BORA TIER
Willful Wine Co. Jezebel Blanc is a bright, aromatic white wine that showcases the best of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Known for its cool climate and diverse terroir, this region produces exceptional wines that are expressive and balanced. The Jezebel Blanc is a blend of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and Riesling, aromatic varietals that thrive in Willamette’s unique growing conditions. The wine is made by Willful Wine Co., a small, hands-on winery committed to producing wines that reflect the essence of Oregon’s landscapes, offering both quality and creativity in every bottle.
The Winemaker and Philosophy
Willful Wine Co. was founded by Jesse and Jaclyn with a shared vision to craft wines that reflect their individual and collective passions. With Jesse’s background in winemaking and Jaclyn’s expertise in marketing and design, the duo has created a brand that emphasizes quality, creativity, and approachability. Their wines are produced in small lots, allowing them to focus on quality and craftsmanship, while ensuring that each bottle represents the unique terroir of the Willamette Valley.
Their approach to winemaking emphasizes minimal intervention, letting the grapes speak for themselves. They work with top-quality, sustainably farmed vineyards, allowing the natural elements to shape the flavors of their wines. Jezebel Blancis a perfect example of their philosophy—its bright acidity, aromatic profile, and balanced structure reflect the winery’s commitment to creating wines that are both expressive and versatile.
The Wine: Willful Wine Co. Jezebel Blanc
Jezebel Blanc is a delightful and aromatic white wine that blends the spicy, floral notes of Gewürztraminer with the crisp acidity and citrusy brightness of Riesling. On the nose, the wine offers an array of fragrant aromas—honeysuckle, lychee, citrus zest, and a hint of ginger. The palate is vibrant and refreshing, with lively acidity that balances the natural sweetness of the fruit. Flavors of lime, green apple, and peach come through, while the finish is clean, crisp, and slightly mineral.
Food Pairings
Jezebel Blanc is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Its bright acidity and aromatic complexity make it a perfect match for seafood like grilled prawns, oysters, or seared scallops. It also complements Asian cuisine, such as sushi, spicy Thai curries, or Vietnamese spring rolls. For a lighter pairing, try it with goat cheese, fresh salads, or grilled vegetables like zucchini and asparagus. The wine’s refreshing qualities also make it a great companion for spicy foods, such as Mexican dishes or Indian curries.
Jezebel Blanc is a beautiful example of Oregon’s terroir and Willful Wine Co.'s dedication to crafting wines that are both delicious and reflective of their environment. Whether you’re pairing it with seafood, spicy food, or light salads, it’s a wine that’s sure to impress.
Messanges Chinon Rouge is a beautifully crafted red wine from the Chinon appellation in the Loire Valley, France, renowned for its rich history and exceptional wines. This wine is made from Cabernet Franc, a grape variety that is the backbone of the region’s red wines. The Messanges label represents a thoughtful expression of the terroir, focusing on traditional methods that allow the grape’s natural characteristics to shine through. Known for its elegance, balance, and depth, Messanges Chinon Rouge is a wine that speaks to both the soul and the palate.
The Winemakers and Philosophy
Messanges is a small, family-owned winery dedicated to producing wines that respect the traditions of the Loire Valleywhile also embracing the modern methods that enhance the natural expression of the grapes. The winery’s philosophy is rooted in sustainable farming and minimal intervention, ensuring that every bottle reflects the purity of the land. The winemakers at Messanges work with organically farmed vineyards, allowing the Cabernet Franc to flourish in the unique terroir of Chinon. They focus on creating wines that are elegant, structured, and fruit-driven, with an emphasis on preserving the grape's vibrant acidity and aromatic complexity. By using traditional methods like hand harvesting and fermentation in stainless steel, Messanges allows the Cabernet Franc to retain its fresh, lively character while developing subtle depth and complexity over time.
The Terroir: Chinon, Loire Valley
The Chinon appellation, located in the heart of the Loire Valley, benefits from a temperate climate and a combination of diverse soils, including clay, limestone, and gravel, which impart unique minerality to the wines. The region’s location along the Vienne River provides a cool, consistent climate ideal for growing Cabernet Franc, a grape that thrives in the area’s long growing seasons. These growing conditions allow the fruit to ripen slowly, preserving its fresh acidity and aromatic complexity. The Chinon Rouge expresses the pure, fruit-forward character of the Cabernet Franc, showcasing bright notes of red berries, herbs, and a hint of earthiness. With a medium-bodied structure, this wine is a perfect balance of vibrant fruit, refreshing acidity, and gentle tannins.
The Wine: Messanges Chinon Rouge
Messanges Chinon Rouge is a wine that captures the essence of Cabernet Franc from Chinon with remarkable finesse. On the nose, it opens with aromas of red berries like raspberry and cherry, layered with hints of herbs, pepper, and a touch of violet. The palate is medium-bodied, with soft, well-integrated tannins and a crisp, refreshing acidity. Flavors of fresh red fruit, such as cranberry and strawberry, are complemented by a subtle, earthy complexity that reflects the winery’s commitment to the land. The finish is smooth and lingering, with a fine balance of fruit, acidity, and tannins.
