Natural Wine

Franklin Chiang’s Bunch Reimagines Natural Wine as Shanghai’s Cool Kid Culture

Franklin Chiang’s Bunch Reimagines Natural Wine as Shanghai’s Cool Kid Culture

⏱ 2 min read The Short Version Shanghai’s natural wine scene is rebelling, led by Franklin Chiang’s Bunch, turning wine into a cultural movement where style and community trump tradition. Chiang’s events blend music, fashion, and rare vintages, redefining natural wine as a lifestyle statement. In This Article The Event That Became a MovementThe Culture Behind the Glass If you haven’t heard yet, Shanghai’s natural wine scene is undergoing a quiet revolution. Franklin Chiang, the self-proclaimed “Wine Thug Frankie,” is leading the charge with Bunch, a biannual event that’s transformed into a cultural phenomenon. When Chiang and his partners first…
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Matassa’s Rouge Tastes Like Roussillon, Not a Movement

Matassa’s Rouge Tastes Like Roussillon, Not a Movement

⏱ 1 min read The Short Version Matassa’s Rouge tastes like Roussillon’s soil and vines, not a marketing gimmick, proving terroir can speak louder than the "natural wine" label. It’s a quiet, place-driven wine that defies hype. In This Article A Wine That Feels Like Place, Not a LabelThe Quiet Power of Terroir Over Hype Real talk: I used to roll my eyes at Matassa. The “natural wine” label felt like a gimmick, a marketing shortcut for flawed bottles that smelled like oxidized apples. It tasted like a specific place. Not “natural wine” as a category but Roussillon, Catalan varieties,…
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Bar Xuntos: Barcelona’s Natural Wine Ethos Transplants to Santa Monica

Bar Xuntos: Barcelona’s Natural Wine Ethos Transplants to Santa Monica

⏱ 1 min read The Short Version Barcelona’s natural wine movement now thrives in Santa Monica, with Bar Xuntos offering over 30 by-the-glass natural wines and a menu rooted in Spanish culinary traditions. The bar fosters connection through curated flights and a focus on underrepresented voices in the wine world. In This Article A Barcelona Blueprint for Natural WineThe Rhythm of a Shared Glass Real talk: Barcelona’s natural wine ethos is now a stone’s throw from the 101. Bar Xuntos — Vinos Naturales & Pintxos — isn’t just a bar; it’s a cultural crossroads. The space, led by Wine Director…
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Blouge Wine Is the New After-Work Standard

Blouge Wine Is the New After-Work Standard

⏱ 1 min read The Short Version Blouge wine, a playful blend of white and red grapes, is redefining after-work sipping with its fresh, low-alcohol appeal and casual vibe. Winemakers are crafting a cultural shift, making it a staple in bars and a favorite for younger, more laid-back drinkers. In This Article A Fusion of ContrastsThe Rise of the Unconventional The verdict is in: blouge isn’t just a trend—it’s a redefinition of how we sip. This light, fresh blend of white and red grapes, born from accidental fermentation and bold experimentation, is now a staple in bars and apéritif rituals.…
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