Wine Club: October 2023

White: Ornella Molon

Region:  Venezia Giulia|
Grape: Pinot Grigio

Notes: Northern Italian Pinot Grigio, the most popular style of wine in the United States as far as consumption, has come a long way since the early 20th century. Vinification without the skins creates a fine, stylish wine, which nonetheless presents excellent body and structure, a decidedly fruity fragrance and an assertive and rounded palate that is stylishly crisp. Ornella Molon Winery is located on the border between the Treviso and Venice provinces, in the village of Campodipietra di Salgareda. Established in 1982. Ornella together with her husband Giancarlo transformed their passion into a business and succeeded in bringing new life and vigor to their historic wine-making residence, which once was the country home of the Doge of Venice, Giustinian, in 1652. Today, the Ornella Molon winery is synonymous with tradition and innovation, standing as the perfect representation of a century-old culture which has been captured and retold through the skillful production of authentic local wines.

Pair: Shellfish, Citrus Salad, Antipasto

Age: Not meant for aging, drink now

White: Tamellini Soave

Region:  Soave
Grape: Garganega

Notes: Soave saw a peak of popularity in the United States during the mid-20th-century Italian wine boom that followed the end of World War II, at one point even surpassing Chianti. Americans are now slowly refamiliarizing themselves with this wonderful dry and fresh style. The Tamellini family has been cultivating vineyards for many decades, passing down their knowledge and passion from one generation to the next. In 1998, brothers Gaetano and Pio decided to take their family's legacy to the next level by founding their own winery. Gaetano took on the role of managing the growth and cultivation of the vineyards, while Pio focused on the production of the wine itself. Their commitment to producing a wine that respects the history of the region while innovating with the latest technology, has led to the establishment of their modern winery focused on the time honored traditions of Saove. 

Pair: Sardines, Risotto, Creamy Pasta

Age: Not meant for aging, drink now

Red: Ca’ La Bionda Valpolicella Classico

Region: Valpolicella Classico
Grapes: Rondinella + Molinara + Corvina

Notes: There are many regions in Italy that show the detrimental hand of western trends. Valpolicella is, and should be, one of the great wines of Italy. However, finding one that still tastes genuinely Italian can be tricky. Ca' La Bionda is located in the commune of Marano di Valpolicella in the heart of the Classico zone of Valpolicella just north of Verona. Founded by Pietro Castellani in 1902, Ca' La Bionda today is in its fourth generation of family leadership. This classic example of Venetian wine is the primary style of Passito production wines you will find on the market. For Valpolicella, the grapes are first dried out on straw mats essentially turning them into raisins, resulting in their concentrated dried fruit character being lent to the wine. This process will also concentrate sugars in the grapes allowing these wines to come in range sweetness levels and often with higher levels of alcohol, with this being an easy drinking dry example that is quite versatile and can be paired with very casual cuisine. 

Pair: Burgers, Pizza, Lamb 

Age:  Can hold for 10 years

Wine Club: August 2023

White: Las Perdices

Region:  Mendoza, Argentina|
Grape: Viognier

Notes: Las Perdices had its humble beginnings in the 1950s when the Bianchi family decided to embark on their winemaking journey. Don Juan Carlos Bianchi, the patriarch of the family, planted the first vines in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, a region lying in the foothills of the Andes.  The name "Las Perdices" translates to "The Partridges", a tribute to the many partridges that frequented the vineyards. Over the many decades and generations Las Perdices would steadily expand their vineyard holdings and continue to innovate with a commitment to sustainable practices and organic farming beginning in the mid-2000’s. Today, Las Perdices stands as a symbol of Argentine winemaking tradition, celebrated for its exceptional wines and unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability.

Pair: Shellfish, Creamy Sauces, Curry

Age: Can develop over 10 years

Red: Familia Moyal

Region:  Uca Valley, Argentina
Grape: Bondarda

Notes: Familia Moyal, rooted in Argentina since the late 19th century, boasts a rich history of winemaking. Samuel Moyal, an immigrant from Spain, planted the family's first vineyard in Mendoza, recognizing the region's wine potential. Generations later David Moyal would expand vineyard plantings and modernize winemaking techniques. Despite that innovation, Familia Moyal remains deeply rooted in tradition. Honoring the wisdom and heritage passed down through generations to preserve the essence of their family's winemaking techniques, while embracing the advancements of the modern era. Their enduring legacy in Argentine winemaking serves as a testament to their passion, dedication, and love for the craft.

Pair: Swordfish, Soft Cheeses, Pizza

Age: Can age for 15+ years

Red: Miguel Torres Cardillera

Region: Maule Valley, Chile
Grapes: Carignan

Notes: Miguel Torres, a Spanish winery, established its presence in Chile in 1954 and began planting vineyards in the Curicó Valley, one of Chile's premier wine regions. The winery's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship was evident from the start, as they implemented sustainable farming practices with water conservation particularly in mind. In the 2010s, Miguel Torres expanded their vineyard holdings to different regions, including Maule and Itata, to explore and showcase Chile's diverse terroirs while remaining committed to sustainable practices and the traditional winemaking techniques passed down through generations. Today they continue to produce exceptional wines across many regions that capture the essence of Chile's many diverse landscapes. 

Pair: Lamb, Duck, Pungent Cheeses 

Age:  Can hold but drink now while fresh

Wine Club: July 2023

White: Château Les Arromans

Region:  Bordeaux, France|
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc + Semillon

Notes: Château Les Arromans, nestled in the picturesque Bordeaux region of France, has a rich history dating back several centuries. Its origins can be traced to the 16th century when the estate was established as a small vineyard by a passionate winemaking family. Over the years, it has grown in size and reputation. The estate's vineyards are spread across gently rolling hills, benefiting from the region's unique terroir. The combination of well-drained soils, favorable climate, and proximity to the Garonne River creates ideal conditions for grape cultivation. The vineyards predominantly grow classic Bordeaux grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc, with meticulous care and attention given to each vine.

Pair: Risotto, Pesto, White Fish

Age: Can develop over 10 years

White: Bodegas Alvarez y Diaz

Region:  Rioja, Spain
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc

Notes: The history of Bodegas Alvarez y Diaz dates back to the late 19th century when the Alvarez and Diaz families, both passionate about winemaking, joined forces to establish a winery that would eventually become a symbol of excellence. The founders, Juan Alvarez and Miguel Diaz, dedicated themselves to cultivating vineyards and crafting wines that showcased the unique terroir and climatic conditions of La Rioja. Over the years, Bodegas Alvarez y Diaz has embraced a commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. The vineyards of Bodegas Alvarez y Diaz are strategically situated on the gentle slopes of the Ebro River Valley, benefiting from the region's favorable climate and diverse soils. The winery combines traditional winemaking techniques with modern technologies to produce wines that reflect both the authenticity of the region and the vision of its winemakers.

Pair: Grilled Fish, Garlic, Gazpacho

Age: Drink now while fresh

White: Domaine de L’Hemoniere

Region: Touraine, France
Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc

Notes: Situated in the picturesque region of Anjou, this esteemed estate has been producing exceptional wines for generations. The history of Domaine de L'Hemoniere dates back to the 19th century. Over the years, the estate has been carefully nurtured and expanded, passing down the art of winemaking from one generation to the next. Today, it stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to producing wines of the highest quality. The estate boasts vineyards planted with traditional grapes such as Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Sauvignon Blanc. The winemakers at Domaine de L'Hemoniere employ traditional and sustainable viticultural practices to ensure the expression of the terroir in every bottle. They carefully hand-harvest the grapes at optimal ripeness, allowing for the preservation of their natural flavors and aromas. 

Pair: Shellfish, Antipasti, Asparagus 

Age:  Can hold for 5-10 years

Wine Club: June 2023

Sparkling White: Quinta de Raza Pet-Nat

Region:  Vinho Verde, Portugal|
Grape: Trajadura

Notes: The history of Quinta da Raza can be traced back to the 17th century when the estate was originally founded. Over the years, it has been passed down through generations of the Sousa Botelho family, who have carefully cultivated the vineyards and nurtured the winemaking traditions that define the estate today. Their unwavering commitment to quality and passion for winemaking has propelled Quinta da Raza to prominence in the Vinho Verde region. Quinta da Raza specializes in producing wines that showcase the indigenous grape varieties of the Vinho Verde region, such as Alvarinho, Loureiro, Avesso, and Vinhão. These grape varieties thrive in the region's unique microclimate, resulting in wines with vibrant acidity, bright fruit flavors, and a characteristic freshness.

Age: Pet-Nats are not meant for cellaring, drink within a year

Pair with: Creamy Cheese, Shellfish, Roast Light Meats

Sparkling Red: Paltrinieri Pria

Region:  Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Grape: Lambrusco di Sorbara

Notes: Paltrinieri is a renowned winery with a rich history entrenched in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The winery was established in the early 20th century by ancestors of the Paltrinieri family, who recognized the exceptional winemaking potential of the area. Over the years, Paltrinieri has become synonymous with producing high-quality sparkling wines, particularly Lambrusco. Lambrusco is a red grape variety that thrives in the Emilia-Romagna region. Paltrinieri has mastered the art of producing sparkling Lambrusco wines, which are characterized by their lively effervescence, vibrant acidity, and fruity flavors. Paltrinieri offers a range of Lambrusco wines, each with its own distinct personality. Their portfolio includes dry and semi-dry variations, allowing wine enthusiasts to explore different styles and preferences.

