Holiday Market Wine
THE GOLD CLUB
MARCH 2023 WINES
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7CELLARS CHARDONNAY
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BODEGAS BORSAO CABRIOLA
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CALDERA FABRIZIA XENIO RUCHE
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VIGNOBLES VERZIER AUTHENTIC CONDRIEU
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ALTANZA GRAN RESERVA RIOJA
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MARCHESI INCISA DELLA ROCCHETTA BARBERA d’ASTI
7CELLARS CHARDONNAY
2019 | $17.99
DESCRIPTION
7Cellars was founded by professional football icon John Elway, and his long-time business partner, Jeff Sperbeck. With the success of Elway’s Steakhouses, John wanted to create a wine that would live up to his ideals and be a proud representation of his family’s name. They partnered with iconic winemaker Robert Mondavi, Jr. to release the company’s first vintage of Reserve wines, with a 2013 Cabernet and a 2014 Chardonnay. After five successful and sold-out vintages of the Reserve, 7Cellars has expanded with another collection. The Farm Collection was released in March of 2020. This collection is offered at a more approachable price point, but with the same superior quality for which the brand is known.
7Cellars Chardonnay 2019
This wine is sourced from premium vineyards in Arroyo Seco located in the heart of Monterey, California. It is 100% Chardonnay that has been aged 40% in French oak barrels for 9 months. The winemaking team of OneHope vinifies this wine led by Mari Coyle.
Arroyo Seco is one of the oldest AVAs in California, its status granted in the early 1980s, and also remains one of its smallest. It’s named after the dramatic, seasonal river of rain and snowmelt that cuts through the upper elevations of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the Arroyo Seco AVA extends east from the resultant mountain gorge, and into the rural and warm Salinas Valley. During the growing season, cool and damp Pacific Ocean air penetrates the gorge and flows into the valley, creating a cool evening respite for vineyards after a hot summer day. This natural water-release has also created a subterranean aquifer, which helps set the foundation of the AVA's boundaries and supplies the vineyards with water.
Arroyo Seco was actually home to the first commercial vineyard in California, called Mission Ranch, which was owned and propagated by the Mirassou family in the 1960s.
Chardonnay is the grape most widely grown here, but as one of Monterey’s warmer regions, Arroyo Seco enjoys the highest praise for its reds, namely Bordeaux blends.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Aromas of dried peach skin, lemon, pineapple, vanilla and savory spices.
PALATE: This medium-bodied Chardonnay is a bright, fruit-forward wine with tropical fruit, lime, and pear; complete with balanced acidity. A well-structured wine with flavors of green apple, and a touch of toasted oak on the finish.
PAIRING: Mild, buttery, or creamy dishes, grilled vegetables, grilled chicken, grilled shrimp, salad with goat cheese, or Thai Style Chicken Wings.
BODEGAS BORSAO CABRIOLA
2017 | $18.99
DESCRIPTION
The first written records about winemaking in the region date back to 1203 and were founded in the Monastery of Veruela. The monks had an essential role in the development of vine growing and winemaking in the region.
Bodegas Borsao origins go back to 1958, the year the Cooperative of Borja was founded. This is where Borsao originated as a brand. Some years later, the co-operatives of Pozuelo and Tabuenca joined Borja, adding their resources and –most importantly- their vineyards. It happened in the year 2001, and the new company was called Bodegas Borsao S.A., established as a limited company. Its 700 members became shareholders and a management team was appointed to shake the foundations of the winery: starting with the grape sourcing scheme and following with a refurbishment of the winemaking facilities. Nowadays there has been more professionalization and now they are 375 winegrowers.
Experience, resources and means combined with the potential of the vineyards of the 3 wine cellars, enabling the development of a new work philosophy that has given Bosrao international recognition and prestige.
“We will continue working on our vineyards, using the indigenous clone of Garnacha of Aragón, studying our microclimates and learning about the potential of the different sites.” -Bodegas Borsao
Bodegas Borsao Cabriola 2017
The wine is a blend of 55% Grenacha, 39% Syrah, and 6% Mazuela. What is Mazuela? Good Question. It is a red grape with fruity flavors of mixed black fruits with notes of pepper, licorice, and some spicy accents, and it possesses high tannins and acid. It is used as a blending grape and is known by many names, for instance, Carignan Noir is one example. Borsao Cabriola comes from old vines aged between 20 and 60 years old that grow under the influence of the Moncayo Massif Mountain chain and are traditionally cultivated. The harvest is carried out manually when the grapes reach optimum ripeness. These three grapes are fermented separately in stainless-steel tanks at controlled temperatures. Afterward, the wine is aged for twelve months in French and American oak barrels.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Aromas of vanilla with intense fruity tones.
PALATE: It has a long and pleasant very harmonic aftertaste, structured and round.
PAIRING: Pork, lamb, beef, braised meat dishes, duck, wild game, stews, and grilled meats.
FUN FACTS: "A full-bodied and round-textured red with cherries and blackberries and some walnut and dried-herb undertones. Medium body, lightly chewy tannins and a fruity finish."
-James Suckling 91 Points
Cabriola is a specific jumping maneuver that a horse is trained to perform after years of exacting dressage. The movement requires great technique and precision from the rider and a horse working as a team. Much like the relationship between our winemaker and vineyards, combining masterful techniques.
CALDERA FABRIZIA XENIO RUCHé
2018 | $19.99
DESCRIPTION
The Caldera winery is a historical presence, deeply rooted in the territory. The bottle label is a tribute and the result of a genealogical and heraldic research. In fact, the presence of the Caldera family in the territory of Pisa has already been attested to from around the 12th century.
The winery owes thanks to the far-sighted vision of Prospero Caldera. He decided in the early twentieth century to build it in a strategic position, that is, near the Portacomaro railway station – almost as if he wanted to trace the destiny of a winery with an international vocation. A choice, which today seems difficult to understand but, at the time, changed the fortunes of the family. The station, and consequently the railway, was in fact the only method to transport wine abroad.
Today there is Fabrizia who, together with her husband Roberto Rossi and son Fabio, leads the winery towards a modern and technological evolution for an increasingly attentive and demanding public.
The Caldera winery has always been open to the world and has always made far-sighted and avant-garde decisions. In fact, Fabrizia Caldera’s choices continue in the same direction as the first founder Prospero.
From the Monferrato hills, the winery project began in the last century. This is strongly oriented on bio-sustainable themes, respectful and attentive to the ancestral and anachronistic pact between man and earth. According to the family, the generosity of Mother Nature and her gifts is amply rewarded by carrying out ecological, sustainable and green choices.
Caldera Fabrizia Xenio Ruché 2018
This wine is 100% Ruché (ROO-kay) grapes from the Castagnole Monferrato region. The average vine age is 20 years old. It is vinified in a traditional method with controlled maceration, pumping over of the fermenting must and punching down of the cap during fermentation. When it is consumed young it has more fruity and floral notes, with aging it becomes more austere and complex.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Aromas of roses and violets mingled with spice notes.
PALATE: Dry, balanced, and velvety with notes of blackberry, raspberry, and ripe plums, and hints of spice.
PAIRING:This wine pairs well with salami, ham, game, blue cheeses, and dark chocolate. Also, it’s a great companion with oriental cuisine and piquant dishes.
VIGNOBLES VERZIER AUTHENTIC CONDRIEU
2016 | $27.99
DESCRIPTION
The farm has been in the Verzier family since 1828. The surface area of our vineyards is about ten hectares and shared between red Saint Joseph, white Saint Joseph, Condrieu, Côte Rôtie and Vin de Pays from the Rhône valley hillsides. It is located on the top of the hillside of the town of Chavanay, just next to the Madonna of Izeras, in the heart of the vineyards of Saint-Joseph and Condrieu, on the right bank of the Rhône River 50 km south of Lyon. Philippe, the youngest of the seven children, fell in love with these gnarled vines and took over the estate in 1988, at the age of only 19.
