Autumn Classics
Tenuta Ulisse Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC 2022
About: The 2022 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC from Tenuta Ulisse is a modern take on one of Italy’s most beloved varietals. This youthful wine captures the essence of Abruzzo’s sun-drenched hills, offering a perfect blend of bold fruit flavors and a touch of rustic charm. It’s a wine that exudes character, ideal for casual sipping or pairing with classic Italian cuisine.
Producer: Tenuta Ulisse, a family-run winery in the heart of Abruzzo, has been producing wine since 2006, focusing on revitalizing indigenous varietals and crafting wines that reflect the region’s rich history and terroir. The estate is known for combining traditional methods with innovative techniques, ensuring that each bottle represents a harmony of heritage and modernity.
Notes: This wine greets you with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and a hint of licorice, followed by subtle notes of leather and spice. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with ripe tannins, juicy acidity, and a long, flavorful finish that leaves a touch of chocolate and espresso.
Food Pairing: Pair this Montepulciano with classic pasta dishes like lasagna or spaghetti Bolognese. The wine’s fruit-forward nature and balanced acidity cut through the richness of the sauce, while the tannins provide structure to complement the meatiness. It also works well with grilled sausages or rustic pizza, where the wine’s robust flavors can stand up to hearty toppings.
Roger Belland Maranges 1er Cru “La Fussiere” 2022
About: The 2022 Maranges 1er Cru “La Fussière” is a masterful expression of Burgundy’s southernmost appellation, delivering both elegance and rustic charm. This Premier Cru vineyard, perched on the sunny slopes of the Côte de Beaune, is renowned for producing Pinot Noir with depth and character. The 2022 vintage shines with a harmonious blend of ripe red fruits, earthy undertones, and a supple structure that speaks to its exceptional terroir. Perfect for connoisseurs seeking a balanced and approachable Burgundy that still carries an air of sophistication.
Producer: Domaine Rouge-Bleu, the mastermind behind this wine, is a family-run estate celebrated for its meticulous attention to detail and reverence for tradition. Located in the heart of Burgundy, the domaine emphasizes organic practices and low-intervention winemaking, ensuring each bottle captures the authentic spirit of the region. With a history dating back generations, Rouge-Bleu has established itself as a beacon of quality, particularly in crafting wines from underappreciated areas like Maranges, proving that greatness lies in both the vineyard and the hands that nurture it.
Notes: Aromas of wild strawberry, cherry compote, and cranberry rise gracefully, accented by hints of forest floor, violets, and a touch of smoky spice. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with silky tannins and lively acidity, offering a core of juicy red berries, savory herbal nuances, and a subtle mineral edge. The finish is long and refined, leaving behind whispers of dried rose petals and soft oak.
Food Pairing: The finesse of this wine pairs beautifully with roast duck, mushroom risotto, or herb-crusted lamb. Its earthy undertones complement gamey flavors, while the wine’s bright acidity cuts through richer textures, making it equally at home alongside coq au vin or a charcuterie board featuring pâté and cured meats.
Ca la Bionda Valpolicella Classico DOC 2023
About: The 2023 Valpolicella Classico DOC Rosso is a vibrant and approachable red that captures the essence of Italy’s Veneto region. This organic Valpolicella brims with energy, offering a youthful, fruit-driven profile with a touch of rustic authenticity. Crafted in the traditional style, it balances bright red fruit flavors with a subtle herbal backbone, making it a charming, versatile companion to everyday meals and celebrations alike.
Producer: Cantina La Bella, an esteemed organic producer in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico zone, is dedicated to sustainability and crafting wines that honor the land. The winery has embraced a philosophy of minimal intervention, resulting in wines that feel pure and unpretentious, yet undeniably expressive. With deep roots in the region and a commitment to traditional winemaking, Cantina La Bella embodies the timeless spirit of Valpolicella, bringing a fresh vitality to every bottle.
Notes: Bright aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate are complemented by delicate hints of fresh thyme, clove, and almond. On the palate, this light-to-medium-bodied wine is juicy and refreshing, with a soft texture and mild tannins. A touch of licorice and a subtle, peppery finish add complexity to its fruity core.
Food Pairing: This Valpolicella shines with classic Italian fare like margherita pizza, pasta with tomato-based sauces, or grilled vegetables. Its light structure and fresh acidity also make it an excellent match for roasted chicken or a platter of antipasti, where it highlights the natural sweetness of the ingredients without overpowering.
Ormae Vinae “MCMXI” Toscana IGP 2020
About: The Ormae Vinae “MCMXI” Toscana IGP 2020 is a bold and expressive wine that showcases the power and elegance of Tuscany. This red blend is a tribute to the region’s rich winemaking heritage, combining the depth of Sangiovese with the structure of international varietals. It’s a wine of great complexity and character, offering a luxurious experience with every sip.