Pair: Duck, Charcuterie, Pizza 

Age: Not meant to age, Drink Freshe

Sparkling White: Avinyo Vi d’Aguila

Region: Penedes, Spain
Grapes: Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Muscat

Notes: The winemaking heritage of Avinyó is deeply rooted in the local terroir, which is characterized by its Mediterranean climate and diverse soil types. The Penedès region benefits from warm summers and mild winters, along with a cooling influence from the nearby Mediterranean Sea. These climatic conditions, combined with the varied soils ranging from limestone to clay and sandy loam, create an ideal environment for cultivating a wide range of grape varieties. Avinyó's commitment to sustainable winemaking practices is evident throughout their vineyards and production methods. The winery emphasizes organic farming, respecting the natural environment, and promoting biodiversity. This approach not only helps preserve the authenticity of their wines but also contributes to the overall sustainability of the region. 

Pair: Fried Foods, Light Fish, Creamy Sauces 

Age:  Can hold for up to 10 years

Wine Club: May 2023

White Wine: Parés Baltà, Blanc de Pacs

Region:  Penedes, Spain|
Grape: Parellada + Macabeu + Xarel-lo

Notes: Parés Baltà has been a family owned winery since 1790. They practice organic and biodynamic farming in a unique range of soils, climates and varieties, in vineyards located in a natural park with more than 2000 years of cultivation history. The two winemakers, Marta and Maria Elena, sister in laws, are creating wines with great character using ancestral agriculture and winemaking techniques. This unique expression of native grapes, typically used to produce the regional sparkling wine known as Cava, is here produced without the secondary fermentation required to add effervescence. It was the first wine to be made at Parés Baltà and it delights us with freshness and intense aromatics loaded with white flowers and citrus that makes it unmistakable year after year.

Age: Shellfish, Creamy Sauces and Root Vegetables

Pair with: Drink while fresh or hold for up to 10 years

Rosé Wine: Le Fraghe Bardolino

Region:  Veneto, Italy
Grape: Rondinella

Notes: Winemaker Matilde Poggi first began producing wine in 1984 in Cavaion Veronese, in the heart of the Bardolino production zone. Even as a young child she remembers the conversations her family would have surrounding the vines and wines when she would come home from school to help with the harvest in the cool Octobers of the region. The changing of seasons and the slow growth of the vines into something unique inspired her as a child to learn how to listen to the land and vineyards to bring forth her own wines with their own unique expression.

Age: Meant for early consumption

Pair with: Lightly Seasoned Meats and Pasta, Soft Cheese

Red Wine: La Colombera, Vegia Rampana

Region: Colli Tortonesi, Italy
Grapes: Barbera

Notes: Elisa Semino owns and runs La Colombera, lovingly referred to as “The Family Team” and “Guardian of the Territory” together with her father and brother. Their engagement and dedication to the territory, vineyards, the production chain and precise work in the wine cellar have led La Colombera to be one of the most preferred wineries of the Colli Tortonesi region. This barbera grows on dark clayey soils. In the glass, it shows a limpid red ruby color with purple shadows. An intense and complex wine, with fragrances of plums, maraschino cherries and jam. 

Age: Can hold for 10 years

Pair with: Salty Cheeses, BBQ and Lamb

Wine Club: April 2023

White Wine: Ankida Ridge Chardonnay

Region:  Blue Ridge Mountains|
Grape: chardonnay

Notes: While still living in Virginia Beach, the Vrooman Family purchased this mountainside property in 1999 with the intention of it becoming their future retirement retreat. A series of serendipitous events led them on an unexpected journey of planting Pinot Noir in a region where it was presumed impossible to cultivate. The rest is history. Ankida Ridge’s goal is to look for creative ways to maintain balance between nature, their vines and wines. All vineyard practices are performed by hand and tended to by a team dedicated to respecting nature whilst taking the utmost pride in their work. With a focus on the classic varieties of Burgundy France, Ankida develops their wines with minimal intervention in the cellar, allowing them to fully express this beautiful land tucked away along the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Age: Hold up to 10 years

Pair with: Shellfish, Tapas, and Pork

Red Wine: Rappahannock Cellars Meritage

Region:  Huntly, VA
Grape: Bordeaux Blend

Notes: Nearly 25 years ago, John Delmare and his wife Marialisa embarked on a simple journey, to raise their family where they could be connected with the land and each other on a farmstead. Their yearning to achieve this goal, reinforced by Marialisa’s 100 year-old family farming and fruit packing background, led them to the Santa Cruz Mountains in California where they cut their teeth in the winemaking industry. With a desire to set themselves apart while continuing to raise their growing family, the Delmares brought their west coast experience to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where they found a burgeoning wine industry, a great community, and regional beauty that rivals the Santa Cruz Mountains. With twelve children, John, Marialisa and the rest of the Delmare family are set to represent the Virginia wine industry for generations to come.

Age: Can develop over 15 years

Pair with: Beef, Veal, and Game

White Wine: Barboursville Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Monticello, VA
Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc

Notes: With construction commencing in 1814, while James Barbour held office as Virginia’s Governor, Thomas Jefferson designed the now historic landmark mansion for his friends plantation. Completed in 1821 as Casa Vinicola Zonin was being founded by the future owners of Barboursville in Veneto Italy, the estate of James Barbour now plays home to one of Virginia's signature wineries. Defying the unanimous advice of government officials, land owners, and bankers to plant tobacco at Barboursville, Gianni Zonin acquired this plantation in 1976 with the seemingly ridiculous expectation of creating a vineyard. Jefferson had attempted this, persisting into the 19th Century at his home in Monticello, always failing to achieve a single harvest. The Godfather of American Wine would be delighted by the continuing growth and success of vineyards in his home state. 

Age: Drink now while fresh

Pair with: Creamy Sauces, Chicken, and Asparagus

Wine Club: March 2023

Red Wine: Domaine des Deux Cles “Corbières Rouge”

Region: Corbieres|
Grape: Grenache + Carignan + Syrah

Notes: Situated among the rocky valleys of the Hautes-Corbières and only accessible by a narrow network of winding roads is the sleepy village of Fontjoncouse. Despite its relative isolation and a population of just over 120 inhabitants, this tiny village is home to Gilles Goujon’s world renowned Three Michelin Star restaurant, Auberge du Vieux Puits. Not much more than a stone’s throw away, Gaëlle and Florian Richter are producing some of the most distinctive and soulful wines coming out of the Languedoc today. The two winemakers met in 2009 while working at Maison Champy in Burgundy and have been inseparable ever since. With the price of vineyard land in Burgundy constantly rising, the young couple understood that if they were to have a Domaine of their own Burgundy was not the place. In 2015 the stars aligned, and they were able to purchase 12.5 hectares of old vines on the rough hillsides near Fontjoncouse. Gaëlle and Florian work with the vines daily and intimately understand each parcel they farm. The couple have a firm belief that this understanding is necessary in order to craft wines as singular and unique as the terroirs from which the wines are produced.

Age: Can develop over 10 years

Pair with: Beef Stew, Hearty Pasta and Veal

White Wine: La Bancale “Fleuve Blanc”

Region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Grape: Macabeau + Grenache Blanc

Notes: The Fenouillèdes, is a minor mountain range stretching from Axat in the West to Estagel in the East. Quite literally wedged between the Corbières Mountains and the northern rim of the snow capped Pyrenees, this is a land of geological and climatic extremes. Amidst this dramatic scenery is the small village of Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet. Here in a tiny cellar under their warm and inviting home, Bastien Baillet and Céline Schuers are crafting some of the most unique wines in Southern France. Transplants from Northern France, Bastien and Céline met as teenagers. Both lovers of nature and working with their hands, the couple moved to the Languedoc in their early twenties to study and work in agriculture. Early on they developed a passion for the native varieties and old bush vine vineyards of Southern France. Struck by the incredibly complex terroirs and cooler climate of the Fenouillèdes, Bastien and Céline set out to find vineyards of their own and in 2014 purchased just over 1 hectare of old vines. The focus at La Bancale is expressing the Domaine's unique terroirs, and the quality of the Roussillon’s indigenous grape varieties. While still quite young, Bastien and Céline show great promise and demonstrate a level of understanding rare for such young vignerons.

Age: Drink Fresh

Pair with: Stinky Cheese, Roast Chicken, White Sauces and Fried Food

White Wine: Le Hautes Terres “Louis Blanc”

Region: Limoux
Grapes: Chardonnay + Chenin Blanc

Notes: Located in the Aude valley, on the very edge of Languedoc, Geneviève and Gilles live and work at the very top of a 600m summit overlooking land that was once occupied by the armies of Charlemagne. Covered in jutting limestone rocks with a plethora of discrete microclimates and sloped vineyards, it was a place known for the most brutal warriors who apocryphally ate sword spears in their salads and shaved with pistol shot. The domaine's crest is a chess piece called the rook in homage to this history. It is a harsh wilderness which requires a courage and temperament that is embodied perfectly by winemaking couple Gilles and Geneviève. For 20 years they have been slowly building the domain which now includes a bottling and riddling facility 10 minutes away from the house. From here they support a network of smaller winemakers, offering equipment and expertise. Each little divot in the pockmarked landscape has its challenges, but their wines have turned these idiosyncrasies into complexity and character. 

