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Via Alpina Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Origin: Friuli, Italy
Retail: $19.95 | Sale: $17.96
Via Alpina is the second label from Giampaolo Venica, a member of the Venica family who have been farming in Collio for 90 years. Via Alpina captures the essence of the northern Friuli region, close to the borders of Austria and Slovenia, where the wine benefits from the region’s significant diurnal shifts, imparting freshness. The history of the Collio vineyards recalls the pre-Roman era and runs through the entire Middle Ages. The wines of Collio , in fact, were known to the courts of all Europe and appreciated by the doges of the Republic of Venice, by Emperor Charles V of Habsburg, and by the sovereigns of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Fresh and vibrant with notes of citrus, orange zest and pith. The palate has a soft, friendly feel with a finish that favors the citrus fruits, with a minerality similar to Sancerre or Chablis. 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Lyrarakis ‘Thrapsathiri Armi’ White 2021
Origin: Crete, Greece
Retail: $21.95 | Sale: $19.76
“Lyrarakis” is the family name of brothers Manolis and Sotiris, who established the winery on the island of Crete, Greece in 1966. From the very beginning, they have devoted themselves to the revival of rare grape varieties of Crete; their portfolio features more than 11 indigenous varieties, with three saved from extinction. They transitioned to organic viticulture in 2020 and a significant percentage of the cooperating farmers managed to do the same. The east-facing vineyard in the location "Armi", which in the Cretan dialect stands for the top of a mountainside, is located at an altitude of 500m. The moderately fertile soil and the beneficial winds create a unique microclimate, in which the Thrapsathiri variety perfectly expresses the wealth of its aromas and taste. Today, Lyrarakis Wines is run by the second-generation winemakers, supported by an extended family of skilled professionals. Intense aromas of stone fruits are coupled with spices and a touch of dried herbs and florals. The palate is round with notes of white peach. 100% Thrapsathiri
Côte West Counoise 2019
Origin: Oakland, California
Retail: $29.95 | Sale: $26.96
Côte West is a family-run urban winery based in Oakland, California. They seek out special vineyard sites and use minimal intervention in the winery to highlight the unique characteristics of their sources. The result is Old World-style yet undeniably Californian wines. Bret is the co-founder and winemaker. He received a Master’s degree in Viticulture & Enology from UC Davis and got his hands dirty interning at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in Napa and Domaine des Comtes Lafon in Meursault, Burgundy. Kerrie is the co-founder and wears many hats as la femme d'affaires. Counoise, a variety more commonly found in the South of France, is a late ripener -- often the last variety to come off the vines during harvest. This Counoise was grown in Dry Creek Valley at Mounts Vineyard, whose striking, red rocky soils are rich in iron volcanic deposits. Earthy strawberry and floral aromatics followed by bright cherry and rich strawberry notes on the palate. 100% Counoise
Zoppi Cristina Ruchè 2020
Origin: Monferrato, Italy
Retail: $19.95 | Sale: $17.96
Cristina Zoppi and Ezio Chiara met while working for a small company that supplied parts for Fiat. In 1991, they decided to start a life in agriculture and moved to Ezio’s family farm, located northeast of Asti in the zone of Monferrato. The dream was always to have their own label with their own wine. Over the years, she and Ezio cobbled together other parcels while raising a family. One of those parcels grew around an ancient Roman chapel that stood on the pinnacle of a hill. Above the side entrance was a porthole window with three circles, which Cristina and Ezio took to symbolize the heart, mind, and spirit. Early this century they reached their zenith: 15 hectares or 37 acres in various parcels surrounded by forest and hazelnut orchards. From then on, they concentrated on getting the vineyards in shape as they farmed sustainably and sold the crop to the local co-op. Ruchè is yet another local favorite, one that nearly went extinct in the last century. The DOCG of Castognole Monferrato was created in 2010 and is limited to seven communes. This rarity is intensely aromatic, with strong notes of roses, violets, lavender; the color is deep; and the fruit is rich with plum and vibrant acidity, finishing with savory notes. 100% Ruchè