Red Box
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.
Le Mothe du Barry Bordeaux Supérieur 2022
About: The 2022 Le Mothe du Barry Bordeaux Supérieur is a charming expression of Bordeaux’s right bank, offering a youthful vibrancy and a classic profile. Made predominantly from Merlot, this wine is approachable yet refined, boasting ripe fruit flavors and a smooth texture. It showcases the quality of Bordeaux Supérieur wines, which deliver a level of depth and character beyond basic Bordeaux, making it a perfect everyday red with a touch of sophistication.
Producer: Château La Mothe du Barry is a family-owned estate that focuses on sustainable practices and small-batch production. The estate’s commitment to quality shines through in their wines, which are known for their authenticity and representation of Bordeaux terroir.
Notes: Aromas of red berries, plum, and hints of spice. The palate is medium-bodied with soft tannins and a smooth finish, featuring notes of blackberry, cassis, and a touch of oak.
Food Pairing: Pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or a variety of cheeses. The wine’s fruit-forward profile and moderate tannins make it versatile for many dishes.
Château Joanin Bécot Côtes de Castillon 2018
About: The 2018 Château Joanin Bécot from Côtes de Castillon is a stunning Bordeaux blend that exemplifies the power and elegance of this lesser-known region. This wine, made primarily from Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Franc, is full-bodied and rich, with a depth of flavor that speaks to its careful vinification and aging. It is both concentrated and refined, making it a delightful discovery for Bordeaux enthusiasts.
Producer: Château Joanin Bécot is managed by Juliette Bécot, a member of the esteemed Bécot family from Saint-Émilion. Known for their dedication to quality and innovation, the estate practices sustainable viticulture and produces wines that reflect both the terroir and the craftsmanship behind them.
Notes: Complex aromas of dark cherry, blackcurrant, and cocoa, with hints of licorice and earth. Full-bodied with firm tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, polished finish.
Food Pairing: Ideal with beef dishes, lamb chops, or hearty stews. The wine’s structure and depth complement rich and savory dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Giacomo Fenocchio Langhe Nebbiolo 2021
About: The 2021 Langhe Nebbiolo by Giacomo Fenocchio is a refined and expressive red that showcases the potential of Nebbiolo outside its more famous Barolo and Barbaresco designations. This wine is elegant yet accessible, featuring Nebbiolo’s signature floral and red fruit notes, with a vibrant acidity that makes it incredibly food-friendly. It’s an excellent introduction to the grape’s complexity without the long aging requirements.
Producer: Giacomo Fenocchio, a respected winemaker in Piemonte, Italy, is known for his traditional approach to crafting wines that respect the region’s heritage. His wines emphasize natural expression, minimal intervention, and a clear sense of place.
Notes: Aromas of rose petals, red cherries, and spices, with subtle notes of leather and earth. Medium-bodied with fine tannins, bright acidity, and a long, nuanced finish.
Food Pairing: Perfect with mushroom risotto, pasta with truffle, or grilled veal. The wine’s bright acidity and fine tannins enhance earthy flavors, making it a great match for autumnal dishes.
Domaine de la Janasse Côtes-du-Rhône “Tradition” 2022
About: The “Tradition” Côtes-du-Rhône from Domaine de la Janasse is a rich and expressive blend that embodies the essence of the Rhône Valley. Predominantly made from Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvèdre adding complexity, this wine is juicy, spicy, and full of character. It captures the warmth and diversity of the region, offering layers of flavor that unfold beautifully in the glass, making it a perfect choice for cool autumn nights.
Producer: Domaine de la Janasse is a family-run estate in the southern Rhône Valley, renowned for producing wines that reflect the true character of their terroir. Their dedication to quality, from vineyard to bottle, results in wines that are both expressive and balanced.
Notes: Aromas of blackberries, black pepper, garrigue, and a hint of smoke. Medium to full-bodied with supple tannins, juicy fruit, and a lingering, spicy finish.
Food Pairing: Excellent with grilled meats, ratatouille, or rustic casseroles. The wine’s spiciness and structure complement hearty dishes and enhance the flavors of herbs and spices.
Viña Bosconia Rioja Reserva 2012
About: The 2012 Viña Bosconia Rioja Reserva is a classic, old-world style Rioja that offers complexity, elegance, and a sense of history in every sip. Made from a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and smaller amounts of Mazuelo and Graciano, this wine is aged extensively in oak and bottle, resulting in a mature, savory profile. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the balance of fruit, earth, and subtle oak that a traditional Rioja provides.
Producer: R. López de Heredia, the producer behind Viña Bosconia, is one of Rioja’s most storied wineries, known for its dedication to traditional methods and extended aging. Their wines are renowned for their ability to age gracefully while showcasing Rioja’s heritage.
Notes: Aromas of dried cherry, leather, tobacco, and cedar, with notes of vanilla and spice. Medium-bodied with fine tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, complex finish.
Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with roast lamb, game dishes, or Manchego cheese. The wine’s maturity and complexity complement rich, earthy flavors, making it ideal for sophisticated autumn meals.