LOW ROAD WHITE

2024 Nivarius Tempranillo Blanco, Rioja, $13.57

White Tempranillo… say what? This rare grape with a familiar name was a natural mutation nearly 98% identical to red Tempranillo, discovered by a grower in the late 1980s.  They cloned it and started growing on a larger scale in the 90s. In 2007, it was recognized and approved by Rioja DOC and is still only found there.  Winemakers are still figuring out how the best way to treat the grape and all options are on the table. This one is 100% white Tempranillo done in stainless steel.  Better yet, we’re lucky, the price does not reflect the quality.  91-93 pts by three publications that you’ve heard of..

2025 Bonpas, Luberon Grande Reserve Des Challieres Blanc, $13.67 

Originally built in the 12th century and founded in 1318, Bonpas is a fortified monastery that protected monks when they fell out of favor with the Pope of the time. I guess when you build a place that protects its monks by military force, you have to make your own wine. Today, the producers buy the grapes from the region and make Rhône blends.  This one has Rolle (Vermentino), Grenache Blanc, and Ugni Blanc. We have a few club members that go nuts for these blends (talkin’ to you Linda, eyin’ you Jen) so we know that this would be popular, even if it wasn’t $13.

LOW ROAD RED

2024 Laurent Perrachon St. Amour “La Gagere,” $17.41

If it looks familiar it’s because you may have met his sibling wine.  From the same producer, we had the Fleurie Vieilles Vignes in the Club. The former one was also 100% Gamay from old vines, but from a different Cru.  This one is from St. Amour, the northernmost Cru in Beaujolais. That means light, interesting food wine perfect for summer or Thanksgiving. Check your cellar, if you have the Fluerie, please try them side by side because the differences are obvious when they are next to each other.  Also, if you still have the Fluerie, step up your game..

2024 Gresy Barbera d’Asti, $19.59

If I could only live with one summer red wine for the rest of my life, this may be it.  It’s not a porch pounder, but you’ll use it the same way. Pizza, meat, vegetables, cheese – spicy or not – this is perfect.  When you go to Piedmont (the one in Italy,) and you are drinking $100 Barolo and Barbaresco, this is what the locals are drinking. Seriously, spy their tables. You could even put a slight chill on it. 90 points.

HIGH ROAD WHITE

2022 Yacobian Hobbs White, $23.17

 You know we love a Paul Hobbs project from other countries and we have used their Red wine from Armenia before. Hobbs is not afraid to use any and all winemaking tools (think oak) to get the best representation of a grape at a certain place and time. In this case, he used stainless steel and time. This brought out the best in this Voskehat (the grape) from the high elevation region of Vayots Dzor.  If you have never had a white wine from Armenia, you’re likely not alone. This elegant summer dinner wine’s good body and good acidity (that doesn’t overpower) is a great introduction. 95 points from The Tasting Panel Magazine

2024 Monemvasia “Corax” Asproudi Field Blend (Laconia), $23.17 

Monemvasia, the winery, is a local legend in Laconia, the most southern part of Greece. In medieval times, this was the place for sweet Malvasia, but there is no sweetness in this Asproudi (white) field blend.  The flavor starts soft but finishes tart (think green apple) with some acid. Greek Club member Taki happened to stop by while we were tasting and ordered an extra case for his family (opa!) Unfortunately, he has been out of town and we keep opening bottles for anyone who wants a drink. We may need to reorder.

HIGH ROAD RED

2024 Giornata Aglianico French Camp, $25.62

We love Giornata for their Italian Varietals from Paso Robles and Etto, their pasta brand. Better yet, we didn’t choose this wine, it chose us. We ordered their Montepulciano and they accidentally sent the Aglianico.  We didn’t notice until we served it at the house and people were talking about how great it is. Since one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, we took the discount and passed it onto you (retail is $40). Enjoy this big, delicious Italian varietal with the California twist. It is still made from one single acre of grapes that was originally planted in the 1970s for Bonny Doon. A little birdie told me the vineyards was patrolled by falcons to deter pests birds from eating the grapes!. 

2021 Herdade do Mouchāo Ponte Tinto, $30

Most of the Portuguese red blends that we have used have been delicious but light. This is from the south – home of the big reds with tastes of black fruit, coffee, and black pepper. Treat it like a big meaty red (decant it,) but don’t put it in the cellar (drink it). 50% Touriga Nacional, 30% Touriga Franca, 20% Syrah; Robert Parker and Wine Enthusiast 91 pts; Janice Robinson 17 pts (whatever that means, just use 100pts like everyone else)