Two Fantastic Champagnes to Bring the New Year!

As the clock inches toward midnight, a certain sparkle fills the air—a blend of excitement, hope, and celebration. Nothing captures the magic of that moment quite like the pop of true French Champagne, its dancing bubbles reflect the anticipation of a fresh new year.

Each New Year’s Eve, more than 360 million glasses of sparkling wine are raised around the world, a testament to Champagne’s enduring prestige, precision, and finesse. Traditionally made from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay, Champagne marries structural vibrancy with refined elegance, making it ideal not only for ceremonial toasts but also as a benchmark aperitif.

From iconic prestige cuvées to characterful grower-producer bottlings, there is a Champagne to suit every palate and every celebration. The two selections below highlight the region’s diversity and craftsmanship, and stand out as compelling choices for welcoming a healthy and prosperous 2026.

Champagne Pommery Apanage Brut NV blends 45% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, and 25% Pinot Meunier, and also benefits from four years of lees aging, adding depth and polish. Its nose is generous and inviting, showing baked apple, croissant, and subtle confectionary notes, brightened by tangerine and yellow plum. The palate is rounded and approachable, with flavours of pear, mandarin, and gentle spice, lifted by a light, refreshing salinity. The mousse is fine and creamy, giving the wine a smooth, seamless texture that enhances its elegance. The finish is long and satisfying, revealing touches of hazelnut, dried citrus, and a faint honeyed nuance. $59

Champagne Mandois Blanc de Blancs 2020 is crafted entirely from organic Chardonnay and fermented in a mix of stainless steel, older barrels, and concrete, giving it both freshness and gentle richness. After four years on the lees, it has developed a smooth, refined texture and subtle complexity. The aroma is bright and delicate, with notes of white flowers, fresh apple, and lemon zest, supported by soft hints of almond and light toast. On the palate, it is crisp and focused, offering green apple, citrus, and a clean mineral edge. The finish is refreshing, dry, and precise, with a persistent mousse that underscores its purity and finesse. $96.

So there you have it, two excellent samples to welcome 2026 with the grace and glamour that only Champagne can impart! Wishing you a brilliant New Year filled with joy, health, and exceptional bubbles. Cheers! Silvina

#thoughtsoflawina #champagne #newyear2026 #drinkupamerica

Holiday Sparklers under $25

It’s that time of year again — the holidays are finally here! Between the twinkle of festive lights, the rush of Black Friday deals, and the excitement of gift shopping, there’s one more reason to celebrate: Sparkling wines.

For me, it’s always about finding something special within my budget. Whenever I can, I treat myself to real Champagne it’s one of the few luxuries I never skip when ringing in the new year. But if Champagne isn’t in the cards, don’t worry! there are plenty of delicious and budget-friendly alternatives like Crémant, American sparkling wine, Italian Spumante, or Cava.

Many of these more affordable bubblies are crafted using either the Traditional Method (Méthode Champenoise), where the second fermentation,the one that creates the bubbles, happens in the bottle, or with the Charmat method, where it takes place in large pressurized tanks.

To add complexity and flavor, some producers also opt for extended aging on the lees (dead yeast cells), just like in Champagne. Others may go for shorter aging periods, resulting in fresher, fruitier styles.

Now, let’s explore my recommendations:

1)Crémant: Lucien Albrecht Crémant d' Alsace Brut $24

Crafted using the traditional Méthode Champenoise, this Crémant is vibrant and expressive, revealing delicate floral notes intertwined with fresh fruit aromas — crisp apple, juicy peach, and sun-ripened apricot. On the palate, it’s lively and fruit-driven, with a graceful maturity that adds depth. Ripe fruit flavors unfold in layers, leading to a clean, balanced, and satisfying finish.

2)California Sparkling: Piper Sonoma Brut $22

Also made using the Traditional Method, Piper Sonoma Brut is a dry, fresh sparkling wine primarily composed of mostly Chardonnay, with a touch of Pinot Noir. It opens with inviting aromas of citrus, green apple, and orange blossom. On the palate, it delivers crisp flavors of green apple and mandarin orange, layered with subtle notes of brioche.

3)Italian Spumante (sweet): Bartenura Moscato Spumante $18

Made from muscat grapes this pleasantly sweet sparkling wine shows delicate floral fragrances of honeysuckle with hints of raspberry. On the palate, Bartenura Spumante offers a sweet medley of strawberries and melon, making it a delightful choice to enjoy on its own or paired with fresh fruit.

