First Glass
Weekly Tastings
June 23, 2021
François Cazin, Cheverny Blanc
Region: AOC Cheverny - Loire Valley
Country: France
Varietals: Sauvignon Blanc (80), Chardonnay (20)
Producer: François Cazin
In Brief: Sharp acidity on the attack that slowly gives way to the roundness of good old Chardonnay. This is a great wine to share because it's such a people pleaser. There is something here for everyone. A little lemon pith and fresh hay in the background make this such a friendly wine!
June 16, 2021
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, Zind
Region: Alsace AOC - Alsace
Country: France
Varietals: Chardonnay, Auxxerois
Producer: Domaine Zind-Humbrecht
In Brief: So chic, so creamy, but the acidity here is unbelievable. This wine is delicate and memorable. There is nothing like a classic Alsatian white. This wine has us craving Brats in the wurst way!
June 9, 2021
Hermann J. Wiemer, Riesling
Region: Seneca Lake AVA - New York
Country: US
Varietal: Riesling
Producer: Hermann J. Wiemer
In Brief: Key lime and sunscreen on the nose. Perfect, thirst-quenching acidity and a lovely dry finish. This is the perfect wine for summer!
June 2, 2021
Iniceri, Abisso
Region: DOC Sicilia - Sicily
Country: Italy
Varietal: Cataratto
Producer: Iniceri
In Brief: Olive oil, nectarines, and electric acidity. A long time on the lees means you're also getting that cushy soft texture that we love. Time to indulge.
May 19, 2021
Claus Preisinger, Puszta Libre!
Region: Burgenland
Country: Austria
Varietals: Zweigelt, St. Laurent
Producer: Claus Preisinger
In Brief: Gekühlt Servieren (serve chilled). And you definitely should. This umami-driven wine is full of dusty cherries and tamari. Build your charcuterie boards, cool down a bottle of this, and you're set for the night.
May 12, 2021
Quinta Varzea da Pedra, Colheita Tinto
Region: DO Óbidos - Lisboa
Country: Portugal
Varietal: Touriga Nacional
Producer: Quinta Várzea da Pedra
In Brief: This red is snappy, mineral-driven, and full of raspberries and pomegranate. Dry, easy going tannins, and totally chillable. This is your red wine for summer.
May 5, 2021
Cantine Valpane, Perlydia
Region: Barbera del Monferrato Superiore DOCG - Piedmont
Country: Italy
Varietal: Barbera
Producer: Cantine Valpane
In Brief: Bittersweet chocolate, dried cherries, and figs on the nose. Pipe tobacco, burnt molasses, and perfectly balanced acidity in the glass. This is a beautiful wine. Five stars.
April 28, 2021
Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe, Télégramme Rouge 2018
Region: AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Rhône Valley
Country: France
Varietals: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault
Producer: Famille Brunier — Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe
In Brief: Australian red licorice & Coca Cola on the nose. Raspberry preserves & maple in the glass. One sip and you instantly relax. A fantastic CDP.
April 21, 2021
Quinta da Raza, Rosé Pet-Nat
Region: DOP Vinho Verde - Minho
Country: Portugal
Varietals: Padeiro, Vinhão
Producer: Quinta da Raza
In Brief: Strawberry, shortbread, wild flowers with bright acidity. Also dry and savory, there's something here that reminds us of prosciutto and white pepper.
April 14, 2021
Stolpman Vineyards, Para Maria Rosé
Region: Ballard Canyon AVA - California
Country: US
Varietals: Mourvèdre, Grenache, Syrah
Producer: Stolpman Vineyards
In Brief: Savory and delicious. This is one of our favorite rosés of the season. It's full of ripe watermelon, tomatoes straight from the vine, and wild strawberries. It has the freshest acidity and is perfectly dry. Get as much as you can!
April 8, 2021
Folk Machine, Merritt Island, Chenin Blanc
Region: Merritt Island AVA - Yolo County, California
Country: US
Varietal: Chenin Blanc
Producer: Hobo Wine Co. — Folk Machine
In Brief: White peaches, a little wet-rock action going on. Wild acidity that really gets you salivating, but there’s something soft about it that coats your entire palate. Refreshing and almost tart. You get a lot of Meyer lemon but it’s definitely mineral-driven and delightfully savory.
April 2, 2021
Domaine de la Pépière, Clos des Briords
Region: AOC Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine - Loire Valley
Country: France
Varietal: Melon de Bourgogne
Producer: Domaine de la Pépière
In Brief: We love wine that smells like wet rocks. Sunny, alluring acidity that leaves a ringing in your ears. It’s clean, mineral-driven flavor profile will soon have you addicted. It’s so refreshing!
March 26, 2021
La Ferme des Sept Lunes, Viognier-Roussanne
Region: VdP - Rhône Valley
Country: France
Varietals: Viogner, Roussanne
Producer: La Ferme des Sept Lunes
In Brief: Nutty and nuanced. A nose full of freshly cracked walnuts and chamomile tea. This is the bottle to try if you typically reach for full-bodied Chardonnay.
