Here is your essential companion to warm-weather sipping or late night contemplation, depending on what the dog days of summer throws your way. Refreshment comes in various forms so we've included a Lambrusco-like fizzy, a chillable red, and an easy drinking orange to match your mood.
Our 6 pack includes:
2024 Salvatore Martusciello 'Otto Uve' Gragnano - Campania, Italy Impressions: The name OTTOUVE is a tribute to the many indigenous grape varieties that historically and partly still contribute to the production of Gragnano: piedirosso, aglianico, sciascinoso, suppezza, castagnara, olivella, sauca, surbegna. This unique red sparkling wine easily rivals the best of Lambruscos and opens with notes of raspberries, and black cherries, complemented by hints of violet, rose, and a touch of pepper. A refreshing fizz greets the paate before frothing its way towards a crisp, bone dry, fruity and floral finish. Try it with your favorite charcuterie.
2024 Domaine Font Mars, Picpoul de Pinet - Languedoc-Roussillon, France Impressions: Picpoul is for summertime drinking and offers a crisp and refreshing experience with its bright, lemony-fresh aromatics and lively palate. You'll find notes of lemon zest, dried pineapple, and a hint of white rose on the nose as well. The palate is zesty with a pleasant minerality, and a sea salt-laced finish. This wine pairs wonderfully with seafood and shellfish, but is equally enjoyable on its own as an aperitif.
2021 Olivier Morin, Bourgogne Aligoté - Burgundy, France Impressions: Olivier Morin's vineyards are in the northern Burgudny village of Chitry, known for its Kimmeridgian limestone soils similar to Chablis. Sourced from 50+ year old vines, this one impresses with its clean, mineral-driven profile and aromas of citrus, green apple, and a touch of saline. Crisp and refreshing with a touch of flintiness on the finish, this is a rare Burgundian value we look forward to every year.
2022 Altolandon, 'Mil Historias' Blanco - Castilla/La Mancha, Spain
Impressions: Altolandon is known for its organic and biodynamic approach to winemaking in the small village of Manchuela. This is a harmonious blend of Grenache Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Muscat fermented on the skins in amphora for 30 days resulting in a unique, light orange wine. On the nose, it offers enticing aromas of dried apricot, honey, almond, citrus, and wildflowers. The palate is medium to full-bodied with bright acidity, echoing the dried fruit and honey notes on the finish with a hint of savory herbs, and a subtle smoky complexity.
NV Art + Science, 'Radical' Red Table Wine - Willamette Valley, United States Impressions: We've always been huge fans of Art + Science's minimal intervention winemaking and committment to the use of foraged, organic, or biodynamic fruit for their cider and wine projects. This Radical Red, a blend of Pinot Noir and Zweigelt, embodies their philosophy, showcasing notes of deep cherry, tart raspberry, and cracked black pepper with an earthy undertone. Its light, and juicy profile is best enjoyd with a chill.
2020 Castello della Paneretta, Chianti Classico Riserva - Tuscany, Italy Impressions: Adhering to higher quality standards and longer barrel aging in the cellars, it's a rare treat to be able to include a Riserva wine of this caliber in this pack. From the start, it boasts aromas of red plums, wild currants, herbs, and violets. Its medium-bodied concentration, fine tannins and refined texture are the product of longer time in barrel. The palate is vivavicious with a juiciness that persists though its bright, earthy and slightly herbal finish. Drinking beautifully now, but has excellent aging potential if you so desire