Age: Can hold for 10+ years.

Pair with:  White Fish, Shellfish, Mix Nuts and Light Vegetables

Wine Club: February 2023

Sparkling Red Wine: Cantina Carpi e Sorbara "Emma" Lambrusco Amabile

Region: Emilia, Italy|
Grape: Lambrusco di Sorbara

Notes: Founded as a merger of two established wineries in 2012, Cantina Carpi e Sorbara has come to be one of the largest wine cooperatives in Italy with over 1200 grape growers across the region coming together with a shared goal of producing high quality wine to represent the region. The original winery, Carpi,  began its production in 1903 surviving both world wars to evolve into the wide spread cooperative it is now. Lambrusco is the gold standard of wine across the Emilia region and much like its inhabitants these wines are genuine and bubbly. Often associated with sweeter wines, in recent years winemakers across Emilia have made a shift in production towards dry styles and even Champagne Method production. Regardless of the winemaker's approach, Lambrusco will always be the perfect accompaniment to any celebration.

Age: Drink now while fresh and young.

Pair with: Charcuterie, Spicy Sausage, Pizza

Skin Contact White Wine: Colutta Ramato Pinot Grigio

Region: Colli Orientali
Grape: Pinot Grigio

Notes: In 1984, Giorgio Colutta announced to his father that he did not want to follow the family career path of being a pharmacist. Instead, Giorgio decided to take the 18 hectare family estate and create their eponymous winery where he developed low intervention methods in the vineyards and minimized the environmental impact of the winery itself.  Located in the heart of Collio, just north of the Adriatic Sea and mere miles from Slovenia, this region has had more influence from mainland Europe over the centuries than most of the Italian peninsula. With a focus on production of white wines with mild grape skin maceration, this region stands out as a unique addition to the wonderful variety of styles available in Italy. These wines develop their signature orange coloration, flavors and aromatics without becoming overly grippy or tannic as a result of limited skin contact with the fermenting juice, a traditional method in Collio. 

Age: Enjoy now, does not age well.

Pair with: Shellfish, Mushrooms or enjoy as an Aperitif

Red Wine: Vini Gamba "Campedel" Rosso Veronese

Region: Valpolicella Classica, Italy
Grapes: Corvina

Notes: Gamba winery was set up  in 2003 by the three brothers Giovanni, Giuseppe and Martino Aldrighetti in order to make their dreams come true. The estate itself has been passed down through generations from father to son and later began to produce wine by using only the grapes from their own vineyards, designing their own label “Gamba'' which is actually the traditional family nickname. The winery lies in the heart of the Valpolicella Classica wine region famous for its bold wines made using a process known as “Appassimento ''. This process of drying out grapes before fermentation was originally implemented by the Romans as a method of preserving grapes at harvest for future winemaking and when vinified results in complex and rich wines with an above average alcohol content as a result of the now concentrated sugars in the dehydrated fruit.

Age: Can hold for 15 years.

Pair with:  Lamb, Game, Tomato based pastas

Wine Club: January 2023

White Wine: Domaine Eugene Carrel Jongieux

Region:  Jongieux, France|
Grape: Jacquere

Notes: Located in the heart of Jongieux, the sunniest of the Cru Appellations of Savoie, a family of farmers have managed this land for 6 generations. In the 70s, Eugène took over the estate from his father Celestin, a POW in World War 2 and began specializing the land for wine-growing. Eugène transformed the land and developed their production over the decades, always striving to produce wines of the highest quality with a focus on techniques which respect the environment with the goal of conserving fauna useful for the natural development and defenses of the plants. Jacquere, a grape central to wine production in Savoie, produces wines with a luminous structure of citrus, floral overtones and a mineral finish, perfect for shellfish or on its own as an aperitif.

Age: Drink now, but can hold for 10 years.

Pair with: Prawns, Yellow Cheeses, Almonds, White Fish

Red Wine: Giuseppe Bocchino Barbera d'Asti

Region: Asti, Italy
Grape: Barbera

Notes: The Bocchino family has been farming the picturesque hills outside of Canelli since 1930. The company's motto, handed down by grandfather Aurelio,  "From bad grapes you can make only bad wine, from good grapes you can make both good wine and bad wine" influences every aspect of production and cultivation at the winery, from the meticulous work in the vineyards and in the cellar to a particular care for the land handed down from generation to generation with pride. Annalisa Bocchino now manages the estate and consistently produces a line-up of modest, uncomplicated wines that speak of their place with a candidness difficult to find in wines double their price. Ever humble, the Bocchino family continues to be an important and meaningful part of the Williams Corner portfolio.

Age: Able to develop over 15 years.

Pair with: Truffles, Gorgonzola, Roast Beef, Creamy Pastas

White Wine: Coste di Brenta, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo

Region: Abruzzo, Italy
Grapes: Trebbiano

Notes: Masseria Coste di Brenta was established in 2004 in Lanciano, Abruzzo by Augusto Tano and Anna Giovanna Di Ludovico. Along with their 3 children, Augusto and Anna renovated their vineyards and cellar, converting to organic farming and winemaking to better showcase the quality of their fruit and soils. Situated between the Adriatic Sea and the Maiella mountains in a region known for estates with large production, Masseria Coste di Brenta brings a refreshing experience with an emphasis on small production of high quality wines. Although it is a blossoming company, it brings with it the experience and love for the land passed down from generations harmoniously merging the ancient art of cultivation and wine making with the most modern methods and technologies.

Age: Can maintain Freshness over 20 years.

Pair with: Shrimp Scampi, Risotto, Grilled Trout, Roast Chicken

Wine Club: December 2022

Red Wine: Scaia Corvina

Region: Veneto, Italy|
Grape: 100 percent Corvina

Notes: In the heart of the Veneto region, where Soave and Amarone is made, the Castagnedi brothers, of Tenuta Sant’Atonia, have been producing wine of many classic styles since the late 1980’s. In 2006, the brothers launched the Scaia project with the aim of creating wines with a modern style outside the restrictions of Italy's regional classification system. This dry red wine, made entirely from Corvina in the style of Valpolicella, has its grapes dried out on straw mats, effectively becoming raisins before fermentation to concentrate flavors and sugars in a process known as Appassimento. This results in a wine that is packed with concentrated fruit and above average alcohol levels. Scaia Corvina’s approachable complexity and intensely quaffable flavors of Raspberry and Plums are an excellent pairing for the classic savory holiday dishes and a fireplace surrounded by loved ones.

Age: Can hold for 10 years.

Pair with: Turkey, Roast Beef, Lamb, Roasted Vegetables, Cigars

White Dessert Wine: Emotions De La Tour Blanche

Region: Bordeaux, France
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle

Notes: While also a wonderful accompaniment to good times and grandma's apple pie, Sauternes offers an intense and enjoyably sweet libation for dessert on its own. This traditional dessert wine from Bordeaux uses the region's white grape varieties that are harvested late in the season after forming a fungus affectionately referred to as “Noble Rot”. This fungus, scientifically known as “Botrytis”, removes water content from the grapes, intensifying flavors and sugar content, similarly to the Appassimento method mentioned above. Uniquely among classed growth wineries, Chateau La Tour Blanche is the property of the French state and the site of their School of Viticulture and Oenology that has been educating and training winemakers since 1911. With a balanced sweetness and characteristics of dried fruit and orange marmalade, this classic example of Sauternes can pair as easily with a host of desserts as it does with salty snacks.

Age: 40+ Years, some of the best examples of this style can age 100 years

Pair with: Fruity Desserts, Blue Cheese, Foie Gras, Salted Pretzels

Sparkling Red Wine: Vecchia Modena

Region: Lambrusco, Italy
Grapes: Lambrusco di Sorbara

Notes: In my opinion the most festive style of sparkling wine, Lambrusco is a perfect pairing with everything that might join your holiday dinner spread. This style of sparkling red wine, unique to the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, has made quite the comeback in recent years. Shedding its typically sweet character, modern versions of Lambrusco tend to be only mildly sweet if not dry as a bone. This example has only a touch of detectable sweetness that combines with a frothy mouse and flavors of dried cranberries and strawberries for a delectable celebration in a bottle. To open the unusual enclosure, slide the foil cutter of a wine key or a butter knife under the side of the metal clamp then gently pry it open, and don’t shoot your eye out!

Age: Fresh and ready to drink.

Pair with: Turkey, Pork, Cranberry Sauce, Cherry Pie, Sweet Potatoes

Wine Club: November 2022

Red Wine: Earl Domaine des Mailloches Bourgueil

Region: Bourgueil, Touraine, Loire Valley|
Grape: 100 PERCENT Cabernet Franc

Notes: Along the twisting tributaries that wind through the  landscapes of castles and villages of its ever expanding collection of distinct regions and appellations,  each with a particular focus on just one or two varieties,  The Loire Valley hides away many unique styles of wine. The Loire’s often underappreciated red wines offer an invigorating spin on many classic French grapes with an unmistakable freshness, floral bouquet and savory palate. Family owned and operated for 8 generations in the commune of Bourgueil, Domaine des Mailloches is devoted to the  sustainable farming of a single varietal, Cabernet Franc. Produced in a unification of traditional methods and modern technology, this classic style of Bourgueil exhibits intense and inviting aromatics of strawberry and violets that lead you into a fresh and supple mouthfeel of raspberries and licorice. 

