November Anchor & The Vine Wine Club Tasting Notes

Champagne Xavier Leconte “Secret de Femme” Brut Rosé NV – Champagne, France – 80% Pinot Munier, 12% Pinot Noir, 8% Chardonnay

Starting out our Autumn shipment is a stunning Champagne from the small town of Troissy-Bouquigny located in the Marne Valley, and is known for its production of Pinot Munier. This Munier dominated blend is pretty rare and something of a specialty for Xavier Leconte. The nose is bready with notes of red fruits like wild strawberry and red currant, and a touch of peach. On the palate there’s a fresh attack with nice complexity. Raspberry, blackberry and currant linger delicately on the finish. This cuvée can be served as an aperitif, with soft cheeses, or even as dessert with a strawberry tart.

Jules Taylor Grüner Veltliner 2021 – Marlborough, New Zealand – 100% Grüner Veltliner

You can take the Grüner out of Austria, but you can’t take the Austria out of Grüner. Sort of… Grüner Veltliner fans will find the classic Grüner white pepper flavor they love as well as notes of mandarin, cantaloupe melon, and white peach. But the tropical nose on this white is definitely the product of a winemaker who just won Gourmet Traveler Wine Magazine’s New Zealand Winemaker of the Year award for her ubiquitous NZ Sauvignon Blanc. Jules recommends this wine be paired with strong flavors and spice, so try it with something like sticky pork belly bao buns with hoisin sauce and cucumber and spring onions. Or try prawn and chive dumplings with chili oil and black vinegar.

Domaine des Pasquiers Côtes du Rhône Villages Sablet Blanc 2020 – Rhone Valley, France – 40% Roussane, 40% Marsanne, 20% Clairette

We love white Rhones this time of year! These medium bodied whites find their place in the sun when the zingy crispness of summer whites won’t do, and a heavy Chardonnay is out of the question. This Côte du Rhône Villages Blanc is from the charming village of Sablet and is certified organic. The Lambert family has owned these vineyards since 1935, and after four generations, this traditionally-styled winery is now run by the two brothers, Jean-Claude and Philippe Lambert and his son, Matthieu. The nose is lush with white flowers, peaches, and pears. Like taking in the scent of a basket of fresh picked orchard fruit. The mouthfeel is smokey, round, and opulent. A complex white on its own, it’s also a clear winner with seafood. We think it’s divine with scallops.  

Tenuta Di Aglaea Terre Siciliane 2019 – Etna, Sicily, Italy – 100% Nerello Mascalese

This is basically an Etna Rosso (a portion of the vineyards used are outside of the legally designated Etna Rosso zone), and so you’ll find all the complexity from the volcanic soil coming head-to-head with juicy, tart cherry. It’s made from both young and old vines giving the wine dried herbs and minerals on the nose, while on the palate good acidity and hints of dry cherries capture the senses. A light savory mouthfeel that lingers towards the end makes the Aglaea pair well with a wide range of lighter dishes (no heavy sauces), salads/vegetables in all forms and shapes, and antipasti and snacks like roasted nuts, carpaccio, or salami. For good reason, this wine, with its Pinot-like lightness, is always a hit during Thanksgiving meals.  

Viña Real Reserva 2014 – Rioja, Spain – 90% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano

The Viña Real winery was launched in the 1920s by CVNE, the oldest winery in Spain that is still operated and owned by the same family, as a modern wine for the modern drinker. Keep in mind though, that “modern” back then was flapper girls and jazz. This is still a very traditional style of Rioja, although it’s worth noting that today the winery is completely run by female winemakers and vineyard managers, which is pretty progressive for such a traditional Spanish establishment! Their Reserva is manually harvested from Rioja Alavesa, and has an intense nose highlighting forest fruits, licorice, and the spices attributed to the aging in new American Oak barrels. It’s structured with body, vigorous tannins, and classic Tempranillo boldness. This is a red meat wine, but the winemakers also recommend this with salmon or other fatty fishes.