4)New Mexico Sparkling: Gruet NV Brut $18

Aged sur lie for a minimum of 18 months, Gruet NV Brut offers richness and complexity typically found in higher-tier wines. This sparkling opens with bright apple notes and follows through with a silky, dense mouthfeel. The finish is long and refined, with a subtle touch of sweetness — perfect for celebrating special occasions or elevating everyday moments.

I hope you give them all a try soon! Cheers to bubbles, bargains, and a bright holiday season! Best, Silvina

#Thoughtsoflawina #holidaysparklingwines #holidays #christmas

Brunello di Montalcino: The Best Expression of Sangiovese

Not every appellation is blessed with the ability to produce extraordinary wines. But among the many, one stands out— Montalcino, a place where Sangiovese grapes can grow to perfection. I mean no disrespect to Chianti Classico—it, too, produces excellent Sangiovese—but the ripeness and complexity found in Brunello are unique to Montalcino.

The region benefits not only from a warmer climate than Chianti, but also from higher elevations, creating ideal conditions to grow this grape. Moreover, Brunello is made from a special clone—or group of clones—of Sangiovese, known locally as Sangiovese Grosso. According to Biondi Santi, the pioneering producer of Brunello, this clone was originally identified in Montalcino itself.

But where exactly is Montalcino? It’s located just south of Chianti—about an hour’s drive—in the very heart of Tuscany. Unlike Chianti, Montalcino is much smaller, with about 2,100 hectares dedicated to vineyards. Interestingly, the wines here vary depending on the soil type. Grapes grown in clay-rich soils tend to produce wines that are fuller-bodied, darker in color, and more tannic. In contrast, wines from grapes grown in galestro soils (a type of flaky marl or schist often containing limestone) are generally lighter, more floral, and more refined. These primary soil types are often interwoven with layers of volcanic material, schist, and abundant limestone, adding further complexity to the final wine. The climate in Montalcino is Mediterranean, but the varied altitudes, ranging from 150 to 650 meters above sea level, create a mosaic of microclimates.

By law, Brunello di Montalcino must be made from 100% Sangiovese. This strict regulation came under the spotlight in 2008 during what was known as “the Brunello gate”, a scandal, in which producers were accused of illegally adding international grape varieties to their blends to enhance their wines. Yields are also tightly regulated by law, to ensure quality: a maximum of 8 tons per hectare for Brunello and 9 tons for Rosso di Montalcino. These wines are built to age, and by law, Brunello di Montalcino Normale must age for a minimum of five years before release with at least two of them spent in oak and four months in a bottle. Riservas are aged for a minimum of six years, with two years spent in oak and at least six months in a bottle. Traditional Brunellos are aged in large botti, typically Slavonian oak barrels, which impart minimal oak flavor, allowing the purity of Sangiovese to shine. In contrast, more modern Brunellos are often aged in smaller, new French oak barrels, which lend additional tannin and notes of vanilla and spice.

And then there’s also Rosso di Montalcino, essentially the younger sibling of Brunello (some call it “Baby Brunello”). It is made from either younger vines, less prestigious vineyard sites, or lesser vintages. It requires only one year of aging and it is released as early as September 1st of the year following the harvest. For many producers, Rosso offers a way to generate revenue while waiting for their Brunellos (both Normale and Riserva) to mature.

Stylistically, Brunello shows a medium-plus body with vibrant acidity and firm structure. Its aromatic profile often includes fresh plum, black cherry, violet, and blackberry. As it ages, more complex notes emerge, think mocha, leather, chocolate, and licorice. The tannins can be quite pronounced in youth, softening gracefully over time into a supple, elegant texture. Compared to Chiantis, Brunellos are bolder, more concentrated, and have greater body and structure, while retaining remarkable elegance and depth. 

My Wine Recommendations:
Fattoi Brunello di Montalcino 2019, $65 (not pictured)
Armilla Brunello di Montalcino 2018, $48  (not pictured)
Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2018, $65(not pictured)
Casanova Di Neri Brunello di Montalcino 2018,$70

Other recommended producers:

Allow me to say that Montalcino is one of these areas in which is going to be almost impossible to make bad wine, not only the quality standards are super high, but also because of the conditions, to my surprise wines from these wineries have received above 90 pts by most Wine magazines too!

Altesino, Argiano, Antinori,Biondi Santi, Caparzo,Castello Banfi,Castiglion del Bosco, Casanova di Neri, Fattoria di Barbi, Fattoi, Tenuta Luce, La Serena, Le Chiuse, Le Macioche and Poggio Antico.

