Mattes Sabran 2018 Corbieres “Le Viala”  Located in the heart of Corbières, Mattes-Sabran crafts full-flavored, seductive wines from the garrigue-covered hillsides of France’s Mediterranean coast. In addition to a noble history stretching back some 1,000 years, Much of the estate’s vines sit on steep hillsides, terraced into the chalky, poor soils.  This tough terrain is peppered with galets roulés, the large, oval granite stones typical in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Grapes are fermented on indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks and aged in tank. In the langue d’Oc, a viala is a community or group of people living and working together. A red blend chock-full of rich fruit and suave tannins, ‘Le Viala’ drinks like theoretical blend of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Cornas. 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre

Cantina Isarco 2017 Lagrein Alto Adige  Joe Bastianich once said it best, “For a white wine drinker who’s looking for something different, there’s probably no better place to experiment than the Alto Adige.” And our favorite “different” varietal from the region? This one – Lagrein! From the progressive cooperative of Cantina Isarco, this example is robust and expressive, with scents of violet, wild berries, and chocolate. Try this quirky number with spicier fare.

Domaine Brunely 2019 CDR Villages Massif D’Uchaux  Have you ever tasted “forest water?” That is what Harry Bosmans, our “man on the ground” in Avignon, calls this beauty from the Massif d’Uchaux. Massif d’-WHAT you say? The Massif d’Uchaux is a forested area home to the most mineral rich soils in the Southern Rhône Valley. It is one of 21 villages deemed distinctive enough by the regional wine board to have the rights to place their village name on the label. In other words, this appellation is considered far superior to ordinary Cotes du Rhone, and also a step up from Cotes du Rhone Villages. Will it drink like Chateauneuf-du-Pape? No. …But wines from the Massif make up for any lack of Chateauneuf blue-chip power/body with a foresty, minerally, wild berry-tinged character, which sets the village apart from other premium microclimates in the region. Fun stuff.

Produttori del Gavi 2019 Barbera del Monferrato The vineyards of Produttori del Gavi’s member/growers are spread all over the Gavi DOC territory in 11 municipalities covering 200 hectares of land from Tassarolo to Bosio. Visit Produttori’s growers and you’ll see plenty diversity, from stark white soils made of tuff and limestone due to the marine origins of the area, to tomato colored soils made of clay and rich in minerals due to the alluvial origins of some areas, especially around San Cristoforo. This Barbera is a new addition here from this address, and it sports an Intense red color, with classic varietal aromas and flavors of morello cherries, ripe plum, and violets.

Alvarez de Toledo 2015 Roble The history of this family estate is too long for these pages, involves nuns and guns, and is something we can break down better for you in person….In short the Alvarez de Toledo clan has been hard at work over the last few decades recuperating their family vineyards, several of which sport vines over 100 years old. The 2015 Roble presents alluring aromas of mature berry fruits with just that right amount of toasty oak that we like in a big Iberian red. This wine is structured, elegant, and light on the palate with vibrant red fruits, peppers, and herbs. If you were a fan of the Seculo Bierzo this is going to be right up your alley.

Chateau La Faure 2015 Bordeaux Rouge How about some late-release Bordeaux? This beauty turned our heads in a recent tasting and hails from from Chateau Le Faure, a family-owned property in the rural/hilly Bordeaux value zone otherwise known as Entre-Deux-Mers. 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Balanced, complete, and plenty to be happy about here.