At the time the property was in polyculture with cereals, fruits, vines, cows and goats. Philippe, however, wanted to devote himself exclusively to the vines and began with the 2.5 hectares in Saint-Joseph that were his father's, Jean. He replanted some plots, including his first Condrieu under the Madonna. He ceases the harvest contributions to the cooperative cellar and vinifies his first vintage 1988, in the cellar he built.
The tiny estate has taken off and now represents 14.7 hectares. Maxime, Isabelle and Philippe's son, joined them in 2016 after some experiences in Alsace, Burgundy, Canada and South Africa.
Vignobles Verzier Authentic Condrieu 2016
Condrieu is composed of 100% viognier grapes. Viognier (“Vee-own-yay”) is a full-bodied white wine that originated in southern France. The vines are planted on terraces situated on a southeast-facing hillside overlooking the city of Chavanay. The vines are organically farmed with de-hydrated compost (bovine-manure based), treatment with herbal teas, bio-dynamic preparations, sulfur, and Bordeaux mixtures to maintain the balance between vine and soil. The harvest is done by hand when the grapes are ripe and then hand sorted on a vibrating sorting table. The grapes are pressed and fermented in stainless-steel tanks. At the end of the alcoholic fermentation 80 % of the volume is put in 500-litre oak barrels, systematic malolactic fermentation followed by a maturing period of 9 months (including 4 months on fine lees).
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: A highly aromatic grape, viognier is distinctly scented with apricot, which can vary from the flesh, to the kernel, to apricot blossom, and those characters can be extremely exotic when quite ripe.
PALATE: Viognier ranges in taste from lighter flavors of tangerine, mango and honeysuckle to creamier aromas of vanilla with spices of nutmeg and clove.
PAIRING: The trick to pairing foods with Viognier wine is to fully respect its delicate floral notes and medium acidity. Thus, as a general rule, focus on embellishing and expanding the wine’s core flavors while making sure that the foods you pair with it aren’t too acidic or bold. Examples: Halibut, Sea Bass, Lobster, Crab, Shrimp, Poached Salmon, Savory Orange Chicken, Fondue, Farmer’s Cheese, Comté, Baked Brie with Apricots, Gruyere, Young Sheep’s Milk Cheeses and vegetables.
FUN FACTS: Fresh lime and mint lend an invigorating tone to tangerine and apricot in this unusually fresh expression of Condrieu. Stone-fruit flavors are ripe and concentrated but balanced briskly by sunny lemon acidity. The finish lingers on a slick of honeycomb.
-Anna Lee C. Iijima
Wine Enthusiast 91 Points
ALTANZA GRAN RESERVA RIOJA
2011 | $30.99
DESCRIPTION
Altanza winery is in the most prestigious region of Rioja, Rioja Alta. The winery cultivates just two grape varieties sauvignon blanc and tempranillo and practices organic farming methods.
Altanza was founded by a group of friends who shared the dream of making classic timeless Riojas, with a modern touch and a lot of authenticity. They built a state of the art winery based on 3 pillars: their own Estate vineyard, Tempranillo grapes and French oak.
Altanza Gran Reserva Rioja 2011
This robust red is 100% tempranillo grape and 2011 is this current vintage release. How is this the current vintage? In Spain, and all wine making countries, there are rules that must be followed. There are controlling organizations that dictate what grapes can be grown, what grapes can be blended, the percentage of grapes used, how long or short a wine needs to be aged and other directives. These organizations are in place to guaranty authenticity, standards, and quality in wine making. These are the levels of aging in Spain and what is required:
Crianza- Think about Crianza as being the first tier of a “Reserve” wine. Spanish law requires that for a red wine to be labeled as a Crianza, it must be aged for two years, with a minimum of one year in an oak barrel and for another year in the bottle before it’s sold.
Reserva- Aged for at least three years in the cask and bottle, at least one of which must have been in the cask
Gran Reserva- To be labeled as a Gran Reserva, the law requires that it be aged for a minimum of 5 years, with two of those years being within an oak cask or barrel.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Rioja wines will have different aromas depending on their classification. In this case, fruit notes dissipate and secondary notes like earth, leather, tobacco, cocoa, licorice, coffee, and herb are more prominent.
PALATE:Full-bodied and well balanced with flavors of vanilla, berry jam, chocolate, and savory herb notes. Balanced and elegant with structured velvety tannins and a long finish. Drink now through 2028.
PAIRING: Ideal with red meats, roasts, game, stews, and aged cheeses.
FUN FACTS: Wine Enthusiast Magazine 90 Points
MARCHESI INCISA DELLA ROCCHETTA BARBERA d’ASTI
2017 | $29.99
DESCRIPTION
The Marchesi Incisa della Rocchetta is one of the historic Piedmontese families who have lived in Monferrato for more than a thousand years and since 1400 in the village of Rocchetta Tanaro. Centuries of dedication and passion in the world of wine with the Marchese Leopoldo who introduces Pinot Noir to the hills, the Marchese Mario who moves to Bolgheri and creates the legendary Sassicaia, the Marchesa Barbara who renovates the marvelous winery in the center of the town. Today the new generation, with Filiberto and Francesca, carries on the family legacy and the prestige of the company.
Sant’Emiliano is a cru of Rocchetta Tanaro, a hill and a vineyard well known for its ideal south-facing exposition. It is 2.5 hectares in size, the vineyard site’s soil is a mix of sand and clay, originally a prehistoric seabed rich in minerals. The vines are an average age of 50 years old. Great care is taken during the harvest to select only the best and perfectly matured fruits.
Marchesi Incisa della Rocchetta Barbera d’Asti 2017
Unlike many of the other red grapes in the Piedmont region in Northern Italy. The grape accounts for around 55% of the wine produced in this region. A tough, non-fussy grape, Barbera has been known to be flexible in its acclimation to different regions. It's typically a deep ruby color with low tannin and high acidity. Unlike many of the other red grapes in the Piedmont, Barbera has a relatively long hang time on the vine and that imparts a lot of rich, dense flavors to the wine.
Sant ’Emiliano is their interpretation of Barbera in which the use of barriques contributes to adding complexity and structure to the wine that most represents the territory of the Monferrato. Sant ‘Emiliano is a wine of great elegance and balance, produced with an extraordinary attention to quality, both in the vineyard and in the cellar.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Scents of dark fruit, flowers, and spice.
PALATE: This wine is complex. It displays notes of violet, plum and dark cherry when young. With ageing in the bottle, it develops notes of tobacco, chocolate, leather, and licorice. This wine is well-balanced with an exceptionally long and elegant finish.
PAIRING: Barbera wine is a great choice for pairing with food, thanks to its versatile flavor profile and medium body. The wine pairs well with a variety of dishes, including pasta dishes with red sauce, pizza, grilled meats, chicken, and fish.
FUN FACTS: Aromas of blue flowers, underbrush, ripe plum and exotic spice shape the nose. Despite its bold structure and muscle on the palate, it shows surprising finesse in flavors of fleshy blackberry, brandied cherry, star anise and tobacco framed in velvety tannins. Thanks to the succulent fruit, you barely notice the warmth of alcohol on the close.
Wine Enthusiast 90 Points
May 2023 WINES
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Passionate Wines Montesco Piefranc Cabernet Franc
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Gamble Family Vineyards ‘The Mill Keeper’ Chardonnay
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Bodegas Juan Gil Bluegray Red Blend Priorat
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Anne Amie Vineyards Rosé
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Jean-Paul Brun Domaine des Terres Dorées Fleurie
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M. Bonnamy Crémant de Loire Brut Sparkling
Passionate Wines Montesco Piefranc Cabernet Franc
2020 | $21.99
DESCRIPTION
Brazos Wine Imports is owned and operated by Brian Ravitsky and Jon Chaplin. They landed their first container of wine in the United States in 2009. Throughout their careers they have worked in almost every facet of the wine business ranging from Food &Beverage, Retail, Production, Distribution and Supply. They have completed multiple wine-study certifications and are painstakingly passionate about food and wine. They are humbled to represent a focused portfolio from 30 different growers consisting of 13 different families located in some of the best sub-regions of Argentina and Chile. They focus on artisan, single vineyard, small production, estate grown, environmentally friendly wines. The wines they represent share old world, terroir-centric styles which they believe are unique and rare qualities to find in South America.
