LOW ROAD WHITE

2016 Manzone Langhe Rossese Bianco $16

New grape alert! Santa Ray Wine Club loves Italian grape varietals that nobody has heard of. I mean, you sound so smart now talking about Grechetto and Pecorino! Rossese Bianco is almost exclusively grown in the Langhe region in North Western Italy. It has a long, layered flavor with just enough acidity (“pucker”) and it even boasts dry tannins that make it more ageable than other white wines. 

2017 Chateau Argadens Bordeaux Blanc $13.76

This Bordeaux Blanc is aged on the lees (the dead yeast cells) for several months to add flavor. Wines aged in this fashion often have a distinct champagne-like flavor. Call it “leesy” to sound wine smart. To increase the “leesy” effect (see how smart it sounds?), it’s stirred periodically. The French call this “batonnage.” See if you pick up the lees effect. Or…. Just enjoy a classic blend of 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Semillion at a great price.

LOW ROAD RED

HIGH ROAD WHITE

HIGH ROAD RED

2015 Vinha Paz Colheita Red (Dao) $15.36 

Because of the popularity of the May 2019 High Road Portuguese Concito, we wanted to share a Portuguese wine with the Low Road. Scored 91 points by Wine Enthusiast and made from the same grapes as Port, this dry, red wine is crushed in the tradition of the region. Yep, by foot.

2016 Leduc-Frouin Anjou Cabernet Franc $15.63

Each year, we throw a school fundraiser and there’s wine there (gasp!), lots of it. Our distributors come and surprise us and our guests with three wines from four different countries. This was the standout. Although Cabernet Franc is usually a blending grape, this fan favorite is 100% Cab Franc, is a terrific value, and can be served with almost anything. Think turkey… think holiday hen… think Cab Franc.

2018 Alain Graillot Croze-Hermitage Blanc $29.44

Allocated (Ooh, fancy! Short supply!) white wine from the region of Croze-Hermitage. Made from 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne which naturally have low acidity. The winemaker skips the malolactic fermentation (the butter in buttery Chardonnay) because it would make the wine flabby. We bought an extra case so when the tariffs kick in, you know where to go to get your French wine kick.

2017 Pressing Matters Riesling R0 $24.32

Riesling from the Australian island of Tasmania. R0 refers to the amount of residual sugar in the wine (R0 being dry.)  They also make R9, R69, and R139 for those of you that enjoy varying degrees of sweet Riesling.  But the super dry, acid-driven R0 is the right one for SRWC. It is crisp enough to be a starter, or delicious enough to have on the table with dinner.

2015 SKOURAS Megas Oenos $27.91

Old favorite, new vintage. The “Grand Cru” of Greece.  20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 80% Somegreekgrape.  It was a hit at the school fundraiser again this year. Perfect fancy food wine for the holidays. Better yet, everyone outside of SRWC is still surprised and impressed when you bring a great Greek wine to dinner. Talking notes, “It’s not just Retsina anymore – Greek wines are becoming very popular!”

2017 Weingut Kirnbauer Das Phantom $26.88

Another repeat wine, another blend of indigenous grapes and Bordeaux varietals, another red that is perfect for a holiday meal.  This primary grape is Blaufrankisch from Austria, mixed with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Think peppery, spicy Pinot. Plus, it’s just fun to say. Try it: Blaufrankisch.