OPIMIAN SUGGESTS

SUPERVISOR – MEMBER SERVICE AND LOGISTICS JOAO BARROTE

Being of Portuguese origin, Joao has a soft spot for wines from his native homeland. According to him, the diversity and range that they offer are unparalleled. From aperitive or digestive to Madeira wines, not to mention round whites from the Lisboa Region and woody and complex Douro, Portugal has a gorgeous wine diversity. Saúde Opimian!

RAMILO GALEGO DOURADO, VINHO REGIONAL LISBOA, 2021, LOT 3651, P37

OUR PICKS FOR THIS CELLAR

BOARD MEMBER TWYLA LAAKSO

BIODYNAMITE, PFALZ, 2021, LOT 3646, P34

Twyla is an avid gardener and loves to cook, and is one of the few oenophiles whose consumption runs equally between reds and whites. Her preference leans toward cool crisp whites with floral notes, light acidity, a well-balanced body, minimal oak and a lingering finish, preferably with a hint of apricot or mild tropical fruit and a perimeter of crispness, so Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc are always on hand. Though a well-balanced Chardonnay for cheese and charcuterie is usually available too.

MANAGING DIRECTOR MICHAEL LUTZMANN

Michael has level 3 training from WSET. Before discovering more about wine through training, he only drank heavy reds. While those are still favourites, his palate pleasers now include the full spectrum with dessert/ fortified wines edging toward the top of his list. The expanded selection of Beaujolais has him looking to add fantastic lighter reds to his collection.

JUSTINO'S MADEIRA, VERDELHO, 10 YEARS OLD, PART OF JUSTINO'S MADEIRA CASE, LOT 3666, P47

MASTER PIECE Making a Difference

Louise Wilson MW is one of Opimian’s Masters of Wine

The enjoyment of wine and spirits has always been about so much more than just how they taste. The most delightful of these sips engage us with their story. They reflect the dedication and ingenuity of the winemakers and distillers that poured themselves into each bottle.

PICA PEIXE, VINHO REGIONAL PENÍNSULA DE SETÚBAL, 2019, LOT 3675 , WEB EXCLUSIVE

Another important consideration for today’s wine or spirits lover is something that Wine Intelligence calls “ethical consumerism”. We expect the beverages we purchase to make a difference and to be contributing to the bigger picture. Across our Cellars, Opimian’s producer partners are committed to making the world a better place for us all. In Portugal, Boas Quintas has been a supporter of Portugal’s Institute for The Conservation of Nature and Forests since 2014. They are committed to monitoring and measuring their impact on nature and sharing their knowledge with consumers and partners. The winery has reduced the use of pesticides by encouraging insect-eating bats with roosting boxes positioned across the property. Thanks to the winery’s commitment to protecting endangered species, several rare birds including the Spoonbill, the Black Ibis and the Red Heron are found in the Boas Quintas vineyards and neighbouring wetlands. In California, Hook & Ladder proprietors Christine and Cecil De Loach have long had a focus on sustainability. In 1999, Christine contributed to the establishment of the California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing. Their farming practices include the use of cover crops between the vineyard rows to invigorate the soil with nutrients while populations of beneficial insects and birds are encouraged to increase biodiversity in the vineyard. Supporting the community is also an integral part of the Hook & Ladder philosophy. Every month they work with a local charitable organization, creating events and campaigns as a way to give back. Mountain View Vintners has addressed environmental concerns by making mindful packaging choices. Leaders in the space, this conscientious producer sources water-based, bio-degradable labels from the first Certified Green Printer in Northern California, Galaxy Press. In addition, the bottles that