Passionate Wines is the brainchild of Matias Michelini. He is the winemaker, agronomist, and Grand Poobah of his winery. He is one of the growers for Brazos Wine Imports. Matias strives to make experimental wines that express terroir. These wines are low production and drawn from multiple inspirations, regions, and styles. The Via Revolucionaria wines are single vineyard, unconventional wines, fermented with native yeast. He produces a skin macerated Torrontes “Brutal”, an unfiltered Semillon “Hulk”, and a carbonic macerated and fermented Bonarda “Pura”. The Montesco wines are small production wines that focus on place and varietals. Matias continues to experiment with other cuvees with the mantra of producing either atypical varietals or classic varietals in non-traditional methods.
Passionate Wines Montesco Piefranc Cabernet Franc 2020
Montesco is the label from Michelini for the wines he makes from grapes grown high up in vineyards in Tunuyan and Tupungato. These are some of the highest altitude vineyards he sources from, some very old, and subject to extremely cold weather. The wines are made at his winery, Passionate Wines, in Tupungato, Argentina following his hands-off approach, from native yeasts and with minimal intervention and minimal sulfur levels. The resulting wines are admirable, unique, incredibly elegant, and always high-toned.
This wine is 100% Cabernet Franc grape from a single vineyard planted in alluvial and calcareous soils. It goes through maceration and fermentation in twenty days with native yeast and then spends eight months in a concrete vat. There was only 650 cases produced of this vintage.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Aromas include tobacco, raspberry, bell pepper, cassis, and violets.
PALATE: Bold, ripe blackberry fruit, with hints of meatiness and a sprinkling of that signature sandalwood and pepper - this is cabernet franc with the volume turned all the way up.
PAIRING: Beef, lamb, pork, game, poultry, vegetarian, and goat cheese.
WINERY WEBSITE: Passionate Wines
Valle de Tupungato I.G., Valle de Uco G.I., Mendoza, Argentina
Gamble Family Vineyards ‘The Mill Keeper’ Chardonnay NV
$19.99
DESCRIPTION
Founded by third-generation farmer Tom Gamble, Gamble Family Vineyards farms approximately 175 acres of prime estate vineyards from several of Napa Valley’s most respected AVAs (American Viticulture Areas). The Gamble family has been farming the Napa Valley since 1916, and every wine they produce is cultivated with their dedication to the land in mind.
In 1916, Launcelot Gamble first began cattle ranching and farming a variety of crops in Napa County. Over the years, Launcelot passed his passion and trade onto his sons, Launce and George (Tom’s father).
In 1955, Launcelot acquired a piece of land in Oakville, a very small portion of which would later become the Family Home Vineyard and the foundation for the family’s entrance into the wine business. In the early 1970s, the family entered a long-term lease with Beringer Vineyards, which planted the land surrounding Family Home to grapes. Having already turned his focus to grape growing with the purchase of several vineyard sites in the 1980s and 1990s, Tom took over the task of farming Family Home, which was originally planted by his mother and stepfather in 1997. Following his family’s method of meticulously caring for the land, Tom’s own farming history earned him a reputation for quality and resulted in increased demand for his grapes from other vintners.
In 1968 Tom’s mother, Mary Ann McGuire, was active in establishing the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve, an ordinance that protects vineyards from commercial development and ensures that the land is used strictly for agricultural purposes. Tom credits his mother’s efforts as one of the main reasons that he can make a living as a farmer and grape grower today. Had that ordinance not passed, his land and all of Napa would not have been preserved for farming.
In 1981, at the age of 20, Tom Gamble purchased his first vineyard with several partners, making him the first Gamble to begin growing grapes commercially. “Given this legacy, one does not continue farming for dispassionate reasons alone—there are easier ways to make a living. And thus, taking the next step and putting my name on a bottle of wine does not come lightly,” says Gamble.
In 2003 a young, promising winemaker from England named Jim Close met Tom Gamble. Jim had travelled stateside to pursue his dreams of wine making after graduating from Brighton’s Plumpton College of Viticulture and Enology in 1998. He’d been quietly perfecting his craft around the Napa Valley when Tom met him and the two became fast friends. He’s made every bottle of Gamble Family Vineyards wine since 2005.
After two decades of growing and selling his own grapes, Tom was ready. Between2008-2012, he founded Gamble Family Vineyards with the goal of celebrating the distinct Napa Valley terroir he had come to know and love, and the final piece of the puzzle came in 2008, when Tom acquired the land in Oakville where he would eventually begin building his family winery in 2012. Owned by the Lincoln family for more than a century, this historic piece of land embodies the ambience of the 19th Century. The family’s ancestors built the farmhouse, water tower, and barns on the property, which were preserved and protected because of the passion and dedication of the younger generations. As lifelong friends of the family, Tom and his wife Colette were entrusted with the preservation of this historic legacy.
The construction of the winery was designed to ensure maximum efficiency of small lot winemaking while also complementing and blending in with the traditional and historic 19th Century homestead and barns. With the goal of keeping Gamble Family Vineyards a family affair at its core, Tom turned to his brother-in-law, Morgan Conolly, who served as lead architect. The first harvest at the new winemaking facility took place in 2013 and the first guests were welcomed the following year.
Today, a farmer at heart and in practice, Tom Gamble continues to follow a holistic approach. When it comes to farming his land, Tom chooses to focus on the sustainable route, one that he believes provides a return that reinvests in the land. His winery and vineyards are certified Napa Green and certified by Fish Friendly Farming.
Gamble Family Vineyards ‘The Mill Keeper’ Chardonnay NV
A practice that’s been around as long as winemaking itself, they were inspired by vintage-blending processes in old world wine regions to create their own unique method. The Mill Keeper’s dedication to sustainability drives their passion, and multi-vintage winemaking allows them to give consistency and high quality in every sip.
Climate change has been pushing environmental conditions to extremes and creating sub-optimal growing conditions, a phenomenon that is shaping the future of the wine industry. Gamble Family Vineyards are inspired by the vintage-blending methods of some of the most famous wine regions in the old world including sparkling wine production in Champagne and Port production in Portugal. It took them years of experimenting, and they now have their own method down to a science, one in which they consistently use multiple vintages to protect against weather variations and make wine that’s strong and steadfast.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Bold notes of coconut and almond.
PALATE: Creamy, classic chardonnay with notes of vanilla moderated by driven acidity. It is balanced and the wine eventually leans in on its nuttier qualities as it reaches a lasting, pleasant finish.
PAIRING: Dishes like eggs benedict for example or even a steak béarnaise. Fine rich fish such as turbot, grilled veal chops with mushrooms, Late summer vegetables such as red peppers, corn, butternut squash and pumpkin (pumpkin ravioli and a rich Chardonnay is very good). Cheddar cheese if you're looking for a chardonnay cheese pairing. Also, chicken, pork, or pasta in a creamy sauce.
WINERY WEBSITE: The Mill Keeper
Napa Valley A.V.A., California
Bodegas Juan Gil Bluegray Red Blend Priorat
2021 | $21.99
DESCRIPTION
Bodegas Juan Gil has become a Spanish wine powerhouse under the guidance of the family's fourth generation. Founded in 1916 by Juan Gil Jiménez, this is the Gil Family's first winery, created with the goal of highlighting the quality of the native Monastrell grape. Over 104 years, the winery has been consolidated and improved, applying technological advancements to the traditional knowledge passed down through the years.
The appellation of Jumilla, located about sixty miles inland from the southern Mediterranean coast in Murcia, is known for Monastrell (aka Mourvèdre), with over 80% of vineyards planted with it. Most of their vineyards average in age between 40 and 100 years with very low yields. The continental climate is extreme here: summers are dry and hot with intense sun and winters are long and cold. The vineyards are between 2,000 and 2,800 feet above sea level, planted on sandy and rocky limestone soils that are very poor in nutrients, but have a great capacity to hold what little rain does fall. Monastrell is a thick-skin grape that thrives in the harsh conditions of this climate and terrain, leading to wines with great structure and intense color and aromas.
