Autumn is finally here and showing off its beautiful colors. We love this time of year with its brisk mornings, sidewalks adorned with leaves, and the smell of rain over dry pavement. This time of year has us feeling many things: celebratory, reflective and slightly chilly. As such, we have assembled the following sipper pack that embodies these sentiments and pairs well with the richer dishes that we are beginning to crave.
Our 6 pack includes:
NV Finca Nadal Corpinnat Brut Reserva - Catalonia, Spain
Impressions: Don't call it a Cava! Catalonian sparklers labelled "Corpinnat" adhere to stricter standards, organic practices and longer cellar aging to create higher quality bubbles. Gorgeous notes of quince, toasted almonds and brioche entice from the glass. An elegant mousse slowly descends towards a crisp, dry and savory finish.
2023 Waldschutz 'Handwerk' Gruner Veltliner - Kamptal, Austria
Impressions: Yes, there is still room for crisp, refreshing whites this season, better yet there is a liter's worth here. Notes of lime zest, white flowers and almond blossoms fill the glass. The palate is lean and racy with a juicy texture that descends towards a dry, citrusy finish.
2022 Olivier Pithon 'Mon P'tit Pithon Blanc - Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Impressions: The Côtes Catalanes is an underrated region, proven by the complexity shown with this cuvée. Aromas of honeydew melon, lemon curd, gardenias, and chamomile gently evolve from the glass. The palate is mineral driven with great acid/concentration tension before swaying towards a dry, savory finish.
2022 Championship Bottle 'Lusty Little Crushes' Red - Oregon, United States
Impressions: A lighthearted and playful take on the Willamette Valley, this co-fermented blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris is highly aromatic with notes of red cherries, dried rose petals, and baking spices leading the way. The palate is bright with a silky feel that descends towards a slight tannic touch. For fans of Beaujolais, this one is dangerously quaffable.
2022 Cantina Del Pino 'Bricco Gallinetta' Barbera d'Asti - Piemonte, Italy
Impressions: Sourced from a prized Barbera site, this is highly perfumed wine that opens with notes of black cherries, mission figs, iron, wet leaves and black peppercorns. The palate is juicy, with a stony minerality and a balanced acidity with low tannins. Enjoyable on its own, but plays well with braised beef, and tomato based pasta dishes.
2021 Mas De Gourgonnier Les Baux De Provence - Provence, France
Impressions: In a region justifiably renowned for its rosé wines, it is too often assumed that the reds shine less brightly. Aromatically familiar Provençal herbs and garrigue lead the way with background notes of cherry compote, red plums, and iron. A bright acidity, sways a juicy, mineral-dense texture towards a velvety tannic touch. Its spicy and herbal finish make for an ideal partner for your favorite red beats, barbecue and root vegetables.