Visit with Helene English, our featured artist for March. We will be tasting wines from France and Italy.
Opening Reception & Wine Tasting for Helene English
March 7, 2025 · by ·
March Featured Wines – 2023 La Giustiniana Gavi di Gavi & 2022 Masserie Dugento Negroamaro, Italy
March 7, 2025 · by ·
Our sales rep for one of our distributors told me about a new Italian producer they have added to their inventory. Michelle always has her eye out for wine club options that fit our price profile. It is getting harder and harder but she keeps finding new wines. These are Italian wines from Puglia, the southern region that forms the boot and Piedmont in the north western corner at the top of the boot.
The new winemaker is Masserie Dugento who produces the red. I had some luck finding information about the winemaker but no specific tasting notes on their wines. The leadership team is Giordano Emo Capodilista, Francesco Marra and Andrea Boaretti, a Venetian oenologist who shares a similar passion for the Salento region of Puglia. Thier names certainly convince you they mean serious business. They make two reds, a Negroamara and a Primitivo. Our selection is Masserie Dugento Salento Rosso Negroamara. Negroamara grapes grow well in the region which is mostly the only region where they are grown. Negroamara wine is bold and full-bodied with flavors of dark fruit, herbs, and spices. We shall see if this is correct once we get a taste!
The white is La Giusitiani Gavi di Gavi from the Piedmont region. The winemaker is one of the oldest in the region. Gavi di Gavi wines are made from Cortese grapes and are named for the town which is in the center of the region. These grapes are only grown in a restricted area surrounding Cortese. You will find this a versatile,dry white wine.
2023 La Giustiniana Gavi di Gavi, Piedmont, Italy $18
This wine is made from Cortese grapes. It has aromas of green apple and lime peel. It has pronounced acidity and notes of toasted almonds This dry white is a versatile accompaniment for many meals. It shines with fish and light pastas, or sipped as an aperitif. Alcohol: 13%
2022 Masserie Dugento Negroamaro, Pulgia, Italy $14
There are no tasitng notes on this specific wine. Negroamara wines are bold with tastes of dark fruits and dried thyme, allspice, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried herbs. Consider letting the wine breathe before pairing with foods like barbecue chicken and pulled pork. Alcohol: 13.5%
November Featured Wines – 2022 Darting, Riesling Durkheimer Nonnengarten Kabinett, Germany & 2022 Chateau de Campuget, Costieres de Nimes Traditional Red, France
November 1, 2024 · by ·
Everyone has their own Thanksgiving dinner traditions but turkey is primarliy the star of the show. What makes wine selection difficult are things like how the turkey is cooked and go withs like sauerkraut. Most menus have lots of starches so contrasting flavors often work against each other. Typical wine recommendations are Riesling, Chardonnay (unoaked), Pinot Noir and Gamay. These options offer lighter body options for both white and red wine.
Our selections are a Kabinett Riesling and a Syrah and Grenache Rhone blend. 2022 Darting Riesling Durkheimer Nonnengarten Kabinett is an off-dry. Kabbinett Rieslings are the most dry. They are also the lightest but still aromatic. At 10% it is a low alcohol wine. It is in a liter bottle so you have more to share!
2022 Chateau de Campuget, Costieres de Nimes Traditional Rouge is the red selection. This wine takes us slightly away from traditional Thanksgiving red wine.
Syrah gives this wine body and Grenache adds softness and fruit. The beauty is this wine is very pleasing when young. It does age well but enjoying it now will give you a fresh red. It is suggested to serve slightly chilled, not refrigerated. Just put by the back door for Mother Nature to chill to 60 degrees.