The unique combination of altitude, soil and climate makes Organic farming quite typical in Jumilla. All the Gil Family's estate Monastrell vineyards are dry-farmed without the use of pesticides or herbicides, the winery is entirely solar powered and “Zero-Waste” (by product is composted, water recycled). Organic Farming Certification of the vineyards starting with 2018 vintage of Silver Label.
Their winemaking roots go back over a century. Gil Family Estates comprises eight wineries spread throughout seven D.O.'s in Spain and are famous around the world for bold flavors, lavish texture, and alluring spice.
Bodegas Juan Gil Bluegray Red Blend Priorat 2021
Born on the high-lying terraces of blue slate and quartz soils known as llicorella [yik-o-ral-ya], among pine and olive trees. A very inhospitable location, everything here must be done by hand and the vines have very low yields due to age. It is composed of 40% Garnacha, 30% Cariñena, 20% Syrah and 10% Merlot. The grapes are hand-picked and fermented separately in small barrels for 10 days at low temperatures and then aged separately in French oak barrels for 6 months and finally blended in the desired proportion.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Aromas of blackberries and cherries with delicate notes of nutmeg and star anise.
PALATE: The wine is very elegant, has well-integrated tannins, dried Mediterranean herbs, such as thyme, and a lingering finish.
PAIRING: This is a delicious wine with grilled and roasted red meat, game, cured meats, aged cheeses, rice and pasta with flavored sauces, and savory winter dishes.
FUN FACT: “Dark purple. Smoke-accented aromas of cherry, cassis, licorice, and violet are lifted by a peppery quality. Juicy, sappy, and well-concentrated, showing very good density to black currant, bitter cherry, and dark chocolate flavors. Finishes long and spicy, with firm minerality and youthful tannic grip.” Drink: 2023 – 2029.
-Vinous Magazine 92 Points
D.O.Q. Priorat, Spain
Anne Amie Vineyards Rosé
2022 | $19.99
DESCRIPTION
Pinot reigns supreme at Anne Amie Vineyards with Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc forming the heart of their production. Complementing the pinot family is Old-Vine Estate Müller-Thurgau, planted in 1979. As with all great wines, theirs starts in the vineyards. They are fortunate to have some of Oregon’s best sites, all of which are Salmon Safe and LIVE certified. Their estate vineyards receive only the minimal required treatments and yields are dramatically reduced to give fruit with great depth and complexity. Their vineyards are in the rolling hills of the Yamhill-Carlton District and on the steep hillsides of the Chehalem Mountains, both nestled in Oregon’s verdant Willamette Valley.
When Dr. Robert Pamplin, one of Oregon’s most forward-thinking philanthropists and businessmen, purchased the historic Chateau Benoit Winery in 1999 and christened it Anne Amie, his vision was to create wines of the highest quality to reflect his passion for excellence. To this end Dr. Pamplin has charged winemaker Gabriela Sepulveda Vignes and winegrower Peter Ebbers with the task of crafting extraordinary Pinot Noir. Gabriela, Peter, and the rest of the crew are passionate about producing wines of the finest quality and have dedicated their lives to this quest.
Anne Amie Vineyards Rosé 2022
The Rosé of Pinot Noir is dry and layered with complex Pinot Noir characters. The winery produces a limited amount of this wine each year. Its label was designed by local Portland illustrator, Kate Blairstone. Kate took inspiration from the two estate vineyard sites to create a label capturing the vibrancy of life in each vineyard. The brightly colored mix includes radish flowers from the cover crops, Western Bluebirds, and wild poppies, as well as strawberries and rose petals which can be tasted in the flavor profile of this rosé.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Orange blossom, cherry pie, floral, strawberry, honey, and lime zest.
PALATE: Strawberry, plum, pomelo, kumquat marmalade, orange zest, and grapefruit. Dry, mineral, focused and long.
PAIRING: Shrimp and grits, salmon ceviche, grilled oysters, moules frites, arugula and goat cheese salad, paella, charred broccoli & ricotta, fried chicken, and lobster rolls.
WINERY WEBSITE: Anne Amie Vineyards
Willamette Valley A.V.A., Oregon
Jean-Paul Brun Domaine des Terres Dorées Fleurie
2020 | $25.99
DESCRIPTION
Jean-Paul Brun started Terres Dorées in 1979 with a mere four hectares of vines. Brun is in Charnay, a village in Southern Beaujolais just north of Lyon, in a beautiful area known as the "Terres Dorées" or Region of Golden Stones in France. He is the owner and winemaker at this 60+ hectare family estate and has attracted the attention of the French and American press for the wonderfully fruity and delicate wines he produces.
Brun wants to make "old-style" Beaujolais and his vinification differs from the prevailing practices in the region. He believes that the charm of Gamay's fruit is best expressed by the grapes' indigenous yeasts, rather than by adding industrial yeast. Filtration is also minimal so that the wine keeps its original fruit and aromas.
Brun’s wines are not ‘blockbusters’ in the sense of ‘big.’ The emphasis is not on weight, but on fruit: Beaujolais as it once was and as it should be.
“Proprietor Brun is a believer in using only the vineyard’s wild yeast, rather than the synthetic yeasts used by most other producers. His beautiful wines are favorites among purists.”- International Wine Critic Robert Parker
In the mid 2000's, Jean-Paul set out to conquer Beaujolais' crus (Premium wine growing areas.). He currently owns land and produces from most of it, including the most recent addition of single vineyard cuvées. All told, he now produces well over 20 different wines from over 60 hectares of vines and shows no sign of slowing down.
Jean Paul Brun Terres Dorées Fleurie 2020
This wine is 100% Gamay grapes. Jean-Paul farms six hectares in Fleurie, all of it in the celebrated lieu-dit of Grille Midi, a south-facing amphitheater of vines on poor, sandy, decomposed-granite soils over hard granite rock. This site yields wines of great concentration, power, and longevity. There are two Terres Dorées bottlings from this vineyard: a straight Fleurie and a "Grille Midi". The key differences are vine age and the aging of the wines. The Fleurie is from the younger vines, which are around 40 years old, while the Grille Midi vines are 65 years and up. The wines are vinified the same way, as are all Jean-Paul's wines: the hand-harvested bunches are destemmed and fermented with native yeasts and without sulfur in concrete tanks.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Expect to smell fresh cut violets, iris and peony flowers wrapped in cherry, raspberry, and plum with subtle background notes of potting soil.
PALATE: On the palate, the wines are light with high acidity and tart flavors of red fruits along with a subtle bitter note on the finish.
PAIRING: The amazing thing about Gamay is that because of the high natural acidity paired with low tannin, the wine pairs shockingly well with a very wide array of foods. Basically, it’s hard to go wrong with Gamay and food.
FUN FACTS: The raspberry fruit leaps out of this joyful Fleurie, which is elegant, juicy, crisp, and dry. A very bright wet-stone finish that pulls you back for more. Very good aging potential. Drink or hold.-James Suckling 93 Points
Gamay (“Gam-may” aka Gamay Noir) is a light-bodied red wine that’s similar in taste to Pinot Noir. In fact, this variety is a cousin of Pinot Noir, and it grows primarily next to Burgundy, France (Pinot motherland) in a region called Beaujolais.
One cannot talk about Gamay without mentioning Beaujolais, France which produces 75% of the world’s Gamay wine.
WINERY WEBSITE:
Terres Dorées | Bowler Wine
Beaujolais Fleurie A.O.C., France
M. Bonnamy Crémant de Loire Brut Sparkling
NV | $18.99
DESCRIPTION
Maurice Bonnamy’s Crémants are produced by a group of winegrowers who decided in 2002 to pool their resources to offer a complete range of authentic, well-balanced wines from Muscadet to Vouvray along the Loire River. The winegrowers are driven by the strong but simple values of the modern cooperative – solidarity, respect, and creativity – values enhanced by a real team spirit, which enriches each stage of the wine production process. This group of 8 cooperative cellars, representing all the diversity of the terroirs and appellations of the Loire Valley are called Sacred Thirst. Wines from the Loire Valley, in general, are known for possessing great value, and Crémants in particular, are a fantastic alternative to the more expensive Champagne’s of the world.
