Around Our Table
Brisa Suave Vinho Verde 2022 Minho, Portugal
Vinho Verde literally translates to green wine and is the fresh easy style of wine produced around Minho. Not intended to be complex in most examples, but something that pairs well with being outside. This organic producer uses Loureiro (50%), Arinto (40%), and Trajadura (10%) to make this cuvee. Melon, Citrus, and a slight effervescence are present almost immediately. Thankfully we gave you a liter bottle so it lasts more than 5 minute. Pairing: Bounty of fresh seafood.
La Pépie Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine sur Lie 2021 Muscadet, France
If there was ever a more classic example of summer patio wine it is Muscadet. Domaine Pepiere is one of the most iconic organic producers in this small region in the Western Loire. The varietal is Melon de Bourgogne but honestly the most important thing to know is this is massively crushable. Pairing: Oysters. Life.
Domaine La Manarine du Rhône Blanc 2021 Rhone, France
The Rhone Valley is one of the easiest places in the world to grab a delicious blend, but we almost always give you a red example. This cuvee is the only white produced by the domaine; and it is a blend of Bourboulenc and Clairette. This is a voluptuous style that is classic Southern Rhone with ripe citrus and strong minerality. Pairing: Smoked Fish. Vegetable Forward Spring Dishes.
Montemelino Malpasso Rosato NV Umbria, Italy
The second Liter sized bottle in this Month's wine club, this screw cap rosé is asking politely to be taken outside in the backyard. Made from Sangiovese and Grenache, the flavors are red berries, peach and bright melon. Unexpected and delicious, this is all hand harvested and vinified in stainless steel. Pairing: This is pizza wine. Don't fight it.
4 Kilos Motor America 2020 Mallorca, Spain
Island wine sadly does not bring the surf and sand to us, but the vibe will have to be good enough. The indigenous varietals that make up this cuvee are 80% Callet, 20% Fogoneu but this is 100% freaking delicious. Fermented with indigenous yeast in clay amphoras with zero sulfur added at any point. Floral with dark red and blue fruit that comes strong with tart acidity. Pairing: Barbeque pork on the beach.
Julien Cecillon Les Graviers Syrah 2021 Rhône Valley, France
Syrah is the top of the heap when it comes to the Rhone Valley. These wines have verve and power, never overpowering with higher alcohol. Julian Cecillon is an 11 generation winemaker located in Tournon. He and his wife only work with Northern Rhone appellations, but Syrah is the driving force. Blackberry, Black raspberry and pepper are the dominant force in this wine, with good minerality and a weight that lends itself to game dishes. Do not sleep on Syrah! Pairing: Duck, Cassoulet.
Around The Estate
Pusole Vermentino di Sardegna Bianco 2021 Sardinia, Italy
Situated halfway down the eastern shore of Sardinia, the area between the two towns of Braunei and Lotzorai lies the family-owned and operated Pusole winery. The towns are situated exactly at sea level, with salt breezes and cool nights helping the indigenous varieties of Vermentino and Cannonau ripen slowly. The soils, composed mainly of granite in decay and clay, help retain water during the dry months later in the summer. The family manages to produce a tiny amount of wine from the 2 hectare planted to this varietal. Fresh, citrus notes and a lemon balm nose are underpinned by a lovely texture derived from the clay soils. Pair with seafood stews, fried chicken with lemon zest, or vegetable aoli.
Domaine Les Terres Promises Apostrophe 2022 Provence, France
The latest iteration of Provencal rose from madman Jean-Christoph Comor has all the hallmarks of the most iconic wines of Bandol at a much more approachable level of complexity and ageability. Absconding from politics in 2004 to focus on crafting honest, terroir-driven wines in the Var, the region to the east of Provence, he has continued to surprise tasters with his delightfully atypical wines. "Apostrophe" the lyric device that addresses nature, here is in regard to the respect for nature he maintains while crafting this Grenache-based, delightfully Provencal style wine. Soft peach and nectarine notes, highlighting the incredibly smooth texture of this wine, lead the way for a chiseled finish and a lingering minerality. Drink as an aperitif on a perfect summer day or pair with bouillabaisse, monkfish, salads or roasted vegetables with plenty of herbs and olive oil.
Les Piliers de Maison Blanche 2016 Bordeaux, France
Organic wine? Biodynamically raised? Sulfite-free? In Bordeaux? It's true, in one of the most depressingly commercial regions of France lies an old, family-owned estate that has been in a constant state of organic production since the 1800s. One of the little-known satellite regions of St. Emilion, Montagne-St-Emilion offers the same grape varietals that are produced in its more famous neighbor, but grown on different soils and at a higher elevation. Merlot and Cabernet Franc, vinified with only natural yeast, are handled in a ulta-traditional fashion "without adding yeasts, bacteria, nitrogen, tannins, enzymes, shavings, tartaric acid (etc.) without recourse, automated thermo-regulation, artificial concentration, micro-bubbling (etc.)" according to the producers. You can smell and taste the honesty in the glass. Pair with rack of lamb, duck with red wine sauce, spinach-stuffed roasted mushrooms.