The Chillables

2015 Juhfark, Tornai $14.98 net price, $13.48 reorder        The Tornai family has been working vines in Hungary’s Somló region since 1946. Somló’s volcanic, basalt-rich soils are prized for growing wine grapes. Tornai’s Juhfark is the perfect introduction to this high-acid grape. The classic flavors of salt and smoke are present, without any botrytis, and finishes with a tart tang. Versatile, try it with salty, savory foods.

2017 Chenin Blanc, Kiona $13.98 net price, $12.58 reorder     Washington State’s Kiona winery is the source for high quality, affordable wines. How do they do it? Their Chenin Blanc is a dead-ringer for Vouvray, expressing stone pit fruit and fresh acidity. The grapes are harvested early to retain freshness, then tank fermented. Ever so slightly off-dry, this wine is a dream for pairing possibilities! No limits here.

2017 Pinot Gris, Chemistry $14.98 net price, $13.48 reorder        Chemistry is a first collaboration between Oregon’s Stoller Family Estates and Chehalem’s winemaking teams. This debut Pinot Gris promises good things to come. Sourcing throughout the Willamette Valley, blending diverse sites and keeping prices low, allows entrée to this special wine region. Lots of citrus with a kiss of papaya, striking a nice balance. 

2017 Ventoux Rosé, Domaine Fondrèche $16.99, $13.59 reorder     We are big fans of winemaker Sébastien Vincenti and his wines from arguably the best vineyards of Ventoux. For his Rosé, Vincenti uses 50% Cinsault, 25% Syrah, and 25% Grenache from vines averaging 25+ years of age. Red berry fruit and minerals appear in the aromas and the palate is snappy and fresh with a crisp finish. Spicy Thai prawns? Pop this.

2017 Ortrugo, Cantine Fratelli Bonelli $12.99, $10.39 reorder     Ortrugo, anyone? This white grape, indigenous to the Piacenza region (roughly 65 km southeast of Milano), is one of hundreds of local Italian varieties awaiting discovery by the international market. First off, it’s dry. It shows floral aromas with maybe a hint of white pepper. Its light body makes it incredibly versatile, so pair it with shellfish or poultry.

2017 Montravel Terrement, Château Puy-Servain $14.99, $11.99 reorder    Way out near Bordeaux’s eastern frontier, across the Dordogne River lie the vineyards of Montravel. The area is mostly known for its white wines, though some red grapes grow there also. Château Puy-Servain’s white Terrement cuvée is one of our best bargains in the white wine world. A 50/50 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris, pair it with a chèvre salad.

The Reds

2015 Monica di Sardegna, Argiolas $13.98 net price, $12.58 reorder  Always on the hunt to introduce Dirty Dozen devotees to unusual, lesser known varietals (see Juhfark above), welcome to Monica, a grape exclusively found on the island of Sardinia. Its soft tannins and ripe berry flavors make it a popular choice for everyday drinking enjoyment. Great with pasta dishes, fish stews, or pizza while bingeing on Friends.

2015 Pinot Noir, Praxis $22.98 net price, $20.68 reorder     Bill Arbios, a winemaker for over forty years (!), crafts this gorgeous Pinot Noir from a single vineyard at the southern end of the Sonoma Coast appellation, west of the town of Sonoma. Aged in French oak for nine months, of which 1/3 is new, this cherry-laden Pinot Noir is well balanced and elegant. Leg of lamb studded with garlic should match-up nicely!

2017 Fidelity Red, Goldschmidt Vineyards $15.98 net price, $14.38 reorder     New Zealand born, globetrotting winemaker Nick Goldschmidt currently makes wine in four countries! His home base is California and he makes this Bordeaux-styled red from a single vineyard in Alexander Valley that he has farmed for over 25 years. A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, it exhibits plum, cassis and notes of vanilla. Steak?

2015 Côtes-du-Rhône, Tour de l’Isle $15.99, $12.79 reorder     Made from Grenache, Syrah, and a little Mourvèdre, this C-d-R tips the scales in the quality for price world. It shows aromas of ripe cherry fruit, cracked black pepper, and forest floor. The palate is harmonious with rounded tannins and a lively finish. Rhône-meister Robert Rochhi has blended us another winner that will pair well with a roast or hearty stew.

2015 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colle Maggio, Torre Zambra $18.99, $15.19 reorder     The latest release from our (fairly) new d’Abruzzo producer, Torre Zambra, the 2015 Colle Maggio Montepulciano is teeming with character. Rustic raspberry, spice, cocoa, and coffee notes appear in the aromas, and the palate is medium-bodied and complex. It has a snappy, balanced finish with all components firing together. Pairs well with pizza or pasta.

2015 Château de Rouquette, Bordeaux $10.98 net price, $9.88 reorder  Another wine right off the boat, this bargain Bordeaux turns heads simply by virtue of its expressive fruity aromas and palate and its super-modest price tag. Made from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s nice and juicy where it needs to be, and has a sturdy backbone. It drinks well on its own, as a cocktail wine, but you can pair it with a steak too!