Age: Can hold for 10-15 years.

Pair with: Grilled pork, roast turkey, firm goat and sheep cheeses.

White Wine: Château des Antonins Bourdeaux Blanc

Region: Graves, Bordeaux
Grape: 80 percent Sauvignon Blanc, 20 percent Semillon

Notes: Situated on the border of the aptly named Bordeaux appellation of Graves, the pristine 13th century convent of the titular Antonin Monks that now houses Chateau des Antonins sits atop fine gravelly soils formed by the flow of Gironde river that gives this subregions wine it's particularly bold and mineral character, ideal for the white varieties of Bordeaux Blanc, a style that  is largely ignored in the casual American market. Ironically inspired by the viticulturalists of New Zealand, owner and head winemaker Martine de Roquefueil presents this finely crafted and organically cultivated Sauvignon Blanc blend with notes of passionfruit, grapefruit and mint that offers an exciting alternative to the more recognized regional expressions of the varietal. 

Age: Potential to develop over 10 years.

Pair with: Pesto, shellfish, white fish with beurre blanc

Red Wine: Dourbie Petit Canet

Region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Grapes: Carignan, Syrah, Grenache

Notes: Within the comparably unfamiliar eastern region of Languedoc-Roussillon a new generation of winemakers have been unafraid to go against the grain. This largely undefined region with expansive and internally diverse appellations offers experimental and new-world style wines from lands that have been cultivated for grape growing since the time of the ancient Romans. This Vino-hipster paradise offers fresh and exciting opportunities for new winemakers and young wine lovers alike. Produced from grapes in Domaine Dourbies certified organic vineyards, pollinated by their beekeeping neighbors, this Rhone style blend is vinified with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and the berry fruit flavors ever present in the varieties of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah.

Age: Drink now while fresh.

Pair with: Pork BBQ, Mexican cuisine, soft cheese with olives.

Wine Club: October 2022

Rosé Wine: La Staffa L’Aurora

Region: Marche, Central Italy |
Grape: Montelpuciano

Notes: Almost completely unknown in North America, La Staffa is fast becoming a sensation in its native Marche and throughout Italy. This is in large part due to it being owned and operated by the phenomenally talented young winemaker, Riccardo Baldi. Taking over the winery at only the age of 20, Riccardo began to vinify his wines with total respect for the grape properties and viticultural traditions of the area. All the wines are produced exclusively with grapes from the estate owned and biodynamically cultivated vineyards. “For me, wine has a soul - it is a living entity. In my winery nature reigns over everything. We farmers need to interpret what nature itself expresses so perfectly in each vintage, we must try not to alter its essence.” -Riccardo Baldi

Age: Enjoy now while fresh.

Pair with: Soft cheeses, light pasta and Chinese food.

White Wine: Sandro de Bruno

Region: Soave, Northwest Italy
Grape: Garganega

Notes: 600 meters above sea level, on the volcanic soils of Mount Calvarina, in the area of Lessini Durello and Soave, Sandro de Bruno has been passionately producing wine for three generations. Currently spearheaded by the husband and wife team of Tasoniero and Ferrareto, they have created and grown a winery based on sustainability and traditions with the aim of interpreting and enhancing the native varieties of this area. “Our goal is to create a wine capable of preserving tradition and expressing the identity of the territory. We strongly believe in respect for nature, time and tradition. It is our responsibility to preserve and enhance the territory and leave a memory that continues to excite.” -Tasoniero Sandro

Age: Can develop over 5 to 10 years.

Pair with: Rich seafood, gnocchi and risotto.

Red Wine: Oltretorronte Rosso

Region: Colli Tortonesi, Northeast Italy
Grapes: Barbera and Dolcetto

Notes: After several years of working for more conventional wineries Oltretorrente came into existence when husband and wife team Michele Conoscente and Chiara Penati bought just 1.5 hectares in the sleepy village of Paderna, which lies in the steep foothills of the Colli Tortonesi region of southeast Piedmont. The name Oltretorrente means “Beyond the Stream,” in reference to the Scrivia, a tributary of the Po River, but is also a play on words that could be interpreted as “Countercurrent.” At a time when many winemakers in the region are choosing to work for larger, more established wineries, a select few deviate from the masses. Michele and Chiara are a step ahead of the curve, producing artisanal wines that are organically grown, carefully harvested, and diligently vinified. “Our big aim is a balance between saving and preserving the legacy old farmers left us and making high quality wines from these old vineyards with an organic approach, which is the best way to express the history, the soil, the identity of this area.” - Michele Conoscente

Age: Can drink now, or hold for 10 years.

Pair with: Kabobs, curry and pork BBQ.

Wine Club: September 2022

Red Wine: Aresti Reserva

Region: Curico Valley, Chile |
Grape: Pinot Noir

Notes: The Curico Valley plays host to some of the most popular tourist destinations in Chile. Surrounded by national parks and nature reserves, this unique region is marked by gorgeous landscapes, pristine lakes and breathtaking waterfalls that help create the varied microclimates leading to incredible diversity in geography and grape varieties not found elsewhere in Chile. Situated 200 kilometers south of Santiago and founded by Vicente Aresti Astica in 1951, Vina Aresti is now operated by his granddaughters Begona and Anna Maria. The pair are dedicated to their grandfather’s foundational passion for excellence and sustainably cultivating superior wines with minimal frills throughout the Curico Valley.

Age: Enjoy now or hold up to 10 years.

Pair with: Veal, game and BBQ.

White Wine: El Capricho

Region: Durazno, Uruguay
Grape: Verdejo

Notes: El Capricho means ‘on a whim’ and when investor friends Dirk and Paul purchased the 200 hectares of land in the middle of Uruguay, it took their dedication and initiative to start making wine for themselves. However, there is nothing whimsical about the El Capricho winery or production.The small and driven team has big ambitions to make Durazno and their boutique wines known around Uruguay and beyond. Located in Villa del Carmen, recognized in Uruguay as “The town with the best bread and the best wine,” El Capricho’s vineyards are where the many grape varieties from France and Italy coexist in a terroir noted for its particular combination of sandy-calcareous soils and above average temperatures for the region. Over decades the inhabitants of Villa del Carmen, have become familiar with the wineries’ special care for the vineyards and harvest that brings life to the surrounding area. And to contextualize the location: you can head across the water to Buenos Aires in about an hour and a half.

Age: Fresh and bright now, can develop over several years.

Pair with: Flaky fish, acidic cheeses and tapas.

Red Wine: Aranwa

Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Grape: Malbec

Notes: Aranwa means ‘legend’ in the indigenous Argentine language and is recognition of the country’s long traditions of farming and viticulture. Located in the Mendoza Province, Aranwa is a winery and vineyard cultivating vines up to more than 80 years old with the youngest vines located in the new up and coming area of Vistaflores in the Uco Valley. Mendoza is a bit higher in elevation than most other wine regions, and it’s protected by the Andes, making this region a haven for grape production. Much of the natural water in the soil has melted from mountaintop glaciers.

Age: Can drink now, will reach its peak in 15-20 years.

Pair with: Stews, lamb and pungent cheese.

Wine Club: August 2022

White Wine: Lagar de Costa, Doelas

Region: Rías Baixas|
Grape:  Albariño

Notes: The wind pushes in from the Atlantic and dries these Albariño vines, which grow up tall granite pergolas to catch the coastal sea breezes during humid summers. This proximity to the ocean gives this wine a refreshing saline minerality that is ubiquitous in Rías Baixas Albariño. Lagar de Costa has a long tradition of cultivating low yield Albariño vines that are over 50 years old which goes back to the beginning of the 20th century, and the vines run right down to the beaches of the Galician coast toward the island of La Toja. This small, multi-generational, family-run winery, currently spearheaded by winemaker Sonia Costa, is located on the Atlantic shore in the most famous of the Galician appellations, Rías Baixas. 

Age: drink now or watch it develop over the next year. 

Pair with: Shellfish, seafood, pork or chicken sausage (a local pairing in Spain), fennel, salads.

Red Wine: Casal de Arman, Eira dos Mouros Tinto

Region:  Ribeiro de Avia
Grape: Sousón, Caiño Longo and Brancello

Notes: Although Casal de Arman was founded in the 1990s, the Gonzalez family has made wine here in Galicia since the late 1800s. Casal de Arman, whose original property is an 18th century Bourbon court, covers almost 50 acres of vineyards located within the Ribeiro de Avia region. The Avia's river banks support the winery's terraces ranging from 650 feet above sea level to almost 1,200 feet above sea level. These steep vineyards that  require hand cultivation are dedicated to cultivating indigenous varietals, like the unique blend that comprises this bottle. 

Age: Drink now or watch id develop over the next 3-4 years. 

Pair with: Summer BBQ, grilled foods, burgers, pizza, cheese.

