Autumn Classics
Domaine des Deux Vallées Anjou “Clos de la Casse” 2021
About: The 2021 “Clos de la Casse” from Domaine des Deux Vallées is a bright and crisp Chenin Blanc that showcases the Loire Valley’s signature freshness and minerality. Hailing from the Anjou region, this wine is a pure expression of its terroir, offering a vibrant blend of fruit and mineral notes. It is elegant and precise, capturing the classic Loire character—clean, crisp, and subtly complex. This Chenin Blanc is perfect for those who appreciate the balance of fruit-driven flavors and a refined mineral edge.
Producer: Domaine des Deux Vallées is a family-owned estate that has been a steward of Anjou’s viticultural heritage for generations. Their low-intervention approach and focus on sustainable farming result in wines that are authentic and reflective of their terroir. “Clos de la Casse” is crafted from select vines, delivering a wine of depth and character.
Notes: Aromas of apple blossom, pear, quince, and hints of honey and wet stone. Crisp and clean on the palate, with bright acidity, a slight creaminess, and notes of citrus, green apple, and a touch of spice.
Food Pairing: Excellent with goat cheese, seafood like scallops or grilled fish, and fresh salads. The wine’s minerality and acidity enhance seafood’s natural flavors and balance creamy textures.
Bodega Chakana “Estate Selection Malbec” Mendoza 2019
About: The 2019 Estate Selection Malbec from Bodega Chakana is a powerful and richly layered wine that exemplifies the bold spirit of Argentine winemaking. Sourced from high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza, this Malbec is robust yet elegantly balanced, with concentrated flavors of dark fruit, a hint of spice, and a smooth, lingering finish. It captures the essence of the Andes foothills, where cool nights and sunny days produce grapes of exceptional quality. This wine is perfect for those who enjoy deep, full-bodied reds with a touch of refinement.
Producer: Bodega Chakana, located in Mendoza, Argentina, is known for its biodynamic practices and commitment to natural winemaking. The estate’s focus on indigenous methods and sustainable viticulture allows the unique terroir of Mendoza to shine in every bottle. The Estate Selection Malbec is crafted from carefully selected grapes, offering a true expression of place and tradition.
Notes: Intense aromas of ripe blackberries, plum, violets, dark chocolate, and black pepper. Full-bodied with silky tannins, revealing layers of dark fruit, oak, and a spicy, lingering finish.
Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially beef or lamb. The wine’s robust structure complements the richness of the meat, while its dark fruit and spice notes enhance hearty flavors.
Carbonneau “Verriere” Sainte-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux 2020
About: The 2020 “Verriere” from Carbonneau is a quintessential Bordeaux blend that offers a harmonious blend of power and finesse. Rich in history and depth, this wine captures the essence of Sainte-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux—a lesser-known yet deeply respected sub-region of Bordeaux. Crafted primarily from Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, it delivers a balance of ripe dark fruits, well-structured tannins, and a refined finish. It is a wine that speaks to the heritage of Bordeaux but with a freshness that makes it both classic and modern.
Producer: Château Carbonneau, nestled in the lesser-known gem of Sainte-Foy, is a historic estate that has been family-run for generations. The Château is celebrated for its commitment to sustainable viticulture, meticulously hand-harvested grapes, and minimal intervention winemaking. Their “Verriere” blend is a tribute to both tradition and innovation, capturing the essence of their terroir while allowing the unique characteristics of each vintage to shine.
Notes: Rich aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and cedar, with undertones of tobacco and earthy spices. Medium to full-bodied with fine tannins, it reveals layers of dark cherry, licorice, and a hint of cocoa on the finish.
Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with roasted lamb or beef stew. The wine’s depth enhances the savory richness of slow-cooked meats, while its structured tannins provide balance, creating a harmonious dining experience.
Yves Cuilleron Collines Rhodaniennes “Roussanne” 2021
About: The 2021 “Roussanne” by Yves Cuilleron is a standout white from the Northern Rhône, offering a refined interpretation of this distinctive varietal. Known for its complexity and aromatic depth, this wine is sourced from the granitic slopes of Collines Rhodaniennes, where Roussanne thrives in the cool climate. It is characterized by its aromatic intensity and a well-rounded palate that combines freshness with richness—a white wine that is both elegant and dynamic, perfect for those seeking something out of the ordinary.
Producer: Yves Cuilleron is a leading figure in Rhône winemaking, bringing a modern approach to traditional methods. His family estate has been crafting wines since 1920, focusing on sustainable practices and a deep respect for the land. Cuilleron’s wines are celebrated for their purity and expression of terroir, with the “Roussanne” standing as a fine example of his craft.
Notes: A bouquet of white flowers, honeysuckle, apricot, and almond, with a touch of citrus zest. Medium-bodied with a creamy texture balanced by lively acidity, leading to a mineral finish.
Food Pairing: Ideal with creamy pasta dishes or roasted chicken with herbs. The wine’s acidity cuts through rich sauces, while its floral and stone fruit notes complement savory, herbaceous flavors.
Polvanera Primitivo “15” Gioia del Colle 2021
About: The 2021 Polvanera Primitivo “15” from Gioia del Colle is a bold and richly textured red that highlights the depth and power of the Primitivo grape. Known for its intensity, this wine offers a full-bodied profile with concentrated flavors of dark fruit, spice, and a hint of earthiness, reflecting the unique terroir of Puglia. With its robust structure and refined balance of fruit and acidity, this Primitivo “15” is both approachable and complex, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy expressive, bold reds with a smooth, lingering finish.
Producer: Polvanera, a biodynamic winery founded by Filippo Cassano, is renowned for its commitment to organic farming and the authentic expression of Puglia’s native varietals. Located in the Gioia del Colle region, Polvanera focuses on crafting high-quality Primitivo wines that reflect the limestone-rich soils and sun-drenched climate of the area, resulting in wines with distinctive minerality and freshness.
Notes: Aromas of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and plums, with notes of licorice, black pepper, and a touch of leather. On the palate, it is full-bodied and smooth, with well-integrated tannins and a finish that lingers with hints of spice and earth.
Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with grilled meats, hearty pasta dishes, or aged cheeses. The wine’s rich fruit and spice notes enhance the savory flavors of roasted meats and robust dishes, making it an ideal companion for a comforting meal.
Collalto Prosecco “Silky” Treviso Extra Dry
About: The “Silky” Prosecco from Collalto is an exquisite sparkling wine from Treviso that delivers freshness, finesse, and a touch of sweetness. As an Extra Dry Prosecco, it strikes a perfect balance between fruit-forward flavors and crisp acidity, making it versatile for celebrations or casual enjoyment. With its fine bubbles and delicate profile, it offers a lively drinking experience that is both refreshing and elegant.
Producer: The Collalto family, with over a century of winemaking in Treviso, brings a blend of tradition and modernity to their sparkling wines. Known for their refined and balanced approach, Collalto produces Prosecco that captures the vibrancy and beauty of the region.
Notes: Aromas of green apple, pear, white flowers, and a hint of citrus. Light-bodied with a delicate mousse and a crisp, slightly sweet finish.
Food Pairing: Perfect with light appetizers like bruschetta, prosciutto-wrapped melon, or fresh salads. The wine’s lively bubbles and bright acidity cleanse the palate and complement fresh, savory bites.