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Tasting Notes: March

04.03.25

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4 min read

Tasting Notes: March

Table Of Contents

Welcome to your March tasting note – your guide to the wines, recipes, and discoveries worth your time this month. We’re diving into the stories behind the bottles, from winemakers quietly reshaping the industry to hidden gems that deserve a spot in your glass. Expect wines that challenge expectations, sandwiches with serious substance, and a deep dive into the art of spice (and how Riesling just gets it). Plus, a few unexpected detours – from Tokyo’s underground scene to the best seat in the house for your next glass of wine.

TO DRINK

Wine women, unsung

Say When Wine

"Rachel makes the wine, Michel helps."

What really sets this boutique winery apart is that the wines are handpicked and handmade, with the help of friends and family, along California's Central Coast. They're able to source some incredible grapes, and each wine is given a unique name, reflecting its personality and capturing the moment of its creation.

Domaine Mee Godard

A Beaujolais treasure, winemaker Mee Godard chose to make long-ageing wine imbued with her love of structure and texture. With the Morgon appellation, the terroir is rich in saprolytes or sands, coming from the degradation of pink granite, alluvium and volcanic soil, to produce different expressions of Gamay. Easy drinking or serious.

Blackbrook Winery

Lynsey Verrillo, co-founder of Blackbrook Winery, initially felt like an outsider, but grew to appreciate London's open community. This kindled her passion to showcase the potential of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay beyond the traditional UK sparkling wines.

Rieslings to be cheerful

Jumi-Juma, Moldova, Other World Wines

Showcasing a treasure trove from the world's oldest and most storied winemaking regions. Many of these wines are often under-represented, like Moldova's refreshing Jumi Juma Chardonnay & Riesling blend.

2023 Halenberg, Emrich Schönleber

A great Nache estate, known for its meticulous and spontaneous winemaking methods. The 2023 vintage draws you in with its cool, smoky aromatics and a citrus-driven core.

2020 Niesteiner Riesling Trocken, Wittmann

Riesling with a real drive. Bright with grapefruit and fresh herbs; layered with a saline, shell-like minerality. A wine that doesn't just linger but leaves a truly lasting impression.

TO EAT

Sarnies with substance

Don't let the name fool you - the French dip sandwich was actually invented in LA. Rich and tender beef nestles between a crisp-yet-yielding roll, all ready to be dunked in the umami-packed jus. Adding potato crips to sandwiches isn't novel, but it's a must for Tyler Kord's zucchini parmesan sandwich. And as we're entering into Marinda tomato season, try this fried tomato sandwich with lemon-basil sour cream and chilli oi.

Spice up your knife

Spices have always had the power to transform a dish (and, let's face it, make us feel like culinary geniuses). When it comes to pairing with bold, vibrant spices, few wines do it better than Riesling.

A powerful dry Riesling like those from Emrich Schöleber in Nahe, is a natural match for Szechuan dishes in mala sauce (Sichuan peppercorn and chilli) like mapo tofu. A fruit-forward profile pairs well with chile relleno (aka ‘stuffed peppers’), a Mexican dish made from roasted poblano peppers filled with cheese, then fried with a red or green salsa. And an off-dry Riesling is perfect alongside the tangy and spicy notes of Chicken Jalfrezi.

TO EXPLORE

For decades, these hidden spaces nurtured some of New York City’s most creative minds. Photographer Joshua Charow spent three years knocking on strangers’ doors, uncovering this last remaining artist haven, protected by an obscure 1982 law. 

Affectionately known as Shimokita, this grungy, countercultural neighborhood has long been a breeding ground for indie music, vintage fashion and independent business. Tucked west of central Tokyo, its maze of narrow streets and cafes draws in an eclectic mix of musicians, thrifters and food lovers. 

In search of a new perch for your wine glass? Robert Bronwasser’s WIM table blends playful design with practicality – to hold both your evening read and your evening pour. A small but thoughtful upgrade. 

TO TRY

Viennese whirl

Vienna: known for waltzes, opera and, perhaps surprisingly, a lively food scene. Schnitzel is non-negotiable and Figlmüller swears theirs is the best in the world. But if you’re after something different, try Rosebar Centrala for Eastern European comfort food, or Halmi, a Korean bistro with an Austrian twist. And yes, they both have excellent wine lists.

TO DISCOVER

Sandwichcraft

How much meat is too much? Sourdough or brioche? To avo or not to avo? Molly Baz (pro chef) and Declan Bond (pro eater) are on a mission to answer all your sandwich questions with their podcast - The Sandwich Universe . A Super Upsetting Cooking is a hilarious and comprehensive guide, where bread, condiments, vegetables and meats mingle in delicious and unexpected recipes. And of course, no self-respecting sandwich lover should pass up the chance to watch (or rewatch) Chef, a film that will have you craving a Cubano by the end (with a bottle of Bandol rosé to hand, for the perfect pairing). 

Pod is in the detail

These podcasts pull back the curtain on captivating stories. OKA House of Tales follows eight tastemakers revealing how spaces shape lives, guided by design journalist Bethan Ryder. How I Built This strips entrepreneurial success to its core – from secrets and triumphs, to doubts and failures. And the Go To Food Podcast is filled with unfiltered celebrity life stories – candid, cocktail-fueled conversations, about everything from hangover cures to favourite takeaways. 

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