Madrigal Family Vineyards Zinfandel 2015 – Napa Valley, California – 100% Zinfandel

The story of Madrigal is one of creative perseverance. Today the winery is run by third generation Mexican American immigrants who originally came to the Napa Valley to farm fruit. The current owner, Chris Madrigal, and his father eventually broke into the wine business as vineyard managers for top tier Napa wineries. It wasn’t easy. They had to first convince tractor dealers to allow them to take brand new tractors out for “test drives” to complete the work until they could actually afford to buy one. Now they themselves operate a full-blown winery with vineyards in Calistoga. Their Zin is a Cab drinkers zin in our opinion. Rather than overripe and balsamic, it showcases notes of blueberry pie and nectarine on the nose. The palate is full, spicy, and balanced with satin smooth tannins. This one is a meal in a bottle, but can be paired nicely with roasted lamb, pork, or eggplant.

November Wine Club Tasting Notes

Ghiomo “Sansteau” Nebbiolo D’Alba Superiore DOC 2017 – Piemonte, Italy – 100% Nebbiolo

It doesn’t get much more down to earth than this small, family owned and operated winery located in the heart of Roero. Their 2017 Sansteau is nicely balanced in part by utilizing light carbonic maceration during the initial fermentation, followed by 12 months of oak aging and a further 6 months in the bottle before release. The result is an aromatic, fruity, and slightly floral bouquet, with and intense initial attack of fresh cherries on the palate. The finish is well structured with gripping tannins that give this wine an exciting beginning, middle, and end. The strength of this wine can easily match up to flavorful Italian cuisine, but we think this bottle has enough versatility that it really deserves a proper cheese & charcuterie spread with a wide variety of cheeses and meats. 

Domaine Rieflé Riesling 2019 – Alsace, France – 100% Riesling

Alsatian Riesling is considered one of the great food whites since it’s bracing acidity balances neatly with its opulence. The Domaine Rieflé Riesling is dry and multi layered with notes of honey jasmine, citrus rind, and a little of that familiar petrol on the nose that is a common Riesling trait. The palate is electric with lots of lemon meringue and gooseberry and has a dry and long-lasting finish that is sure to cut through overcooked turkey… The wine is also certified organic and produced with the natural wine philosophy of both minimal intervention and giving back to mother earth. Domaine Rieflé’s thriving vineyards are beautiful, like something out of an enchanted forest, and their natural ecosystem is largely undisturbed.

Jacques Girardin Santenay Clos Rousseau 1er Cru 2017 – Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir

The entire Girardin family are renowned winemakers, including Jacques’ father Jean, and his well-known brother, Vincent. Jacques has been producing wine from his own domaine since 1978. The domaine is run by Jacques and his wife, Valerie. Their son, Justin, has recently joined the domaine after working in vineyards in Australia. He brings a modern sensibility to this very traditional Burgundian estate. This premier cru, single vineyard pinot is exceptional. There is very ripe dark fruit aromas of black currants and red plums on the nose. Layered texture and ripe tannins, round on the palate, are followed by a long, satisfying finish. This Santenay is definitely a food wine, with its accessible style and firm yet rich structure. Another Thanksgiving staple.

Nine North Wine Co. “The F Bomb” Red Blend 2018 – California – Cabernet, Merlot, Zinfandel

The F Bomb is an easy drinker ready to be popped open for a fun occasion. Juicy aromas of strawberry jam, raspberry, and red plum jump out of the glass, with a hint of toasty vanilla oak. The lush mouth is soft and inviting, with layers of ripe berries and red cherry, with the spiciness of a drippingly sweet black mission fig and just the right amount of oak for framing. Easily enjoyable on its own, yet bold enough for food. We recommend this crowd pleaser with BBQ'd pork tenderloin served with grilled pineapple salsa and fresh corn tortillas. In 2012 Maritime owners, Chris and Elijah, started making their own wine in addition to their importing business. It all started with a simple colloquial phrase: “f*** it, let’s do it!” And thus, the Dirty Pure Project and the F Bomb field blend was born.