The Chillables

2015 Blanco, Vilerma  $19.98 net price, $17.98 reorder    

Traveling east from Rias Baixas in Spain, next up is Ribeiro. Here the influence of the Atlantic is still felt, but the rainfall is slightly lower and the temperatures slightly warmer. This blend of mostly Treixadura combines sunny, citrusy fruit with a solid backbone of acidity. Golden green color in the glass, pair with deep fried veggies or crustaceans. 



2017 Chardonnay, Fableist $16.98 net price, $15.28 reorder

This Central Coast Chardonnay has been our bestselling white from California under $25 for several vintages. Rich and creamy with just the right amount of oak, it appeals to a wide range of palates that appreciate rich fruit, oaky notes and balance. The label attracts the eye, the wine keeps customers buying it over and over. Nosh with lemon roasted chicken. 



2017 Gemischter Satz DAC, Bernreiter $15.98 net price, $14.38 reorder    

Vienna is the only world capital with a significant wine production. It has its own appellation and hundreds of years of wine history. Gemischter Satz is a single wine from a multiple varietal vineyard. Paul Bernreiter makes Gemischter Satz for his heuriger (wine bar/restaurant), but some makes it here. Lively, try with fried meat, cabbage or mushroom tarts. 



2016 Chateau Boisson Blanc, Bordeaux $9.98 net price, $8.98 reorder

This estate owns nearly 30 acres of vines grown along the Garonne River. The vineyard sits atop a hill that overlooks ancient stone quarries. A 50/50 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris, this tank-fermented white offers plenty of orange blossom and perky citrus notes. Ideal with ingredients like goat cheese, smoked salmon or trout and raw oysters.



2017 Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Colle Maggio, Torre Zambra $16.99, $13.59 reorder

Limited contact between the grape skins and fermented juice creates the vibrant magenta color of Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo. Torre Zambra’s is made exclusively from the varietal, Montepulciano. Cherry on the nose, cherry on the palate and cherry on the finish is the name of the game. Delicious with seafood stews, spicy sausage pizzas and cheesesteaks.



2017 Lugana, Ca’Lojera $16.99, $13.59 reorder

Lugana is a viticultural appellation that straddles the regional border of Lombardy in the west with Veneto in the east. Ca’Lojera’s vineyards are located near Brescia along the flatlands of Lake Garda. It is here that the grape Turbiana flourishes, producing wines of complexity and minerality. Lush and structured, pair up with pan-roasted halibut.

The Reds

2017 Pinot Noir, Wonderwall $17.98 net price, $16.18 reorder

This is the 3rd vintage we’ve stocked from winemaker Andrew Jones. His Wonderwall Pinot Noir offers great value, using fruit from well-placed vineyards along the Pacific Coast. Telltale flavors of red cherry, black tea and cola permeate the palate. Jammy, yet light on its feet, food pairing possibilities are endless. Coq Au Vin or Chicken Marbella would be nice!

2015 Rioja, Palacio del Burgo $11.98 net price, $10.78 reorder

This simple, delicious Tempranillo is yet another example of why Spain is where one should look first for well-made, affordable reds. Nothing fancy, the grapes are fermented in steel and aged in concrete vats. The flavors are redolent of black berry and tangy raspberry with gentle tannins and a plush mouthfeel. Serve with tagines, tahdiq or paella. 

2016 Rosso, Paolo Scavino $11.98 net price, $10.78 reorder

The Scavino family have been making world-famous Barolo since 1921. What a thrill to discover their Vino Rosso, a blend of Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Barbera and Merlot. A delightful table wine that affords everyday enjoyment from a super star producer. Light to medium-bodied, tangy red fruit with lots of freshness. Pair with red-sauced pasta and/or meatballs.

2016 Chateau des Judes, Bordeaux $9.98 net price, $8.98 reorder

70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, aged and fermented in steel tank.  Bright red berry and black currant aromas, palate is more focused and less whimsical, the fruit is part of the overall balanced structure. The finish is substantial with sticky tannins that linger.  Fans of The Beatles know what to hum when sipping this wine.

2013 Ventoux Rouge, Domaine de Fondreche $16.99, $13.59 reorder

A recent featured article in Wine Spectator described Fondreche’s Sebastien Vincenti as “an obsessively fastidious grower and winemaker”. His entry-level Ventoux (Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre) captures the essence of the region, making a red that combines mature fruit with a thread of freshness and minerality. Pair with Mediterranean cuisine.

2016 À Lisa Rouge, Domaine des Aspras $13.49, $10.79 reorder

Domaine des Aspras was established by the Lutz family in the early 1960’s. Mostly Merlot, the À Lisa is a funky, quirky Provençal red that highlights the impeccable organic farming of this estate. Unoaked with plenty of red berry fruit that couples harmoniously with the tame and mild tannins. Serve with Beef Daube, Stroganoff, Goulash or Bourguignon.