Maubet Cotes De Gascogne Blanc
$24.99
The Fontan family has an amazing history. The story began over a century ago, and is the tale of four generations of Gascons, driven by a passion for their land, vines, wines and Armagnacs. In the 2000s, Sylvain and Nadège Fontan, brother and sister, took over the reins of the vineyard. They continued to develop the winery. As a winemaker and cellar master, Sylvain enhances the estate’s grapes, making a range of characterful Armagnacs and Côtes de Gascogne wines. The Maubet is a blend of gros manseng, ugni blanc, colombard, and sauvignon blanc, a crisp white wine with a refreshing citrus- and stone-fruit core and a touch of minerality. This is a crisp and fresh white wine that is ready to be enjoyed on the deck or patio!
Tenuta Stella Bianco Collio
$43.99
Founded in 2009 by Sergio Stevanato, Tenuta Stella was born from a deep passion for preserving and celebrating Friuli’s indigenous varieties. Situated in Scriò, Dolegna del Collio, the estate’s vineyards climb steep, terraced slopes overlooking breathtaking landscapes. The name “Stella” (Italian for star) reflects both the beauty of its hilltop position and a commitment to excellence that shines through in every bottle. From the beginning, the winery has embraced organic farming and a philosophy rooted in respect for the land. Certified organic since 2016, Tenuta Stella relies on manual vineyard work, solar energy, lightweight bottles, and vegan-friendly winemaking. This commitment ensures that the winery not only produces exceptional wines but also protects the ecosystem and heritage of Collio for future generations.
Carlone Davide Croatina Novaresi
$42.99
Davide Carlone is a small but important winegrower in Piedmont. Based in Boca, a small appellation in Alto Piemonte, at the foothills of the Italian Alps, Davide’s focus is on Nebbiolo and the local supporting cast, Croatina (for which he may be the strongest advocate), and Vespolina. Boca sits on the east side (left bank) of the Sesia River and is shared between the communes Grignasco, Boca, and Prato Sesia. Most of the vineyards are tucked further back into the mountains away from the Sesia and experience a slightly cooler influence from the Alps. While many of the important local appellations mostly sit between 250-350 meters of altitude, with some up to 400, most of Carlone’s vineyards face south and range between 380-450 meters. Like many vineyards in the area, outside of important appellations like Gattinara and Ghemme, his vineyards are largely surrounded by forest and in constant contact with fresh alpine winds, making for wines with great tension and strong array of more savoury characteristics rather than punchy fruit.
Podere Forte Petruccino 2022
$99.99
This bold red is made from 100% estate-grown Sangiovese, grown at 430 meters in the Val d'Orcia, Tuscany.
The Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, encircles the Podere Forte. The estate was founded in 1997 by Pasquale Forte, a visionary entrepreneur who has created a balanced system where every element complements the others, following the principles of organic and biodynamic agriculture. The old concept of the corte romana has been recreated on the 500-ha estate: a place where people, plants and animals coexist in harmony and sustainable self-sufficiency. Wine is the main focus, but Podere Forte is also synonymous with the breeding of Cinta Senese pigs, Chianina cattle and Suffolk sheep, as well as various other farm animals, all living on biodynamic feed. Podere Forte produces its own fertilizers and compost using vine prunings and fallen timber from the woods. The pigs eat acorns and chestnuts in the woods where they roam freely, the bees pollinate the flowers and aromatic herbs in the botanic garden where the hives are. The olive groves cover around 26 hectares and in 2020 production of the first varietal oil, from the Frantoio variety, started.
Tenuta Stella Friulano Collio
$52.99
Founded in 2009 by Sergio Stevanato, Tenuta Stella was born from a deep passion for preserving and celebrating Friuli’s indigenous varieties. Situated in Scriò, Dolegna del Collio, the estate’s vineyards climb steep, terraced slopes overlooking breathtaking landscapes. The name “Stella” (Italian for star) reflects both the beauty of its hilltop position and a commitment to excellence that shines through in every bottle. From the beginning, the winery has embraced organic farming and a philosophy rooted in respect for the land. Certified organic since 2016, Tenuta Stella relies on manual vineyard work, solar energy, lightweight bottles, and vegan-friendly winemaking. This commitment ensures that the winery not only produces exceptional wines but also protects the ecosystem and heritage of Collio for future generations.