October Wine Club Tasting Notes

Jules Taylor “OTQ” Pinot Noir 2019 – Marlborough, New Zealand – 100% Pinot Noir

It’s officially Fall and we’re starting to look ahead to the many dinners that will be planned this holiday season. The wines this month are perfect for any Friends-Giving parties you’ll be having, starting with this lovely single vineyard, biodynamic Pinot Noir from Jules Taylor. It explodes with Black Doris plums and boysenberry fruit, floral notes of violet and earthy, truffle and liquorice overtones. Spice from the French oak barriques are layered with earthy notes and hints of dark chocolate. This is a serious wine that will reward a few years in the cellar. It is ripe, concentrated, and full bodied, with impressive flavors and plenty of earthy tannins leading to a long, fine, dry finish. Jules recommends decanting for about 20 minutes prior for ideal drinking, and we suggest chilling the bottle down a bit before serving. A great paring with poultry, this wine will also go well with most red meats, and especially the strong flavors of wild game such as duck or venison. It is also great with mushrooms or eggplant dishes.

Kornell “Greif” Lagrein 2019 – Alto Adige Südtiroler, Italy – 100% Lagrein

Greif (no, not grief) in German means “gripping” as in gripping tannins, although while this red has savory finish, it’s the pretty nose and deep blue fruit notes on the palate that make the 2019 Lagrein shine. The nose presents ripe blackberries, exotic spices, and bitter chocolate, and the complex mouthfeel is both full-bodied and juicy at the same time. In this sense we find it’s very similar to Syrah. This is an Alpine wine grown at the base of the alps and in a region that was once Austrian. Since the Italian’s took possession of the land during the world wars the region has been a unique blend of Austrian and Italian culture, wines, and cuisine. This Lagrein can therefore go with any hearty meal from wienerschintzle to light pastas dishes, grilled game, and hard cheeses like Pecorino.

Kornell “Gris” Pinot Grigio 2019 – Alto Adige Südtiroler, Italy – 100% Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio usually gets a bad rap (and often for good reason), but there are serious Pinot Grigios out there and one region that is famed for complex Pinot Grigio is Alto Adige. The cool climate allows for the same complexity you can find in Pinot Gris (hence “Gris”) from Northern France. With Kornell’s Pinot Grigio you’ll get notes of mountain wildflowers, peach skin, and pear. The palate is fresh, elegant, and a touch spicy. The mouth feel is sumptuous with a mineral finish. As I mentioned above with the Lagrein, this wine is equally great with Italian antipasti and pesto pastas as well as grilled vegetables and freshwater fish dishes like the Austrian Trout Munière.

Jules Won Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine's Winemaker Of The Year This Year

GTW Winemaker of the Year Award Judges’ Copy – All words by Cameron Douglas

Winner’s Write Up

Jules Taylor is one of New Zealand’s modern pioneers, producing outstanding wine, fiercely proud of her region, and mentoring the up-and-coming breed of Kiwi winemakers.

This is the fourth year that Gourmet Traveller WINE announces the New Zealand Winemaker of the Year. The first recipient in 2018 was Dom Maxwell (Greystone Wines, North Canterbury), Helen Masters (Ata Rangi, Wairarapa) was the winner in 2019 and last year Jenn Parr (Valli, Central Otago) picked up the top prize. This year’s deserving winner is Jules Taylor of Jules Taylor Wines in Marlborough.

Taylor is a wonderful orator on all things wine, as well as a mentor to many in Aotearoa’s thriving sector. She was born and raised in Marlborough: in fact, she was born in the same year the first sauvignon blanc vines were planted there. Her understanding of the region – its four-plus decades of viticulture and changing wine landscape – along with her winemaking skill set is unique.

'Sav blanc is a variety that is very versatile ... exciting and vibrant, as well as sexy and understated.’

After graduating from Lincoln University, Taylor headed overseas for a few years to explore winemaking in the Northern Hemisphere – specifically Piedmont and Sicily – followed by a stint closer to home
in Australia.

After returning to New Zealand, Taylor worked her way up to senior winemaker, first at Kim Crawford and then Nobilo Wines, two of the country’s most acclaimed wineries.

In 2001, Taylor and husband George decided to embark on their own wine brand – Jules Taylor Wines. The reason? “Jules left her corporate winemaking career to give her the freedom to make wines the way she thinks they should be made. She only makes one batch of each wine every harvest,” according to her website.

