July & August 2019

Head to The Sea

As many have said, should, in some ways, be a reflection of the place in which it was produced. Wine from warmer climates may be ripe and expressive with fruit, and lower in acidity. While grown in cooler climates often times are lower in alcohol, higher in acidity, and lighter bodied. planted in certain soil types produce higher minerality, while dryer soils can result in higher tannins.

Inspired by recent travels throughout , we’ve selected six wines all produced from coastal regions across the world. Generally speaking, coastal wines offer more vibrant minerality- an essence of sea breeze or salinity- that adds an extra dimension of flavor and excitement to the finished wine. Growing near large bodies of water naturally helps to moderate temperatures; cooling down intensely warm regions and providing ideal wind and air flow, while also generating warmth in cooler areas to obtain maximum ripening. Our selections range in style, but their inherent coastal influence certainly ties them together. They express an incredible freshness and purity in fruit which the season begs for.

So, whether you’re enjoying a summer getaway, spending your days at the pool or beach, or trying to stay cool on a hot summer night, we have a bottle perfect for the occasion.

2017 Asnella Single Vinho Verde, Portugal

Price: $12.75 or $ Flavor Profile: Lighter bodied, green apple, citrus peel, white pepper, stunning minerality : Arinto, Loureiro : Asnella Location: Vinho Verde, Minho, Portugal Perfect for: Picnics, camping, all things beach, paired with raw shellfish, a beer alternative

Pack up your picnic baskets and camping coolers and grab a bottle (or three) of this wine! Wine enthusiasts know Portugal as a historic region of production for super rich and bold fortified wines. Though within the last decade, the United States market has benefited from the introduction of more still wines from Portugal. One of our favorites in this category is Vinho Verde, or “young wine”.

Vinho Verde, from the Minho province in Northern Portugal is just west of the Atlantic Ocean. Sub-regions here range from coastal with heavy rains to more inland sunny and mountainous areas. One of our new favorite gems in this category is the Asnella, a single vineyard bottling, crafted from indigenous varietals Arinto and Loureiro. This dynamic expression highlights the unique where it is produced. The vineyard features a mix of schist and granite soils, which results in a stunning minerality and plush texture which is rather unusual for Vinho Verde. Offering aromas of green apple, lime blossom, white pepper, and stony minerality with a clean, refreshing finish we’re dubbing this our 2019 Summer Jam based on value and quality!

Buy today from Wollaston or Reservoir!

2018 Wapisa , Argentina

Price: $12.75 or $ Flavor Profile: Zesty pink grapefruit, guava, green grass, sea breeze, generous and refreshing Grape: Sauvignon Blanc Winery: Wapisa Location: Patagonia, Argentina Perfect for: Beach getaway, hostess gift, after a game of tennis, reward for mowing the lawn

Raise your hand if you love Sauvignon Blanc!! The 2018 Wapisa Sauvignon Blanc from Patagonia in Argentina introduces an exciting, newer region of production that’s currently cultivating outstanding wines. Produced in vineyards adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, Wapisa is the ONLY winery in this region. The name Wapisa translates to the Patagonian word for whale, as whales frequent the nearby coast of the vineyards. It doesn’t get more coastal than that.

For New Zealand enthusiasts, this wine will deliver a similar zesty flavor profile and lingering finish. Vivid aromatics always play a major role in top Sauvignon Blanc expressions and here we experience subtle pink grapefruit, green grass, and sea breeze. The palate is lively and refreshing with racy citrus flavors including key lime and lemon zest, as well as tropical elements of guava and mango. Planning a beach getaway? This should be your go-to wine.

Buy today from Reservoir or Wollaston!

2018 Cantine Lunae Vermentino, Italy

Price: $16.99 or $$ Flavor Profile: Bright fruit, freshness, citrus, white pepper, wild flowers, hints of sea air Grapes: Vermentino Winery: Cantine Lunae Bossoni Location: Liguria, Italy Perfect for: Pre-dinner aperitif on the porch, grilled fish preparations, pairing with pesto

Having just traveled to Italy this June, we knew that the Lunae Vermentino had to be featured in our next newsletter. Our visit with the Bosoni family was certainly one of our trip highlights, and we were equally inspired by the care they put into each wine they produce, and the thoughtful preparations they made for our visit.

Now under third generation leadership, Paolo and Diego Bosoni have been producing world class wines featuring indigenous grapes for some time. Located in Liguria (home of the ), just north of , and only a stone’s throw to Ligurian Sea, Cantine Lunae is most well known for their range of Vermentinos.

