “Black Pearl,” revives a tradition that dates back to Francesca’s great-grandfather’s era, when men hunted wild game and Schioppettino was dried to make a richer, more robust wine for celebratory meals. A portion of the grapes is dried for one month before fermentation, then the wine ages three years in barrique. The result is rounder, deeper, more intense — with dried fruit, earthiness, and a gentle richness that pairs beautifully with aged cheeses, pâté, or roasted duck. It is also available in 500ml bottles, reflecting its origins as a special-occasion wine rather than an everyday pour.

Beyond Schioppettino

The passion for indigenous varieties extends across the entire portfolio. The Friulano (once called Tocai, before Hungary claimed the name) is vinified seven months in large old barrels and can age for five to seven years — an elegant white of little white flowers, dry almonds, and mineral depth. The Ribolla Gialla is vinified half in wood, half in steel for a lively, citrusy expression. Malvasia here is more mineral than aromatic — a reflection of the ponka soils. And Requienza — a blend created by Francesca’s mother 20 years ago from ancient indigenous varieties planted in small quantities by her ancestors — can age up to 15 years, a multi-layered testament to place and memory.

On the red side, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso offers a fascinating contrast to Schioppettino: where the latter is precise and elegant, Refosco is generous and juicy, with cherry-berry richness and jammy warmth. Thirty percent of the grapes are dried for a month before vinification; the remainder ages in tonneau for three years.

And then there is Picolit — perhaps Friuli’s most storied dessert wine. Only about 10 to 12 producers still make it. The grape’s floral abortion means that four vines yield just one 375ml bottle. Sweet, velvety, layered with dried apricot, and finished with a surprising lemon-zest brightness that keeps it from heaviness. It is exactly what a great dessert wine should be: generous without being cloying, complex without being exhausting.

Farming, the Moon, and the Limits of Prediction

Vigna Petrussa is SQNPI-certified — a sustainability program that prohibits synthetic pesticides and demands careful attention to the vineyard ecosystem. Almost all work is done by hand. The team is small, experienced, and flexible enough to make a harvest decision at 6pm for 7am the next morning.

They also pay attention to the moon cycles — not as mysticism, but as practical tradition. “We always try to bottle with the moon correct, because otherwise the wines take longer to settle,” Francesca explains. They’ve even noticed that certain corners of the cellar — near an underground stream — cause wines to move restlessly, never settling. So they move the barrels.

Climate change has upended even the most practiced rhythms. In recent years: one year with almost no rain, the next with violent, concentrated storms. A year when spontaneous fermentation began in the vineyard before anyone expected it. And 2024 — a harvest that finished not in mid-October as usual, but on September 22nd. “We were all surprised. All rushing, hysterical,” Francesca laughed. “You need to mix technology with your experience and your tradition. That is super important.”

Finding Vigna Petrussa

Vigna Petrussa’s wines are exported to the United States.

If you ever come across Schioppettino on a wine list or at a wine shop, order it.

Especially if you love:

• Pinot Noir

• Cabernet Franc

• Cool-climate Syrah

• Peppery reds

• Earthy, food-friendly wines

If you’re lucky enough to come across the Picolit, treat yourself.

And if you ever find yourself in the northeast corner of Italy — an hour and a half from Venice, 500 meters from Slovenia, in the middle of nowhere — go visit.

Vigna Petrussa is a boutique family winery in Prepotto, Colli Orientali del Friuli, Italy. Find them at vignapetrussa.it or on Instagram and Facebook @vignapetrussa.

Watch the webinar or listen to the podcast to learn more from my conversation with Francesca

Podcast

Wine of the Week: Pajzos 2022 T-Furmint – A Dry Taste of Hungary

When a friend brings wine to dinner, I'm always excited to see what appears on the table. This week's wine was especially exciting because it checked two boxes for me.

First, my family owned vineyards in Hungary dating back to 1707 (that's a story for another day). Second, I happen to be a big fan of the Furmint grape.

So when Cathy and Michael arrived with a bottle of Pajzos 2022 T-Furmint from Hungary's famous Tokaj region, I couldn't wait to open it.

For many wine lovers, the mention of Tokaj immediately brings to mind the region's legendary sweet wines. Tokaji Aszú has long been considered one of the world's great dessert wines and was once known as "The Wine of Kings and the King of Wines."

But Tokaj is much more than sweet wine.

Today, many producers are showcasing Furmint in dry styles, revealing a side of the grape that is fresh, vibrant, and incredibly food-friendly.

About the Furmint Grape

Furmint is Hungary's most important white grape variety and the backbone of the Tokaj region. Its naturally high acidity makes it ideal for both sweet and dry wines.

When made in a dry style, Furmint often displays flavors of orchard fruit, citrus, stone fruit, and mineral notes. It has enough body and texture to stand up to food while maintaining refreshing acidity.

It's a grape that deserves much more attention from wine lovers looking to explore beyond Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay.