“If feelings fail you, vain will be your course and idle what you plan unless your art stems from the soul with elemental force” – Faust (Goethe)
Who is Sacred Thirst? A small collective of wine professionals united by our passion and dedication to wine. Who we are as individuals is of no great importance, for although our inherent individuality and differences contributes to our strength, we revel in operating as a unified entity. Working together, our combined experience and variance of opinions ultimately yield a stronger vision of our shared goals: To champion winegrowers and individuals dedicated to producing authentic wines that exemplify precision and soul.
To that end, we seek out those individuals that, like us artfully extol balance, and who strive to do the best with the materials they were given. We refrain from fanaticism, be they wines made or sold for hubris by those who only look at the bottom line, or by producers that categorically prioritize ideals such as “natural” “organic” or “biodynamic” over true quality and authenticity.
As a group, our ethos are grounded in the notion that finding peace or contentment is often temporary, and that the journey towards fulfillment is often far more valuable than attaining the goal itself. And so, we are reverent of both hunger and thirst. It is our sincere hope that on this journey of life, and through wine, we at Sacred Thirst can in some small manner contribute to a new level of spirituality and communion amongst us all. Feelings and passion must never fail us.
To Hunger and Thirst! - Sacred Thirst Selections
Bonnamy Crémant de Loire Brut Sparkling NV
Two wines in the Crémant de Loire range of the Alliance Loire, the M. Bonnamy Brut and Brut Rosé are notable examples of inexpensive yet delicious sparkling wines. The grapes are grown on various forms of limestone which include most significantly Tufa, the material widely used in the building of many châteaux throughout the Loire Valley.
The Crémant de Loire Brut is a blend of 15% Cabernet Franc, 20% Chardonnay, and 65% Chenin Blanc. All the fruit for M. Bonnamy is hand harvested, gently pressed, and fermented at cool temperatures to retain the delicate esters and aromatics of the grapes. After an assemblage of the best lots, the wines undergo a second fermentation and aging in the bottle for 12 months before being disgorged.
The inclusion of 65% Chenin Blanc ensures a bit of earthiness to the wine’s apple and red fruit nuances.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: A pale yellow wine with tiny bubbles. A nice aromatic persistence with notes of fresh pear and peach.
PALATE: Rounded and delicate, a fine, nervy complex blend with the freshness of Chenin Blanc, floral Chardonnay, and fruity Cabernet Franc.
PAIRING: The M. Bonnamy Brut is a juicy, yet dry sparkling wine that pairs with just about any type of cuisine.
FUN FACTS: An extra 3 months, more than required by the AOC, on fine lees makes for a sparkling wine with great aromatics and provides this Brut with a wonderful texture unique in this price-point.
WINERY WEBSITE: M. Bonnamy — Sacred Thirst Selections
Crémant de Loire A.O.C., Loire Valley, France
APRIL 2023 WINES
Juan Gil Silver Label
2019 | $19.99
DESCRIPTION
Based in Jumilla with winemaking roots going back over a century, Gil Family Estates comprises eight wineries spread throughout seven D.O.'s in Spain and are famous around the world for bold flavors, lavish texture, and alluring spice.
Bodegas Juan Gil has become a Spanish wine powerhouse under the guidance of the family's fourth generation. Founded in 1916 by Juan Gil Jiménez, this is the Gil Family's first winery, created with the goal of showcasing the quality of the native Monastrell grape. Over 107 years, the winery has been consolidated and improved, applying technological advancements to the traditional knowledge passed down through the years.
The appellation of Jumilla, located about 60 miles inland from the southern Mediterranean coast in Murcia, is known for Monastrell (aka Mourvèdre), over 80% of vineyards are planted with it. Most of their vineyards average in age between 40 and 100 years with very low yields. The continental climate is extreme here: summers are dry and hot with intense sun and winter is long and cold. The vineyards are between 2,000 and 2,800 feet above sea level, planted on sandy and rocky limestone soils that are very poor in nutrients, but have a great capacity to hold what little rain does fall. Monastrell is a thick-skin grape that thrives in the harsh conditions of the climate and terrain, leading to wines with great structure and intense color and aromas.
The unique combination of altitude, soil and climate makes organic farming quite typical in Jumilla. All the Gil Family's estate Monastrell vineyards are dry-farmed without the use of pesticides or herbicides, the winery is entirely solar powered and “Zero-Waste” (by product is composted, water recycled). Organic Farming Certification of the vineyards starting with 2018 vintage of Silver Label.
Juan Gil Silver Label 2019
A name given to Mourvèdres (France) grapes grown in Spain, Monastrell is a big wine with complex and deep flavors. Primarily used in blending, Monastrell stands alone well as a delicious red. As a function of Spanish terroir, Monastrell tends to have a deeper plum and licorice note compared to other varieties of Mourvèdre.
The second most popular grape grown in Spain after Tempranillo is Monastrell, which is incredibly full-bodied and rustic. Deeply colored and highly tannic, this wine is perfect for those days when you want to drink something big. Consider decanting when enjoying this wine.
Monastrell vineyards aged on average 52 years, planted in chalky, stony, poor soils at 2,300 feet above sea level. The vineyards are dry-farmed and hand-harvested and then an optical sorting machine is used to select the best berries. Then the grapes go through maceration and fermentation in stainless steel tanks before being transferred to French oak barrels for 12 months aging.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Ripe dark berries and cherries, floral notes, and a touch of smoke.
PALATE: Significant presence of rich blackberries, pepper, fresh herbs, and leather. Lesser ripe versions of the grape tend to have tea leaf accents. The wine is rich with silky tannins on the mid-palate and a long, spicy finish with lingering juicy fruit.
PAIRING: This wine is delicious on its own. It makes a natural partner to grilled meats and is a go-to for charcuterie and cheese. Its richness and complexity also make it fun to pair with Korean, Chinese and Indian fare. Also, this wine is described as “gamey,” making wild game a perfect pairing.
FUN FACT: "The 2019 Juan Gil (silver label) was produced with Monastrell grapes from their own old, non-irrigated vines fermented in stainless steel and matured in French oak barrels for around 12 months. It has 15% alcohol and a pH of 3.67, but somehow the wine does not come through as overripe; they eliminate all the raisins with their new optical sorting machine and that makes very clean wines and has increased the precision. They also reduced the toast of their barrels and that increases the integration of the oak with the fruit. Varietal, juicy, soft, and very drinkable."- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate- 93 points
WINERY WEBSITE:
Gil Family Estates
D.O. Jumilla, Spain
Domaine Verzier Granit
2017 | $33.99
DESCRIPTION
The surface area of the vineyards is about ten hectares and is shared between red Saint Joseph, white Saint Joseph, Condrieu, Côte Rôtie and Vin de Pays from the Rhône valley hillsides in France. The red and white Saint Joseph wines come from the plots called Blondeau and Ballustre. The upper soils are very light, pebbly and sandy, the subsoil is granite and the vineyards are south and southeast facing. They are situated at 300 meters in altitude and have a magnificent view of the Mont Pilat. The climate of the area is sub-Mediterranean.
The plot called La Madone is situated just beneath the statue on the edge of the Izeras hillside. This plot surrounds the domain and protects the old vines which are more than 50 years old. Their roots have grown deeply into the terroir.
The plot called Chante-Perdrix (a singing partridge) is situated on the Izeras hillside and is the home of the Condrieu wines. The viognier grape variety thrives in this idyllic spot which has terraces overlooking the Rhone Valley at an altitude between 200 meters and 330 meters.
The vineyards planted on terraces on the hillsides, and which have alternate rows left for natural grasses to grow means that erosion is limited and the soils retain a good level of organic matter.
Domaine Verzier Granit 2017
Marsanne & Roussanne wine is the result of the marriage of two grape varieties from the northern Rhône Valley in France, a union that has been replicated in the United States and Australia. The blend can show wide amounts of variation depending on environment and vine age, but generally amounts to a medium- to full-bodied white wine with honeysuckle, lemon, and mineral properties.
