Club Corner
October 2025 Rosé Club
BODEGAS MUGA This month, we’re taking a slightly different approach by spotlighting a single bottle from one exceptional producer. The focus this month will be on the esteemed Spanish winery Bodegas Muga, one of the most well regarded producers in Rioja. While the Muga family had been associated with viticulture in northwestern Rioja dating as far back as the 16th century, it wasn’t until 1932 that Isaac Muga and his wife Aurora Caño, reportedly a great wine taster who was able to identify different plots of land and the villages by taste, opened their own cellar. They met while working at La Rioja Alta S.A. where Isaac’s father worked as cellar master. Originally starting as negociants under the name Claretes Muga (Rioja Clarete was the name of the traditional rosé of the region) in the city of Haro, they bought wine from wineries and vineyards to blend and age with a focus on making rosé and young red wines for the first thirty years of the company. It wasn’t until the 1960s and the move to their current cellars in El Barrio de la Estación that the family shifted their focus from bulk wine to Reservas and Gran Reservas under the watch of the 2nd generation, brothers Manuel and Isacín. The winery has gained world renown while remaining family-owned, with Manuel's children Manu, Juan, Eduardo, and Ana in charge of sales, management, and communication, while their cousins oversee viticulture and winemaking with Jorge focused on reds while Isaac focused on whites and rosés. Being a 100% family business has allowed them to make long- term decisions and make significant investments in old vineyards. Bodegas Muga stands as one of the most traditional wineries in the world, where every stage of winemaking still takes place in oak barrels and vats. The winery employs a dedicated team solely for barrel management, carrying out racking by gravity and inspecting wines for sediment by candlelight. Every barrel and vat is crafted on-site by Muga’s own cooperage team—making it the only winery in Spain with its own master cooper. The master cooper’s son also works at the estate and is currently training to follow in his father’s footsteps. Each year, the Muga family travels to France and other regions to personally select oak trees, which are later fashioned into staves and seasoned for several years at the winery’s facilities. Flor de Muga is a higher-tier, single-vineyard wine that differs from Muga's "regular" wines through its use of premium fruit from older vines, a more meticulous winemaking process, and longer aging. While standard Muga wines are a blend of various plots, Flor de Muga is made from a very specific, strict selection of grapes from high-altitude old vines, resulting in a more complex, elegant, and refined wine. Think Pink! Justin Malesheetz-Wine Buyer 2024 Bodegas Muga Flor de Muga Rosato Region/Country of Origin: El Barrio de la Estación, Rioja, ES About the Vineyards: The family owns and cultivates a 400 hectare holding of vineyards, primarily located in three quality subzones of Rioja — the foothills of the Montes Obarenes, the Sonsierra Riojana, and the Alta Najerilla in Rioja Alta. The grapes used for this wine come from bush vines planted between 1927 and 1947 at high elevation in the Yalde and Alto Najerilla Valleys that are cultivated using sustainable viticulture practices. About the Winemaking: After closely monitoring the ripening process, the optimal harvest time is selected to maintain the grapes’ acidity and fresh fruit character. The grapes (100% Garnacha) are handpicked and transported to the winery in small, refrigerated crates to preserve their full aromatic potential. This rosé is made from free-run juice, the first wine to come out of the tank after fermentation with little or no pressure from the press. Following a very short maceration, fermentation is carried out with 100% ambient yeast in small wooden casks and a variety of large wooden vats with each plot fermenting separately. The wine is then aged on the lees for four months before bottling and release. Tasting Notes: A pale, almost clear salmon in the glass with a bright nose of tangerine, mineral, grapefruit and green strawberry. Medium bodied with crystalline laser like acidity and a tangy, salted grapefruit, strawberry, and red cherry palate with a long mineral and saline finish. Winemaker: Isaac Muga Price: $39.99 btl /$239.94 a 6-pack Suggested Food Pairing: Grilled watermelon and feta salad, arroz con pollo
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June '24 Wine of the Month Club
Catalonia Spain The wine region of Catalonia is located in the northeast of Spain, south of the eastern Pyrenees, bordering France and along the Mediterranean coast. The region has almost 600 km of coastline, being strongly influenced by the maritime climate. The majority of vineyards in Catalonia are located in the south of Barcelona in areas that cover the coastal plain and hills to the west. Catalan wines, much like the culture of its people, exhibit a distinctiveness that sets them apart from those produced in the rest of Spain, contrasting with the Castilian, Galician, or Andalusian counterparts. In fact, during the autumn of 2014, a majority of Catalan voters expressed their support for secession from Spain through straw-poll ballots. Following this, separatist candidates triumphed in the regional elections a year later. Although the outcome of Catalan independence remains uncertain, the provinces of Barcelona, Tarragona, Lleida, and Girona are presently still part of Spain. Catalonia boasts ten designated wine regions, predominantly focusing on grape varieties that thrive in the Mediterranean climate. Among the red grape varieties, Garnacha and Carignan (also known as Cariñena or Samsó) take precedence, while the white grape varieties include Garnacha Blanca and Xarel-lo. Throughout Catalonia, one can also find plantations of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Trepat, which are complemented by the white varieties Parellada and Macabeo (known as Viura in Rioja), often utilized in the production of Cava, Spain's renowned sparkling wine. Catalan wines are known for their robust body and high alcohol content, attributes attributed to both the grape varieties employed and the warm climatic conditions prevalent within the region. Moreover, the finest wines of Catalonia offer an enticing minerality derived from vineyards sown in granite, chalk, and cracked slate soils. Stretching west from the Mediterranean toward inland hills and mountains, Penedès is ground zero for sparkling wine production. If you’ve ever enjoyed a glass of Cava, chances are it came from Penedès, which accounts for around 95% of the world’s Cava production. But it’s not all bubbles, as