February is Black History Month. We’ve included two wines among our recommendations that are made by black winemakers. The McBride Sisters genesis includes a wild story about two half-sisters, one raised in California, the other in New Zealand, who did not know the other existed. Finally at ages 16 and 25, they met. It’s worth a listen. Mouton Noir is a winery started by André Mack, who began his career at Citicorp Investment Services, then followed his wine passion to become a sommelier, including at Thomas Keller’s French Laundry before being tapped to be head sommelier at Per Se.
We will be partnering with Agricola Vermont for our virtual tasting with Alto Piemonte producer Gilberto Boniperti. Alessandra Rellini and Stefano Pinna, natives of Lombardy and Piemonte respectively, farm privileging soil health and animal welfare to produce traditional, authentic Italian products. They champion “intensive rotational grazing” that they maintain “favors the consumption of grass and legumes at their sweetest point, and the constant movement of muscles allows for healthier animals and more flavorful and healthy meat.”
In honor of Black History Month, we’ve included two wines from black winemakers: the McBride Sisters’ Sauvignon Blanc and Andre Mack’s Mouton Noir (“Horseshoes and Handgrenades”). Enjoy!
Here are 25 wines under $25 to keep you warm and convivial in Winter 2021, starting with white wines.
Durigutti, Cara Sucia, “Legitimo, Blanco, Mendoza, 2019: $15, organic
Palomino, Pedro Ximenez, Ugniblanc, Chenin, Moscatel Amarillo, Sauvignonasse from an 80-year-old vineyard, organically farmed.