After 20 vintages, it is abundantly clear to all concerned that Taylor is one of Aotearoa’s modern pioneers of wine, crafting outstanding sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot noir, rosé and grüner veltliner.

When she finds some spare time, Taylor likes to cook, garden and jog (with running mate Bruno, a black labrador).

As far as cooking goes, she says the go-to dishes she’s known for are lemon cake and chicken marbella, and she’s a fan of shaved truffles on poached eggs. Her favourite wine and food matching experience? “Risotto bianco with truffles and a glass of Barolo”. When it comes to her own wine, she suggests pairing a 2020 Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc with prawns, “bathed in butter and a pinch of salt, then grilled on the barbecue”.

On the subject of white wine, I asked her thoughts on the reputation and perceptions of New Zealand sauvignon blanc, given the increase in plantings and exports of bulk wine.

“I have encountered plenty of Marlborough sauvignon blancs that are prepared to utilise the benefit of our regionality yet are very reticent when it comes to saying who the producer is or the location of bottling,” she says. "I think the initiative of Appellation Marlborough Wine recognises this as our provenance being taken for a ride, and it is a positive step to push back against this trend. I am a purist and I want drinkers of New Zealand wine to trade-up and drink Jules Taylor Wines.”

We also talked about climate change and the impact it is beginning to have on viticulture and wine in New Zealand, especially Marlborough. “Well, it is getting warmer so we have to look to our canopy management first and get the leaf and fruiting zones in perfect balance.” We also talked about regenerative agriculture. “There are many growers moving into that space,” she says. “What’s not to love.”

The respect and mana that Taylor has in the New Zealand community is as much a reflection of the wines she makes as it is the contributions she is making to the country's industry.

“I call Jules the quiet innovator. If I was looking for a common denominator in Jules Taylor’s wines, I would choose both texture and balance – get both right and you have the X-factor,” says judge and fellow Kiwi, Bob Campbell.

“The word I would use for Jules is ‘consistency’. From day one, customers have been able to know and trust that her wines will be consistently good and the style she has developed has stayed true to her place,” says fellow judge Liz Wheadon.

She’s also fiercely parochial, as she explained to me when I interviewed her after her nomination. “I love that in Marlborough winemakers are exploring different styles of sauvignon blanc and showing them off to consumers and wine buyers – especially the ones who don’t give Marlborough sav blanc the credit it deserves. It is a variety that is very versatile, and it can be exciting and vibrant, as well as sexy and understated.”

There’s no question that Taylor loves wine, food, her family and Blenheim, the town she calls home. This wonderful energy flows through into the wines she makes.

We urge you to enjoy the taste, texture, complexity and purity of fruit in the wines from this year’s worthy recipient of our 2021 NZ Winemaker of the Year Award. Congratulations, Jules Taylor.

September Wine Club Tasting Notes

Broccardo “La Martina” Barbera D’Alba DOC 2018 – Piemonte, Italy – 100% Barbera

We’re returning to Italy this month with a few Tasting Studio favorites. The Broccardo Barbera D’Alba is a traditional style of Piemonte red. The scent is fine, vinous and fruity, with pleasant notes of violet. The mouthfeel is soft and balanced, with very intense notes of ripe black cherry and finishes with gusto. Fermentation is done in stainless steel tanks before it’s aged about 10 months in large tonneaux and barriques so you won’t find much oakyness here. Barbera is known for being an incredibly versatile food wine. The Broccardo family winery was established in 1900 and today, third generation brother and sisters, winemaker Filippo, Laura and Federica, are the culmination of experience and the vineyards that have been passed down from their parents and grandparents.

Tenuta Di Aglaea “Thalia” Etna Rosso DOC 2017 – Sicily, Italy – 100% Nerello Mascalese

The story of Tenuta Di Aglaea actually begins in Norway where agricultural renaissance woman, Anne-Louise Mikkelsen was born, before relocating to Italy later in life to start her winery in the unforgiving landscape at the base of the active volcano, Mount Etna. Her love of her adopted homeland is present in her wines. The Thalia is strawberry red in the glass and expresses itself in a light and elegant manner. It opens up perfumed with delicate mineral aromas particular of the lava soil, a firm body, and fresh fruit notes accompanied by gentle tannins. It’s soft and delicate and grows more food friendly with age. We recommend paring with most Sicilian cuisine, lamb, grilled eggplant, or any poultry. In fact, if it somehow happens to stay unopened long enough, we recommend it for Thanksgiving dinner!

