LOW ROAD WHITE

2018 Tenuta Scuotto Campania Falanghina $13.44

When winemaker friend Tony sent us a pic of this Southern Italian white with a request for a case, we figured we should try it too. I mean, we’re definitely not above stealing someone’s recommendation. Ordered it, drank it, and ordered more for you. Plus, value. Tony paid $22 for his original bottle, so you can afford a reorder. It takes a village.

2017 Alexakis Assyrtiko $15.36

Remember when you used to be shocked at an excellent Greek wine? But, now you Club members are such pros, I’m guessing you noticed that this is from the island of Crete as opposed to Santorini, the birthplace of the Assyrtiko grape. Sarah says “blah, blah, blah, drink it in the sun.”  It is crisp, with good fruit.

LOW ROAD RED

2018 Elena Walch Lagrein $17.28

This medium-bodied red from Alto Adige has been highly vetted by the Club. We served it at a school fundraising party earlier this year and it was a huge hit. And oops, you may have already tried this before it made it to the Club if you placed a special order. Shelter in Place caused us to crack a few cases open. Pro tip: Add on the Elena Walch Rose for $15.85.

2016 Chateau Saint Martin de la Garrigue Bronzinelle Rouge $14.89

Since my French pronunciation is terrible, and this name is a mouthful, we’re calling this one the “French Blend.” 37% Syrah, 24% Grenache Noir, 20% Carignan, 19% Mourvèdre, 100% Delish. Even Club members in a mixed marriage like Katie (High Road) and Jack (Low Road) agree on this affordable gem.

HIGH ROAD WHITE

2018 Elena Walch Castel Ringberg Pinot Grigio $22.93

Santa Ray Wine Club passed our five year anniversary mark without ever selling a Pinot Grigio. We’ve skipped it because Pinot Grigio is always good, but never great. Tall Mitch, one of our favorite wine reps, told us that this is the BEST Vineyard in Alto Adige and the ONLY Single Vineyard Pinot Grigio in all of Italy. We called fake news, but… “Italy’s Great Pinot Grigios” in Wine Enthusiast Magazine names it as “one of the” only single vineyard Pinot Grigios and references only one Vineyard by name – Castel Ringberg. We stand corrected, maybe we found the great one.

2017 Chateau de la Roulerie Chenin Blanc $18.56

DECANT THIS WHITE WINE.

I know. Don’t do the usual open fridge, pop cork, pour routine on this whie. Good white wine should not be served that cold, and many good white grapes improve as they breath. Instead, give it some air and let it warm up a bit. The fruit comes out to meet the acid for a well-rounded experience. I mean, you have the time in the world. Chenin Blanc is a grape that is known for its bracing acidity (try holding it in your mouth for an extended period of time, you’ll feel it in your teeth.) Perfect with light meats.

HIGH ROAD RED

2016 Yohan Lardy Moulin a Vent Cru Beaujolais $28.16

Yohan Lardy is a 5th generation wine grower in Beaujolais and is the young hot shot in the area. This Gamay is from the oldest vineyard he has (1903) and he is farming it organically. Beaujolais is a lighter-style food wine, but don’t read that as boring. This Cru is spicy, peppery, and tannic and it can age forever. Plus, a huge hit with Club members Kevin and Meredith.

2007 R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Bosconia Rioja Reserva $36.27

SRWC loves Rioja and this one is not much of a “find.” R. Lopez de Heredia was one of the first three Rioja Houses and has been around for 150 years. Their signature wine is the Vina Tondonia and we tasted that side-by-side with another one of their vineyards, Vina Bosconia. This was our preference. Surprise! Big wine, 93-96 points, this is the current vintage. So, don’t be afraid of the age. If 2007 was a big year for you, this is the kind of wine you can buy now and drink forever to celebrate anniversaries or birthdays.