Tasting Notes

The Pajzos 2022 T-Furmint pours a pale straw color in the glass.

On the nose, aromas of white peach, citrus, and tropical fruit immediately jump out.

The palate is crisp and refreshing with flavors of juicy white peach, lemon zest, and hints of tropical fruit. A backbone of bright acidity keeps everything lively, while a subtle minerality adds complexity and length to the finish.

This is the type of wine that makes you want another sip.

Clean, bright, and refreshing, it is exactly the kind of white wine I reach for during the warmer months.

Food Pairings

The vibrant acidity and fruit-forward profile make this wine incredibly versatile at the table.

Try pairing it with:

• Grilled shrimp
• Seafood salads
• Lemon-herb chicken
• Fresh summer vegetables
• Goat cheese
• Sushi and sashimi
• Grilled fish
• Light pasta dishes
• Pork schnitzel

Its crisp character also makes it perfect for enjoying on the deck, at the beach, or with friends on a warm summer evening.

About Pajzos Winery

Pajzos Winery is located in the heart of Hungary's Tokaj region and is recognized for producing wines that reflect the unique volcanic soils and historic vineyards of the area. The winery balances traditional winemaking practices with modern techniques, focusing on expressing the distinctive character of Tokaj's indigenous grape varieties, particularly Furmint.

While the winery is well known for its sweet Tokaji wines, bottles like this dry T-Furmint demonstrate the versatility of both the grape and the region.

Final Thoughts

One of the things I love most about wine is how a single bottle can spark memories, conversations, and curiosity.

At under $20 a bottle, the Pajzos 2022 T-Furmint is an affordable introduction to one of Europe's most exciting white grapes.

Thank you, Cathy and Michael, for sharing this wonderful wine.

Have you tried Furmint? I'd love to hear about your experience.

June’s Grape of the Month: Rkatsiteli — The 8,000-Year-Old Wine Built for Summer

 

 

If your summer wine rotation has gotten a little predictable—same Sauvignon Blanc, same rosé, same chilled Chardonnay on repeat—I want to introduce you to the grape that is officially my June Grape of the Month: Rkatsiteli. Yes, that’s a mouthful. Don’t worry, the folks at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery in the Finger Lakes call it "Rkat," and I think we should all adopt that. Once you have a glass on the dock, by the pool, or on a backyard chaise lounge, you’ll be hooked.

I sat down with Megan Frank, fourth-generation owner of Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, on an episode of Winephabet Street and stopped by the winery and visited with her last May, and the more we talked, the more I realized this grape is the perfect summer pour—high acid, beautifully aromatic, and so versatile it can carry you from morning mimosa hour all the way to a curry-and-citronella sunset.

A grape with 8,000 years of receipts

Rkatsiteli is the oldest known grape variety in the world. Carbon-dated grape seeds were unearthed at the bottom of clay vessels called qvevri in the Republic of Georgia, the actual birthplace of wine. Researcher Patrick McGovern, sometimes called "the Indiana Jones of wine," traced winemaking back roughly 8,000 years to those qvevri, and the seeds inside were Rkatsiteli.

So how did it end up in upstate New York? Konstantin Frank, Megan’s great-grandfather, grew up in Odessa, Ukraine, where he managed a massive vineyard estate planted heavily to Rkatsiteli. He fled to New York during World War II, arrived speaking six languages and holding a PhD, washed dishes to survive, and then—at retirement age—started a wine revolution in the Finger Lakes by proving European vinifera grapes could thrive in cold climates. Locals called him "the crazy old doctor on the hill." He didn’t care. Four generations later, the winery is still going, and Rkatsiteli is one of their flagship pours.

Why Rkatsiteli is your summer wine

Here’s why I’m putting "Rkat" front and center for June:

•       High natural acidity. Rkatsiteli holds onto acid like nothing else—10 to 13 grams per liter at harvest. Translation: it is razor-fresh, mouth-watering, and wakes up the palate on a hot afternoon the way a cold splash of Keuka lake water does.

•       Beautifully aromatic. Think white pear, citrus zest, white peach, stone fruit, w tropical with a hint of tropical fruit to feel summery without being sweet.

•       Versatile across styles. Dr. Frank makes three: a traditional-method sparkling, the stainless-steel "OG," and an "Amber" that’s skin-fermented in amphora. There is a Rkatsiteli for every summer occasion.

•       A conversation starter. Walk into a backyard barbecue with a bottle of Rkatsiteli and you are instantly the most interesting guest at the party. (Pro tip: just say "Rkat." Everyone will laugh, then they’ll ask for a pour.)

The three Rkatsitelis you want this summer

Dr. Konstantin Frank Sparkling Rkatsiteli. Made in the traditional method (yes, the same way Champagne is made), extra brut, three years on the lees. Bright, crisp, and dressed for a pool deck. This is your "the boat is loaded, let’s go" wine.