Penedès has a small contingent of still-wine producers as well. Having enjoyed a tasty still varietal Xarel-lo (the most widely planted variety) I can attest that it is indeed possible to get a still wine from the area. Other good still-wine bets include Chardonnay, Muscat, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tempranillo. Penedès has also been the standard bearer when it comes to advancement and innovation as it was here that stainless steel and cold fermentation were first used. Montsant is home to old vine Garnacha and Carignan. The region wraps around the smaller Priorat and shares much in common with its more famous neighbor, including vines planted at high elevation in similar soils and climate. The good news is folks are not as knowledgeable about Monsant, so wines come at more modest prices. Some refer to the wines of the region as “poor man’s Priorat” which seriously undermines how great these wines can be. In addition to Garnacha and Carignan, Syrah and Garnacha Blanca also play an important role in the wines of the region. Like Priorat, the wines can be bold with high levels of alcohol, but can also yield refined and mineral-driven wines when made from fruit grown in high-elevation, stony soils. It may live in Priorat’s shadow, but during a recent tasting that featured both Montsant and Priorat wines, my vote went to the Montsant wines. Salud! Carrie Upson- General Manager and Wine Buyer 2022 Huguet de Can Feixes Blanc Selecció Region / Country of Origin: Cataluña, D.O. Penedes/Corpinnat, Spain About the vineyards: Estate vineyards in foothills of upper Pènedes region, Alt Pènedes, D.O. Pènedes, Cataluña at an altitude of 1400 feet. 100% organic – CCPAE (Consell Català de la Producció Agrària Ecològica), sustainable agriculture, 100% estate grown. One of 9 members of Corpinnat “born in the heart of the Penedes.” About the winemaking: Hand harvested with careful berry selection in vineyard and at sorting table • Gentle pneumatic pressing, natural settling • Fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks • Aged on lees in tank until bottling in February 2023. 40% Parellada, 29% Macabeo, 18% Xarel-lo, 8% Chardonnay, 5% Malvasia de Sitges. Tasting Notes: Fresh, fruity and floral aromas. Citrus notes and fullness complimented by stony minerality on the palate and crisp acidity. A young, dry white wine made from a careful selection of the native grape varietals grown at Can Feixes. “Aromas of nectarine, ginger and honeysuckle waft from the glass. This fully textured white is bright from the first sip and has flavors of pineapple, passion fruit and rose that evaporate into a vivid finish.” 92 Points Wine Enthusiast Winemaker: Josep Maria Huguet Price: $23.99 bottle/ $259.09 case Suggested Food Pairing: Paella, Romaine with garlic lemon anchovy dressing, Garlic shrimp linguine, Tortilla de patata 2020 Josep Grau Viticultor Efecte Volador Montsant Region / Country of Origin: Cataluña, D.O. Montsant, Spain About the Winery: “In Priorat region, we found the inspiration to get started in wine, first observing and then, in 2003, purchasing the first vineyard in the village of Capçanes, in DO Montsant.” They were attracted by the diversity of soils and terroirs in Montsant and their potential to make different wines. Gradually they were incorporating vineyards that they acquired from winegrowers who no longer wanted to farm their vines, usually old Garnacha and Cariñena plots. They also maintain close ties with growers who are involved in the business and share Josep Grau’s philosophy. About the winemaking: Hand harvested • Fermented in 1700 liter concrete vats using only indigenous yeasts at low temperature to protect fruit • Aged in concrete vats 6 months. 80% Garnacha 20% Cariñena Tasting Notes: Soaring with aromas of red berries and macerated cherries, a thrilling expression of Garnacha and Cariñena that personifies its name, “The feeling of flying.” The fruit pops with structure on a lively mouthfeel, with subtle tannin and nuances of rosemary, violets, and tar. Winemaker: Josep Grau Price: $23.99 bottle/ $259.09 case Suggested Food Pairings: Cassoulet, Duck confit, Spanish style white bean and sausage soup, Pontevedra style Spanish Chicken
Learn moreApril 2024 Rosé Club
Spain holds the rank of the third largest wine producer globally, following Italy and France. The country devotes a significant amount of land to vineyards, with over one million acres dedicated to wine production. Spain boasts 60 officially recognized wine regions, known as Denominaciones de Origen (D.O.), which operate similarly to France's appellations, enforcing specific laws to ensure the quality of wines produced in each region. Spain consists of 17 autonomous regions, and this month's featured wines originate from Navarra, home to the famous Pamplona and the running of the bulls, as well as Rioja, a region steeped in history encompassing a massive 161000 acres of land. The Rioja wine region is located in northern Spain, primarily within the autonomous community of La Rioja but also extending into parts of Navarre and the Basque Country. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, with the Ebro River flowing through the region. Rioja has a unique climate influenced by both Atlantic and Mediterranean weather patterns. The region experiences hot summers and relatively mild winters, with variations in microclimates across its three subregions. The diverse terroir includes a mix of soils such as clay, limestone, and alluvial deposits, contributing to the different wine styles produced here. Many wineries in Rioja combine modern winemaking practices with respect for age-old traditions, resulting in a diverse range of high-quality wines. While Rioja is primarily known for its red and white wines, the production of rosé wine in the region has gained popularity in recent years. Rosé wines from Rioja, known as "Rosado" in Spanish, offer a unique expression of the region's winemaking prowess and terroir. The Navarra D.O., situated to the east of Rioja, represents the Basque region. Wine cultivation in Navarra dates back to the Roman era in the first century A.D. However, the region's reputation for winemaking truly flourished during the late Middle Ages. Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, a medieval pilgrimage route experiencing a recent surge in popularity, began praising the exceptional quality of wines encountered while passing through the Kingdom of Navarra. Additionally, the Navarra throne was occupied by a series of French monarchs during this time, leading to a three-century cultural renaissance that is still evident today in the region's late Romanesque and high Gothic architectural treasures. Moreover, a lingering French influence can be observed in the local sensibilities surrounding food and wine. The region had a reputation for its celebrated rosés made from the native Garnacha Tinta grape even before D.O. Navarra was established in 1933. Navarra rosé wines are known for their versatility and food-friendliness and often exhibit a balance between fruitiness, acidity, and minerality. This makes them suitable for various occasions and culinary pairings. Whether enjoyed as a refreshing apéritif or paired with Mediterranean cuisine, Navarra rosé wines offer a delightful drinking experience. Think Pink, Carrie Upson General Manager Maximo Abete “Casalasierra” Rosé 2021 Region/Country of Origin: Navarra, Spain About the Vintage: Vintage marked by the big frost in april, which affected a quarter of our vineyard and the poor fruit set of the Garnacha variety. It results in a yield 40% lower than the average. Warm and very dry summer season benefitted from cool nights which helped keep balance in the fruit. Rain at the beginning of September delayed the starting of the harvest and adding to cool temperatures made a slow and balanced maturation. Tasty and concentrated wines with fresh fruit and low pHs. Feeling of a great vintage. About the Winemaking: Gentle de-stemming and cold skin contact for 12 hours. Free run juice to obtain the must without using pressure (bleeding method). Fermentation without skins at low temperature in concrete vat during 19 days. Bottled in November 2021 Tasting Notes: An intense bright pink color with purple glints. Very pronounced nose with red berry fruits (strawberry, raspberry), candy fruits and herbal base. Fresh attack, very refreshing body with a good acidity and balanced lingering finish full of fruity aromas. Good balance between acidity and fruitiness. Winemakers: Yoanna and Maria Abete Price per bottle / Price per case: $19.99 / $205.09 Suggested Food Pairing: With everything; Navarra vegetables, white meats, grilled meats, rice, pasta, pizza. Ostatu Rioja Rosato 2022 Region/Country of Origin: Rioja, Spain About the Winery: The secret lies in the high-altitude, bush-trained vineyards of indigenous tempranillo, garnacha, and viura vines in the foothills of the Sierra de Cantabria mountains. Theirs is a singular mountain rosé produced from some of Ostatu’s oldest and highest-elevation vineyards in the village of Samaniego: La Paul, Valdepedro, and Carrera at 600m to 650m. Samaniego is located directly at the convergence of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean climatic influences, which mold the character of the vintages. This unique soil and climate also lend a certain austerity and structure to Ostatu wines, which differentiates them from the Rioja wines of other subzones. Ostatu is pure Alavesa mountain wine, born of the tension and energy of an extreme climate. About the Winemaking: Grapes are farmed organically, and only native yeasts are utilized to ferment in stainless steel tanks, yielding a light, refreshing rosé from Rioja with substance, as well as charm. After a manual harvest, the grapes are destemmed and gently pressed before undergoing a short maceration. The wine then ferments with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures (15°C to 16°C) on the lees for 44 days. Afterward, the wine is cold stabilized and gently filtered through diatomaceous earth before bottling. 63% Tempranillo / 35% Garnacha / 2% Viura. Certified Organic by ENEEK (Basque Organic Regulatory Council). Tasting Notes: Intense aroma of red fruits (strawberries, raspberries, currants), some citrus skin (orange peel) and fine minerality. Very fresh and balanced on the palate with good acidity. Finishes with a great balance of flavors, fruitiness and warmth. Winemaker: Gonzalo Sáenz de Samaniego Price per bottle / Price per case: $19.99/ $215.89 case Suggested Food Pairing: Patatas Bravas Jamin Iberico Gambas al Ajillo Salmon salad
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January '24 Rosé Club
Grenache Rosé Garnacha/Grenache, a widely cultivated grape variety, has its origins in Europe, specifically in the region that is now eastern Spain/southern France. Flourishing in the arid Mediterranean climate, this grape quickly made its way to other areas in the south and east, starting with Catalonia and later expanding to regions under the Crown of Aragón's influence during the 12th-17th centuries (Corsica, Sardinia, southern Italy, Sicily, Croatia, and even Greece). The 18th and 19th centuries witnessed further expansion of Garnacha/Grenache beyond Europe, reaching non-European regions such as Australia, North Africa, and California. So, this month we’ve selected an old world Garnacha Peluda Rosat from Catalonia, and a new world Grenache rosé from San Luis Obispo. La Lieff Wines began as Lieff Wines in Rutherford, California, the jewel of the Napa Valley Wine World, on a rocky outcrop above Auberge du Soleil. Even though the Lieff Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon would ultimately be named one of the Big Guns of Napa Valley (Wine Spectator 2015), the family eventually left Napa for the increasingly dynamic and less crowded California Central Coast. There, they purchased a ranch in San Luis Obispo County, and began growing Rhone varietals like Grenache, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc. Three years ago, the metamorphosis was complete as La Lieff Wines emerged under the stewardship of Gretchen Lieff (who is also vice president of the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network) and the inspiration of Gaia, the Greek mythological earth goddess and mother responsible for all planetary life. Edetària produces authentic wines with indigenous grapes, searching the purest soil expression, and restoring old vines' value thanks to organic winemaking in Gandesa DO Terra Alta, south of Barcelona. Joan Àngel Lliberia, Edetària’s heart and soul, started this adventure after studying Agricultural Engineering studies in Lleida and taking a Master of Science in Wine Management at OIV (Office International de la Vigne et du vin.) His first wine professional wine management work was in France, before he moved back to Catalunya, to continue his career in the wine sector, and later on with multinational corporations. Eventually, memories of a childhood lived amongst a universe of vineyards, grapes and cellars, and his passion for wine called him back to his origins to set up Edetària. This project is a dream come true, a homage to his oenologist grandfather Llorens and his viticulturist parents Pepita and Angel, and a wonderful legacy to pass on to future generations. Cheers! Carrie Upson-General Manager 2021 La Lieff Rosé of Grenache Region/Country of Origin: San Luis Obispo, California About the Winery: California’s Central Coast has more women winemakers than