The happiness seeker

The year is 1927. Eleven daring winemakers meet at Peñafiel Castle in Spain to start a winery. They’re convinced that by joining forces, they can produce high-quality wines in what is considered an «inhospitable» region. They call their bodega «Ribera Duero.» None of these founding fathers could have imagined that in just three generations, Ribera Duero would become one of the most important wine regions in all of Spain. As for the name of the winery itself, the founders settled on the Greek word for «first:» «protos.» A reference to the history of the winery, as well as a bold statement for the future. No one embodies this claim better than Marilena Bonilla Blázquez, the head winemaker at the traditional bodega. The inquisitive Spaniard, who discovered the joys of wine while getting her doctorate in microbiology – which subsequently led her to pursue a second degree in oenology – has launched numerous research projects since arriving at Bodegas Protos in 2005. Among other things, she studies the effects of climate change on wine – a topic that poses major challenges for the wine industry. Marilena explains: «Warmer temperatures can cause grapes to ripen earlier, which affects the balance and quality of the wine.» This can lead to excessive alcohol content, or an undesirable «sweaty horse blanket» smell. The winemaker therefore tests new cultivation methods with her team and performs analyses in a high-tech laboratory at the winery. This pioneering spirit has allowed Bodegas Protos to continually evolve and remain one of the very best wine producers in the country, thereby ensuring we enjoy elegant, intense, and aromatically complex wines from the Ribera del Duero region well into the future. Just like in 1927, but without the sweaty horse blanket!

Every once in a while, we lose our way...only to find it again in Colline del Chianti, and more specifically in the Classico region of the wine paradise that is Tuscany. A winegrowing tradition dating back to antiquity, a pleasantly warm climate, excellent soils and exposures...grapes have absolutely no trouble growing there, in particular the local variety (and true prima donna) Sangiovese. However, the pressing of these fruity, velvety, sought-after Chianti grapes is another story. For some time, we were enamored with those from the vineyards of Dievole. But as the years passed, this love began to fade. All too often, the winery near the small town of Vagliali was unable to recapture the quality of its former vintages. Under new management, the tide is now starting to turn: the team, led by star winemaker Alberto Antonini, is literally bursting with youthful enthusiasm and passion. Modern designs have replaced the kitschy gold labels, premium oak barrels and concrete tanks have been set up in the cellar, and new plots of land have been added to the sustainable vineyard. In particular, the Petrignano site stands out among the hundred hectares registered in the Chianti Classico register. Nestled in the bend of a river, the vines literally bathe in the reflections of the sun, feasting on the fertile, limestone soil abounding with nutrients and minerals. What about the wine? It marks a change of course for the «fattoria» – towards former greatness! So far, the reviews have been sparkling. Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling gave it a top score, while Gambero Rosso awarded the contemporary Chianti its medal for the Italian red wine of the year. Of course, this distinction only lasts for 12 months. That way, your love is sure not to fade!

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One morning in June of last year, our Category Manager Theresa Zotz walked into the Flaschenpost office for the first time. We were immediately enchanted by the winemaker’s daughter from Heitersheim, without any of her family’s wines as secret weapons, which she only brought in recently. But when we did finally taste them, all we could say was «wow!» For us, it was clear: our customers urgently needed to be introduced to this fresh, premium, white wine. But wait a minute...wine from Germany? It might be right next door, but its wines have quite a difficult time in Switzerland. After all, we’re also bordered by Italy and France. However, there has been a shift in recent years, in part due to climate change – but not only. A whole new generation of courageous and open-minded winemakers are starting a winemaking revolution in Germany. These young winemakers are networking, exchanging ideas, and organizing joint events. A community has emerged, one that promotes more fun and development – two characteristics that are reflected in the country’s new wines. Since 2010, German wine exports have almost doubled. «The younger generation is cosmopolitan and networked, and has succeeded in breaking down prejudices,» explains winemaker Julian Zotz, who runs the family winery with his cousin. The Zotz siblings are a perfect example: Theresa spent six months in India after graduating from high school, then studied in Indonesia and worked in Chicago. At Flaschenpost, she keeps an eye out for trendy wines for our customers, and stays abreast of developments in the wine world. Her brother completed an internship in New Zealand, then returned home to the family and its business. Today, he helps make premium contemporary wines at the winery, which was founded in 1865. With «Grau.Weiẞ.Gut,» the Zotz family takes you on a trip to today’s Germany. Don’t be surprised if you feel like dancing the day away...