COMMON CENTS CLUB March 2021 | 6-bottle line up

2019 Schlosskellerei Gobelsburg Grüner Veltliner : Grüner Veltliner Region: Kamptal, Austria Retail: $17.99 / bottle or $176 / case (that’s $14.66 / bottle if you buy 12) Pronunciation: “groo-ner velt-lee-ner”

The land where this sits was set up as a monastery back in the year 1074 (that’s so old that it looks like a typo), and monks started making wine there in 1171. And we thought 2020 felt like a long time. The current winemakers, Michael and Eva Moosbrugger, have worked hard to renovate the grounds and make some of the best in the region. They still invite Cistercian monks to the winery every year to baptize the young wines, and of course, drink a little.

Drinking & pairing ideas*: This refreshing wine is just what we need for all the extra daylight and beautiful hints of spring we’ve been getting. Try a glass on a sunny evening on the porch, then finish the bottle with some grilled asparagus with freshly cracked black pepper or steamed artichokes dredged in curry aioli.

2019 Domaine Dupeuble Beaujolais Rosé Grape: Noir Region: Beaujolais, France Retail: $17.99 / bottle or $176 / case (that’s $14.66 / bottle if you buy 12) Pronunciation: “boh-shjo-lay”

Beaujolais is typically known for its , so we’re happy to get to share this very pretty rosé with you. The family-run winery sits above a small creek and has basically been going nonstop since the 1500s. In all that time, it’s only changed ownership three times(!). This is fantastic news for us — we get to enjoy a bottle full of years and years (and years) of experience, love of craft, sunshine, and family.

Drinking & pairing ideas: This laid back rosé will go well with many things, but it would be especially fun with Mexican takeout like fish tacos, chicken mole, and lots of guacamole. Or if you need a sweet treat, try it with some strawberry ice cream. 2018 Ca' del Baio Langhe Nebbiolo Grape: Nebbiolo Region: Langhe, Retail: $18.99 / bottle or $185 / case (that’s $15.41 / bottle if you buy 12) Pronunciation: “neb-ee-oh-low”

The sweet Grasso family is an underrated fourth-generation producer in the hills of Piedmont, and they bring us this killer value bottle of Nebbiolo. Giulio was named “Viticulturist of the Year” in 2011, and he and his wife Luciana oversee the while their three daughters manage various parts of the operations (and try to keep the small grandchildren from eating the off the vines).

Drinking & pairing ideas: Nebbiolo looks delicate with its lovely, translucent color, but it packs a feisty punch, so you can have some fun pairing it with foods that carry a bit of acidity and fat. We’re dreaming about a grilled radicchio, fennel, and white bean salad topped with an herb vinaigrette and lots of grated parmesan next to a seared ribeye steak. Not to be overly specific.

2019 Tenuta Le Calcinaie Vernaccia di San Gimignano Grape: Vernaccia Region: Tuscany, Italy Retail: $17.99 / bottle or $176 / case (that’s $14.66 / bottle if you buy 12) Pronunciation: “ver-notch-uh”

The winemaker, Simone Santini, has a sharp sense of humor and even sharper passion for producing this historic grape, which he’s been doing since the 80s. Simone’s thoughtful approach to wine and joyful authenticity has won him fans the world over, who travel to the charming Tuscan village to taste his creations. They spend the rest of the time falling in love with the rolling, -covered hills and looking up local real estate prices.

Drinking & pairing ideas: If you’re up for a fun cooking challenge, this would be so good with seafood risotto. It would also be delectable with pasta tossed with peas and crispy prosciutto. Or fish and chips with lemony tartar sauce. Or a relaxing weekend afternoon.

2019 Caruso & Minini Frappato Nerello Mascalese Terre di Giumara Grapes: Frappato, Nerello Mascalese Region: , Italy Retail: $15.99 / bottle or $160 / case (that’s $13.33 / bottle if you buy 12) Pronunciation: “nehr-el-oh moss-kah-lay-zay”

This wine hails from the Sicilian town of Marsala, which is known for its , but its dry, bright wines should in no way be overlooked. While Frappato and Nerello Mascalese aren’t very well-known grapes, we’re confident you’ll thoroughly enjoy this fruit explosion. Even Jancis Robinson, a legend in the wine world who can at times carry a bit of British seriousness, wrote that this wine made her “want to street dance, watch hip hop, do handstands in the kitchen and go goofy in the rain.” So there’s that.

Drinking & pairing ideas: This is delightful as an aperitivo with some salty, aged cheese, and would go just as well with a smoky eggplant dish or Lebanese takeout. Drink it now, drink it chilled — just drink it. It’s even good after being open for a while, so don’t worry about drinking it all in one go. Although, we’ll be surprised if you don’t find yourself coaxing out the last drop.

2018 Latta Kind Stranger Alter Grapes: , , Region: Columbia Valley, WA Retail: $15.99 / bottle or $160 / case (that’s $13.33 / bottle if you buy 12)

Our final wine in this month’s lineup comes to us from up-and-coming local (although originally from Kentucky) winemaker Andrew Latta.

This wine is all about being a kind stranger. Like the rest of us, over the last handful of years, Andrew has been watching our national dynamic turn increasingly negative and decided to use his winemaking prowess for good. Proceeds from wine sales benefit important charities on both a local and international scale. When you drink this wine, you’re helping Mary’s Place in Seattle and the International Rescue Committee. So here’s to doing good, even when — especially when — times might feel bad. We’re all in this together, after all.

Drinking & pairing ideas: This one’s a food-lover. Try it with homemade meatballs in tomato sauce, chicken puttanesca, or a cozy, rainy spring evening.

*As always, our food suggestions are just starting points. Wine is nostalgic and we’re big fans of making what you like, drinking what you like, and not giving a damn if they “go” together.