March 18, 2021
Monte Rio Cellars, Petite Sirah
Region: Lodi, California
Country: US
Varietal: Petite Sirah
Producer: Monte Rio Cellars
In Brief: It’s meaty, dusty, a little plummy, and incredibly savoury. Its perky acidity really ignites your palate. Tannins are right where they should be, providing just a touch of grip which makes for a smooth finish.
March 11, 2021
Weingut Bernhard Ott, Am Berg Grüner Veltliner
Region: Wagram - Niederösterreich
Country: Austria
Varietal: Grüner Veltliner
Producer: Weingut Bernhard Ott
In Brief: This is clean, sharp Grüner that hits every part of your palate. It’s bone-dry and light, but not without nuance. Bosc pear, a little mothball, and definitely some unripe pineapple in the background.It has a weighty texture that makes us think of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. If you’re someone who normally reaches for Pinot Grigio, I highly recommend a move to Grüner Veltliner with finesse, like this.
March 4, 2021
Can Ràfols dels Caus, Terraprima Tinto
Region: Penedès DO - Catalonia
Country: Spain
Varietals: Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Syrah
Producer: Can Ràfols dels Caus
In Brief: One sniff and you’re immediately transported to your backyard grill. There’s something here that reminds us of a medium rare hamburger cooked to perfection. On the palate, the wine is clean but 100% driven by umami. You get just enough acidity to ignite your palate and easygoing tannins that keep everything in check.
February 25, 2021
Erste & Neue, Pinot Bianco 2019
Region: Südtirol - Alto Adige DOC – Trentino-Alto Adige
Country: Italy
Varietal: Pinot Bianco
Producer: Erste & Neue
In Brief: Delicate and savory. This wine has so much to offer. Glimmering acidity that requires food, and a silky, saline flavor that reminds Mariana of cooking fresh pasta. It’s so good!
February 17, 2021
Mayacamas, Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Region: Mt. Veeder AVA - Napa Valley, California
Country: US
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Producer: Mayacamas
In Brief: On the nose you have a little café au last and cherry cola. On the palate there's some wild cherry and unripe raspberry that will no doubt relax with time, as will the tight texture we get here. While concentrated, the body of this wine isn't as robust as its hue might suggest. There is a lot of acidity which gives us hope that this bottle will be safe in our cellars for the time being.
February 11, 2021
Château Combel, La Serre Cahors, 2017
Region: AOC Cahors - Southwest
Country: France
Varietal: Malbec
Producer: Château Combel La Serre
In Brief: The perfect example of rusticity and elegance. This is earthy, meaty Malbec you want to sip on all night. Austere, but gentle, drying tannins provide the right amount of texture.
February 3, 2021
Domaine Réveille, Tous des Oiseaux
Region: IGP Côtes Catalanes - Languedoc-Roussillon
Country: France
Varietal: Carignan
Producer: Domaine Réveille
In Brief: Funky but friendly! Once the barnyard blows off you're left with surprisingly clean acidity and something savory that reminds us of the best charcuterie. It's all held together with gentle but snappy tannins that make this wine so easy to drink.
January 13, 2021
Jax Vineyards, Y3 Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: North Coast AVA - California
Country: US
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Producer: Jax Vineyards
In Brief: Graphite, black cherry, cedar, and slow-drying tannins that carry on into a long finish. This is the bold, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon you want with your next rib-eye.
January 22, 2021
Domaine des Terres de Velle, Bourgogne Côte d'Or, Chardonnay
Region: AOC Bourgogne - Burgundy
Country: France
Varietal: Chardonnay
Producer: Domaine des Terres de Velle
In Brief: A little brown butter on the nose. It maintains a richness throughout the palate even though it’s delicate. You get nutmeg, delicately toasted coconut, baked Granny Smith Apple. And despite all of that, it’s totally fresh.
January 27, 2021
Château Haut Myles, Médoc Cru Bourgeois
Region: Médoc AOC - Bordeaux
Country: France
Varietals: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Producer: Château Haut Myles
In Brief: Black currant, cinnamon, espresso, and a little freshly rolled cigar. A new flavor shows up every few seconds. Fantastic acidity, tannins are slightly tacky but they relax nicely and provide just enough support for all these classic Bordeaux flavors.
december 3, 2020
Palmento Costanzo, Etna Bianco
Region: Etna Bianco DOC - Sicily
Country: Italy
Varietals: Carricante, Catarratto
Producer: Palmento Costanzo
In Brief: A nose full of seawater and papaya, a mouthful of silky, clean acidity. It's somehow both creamy and mineral driven. RE-FRESH-ING AF.
November 11, 2020
Supernova Blanc
Region: Binissalem-Mallorca DO - Balearic Islands
Country: Spain
Varietal: Moll
Producer: Ca'n Verdura
In Brief: Honeydew, Jasmine, fantastic acidity. It's almost like an old Albariño. A unique varietal and an incredible expression. It's quickly become one of our favorites.
