January Featured Wines – 2024 Becker Gruner Veltliner & 2023 Berger Zweigelt, Austria

December 30, 2025 · by ·

We start 2026 with wines from Austria. It has been quite awhile since we have sourced wines from this region. The only other featured Austrian wines – again a Zweigelt and Gruner Veltliner from Bihof Pratsch – were featured in May 2012. There may not be a memory of these wines other than being in liter bottles! The wines from Berger are also in liter bottles. You get an extra glass!

The winemaker, Erich Berger, is called “a humble grower” in Kremstal, located in the village of Gedersdorf. This is near the Danube. The majority of the vineyards that Berger farms are devoted to Grüner Veltliner, the principle white variety of grape grown in the Danube river valley. Erich has become an ambassador for sustainable agriculture, becoming a member of Fair’n Green, a sustainable organization with members in France, Germany and Austria.

The white selection is 2024 Berger Gruner Veltliner. 60% of the region’s grapes are Gruner Veltliner. This one is offering spicy, citrusy, and white pepper notes, with a full body and excellent food-pairing versatility. A nice option to Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. The red is 2023 Berger Zweigelt made from Austria’s most widely planted red grape. This is also a food friendly red with light tannins often compared to Pinot Noir and Gamay but with more character offered by a balance of fruitiness acidity and spice.

2024 Berger Gruner Veltliner, Austria $17

Dry, zingy, crisp and clean with pure, frisky green fruit flavors of lime, melon and pear, this is a terrific alternative for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio lovers. Sealed with a screwcap in the handy liter bottle, this pairs well with white fish, chicken and veggies, especially asparagus, string beans, artichokes and brussel sprouts, or veggie pâté, hummus, cheese & spring onion crackers. Alcohol: 12.5%

2023 Berger Zweigelt, Austria $17

This variety yields purplish-reddish colored wines with strong tannins. Fully ripe grapes produce full-bodied wines with aromas of morello cherry and good longevity. Juicy and bright, Berger’s Zweigelt is loaded with crunchy red fruit, tart cherry, and cranberry. Excellent as is or served a touch cooler than cellar temperature. This is another great food wine for everything but a beefy roast or steak. Alcohol: 12.5%

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November Featured Wines – Bodegas Muga Rioja Blanco & Bodegas Muga El Anden de la Estacion Crianza, Rioja, Spain

October 31, 2025 · by ·

Our wines featured in November are again from Spain. This time they are from Bodegas Muga in Hara, Rioja, the region in North Central Spain. The Bodegas was founded in 1932 by husband and wife team – Isaac Muga and Aurora Caño. The Muga Family is synonymous with tradition and the skill of an artisan. Three generations have now contributed to the history of this Rioja cellar.

Bodegas Muga is the only winery left in Spain that uses only oak throughout the entire process of elaboration of their wines. Muga has its own cooperage and directly importing American and French oak makes this possible. The winery manufactures about 2,000 barrels each year. The wine is racked every four months by gravity and the use of candle to detect sediment. Fining is done by egg whites. The process takes over two months as the raft of egg whites sink to the bottom of the vat. This is a very expensive technique, but it succeeds in giving Muga reds a distinctive velvety texture. The vineyards are nestled in the foot hills of the Montes Obarenes in the heart of Rioja Alta. The winery owns approximately 620 acres of Garnacha, Tempranillo, Viura, and Malvasia vineyards, and it controls an additional 370 acres from other growers.

The selected wines are 2024 Bodegas Muga Rioja Blanco & 2022 Bodegas Muga El Anden de la Estacion Crianza.