White Wine: Isaac Fernandez Seleccion, Adras

Region: Ribeira Sacra
Grape: Godello

Notes: If you’ve ever walked the Camino, you may have been given a glass of Godello– the famous white grape of Galicia. And this one is made by Spanish winemaking royalty, Isaac Fernandez, the nephew of internationally renowned winemaker, Mariano Garcia of Vega Sicilia. Educated and mentored in the art of viniculture by his world-famous uncle, Isaac has become a rising star of Spain in his own right. Like many winemakers in Galicia, Isaac is part of the Galicia revolution, uplifting the reputation of the region by respecting its unique history and terroir. Godello, a grape native to Spain which saw plantings decline in the mid 20th century, has recently seen a resurgence as it is praised by winemakers for its ability to produce a high quality range of lean to dense wines depending on local climate and terroir.

Age: Enjoy now or watch it develop over the next year or two.

Pair with: Pasta with white sauce, butter chicken, rich fish like cod or halibut, cheese.

Wine Club: July 2022

White Wine: Vinyes Singulars ‘Pim Pam’ Blanc

Region: Penedes|
Grape:  Malvasia, Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Parellada, Sumoll Blanco

Notes: A few kilometers inland from Barcelona, you’ll find the Vinyes Singulars winery, where Ignasi Segui – a 20+ generation farmer – makes wines from ancient vineyards. Ignasi’s family has been living on and working this land in the Penedes region since 1405 producing many products including honey, oil and vegetables. In wine production Ignasi only works with the traditional grape varieties of the region under certified organic practices. This wine has a bright tangy acidity, like what you might imagine the juice of almost-ripe strawberries to taste like. 

Age: Drink now or watch it develop another 3-4 years. 

Pair with: Something rich: tarragon Chicken, creamy pasta, or cheese.

Rosé Wine: Oriol Rossell Cava Rosé

Region:  Near Barcelona
Grape: Trepat

Notes: Just south of Barcelona, and a few miles from the Mediterranean Sea, you’ll find Oriol Rossell winery. The Rossell Family has been producing wine in this region since 1497. In 1638 they constructed a new Family House around the village of Sant Marcal  that they still maintain today and produce wine out of. After centuries of continuous operations the family began Cava production in 1979 under the label Oriol Rossell, the name of the estate owner at the time. Cava is a sparkling wine from specific regions of Spain that is produced in the same method as its French counterpart Champagne with secondary fermentation in the bottle. This production method gives Cava its typical bready and biscuity character.

Age: Can age up to 10 years.

Pair with: Salty foods: fried fish, bacon, charcuterie

White Wine: Vegas Altas Eva de los Santos

Region: Extremadura
Grape: Eva de Los Santos

Notes: Juan Sojo and Angel Luis González started Cerro la Barca in 2003. The two met in oenology school and bonded over their desire to revive the reputation of their native Extremadura, in western Spain near the Portuguese border. With Juan’s background in agriculture, and Angel Luis’ focus on science, the two are committed to organic and biodynamic farming. Grape varieties are selected for their natural adaptation to soil and climate and cover crops are thoughtfully sown with the continued health of the site in mind. Notably among the native grapes of the region that go into the various Vegas Altas wines is Eva de los Santos, a near-extinct variety that Juan and Angel Luis are determined to rescue.

Age: Drink now while Fresh.

Pair with: Tapas, oysters, grilled fish.

Wine Club: June 2022

White Wine: Joy Ting ‘Plutot’

Region: Virginia|
Grape:  Petit Manseng

Notes: Joy Ting, local superstar (and Common House member!), is an Enologist who has worked at Michael Shaps in the historic Monticello region of Virginia. She understands grapes at a molecular level and puts the same scientific detail into her wine making process. Petit Manseng is rapidly becoming one of the primary grapes of Virginia. Its thick skins, small berries and late ripening make it particularly well suited for Virginia’s climate in order to make dry and sweet wines with a high concentration of flavors.

Age: Drink now but can be stored for a few years. 

Pair with: Heavier seafood like halibut, pork and savory asian dishes.

White Wine: Red Tail Ridge

Region:  Finger Lakes, NY
Grape: Chardonnay (ch2)
GRAPE: Riesling (CH1)

Notes: If you were to look at the Finger Lakes on a map, you would immediately understand how they got that name. These long, narrow and parallel lakes look like spread fingers of one's hand. Although narrow the lakes are incredibly deep and that volume of water helps retain heat around the vineyards in an otherwise cooler climate. The vineyards of Red Tail Ridge sit just a half mile off the shore of Seneca Lake in order to gain maximum benefit from the lake's natural climate control.

Age: Fresh and bright now, can develop in the bottle for 5+ years.

Pair with: Charcuterie, sausage and sushi.

Red Wine: Jeanne Marie

Region: California (mostly Paso Robles) 
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon

Notes: David Gordon, world-renowned sommelier of Tribeca Grill in New York City, created the Jeanne Marie label to offer great California wine by utilizing the many contacts he has in the state. To create this classically fruit forward and lush Cali Cab, he hand-sources the finest grapes– mostly from Paso Robles– where vines drape across gently rolling hills that spread west towards the San Andreas fault.

Age: BBQ, pizza and tomato based pasta dishes.

Pair with: Can age gracefully for 10-20 years.

Wine Club: May 2022

Red Wine: Miguel Merino ‘Rioja Viñas Jóvenes’

Region: Alavesa, Rioja, Spain
RIVER: EBRO River |
Grape:  Tempranillo, Graciano

Notes: Mostly Tempranillo, grown on the banks of the Ebro River. As an older river, the Ebro’s dramatic twists and turns hug vineyards that seem to be tucked away in little amphitheaters in the bedrock.  Rioja is known for medium-bodied, classic red wines with a touch of oak influence.

Age: Rioja is famously long lived, they drink well in the 10-50 year zone. 

Pair with: Think umami, bacon, halloumi, steak, mushrooms, BBQ, summer burgers.

Rosé Wine: Chevalier Famaey ‘Côtes du Lot Malbec Rosé’

Region:  Cahors, Southwest France
RIVER: LOT RIVER
Grape: Côt (Malbec)

Notes: Believe it or not, Malbec is from Cahors in Southwest France! Here, it has always been called “Côt.” Centuries ago, a man with the last name of ‘Malbeck’ brought the grape to Bordeaux, where it then traveled to Argentina as ‘Malbec,’ and became famous. But when Argentine Malbec took off, Cahors was left out of all the fun– so in the last few years they have started calling the grape Malbec as well. This crisp and zesty rosé is from the river banks of the Lot river, where the Medieval town of Cahors is nestled snugly in one of the bends. 

Age: This is summer wine – into the fridge, into the glass!

Pair with: Best paired with a sunset, some cheese, and a porch.

White Wine: Domaine Vetriccie ‘Île de Beauté Blanc’

Region: Corsica, France 
River: TAVIGNANO RIVER    
Grape: Chardonnay, Vermentino

Notes: This wine is farmed in the delta of the Tavignano River on the east side of Corsica Island – the French island that sits west of Italy and south of France, in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Vermentino is a classic local grape of Corsica, and producers there have recently started blending it with Chardonnay, to round it out a bit. 

Age: Hold up to a year, but this is meant to drink soon! 

Pair with: Shellfish, local trout, salad, beach vacations.

Wine Club: April 2022

Red Wine: Casale Del Gigli

Region: Lazio, Italy|
Grape:  Petit Verdot

Notes: This company was founded in the early 1900s as a wine and olive oil store which expanded into 11 locations throughout Rome. In the 1960s, the family set up the winery in the country, 50 km south of Rome, and kept one of the stores, which is today an enoteca/restaurant where they sell their wines.  This winery experiments with some very interesting grape varieties, like Petit Manseng and Petit Verdot. This 100% Petit Verdot is a unique expression of this powerful red grape variety! 

Pair with: This is the perfect pairing with the first spring barbecues.

Red Wine: Vignamato ‘Rosso Piceno’

Region:  Marche, Italy
Grape: 20 percent Sangiovese / 80 percent Montepulciano

Notes: This yummy juicy red wine is grown east of Tuscany in the Marche region of Italy, in a rolling patchwork of hills that spills off the towering Apennine mountain range towards the Adriatic Sea. The Marche is known for boar, hare, and other meats, but the coastal areas are also famous for seafood, and you tend to find juicy reds and crisp whites to match the spectrum of food offerings.

Pair with: This light-medium wine can pair with just about anything on the table – but it’s a favorite pizza wine for the wine team at Common House.

White Wine: La Cappuccina

Region: Soave, Veneto, Italy     
Grape: Garganega

Notes: Now we travel to the Alpine foothills in the north, where the crisp Garganega grape makes the famous wines of Soave. This is grown in Veneto– the same storied Veneto that is the backdrop for the Romeo and Juliet saga. This is also near where the violin was invented-- so break out the Shakespeare, and pop on a nice concerto if you feel so inclined, to fully immerse yourself in this wine!

Pair with: Perfect with seafood, cheese, salad, or a sunset.

Wine Club: March 2022

Red Wine: Terroir Bellevue

Region: Beaujolais, Burgundy, France|
Grape:  Gamay

Notes: This Gamay is a direct offspring of Pinot Noir, and tastes very similar to Pinot. Raphael Saint Cyr is the fourth generation vigneron at the Domaine de Bellevue, founded by his great-grandfather Pierre Saint Cyr in Anse at the southern tip of Burgundy. When Raphael took over the winemaking in 2008, he converted the entire 23 hectare domaine to certified organic viticulture, making Domaine de Bellevue the largest organic domaine in the Beaujolais. Unusual for the region, he bottles single vineyards.