any other region in the world. This gives La Lieff an opportunity to be a truly woman owned and operated wine company. All key elements are managed by women, from the vineyard ownership/management, the winemaking, and the icon of the brand - Gaia, the Goddess of the Earth, who is featured on the La Lieff label. Grown in San Luis Obispo County along California’s Central Coast, the grapes continue to create our world class wines. Proximity to the ocean, orientation of the numerous canyons, and varying elevations produce diverse microclimates, allowing production of both cool and warm weather loving wine-grape varieties. About the Winemaking: The Grenache grapes used for this Rosé were not a by-product of red wine production; instead, they were crafted in the style of white wine; the grapes being gently whole cluster pressed allowing the optimum extraction of tannins and color. The resulting juice was racked to a tank and chilled to 45°F for two days, letting the juice clarify before inoculating for primary fermentation. Malolactic fermentation was prevented in this wine. Before bottling, this Rosé was maintained in stainless steel and kept at a temperature no greater than 58°F, helping it retain its true varietal characteristics and vibrant acidity. Tasting Notes: Pale Quartz Pink in color, this dry Rosé, is ripe, round and distinctive for its aromas and flavor profile, offering notes of strawberry, watermelon, and ruby red grapefruit, with hints of cardamom and lime zest. Winemaker: Kris Curran Price: $25.99 btl/ $280.69 Suggested Food Pairing: Gambas à la plancha, Quiche and Frittata, Pepper crusted tuna, Char Siu Bao. Edetaria, via Terra Garnatxa Rosat 2022 Terra Alta DO Catalonia Region/Country of Origin: Catalonia, Spain About the Winery: Garnacha Peluda (aka Hairy Grenache) gets its name from its downy, fuzzy leaves. As with rosemary and other Mediterranean plants, this seems to have evolved to allow the vine to conserve moisture in the heat. This grape variety is resistant to drought, it adapts well to arid soils and is less sensitive to pests. It is a mutation of the Red Grenache and is native to Catalonia. Edetaria uses sustainable practices to achieve the purest and the most genuine expression from their vineyards A few examples of their practices are: -preserving the soil’s structure and oxygenating it by rotating till and no-till cover crops, -using green fertilizers (pruning remains, cover crops cuts) and manure, -never using chemical fungicides and insecticides. Sustainable and organic practices used not only in the vineyards, but also in the cellar in the cellar, via solar energy. About the Winemaking: After soft destemming, skin contact is allowed for a few hours at 5°C. Fermentation: After debourbage, fermentation occurs at 16°C. Once fermentation is completed, they work with the fine lees to achieve a nice creaminess. Tasting Notes: Subtle salmon color with fresh red, zesty fruit and mineral aromas The wine tastes elegant, fresh and complex with a great balance of creaminess and acidity. Winemaker: Joan Àngel Lliberia Price: $13.99 bottle/$151.09 case Suggested Food Pairing: Coconut Curry soup, Onion confit stuffed with ham, Seafood Paella, Tiramisu.
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October 2022 Wine of the Month Club
If you’ve been a member of one or more of our wine clubs for more than a few months, you’d be forgiven for reading the labels on these bottles and wondering Espagne? Otre Vez? After all, this very club visited in July and the Red Rogues folks were there last quarter (some of you probably saw each other and waved!). You already know and love Rioja, the north central region synonymous with plush and fruity reds made from mostly Tempranillo and aged in American oak. You also might also be familiar with Ribera del Duero and Toro, the two other regions that produce their own lovely and distinctive wines from Tempranillo. Then there’s Priorat in southwestern Catalonia, prized for full bodied, high-alcohol red blends made from the singular local iron-rich black slate and quartz known as llicorella; Sherry, the fortified wine with enough variations to constitute it’s own subject (holler if you’d be interested in a Sherry club); and Cava, like Champagne but more affordable and made with Iberinan grapes. Then there’s Albarino, Godello, etc, etc… What’s incredible is that you could feast your way through each of these places and still not reach Spain’s last course (though you might have trouble getting up from the table). There is still a bunch of Spainsplaining (sorry) left to do – and this month it concerns Galicia, maybe the most exciting place for wine in the whole country right now and probably the most diverse. Occupying the far northwest corner, bordering Portugal to the south, the Atlantic to the north and west, and mountain ranges to the east, Galicia is the wettest region in the country (the rain in Spain falls mainly here). Visitors are often surprised to find a lush green landscape closer to the Emerald Isle ideal than southern Europe. This is especially true along the coast, where the region’s most famous DO, Rias Baixas, is located. Created in 1988, it is divided into 5 subareas - from north to south: Ribeira do Ulla, Val do Salnés, Soutomaior, Condado do Tea and O Rosal. The white grape Albarino is the most important varietal but the region is home to 13 more natives varieties, 5 other whites: Loureira blanca, Treixadura, Caiño Blanco, Torrontés and Godello; and 8 reds: Caiño tinto, Castañal, Espadeiro, Loureira tinta, Sousón, Mencía, Brancellao and Pedral. Our red this month is Mencia from the Val do Salnes subregion which is responsible for 60% of the DO’s entire production. Mencia is Spain’s rough Pinot Noir analogue, and it produces a light–to-medium red wine with a generous fruit and a a distinctive herbaceous overlay. Most Mencia comes from other parts of Galicia, the DOs of Bierzo and Ribeira Sacra in particular. It is a rare treat to find one from Rias Baixas that displays the area’s characteristic acidity and saline minerality while retaining the varietals most recognizable traits. Our white is a blend from the Ribeira DO (which is distinct from the aforementioned Ribeira del Duero and Ribeira Sacra designations), south of Rias Baixas and a little more inland. Established in 1932, it is the oldest DO in Galicia, and occupies the confluences of the valleys formed by the rivers Miño, Avia and Arnoia. It is still close enough to the Atlantic (45 km) to make it a climactic transition zone. It is protected from harsh coastal weather conditions by a range of mountains, but still benefits from ocean breezes and precipitation proximity. This allows the grapes to fully ripen and develop a floral, aromatic complexity while keeping the