The reason that Marsanne and Roussanne are traditionally used together is that they work so well in tandem – where one lacks, the other will shine, and vice versa.
Marsanne makes a structured, full-bodied wine with a waxy, minerally texture. However, it lacks somewhat in depth of flavor and aromatic intensity.
Roussanne, while light on texture, provides this aromatic component, offering up pear, honeysuckle, and herbal characteristics to the wine.
Younger Marsanne and Roussanne blends typically show citrus, melon, and mineral characteristics, while more aged examples take on nuttier, quince-like fruit flavors. Marsanne and Roussanne wines can be easily capable of aging for at least 10 years.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Rich aromas of acacia flowers and almonds mixed with a touch of mineral elements.
PALATE: Delicate notes of vanilla, toast and spice accent freshly pressed apple and pear in this full-bodied blend of Marsanne and Roussanne. Dry and thirst quenching, it finishes on tangs of salt and crushed stone along with a pleasantly bitter fringe of tea tannins.
PAIRING: Rich and fruity Marsanne & Roussanne pair excellently with rich shellfish (think shrimp) and the citrus notes make it a great counterpoint to south Asian cuisine, like Thai and Vietnamese foods.
WINERY WEBSITE:
Le vignoble - Domaine Verzier
Saint- Joseph A.O.P., Rhone Valley, France
Modales Barrel-Aged Gruner Veltliner
2017 | $19.99
DESCRIPTION
Built over a century ago, the house sitting on their vineyard was home to one of the earliest families established here. These pioneers filled the land with peach and cherry orchards, and over the years, twenty-six acres of grape vines were planted.
In 2014, Jim and Carol Gonzalez purchased the vineyard, partnered with viticulturist Todd Robbins and winemaker Andrew Backlin, and set out to create serious wines in the footsteps of generations of Michigan fruit-growers.
Many of Modales Winery’s customers have insisted that Michigan cannot create a stand-out red wine. By the end of their experience in the tasting room, they’re carting out bottles of reds and whites to share.
The selection of dry, concentrated wines, elegant sweet wines and the off-dry Riesling tell truth: Without cheap tricks or heavy cellar intervention, ultra premium wine comes from a deep respect for the fruit. It comes from paying close attention, taking artistic risks, practicing patience and having faith.
Glacial sandy soil, climate, and time capture the stories of this historic vineyard with each vintage. They treat every grapevine as an individual and take pride in the sense of place that their small-batch Fennville wines express.
Located in the heart of the Fennville American Viticulture Area (A.V.A.) in Michigan, Modales offers estate-grown bottles of elegant red and white wines.
Modales Barrel-Aged Gruner Veltliner 2021
The fruit was picked at the peak of its varietal character, all its flavors had developed without losing its acidity. The fruit was de-stemmed and crushed into stainless steel jacketed tanks without the use of sulfur and was cold soaked for 24hours to extract phenolics and aromatics from the skins. It was then pressed off gently in the bladder press and proceeded to ferment using the native yeasts from the vineyard for two months in large format neutral French oak puncheons. . It remained on its lees (yeast deposits) for 6 months to build mid-palate and bring out different aromatics and flavors within the wine with periodic stirring. The wine was then gently filtered through a cross flow filter and bottled under screw-cap to ensure the preservation of the essence of the wine without distracting from oxidation.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Notes of vanilla, butter, Brazil nut and caramel.
PALATE: Light-medium body with notes of white pepper, lemon, and green pea.
PAIRING: Un-oaked white wines pair with whatever you would squeeze a lemon on. Oaked white wines pair with anything you would put butter on. In this case for example, lobster, a salad with creamy dressings, and anything with plenty of cheese will do the trick.
WINERY WEBSITE: Modales Wines in Fennville, Michigan
Fennville A.V.A., Michigan
Terre Degli Svevi Re Manfredi Aglianico Del Vulture
2015 | $43.99
DESCRIPTION
Re Manfredi is in Venosa, in northern Basilicata, Italy. Basilicata is in the “instep” of the boot in the south of Italy bordered by Campania to the west and Puglia to the east. This is a region of relatively little wine, but when the right climate manages to combine with perfect soil, the resulting wines can be of a truly outstanding quality. In particular, the nearby Mount Vulture volcano, extinct since antiquity, dominates the plateau rising to a height of 4,300 ft. Its lava mixed with the soil rich in clay, calcium, nitrogen and tuff, creates a ‘volcanic’ terroir that is rare in Europe’s winemaking panorama. The component of volcanic origin gives the wine a particular minerality and flavor.
The Re Manfredi estate was founded in 1998 and has been managed by the Montrone Family since. The 271-acre estate is run with an unswerving focus on quality. It is perfectly situated on the slopes of Monte Vulture, the ancient extinct volcano, which rises tall over the Apennines Mountain range. Here, plentiful sunshine, parched, hilly vineyards at high elevation and volcanic soils found on Monte Vulture all combine to form ideal growing conditions in the Aglianico del Vulture DOC. The estate vineyards are located in an entire plot at the lower elevations of the volcano’s base and a unique single vineyard of 50-acres is located on the steep slopes of the Vulture Volcano. Here 80% of the land is dedicated to the indigenous Aglianico, with smaller amounts of the white Müller Thurgau and Traminer grapes. This benchmark Aglianico producer has earned numerous Tre Biccheri awards, one of Italy’s most respected wine honors.
Re Manfredi Aglianico 2015
The Re Manfredi Aglianico del Vulture wine is sourced from 128 acres of estate vineyards located on the lower elevations of an extinct volcano. Vines average 30 years and are planted at a dense ration of 3000 vines per acre, and are grown using the guyot and cordon pruning methods.
Grapes are manually harvested upon full ripeness beginning in mid-October. Fermentation takes place in neutral vats over a period of 15-20 days with daily pumping over of the must. Upon completion the young wines are racked and aged for 20-24 months in a combination of used French oak barriques and big oak casks. The barrels range from 1-5 years old. Only 40,000 bottles are produced each year.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Aromas of plum, blackberry and violets mingled with leather and smoke.
PALATE: Plums, soy sauce, figs, and chocolate with blackberries.
PAIRING: Beef, pasta, lamb, and game are all good matches.
FUN FACTS: "Raspy aromas of blackberry and cherry meld with crushed alpine herbs and mentholated tobacco on the nose. There's grip and gusto to the palate, where taut berry flavors are pushed along by bright acidity. Tense tannins ground it all and need some time to settle. Drink from 2022."-Wine Enthusiast 90 Points
"The 2015 Aglianico del Vulture achieves something that is not banal, considering the robust characteristics of this powerhouse appellation; it achieves easy elegance. This is purposely not a particularly profound or complex wine, but it is streamlined, tight and accessible with a refreshingly frank and matter-of-fact personality. The bouquet reveals aromas of candied cherry, smoke and crushed volcanic rock. The tannins are a bit dusty, but they are well integrated. Some 40,000 bottles were produced."-The Wine Advocate 91 Points
WINERY WEBSITE:
Cantina Re Manfredi - Gruppo Italiano Vini
Anglianico del Vulture D.O.C., Italy
Klinker Brick Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
2019 | $18.99
DESCRIPTION
Steve and Lori Felten, fifth generation grape growers in the Lodi region, continue the tradition of cultivating “Old Vine” Zinfandel vineyards that their ancestors planted in the early 1900’s.
With roots in Germany, Russia and later the Dakotas, the family settled in Lodi, first producing watermelons. Recognizing that the soil and climate were ideal for growing grapes, they began to plant varieties that included Zinfandel, Tokay, Carignane, and Alicante. For over one hundred years, the family has cultivated the land with the aim of producing top quality fruit. Zinfandel was one of the first grape varieties to be planted in the Lodi appellation, although it had also been established in other parts of California.
Grapes were originally packed in boxes for shipment to the East Coast and Canada for the purpose of home winemaking. In the early days of production, nearly all of the zinfandel grapes were shipped except for grapes that were used for making wine at their own home. By the mid 1930’s, grapes were sold primarily to cooperatives and larger, private wineries with a small portion of the production shipped east.