Pair with: Great with cheese, a mushroom dish, or pizza.

Red Wine: Reine de la Ville ‘Île de Beauté’

Region:  Corsica
Grape: Pinot Noir

Notes: The stunning Mediterranean island of Corsica has been a territory of multiple civilizations over time, including Pisa (Tuscany), Genoa, and today, France. Because of this history, grape vines tend to have ancestry in Italy and France. Mountainous in the center of the island, you’ll find most of the vineyards on the coastline. Translating to ‘The Isle of Beauty,’ this wine from Corsica is a lesser known staple from France– but still a classic Pinot Noir!

Pair with: Perfect pairing with poultry. 

White Wine: Eola Hills Wine Cellars

Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon        
Grape: Pinot Gris

Notes: Tom Huggins, founder of Eola Hills, had a dream rooted in facts. He knew that great wines could only come from great vineyards. Through his former occupation as an agricultural insurance expert, he knew how to identify precious vineyard land, and went all in on his own winery, nestled in a natural weather shadow of the Coast Range. Yet in summer, a gorge carved by ancient glaciers draws in maritime air to provide ideal cooling for sensitive varieties in those warmer months. Oregon is famous for Pinot Gris, a pink-skinned mutation of Pinot Noir, and this is one of our favorite expressions!

Wine Club: February 2022

Red Wine: Corte Majoli

Region: Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy|
Grapes:  60 percent Corvina, 20 percent Rondinella, 10 percent Corvinone

Notes: The Valpolicella region lies just east of Lake Garda and is protected by a ridge from the lake winds. In Valpolicella, most wineries have a drying room where they partially dry red grapes into raisins before making the famous Amarone wine. These same grapes, when pressed fresh (before being dried to raisins), make lovely Valpolicella reds. You could *almost* think of this like baby Amarone, but in a much fresher style. Style-wise, the grapes are destemmed and crushed before being fermented– this process gives the wine depth, color, and boldness. 

Pair with: In this region, near Lake Garda, the cuisine centers around fish. The locals would enjoy this wine with a cheesy risotto, an earthy pumpkin-fish stew with nutmeg and clove, or the local delicacy of chestnut soup. In the US, this style of wine is more commonly paired with something hearty, like mushrooms, rack of lamb, or beef tenderloin. 

Age:Drink now, or hold it up to three years.

Red Wine: Fita

Region:  Alentejano, Portugal
Grapes: Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional  

Notes: This red blend from an ancient Roman settlement is made from a blend of grapes indigenous to the Iberian peninsula. Aragonez was recently found to be identical to Tempranillo, so this wine may faintly remind you of a Rioja (same primary grape– though it’s from a completely different place and country!). 

Pair with: In this region, near Lisbon, you’ll find a variety of cuisine. Try this wine with Franco no Churrasco (barbecue chicken), or a classic Portuguese sausage stew. 

Age:Drink now, or watch it develop over the next three years.

Rosé Wine: Borell-Diehl

Region: Germany         
Grapes: St. Laurent

Notes: This is a darker rose wine than a typical pink wine– in part because the purpleish grape skins of the St Laurent grape give so much color when you crush them. At Borrell-Diehl, in the Pfaltz, this new winery (1990), the grapes are dry-farmed (this usually leads to a richer style of wine because dry farming leads to smaller berries with compact flavor and deeper color), and organic. And, it’s a liter! So there’s an extra glass this month… 

Pair with: In this region, this wine might be drunk with asparagus when the first asparagus appears! Asparagus season is a major tradition in the area….

Age:Drink now, or hide it in your fridge for that first warm day of Spring!

Wine Club: January 2022

White Wine: Red Tail Ridge

Region: Finger Lakes, NY|
Grapes:  Dry Riesling

Notes: Made by twice James Beard Award Winemaker of the Year nominee, Nancy Irelan has really made her mark in the Finger Lakes wine region. After decades as a scientist, she bought her plot of land on the edge of Seneca Lake and started making Riesling. She also works with other indigenous grapes of Austria and northern Italy. Nancy’s dry Riesling has a texture of breathtaking filigree, and this one could age for many years. If you ever see her sparkling wines at a wine shop- give them a try! They are equally as delicious.

White Wine: Kimich ‘Deidesheimer Herrgottsacker’ Kabinett

Region:  Pfalz, Germany
Grapes: Just off dry Riesling   

Notes: Hundreds of years ago, monk-winemakers would put the “special wine” in a cabinet in the cellar. The style of wine, “Kabinett,” is a literal reference to the special cabinet wine of days gone by. Today, the Kabinett style is heavily regulated– the grapes must be harvested at a certain ripeness level, and the wines are usually buoyant, with a crisp acidity that is perfectly balanced with a slightly juicy sweetness.  Kabinetts are famous pairings with spicy food, and they are also great on their own. Kabinetts are also typically lower in alcohol, and sommeliers love these because you can commit to a bottle without getting too tipsy. 

Kimich winery is in the Pfaltz, in a long valley with gentle hills on both sides. After decades of finding Roman coins and other items in the vineyards, an ancient Roman town dating to 300 C.E. was recently discovered nearby! The words ‘Deidesheimer Herrgottsacker’ essentially mean ‘This wine is from the Herrgottsacker (‘Lord Godsack’s plot’) vineyard in the town of Deidesheim.’

White Wine: Seehof Trocken

Region: Rheinhessen, Germany              
Grapes: You guessed it! Riesling! (Dry)

Notes: Winemaker Florian Fauth makes linear wines of clarity, and the wines are as good-natured and down-to-earth as he is. This is the kind of wine you just want to nurse by the fire for an hour or so, in a relaxed way. It’s incredible without being flashy. This wine has flavors of salty apple and lime citrus, so maybe pair it with your favorite hunk of cheese. Yum!

Wine Club: December 2021 (Richmond)

Sparkling: Raventós Blanc de Blanc 2018

Region: Conca del Riu Anoia |
Grapes: Xarel-lo, Macabeu, Parellada 

Notes: Pepe Raventós is an incredible, forward-thinking winemaker who makes wines near Barcelona. His great grandfather travelled to Champagne, observed sparkling winemaking methods, and brought the techniques back to Spain, founding the Cava tradition. Today, though, Pepe has become disillusioned by the mass-market Cavas that don’t reflect the quality of wine he is making. Instead, he makes wine under the Conca del Riu Anoia appellation, instead of choosing to market it as Cava. This unique, terroir-driven sparkling wine really speaks of the Spanish coastal landscape. Some of the vineyard floors are made of pure sand, left there from an ancient beach... So pop this open, if you can save it until the 31st, and let the ball drop!

Red Wine: Fenouillet Ventoux Rouge 2019 

Region:  Ventoux
Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Carignan 

Notes: Winning awards since 1902 for great wines, this winemaking family is currently run by two brothers who specialize in Ventoux, just north of Marseille. This historic region is where Phoenecians first brought wine traditions to today’s France area, about 2,500 years ago. The Soard brothers farm organically and work with traditional Rhone-style grape variety blends. You might taste a lifted texture and finish from the silex and limestone influences you’ll find throughout their vineyards.

Aromatized Wine: Cocchi Dopo Teatro 

Region: Italy            
Grapes: Aromatized Wine

Notes: After the theater in Milan, one sips amaro (aromatized wine). This wine is named for that great Italian tradition. The Cocchi Dopo Teatro has this delicious chocolate aroma that is perfect for after dinner with friends, or even dropping a splash into some hot coco. We love it plain over ice, or you can even use it as a vermouth for a wintery deep take on a Manhattan cocktail.

Wine Club: December 2021 (Charlottesville)

Sparkling: Domaine Paul Buisse, Crémant de Loire (NV)

Region: Loire Valley |
Grapes: Chenin Blanc & Chardonnay 

Notes: Carved into the side of a limestone formation (a ‘troglodyte’ for the geologists), Domaine Paul Buisse uses the natural temperature control of its underground facility to age its array of wines. The Domaine is also known for its sustainability practices. In addition to decreased weeding, it uses pheromones instead of insecticides to prevent insects from using the vines as hosts for reproduction. Being a Crémant, this wine is made in the same style as Champagne: first the wine is fermented in a stainless steel container, then fermented again in-bottle, and aged on lees for a whole year before being  disgorged. On the palate you’ll find white fruit and brioche. Let the ball drop! 

Red Wine: Alain Jaume Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône 

Region:  Cotes du Rhone
Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault 

Notes: The Southern Rhône Valley is one of the best regions to find wines of great quality at great value. A classic blend of grapes that grow well in warm climates, this wine is no different. In fact, we chose this wine for its versatility in pairing to the numerous holiday meals you’re bound to enjoy. Next time you’re at the shop, watch out for any wines from Alain Jaume. Their grapes are organically grown and have been producing wine for generations. This Côte du Rhône (CDR) displays characteristic red fruit and black pepper complimented by thoughtful oak usage. Enjoy. 

Port: Malamado Port Style Malbec

Region: Mendoza, Argentine             
Grapes: Malbec

Notes: Using Mendoza’s king grape, Malbec, Malamado produces this moderately sweet and completely scrumptious port style fortified wine. After fermenting for ten days, the winemaker raises the ABV past the point at which yeast can survive by introducing grape spirit allowing for unfermented sugar to remain. This wine features soft aromas of cooked fruit, plums, figs, and almonds. Enjoy alongside chocolate ganache, creamy cheeses, and all of your holiday favorites.

