LYRA MAG.

Wellness is a 2020 theme-and  a permanent lifestyle. Mindful healthy habits-permeate everything-(especially) what's eaten/sipped. The SLOW FOOD and SLOW WINE designation-originated in Italy. It identifies and promotes  organically grown-minimally or (arguably) completely non- processed food and wine -in several parts of the world-that 'capture' the originality, place and sense of history. The SLOW movement -also underscores healthy farming practices aka "...respect for the land and environment..." Spring Mountain District Cain Five 2007 red blend cab sauv, merlot, cab franc, petit-verdot malbec At a recent NYC stop of the Slow Wine tour...many sippers made a straight line for the American wineries' tables. One of our favs...a terrific  juicy (mostly) Cabernet Sauvignon blend from California's CAIN VINEYARD and WINERY. Spring Mountain District Cain Five 2014 -red blend combo of all five Bordeaux grapes-  cab sauv, merlot, cab franc, petit...

T he Nebbiolo grapes that comprises collectible and more drink now variety of Barolos -in all of its chewy deliciousness---is made in the biodynamic-organic "slow wine" wineries in the Piedmont area of Italy. From the south east region -from the historic glorious single vineyards located in Monforte d'Alba-family owned Pecchenino produces a few Nebbiolo wines. Pictured above-the accessible + value priced medium bodied Barolo like Langhe Nebbiolo Briccco Ravera 2015 -fermented in stainless steel, aged in Austrian oak (2 years)-followed by 6 months in the bottle. Deep ruby color, ripe berry flavors, licorice, florals-roses+violets, and mint hints. Fresh balanced sip-pretty much ready now or next year-to drink. ($28) The Bussia Barolo DOCG 2013-back label pictured below---is worthy of seeking out and aged according to Barolo DOCG (38 months) requirements. ($75). Ruby red in color-and made in a traditional production style with a long fermentation with native yeasts ...

P art ONE In the wine industry (food-too), producers haven't been waiting around for any New Deal...responding to customer demands for 'cleaner' grape cultivation methods ( native yeasts, spontaneous fermentations-respect for the land and environment-including weed control + plant protection)  and sustainable-recyclable packaging (think screw tops, renewable cork growth)... for years, delivering the wines to a well informed clientele. Highlights From Recent Wine Tastings: Slow Wine is a moniker-describing many of the delicious Italian wines available-made by vintners using old school hand-labored methods-vs chemical sludge. Includes fertilizers too. No GMO worries here, Recently-a few USA vintners-from California and Oregon, and Slovenia have 'joined' the Slow Wine fold. A Euro Embrace. Delightful discovery- SMALL VINES ' growers Kathryn and Paul Sloan-embrace France's winery practices-of ...exactly small wines (low yield high density plan...