Our featured Wine of the Month is our Paulina, Sparkling Line. We could simply tell you that it’s a Cuvée style wine made from a Chardonnay with just a touch of Muscat, that pairs well with almost anything. But instead, we are sharing with you some memories from Samantha Doffo about her grandmother Paulina, after whom we named our sparkling wine.
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It is said that hummingbirds symbolize courage, determination, and adaptability, that they forever seek the “sweet nectar” of life and the beauty of each day. That was my “Nonna” Maria PAULINA, after whom our Sparkling Wine is named.
The day she passed on, I sat staring out my kitchen window washing dishes and crying when all of a sudden, this hummingbird came to the window and hovered looking at me. Time stopped and I had a sense that my grandmother was reminding me that life moves forward and that there is beauty in every moment.
It’s very common in Argentina to have nicknames. Our nonna was known as “Chola”, meaning eldest child, the responsible one. Nonna Chola was the eldest of 3 girls. She carried a lot of responsibility on the family farm. My sister Brigitte and I used to love hearing Nonna’s stories about her childhood and her sisters. We especially enjoyed the stories of how our Nonno Armando courted her and how he used to make her jealous by dancing with all the other girls and waiting until the end to dance with her.
Most of our childhood memories with Nonna centered around the kitchen and all the delicious things she would make. Although our grandparents lived in Argentina, they would spend part of the year with us in America. Nonna waited for us after school with fresh baked bread and “mate cocido” the lighter tea version of Yerba Mate. One of the best memories I have are of Nonna making “tallarines” or homemade pasta. She rolled out the dough and hand cut each individual noodle. It was amazing.
Brigitte and Samantha Doffo with their Grandparents Armando and Paulina
I had a very special bond with my Nonna. I had the opportunity to live in Argentina with my grandparents for 6 months during an exchange while in college. We had a little routine: after class on Thursdays, I would stop by the corner store: el kiosko; and pick up a Quilmes Bock. The amber bock Argentine beer that is not available anywhere else. Nonna waited for me so we could sit in her courtyard and share a glass of beer. She loved beer and Sidra Real- a type of Spanish sparkling cider similar to our Paulina.
We are excited to honor Nonna with our Paulina Sparkling Wine, this month’s featured wine with a re-designed label! Enjoy. SALUTE NONNA!