Producer: Ormae Vinae is a boutique winery located in the heart of Tuscany, dedicated to producing wines that honor the land and its history. Founded in 1911, as indicated by the “MCMXI” on the label, the winery has a long-standing tradition of excellence. Today, the estate is managed by the third generation of the family, who continue to uphold the values of quality and authenticity. The “MCMXI” Toscana IGP 2020 represents the pinnacle of their craftsmanship, combining traditional methods with modern techniques to create a wine that is both timeless and contemporary.
Notes: The bouquet is rich and complex, with aromas of black cherry, plum, and a hint of leather, intertwined with notes of tobacco and dark chocolate. On the palate, it is full-bodied with firm, well-integrated tannins. Flavors of ripe blackberry, cassis, and a touch of vanilla from oak aging are balanced by a vibrant acidity, leading to a long, satisfying finish with a whisper of spice.
Food Pairing: This robust wine pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like beef ragu or wild boar stew, where the wine’s bold flavors and tannins complement the richness of the meat. It’s also an excellent match for aged cheeses such as Pecorino Toscano, where the wine’s acidity and fruitiness balance the cheese’s sharp, salty character, making for a harmonious pairing.
2022 Markus Molitor Haus Klosterberg Riesling Spatlese Feinherb
About: The 2022 Riesling “Haus Klosterberg” Feinherb is a radiant example of the Mosel’s world-famous Riesling style, offering a delicate balance between off-dry sweetness and bright, mouthwatering acidity. This feinherb (slightly off-dry) Riesling is a versatile and approachable wine, perfect for those who appreciate both purity of fruit and a hint of residual sweetness. Its vibrant character and mineral precision make it a delightful journey into the heart of German winemaking tradition.
Producer: Markus Molitor, one of the Mosel’s most celebrated vintners, brings generations of winemaking expertise to every bottle. Known for his tireless dedication to terroir and his meticulous approach to crafting Riesling, Molitor has become synonymous with excellence. The “Haus Klosterberg” bottling represents the gateway to his portfolio, capturing the soul of the Mosel with grapes sourced from the steep slate slopes that define the region’s winemaking heritage.
Notes: Aromas of ripe green apple, apricot, and lime zest mingle with hints of honeysuckle, wet slate, and a whisper of white tea. On the palate, the wine is beautifully balanced, with crisp acidity offset by a touch of sweetness, delivering flavors of juicy peach, citrus, and a subtle saline minerality. The finish is clean and refreshing, with lingering notes of crushed stone and a kiss of honey.
Food Pairing: This Riesling’s off-dry profile makes it an ideal match for spicy dishes, such as Thai green curry, Szechuan noodles, or spicy tuna rolls. The interplay of sweetness and acidity balances the heat of the spices, while its mineral backbone complements the vibrant flavors. It also pairs elegantly with creamy goat cheese or lightly spiced pork tenderloin.
Daniel Chotard Sancerre “Tradition” 2022
About: The 2022 Sancerre “Tradition” Blanc captures the precision and elegance that has made this appellation a global benchmark for Sauvignon Blanc. From the rolling limestone hills of the Loire Valley, this wine offers a quintessential expression of the terroir, with dazzling minerality, fresh acidity, and a vibrant citrus character. Bright, refreshing, and effortlessly refined, it is the perfect choice for lovers of crisp white wines that exude sophistication.
Producer: Domaine Chauvot, an artisanal estate rooted in the heart of Sancerre, has been crafting wines of distinction for decades. With vineyards spanning the prized flint and limestone soils of the region, the family behind Domaine Chauvot takes a hands-on approach, farming sustainably and vinifying with precision. Their dedication to tradition and quality has earned them a reputation as one of the appellation’s hidden gems, delivering wines that speak to the purity and heritage of Sancerre.
Notes: Enticing aromas of grapefruit, lemon peel, and green apple dominate the nose, with delicate hints of elderflower, crushed herbs, and flinty minerality. The palate is zesty and focused, with layers of citrus, white peach, and a distinctive chalky texture. A racy acidity drives the wine to a clean, lingering finish with a subtle salinity that keeps you coming back for more.
Food Pairing: This Sancerre is a dream pairing for fresh goat cheese, a classic match that highlights the wine’s citrusy brightness and chalky minerality. It also excels with seafood, such as grilled sole, poached salmon, or a vibrant niçoise salad. Its crisp acidity cuts through creamy textures, while the flinty undertones harmonize beautifully with delicate, briny flavors.