mouthwatering freshness that Galician wines are known for. In the local dialect 'ribeiro' means riverbank and water is a key element of the area with the best vineyards planted on the steep slopes of the rivers that converge here. Antonio Montero’s ‘Autor’ bottling is mostly (80% ) Treixadura, the most prestigious white grape in the region, presented here, as it usually is, with small amounts of Ribeiro's other white grapes: Torrontés, Loureira, and Albariño. Cheers, The PlumpJack Wine Team Monte Pio Benquerio Mencia Region / Country of Origin:Val do Salnés, Rías Baixas, Spain About the winery: Casa Monte Pio was founded in 1979 by Jose María Martinez; now his grandson Pablo Martinez carries the family tradition as the owner and winemaker. Pablo’s passion lies in the vineyard – he realized this after a brief career in accounting. Upon his return to the wine industry, he has dedicated himself to organic viticulture and craft wine production. His vineyards are located within walking distance to their family home, located in the heart of the Val do Salnès near the Rio Umai. About the winemaking: 100% Mencia. Grapes from a single plot 200m above sea level with soils of decomposed granite near the village of Ribadumia. The area has a maritime climate, with hot summers and high levels of humidity. Hand harvested and carefully selected, the grapes were destemmed and drawn-off by gravity. Then the wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in French oak barrels for 9 months. Aged in bottle for an additional few months before release. Tasting Notes: Appearance: Bright cherry red. Nose: Red and wild fruits, slightly spiced with a mineral background. Taste: Fresh with a great fruit load, long finish with floral and vegetal notes. Winemaker: Pablo Martinez Price: $27 btl/$291.60 case Suggested Food Pairing: Cured and gamey meats Branzino, Mushroom Risotto, Portabello Mushroom Steak, tomato dishes and lentils, bell peppers, olives and artichokes. Hard and sharp cheeses like cheddar and manchego. Antonio Montero Autor 2020 Region / Country of Origin:, Riberia, Galicia, Spain About the Winery: Antonio Montero’s winery was established three generations ago and is located in the heart of the Ribeiro DO, 45km east from the Atlantic Ocean in Galicia. All the labor in the vineyards is done manually, with the vines being on hillsides and small plots. The use of terraces (known locally as socalcos or bocaribeiras) is common in the Ribeiro DO as the slopes can be very steep. The main vineyards are on the slopes of ‘Coto de Novelle’ on the left bank of the Miño river, as well as as a bunch of small plots such as ‘A Ponte’, ‘O Quinteiro’, ‘Fonte Quente’, ‘La Calzada’ etc. The soil is mostly clay and sand but with variations from plot to plot. About the winemaking: Fermentation in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperature. We keep the wine with the lees during 4- 5 months. Stabilization by refrigeration Tasting Notes: Clean and brilliant, yellowish straw-covered color with greenish and golden highlights. Complex aroma of white fruits, dairy products, citrus and menthols. The mouthfeel is wide, structured and filling. Great long final persistence. Very good balance between alcohol and acidity, that provides roundness and warmth. Winemaker: Antonio Montero / Julio Ponce Price: $22 bottle / $237.60 case Suggested Food Pairing: Red Peppers Stuffed with cheese Seared Scallops and Herb Octopus salad
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Q3 2022 Red Rogues- All About Spain
All About Spain San Francisco’s hottest nightclub is Spanish Wine (any SNL fans here?). This spot has it all: more vino per year by volume than all but two other countries (Italy and France); more land devoted to wine grape cultivation than any other nation - some 2.4 million acres divided into 60 officially designated wines regions (called DOs) and 138 different wine designations. Old vines, young vines, new vines that are actually old (because re-discovered), liminal vines of indeterminate lineage. Sherry - an utterly unique fortified wine genre that can hang with everything from oysters to ice cream; Cava, like Champagne but cheaper and with Iberian grapes; and Albarino, a world-class salt-frothed white, swimming with stone fruit and sunned by blue sky acidity. (Plus a Tapas +1 for all of them.) Then there’s the reds: out of the aforementioned 60 DO’s, there are only two that receive the highest possible quality classification of DOCa, and both are primarily known for red wine. The first is Rioja, a chunk of north central Spain, bounded by mountains and extending for 90 miles on both sides of the Ebro river. Rioja - the word itself is a portmanteau of "Rio" (River) and "Oja" ( the name of a tributary of the Ebro) - is by far Spain’s best known wine region, synonymous with plush and fruity reds, made from the native Tempranillo and Garnacha varietals, aged in American oak. This style known as Traditional Rioja, is, ironically, a relatively recent innovation. In the 1860s, the twin scourges of phylloxera and mildew sent French vignerons scrambling south to make wine, and most ended up in nearby Rioja, bringing the méthode bordelaise to bear on local soils. At the time, barrel-grade European wood was difficult to come by, and expensive, so the Riojanos turned to America’s vast forests for cheap wood, which imparted to the wine the notes of vanilla, coconut and dill so closely associated with Rioja today. While none of this was a bad thing, the combination proved so popular that it necessitated large industrial scale production of blended grapes, obscuring the incredible breadth and complexity of climates and soils in the region. Fortunately, in the last 40 years, many native winemakers have chosen to focus on small, hyper-local viticulture and reviving older local traditions - not so much rejecting Traditional Rioja, as integrating it into an approach that more accurately records the terroir. Our selection from the region this quarter, comes from one such concern, Bodegas Ostatu, a family winery with deep roots in the region, operating out of Rioja Alavesa, the smallest of Rioja’s three sub-regions, known for higher elevation, relatively cooler weather, and softer, more finessed wines. The other Spanish region with a DOCa classification is Priorat, a tiny, rural appellation in southwestern Catalonia; only two hours from Barcelona, but quite remote. The Estatuto del Vino (wine laws) issued by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture in 1932 established the region as a place capable of producing world class wines and recognized it as a land to protect. However Priorat, deep in Republican territory, was devastated by the Civil War of the late 1930’s and it wasn’t until 1954 that it was given