A warning: Brunello isn’t a budget wine. But it’s a luxurious treat—and if you love Sangiovese in any form, it’s an experience you absolutely owe to yourself! Cheers! Silvina

#thoughtsoflawina #brunellodimontalcino #italy #italianwines#sangiovese

A tasting of Luigi Bosca's fine malbecs

For over four generations, the Arizu family has stood at the forefront of premium Argentine winemaking, driven by an unwavering commitment to Malbec. Their remarkable journey began in 1890, when the first-generation patriarch, Leoncio Arizu, a visionary immigrant from the Basque Country—arrived in Mendoza. Struck by the beautiful landscape of Luján de Cuyo, he began planting European vines, laying the foundation for what would become Bodega Luigi Bosca in 1901.

At the time, Malbec—then locally known as the “French variety”—produced wines that were sweet and fortified, more akin to Port than the structured, expressive style we know today. The transformation of Malbec into Argentina’s flagship varietal was made possible by the Arizu family’s vision and perseverance.

Over four generations, they have pursued the purest expression of Malbec, guided by Mendoza’s exceptional natural elements: a continental climate with abundant sun and low humidity (ideal for organic viticulture), mineral-rich soils shaped by ancient riverbeds, and the high-altitude conditions of the Andes, which lend grapes their natural acidity and wines their signature elegance. The result? Wines of remarkable depth, concentration, and finesse.

Among Familia Arizu’s many contributions to Argentine wine, two milestones stand out. First, the establishment of Argentina’s first appellation of origin, D.O.C. Malbec, in 1989—an initiative led by Alberto Arizu. Modeled after European appellations, this project aimed to preserve typicity, elevate quality, and honor geographic authenticity, formally recognizing Luján de Cuyo as the center place of Argentina’s most iconic varietal. Second, the creation of Wines of Argentina in 1993, a national trade organization that united the country’s top wineries to promote Malbec and other Argentine wines globally. Alberto Arizu also presided over the organization twice, further strengthening Argentina’s global wine presence.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Pablo Cúneo, the talented winemaker currently overseeing all wines at Bodega Luigi Bosca. Pablo began his career in the world of sparkling wines with Moët Hennessy in Argentina before turning to Malbec at Bodegas Ruca Malen, ultimately taking on his prestigious role at Luigi Bosca.

During our conversation, Pablo spoke with deep passion about Mendoza’s unparalleled natural conditions—high altitude, dry climate, and abundant sunshine—all crucial to Malbec’s optimal ripening and expressive character. He reflected on the evolution of Argentine wine, noting how Malbec has taken an “ascendant to the stars” trajectory since the late 1980s. Of course, wine has been made in Argentina for much longer, but it was only in recent decades that Malbec truly came into its own—emerging not just as the country’s signature grape, but also as a powerful ambassador of its viticulture on the world stage.

Historically, Mendoza wines were simple table wines, consumed domestically. But the economic challenges Argentina faced pushed producers to look outward, toward export markets. To succeed globally, they needed more than a unique grape—they needed innovation and quality. And that’s exactly what the Arizu family delivered.

Each generation has played a part in shaping a legacy of excellence—focused on terroir-driven wines that showcase abundant fruit, velvety textures, ripe tannins, and the spice that has made Malbec beloved around the globe. Today, the family continues to innovate by producing single-plot wines and leveraging the altitude of the Andes—a natural defense against global warming.

While Luigi Bosca also produces excellent Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons (tasted but not included here), the following three Malbecs stand out as exceptional examples of their craft. I hope you’ll give them a try—and let me know what you think!

Luigi Bosca Malbec 2022 – $20
Rich yet soft and mellow, this medium-bodied red showcases ripe strawberry and cherry notes, complemented by delicate floral hints of violet. Crafted from grapes grown in Luján de Cuyo, it is aged for 12 months in second-use French oak, which adds subtle spice and personality.

Luigi Bosca De Sangre Malbec DOC 2022 – $35
This line, introduced in 2021, honors a family tradition: setting aside the best wines for special celebrations. “De Sangre” (from blood) is a tribute to the blood ties that bind generations of the Arizu family. 
Made with fruit sourced from select plots from Fincas Las Compuertas, Vistalba, and Agrelo, this Malbec is made under the prestigious DOC Malbec appellation. It bursts with cherry and plum notes, layered with lanolin and balsamic aromas—hallmarks of the varietal. Smooth tannins and vibrant acidity give it elegance, while its meaty structure, explosive fruit, and long, spicy finish show Malbec at its finest.

Luigi Bosca Los Nobles Vistalba Malbec 2021 – $70
Crafted from old vines averaging 90 years in age, Finca Los Nobles Vistalba Malbec is a distinctive field blend of 94% Malbec and 6% Petit Verdot. Aged for 16 months in French oak, it opens with juicy blackberry and ripe plum at its core, unfolding into layered notes of coffee, chocolate, and vanilla. On the palate, sweet, silky tannins provide structure and depth, leading to a bold, complex finish. With the potential to age for up to 30 years, this is a true powerbomb of flavor and finesse. 