Their “grey label” Vermentino is hand harvested from vineyards located at the base of the Apuan Alps and just a mile to the coast. This bottling is fermented and aged in 100% stainless, with a goal of producing a wine that is as unaltered and fresh as possible. In this wine, the seas influence is incredibly present. The wine features a burst of bright fruit, citrus, and gentle white pepper, with a lovely salinity present throughout. This wine certainly is a showstopper.

Fun fact: Under the direction of Debora Bossoni, Lunae also produces a range of incredible artisanal small batch spirits. Lunae is an absolute must for those traveling to Liguria.

Buy today from Wollaston or Reservoir!

2018 Txomin Etxaniz Txakoli Rose, Spain

Price: $16.99 or $$ Flavor Profile: Delicate effervescence, freshly picked strawberries, tart and lingering, edgy Grape: Hondarrabi Zuri, Hondarrabi Beltza Winery: Txomin Etxaniz Location: Getariako Txakolina, Spain Perfect for: Backyard party, cookout, patio sipping after work, on a float in the pool, brunch

With summer finally upon us, we’re bursting with excitement over a phenomenal array of international dry rosé options, and Spain is always a leader in this category. One particular gem that we enjoy introducing to fellow wine lovers, is the Txomin Etxaniz Txakoli rosé from the Basque region of Getariako Txakolina in Northern Spain.

The Txueka family has been growing vines here since 1649. An absolute defining character of this vineyard is its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. With vines only 300 ft. from the water, grapes are influenced by a combination of cooling breezes, as well as an increase in precipitation, which lends a prominent mineral element. Produced from both red and white grapes, a standout quality of this wine is its signature liveliness- a very small amount of CO2 is captured in the finished wine to offer a spritzy mouthfeel.

What grows together goes together and that is so true of this wine! A delightful pairing with ceviche, shrimp cocktail, bruschetta, and vegetable dishes.

Buy today from Reservoir or Wollaston! 2013 Steele , Santa Barbara

Price: $18.70 or $$ Flavor Profile: Bursting with red berry, raspberry, cherry, layers of baking spice, smooth Grape: Pinot Noir Winery: Steele Location: Santa Barbara, California Perfect for: Cookouts with family and friends, around the bonfire, while reading a good book

We have all spent some of our best summer nights at memorable cookouts with family and friends, enjoying good food, great wine, and animated conversation. So, what is the best cookout wine anyway? Well Pinot Noir is certainly up there as a contender for the top honor. One of the most highly regarded grape varietals in the world, Pinot flourishes in a number of cooler climate spots including France, Oregon, as well as many regions throughout beautiful country. A go-to for us to pair with grilled items- juicy spare ribs, spicy chicken wings, wild salmon, and portobello mushroom caps- is the 2013 Steele Santa Barbara Pinot Noir.

Reigning in an incredible assortment of floral nuances and red berry character, this wine shines with bright red raspberry, bing cherry, tart pomegranate, and layers of vibrant baking spices. The finish offers a touch of cocoa with a smooth and silky mouthfeel. Grapes for this bottling are sourced from younger vines from Bien Nacido, a 900-acre vineyard in Santa Maria, as well as lower elevation sites of the Goodchild Vineyard. The wine is aged in 30% new French for 8 months, resulting in a beautifully balanced style with great polish and finesse.

PS – for hotter days don’t hesitate to pop this in the fridge for just under an hour for more refreshing enjoyment!

Buy today from Wollaston or Reservoir!

2013 Illuminati Zanna d’Abruzzo Riserva, Italy

Price: $29.99 or $$$ Flavor Profile: Bright red berries, spice, leather, subtle vanilla, vibrant and muscular Grapes: Montepulciano Winery: Illuminati Location: Colline Teramane, Abruzzo, Italy Perfect for: Grilled meats, especially lamb, a full-bodied summer red, aged cheeses

Illuminati was another winery we recently visited in Italy. Located in the rolling hills of Abruzzo, due west of the Adriatic Sea, their vineyards are absolutely breathtaking. The winery is most well known for their work honoring traditional methods and utilizing local grapes including Pecorino, , and of course Montepulciano.

Illuminati’s flagship Montepulciano bottling is Zanna. Produced only in the best of , Zanna is named after the vineyard from where it is grown. Aged in Slovenian oak barrels for two years, before resting in bottle for another two years, it still expresses an incredible freshness. The wine has lovely notes of red berry, spice, leather, and subtle vanilla. Zanna is rich enough for your favorite grilled meats, but light enough for summer.

Claim to fame – Zanna has been a long-time favorite of former President George W. Bush. So much so, that as Governor, he named Dino Illuminati an honorary Texan in 1999.

Buy today from Reservoir or Wollaston!