Livon “Solarco” Friulano & Ribolla Gialla DOC Collio Bianco 2019 – Collio, Friuli Venizia Giulia, Italy – Friulano & Ribolla Gialla Blend

Dorino Livon, is one of the most successful and recognized Friulan winemakers. Dorino Livon acquired his first vineyards on the Collio hills in 1964, and slowly, plot by plot he expanded his property establishing the Azienda Agricola Livon estate. As with Broccardo, the winery is now under the direction of the third generation of the family. This wine is super unique and firmly announces itself in the glass with an incredibly aromatic nose full of citrus mixed with gentle toasted vanilla notes. On the palate it is very fine, it recalls apples, acacia, and tropical fruit abound. The mouthfeel and finish is lush due to 20% of fermentation taking place in Allier barriques, and the remaining 80% in steel tanks. It’s sure to fit the bill wherever a Sauvignon Blanc is appropriate, perfect as an aperitif, a pleasant sipper with fried food, and can match nicely with all kinds of Eastern European cuisine as well.

August Anchor & Vine Wine Club Tasting Notes

Roger Goulart Gran Reserva Cava Brut Rosé 2014 2018 – Catalunya, Spain – Grenache 85%, Monastrell 15%

In the world of Cava, a Gran Reserva means you can expect an aged, more complex sparkling wine than your everyday Cava, and the folks at Roger Goulart definitely know something about complex bubbles. Roger Goulart was one of the first wineries in Spain to produce traditional method wines with long bottle aging and the winery has been making sparkling wines since 1882. This 2013 Rosé has an intense bouquet of mature red fruits, with a background of jelly bean and red licorice. The palate is voluptuous, well-rounded, but not sweet. Its’ vivid acidity makes it fresh and gives it an elegant finish. This is as good a food wine as it is an aperitif. It can hold up nicely with pastas, rice, cheese & charcuterie., Italian, and even Japanese cuisine.

Podere Santa Lucia “Pellegrino” Verdicchio Dei Castelli Di Jesi Classico DOC 2019 – Marche, Italy – 100% Verdicchio

Talk about a long name for such a down-to-earth wine! This savory white is sure to fit the bill for any summer activity. Podere Santa Lucia is located along the Adriatic coast which benefits from the sea air and sunny hillsides. The winery was founded by Alfonso Balducci and Pietro Cacciani, following their desire to recover the ancient art of winemaking typical of their homeland which had fallen out of favor for more modern winemaking styles of international grapes like Sauvignon Blanc. Their Verdicchio has an intensely “green” nose with a mix of green apple, underripe nectarine, and subtle floral aromas like hawthorn and acacia. The palate is crisp and refreshing with a long, mineral finish. It’s perfect with fish, lasagna, Pecorino cheese and a charcuterie board with drizzled honey, or quite simply, a sunny day at the beach.

Domaine Vigneau-Chevreau “Cuvée Silex” Vouvray Sec 2018 – Loire Valley, France – 100% Chenin Blanc

Domaine Vigneau-Chevreau has been a family-run estate since 1875. The Domaine is certified organic by Ecocert, and the vineyards are in fact tended biodynamically, which involves even stricter standards than organic winegrowing. The 33-hectare Domaine consists of classic, regional soils made up of tuffeau, clay, and silex. The latter of these soils bears an abundance of flinty stones on the surface and is most favorable to the cultivation of Chenin Blanc, giving the wine its aromatic diversity of ripe quince, baked apples and acacia honey. The Cuvée Silex is ample and round on the palate with refreshing acidity in the finish. Its slightly off-dry, sweetness is balanced by the natural acidity, which may remind some people of the subtle freshness often found in “natural” wines. It’s outstanding with seafood such as scallops, langoustines and white fish in a delicate sauce.