Historically, the vineyards were irrigated by flood or ditch irrigation and the inability to regulate the amount of water applied resulted in larger yields of marginal quality. In the late 1980’s, drip irrigation was introduced, providing the ability to control the amount of water applied to each vine. This resulted in the ability to control the vigor of the vine, healthier fruit and ultimately, lower yields. With the introduction of more sophisticated vineyard practices, including shoot thinning, leaf pulling, color thinning and the removal of a second crop, the ability to produce the grapes of exceptional quality was realized.
Klinker Brick Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Nestled in the heart of Lodi’s most prestigious Mokelumne AVA, sit 750 acres of estate vineyards, many of which have been farmed consistently by the Felten family for six generations. The soils are comprised of deep granite sandy loam, giving wines of this region a distinctive minerality. Situated at the edge of the Sacramento Delta, Pacific breezes gust through the Mokelumne AVA, cooling grapes, and creating a Mediterranean climate ideally suited for growing varietals such as zinfandel, syrah and albarino grapes.
Deeply committed to preserving the family’s ancient vineyards, Steve Felten founded Klinker Brick Winery in 2000 and is succeeded by daughter Farrah in ownership. An extension of the family is head winemaker Joseph Smith. Originally from Belize, Joe fell in love with wine after working crush in California in the early nineties. He has had a hand in the last seven vintages of Klinker Brick, masterfully highlighting subtle terroir nuances and taming the robust fruit flavors indicative of the region with acidity and balance.
Lodi is justifiably lauded for its old vine zinfandels, but it is a production powerhouse when it comes to cabernet sauvignon. Lodi and its surrounding area (San Joaquin County) rank third in the state in acres planted to cabernet sauvignon, behind Napa and Paso Robles/San Luis Obispo County. But in total tons crushed, Lodi is number one by a wide margin, surpassing Napa and Paso combined. In other words, Lodi produces more cabernet sauvignon than anywhere else in the U.S. This more volume-driven approach to viticulture makes possible the value-oriented bottling that so many wine drinkers reach for on an everyday basis.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: A bright nose of mixed berries contrasted with a touch of rhubarb.
PALATE:Full-bodied and generous, with the varietal’s classic profile of dark fruit, oak influence, subtle herbal and green pepper notes and solid structure. The smooth finish lingers with ample acidity for balance and moderate tannins to round out the wine.
PAIRING: Steak, grilled chicken, braised short ribs, meaty pasta dishes and charcuterie.
WINERY WEBSITE:
Klinker Brick Winery
Paso Robles A.V.A., California
Enrico Serafino "Grifo del Quartaro" Gavi de Gavi
2021 | $18.99
DESCRIPTION
The story of the Enrico Serafino winery is the story of Roero, one of Piedmont’s key winegrowing areas. Roero faces the famous Langhe hills across the Tanaro River in the northeast part of Cuneo Province, and together with Monferrato to the East, Roero and Langhe are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for their beauty and their winemaking traditions. Enrico Serafino is the oldest winery in the area, having been established by a gentleman of the same name in Canale d’Alba in 1878. The winery has now been in operation continuously in its original location for 145 years.
In typical Piemontese fashion, founder Enrico Serafino made a wide array of different wines, using grapes grown in areas that even then were known for their high quality, such as Barolo and Gavi. Under modern laws, the wines of a denomination must normally be made inside the specified winegrowing boundaries, but this was long before the first DOC laws were passed in Italy, and it was not unusual for wineries to bring in fruit from any number of neighboring communes. Due to its very long history of making Barolo in Canale, the Enrico Serafino winery is grandfathered as an exception to the requirement to vinify Barolo inside the limits of the Barolo DOCG. Today the winery owns 25 acres of Barolo vineyards in the renowned areas of Serralunga, Monforte d'Alba, and Castiglione Falletto and makes traditional red wines of Barbera d'Alba and Nebbiolo d'Alba.
Less typically, Serafino in 1878 also began making method classico sparkling wines. At that time, sparkling wines as we know them today (wines that were clear of yeast sediment and did not routinely explode) were a relative novelty. The process had really been mastered in Champagne only a couple of decades earlier, and the procedures and technology were just starting to be available outside Champagne. But sparkling Moscato was beginning to be made in Piedmont, and Serafino was a trailblazer for the nascent industry.
Enrico Serafino "Grifo del Quartaro" Gavi de Gavi 2021
Enrico Serafino "Grifo del Quartaro" Gavi di Gavi is a classic example of Piedmont's noble white wine made from the native cortese grape. Gavi DOCG is the most esteemed source of cortese wines and the town of Gavi, at its heart, is recognized as producing the finest expressions of the denomination. Thanks to the sloping hills and exposure, as well as marly, white chalky and clay-rich earth, the area creates wines with clear-cut character, freshness, and minerality, as well as complex structure. The grapes for this wine are sourced from a six-hectare vineyard in Monterotondo di Gavi. The name Grifo del Quartaro refers to an antique coin used by Genovese Lords (from the city of Genoa that is not far from the village of Gavi), who were the vineyard landowners of the Gavi area. This Gavi is made with 100% cortese grapes from 10- 25-year-old vines. The wine is then aged in stainless-steel tanks and then bottles aged for two months.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: This savory white opens with enticing scents of white spring flowers, white almond, botanical herbs, and a whiff of bread dough.
PALATE: Smoothly textured, the tangy palate offers ripe white peach, lemon drop candy and a hint of bitter almond before finishing on a saline mineral note.
PAIRING: Grilled seafood, pasta primavera, grilled chicken breast and basil pesto pasta are perfect options.
FUN FACTS: Wine Enthusiast Magazine- 91 Points
WINERY WEBSITE:
Enrico Serafino
Gavi D.O.C.G., Italy
FEBRUARY 2023 WINES
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FORGE CELLARS DRY
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BODEGAS JUAN GIL
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TENUTE BOSCO PIANO
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TENUTI SAN LEONARDO TERRE DI SAN LEONARDO
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PAUL O'BRIEN OREGON TERRITORY PINOT NOIR
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TIKVES ALEXANDRIA CUVEE
Forge Cellars Dry Riesling Classique
2020 | $19.99
DESCRIPTION
Forge was founded by Rhône vigneron Louis Barruol and his longtime friend and fellow wine professional Richard Rainey. It’s still a relative newcomer, having debuted with the 2011 vintage. But in just over a decade the winery has established an outstanding track record with a dozen distinct Rieslings, most of which are single-vineyard bottlings. Forge’s annual production has grown from a debut of just 400 cases to over 13,000 cases today.
Our Classique bottlings are our most important wines, as they aim to reveal the true nature of each vintage and to explore the terroir of east Seneca Lake. These wines are the foundation of Forge, and each year we aim to craft a wine that consistently speaks of the style of Forge and a pure expression of the vintage. Each of the 16 vineyards that we work with contribute to the blend that make up our Classique wines. These wines showcase the beauty of Seneca Lake: to be able to consolidate the various elements of each site into a perfectly balanced wine. As a blueprint of our work from that particular vintage, this wine is our most important because not only does it always need to clearly translate the terroir, but it also needs to convey the kinetic spirit of Forge Cellars.
Forge Cellars Dry Riesling Classique 2020
The Classique is 100% Riesling that is picked from specific vineyard sites. The choices in the cellar guard the purity of the vineyards. Simply put, they make wine in the traditional, handcrafted manner. They harvest by hand. They sort by hand. They load the grapes into the press by hand. They shovel the vats out by hand. They employ spontaneous fermentation and ferment in very tiny lots, so that they truly understand the expression of the vineyard each year. They use very low levels of sulfur, and ferment their Rieslings bone dry, and do not fine or filter the red wines.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE:Aromas of nectarine, apricot, honey-crisp apple, and pear.
PALATE:
Crisp and vibrant with notes of mandarin orange, cardamom and citrus.
PAIRING:
Dry Rieslings pair well with raw, cured and smoked fish; shellfish, creamy sauces, pork, vegetables and goat cheese.