2024 Bodegas Muga Rioja Blanco $19

The 2024 vintage Muga Blanco is a blend of Viura, Malvasia, Garnacha Blanca. It has a pale, straw-yellow color. On the nose you can find notes of white blossom, stone fruit and a slight hint of vanilla which adds complexity. On the palate, the lively acidity is perfectly balanced by the body. You can taste citrus notes accompanied by a subtle salinity which gives it greater length. The aftertaste is long, with reminders of citrus and stone fruit, leaving a fresh, elegant sensation. This white is a perfect match for grilled fish, shellfish and rice dishes, among others. Ideal for enjoying by the glass, as an aperitif or together with a small snack on a terrace. Alcohol: 13.5%

2022 Bodegas Muga El Anden de la Estacion Crianza $20

Muga El Andén de la Estación Crianza is a new project launched in 2020 by the Muga family. This Crianza is a blend of Tempranillo (70%) & Garnacha (30%.) It has aromas of ripe summer cherry, coffee bean and dried thyme and sage set the stage for blackberry, butterscotch, herbes de Provence and orange-zest. The tannins are silky. Lingering notes of fresh sage leaf and citrus zest remain on the palate. Alcohol: 14.5%

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October Featured Wines – 2023 Luzon Coleccion Blanco & 2022 Altos de Luzon Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain

October 9, 2025 · by ·

October wines are produced by Bodegas Luzon from the Jumilla Applellation in the Murcia Region in the southeast coastal region of Spain. Read about the history of the winery and you will see how three families have preserved the traditions of the founder. Don Jose de Molina who used the name, Luzon, for the Phillipine island where he had lived for several years. Today’s owners, the Fuertes family, have invested to modernize this family business for today’s wine world.

The winery shows their pride in 6 different categories. The white, 2023 Coleccion Blanco, is from Coleccion, their “youngest, freshest and more daring wines.” It is a blend of 50% Macabeo and 50% Sauvignon Blanc. It is grown in limestone soil in trellissed vineyards with 20 year old vines. The red, 2022 Altos de Luzon Monastrell, is from the Icons, a collection of 5 unique wines “selected fom exclusive vineyards and vines with a long history and low yields. Do not be confused by names. Monastrell (name used in Spain) and Mouvedre (name used in France) are the same varietal but often used in French blends. This wine is 100% Mouvedre and is considered “iconic” due to the combination of climate, soil, area grown and 12 months in oak casks leading to a 91 from Wine Enthusiast.

2023 Luzon Coleccion Blanco, Jumilla, Spain $12

The color of this blend is yellow with greenish hints. On the nose are apple and tropical notes. It has a rich taste with balanced acidity and a pleasing finish. A great bright accompaniment to shellfish with lots of garlic, grilled seafood and higher fat dishes like duck. Alcohol:12%

2022 Altos de Luzon Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain $20

The nose catches bright fruit right away with oak lightly coming through. Tasty, amiable and generous on the palate. Chocolate tones, mature tannins, good acidity with silky texture and good balance. fruit. This is a good pairing for steak and hearty meats. Alcohol: 14.5%

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September Featured Wines – 2022 AdegaMae Dory Lisboa Branco, 2020 Confidencial Reserva Vinho Tinto,Portugal

September 1, 2025 · by ·

This month we are staying with European wines that we know are already in our distributors’ warehouses and not just coming ashore subject to the new tariffs. Our September wines are from the Lisboa region of Portugal. The Lisboa wine region is located in central-western Portugal, surrounding the capital city of Lisbon and stretching along the Atlantic coast north of the city. It was formerly known as the Estremadura region before being renamed in 2009 to capitalize on the internationally recognized name of Portugal’s capital. Wines grown in this region are influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Over 30 varietals are grown in the region. By production volume, Lisboa is the largest wine producing region in Portugal.

These are not the first wines we have featured from Portugal so if you have been with us awhile you know almost all Portugese wines are blends of grapes, some unique to the country. The white selection is 2022 AdegaMae Dory Vinho Branco produced by Dioga Lopes and Anselmo Mendes. This is a blend of Viosinho, Arinto, Alvarinho and Sauvignon Blanc grapes.The wine shows good balance and a fresh edge along with a bright lemon aftertaste. The red selection is 2020 Confidencial Reserva Tinto produced by Casa Santos Lima. This is a blend of Tinto Cao and Carmaralet. Ron Pilling’s notes on this wine provide interesting backgound information on both varietals. Ranked #1 by Wine Spectator for “Wineries for Value” from Portugal, the Confidencial Reserva is also a great buy. This is considered a wine to keep but i find it delicious now!

