www.montereycountynow.com AUGUST 20-26, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 39 CHILL “Sweet” is a term that typically accompanies a wine like an Orange Muscat. But for Nat Wong, winemaker for Folktale who produces under his own label Blade & Talon, he pushed to challenge that norm—and he succeeded, with a dry, crushable vintage through a single fermentation in the bottle, creating a balanced wine suitable for any time of day. “You have your portfolio that you depend on for brand recognition,” Wong says, “and then it’s always nice to have, like, a weird, fun side project.” There’s no real breakfast category when it comes to wine, but Wong framed that for his experiment. He used a Pétillant Naturel method, along with disgorgement—the removal of yeast sediment from the neck of the bottle—and four days of skin contact. It has no sulfur, no additions. The 2022 vintage is fresh and bright. Wong was going for a wine that would evoke a mimosa but be less sweet, with the right level of dryness and versatility to pair with breakfast. He enjoys it with a breakfast burrito—“any kind,” he says. Most of Blade & Talon’s wines use varietals grown in San Benito County, but for this white wine offshoot, he experimented with grapes grown by friends in Paso Robles. “It’s super clean. How many other zero-zero wines have you tried that doesn’t taste like a foot?” he says, chuckling. “I think it’s a good example of where you can pull off not using sulfur that will continue to age with good acid and tannin.” More information at bladeandtalon.com. Muscat Love Folktale winemaker Nat Wong produces a fresh but dry Orange Muscat under his own label. By Katie Rodriguez SEND IDEAS TO: chill@montereycountynow.com DANIEL DREIFUSS THIN CRUST PIZZA SALADS & CALZONES TAKE-OUT TODAY SOURDOUGH PIZZA SEASIDE’S FINEST 720 BROADWAY AVE. SEASIDE PASTA & SUBS BEER ON TAP DESSERTS EAST COAST PIZZAS NY style, thin crust w/ butter & garlic. 14” has 6 slices. 18” has 8 slices. WEST COAST PIZZAS SF sourdough crust w/ garlic olive oil. 14” has 6 slices. 18” has 8 slices. STUFFED CALZONES Made from pizza dough, stuffed w/pizza sauce, garlic, mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of basil. (Onions upon request). 831-899-1762 DELIVERY AVAILABLE DINE-IN TOO Voted Monterey County’s Best Antique Shop ’25 ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ FULL BAR! BLACKJACK BONUS POINTS PAYS UP TO $20,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • GEAR-000383, GEAR-000376, GEAR-000375 The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 204 Carmel Ave. Marina 831-384-0925 casinomonterey.com ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Where Monterey Comes To Play
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