FUN FACTS: “The final tipping point for the region in achieving world-class wine region status was when a few outside winemakers put down roots in the Finger Lakes. Among them was Louis Barruol from the Rhône Valley’s Château de St.-Cosme, the flagship domaine in Gigondas. Along with his partners, Barruol helped to raise the benchmark for quality in the region with his Forge Cellars. The project debuted with the 2011 vintage, with a few hundred cases of outstanding dry Riesling. Since then, it’s grown to include 16 bottlings totaling 13,000 cases in 2019.”
— James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
10 years of 90+ Scores
BODEGAS JUAN GIL
Red blend | 2019 | $19.99
DESCRIPTION
The origins of the Juan Gil winery date back to 1916, when Juan Gil Jiménez began producing wine in the center of Jumilla, Spain. Later, the third generation of the Juan Gil family decided to consolidate the business and began to craft wines under the brand name Juan Gil in homage to the founder of the company. Today, the fourth generation of the family runs the winery with renewed passion. Using the latest technologies available on the market, the winery works hard to bring to the public a wide array of wines mostly made from Monastrell. Though this great red grape is indigenous to the southeast of Spain, in the English-speaking world it is better known by its French name, Mourvèdre.
Bodegas Juan Gil Red Blend 2019
Juan Gil red blend is a mix of 45% cabernet sauvignon, 45% monastrell and 10% syrah. It is aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels. It hails from Jumilla, Spain which is in the north.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: The bouquet is a mix of bright summer berries and wild cherries.
PALATE: This red blend is smooth and plush on the palate with notes of black and red fruit wrapped in chocolate, clove, nutmeg and espresso.
PAIRING: This wine would pair perfectly with hearty and meaty dishes like hamburgers, pizza, short ribs, veal, pork, lamb, sausage or game.
TENUTE BOSCO PIANO DEI DIANI ETNA BIANCO
white blend | 2019 | $27.99
DESCRIPTION
The Etna DOC is among the oldest in Italy and Tenute Bosco is one of the most iconic wineries of this area. Tenute Bosco was born from Sofia Ponzini’s passion for her land with the goal of creating high quality wines inspired by the Etna tradition. Tenute Bosco is recognized as one of the most representative wineries and award-winning from Etna and has an artisan production of about 45,000 bottles per year. are located in Sicily, in southern Italy in Castiglione di Sicilia in the province of Catania, an area that is part of the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Here the famous Etna DOC wines are produced, true icons of Italian enology, which over the years have enjoyed growing success becoming one of the most appreciated denominations internationally.
Tenute Bosco Piano dei Daini Etna Bianco 2019
Piano dei Daini is a blend of indigenous organically farmed grapes. The blend is 90% carricante and the final 10% is catarratto, grecanico, minella, and inzolia grapes.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: The aromas of the Piano Dei Daini Etna Bianco are a beautiful mix of flowers, botanical herbs and bright citrus notes.
PALATE:
The wine is lean, crisp and elegant. It displays notes of Meyer lemon, yellow apple and salinity. It is mineral-driven, dry, tangy, and pleasantly persistent.
PAIRING:This wine pairs with fish, shellfish, poultry, vegetables and salads.
Tenuti San Leonardo Terre di San Leonardo
Red blend | 2016 | $18.99
DESCRIPTION
Tenuti San Leonardo’s history dates back 1500 years, with the return of prisoners from Trentino, who erected a chapel in honor of the patron saint of prisoners, Saint Leonard. Today, the ancient monastery hospice, which once gave shelter to the destitute, is now the cellar where the wines mature in barrels. Present owners the Guerrieri Gonzaga family have taken advantage of the terroir to create Bordeaux-inspired blended wines, under the guidance of master winemaker Carlo Ferrini and consultant winemaker Giacomo Tachis, considered to be a genuine maestro of Italian winemaking through his creation of some of Tuscany’s most influential wines since the 1970s. This talented pair ensures calculated aging 6 months in large format Slavonian oak, then 24 months in small French oak barrels and expert blending of each varietal, followed by a year of bottle aging. The results are consistently spectacular.
Tenuti San Leonardo Terre di San Leonardo 2016
San Leonardo is a blend of 50% cabernet sauvignon, 40% merlot and 10% carmenere. It is a product of spontaneous fermentation lasting between 15-18 days followed by maturation in concrete vats and French oak.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: The aromas are delicate and soft with hints of wild rose, berries, cassis, and mulling spices.
PALATE: Terre offers bright intensity and lots of dark fruit with easy spice, fresh blackberry and subtle mineral tones.
PAIRING:
This wine pairs beautifully with beef, lamb, veal and grilled meats.
PAUL O’BRIEN OREGON TERRITORY
pinot noir | 2017 | $19.99
DESCRIPTION
Oregon Territory was created by two winemakers who share a passion for fine wine, great food and a gracious life. Dyson Paul DeMara and Scott O’Brien Kelley met while working at Robert Mondavi Winery in the Napa Valley nearly 20 years ago. Since then they have traveled the world’s wine regions learning the old world traditions and sharing new world techniques. In 2013 the duo came together to start Paul O'Brien Winery, the Umpqua Valley’s first urban winery in the historic Hansen Chevrolet building in downtown Roseburg, Oregon. The duo chose their middle names to brand the winery as it speaks to their friendship and partnership. Oregon Territory captures the rich spirit and powerful nature that makes Oregon so special.
Oregon Territory was created out of the desire to share the pioneering spirit of Oregon Pinot Noir. A variety the experts said could not possibly ripen in Oregon, yet 50 years later the world now understands Oregon’s importance.
While the Willamette Valley and Pinot Noir are like a fairy tale match made in heaven, most of Oregon is in fact, a glorious source of Pinot noir. Claiming over half of its total area under vine, pinot noir also thrives in Southern Oregon’s Umpqua and Rogue Valleys where sedimentary and volcanic soils dominate hillside vineyards and cool temperatures create the perfect environment for Pinot noir. Also, Oregon’s Columbia Gorge is becoming increasingly popular for Pinot noir production. What sets Oregon pinot noir apart from the pinot of other regions, both New and Old World, is its innate combination of grace with both power and restraint.
Paul O’Brien Oregon Territory Pinot Noir 2017
Oregon Territory is 100% Pinot Noir. It is hand-harvested and the grapes undergo vinification in open top concrete fermenters with 22% whole cluster. Then the wine ages 12 months in oak, with 25% in New French oak barrels.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Bright notes of cherry and red currant.
PALATE: Silky and elegant, fine tannins with mouthwatering acidity. Black cherry, crushed raspberries, and light notes of vanilla. Easy to drink and perfect by the glass.
PAIRING: Pair with mushroom risotto, bacon wrapped scallops over parsnip puree.
Tikves Alexandria Cuvee
Red blend | 2019 | $18.99
DESCRIPTION
Tikveš Winery was founded in 1885 in a region with centuries-old winemaking tradition, blessed with perfect natural conditions, warm and passionate people and a lively, authentic culture. We have always had a penchant to go beyond expectations, embrace innovation and conquer new markets. Over the years we acquired more prime land than any other winery in South Eastern Europe. We own the latest technology and employ some of the brightest and most experienced talent in the business, to ensure that the superior quality of our products is maintained at all times.
Our portfolio of fine wines stretches across several categories to fit every occasion, winning numerous highly-acclaimed international awards, year after year. Our mission is to create an opportunity for all wine lovers anywhere in the world, to be able to enrich any social occasion with the inimitable experience of Tikveš wines and share our passion for life.
Tikves Alexandria Cuvee 2019
The wine is a blend of 70% vranac, 20% merlot and 10% cabernet sauvignon. The average age of the vines is between 15-25 years. It is a dry red wine with intense ruby red color with a full-body and soft tannins.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE:It exhibits complex aromas of red and black fruits –cherries, plums, raspberries, and black currant, with notes of dried tobacco, smoke, black pepper and cinnamon.
PALATE: Alexandria Cuvee displays notes of blackcurrant, black plum, cedar and toast. It is round on the palate and has a long and spicy finish.
PAIRING: This blend will pair well with all Macedonian food, red meat, game, barbeque, and smoked meat.
CONTACT HOLIDAY MARKET WINE DEPARTMENT