I MUST taste Kalamity. I DO believe in the mystical power of old vines, and I love this writing so so much. 2026 will be better. We are resilient, and know how to survive, like the old vines do. Thank you for this inspiring writing !
It sounds to me like Juan Carlos Sancha's work with vitis sylvestris is similar to what Randall Grahm is doing with his Popelouchum project here in California. The concept of creating new vines in old places is intriguing. Your description of Kalamity is compelling on a similar scale, and I've found a source for Oxer's wines in Los Angeles. They are not inexpensive, but why buy 1er Burgundy when one can drink inspiration?
This reminded me of the dearly departed Sean Thackrey. His Orion was famously harvested from a field full of grapes in California where he told me that even the folks at UC Davis could not identify each and every grape. Also, Sean translated many previously untranslated ancient texts on winemaking and applied what he learned from them. I'm so grateful for the limited time I had to know him and so devastated that he's gone.
I was in Barcelona this summer and the staff at my favorite wine store convinced me to bring back one of Oxer’s wines. As I was limited by budget and luggage at the time I chose Ahari and am both grateful to have listened and regretful I didn’t choose Kalamity! I hope there will be a next time 😅
I MUST taste Kalamity. I DO believe in the mystical power of old vines, and I love this writing so so much. 2026 will be better. We are resilient, and know how to survive, like the old vines do. Thank you for this inspiring writing !
Thank YOU
It sounds to me like Juan Carlos Sancha's work with vitis sylvestris is similar to what Randall Grahm is doing with his Popelouchum project here in California. The concept of creating new vines in old places is intriguing. Your description of Kalamity is compelling on a similar scale, and I've found a source for Oxer's wines in Los Angeles. They are not inexpensive, but why buy 1er Burgundy when one can drink inspiration?
This reminded me of the dearly departed Sean Thackrey. His Orion was famously harvested from a field full of grapes in California where he told me that even the folks at UC Davis could not identify each and every grape. Also, Sean translated many previously untranslated ancient texts on winemaking and applied what he learned from them. I'm so grateful for the limited time I had to know him and so devastated that he's gone.
Jason, when you write like this, I feel as if I’m reading Kerouac or McPhee. I need to move to Rioja! And I definitely need to try these wines.
Aw thanks!
I was in Barcelona this summer and the staff at my favorite wine store convinced me to bring back one of Oxer’s wines. As I was limited by budget and luggage at the time I chose Ahari and am both grateful to have listened and regretful I didn’t choose Kalamity! I hope there will be a next time 😅