Food Pairings
Messanges Chinon Rouge is a versatile wine that pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods. Its light to medium bodyand refreshing acidity make it a perfect match for charcuterie, including prosciutto, salami, and saucisson. It also pairs beautifully with roast chicken, grilled pork, or duck, especially when prepared with herbs like thyme or rosemary. The wine’s bright fruit and herbal notes also complement grilled vegetables, particularly eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes. For a cheese pairing, go for goat cheese or a mild brie, which harmonize with the wine’s gentle acidity and soft tannins. For more sophisticated dishes, try it with beef tenderloin or a lamb stew, where the wine’s subtle earthiness and freshness provide balance to the richness of the meat.
A Romantic Wine
With its elegance and delicate structure, Messanges Chinon Rouge is a wine that evokes romance. Its soft tannins and vibrant fruit flavors make it the perfect choice for a romantic dinner, whether it’s a cozy evening with roast chicken or a cheese platter for two. This wine’s sensual appeal and balance make it a beautiful accompaniment to intimate moments shared over food and conversation.
Le Mistral Tier
Domaine La Pépière Muscadet Les Gras Moutons is a standout white wine from the Loire Valley, France, crafted by the renowned Marc Ollivier at Domaine La Pépière. This estate is known for producing exceptional Muscadet, with a focus on organic farming and minimal intervention. Marc Ollivier is widely respected for his commitment to sustainability and his dedication to preserving the integrity of the region’s terroir. The Les Gras Moutons vineyard, nestled on granite soils, provides the perfect environment for the Melon de Bourgogne grape, producing wines that are crisp, mineral-driven, and reflective of the land’s unique character.
The wine itself is a pure expression of Muscadet, with vibrant aromas of lemon zest, green apple, and a touch of saline minerality. On the palate, it is light, refreshing, and beautifully crisp, with clean acidity that is balanced by subtle fruit notes and a lingering mineral finish. This combination of freshness and complexity makes it an incredibly food-friendly wine.
Domaine La Pépière Muscadet Les Gras Moutons pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, particularly seafood like oysters, mussels, and grilled fish. Its minerality complements briny flavors, while its acidity cuts through the richness of shellfish. It also works well with goat cheese, salads with citrus vinaigrette, or light vegetarian fare such as zucchini fritters or ratatouille.
With its crisp, elegant profile and refreshing acidity, Les Gras Moutons is the perfect wine to enjoy on a romantic evening. Whether shared over seafood or a light, fresh meal, this wine enhances any intimate moment with its charm and finesse. Bernard Baudry Chinon is a stunning red wine from the Chinon appellation in the Loire Valley, made by the highly respected winemaker Bernard Baudry. A pioneer in the region, Bernard has earned a reputation for producing some of the finest expressions of Cabernet Franc in the world. His philosophy centers on organic farming and minimal intervention in the cellar, allowing the terroir of Chinon’s unique soils—mostly clay, limestone, and gravel—to shine through. Baudry’s wines are known for their balance, elegance, and depth, showcasing the full potential of Cabernet Franc, a grape that thrives in Chinon’s cool, temperate climate.
The Bernard Baudry Chinon is a beautiful expression of the grape, with aromas of red berries, herbs, and a hint of earthiness. On the palate, it offers bright flavors of raspberry, cherry, and subtle spices, balanced by smooth tanninsand a refreshing acidity. The finish is long, with an elegant minerality and a touch of pepper that gives it complexity. This wine perfectly captures the essence of Chinon, with its combination of ripe fruit and earthy undertones.
Pairing this wine with food is a joy, as its soft tannins and acidity make it versatile. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like roast chicken, duck, or lamb, and is an excellent match for charcuterie and soft cheeses such as goat cheeseor brie. It also complements herb-infused dishes, like roasted vegetables or a herb-crusted pork tenderloin.
With its balanced structure and elegant profile,
Clos du Tue Boeuf Vin Rouge is a captivating red wine from the Touraine region in the Loire Valley, crafted by the talented Thierry and Jean-Marie Blain at Clos du Tue Boeuf. Known for their commitment to organic farming and minimal intervention, the Blain family produces wines that reflect their respect for the land and the uniqueness of their terroir. This wine is a small-production gem, with limited allocation due to its hand-crafted nature, making it a rare and special treat for wine lovers.
The Vin Rouge is a blend of Cabernet Franc and Gamay, offering an enticing combination of red berries, herbal notes, and a touch of spice. On the palate, it delivers fresh cherry, raspberry, and subtle hints of pepper and earth, with a silky texture and a balanced, elegant finish. The medium body and bright acidity make it versatile and food-friendly, perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes.
For Valentine’s Day, Clos du Tue Boeuf Vin Rouge pairs beautifully with romantic meals. It’s an excellent match for grilled steaks, where its fruit-forward profile complements the rich, savory flavors. It also works well with charcuterie, soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, and even dark chocolate desserts, making it perfect for a romantic cheese board or a decadent chocolate fondue.
With its limited production and special rarity, this wine is a standout choice for an intimate Valentine’s Day celebration, offering a unique, memorable experience that’s sure to elevate any romantic evening.
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