Nortico Alvarinho 2021
Origin: Vinho Verde, Portugal
Retail: $16.95 | Sale: $15.26
Nortico is from tiny vineyard plots in Monção and Melgaço, bordering Spain's Galicia province, which is considered the best Alvarinho-growing area in Portugal. Here, on the south bank of the Minho River, farming is as it was centuries ago, with the grapes planted on granite pergolas in plots so small they are called “jardins” or “gardens” in Portuguese. Unlike other wines from the larger Vinho Verde area, Nortico has no added CO2, making for a richer, fuller, well-balanced wine that showcases its maritime influence with a kiss of salinity on the finish. This humble yet serious wine showcases the best of northern Portugal’s commitment to artisan production in all things. In addition to making wine, the Abecassis family has been producing tiles on the property exactly like in the 18th century, each shaped from scratch and painted by hand. The wine’s label pays homage to these tiles, an early form of storytelling that captures the Portuguese spirit and aesthetic. Creamy citrus oil, lime and yellow apple notes are nicely spiced and detailed with saline mineral and floral underpinnings through the long finish. 100% Alvarinho
Lucien Raimbault Pouilly Fumé 2021
Origin: Loire, France
Retail: $27.95 | Sale: $25.16
Located in the heart of the village of Sury-en-Vaux (5 km from Sancerre), Domaine Raimbault-Pineau was formed by a family of Sancerre winemakers that have been producing wine for over 3 centuries. In 1946, Lucien Raimbault acquired a well-known vineyard; its terroir was composed of chalky-clay and enjoyed extraordinary sun exposure. The Raimbault family has continuously worked this land, and today the domaine has 40 separate plots of AOC Sancerre vines, all located around the village of Sury-en-Vaux. The domaine also makes Pouilly-Fumé in La Montée des Lumeaux, situated in the village of St. Martin-sur-Nohain, as well as Coteaux du Giennois, “Les Vignes du Dimanche,” in the village of St. Père. All of the vineyards are worked in the traditional manner, with great care and attention paid to the vines. This cuvée gives a wine full of freshness, light and with a good balance. 100% Sauvignon Blanc
The Paring Pinot Noir 2021
Origin: Santa Barbara, California
Retail: $26.95 | Sale: $24.26
The Paring was born in 2006 out of a desire to explore, experiment and excite—without rules. Made from the vineyard blocks that are either too young or don't fit into the vintage style of the highly acclaimed JONATA and The Hilt wines—The Paring is a cut of each estate. The Paring puts pedigree first, and then lets imagination take over. The grapes are sourced primarily from three Santa Barbara regions on the vanguard: Santa Ynez Valley, Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley. Completely seductive with notes of blackberries and rosemary on the nose. Succulent and sweet red fruit with savory notes and mouth coating tannins to round out this harmonious and complete pinot noir. 100% Pinot Noir