LOW ROAD WHITE

2022 Donna Paolina Fiano di Avellino, $17.41

The 49ers of the 1980s were known for coming from behind, winning Championships, and having white wine-sipping fans.  (That last one was suppose to be an insult.) Buuuut this year, at the tailgate party before their NFC Championship, come-from-behind win, I was drinking this Fiano out of a red Solo cup. So, classy. Fiano is growing in popularity around the world (including in California) but it’s best wines and DOCG are from Avellino, near Naples. This wine checks all of the boxes that SRCW is looking for in a Low Road white. You’re welcome. And go 9ers.

2022 Filipa Pato Dinamico Bical/Arinto Branco, $15.49

Filipa Pato is a young, fantastic winemaker in Bairrada, a region of Portugal. Her family has had a wine presence there for at least 100 years and her father is a legend. The wine is 80% Bical, a grape found in the most high quality white wines in this coastal region. Full bodied with a long flavor and good acid, it can age, but why? Enjoy it now, you can always order more.   

LOW ROAD RED

2020 Laurent Perrachon Fleurie Vieilles Vignes, $16.85

This may seem like a repeat wine but it has never been “in da Club.” We purchased it before the November Delivery even though we didn’t need it. Since then, we haven’t been able to keep our hands off it. Sorry! We drink it all the time, brought it to multiple parties, sold it to people looking for reds around the holidays. It even graced O’Dowd’s teacher appreciation. It is a well-done, affordable Gamay that goes with any food but has the body and pepper to go it alone.  This may be the perfect Super Bowl Red. Did I mention go 9ers?

2011 Quinta do Pinto Vinhas do Lasso Garrafeira, $17.79

Garrafeira means “cellared wine,”  meaning that it’s held in the bottle longer before release. Most people don’t have a true wine cellar, but if you do, I hope you don’t have many $18 bottles from 2011. They are probably vinegar by now, but this is the exception. Strong, balanced, with significant tannins, and made with the same grapes that go into port. And 2011 was an amazing vintage for port. What do you get when you have a 13-year old wine, from a great vintage, made in a place that is famous for aging wine and selling affordable, high quality reds?  Lezgo.

HIGH ROAD WHITE

2021 Gros Ventre Chenin Blanc, $25.73

The Club loves Chenin Blanc. We think it’s the full body, but with vibrant acidity. Plus, we’re lucky that California has some good Chenin in surprising places (remember the Foxen from Santa Maria)? But we are no longer surprised by Chenin Blanc from the Clarksburg region near West Sacramento. These particular grapes come from a sub-AVA called Merritt Island, a piece of fertile land between the Sacramento River, Elk Slough, and Sutter Slough. My West Sac wife wants you to know it’s pronounced “slew.” The soil and fog make a very balanced wine that is aged in neutral oak barrels to showcase the true flavor of this unique region. This is the perfect wine for Crab season!

2021 Vietti Timarasso ‘Derthona’ Colli Tortonesi DOC, $33.41

Vietti is a legendary Barolo producer, named Winery of the Year by Vinous Magazine in 2022. We’ve been lucky enough to taste their wines on many occasions but, frankly, they are too expensive for the Club or they’re allocated. Luuuuckily…. Enter clerical error in another state and our importer was able to get more than usual. Medium to full bodied with good acidity, Timarasso is one of those grapes that was almost extinct but was brought back. Rated 92-94 points from people you’ve heard of, don’t get too used to it. This is likely a one-time thing. Bu-bye. 

HIGH ROAD RED

2015 Buil & Gine Priorato ‘Joan Guin’, $30.

 Along with Rioja, Priorat is the other top-rated region in Spain for red wines. Most Priorat is big and bold, high in alcohol and tannins, and released two to three years after harvesting. The wines are generally well-liked by California wine drinkers looking for something different “enough.” The producer held this one back a few years to mellow the tannins a little and make it more approachable, so there is no reason to wait. We say drink it now.   

2019 Uccelliera Rapace, $35.11

Classic Super Tuscan alert! 70% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon makes another good winter red with fairly high alcohol, oak, and good tannins. 91-93 points and perfect for a cold night and savory comfort food. Think stews by the fire. Invites welcomed.