Wine Wednesday | January 29th, 2025

Selected by José Valverde

Producer: Fitapreta "A Laranja Mecânica"
Year: NV
Varietal: A field blend of Arinto, Roupeiro, Verdelho, Antão Vaz, Alicante Branco, Trincadeira-das-Pratas, and Fernão Pires
Price: $34.99

Color: Orange
Location: Alentejo, Portugal
Additional tags: Orange wine

Tasting notes: On the palate, apricot, Asian pear, and tangerine bring lively, vibrant flavors, layered with a hint of anise and a subtle granitic grip that adds texture. This wine shows an appealing balance, with a bright, angular flow that tapers off into a refreshing, saline finish.
Nose: The wine presents a warm honey-orange hue, with an expressive nose bursting with candied orange and quince aromas.
Food pairing: This wine makes an excellent pairing with cheese, foie gras, or any terrine. In a tasting, it creates a very interesting transition to red wines, due to its intensity, tannin, and concentration. Ultimately it is a wine that, like its making, is playful and exploratory.

What makes this wine special? I picked this wine because it’s a fresh take on orange wine that still keeps things balanced and elegant. António Maçanita’s twist—using just the second pressing and a bit of skin contact—adds a rustic edge without losing finesse. It’s got all the character of an orange wine but with an easy drinkability that really sets it apart.

Additional information: António Maçanita is one of Portugal’s most dynamic winemakers, known for his bold and innovative approach across regions like the Azores and Madeira. In less than 20 years, he’s gone from a young disruptor to a recognized trailblazer, earning titles like “Winemaker of the Year” and “Winemaker of the Generation” for his work revitalizing Portuguese wine traditions. His boundary-pushing methods and passion for quality have made him a leading figure, bridging Portugal’s winemaking past with a fresh, modern vision.

Selected by Seth Tan

Producer: Glenelly Estate
Year: 2014
Varietal: Bordeaux Blend with Syrah (40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Syrah, 18% Cabernet Franc, 18% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot)
Price: $25.99

Color: Red (deep red with garnet)
Location: South Africa, Stellenbosch

Tasting notes: Strong punchy aroma from the ripeness of fruits, with notes of pyrazine like ripe capsicum, dark berries like black cherries, blackcurrants, some rotundone like white pepper, and spices. Impactful and full-bodied with reminiscences of Bordeaux-blend, but much riper, rounded, stronger. Ripe inky tannin that might stain the teeth, with good roundedness and some vanilla characters. Great integration and harmony.
Nose: Vegetal and herbaceous notes with dark fruits and some spices.
Food pairing: Asian: Braised Pork Belly (Kong Bak Pau 扣肉包, Gua Bao 掛包) with spices and herbs | Others: Middle Eastern Kebab, South African Braai

What makes this wine special? May-Elaine de Lencquesaing, who owns the famous Second Growth Pauillac estate - Chateau Pichon Longueville, bought this winery in the early 2000s as she recognized the potential in this area of South Africa. With a famed Bordeaux winery's recognition, investment, and know-how, the wine serves quality, punching above what it is priced for.

Selected by William Whelan

Producer: Stolpman Vineyards
Year: 2022
Varietal: Syrah, Grenache, Sangiovese
Price: $27.99

Color: Red
Location: Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, CA
Additional tags: Organic

Tasting notes: Wild strawberry, huckleberry, pink peppercorn, and savory herbs with a lush mouthfeel.
Nose: Fresh cracked black pepper, violets, red and blackberries.
Food pairing: Birria tacos, pork green chile, smash burgers, and eggplant caponata.

What makes this wine special? This cuvee is dedicated to Stolpman's incredible vineyard team, La Cuadrilla, and they receive a share of the profits from this wine every year.

Meet the Experts

José Valverde

Experience: WSET Advanced
Background: With over a decade in wine and hospitality, José has led beverage programs, managed inventory, and driven wine sales at prominent venues like Flora Bar and Barcelona Wine Bar. Known for exceeding sales targets, streamlining operations, and delivering top-tier guest experiences, he specializes in training staff and enhancing team knowledge. His background includes WSET and Spanish Wine Educator certifications, alongside project management training, equipping him to manage both client-facing service and backend operations in a global wine environment. Fluent in Spanish, he brings strong communication and organizational skills to every role.

Want to get in touch?
instagram.com/jjvalverde

Seth Tan

Experience: Wines: CS, FWS, SWS | Sake: ASP, SSC, CSS | Tea: TeaSomm, GJT, Daye | Coffee: SCA Intermediates (Green, Roasting, Barista, Brewing, Sensory)
Background: Seth is a traveling sommelier with a wealth of service experience at renowned establishments, including Singapore Airlines, 67 Pall Mall Singapore, Ishinomaki Group, and Earnestos. With a global perspective and a passion for exceptional wine service, Seth continues to bring world-class expertise to every table.

Want to get in touch?
https://sg.linkedin.com/in/seth-tanshutong

William Whelan

Experience: Certified Sommelier, CMS-A 
Background: With experience spanning nearly every corner of the wine industry, from the winery cellar and retail to the restaurant floor, wholesale, and private collections, William’s journey has been shaped by a deep connection to wine. Based in New York City, he brings a wealth of expertise and a unique perspective to every bottle and story.

Want to get in touch?
https://x.com/William_Whelan
https://www.instagram.com/williamwhelan/

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