official DO status, and 2000 when it received the DOCa classification. In any event, Priorat’s steep hillside terrain and intense daytime heat make for difficult growing conditions and extremely low yields. The attraction, for the winemakers who do the hard work and the drinkers who pay the high prices, is the highly distinctive soil composition, known as llicorella. A rocky iron-rich blend of black slate and quartz which reflects sunlight and conserves heat, llicorella imparts to the wines a rich depth of fruit and uniquely concentrated minerality obtainable nowhere else. Garnacha and Carinena (Grenache and Carignan) are the principal red varietals, but Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah are allowed. The best red wines are dominated by Garnacha, or blended with Spanish and French varietals, and subject to varying methods of French barrique treatment. Salmos, the Priorat bottling included here, is a tribute to the monks of the Carthusian Monastery of Scala Dei, who arrived in Priorat in 1095 and introduced winegrowing there. It is a blend of Carinena, Garnacha and Syrah. Famille Serra, the producers, have themselves been making wine in Spain since the 19th century. Outside of the two DOCa’s, there is much else to explore in Spanish Red, including Ribero Del Duero and Toro, two DO’s dedicated to lovely and distinctive variations on Tempranillo. But these days it’s possible the most interesting stuff is coming from Galicia, in the far northwest corner, bordering Portugal to the south, the Atlantic to the north and west and mountain ranges to the east. Home of the aforementioned Albarino, most notably in Rias Baixas, Spain's only exclusively white wine DO, Galicia is the wettest region in the country (the rain in Spain falls mainly…here) but with ample climatic diversity, the weather getting drier as you move inland, with maritime breezes giving way to continental gusts. The primary red grape is Mencia, Spain’s approximate Pinot Noir analogue, but intrepid vitiners all over the region are doing inspired work with obscure and forgotten varietals, unencumbered by strict DO rules. Case in Point: Teimosia (Galician for “perseverance”) a recent partnership between a trio of winemaking veterans in Rosal, a small village within 5 kilometeres of the Atlantic Ocean, technically in Rias Baixas, but unclassified. An extremely small production (less than 1,000 bottles total) it is a blend of the indigenous and new-to-us grapes Caíño Tinto, Castañal and Sousón, and singular: delicate and quite pretty but with intense flavor profiles of stonefruit and spice. Salud! PlumpJack Wine Team Ostatu Valdepedro Vino de Samaniego Rioja Alavesa 2019 Rioja Alavesa, Rioja, Spain About the Winery: Bodegas Ostatu is a family winery located in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa region in the town of Samaniego. The Saenz de Samaniego family has been in the area for many generations. The vineyards, which are protected by the Sierra Cantabria range, are composed of chalk and clay. The average age of the vines is 50 years old. Until recently all the wine was made in the carbonic maceration process with the intent being wines for early consumption. This philosophy recently changed when Hubert de Bouard de Laforest of Chateau Angelus saw the vineyard sites of the family and expressed an interest in collaborating on a special project. He realized that the age of the vines, combined with the unique orientation of the vineyards, could produce dramatically different wines that could compete on the world stage. By changing over from carbonic maceration to traditional fermentation and by reducing yields in the vineyards the wines made a drastic change in style. About the winemaking: After a manual harvest in small baskets, the grapes are destemmed and crushed with a brief pre-fermentation cold-soak and then fermented by native yeasts in stainless steel tanks without added sulfur. The fermentation lasts 14 days at a temperature of 24°C, with occasional gentle pump-overs. The wine is then racked into a large 500L, previously-used French oak foudre for malolactic fermentation, followed by seven months of aging in 1500L concrete eggs. Sulfur is not added during the process. 4000 bottle production. Tasting Notes: Attractive cherry red color, bright, medium depth. Its aromatic variety highlights fresh red fruits such as cherries and wild strawberries, flower petals. Pronounced savory flavors of green olives on the palate. Smooth entry and velvety mouthfeel throughout. Winemaker: Saenz de Samaniego Family $35 bottle/$378 case Suggested Food Pairing: Lamburgers Paella Chili con carne Tapenade with crostini Familia Torres Salmos 2017 DOQ Priorat, Spain About the Winery: Familia Torres founded its first winery in Vilafranca del Penedès in 1870, 150 years ago, but its roots in the winegrowing traditions of Spain date back to the 16th century. Five generations have carried the family business forward, passing on their passion for wine culture from parents to children – a passion steeped in respect for land and tradition, and a firm belief in innovation. Today the family focuses on wines from unique vineyards and historical estates, as well as the recovery of ancestral varieties. Familia Torres has a historical connection to Penedès, Conca de Barberà, Priorat, and Costers del Segre, but now its presence extends to vineyards and wineries in preeminent Spanish wine regions – Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Rueda, and Rías Baixas. About the Winemaking: In 2017, temperatures were within normal range throughout the growth season, but showed some variation across the year: the first half was warmer—June was particularly hot—but the ripening period was unusually cool due to lower temperatures in September. In terms of total precipitation, the growth season saw little rainfall, and it is worth noting that the ripening period was especially dry. Shallow soils developed over Carboniferous (Paleozoic) slates that drain swiftly and have a low water holding capacity. It is precisely these soils, located on steep slopes, that give Priorat wines their typicity. