LOW ROAD WHITE

2019 Contraste Vinho Branco, $13.82

90 points from Wine Enthusiast, Rabigato, Côdega de Larinho, and Gouveio make up this blend of Portugese white grapes that you’ll add to your faves. We served it at a school event and no matter the request, we said, “well if you like that, you’ll love this!” And they did. Think “ultimate crowd pleaser.” If your guests don’t like this, offer a beer. 

2021 Xarmant Txakoli $17.28 (or 8.4 oz Cans $6)

70% Hondarrabi Zuri / 10% Gros Manseng / 10% Petit Manseng / 10% Petit Corbu

Hailing from Basque country in Spain, Xarmant means “charming”. Basque Club member Jen adds “Xarmant like me!” Sustainably-grown, indigenous grapes are fermented separately then blended to perfection. Txakoli (chacoli) is made to be consumed “fresh.” That means drink it. From us to your porch, to the fridge, and down your throat. No time to stop in the cellar. Just how we like it. Better yet, if you’re a put-a-can-in-your-purse kind-of parent (ahem, Sarah), let me know.  It has been a big hit at baseball games this fall.

LOW ROAD RED

2018 Contraste Vinho Tinto $13.82

In Portugal, they make red wine out of the same grape blends as their famous Ports. And if you leave out the fortification of a Port, you’re left with a very versatile, food friendly, easy drinking red wine that would be perfect with a holiday meal. Gobble, gobble. A few years ago we the sipped the High Road version of this blend, but at this price, you can gulp.

2018 Kirnbauer 7301 Blaufrankisch $16.00

If you remember enjoying one of our most popular wines, Das Phantom, you’re about to be thankful. This is the Low Road version – think about a cross between Pinot Noir and Syrah. It is an easy-drinking food wine, but with spice. The grape is Blaufrankisch (practice saying it, fun, plus you look smart). It is grown mainly in Austria where white wine is king, but this grape is getting more and more recognition regionally and internationally.

HIGH ROAD WHITE

2020 Barat Premier Cru Vallions  $26.24

This producer, which we’ve enjoyed before, is known for riding the Chardonnay line between Chablis (steely and flinty) and Burgundy (more body). Our wine rep Stephen says that whenever someone tells him that they don’t like Chardonnay he simply answers “Yes, you do.” And if they need more convincing, he serves them Barat. Sarah raised her arm to be twisted.

2021 Ca’n Verdura Supernova, Moll $29.44

Picture it. The island of Mallorca. Where Tomeu Llabrés adapted a former car repair shop to make the next generation of indigenous island wines. The grape is Moll, a common white grape for the Island, generally known to make light refreshing wines and great sparkling wines. Tomeu puts 20% of these grapes on oak to elevate the elegance in his “body” shop. See what I did there? Plus it has wax on the top, so it makes a “fancy” gift.

HIGH ROAD RED

2020 Domaine de Fa Fleurie Beaujolais $29.44

Our long-time members have heard about the allocated wine from the legend of Crozes Hermitage, Alain Gralliot, who passed away this year. His sons have been running the show since 2008 and have other ventures in other regions like this one.  This is not Beaujolais Nouveau, a rapidly-produced and distributed Gamay released the third Thursday in November every year, this wine is a “Cru” Beaujolais. Think fancier, but still built to be a light, peppery, and not boring Gamay. Although this version is fresh and drinking well now, it is not rushed, so you can lay it down if you’d likes. Beside Pinot Noir, this is the most typical Thanksgiving grape. It goes with everything on the table.

2017 Vina Sastre Ribera del Duero Reserva $36.69

100% Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero. 2017 was an interesting vintage. A mild winter and drought caused an early harvest which produced only about 30% of the usual amount of grapes. That means that the wine will generally be more concentrated and tannic, but by adding time to age in oak (70% new) and in the bottle, the wine has been tamed and is ready to drink. Yes, let it breath, but yes, try it now. If you like it and want more, let us know. We did too.