Cheers! Silvina

#thoughtsoflawina #luigibosca #malbec #argentina #drinkupamerica

Château Haut-Brion: A Timeless Bordeaux Icon

From the days of ancient Roman settlers to the era of Enlightenment thinkers, from Samuel Pepys to Thomas Jefferson and John Locke, Château Haut-Brion has inspired admiration across centuries. Its wines are celebrated not only for their exceptional quality but also as profound expressions of terroir, craftsmanship, and time.

Nestled within the prestigious Pessac-Léognan appellation in Bordeaux’s historic Graves region, Haut-Brion is among the most legendary names in fine wine. Though its documented history dates back over 500 years, the estate’s roots reach even further—into gravel-rich soils prized by Roman settlers more than two millennia ago. These quartz-laden “graves” have long sustained the vines that define the estate’s reputation for excellence.

While many of Bordeaux’s top estates are located in the Médoc, Haut-Brion holds a singular distinction: it is the only château outside the Médoc included as a Premier Grand Cru Classé in the historic 1855 Classification. But also recognized in the Graves Classification of 1959, the only estate with both prestigious rankings.

Haut-Brion’s uniqueness extends beyond its accolades. The estate occupies a 51-hectare vineyard—48 hectares planted to red grape varieties including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, and 3 hectares dedicated to white grapes, including Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sauvignon Gris.

The vineyard’s defining feature is its deep gravel layers over a complex mosaic of clay, limestone, and sand—shaped over geological time. Combined with excellent drainage and sun exposure, this terroir is critical to producing wines of structure, elegance, and longevity.

At Haut-Brion, viticulture is guided by a philosophy of harmony—balancing nature and precision. The estate practices sustainable farming, avoids insecticides, and promotes biodiversity. A 4-hectare wooded zone, including a landscaped park, provides habitat for over 40 bird species, many of which are protected. These natural ecosystems contribute not only to beauty but to a healthy microclimate vital to the vineyards.

Harvesting is done entirely by hand, with each grape cluster meticulously picked and sorted to ensure only the finest fruit moves forward. Grapes are delicately destemmed, and fermentation is carried out with rigorous temperature control, allowing each vineyard parcel to reveal its unique aromatic and structural character. Within two weeks, the transformation begins—layers of color, complexity, and personality emerge.

Blending at Haut-Brion is not merely technical—it is an art form refined over generations. Typically finalized early, the blend enables the estate to present a complete and expressive wine during Bordeaux’s annual en primeur tastings. This intuitive process combines deep knowledge of the terroir with an understanding of vintage variation and aging trajectory.

Once blended, the wine is matured in carefully selected French oak barrels for 18 to 20 months. The proportion of new oak is precisely adjusted to match the character of the vintage, enhancing the wine’s texture without overwhelming its expression. Racking is done via à l’esquive, a traditional method using gravity and candlelight, gently clarifying the wine while preserving its finesse.

The winery produces three wines:

Château Haut-Brion Red
The estate’s iconic red wine is revered for its aromatic depth, structural finesse, and aging potential. Dominated by Merlot and supported by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, it offers notes of blackcurrant, graphite, tobacco, and earth, with silky tannins and a long, graceful finish.

Château Haut-Brion Blanc
One of Bordeaux’s most rare and sought-after whites, this blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc delivers a rich, textured palate with flavors of citrus, beeswax, and honey. Powerful yet fresh, it rivals the estate’s reds in complexity and age-worthiness.

Le Clarence de Haut-Brion
Named in tribute to Clarence Dillon (the great grandfather of the current Haut-Brion's CEO and Chairman, Prince Robert of Luxembourg). This second wine offers accessibility with depth. Reflecting the estate’s signature elegance, it’s an excellent entry point into the Haut-Brion's experience.

Château Haut-Brion is more than a celebrated name—it is a living symbol of Bordeaux’s heritage and vision. With ancient soils, forward-thinking leadership, and a legacy built on integrity and innovation, Haut-Brion continues to define greatness in wine.

My Wine Recommendations:
During my visit to Bordeaux last May, I had the privilege of tasting both Château Haut-Brion 2017 at $425 (per bottle) and Château La Mission Haut-Brion 2017 at $450 (per bottle) —each a brilliant expression of its terroir and vintage.

Cheers! Silvina

#thoughtsoflawina #Bordeaux1stgrowth #Bordeaux #hautbrion