Wine Wednesday | March 5th, 2025

Selected by Raymond Brown

Producer: Bodegas Albamar O Esteiro
Year: 2020 / 2021
Varietal: Mencia
Price: $39.99

Color: Ruby, subtle rim variation to amber
Location: Spain, Galicia, Rias Bixas
Additional tags: Organic

Tasting notes: Sour cherry with subtle notes of balsamic vinegar and pine needles.
Nose: Black pepper, earthy-mushroom, red fruits.
Food pairing: Lamb tataki with a ponzu reduction.

What makes this wine special?
It’s hard to find true quality red wines from Rias Bixas, and I think this is one of the absolute best!

Selected by Daniel Drexler

Producer: Albert Boxler 
Year: 2015
Varietal: Riesling
Price: $94.99

Color: White
Location: Alsace
Additional tags: Riesling

Tasting notes: Pear / Light / Minerality 
Nose: Can sometimes have a scent of Lychee.
Food pairing: Seafood Tartare with citrus ponzu. 

What makes this wine special?
Again, it’s an excellent bottle that won’t break the bank!

Selected by Seth Tan

Producer: Travaglini
Year: 2020
Varietal: Nebbiolo / Spanna
Price: $39.99

Color: Red (bright ruby)
Location: Italy, Piemonte, Gattinara DOCG

Tasting notes: Fresh floral characters like red petals, such as roselles, red hibiscus, and roses; fresh red fruits with tartness, like sour cherries and redcurrant; lean and slender but punchy, medium-plus body with tangy tannin. A touch of salinity, savory characters, and a hint of vegetal, balsamic kick at the finish. Elegantly fresh but fashionably edgy.
Nose: Light perfumey red floral and red fruits, a pinch on the nose from the acidity hit. 
Food pairing: Asian: Roasted duck with plum sauce | Western: Scotch haggis

What makes this wine special?
An alternative to the famed Barolo, the region of Gattinara produces a style of Nebbiolo (Spanna) that's more restrained with finesse. An interesting comparison to Barolo in terms of flavors and style, and slightly friendlier on the pockets, which means a good balance between quality and money. Moreover, it is such a cute bottle! Definitely a fashion statement.

Additional information
The "shampoo" bottle shape, as it is called, looks oddly fascinating but has its logic in 2 areas - firstly, the bottleneck serves as an in-built decanting element in case of any sediment; secondly, the body of the bottle provides an ergonomic hold for the human hand.

Meet the Experts

Raymond Brown

Experience: Certified Sommelier, CMS-A
Background: Raymond Brown is a Certified Sommelier through The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. Through his career which spans over a decade, he has honed his skills in some of the most prestigious restaurants and hotels across the globe, from his time in the vineyards of France to the bustling wine-centric restaurants of New York City and Miami. His international experience has endowed him with a profound appreciation for the cultural and historical contexts that shape each bottle of wine.

Want to get in touch?
linkedin.com/in/PairedByRGB
instagram.com/raybrownstagram

Daniel Drexler

Experience: WSET 1
Background: Professional chef by trade / Sommelier for fun.

Want to get in touch?
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054615842769
https://www.instagram.com/gastronomecateringnyc
https://www.gastronomecatering.com/

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

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