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel under controlled temperature for 8-9 days. 12-14 days maceration and 14 months in French oak (20% new.) Tasting Notes: Brilliant ruby red in color with garnet highlights. Astounding rose and black cherry aroma with aromatic herbs such as thyme coming through. Lively and light-bodied on the palate, full of personality, well structured with pleasant tannins and a streak of acidity that promises a long future. Managing Director: Miguel Torres Maczassek $40 bottle/ $432 case Suggested Food Pairing: Petit Basque Cheese Chorizo Pasta with Spinach Steak with Pepper sauce BBQ Pork Ribs Teimosia A Espina 2017 Tomiño, Pontevedra, Galicia About the winery: Teimosía (perseverance in Galician) was born from a collaboration between Martín Crusat (Adega do Vimbio), Dominique Roujou de Boubée (Terroir en Botella), and Joaquín "Quín" Álvarez, historical vinegrower of the Rosal for 50 years. In this small, handcrafted project, their goal and inspiration is to reveal the personality of Rosal reds. The microclimate of this area gives their wines a distinct identity from those produced in the Salnés valley of Rías Baixas and although the vineyard plots are in the Rías Baixas region, the wines are bottled without appellation. About the winemaking: A blend of Caíño Tinto, Castañal and Sousón. Harvested by hand in late September. Spontaneous fermentation, 10 months in new French oak barrels of 228L (31%) and stainless steel tank (69%): Artisanal process, fermentation with native yeasts (pie de Cuba). Tasting Notes: Although not pitch black, it's still quite dark and opaque. It has a very intense nose like concentrated violets with an earthy, oaky touch. Stewed plum and raisin notes with spicy, herbaceous fruit tones are pronounced on the palate, with bold tannin structure and moderate acidity. Very complex with an extremely long finish. Winemaker: Martín Crusat, Dominique Roujou de Boubée & Joaquín "Quín" Álvarez $ 51 bottle/ $550.8 case Suggested Food Pairing: Lamb stew with root vegetables Pork with cumin, lemon and cilantro Roasted Guinea fowl Manchego Cheese
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July 2022 Wine of the Month
While we’re all familiar with the Rioja region in Spain, we know that Spain has much more to offer than just Tempranillo and Albariño. Spain is the 3rd largest producer of wine in the world, next to Italy and France. With over one million acres of the country covered in vineyards, Spain devotes more of its land mass to wine making than any other country. There are 60 officially recognized wine regions (DOs) in Spain. The mainstream areas are referred to as Denominaciones de Origen (D.O.), which are similar to France’s appellations, and the wine produced in each region is carefully regulated for quality according to specific laws. The country is made up of 17 autonomous regions, and this month’s wines come from Navarra (home to Pamplona and the running of the bulls) and Galicia (the land of 1000 rivers with a Celtic heritage). The Basque region, east of Rioja, represents the Navarra D.O. The cultivation of the vine in Navarra dates back to the Roman occupation of the first century A.D., but the region’s winemaking reputation blossomed in earnest during the late Middle Ages, as pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago—a medieval pilgrimage route currently enjoying a dramatic resurgence in popularity—began noting the particularly high quality of wines encountered while passing through the then-Kingdom of Navarra. Around the same time, a succession of French monarchs ascended by marriage to the Navarra throne, presiding over three centuries of cultural flowering still evidenced today by the region’s late Romanesque and high Gothic architectural gems, and by a certain residual ‘Frenchness’ that pervades local sensibilities, particularly in matters of food and wine. Even before the establishment of D.O. Navarra in 1933, the region was known primarily for its justifiably celebrated rosés, made from the indigenous Garnacha Tinta grape variety. Beginning in the 1970s and 1980s, a handful of pioneering growers in the D.O. expanded the region’s varietal palette by experimenting with French varieties, most notably Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Harnessing the marketing potential of these internationally recognizable grape varieties was nothing new, of course, but in Navarra it would prove to be an essay in terroir-varietal suitability: a latter-day French connection that would eventually impress even the most skeptical of varietal purists and usher the D.O. into a new phase of its evolution as a producer of fine wine. Located along the River Sil in Galicia’s Southeast—situated between DO’s Ribeira Sacra and DO Bierzo— DO Valdeorras, this quiet corner of Spain is as famously rainy as its neighboring viticultural areas, but, at ninety miles inland, it finds itself more protected from the Atlantic influence that defines the area of DO Rías Baixas. The climate is mainly continental and punctuated by cold winters, warm summers, and a surprising amount of sunshine for a region known for its rain and mist. Alluvial soils and a predominance of slate help both to drain excess water and retain heat, in addition to adding a notable mineral element to the region’s wines. And while Roman gold mines may be a thing of the past, Valdeorras is still the largest producer of slate for all of Spain and much of Europe. At the time of Roman incorporation of the region in 19 BC, Valdeorras (Ourense, Galicia) was renowned for its gold mines. Once the gold was exhausted, goes the lore, the Romans turned to the vine—making Valdeorras potentially one of the oldest viticultural areas on the Iberian Peninsula. Valdeorras lays claim to some of Spain’s most overlooked native grapes: spicy red Mencía and rare white Godello, the latter of which was on the edge of extinction in the 1970’s when it was saved by intrepid producers who recognized it for its unique flavor profile and capability to produce Burgundian style wines, yet uniquely Spanish in character. Now championed by sommeliers all over the world, Godellos ascension—while perhaps overdue considering it’s inherent quality and lengthy history—is adding a new layer to the story of Spain’s modern wine industry, showing that the country is more than just Tempranillo and Albarino. Bodegas Maximo Abete Guerinda Navasentero 2019 Region / Country of Origin: San Martin de Unx, DO Navarra, Spain About the winery: Máximo Abete started making high quality wines in Navarra in the 1990s and today his daughters continue with the same philosophy; to maintain and recover the traditional viticulture of the abandoned mountainous areas of their town. They source the Graciano for this wine from Navasentero, a vineyard that is farmed by Julián Palacios. This plot was planted in 2005 at 450m of altitude in the “Baja Montaña” sub-zone. About the winemaking: The Abete family works as natural as possible, with minimal intervention. Fermentation in concrete vats with indigenous yeast. Malolactic fermentation occurs in stainless steel vats. It is aged for 12 months in French (80%) and American (20%) used oak barrels. No fining or stabilizing. No oenological products added, only Sulphur in moderate levels. Soft filtering before bottling in February of 2021. Organic vine-growing. Tasting Notes: Intense cherry color with purple edges; this