Dr. Konstantin Frank Rkatsiteli "OG." Stainless-steel fermented, fresh, vibrant, and—fun fact—the number-one selling wine out of their tasting room three years running. Pour this for backyard barbecue night, grilled shrimp, or a Tuesday on the patio, just because.

Dr. Konstantin Frank "Amber" Rkatsiteli. A gateway orange wine. The thick skins on Rkatsiteli mean it can handle two-plus weeks on skins, then time in amphora, without becoming aggressively tannic. Think gold-amber color, a floral nose, a gentle texture, and a food-friendly grip. The summer dinner party wine.

Summer pairings I’m loving

•       Poolside snacks: salty marinated olives, Marcona almonds, citrus-y ceviche, watermelon-feta skewers.

•       Boat day cooler: the sparkling, full stop. It’s lower alcohol than rosé, and the acid keeps you fresh in the heat.

•       Backyard grill night: the OG with grilled shrimp tacos, lemongrass chicken skewers, or a classic Pad Thai (Megan and I both went there—it’s a stellar match).

•       Date night al fresco: the Amber with grilled stone fruit and burrata, smoked trout, or a roast chicken with herbs.

•       Curry night on the deck: any of the three. Rkatsiteli loves Thai, Indian, Lebanese, and anything with exotic spice.

Where to find it

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery ships to most U.S. states and is distributed in 40 states. Visit drfrankwines.com to order or to plan a trip to the Finger Lakes. They’re on Keuka Lake (Y-shaped, "canoe landing" or “lake with an elbow” in the Iroquois language—and yes, it’s one of the most beautiful of the eleven Finger Lakes, pristine and tranquil).

Watch the full episode

Want the whole story—Konstantin Frank’s incredible journey, the qvevri vs. amphora deep dive, the tasting through all three wines? Watch the Winephabet Street episode here: https://youtu.be/g8jQFcWVS-k?si=C7SgXQTIRmXegEYZ

And if you pour a bottle of "Rkat" this June, tag me @hvwinegoddess. I want to see your boat days, your pool floats, your sunset patios. Cheers to the oldest grape in the world finally getting its summer moment.

Wine of the Week: Elena Walch 2024 Rosé

 

There’s something about that first truly warm spring day that immediately makes me reach for rosé.  serious. That’s exactly what happened when I pulled a bottle of Elena Walch 2024 Rosé from the fridge.

I was first introduced to Elena Walch through our Winephabet Street episode, which featured Karoline Walch discussing Lagrein. One conversation was all it took for me to become intrigued by the winery, their philosophy, and the wines coming out of Alto Adige. I enjoyed the wines so much that I eventually carried both their Lagrein and Rosé at Trio North Wildwood.

Now that we are entering full-on rosé season, opening this bottle felt like the perfect way to welcome warmer weather.

In the Glass

The name alone tells you something about the precision behind this wine. "20/26" refers to the winemaking process itself: grapes are harvested at 20 degrees Babo (a measure of sugar concentration at peak ripeness), and fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a carefully controlled temperature of 26°C. 

The blend is Lagrein, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. Lagrein, Alto Adige's red grape, brings structure and depth. Pinot Noir contributes elegance and aromatic lift. Merlot rounds out the midpalate with gentle body and fruit. The winemaking uses the classic saignée method: the grape must sits briefly in contact with the skins, then the rose-colored juice is drawn off without pressing. This produces color, concentration, and texture without heaviness.

On the nose, fresh strawberry and raspberry aromas jump from the glass alongside hints of watermelon and delicate floral notes.

The palate is crisp, refreshing, and incredibly easy to drink. Bright red berry flavors lead the way with touches of citrus and a subtle minerality that keeps everything balanced and lively. There’s a freshness here that makes you immediately want another sip.

What I really enjoy about this rosé is that it manages to be refreshing while still having personality. 

What I’d Pair It With

This is the kind of rosé that belongs on the porch, by the grill, or at the beach.

Perfect pairings include:

• Grilled shrimp
• Summer salads
• Charcuterie boards
• Prosciutto and melon
• Grilled chicken
• Tuna poke
• Goat cheese
• Simply sipping it outside with friends

Honestly, this is the style of rosé that reminds you wine doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable.

Sometimes all you need is a warm day, a chilled bottle, and good conversation.

About the Winery

Elena Walch is one of the benchmark producers of Alto Adige, located in Italy’s northernmost wine region near the Austrian border. The winery is known for combining tradition with innovation while focusing heavily on sustainability and expressing the unique alpine terroir of the region.

What makes the story even more interesting is that Elena Walch herself came from an architecture background before marrying into a wine family and eventually transforming the winery into one of Italy’s most respected estates. Today, the winery is run alongside her daughters Julia and Karoline Walch, continuing the family’s commitment to quality winemaking.

Alto Adige’s dramatic mountain landscapes, cool nights, and sunny days help create wines with vibrant acidity, freshness, and purity — qualities that absolutely shine in this rosé.