Chile, (Colchagua Valley DO) 85% Carménère, 9% Tempranillo, 6% Petit Verdot 14% * Certified Biodynamic
Koyle Family Vineyards, established in 2006 by the Undurraga family, is dedicated to producing wines that express the purity of their terroir through organic and biodynamic farming practices. The 2021 Gran Reserva Carménère is sourced from the Los Lingues estate, where the vines are planted on rocky soils with volcanic rocks and colluvial stones, contributing to the wine's unique character.
TASTING NOTES: Aromatic and spicy with notes of pepper, paprika, red chili flakes, and vanilla, complemented by red plums and cherries. The palate exudes bright red berries, cranberry, red plum, blueberries, with hints of bell pepper, jalapeño, and a dusting of cocoa.
FOOD PAIRINGS: Enjoy with spicy Mexican cuisine, spiced meats, hot Italian sausage, Spanish chorizo, grilled spicy vegetables, and aromatic Tandoori chicken or lamb dishes served with spiced and dried fruit-studded couscous.
La Quercia takes in name from the local breed of oak tree that grows in Antonio Lamona’s little corner of Abruzzo. His estate is not just vineyards, but a self-sufficient farm that produces vegetables, cheese, bread, salami, and olive oil as well. An early adopter of organic farming and winemaking, Antonio converted the entire property to sustainable practices in the 1960s as he believes it the only way to make high quality wine. TASTING NOTES: Deep red color with purple tints. Pronounced aromas of violets, black plum, blackberry, blueberry, bramble, sweet tobacco, and earthiness. These all follow to the palate with the additional flavors of strawberry, red cherry, dried blackberry, clay, and baking spices. Medium plus acidity, big full bodied wine with fine grained tannins and a pleasant. long finish. FOOD PAIRINGS: Sausage, salami, ham, pizza, lamb, steak, hamburger, Chili con carne, roasted mushrooms, hard cheese, pecorono, granda padano
California, (Paso Robles AVA) 58% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot 15.2%
L’Aventure Winery, led by visionary winemaker Stephan Asseo, is known for producing bold, expressive blends that highlight the unique terroir of Paso Robles. The region’s limestone-rich soils and dramatic temperature shifts create ideal conditions for Syrah and Bordeaux varietals, resulting in wines with power, complexity, and balance. Optimus showcases this philosophy, blending Rhône and Bordeaux influences into a seamless expression.
TASTING NOTES: This vintage of Optimus is deep and concentrated, with layers of blackberry, plum, and cassis, accented by hints of espresso, black pepper, and graphite. Firm yet refined tannins provide structure, while a lingering finish delivers notes of dark chocolate and spice.
FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, duck confit, or truffle-infused pasta.
California, (Sierra Foothills AVA) 50% Syrah, 25% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc, 6% Zinfandel 12.9% * Biodynamically Farmed
Clos Saron, a boutique winery in the Sierra Foothills, is renowned for its minimalistic approach to winemaking, allowing the unique terroir to express itself fully. The 2019 Cuvée Mystérieuse is sourced from a vineyard planted in 1990 at 1,800 feet elevation, featuring red clay soils (decomposed granite) with a southwest exposure.
TASTING NOTES: Medium-dark color with an expansive and lively nose; bright, pure, and harmonious on the palate, this elegant wine is especially friendly and accessible, yet has the potential to age for a few decades in a good cellar.
FOOD PAIRINGS: Complements grilled lamb, roasted duck, or hearty vegetable stews.
* Certified Organic
Argentina, (Mendoza IG) 100% Malbec 14% * Demeter Certified
Bodega Chakana, established in 2002, is a family-owned winery located in Agrelo, Mendoza. They are committed to producing wines that reflect the purity of their fruit and the character of their region through organic and biodynamic farming practices.
TASTING NOTES: The Inkarri Estate Malbec exhibits a rich violet color with fruity aromas of ripe red cherries and black currant with bramble. Flavors of blueberry and blackcurrant are held together with supple, fine tannins, leading to a long and fresh finish.
FOOD PAIRINGS: Pairs well with grilled vegetables, grilled meats, or mature cheese.