wine contains powerful fruit aromas of blackberry, cranberry and other forest fruit, coupled with perfectly integrated notes of oak, cedar and tobacco. On the palate this wine has great structure and balance, which combines fresh fruit and well-integrated acidity, to ensure excellent aging potential. Winemaker: Yoanna and Maria Abete Price: $27 btl/$291.60 case Suggested Food Pairing: Meat stews Grilled burgers Dark Chocolate Joaquín Rebolledo Godello 2020 Region / Country of Origin: Valdeorras, Galicia, Spain About the Winery: It was in 1978 that Joaquin Rebolledo first began his journey in viticulture. With a goal to preserve and restructure old vineyards of native varietals, Rebolledo has pioneered the story of viticulture in Galicia. His choice to graft with Godello and Mencia was at first seen as a risky bet, but now offers him international acclaim. The family home of Joaquin Rebolledo goes back more than 4 generations. Tradition is still strong at the winery; every barrel is transported to a 2-century old cave “La Mina” where the barrels are let to rest surrounded by mineral aromas. Nowadays, the estate includes almost 100 acres of vineyards planted over slate, granite and sand in steep slopes following the Sil river. About the winemaking: Grapes are separated from the stems and are lightly crushed. Maceration occurs at about 10°C. Grapes are pressed followed by static racking. Fermentation continues on clean must in stainless steel tanks, then it ages on the lees. Filtration, cold stabilization and bottling at a steady 15°C Tasting Notes: Appearance: Straw Yellow With green reflections Nose: Quality and intensity of primary aromas, scents of apricot, peach an fennel. Mineral and balsamic Taste: Well-structures and slightly fatty texture. Good smoothness. Well balanced acidity and slightly sweet. Long fruity aftertaste. Winemaker: Catalina Maroto / Álvaro Bueno Price: $22 bottle / $237.60 case Suggested Food Pairing: Fish Shellfish Salads Spanish cheeses
Learn moreFebruary Rose Club 2022
February is a transitional time in the wine world. There is a bit of a lull in new releases, as last year’s vintages are sold out and this year’s wines are still fermenting and not ready for bottling. Most new rosés are released in the Spring, but we already received our first 2021 rosé last week. Some people believe that rosés cannot age and you should only drink the newest vintage, but the reality is that most rosés will be perfectly tasty for around 2-3 years. We’ve chosen to feature one wine from 2020 and one from 2021; let us know if YOU can tell which one is new and which one is old! Our 2020 wine is Roca Altxerri Txakoli Rosé. Before the 2000’s, Txakolina was almost unheard of outside Spanish Basque Country, where it has been this region’s daily drinker at almost every dinner table. Even in the rest of Spain, it was hard to find. Now, people all over the world have a passing awareness of this often mildly effervescent wine, even if they don’t know how to pronounce it (chock-oh-LEE-nah). Sometimes called Txakoli, this super-refreshing, low alcohol, high acid wine has found a wider audience. Our 2021 Rosé is from Maison Noir; which is a two-fold lifestyle project producing both a T-Shirt line and Oregon wines. Founded by sommelier André Hueston Mack in 2007, both ends of Maison Noir incorporate a trademark attitude and personal perspective on wine subculture. The wines are unique and distinctive garage wines, initially created for some of the New York's best restaurants (for whom Mack was a sommelier) and are now available nationwide. Think Pink, Carrie Upson General Manager 2020 Roca Altxerri Txakoli Rosé Region/Country of Origin: Getariako Txakolina, Spain About the Winery: Roca Altxerri is named for the Altxerri Cave, located in the Basque country, which is home to the oldest stone paintings in Europe, dating back almost 40,000 years. After searching long and hard, they partnered with Mikel Errasti at his family winery, Bodegas Zudugarai, as the perfect collaborator. Their sustainably grown vineyards are planted on seaside hills facing the sun to keep the vines dry. They use organic and biodynamic farming methods. About the Winemaking: Grapes are sourced from 25-40 year old vines from two hectares of estate vineyards located on hilly slopes and are harvested by hand. Vinification and elevage are done strictly in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Tasting Notes: The gentle fizz (as is traditional for Txakoli) is just one of the many charming elements to Roca Altxerri. Bone dry with angular but balanced acidity with a plethora of fruit notes including raspberries, strawberries and watermelon with an injection of lime zest. Break out the porrón! 100% Hondurrabi Beltza Winemaker: Mikel Errasti Price per bottle / Price per case: $19 btl / $205.20 case Suggested Food Pairing: Traditional Basque Dishes -Ajoarriero -Kokotxas -Porrusalda 2021 Maison Noir Love Drunk Rosé Region/Country of Origin: Willamette, OR About the Winemaker: Despite having a successful career with Citicorp Investment Services, André Hueston Mack decided to leave his “desk job” to pursue his passion for wine. While working as a sommelier, Mack discovered the joys of introducing guests to the little known vineyards that first attracted him to the business and “the instant gratification of a guest’s reaction.” He had an opportunity to work as a sommelier at Thomas Keller’s world-renowned The French Laundry in Yountville, California, then went on to accept the position of Head Sommelier at Keller’s equally famed Per Se in New York City. Winemaking has always been a dream of his and came to fruition when he set up shop under the moniker of Maison Noir Wines making “serious wines that don’t take themselves too seriously”. About the Winemaking: Maison Noir is considered a micronegociant (“Garage d’Or”) with a stable lineup of vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and Washington along with the ability to nimbly acquire premium fruit. The rosé is 100% made from all Willamette Valley fruit, coming from some of the oldest and best plantings, consistently producing fruit of outstanding quality. It is a Chardonnay base with Pinot Noir added for color; stainless fermentation. Tasting Notes: The 2021 Love Drunk is an intoxicating rosé. Much like new love, it clouds the brain, causes eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise, and lips to pucker. Provocative aromas of strawberry and raspberry, followed by refreshing flavors of wild strawberry, watermelon rind, and a hint of kiwi. Winemaker: Andre Hueston Mack Price per bottle / Price per case: $21 btl/ $226.80 case Suggested Food Pairing: Melon and prosciutto Dungeness Crab salad Baked Salmon
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