LOW ROAD WHITE

2021 Joel Delaunay Touraine Sauvignon $13

Touraine is a Region in the Loire Valley where they produce more white wine than anywhere else in France. Sauvignon Blanc (simply “Sauvignon” there) has a flavor that varies by region more than other white grapes. When you order it, you don’t know exactly what you’ll get. In Touraine, the Sauvignon is a little rounder and heavier than the stony, steely wines from Sancerre, but not as formal as the ones we get in California. 

2021 Due Terre Catarratto Terre Siciliane $17.28

Catarratto is the most planted white grape on Sicily, but it is going through a bit of a rebrand.  Technically, there are two types, the “quantity” – Catarratto Bianco Comune and the “quality” – Catarratto Bianco Lucido (Lu- Chi- do).  Now they are calling all Catarratto “Lucido.” Lucido, potado, this is the good stuff.  

LOW ROAD RED

2019 Domaine Labbe Pinot Noir Savoie $13.44

Savoie (Sav-wah) is a ski region of France where the wine has traditionally been easy drinking and affordable. They say that the area is now producing wines of distinction that can age… buuuuut that’s not why we are here. We were looking for an affordable, easy-drinkin’ wine and this Pinot Noir checks those boxes. Heck, if it was a screw cap, it would be perfect. Glug glug.

2020 Krš Črni, Blatina $17.92

Our first wine from Bosnia! Like, ever. Blatina doesn’t self-pollinate because it is an all-female flower (she,her). It is always grown with other varietals nearby to pollinate her flowers. They even favor using the other grapes blend with the Blatina (I mean, as long as they are there.)  Try serving it without announcing the origin. When your friends like it, tell them where it is from, they will be even more impressed. You’re so worldly.

HIGH ROAD WHITE

2021 Casa Comerci Refulu, Greco Bianco $21.12

It took us seven years for the Club to have our first wine from Calabria (where my grandmother was born). The enjoyable, popular, low-road Pecorello! That Pecorello was one of our most-purchased white wines ever. So, it’s time for a return trip. The High Road is going to Calabria! Enjoy your trip. Depending on who you talk to, Greco Bianco is either completely different than Pecorello or genetically identical. Since the locals call it whatever they want, our rep calls it “the perfect white wine.” Who doesn’t love a good salesman?

2019 Domaine du Closel Savennieres La Jalousie $34.56

Domaine du Closel is an old winery run by multiple generations of female winemakers. Savennieres is a region in the Loire that specializes in Chenin Blanc. Chenin Blanc is known for acidity and versatility (which is probably why SRWC loves it so much.) We’ve had Chenin from South Africa, Central California, Clarksburg (think West Sac), and French regions surrounding Savennieres. The acidity can be shocking when young, so don’t be scared of the 2019 vintage. It juuuust right to drink now and can even hang around longer if you want to hold it.

HIGH ROAD RED

2019 Chateau de Montmirail Gigondas $21.89

Gigondas is a region in the Southern Rhone near Vacqueyras and Chateauneuf du Pape. The local wines have a similar flavor profile – a bold and approachable Grenache – without the $60 price tag.  

75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre 

2020 Domaine Michel Gros Bourgogne $38.40

Meet this classic Pinot Noir from the premier Pinot Noir region in the world made by a family that has been doing it here since the 1800s. Critics of Burgundy will say that it is overpriced and overrated. But they also say it’s delicious.