2022 AdegaMae Dory Lisboa Branco, Portugal $13

Boasting a generous aromatic intensity, this wine shows its youth in a fine concentration of citric notes, asparagus, and tropical aromas; medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and delicate creaminess; smooth, it delivers good fruit and a dash of salinity on the finish, This is a great wine with seafood. Alcohol:12.5%

2020 Confidencial Reserva Vinho Tinto, Portugal $15

This wine shows great complex aromas of red fruits and some vanilla. Medium body in the mouth, well balanced, with sensations of red fruits, combined with the elegancy of wood notes and fine tannins In the aftertaste, it is smooth, with some acidity and complexity, overcoming ripe fruit, chocolate and some dry fruits..This is a good pairing for Mexican food. Alcohol: 13.5%

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August Featured Wines – 2023 Piazzo Roero Arneis Cortine & 2023 Piazzo Piemonte Barbera, Piemonte, Italy

August 2, 2025 · by ·

We have a first! Since August of 2010 there has never been a repeat of a single wine. Pretty remarkable for the 360 wines selected. I have a new sales rep with Prestige-Ledroit. Jess is only the third representative on my account in 15 years. This company has great continuity although this month’s selection slipped by both of us and I am not unhappy about this! The provides the opportunity to gain more insight into the changes in the wine world and where we may be heading in the near future.

Our August wines are produced by Piazzo winery, in Langhe, in the Northern Italian region of Piemonte. The red, Piazzo Piemonte Barbera, is the wine we are repeating. It was featured in January 2019. Flash back 6 plus years when the vintage was 2017. The wine was priced at $12. This year’s vintage is 2023 and the price is $17.

2023 Piazzo Piemonte Barbera tells the story of the challenges the European and US wine industry are facing – declining consumption, rising production costs, rising transportation costs and the impacts of climate change. Italy was not directly affected but in October 2019 the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on still wines under 14% alcohol by volume from France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Indirectly this action affected the entire European wine market caught in the middle of a growing trade war. The 25% tariff was temporarily suspended by the Biden administration but it was clear the suspension was not going to be permanent.

The white selection is 2023 Piazzo Roero Arneis Cortine, not a repeat, although we have featured the Arneis varietal before. The grapes used to produce Roero Arneis come entirely from the Cortine vineyard in the village of Guarene, which best expresses the varietal’s unique character. 2023 Piazzo Piemonte Barbera grapes are a blend of vineyards located on both the left and right banks of the Tanaro River. As single varietal wines both are nice representaions of the Piemonte grapes and are considered easy drinking wines. Both are sustainably grown.

2023 Piazzo Roero Arneis Cortine Piemonte, Italy $20

This wine is crystal-clear straw yellow with greenish nuances. On the nose it is Intense, floral and mineral, with slight hints of fruit, hazelnut, lemon, sage and apple. On the palate it is delicate, reflecting the sensations on the nose, especially in its mineral notes and light tanginess; well-balanced overall. It goes well with all fish-based dishes, but is a good match in general for all delicate appetizers, starters: Alcohol:13.5%

2023 Piazzo Piemonte Barbera, Piemonte, Italy $17

This is an intense, ruby red with garnet reflections. The nose blends with a combination of roses, jam, blackberries, and a touch of oak. On the palate it is well-rounded with red and dark fruits and a jammy cinnamon note and firm tannins. Serve with savory, hearty dishes Italian dishes, charcuterie boards, tomato-based foods, and pork or chicken. .Alcohol: 14%

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June Featured Wines – Mary Taylor Christophe Avi Rose Agenais & Domaine d’Ansignan Les Grenadines, France

May 31, 2025 · by ·

If you follow the meteorological seasonal calendar, summer starts Sunday, June 1. Many restaurants switch house wines to lighter ones once summer arrives. Our June wines will reflect that same change. This is when I slip in a rose and also a red that is served slightly chilled. No surprise these wines are French but from different regions. Both wines are grown using biodynamic agriculture based on organic farming.

The rose, Mary Taylor’s 2024 Christophe Avi Rose Agenais, is from southwest France. Agenais is a small area in a region that overlaps with several other small regions. We have featured Mary Taylor’s Buzet which is produced in one of these regions by that name. This cluster of small regions is about 80 miles from Bordeaux. It is said Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc grow wild in the Agenais region. The thought is in the 17th century these two varietals crossed to create Cabernet Sauvignon. This rose is a blend of Cabernet Franc (20%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (80%) which make it a crisp and dry wine.