Wine Club: November 2021

Red Wine: Gabriele Rausse ‘Reserve’

Region: Central VA|
Grapes:  Cabernet Franc 

Notes: In Virginia, Cabernet Franc has played a heavy role in the post 1970s wine growth. Named the state red grape, Cabernet Franc grows well in most Virginia wine regions. One of the first winemakers to plant and produce Cabernet Franc is Gabriele Rausse. He’s planted some of the oldest vineyards in the state, and his sons have since taken over most of the operation.  

Red Wine: Rosemont ‘Red’  

Region:  Southern VA
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc +   

Notes: Rosemont is located in southern Virginia, close to the North Carolina border. This small family winery farms sustainably. This particular wine is extra special to us-- it’s a blend of red grapes, a style of wine that is classic for Virginia. With our variable climate, most producers plant several grape varieties, and blend them together at harvest. Going all-in on a single grape variety could mean disaster if a hurricane, drought, or rainy season came right at the moment of harvest. So hedging your bets with several different grapes is the way to go, and blending allows freedom to get just the right balance of fruit flavors, tannins, and bright acidity. 

Cider: Potter’s ‘Grapefruit Hibiscus’ 500ml

Region: central va                 
Grapes: Apples, Grapefruit, Hibiscus 

Notes: Did you know that just a few hundred years ago, it was common to have hard cider with breakfast? Back in the day, it was safer to drink than water! Prohibition cut short Virginia’s robust cider industry, and now, many cidermakers are on the hunt for century-old apple trees still around from the pre-Prohibition days. Potter’s cider has been one of the leaders in the re-emergence of Virginia’s cider scene. 

Wine Club: October 2021

White Wine: De Angelis ‘Falerio’ 

Region: Marche|
Grapes:  Pecorino, Passerina, & Trebbiano 

Notes: A crisp, zesty white wine, perfect for a warm Fall day. This bottle is from a family-run estate in the south of Italy’s Marche region, just east of Tuscany. Father & son make the wine together, and after several decades, dad is getting ready to pass the business off to his son… The Marche is known for criss-crossing rolling hills, creating all sorts of nooks and crannies with unique micro-climates perfect for grape growing. The region stretches from the foothills of the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea. Bonus: It’s organic!  

Red Wine: La Quercia 

Region:  Abruzzo
Grapes: Montepulciano   

Notes: Travel south from the Marche, and you’ll head down the Adriatic coastline of Abruzzo, where this wine is made. La Quercia winery is run by four friends who consulted at the winery, and loved it so much they purchased it! They’ve been running it together since 2000. Quercia is Italian for ‘oak tree’- a local symbol of strength and authenticity. This is a classic fall weather wine.

Sparkling Red Wine: Bruno Verdi ‘Sangue di Guida’

Region: Lombardy                 
Grapes: Croatina, Uva Rara, Barbera

Notes: This is our staff favorite! Drink this sparkling red similar to how you would drink a Lambrusco - it’s Lombardy’s version of the Lambrusco style known as Sangue di Guida. This particular bottling has robust tannins and is complex and balanced. We love it with pizza, or a charcuterie board. Bruno Verdi is a seventh generation winemaker, and he produces this bottle from a single vineyard named Paradiso. Originally, the farm was for wheat and corn, but after World War II, Bruno began bottling estate wine. 

Wine Club: September 2021

Red Wine: Otano Reserva 

Region: Rioja |
Grapes:  Tempranillo 

Notes: On the drive from Rioja from Madrid, you’ll pass through endless gold-colored hills, dotted with greenish-brown brush, similar to the outskirts of Los Angeles. In the distance, striking plateaus rise up from the plain to square off at the top, creating hidden valleys that hold cloud cover at bay. Soon, you’ll arrive near the twisting Ebro River, where Rioja vineyards sprawl outward, especially towards the south.  To be a prestigious Reserva, the wine must age 3 years, and at least one of those years must be in barrel. This wine is aged for 18 months in a combination of French and American oak. The American oak barrels give the wine a hint of the distinct dill-like savoriness that has come to define Rioja.  

Sparkling Wine: Anecoop ‘Flare’  

Region:  Valencia 
Grapes: Sparkling Moscatel   

Notes: Valencia is the third largest city in Spain! Once a major port city for trading, Valencia sits right off the Mediterranean coastline, and it is the jumping off point for those headed to the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, anyone?). Valencia is the birthplace of paella, and this sparkling moscatel would be the perfect pairing! The Moscatel grape has a signature aroma of orange zest, and is perfect when paired with a dish that has been dusted with a spritz of orange zest, or with Manchego cheese paired with a bit of orange marmalade.

White Wine: Isaac Fernandez ‘Egeo’

Region: Rueda                  
Grapes: Verdejo

Notes: Rueda is home to sandy soils that were once the beaches of a prehistoric sea. Phylloxera-- a bug that killed most of the grape vines in Europe in the 1890s-- cannot live in sand, so Rueda is one of the few places in the world where you can find ancient vines 120+ years old that survived the phylloxera epidemic. These knobbly, bush-like old vines make some of the most dense and lush Verdejo there is! You’ll taste a rich midpalate, with refreshing flavors and aromas of Meyer lemon citrus and cantaloupe. 

Wine Club: August 2021

White Wine: Pewsey Vale 

Region: Eden Valley|
Grapes:  Dry Riesling 

Notes: Pewsey Vale is one of the older wineries in Australia, founded in 1847. The winery also has some of the world’s oldest Riesling plantings, including their Museum Vineyard - planted in 1867. They were making Riesling before Riesling was popular, and in the higher altitude cool climate region of Eden Valley, this wine is nervy and bright, with a lovely aroma of key-lime. In fact, the lime note is a telling aroma - if you ever find yourself in a blind tasting and smell lime, you probably have an Aussie riesling in your glass. Because of this classic Australian Riesling flavor, this wine is perfect for any dish you might squeeze a lime wedge over - think Tacos, Thai Food, Fish, etc

White Wine: Alkoomi  

Region:  Frankland River 
Grapes:  Semillon - Sauvignon Blanc   

Notes: Located in Western Australia, Frankland River is the land of Sémillon. Western Australia’s wine scene really got going in the 1960s (compare that with the Barossa Valley which dates back to the 1840s). When we think of Western Australia and wine, there are quite a few similarities to California -- both regions established in their modern form in the 1960s, both regions are famous for Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, and both regions have a cavalier group-breaking attitude towards wine. Australia is also one of the places in the world where Sémillon, a grape from Bordeaux, France, takes center stage. Alkoomi’s Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc blend really captures a Bordeaux-like essence, and the wine has density and richness from the Sémillon, and grassy-citrus aromas from the Sauvignon Blanc. This would pair wonderfully with August tomatoes. 

Red Wine: d’Arenberg ‘Stump Jump

Region: Barossa                 
Grapes: Shiraz

Notes: Shiraz is the same grape variety as Syrah, genetically speaking. When planted on the ancient soils of Barossa, Shiraz gives us a lovely, bold spicy red wine (perfect for late-summer grilling)… d’Arenberg has history in the region, and the current 4th generation owner, Chester Osborne, has taken the winery in a unique modern direction, with a rubix-cube-shaped tasting room. He also has a fashion line, full of prints that are as bold as his wines.

Wine Club: July 2021

Red Wine - Cos 

Region: Sicily
Grapes: Frappato 

Notes: COS winery was founded by three friends who wanted to revive the wine culture of Sicily.  When they started their project in 1980, they were considered the new upstart generation of winemaking in Sicily. Today, they are the leaders of Sicily’s wine revival, and now their children are the new upstarts.  At COS, the wines are all grown using biodynamic farming-- a farming philosophy that is like organic farming, but more intense in its commitment to sustainability. Another interesting thing about COS is that they don’t like the flavor that oak imparts to the wine. Instead, they opt for more traditional Sicilian aging vessels, like concrete and clay amphoras. Juicy, and smelling of the freshest strawberries, Frappato is the beverage of choice on a hot Sicilian summer day. These grapes were grown near an ancient trading post, where Phoenecian ships would stop thousands of years ago to trade wine and olive oil.

White Wine - Tyros  

Region: Sardegna, Italy
Grapes: Vermentinu  

Notes: Sardinia (or Sardegna in Italian) is known for secluded beaches, delicious local cuisine, and a patchwork-like inland community that weaves together communities, nestled among the rocky outcroppings. Vineyards are everywhere-- some near the coast, some flourishing in unique microclimates, and you’ll also find some casual home vineyards, too, planted near the front door, or providing shade as pergolas in the courtyards. Sardinia has focused on two main varieties, considered indigenous: Vermentino/ Vermentinu and Cannonau. Thought to be indigenous for centuries, it was recently proven (through DNA) that Cannonau is Grenache! The ancient history of Cannonau highlights the seafaring nature of the 1600s-1700s Mediterranean… It also shows how the geographic insularity of islands can allow these secluded places to reclaim traditions and materials from mainland culture and make them their own. 

