LOW ROAD WHITE

2020 Thymiopoulos ATMA Assyrtiko $16.64

From the same winery that brought us the Young Vines Xinomavero from the August delivery, this Assyrtiko should be your first sip of wine for the day, whether it’s 11 a.m. or 5 p.m. Clean and driven by minerals and acid, if you can find an oyster or seafood starter to nosh with it, even better. 

2020 Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara- Vernaccia Di San Gimignano DOCG $18.12

Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara is the winery. Vernaccia is the grape. San Gimignano is the Tuscan region where Vernaccia was the first (and only) white varietal to receive a DOCG designation. It’s nose is floral and perfume-y and it’s taste shows good acidic fruit and a long after taste. Make room on your holiday table.

LOW ROAD RED

2020 Elena Walch Schiava $13.50

Yes, you recognize the producer. This was the original wine from Elena Walch that got our attention. Great! But… as soon as it gets to the U.S., it sells out. Not great! This year, “tall Mitch” (the U.S. rep for Elena that some of your will remember from the TASTE parties) gave us a sneak preview. And guess what? We were able to pre-order it, which also happens to get us a better deal. This is the quintessential food red. It’s light and easily drinkable, it can go with any food, and you could put a chill on it. (I’m flirtin’ with you, Sarah!) As we transition into winter, this is your new starter wine. We have one extra case for reorders. Get it before it’s gone.

2017 Schneider Sankt Laurent $17.28

St. Laurent is a relatively obscure grape that was long-rumored, and recently confirmed, to be related to Pinot Noir. What you will find is the fruit of a Pinot with some tobacco and chocolate. We were looking for a replacement for the out-of-stock August Kessler Pinot Noir that has been super popular (I’m talkin’ to you Heather and Marcus.). Twist, pour, and order more!

HIGH ROAD WHITE

2019 Do Ferreiro Albarino $25.73

Do Ferreiro is a well-respected producer that blends Albarino from several plots. Among them is the oldest (over 200 years!) in Val do Salnes, a subzone of Rias Baixas considered to be the birthplace of Albarino. Because of the weather in 2019, they had lower yields and harvested early, which gives a more concentrated flavor and higher acidity. Think long flavor and plenty of pucker. It’s a natural fit for any fish, but can cut through the fat of meat. Sounds like a good excuse to wrap some shrimp or scallops in bacon to me! As if we needed an excuse. 92 pts from Wine Advocate. 

2020 Domaine de la Garenne Sancerre $24.96

Sometimes you just want a Sauvignon Blanc. For SRWC, Sancerre is the go-to region. This one comes from a small production (2.5 hectares) and can go with everything, including nothing. If you have an aversion to Sauvignon Blanc (ahem, Sarah) you should open this with friends or family.  You may be pleasantly surprised. Or, at least there will be someone there to tell you how crazy you are.

HIGH ROAD RED

2018 Trisaetum Pinot Noir Willamette Valley $25.60

Let them eat cake. Hailing from one of the best Pinot Noir regions in the world, this wine has it all. It’s a great price… pairs well with turkey… organic… from a family winery… and good to give as a gift (91 pts, retails for $40). Gulp.

2017 Torre Dei Beati Cocciapazza Montepulciano D’Abruzzo $35.84

When I was in my 20s and didn’t know anything about Italian wine, Club Member and mother to my godson, Jennifer, gave me sage advice about ordering wine on dates. “Just get the Montepulciano D’Abruzzo. It’s affordable, always good, and it doesn’t come in a bottle with a basket on it.” This winery picks from all of their vineyards (planted in 1972 and 1995) to make their entry level Montepulciano. But in two acres of the older vineyard, they leave the best grapes for longer and reharvest later. Because of the additional aging and different oak, the result is a dark, full bodied, delicious Montepulciano that I would describe as a more American-style. Salute and cheers.