Flor Wines

We spend a lot of time in our backyards this time of year and we assembled our pack with this in mind. From crisp, mineral whites and sparkling rosés for warm days, to reds that go with the first grill marks of the season or more rainy days, there is something here for whatever May throws our way.

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When we think of the elements that go into a premium wine, vine age is a huge factor. To personalize this, it’s analogous to an older person who speaks with more wisdom due to their long lived experience - in other words, a higher quality output. We’re accustomed to these high-end bottles being comprised of these lower yielding, older vines that have lots to say. And then there are the Pipeño style wines of Chile, who’s price points make no sense.

Lomas de Llahuén is a boutique family project led by third-generation winemaker Gustavo Riffo in the dry, coastal area of Portezuelo within Chile’s historic Itata Valley. The estate is deeply dedicated to preserving the country’s viticultural heritage, cultivating ancient, own-rooted vines that range up to 200 years old! Farming is done without irrigation on granitic clay soils,. By focusing on low-intervention winemaking and native yeast fermentations, the winery crafts honest, highly drinkable “Pipeño” style wines that beautifully express the soul of the rural countryside.

Pipeño is a traditional, rustic winemaking style from Chile that dates back to the late 16th century. Historically considered a simple “peasant wine” made by rural farmers for everyday local consumption, it has recently been embraced by the international natural wine community for its honesty and high drinkability.

These fresh and vibrant bottles are a lovely way to welcome the forthcoming sunny days of Spring. This is the best introduction to Chile’s Pipeño wines from its best producer. The intent of these old vines is precision over complexity, which they have overacheived in these 2024 expressions. And, that’s not a typo, they both are 1 Liter format!

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Tragically, the wine world suffered a significant loss in 2020 with the passing of Renato V***a at the age of 51. Renato was more than just a winemaker; he was a soulful guardian of his family’s heritage and a beloved figure in the Piedmontese community. His death left a profound void, but his meticulous standards and deep respect for the Nebbiolo grape had already established a clear path forward for the estate he spent his life perfecting.

Following Renato’s passing, the stewardship of Cantina del Pino transitioned to his wife, Francine, and his father, Adriano V***a. Together, they have ensured that the winery remains a family-run labor of love. Francine, who worked closely alongside Renato for years, has stepped into the leadership role with a firm resolve to maintain the house style—one defined by elegance, structure, and a refusal to follow fleeting trends.

Impressions: This is a chiseled and high-toned expression of Nebbiolo, reflecting the cooler microclimate and limestone-rich soils of this iconic north-facing cru. The aromatics are strikingly complex, leading with vibrant notes of sour cherry and wild raspberries accented by chalky minerals, marjoram, and dried autumn leaves. On the palate, the wine is taut and sinewy, showcasing a refined yet firm tannic structure that is balanced by a piercing, energetic acidity and a long, savory finish of licorice and white pepper. This mid-weight vintage possesses a weightless concentration and a transparent character that will reward cellaring as its powerful elements harmonize over time.

Perhaps it’s the gravitas that numbers can carry, but this 2021 was an anticipated release for us. We are huge fans of Cantina del Pino, and this highly praised vintage marked a symbolic shift without Renato’s presence.

Our verdict? It’s clear that the estate continues to operate with the same quiet intensity that Renato championed, more importantly, this served as a reminder of how artists continue to live through their art, long after their physical presence has left us.

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Spring is perhaps our favorite season for wine pairings. As we are anxiously awaiting the end of Winter, we welcome the much needed lightening up of both the wines we drink and the foods we crave. Much to the dismay of my kids, Igor Stravinsky’s ‘Rites of Spring’ gets a lot of play around the house this time of year. Stravinsky himself once described this ballet as an exploration into “the mystery and great surge of the creative power of Spring”. We feel the same way about this time of year, and hope that this month’s pack will get your creativity swirling.

6 bottles - $125

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