2022 Darting, Riesling Durkheimer Nonnengarten Kabinett, Germany $19
This Kabinett Riesling has a beautiful freshness featuring herbal notes that overlay the yellow apple and ripe peach flavors. Straightforward but the overall effect is sold and firm. Alcohol: 10%
2022 Chateau de Campuget, Costieres de Nimes Traditional Red, France $13
This traditional red is a blend of 70% Syrah & 30% Grenache. On the nose is ripe fruit. On the palate it is round with smooth tannins. Very pleasant as a young wine but ages well. Alcohol: 13%
October Featured Wines – 2023 Backsberg Gravel Road Chenin Blanc & 2020 Backsberg Blueberry Row Pinotage, South Africa
October 10, 2024 · by ·
This month’s wines are from South Africa. Backsberg Wines have a long history in South Africa starting with the immigration of Charles Back from Lithuania in 1902. Charles settled in Paarl in the Western Cape Province. (This area is now called the Western Cape Winelands, a coastal wine region.) Charles began as a butcher then became a farmer and wine grower when his son Sydney joined him in the family business. From then until now five generations of the Back family have grown their wine business making modern accomodations to produce sustainable wines and becoming carbon neutral.
2023 Backsberg Gravel Road Chenin Blanc $15
This Chenin Blanc has juicy peach, floral and mango aromas. It has hints of honey sweetness and a slightly fuller body that is versatile and goes well with creamy or spicy dishes. Nice on its own. Alcohol: 13%
2020 Backsberg Blueberry Row Pinotage $18
This is a juciy yet gentle Pinotage. It showcases notes of mocha, cinnamon and wild blueberries reflecting its origin. This fruity style wine makes it lovely on its own as well served with hearty food. Alcohol: 14%
September Featured Wines – 2022 Nisia Verdejo Old Vines, Rueda, Spain & 2021 Kid Sister Cabernet Sauvignon, Navarra, Spain
September 1, 2024 · by ·
With meteorological autumn starting today, September 1, fall is here. Summer weather does not leave for some time but the idea of fall makes me think about seasonal changes in our wine selection. This month we have selected wines from 2 different wine regions in Spain – Navarra and Rueda. We have had wines from both regions but different grapes from different producers.
2022 Nisha Verdejo Old Vines is produced by Bodegas Vatan for Jorge Ordonez Selections in the Rueda region. Rueda is in the Castile y Leon region in north central Spain. Rueda is Spain’s most famous white wine region. Winters are long and cold while summers are hot and dry. The soil in this region is resistent to Phylloxera which destroyed vineyards in France over 100 years ago. Many of the artisan wines, such as those imported by Jorge Ordonez Selections, continue to be grown as they were traditionally a centutry ago. Ordonez was one of the first importers to introduce Spanish wines to the United States.
2021 Kid Sister Cabernet Savignon is produced by Bodegas Nekeas in Navarra in the north of Spain. This region has an ancient history but is still little known. We have had Tempranillo and Garnacha from Navarra but Cabernet Sauvignon is also widely produced. This wine is also imported by Jorge Ordonez Selections.
2022 Nisia Verdejo Old Vines, Rueda, Spain $16
Nisia Verdejo has a bouquet of Bosc pear, nectarine and brined green olives paves the wayfor peach, honeydew melon, fennel bulb and vanilla bean flavors. There are notes of white chocolate and lemon zest that offer a vibrant finish. Alcohol: 14%
2021 Kid Sister Cabernet Sauvignon, Navarra, Spain $12
Expect this Cabernet Sauvignon to have fruit-forward profile with flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and perhaps a hint of green pepper. The wine should have a medium body, smooth tannins, and a clean finish, making it approachable and enjoyable.Alcohol: 14%
August Featured Wines – Zeni Soave Doc Classico Vigne Alte & Bricco al Sole Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, Italy
August 17, 2024 · by ·
When selecting wines to featured for our wine club, I look back to see where the wine club has “traveled” and what wines have sold after being introduced. Italian and French wines seem to be more frequently purchased. Most recently Castellani Chianti and Vermintino have been good sellers. This made me think about wines that are characteristic of the 20 regions in Italy. I have chosen a Soave from Veneto in north-east Italy bordering the Adriactic Sea and a Montepulciano D’Abruzzo from Abruzzo in east-central Italy.