November 4, 2020
Tinus VdF Rouge
Region: Rhône Valley VDF
Country: France
Varietals: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache
Producer: Château des Tourettes
In Brief: Honey-crisp Apple, Hawaiian punch, strawberry preserves. Fresh, lightly tannin, way too easy to drink.
October 20 , 2020
Ca'La Bionda, Valpolicella
Region: Valpolicella Superiore DOC - Veneto
Country: Italy
Varietals: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella
Producer: Ca'La Bionda
In Brief: Fennel, coriander, and Cherry Coke. Fresh acidity that doesn't waver. This isn’t the intense Ripasso experience you might expect (which is why we like it so much).
October 14, 2020
Serra Oca Moscatel
Region: Óbidos DOC - Lisboa
Country: Portugal
Varietal: Moscatel
Producer: Quinta do Olival da Murta
In Brief: Smells like petrol and a hair salon, but in a nice way. Dry, saline, and tastes like Turkish apricots. It spent 6 days on its skins which imparted a lovely grippy texture.
october 7, 2020
il garrulo chianti
Region: Chianti DOC - Tuscany
Country: Italy
Varietals: Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Trebbiano, Malvasia
Producer: Montenidoli
In Brief: Cedar and sage on the nose. Cranberries and keen texture on the palate. Chianti that deserves a nice plate of pasta with all the tomato sauce you can manage. Che bello.
September 30, 2020
Monier perréol syrah
Region: Collines Rhodaniennes - Rhône Valley
Country: France
Varietal: Syrah
Producer: Domaine Monier
In Brief: Crushed blueberries, Pancetta, wet leaves. Smooth and subtle. Perfectly restrained Northern Rhône Syrah.
September 23, 2020
zeta garnacha
Region: Sierra de Gredos DOP - Castilla y León
Country: Spain
Varietal: Garnacha
Producer: Viñas Viejas de Pegaso
In Brief: A must-try. It's like taking a deep breath in a redwood forest. Garnacha that is somehow light and forceful at the same time. Tannins take hold at the finish, but before that it's pine and earth. There's a reason Aaron loves this stuff.
September 15, 2020
l’isle verte Chenin Blanc
Region: Columbia Valley AVA - Washington
Country: US
Varietal: Chenin Blanc
Producer: Division Winemaking Company
In Brief: Freshly sliced apple and creamed corn on the nose. A flood of mouthwatering acidity and silky texture on the sip. A beautifully made Chenin and a new staff favorite for sure.
September 8, 2020
gamine grenache
Region: Applegate Valley AVA - Oregon
Country: US
Varietal: Grenache
Producer: Division Winemaking Company
In Brief: Listen, it smells like fall. Dried leaves and firewood. But in the glass it is full of dried blueberries. It's also a teeny bit floral. It's delicate carbonic Grenache that deserves your attention.
September 2, 2020
l’eclos sauvignon blanc
Region: AOC Touraine - Loire Valley
Country: France
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Producer: Domaine du Clos Roussely
In Brief: Plenty of pomelo and green bell pepper on the nose. Papaya, fennel, and freshly cut grass in the glass with warm, comforting acid and a squeaky clean finish.
August 25, 2020
durello frizzante
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Varietal: Durello
Producer: Cristiana Meggiolaro
In Brief: Durello pét-nat that drinks like twice the price. Bouncy acid, nectarine, freshly squeezed lime, white tea, and sharp bubbles that last forever. Get some chips 'n guac or find yourself some oysters and go to town.
August 18, 2020
gaintza txakolina
Region: Getariako Txakolina DO - Basque Country
Country: Spain
Varietals: Hondarrabi Zuri, Gros Manseng, Hondarrabi Beltza
Producer: Gaintza
In Brief: A little croissant dough on the nose. A very gentle spritz upon opening, but it's all about lemon, sea salt, and ocean air. So tart and tangy, it cries out for fried clams or spreadable sheep's milk cheeses. Something like Brebisrousse d'Argental or Queso Roncal over a fresh baguette would be perfect.
August 12, 2020
lalau chardonnay
Region: Clarksburg, California
Country: US
Varietal: Chardonnay
Producer: Inconnu
In Brief: On the nose, it’s like opening a bag of Ritz cheese crackers. There’s also a little pineapple in the background, (a little pineapple Kichi Garner says). On the palate it’s all about clean, briny acidity. This wine is lean, but not unsubstantial. Take one sip and you just want another. Pair with anything from the raw bar, liven up your everyday salad, or get really serious and find some killer ceviche to echo all of the salty, savory goodness.
August 5, 2020
GD VAjra dolcetto
Region: Dolcetto d'Alba DOC - Piedmont
Country: Italy
Varietal: Dolcetto
Producer: G.D. Vajra
In Brief: On the nose you get dried blueberries, red licorice, and a little smoke. On the palate it’s way less fruity. A little country ham and dried blackberry on the finish. But it’s all about structure. Firm, but not overwhelming tannins that ascend on the finish. This is Dolcetto with the volume turned up all the way.