White Wine - Purato  

Region: Sicily                  
Grapes: Pinot Grigio Blend

Notes: Purato specializes in ultra organic and eco-friendly wines. In this bottling, they focus on  Catarratto-- a grape variety extremely important for Sicily. In fact, it makes up about 60% of the island’s vineyards! It’s known for producing full-bodied wines with lemon aromas and flavors. This one has a touch of Pinot Grigio blended in for body. Catarratto is a very Sicilian grape variety, but genetic testing recently showed that it is a descendant of Garganega, a grape variety from the Italian Alps far up in the north! How did this happen? One of the great mysteries of the wine world. 

Wine Club: June 2021

White Wine - Folk Machine 

Region: Merritt Island, Clarksburg
Grapes: Chenin Blanc 

Notes: Kenny, a surfer-dude turned winemaker, makes wine from some of the more interesting and quirky vineyards in California. He and his wife are particularly fond of this Chenin Blanc, from two sites. And yes, there are times when Kenny might catch a wave while driving from one site to another! Kenny is fierce about sustainable farming, and his wines have a tension to them, often with a nervy acidity, but balanced by loads of ever-unfolding flavor (kinda like the perfect wave?)... 

White Wine - Elizabeth Spencer  

Region: North Coast
Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc  

Notes: This California wine has a wonderful Virginia connection! Elizabeth and her husband Spencer (UVA grad) distributed wine in Virginia before making wine in California. Winemaker Sarah Vandendriessche prefers a crisp style, so flavor-wise, think tangerine & green apple. 

Red Wine - Bacchus  

Region: California                     
Grapes: Pinot Noir

Notes: Sommelier David Gordon gets secret grapes from his favorite top-notch wineries to make this Pinot Noir. He named it after his daughter, Ginger. Light, prancing tannins, but lingering flavors make this wine perfect for the fast-approaching summer. It’s perfect with BBQ, and you can even serve it chilled if you need to keep it on ice outside. 

Wine Club: May 2021

Father - Luis Pato ‘Vinho Tinto’

Region: Bairrada, Portugal 
Variety: baga & touriga-nacional 

Notes: Luis Pato is-- dare we say-- obsessed with the Baga grape. Baga is a powerful, bold, red grape-- you could liken it to perhaps, the Cabernet Sauvignon of Portugal. Luis is a magnificent, sprightly guy who farms and makes over 70 different kinds of Baga wine. He sometimes ferments Baga whole cluster, he has made it sparkling, he has made Baga rose, and so on. If there is a way to make Baga, he has done it! He has even taken white wine juice, and fermented it on Baga skins, making a red wine from white grapes! He has even….. mixed Baga with Touriga Nacional, and you  can taste it right now, inside this bottle...

Daughter - João Pato Aka Duckman ‘Maria Duck- Pét Nat’ 

Region: Bairrada, Portugal
Variety: fernao pires 

Notes: The Patos last name translates to ‘Duck,’ so ‘Duckman’ is a play on words that nods  to the family’s namesake. Maria Pato started her winery to work with the indigenous varieties of the region (much like her father!). She is interested in expressing the ocean’s influence in the wines-- the coast is very close to the vineyards. Maria’s wines use indigenous varieties, but she grows and vinifies them outside of normal Bairrada parameters, so by ‘breaking the rules’ a bit, she declassifies most of her wine. 

Daughter - Filipa Pato ‘D.n.m.c. Vinho Branco’ 

Region: Bairrada, Portugal
Grapes: bical & arinto 

Notes: Filipa Pato is a trailblazer on the Portuguese wine scene. Not only did she start her own winery at a young age, she committed early to sustainable farming practices and has been a leader in low intervention winemaking for over a decade. Before she became a winegrower, she got a degree in Chemical Engineering, then worked several harvests around the world. She is married to a sommelier she met in Belgium! The grapes in this wine are grown just a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean coastline, and she blends a few different vineyards, specifically to make an expression of the Bairrada wine region. 

Wine Club: April 2021

Moraitis ‘Sarakiniko’ 2019

Variety: Assyrtiko
Region: Paros Island, Cyclades, Aegean Sea

Notes: The Cyclades Islands, a series of volcanic islands in the Aegean Sea, were home to the Minoan civilization about 5,000 years ago. The Minoans were incredible: they had 3 story buildings, fantastic murals, intricate jewelry and dress, ‘air conditioning’ via specially-designed buildings and water-circulation pipes, toilets and city plumbing infrastructure that resemble modern day utilities, advanced seafaring technology, and they ran a trade empire that extended across the sea. Their clever maze-like city planning discouraged invaders (and inspired the Minotaur legends); they could defend themselves but were more interested in trade than war & conquer. The Minoans also harnessed olive oil and wine growing/making technology, then shared these technologies across the Mediterranean. Destroyed by the volcanic eruption on Santorini Island circa 1613 BCE known as the Minoan Eruption (Santorini is just south of Paros, where this wine is from), this advanced civilization fell, but left a cultural imprint that reverberates through Mediterranean cuisine and art to this day. Paros Island would have likely been hit by a tsunami after the Minoan Eruption, and the vegetation may have died from the ash-laden skies that followed. It took many years for the wine trade to re-establish in the Cyclades Islands, but when things settled out, Assyrtiko became a popular grape variety, likely originating on Santorini Island). Assyrtiko is known for its vibrant acidity and electric citrus flavors.

Tetramythos ‘Rizes’ 2016

Variety: Roditis
Region: Mt. Helmos & surrounding area, Peloponnese, Greece

Notes: Vinified on the slopes of Mount Helmos, Roditis (sustainably farmed) is a pink-skinned grape variety famous for making bistro wine throughout the Peloponnese. Historically, these wines would have been preserved with resin (‘retsina’), giving a pine-like aroma to this wine. Tetramythos is a pleasant winery, known for their long-time commitment to sustainable and organic farming.

Musar ‘Jeune’ 2019

Variety: 80% Cinsault, 20% Mourvedre
Region: Bekaa Valley, Lebanon

Notes: Beneath the sea in ancient shipwrecks, thousands upon thousands of wine and olive oil amphoras lie off the coast of Lebanon. From this underwater evidence, plus findings at archeological sites throughout the Mediterranean, it’s become clear that the Lebanese coast was a jumping off point for merchants who brought wine culture from the eastern Mediterranean all the way to the Strait of Gibraltar. From the coastal Mediterranean, grape vines moved inland, north and south, and the world was forever changed. Chateau Musar was established in 1930 when Gaston Hochar traveled to Bordeaux, and created a similar winery in his home country of Lebanon.

Wine Club: March 2021

Gauthier ‘Jour de Soif’ 2019

Variety: Cabernet Franc
Region: Bourgueil, Loire Valley, France

Notes: Cabernet Franc is very old-- early mentions can be found in the 1500s, and it may be much older. By looking at other grapes related to Cabernet Franc, scientists believe that its origins are in Spain’s Basque region, with cuttings that were later taken to France. Cab Franc is also a parent of Hondarribi Beltza (hence the Basque origin theory), Merlot, and Carmenere!  This particular wine is from the Bourgueil village in the Loire Valley, next to Chinon. If you’ve ever had Chinon, this wine should be a bit familiar. Cab Francs from Chinon and Bourgueil are known for a soft cherry fruit, and a black pepper aroma flavor. The distinct pepper note makes these wines great with savory entrees (think mushrooms and poultry) or any dish with a black pepper or green pepper element (think tacos, chili, Steak au Poivre, stuffed peppers).

Raimbault-Pineau 2019

Variety Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Coteaux du Giennois, East Loire, France

Notes: Earliest known mentions of Sauvignon Blanc are from around 1715. This grape probably originated in the Loire Valley, near Sancerre (where it has been famous ever since!). Tip: Coteaux du Giennois is a region just a few miles from Sancerre- the soils & climate are similar, it’s also Sauvignon Blanc, but the wines are half the price! 

Bacchus 2018

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: California, United States

Notes: In the last decade, this grape has become the world’s most widely planted wine grape! Its name first appeared in writing in 1784, and it became popular in Italy in the 1800s. California really launched this grape variety, and so did the 1976 Judgement of Paris when Bordeaux wine (a main component in Bordeaux reds is Cabernet Sauvignon) was blind tasted side-by-side with California Cabernet Sauvignon. Many California wines won, to the surprise of the world!

Wine Club: February 2021

Maison Noir Love Drunk Rosé

Wine Style: Rosé
Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir +
Region: Oregon, United States

Notes: Founded by Andre Mack, a Per Se sommelier who left for Oregon to start his own wine company, Maison Noir is a house favorite for tasty, high quality wines. Mack specializes in high quality Pinot Noir, but his rose has long been a house favorite for its juicy drinkability, and its subtle complexity that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Vinyes Singulars Amfora

Wine Style: Amber
Grape Varieties: Xarel-lo
Region: Tires del Nan vineyard, Penedès, Spain

Notes: Head a bit west from Barcelona, and you’ll come to a quaint farmhouse a few miles in from the Mediterranean Sea. Surrounding the farm winery are old vineyards-- many planted in the 1950s! This is a true small family business, and the wines are all meticulously farmed with no chemical interventions in the vineyards or wine cellar. After maceration, the whiite Xarel-lo grapes stewed with the skins of the grapes for four days, giving some color extraction and tannins to the grape must.
Once the wine was fermented, it was aged for 4 months in clay amphora. This wine is an echo of how wines were produced in the ancient world!

To really nerd out on Orange wine and get a handle on the science, check out this recording of our Orange Wine Session.