2023 Zeni Soave Doc Classico Vigne Alte, Italy $15
This Soave reveals beautiful notes of elderberry , chamomile , green apple ,pear , small plums , chalk , lemon and white peach . The palate is elegant, fresh and delicious at the same time with a finish of beautiful bitterness. Enjoy with fish, risottos and caesar salad. Alcohol: 12.3%
2022 Bricco al Sole Montepulciano D’Abruzzo ,Italy $12
This Montepulciano’Abruzzo has an Intense aroma of dry fruits and flowers. Dry and savory with soft tannins & notes of dark cherry and red berry fruit. Pair with roasted and braised red meats, with poultry and savory dishes. Certified Organic. Alcohol: 13%
July Featured Wines – Comtesse Marion Viognier & Comtesse Marion Pinot Noir, Pays d’Oc, France
July 1, 2024 · by ·
Our July selection is from Comtesse Marion whose vineyards are outside of Vias near the Mediterranean coast. Their wines carry the Pays d’Oc designation since they meet specific production standards that are authorized for the Languedoc-Roussillon region. The Vic family is a five generation wine producer that uses sustainable methods without herbicides or pesticides.
2023 Comtesse Marion Viognier is 100% Viognier grapes. When deciding between Comtesse Marion Viognier or Sauvignon Blanc, Michelle Coleman, my sales rep, said the Viognier would be a great “go to” summer white. She called it “juicy.” The 2022 Comtesse Pinot Noir is our red selection which is grown on 30 plus year old vines in the rocky, volcanic soils of the region. It is 100% Pinot Noir grapes. I selected the Pinot Noir over other Comtesse Marion reds since French Pinots are a pleasing diversion from more costly US Pinots.
2023 Comtesse Marion Viognier $14
This viognier is bursting with flavors of white peach, pear, and melon. There are hints of lemon zest and blood orange that add wonderful complexity and juiciness to this succulent white, which finishes with a silky texture. Serve with mild, creamy curries, mild spicy pad thai, chicken, pork, and creamy cheeses (as well as some hard cheeses like Gruyère).Alcohol: 13.0%
2022 Comtesse Marion Pinot Noir $15
This gorgeously balanced Pinot Noir shows sublime flavors of fresh wild strawberry, blood orange, and redcherries. It is layered and juicy, with a silky texture that keeps you coming back for more. The importer calls this wine “ethereal and layered, with the texture of pure silk.” This fruit-forward wine is a nice, lower alcohol summer red. Alcohol: 12.5%
June Featured Wines – 2021 Skyfall Chardonnay & 2020 Skyfall Cabernet SAuvignon, Washington State
June 7, 2024 · by ·
June’s wines take us to the Northwest wine world of Washington State. The wines are produced by Skyfall Wines. Their website starts with this statement: The vineyards of Washington State suffer scorching sunlight, sparse rains & shallow soils. Yet from this harshest of environments comes fruit of unyielding character. Come as they are, our old enemies are worth the struggle. This gives a very clear idea of the challenges winemaker, Nicole Walsh,
faces in the Columbia Valley.
Walsh is a star female winemaker and is a respected leader in the Women Owned Winery Movement. She spent 20 years as a winemaker at Bonny Doon before moving to Washington State. Skyfall’s website tells a great story about Walsh’s commitment to the natural environment. Each wine label is a tribute to Mother Nature. Much has been accomplished since Skyfall was founded 10 years ago.
Our white selection is 2021 Skyfall Chardonnay. The red is 2020 Skyfall Cabernet Sauvignon. The Chardonnay is 100% Chardonnay grapes. The Cabernet Sauvignon is 85% Cabernet and 15% Syrah grapes. Both wines are classic for pairings. My choice for the Chardonnay would be grilled salmon. For the Cabernet I would opt for grilled lamb – if I could eat red meat!