Ministry of the Vinterior Pinot Noir 2020 – Russian River Valley, Sonoma County – 100% Pinot Noir

At long last, this month we’re releasing the 2020 vintage of Maritime’s own Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. We’ve been looking forward to this release for some time after the team tasted through barrel the samples earlier this year. Needless to say, we liked what we tasted. Out of the bottle we got aromas of black cherries, orange peel, violets, and fig leaf. The spicy mouth is densely layered with flavors of dried Turkish apricots and vanilla bean, and the finish lingers long with flavors of rich caramel and cloves. This Pinot Noir plays well with poultry, is great with lamb and pork, and rich enough for a fatty steak. It’s a pretty versatile Pinot due to its opulence that ultimately stands up to creamy sauces and spicy foods as well.

Domaine Chamfort Vacqueyras 2017 – Rhone Valley, France – 65% Grenache, 20% Mouvedre, 15% Syrah

The Domaine Chamfort is run by the energetic and irrepressible young vigneron, Vasco Perdigao.  While Vasco is of Portuguese origin, he has fully integrated himself into the life of a vigneron in the southern Rhône as proprietor of the Domaine Chamfort in Sablet, at the northern edge of the Gigondas appellation. Here he produces limited amounts of Côtes du Rhône, Sablet, Séguret, Rasteau and his main wine, Vacqueyras. The combination of old vines, low yields and excellent southeast exposure results in full-bodied wines of great warmth and generous character, yet still very approachable in the traditional style of southern Rhône wines. Vacqueyras is known for its finesse, and Perdigao’s has a powerful and complex nose combining aromas of ripe red fruits, fragrant scents of earthy garrigue flavors, and herbs de Provence. On the palate, the attack is full with a caressing sweetness of the fruit. The tannins are soft and well-rounded via the healthy amount of Mourvèdre in the blend which lends extra structure to the wine. The finish combines ripe fruit and minerality, enhanced by the earthy garrigue character.

Rivetto Barolo Del Comune Di Serralunga D'Alba DOCG 2016 – Piemonte, Italy – 100% Nebbiolo

Rivetto is really the story of one man, and his devotion to his land, but it’s probably best to let Enrico Rivetto introduce himself: “I am a farmer, basketball fan, and a free spirit. I work and live in Lirano, a biodynamic garden in the Langa of Barolo, between the hills of Sinio and Serralunga d’Alba. I grow vines, fruit trees, herbs, and cereals. I believe wine is magical because it allows me to be heard, and I can tell people about a new way of looking at the land and how it’s worked. A way of genuinely celebrating the beauty and harmony of nature.” His philosophy of low intervention and using indigenous yeast helps bring out the best qualities of his Barolo. The nose is a gentle bouquet of roses, violets, mature fruits and spices that becomes more earthy the more it opens up. At the palate it is soft and elegant, sober, with delicate tannins. Make no mistake, this is as muscular a wine as you’d expect from Barolo making it a perfect match for tasty risotto, tajarin with salsiccia ragù, tagliata of veal, delicate braised cheek, and ravioli del plin.

August Wine Club Tasting Notes

Ministry of the Vinterior Pinot Noir 2020 – Russian River Valley, Sonoma County – 100% Pinot Noir

At long last, this month we’re releasing the 2020 vintage of Maritime’s own Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. We’ve been looking forward to this release for some time after the team tasted through barrel the samples earlier this year. Needless to say, we liked what we tasted. Out of the bottle we got aromas of black cherries, orange peel, violets, and fig leaf. The spicy mouth is densely layered with flavors of dried Turkish apricots and vanilla bean, and the finish lingers long with flavors of rich caramel and cloves. This Pinot Noir plays well with poultry, is great with lamb and pork, and rich enough for a fatty steak. It’s a pretty versatile Pinot due to its opulence that ultimately stands up to creamy sauces and spicy foods as well.

Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils “Cuvée Flavie” Bourgogne Chardonnay 2018 – Burgundy, France – 100% Chardonnay

The Domaine Amiot was founded in Chassagne-Montrachet in 1920 by Arsene Amiot when he acquired select parcels of extraordinary vines. What’s so special about Arsene’s great grandson Thierry Amiot’s Chardonnay is that it’s essentially a Chassagne-Montrachet since the grapes are second growth from their estate vineyards, and this is pretty rare for your typical Bourgogne Blanc appellation wine. The “butter” and “oakyness” are minimal due to the use of spontaneous malolactic fermentation and aging the wine for 12 months; 2/3 in tank and 1/3 in older French oak barriques (big barrels that impart little to no wood flavor). It’s fresh and complex with a symphony of apples, pears, orchard fruit and an especially bright and mineral finish. Pair this with any roasted chicken, seafood, or dishes with rich sauces. This wine is also lightly filtered for extra freshness, so we recommend being gentle with the bottle before serving in case there is any sediment at the bottom.

Ghiomo “Sansteau” Nebbiolo D’Alba Superiore DOC 2017 – Piemonte, Italy – 100% Nebbiolo

It doesn’t get much more down to earth than this small, family owned and operated winery located in the heart of Roero. Their 2017 Sansteau is nicely balanced in part by utilizing light carbonic maceration during the initial fermentation, followed by 12 months of oak aging and a further 6 months in the bottle before release. The result is an aromatic, fruity, and slightly floral bouquet, with and intense initial attack of fresh cherries on the palate. The finish is well structured with gripping tannins that give this wine an exciting beginning, middle, and end. The strength of this wine can easily match up to flavorful Italian cuisine, but we think this bottle has enough versatility that it really deserves a proper cheese & charcuterie spread with a wide variety of cheeses and meats. 

July Wine Club Tasting Notes

Ca’ Rugate “Campo Bastiglia” Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC 2018 – Veneto, Italy – 45% Corvina, 40% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella

Ciao! This month we’re focusing on Italy, and we’re excited to include the new 2018 vintage of the Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore in this month’s club. The three indigenous grapes used in a typical Valpolicella blend tend to be on the leaner side so the winemakers at Ca’ Rugate use unique techniques in the winery to create bolder wines with more complexity. Rather than drying the grapes before pressing like they do with the luxurious Amarone, the ripasso method adds the leftover lees (in this case the pomace from Ca’ Rugate’s own Amarone) to a finished Valpolicella for a second fermentation to create a wine with a deeper character. The result here with the Campo Bastiglia is a wine that has an intense garnet red color with concentrated aromas of red fruit, cherries, and a hint of spice and flowers. The full-bodied palate with soft, velvety tannins makes this the perfect companion for pasta dishes with meat sauce, eggplant parmesan, grilled or roasted red meat, and medium aged cheeses.

Podere Santa Lucia “Pellegrino” Verdicchio Dei Castelli Di Jesi Classico DOC 2019 – Marche, Italy – 100% Verdicchio

Talk about a long name for such a down-to-earth wine! This savory white is sure to fit the bill for any summer activity. Podere Santa Lucia is located along the Adriatic coast which benefits from the sea air and sunny hillsides. The winery was founded by Alfonso Balducci and Pietro Cacciani, following their desire to recover the ancient art of winemaking typical of their homeland which had fallen out of favor for more modern winemaking styles of international grapes like Sauvignon Blanc. Their Verdicchio has an intensely “green” nose with a mix of green apple, underripe nectarine, and subtle floral aromas like hawthorn and acacia. The palate is crisp and refreshing with a long, mineral finish. It’s perfect with fish, lasagna, Pecorino cheese and a charcuterie board with drizzled honey, or quite simply, a sunny day at the beach.

Podere Santa Lucia Lacrima Di Moro D’Alba DOC 2018 – Marche, Italy – 100% Lacrima Nera

Here’s a wild wine that has a flavor profile all its own. Lacrima is an ancient grape that is a part of the region’s long winemaking heritage, and yet completely unlike the more well-known Italian red grapes that have gained more attention worldwide due to its distinct scent. Indeed, it’s an incredibly aromatic red wine, and this is noticeable right away with the scent of stewed strawberries, red peppers, rose petals, and elegant spice leaping out of the glass. The floral nose is complimented with the flavor of blueberry brioche, a hint of sweet spice, and firm tannins on the finish. This is an adventurous wine that should be paired with equally adventurous foods, but we recommend considering grilled lamb, chicken and artichoke pizza, chicken skewers with peppers, or for that matter with pepper heavy antipasti in general.