Canals Nadal Cava Brut Nature Reserva
$36.99
Joan Miquel Canals is a winemaker who began his education at the University of Barcelona before receiving a PhD in 1997 from the Rovira i Virgili University, where he is a full professor at the Faculty of Oenology. He is a member and former president of the College of Oenologists and Oenologists of Catalonia, and an expert in the quality factors that influence the sensory perception of wines, particularly sparkling wines. Since 1983, he has produced base wines from the traditional varieties for cava in the Alt Penedès region.
He has been the winemaker for his family's cavas from the beginning, where he has developed the current product line in the framework of a philosophy of constant improvement with respect for nature and trying to minimize the human footprint in his wines. The Brut Nature is a blend of 45% Macabeu, 40% Xarel·lo, and 15% Parellada. It's a clear, brilliant pale gold colour with aromas of ripe fruits (baked apple, quince, peach syrup, backed by fine pastry and vanilla notes. Flavours of ripe green and stone fruits (apple and peach), and hazelnut follow; it's voluminous with good balance. There's a creamy mousse along with a fine, persistent finish.
Aubuisieres Le Petit Clos
$34.99
Formerly known as Domaine Bernard Fouquet, until Bernard retired in 2021, handing the reins to Charles Lesaffre. Charles is the grandson of Gérald Bruley des Varannes, the man from whom Bernard's father André acquired his first vineyards, thereby bringing the story of the Domaine full circle. An avid practitioner of viticulture and oenology, Charles joined Bernard as an associate in 2019. Two years into his tenure, Charles has emphasized organic and biodynamic practices. Charles has continued, as Bernard before him, to capture the unique Vouvray mineral tones, along with the wonderfully balanced expression of fruit of the Chenin Blanc grape, in his wines.
The grapes come from a tiny parcel in the Loire Valley called Petit Clos, which boasts four-decade-old (and more) vines of Chenin Blanc. The clay-limestone soils help produce a dry, rich and powerful white. Best served with goat cheese, chicken salad or rich fish like salmon or sea bream.
Coca i Fito Jaspi Blanc
$32.99
Montsant (where the Coca i Fito brothers winery is situated), is a remarkably beautiful region with steep mountains that rise more than 3,300 feet above sea level. The climate is harsh: hot summers and bitter winters.The vines are planted directly on the steep hillsides, on what are called "costers" or terraces. This red wine from DO Montsant is crafted from carefully selected grapes of old vines, primarily grown on clay-limestone soils. The Jaspi Blanc is made of 70% White Grenache (40 to 70-year-old vines) 30% Macabeu (40 to 70-year-old vines) represents great value! There's a touch of ageing “sur lies” (yeasts) which adds flavour and creaminess. White floral aromas meet white fruit and hints of pepper and herbs on the palate.
Enjoy on its own, or with white meats, grilled fish, pasta and seafood or a Friday night movie cheese platter.
St Antony Pettenthal Riesling GG
$66.99
St. Antony is a top-shelf riesling producer making high-quality wine since 1912. The ultra-modern winery they built sits on top of cellars that hold decades of premium riesling, a white grape that ages as well, if not better, than any first-growth Bordeaux or Burgundy (and for a lot less).
These are dry wines, brimming with minerality and acidity, and three of the four we received are GG (Grosses Gewächs), the grand cru designation for dry German riesling. They are situated in the town of Nierstein, a charming village that is effectively the epicentre of wine in the Rheinhessen. Praised by critics and adored by riesling lovers, these are beautiful, mineral-driven wines that are delicious now and even better over time. All of their wines are certified biodynamic as well.