2021 Skyfall Chardonnay $10
This Chardonnay brings toasted hazelnuts and Asian pear to the nose. It is rich and creamy on the palate with apple, toasted almond and lingering notes of Meyer lemon and crème brûlée. This a beautifully crafted wine that is well-balanced. It is rich and creamy with notable oak. Alcohol: 13.8%
2020 Skyfall Cabernet Sauvignon $11
The aromas bring direct appeal, with notes of plum, butter and dried herbs, showing some reduction as well. Plump raspberry and cherry flavors follow, with the tannins giving a squeeze.The palate is filled with flavors of dark fruit, cassis, and a touch of cedar, with structured tannins. Alcohol: 14.2%
May Featured Wines – Castellani Vermentino & Castellani Chianti Classico Reserva, Italy
May 7, 2024 · by ·
We are back to Italian wines in May. The Castellani Family has a history of winemaking for over 150 years. They continue to perfect the varietals that flourish in Tuscany. The Castellani Vermentino vineyards are close to the Mediterrean Coast where the grape is perfectly acclimated to the sea breezes and sunlight. 2022 Castellani Vermentino is our selection. There are few white grapes that do well in this part of Tuscany. The red is 2017 Castellani Chianti Classico Reserva from the Chianti region of inland Tuscany. To be considered a Chianti, wines produced in this region have to meet certain conditions which are mandated by law. All Chiantis must have at least 70% Sangiovese. To be a Chianti Classico the wine must have 80% Sangiovese. Reserva means it has been aged for 24 months.
2022 Castellani Vermentino, Tuscany, Italy $16
In color this wine is straw yellow with light golden hues. The bouquet is complex with floral notes, white flowers, with stone and Mediterranean spices, sage, rosemary and mint. It is a full bodied and well-balanced wine. An easy white to pair with seafood and poultry. Alcohol: 12.5%
2017 Castellani Chianti Classico Reserva, Italy $16
This is a clear, medium ruby wine. There are notes of tart red cherry, raspberry, and red currant along with savory dried thyme, and earth. There are also notes of baking spices, and perhaps some cedar.This is a good wine with medium complexity of aromas and flavors.Of course, perfect of Italian food. Alcohol: 13%
March Featured Wines -2021 Blazon Chardonnay & 2021 Brazon Merlot, Lodi, California
February 29, 2024 · by ·
The March Oak Ridge Winery selections come from the multigenerational Maggio family of winemakers. The family tradition continues at Oak Ridge with a twist. Its operation is overseen by three great grandaughters of the partiarch, Angelo. Their Maggio label has been a wine club selection with Maggio Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. We also offered Maggio Estates Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon at a great price as a holiday duo. (We still have some of these special bottles on hand.)
This month’s wines are under the Blazon label. What makes Blazon wines different from some of the other Oak Ridge Winery labels is the relationship of wine and oak. Both wines 2021 Blazon Chardonnay and 2021 Blazon Merlot are aged 10 months in oak, the Chardonnay primarly in French Oak and the Merlot in Hungarian Oak. Both of these wines will offer a chance to better understand how oak affects fermentation and taste values. Once again, for those who “think” they do not like Merlot, the Blazon may change your mind.
2021 Blazon Chardonnay, Lodi, California $11
This Chardonnay has a rich, creamy texture and medium-bodied; tropical notes with aromas of pineapple, mango and ripe peach. Toasted coconut with a slight hint of vanilla contribute to a lingering finish. It is 95% Chardonnay topped with 5% Pinot Grigio. A nice well-balanced and full bodied wine. Alcohol: 14.5%
2021 Brazon Merlot, Lodi, California $11
One review calls this a “fantastic wine! Easy to drink, soft tannins, fresh fruit flavors of raspberry and strawberry. Really enjoyed this!” This is a perfect way to get past Merlot’s reputation This is in fact 84% Merlot, 10% Petite Sirah 6% Petit Verdot so there is a nice soft mouth and light tannins. Alcohol: 14%