June Wine Club Tasting Notes

Domaine Gille Côte De Nuits-Villages Rouge 2017 – Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir

The Gille family has resided in the village of Comblanchien, Nuits-Saint-George since 1570, and the present domaine was established in 1900! Today all work is still done by hand using the traditional methods the family has been using for centuries. Pinots from this part of Burgundy can be assertive with firm tannins, and you can find that here in this Côtes De Nuits-Villages. The nose gives aromas of red fruits, earthy mushroom, and even a hint of dried persimmon, while the palate is vivacious and complex with a long, structured finish. We recommend decanting this powerful Pinot for at least 30 minutes to let the wine open up a bit, and pairing it with roast beef, ham, chicken on the grill, or a hearty stew.

Nine North Wine Co. “Lan-Yap” Rosé 2019 – California – Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel

A LAGNIAPPE (lan-yap) is “a small gift” or a little something extra on top, which is something our distribution partners in Louisiana often bring up. This is Maritime’s very own rosé from our Napa Valley winery, the Nine North Wine Co., with grapes sourced from Sonoma, Monterrey, and Carneros. Strawberries, cherry and citrus fruits on the nose lead to flavors of white peaches and melons with a lively zing of acidity that will make this a favorite summer sipper or accompaniment to wide variety of food especially salads of all varieties, salmon and other oily fish, charcuterie and hard cheeses. Produced with backyard barbecues full of people in mind, our rosé comes in a 1 liter bottle so you’ll have a little something extra to share.

Nine North Wine Co. “Seven Sinners” Petite Sirah 2017 – Lodi, California – 100% Petite Sirah

Our Lodi Petite Sirah is a total lush just waiting for a summer barbeque. The 2017 vintage shows velvety textures upfront followed by deep rich flavors of blackberry jam, blueberry and spice, resulting in a long, deep and concentrated finish. While opulent, it has a food friendly balance that likes to be paired with roast pork, barbecue meats, or even as a dry dessert wine. The name comes from the classic John Wayne film “Seven Sinners”, and is an homage to the winemakers, viticulturists and of course tradespeople from all over the world that we’ve met along the way, many of whom - if not most - are a quite a wild bunch.  

May Wine Club Tasting Notes

Contino Reserva 2011 – Rioja, Spain – Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo

Contino is the CVNE family’s single vineyard, one of the only designated single vineyards in Spain, and its incredible terroir is partly due to the Ebro River that runs right alongside it in the shape of a paper fan. This Rioja has a nose of intense ripe plum, sweet and fresh aromas, mint and licorice. In mouth it’s gourmand and fruity while the alcoholic strength is well balanced with freshness and length. Note the individual bottle numbers!

Viña Real Crianza 2016 – Rioja, Spain – Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo

This is pure Spain in a bottle that can more than accompany any tapas style spread. Viña Real is the groundbreaking “new” winery from the CVNE family that was established in 1920 to produce a modern style of rioja that is fresher and more approachable for casual drinking. To the nose, intense aromas of ripe fruits (blackberries, blackcurrants) stand out, complemented with subtle hints of oak, vanilla and spices aromas. To the palate, it shows good integration of fruitiness and oakiness with a finish of persistent spicy, toasty and balsamic aromas. A long stay in bottle is the finishing touch to this Rioja Alavesa wine's character.

The Better Half Sauvignon Blanc 2019 – Marlborough, New Zealand – Sauvignon Blanc

Jules Taylor’s better half (other half?) George Elworthy makes an incredible Sauvignon Blanc with tons of character for such an easy drinking wine. The 2019 vintage blew us away with how concentrated the fruit is in the glass. This is due to 2019 being a particularly hot year with little rain that made it possible to allow the grapes to focus on developing delicious sugars and George not having to painstakingly sift through water-logged, flavorless grapes during harvest. The nose is vibrant with zesty fruit aromas of peach, nectarine and passion fruit along with an intriguing hint of thyme. It’s lively on the palate with citrus and also generously layered with mouth-watering tropical fruit flavours and herbaceous hints.