The red selection, 2023 Domaine d’Ansignan Les Grenadines, is from Côtes Catalanes, an IGP wine region in the southeast in Languedoc-Roussillon. Part of Cotes Catalanes is in the Pyrenees. This wine is a blend of Syrah (12%), Grenache (43%), Carignan (12%), Macabeo(9%) and Lledoner Pelut (24% known as “Hairy Grenache.”) The estate on which these grapes are grown is high in the Pyrenees, on the edge of the historic region, Occitania. Domaine d’Ansignan is a partnership between winemakers, Sebastien Calduch and Jeff Carrel whose mission is to preserve the art and tradition of winemaking in harmony with nature.

2024 Mary Taylor Christophe Avi Rose Agenais, France $12

This rose is a fresh blend of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon. The nose suggests red currants, fresh cherry, tangy watermelon, orange blossom and lime leaf. It feels generous in the middle and finishes with dusty minerality and a nice sense of grip. It’s refreshingly dry and has a nice weight to stand up to robust foods. Alcohol: 12.9%

2023 Domaine d’Ansignan Les Grenadines, France $18

This is a red blend of 5 varietals. It is cherry in color. On the nose it brings red currant, pomegranate juice, and strawberry aromas.It has a fresh and bright palate. Serve with a slight chill. Excellent with white meats such as pork and poultry. Perfect for drinking outside in warm weather.
Alcohol: 13%

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May Featured Wines – 2023 Ozu by Otazu Chardonnay & 2021 Ozu by Otazu Premium Cuvée, Navarra, Spain

May 5, 2025 · by ·

For May we are featuring wines from Navarra, Spain. Navarra is located in the north of Spain, bordering France, the Basque Country, and Aragon. The region’s diverse topography, from the Pyrenees Mountains to the Ebro Plains, creates a wide variety of terroirs. Navarra experiences a unique blend of Atlantic, continental, and Mediterranean influences.The region is divided into five sub-regions, each with its own unique characteristics.The producer of the wines is Bodega Otazu. located in the town of Otazu. They produce premium wines expressing its origin and the essence of the terroir they are coming from. The grow all of their grape varieties – Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Berués – on a single estate of 116 hectares (just under 3oo acres.) Bodega Otazu is one of the 20 Spanish wineries which were given the highest certification and recognition in Spain – Pago Appellation of Origin – guaranteeing the selection as well as the unique and outstanding personality of each of its wines.

Our white selection is Ozu by Otazu Chardonnay 2023. The winemaker describes this Chardonnay as “fresh and friendly.” It is 100% Chardonnay. The red selection is Ozu by Otazu Premium Cuvée 2021 which is 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 33% Tempranillo. The winemaker describes this with a palate that is round, elegant and fresh. The label of these wines is inspired by the figure of ‘Ariadna’ by Manolo Valdés, a figure that tells the story of how Ariadna and the God of wine, Dionysus, fell in love and conceived Enopion, the one who brought down to Earth the techniques of winemaking.

Ozu by Otazu Chardonnay 2023, Navarra, Spain $14

This Chardonnay is lemon yellow, clean and bright in color. It has a floral nose, with citrus notes.In the mouth it is fresh and friendly. Consider this a perfect pairing for seafood, grilled and baked fish, white meats as well as milding seasoned pastas, salads and rice, foie gras and fresh sheep’s cheeses. Alcohol: 13%

Ozu by Otazu Premium Cuvée 2021, Navarra, Spain $15

This cuvee is a blend of 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 33% Tempranillo. It is a ruby red color
The nose presents notes of red fruit and wild berries, spicy. The palate is round, elegant and fresh. This is a great pairing for sausages, red meats and game and for all kinds of cheeses, risottos and fish such as tuna or smoked fish, dark chocolate Alcohol: 15%

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Opening Reception & Wine Tasting for Helene English

March 7, 2025 · by ·

Visit with Helene English, our featured artist for March. We will be tasting wines from France and Italy.

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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%

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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%

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