Artisan Wine Sampler - Membership

While Pinot and Cabernet are the world's most popular red varieties, Syrah may be the preference of wine nerds for its dark fruit, unmistakable earthen quality, and its complexity which invokes flavors ranging from cloves, to black pepper, to even a bit of bacon fat. This Syrah from its spiritual home in the Northern part of the Rhône opens with those same notes of earth along with some voluptuous black berry and plum notes, leading to a palate with long, persistent tannin, abounding complexity, and a satisfying finish.

Syrah is best beside barbecue, and this bold wine will be a welcome addition to any outdoor dinner cooked over an open flame. Enjoy with a classic steak au poivre, a grilled venison loin with roasted beets, or Italian marinated eggplant for a veggie option.

There's a reason why the rosés of Southern France have achieved icon status among the great wines of the world. With it's bouncy red fruit, crisp acidity, and lick of seabreeze, there's nothing better to drink in the sunshine. The Rosé de la Rainette opens with unripe red fruit, along with just a bit of fresh herbs while the palate is delicate, elegant, and satisfying with the same red fruits, distinct minerality, and a crisp finish.

Although it's hard to beat this wine on its own as a refreshing aperitif, it will be lovely with light appetizers like salmon crudo, a crisp little gem salad, or boquerones.

The 2022 Vegatolosa Capricho DiVino Brut Nature, a standout sparkling wine from Manchuela, is crafted entirely from Chardonnay grapes. This sparkling wine impresses with a rich, brioche-forward nose, hinting at the complexity and depth typically found in the finest examples of traditional method sparklers. The palate introduces a refreshing contrast with its briskness, brimming with vibrant citrus and green apple flavors.

The DiVino pairs beautifully with a seafood risotto, where the creamy texture and rich flavors of the rice can be enhanced by the acidity of the wine. For a vegetarian option, a fresh green apple and walnut salad with a citrus vinaigrette can echo the wine's crisp fruitiness. Alternatively, a selection of artisanal cheeses, particularly those with a creamy texture like Brie or Camembert, would enhance the wine's rich yet brisk character.

There's something just basically undeniable about Pinot Grigio - it's soft structure, attractive notes of white flowers and stone fruit, and consistency make it easy to love, and deserving of its place among the world's most beloved wine grapes. The Viti Doro opens with notes of bright white peach with just a touch of yellow florals, while the palate is classic medium-bodied Pinot Grigio, with subtle minerality, outward fruitiness, and a soft, satisfying finish.

A lovely wine to ponder on its own as an aperitif, the medium body of a Pinot Grigio and it's overt fruitiness make it a nice pairing for many dishes from grilled branzino with plenty of lemon, to roasted eggplant with tomato concassé, or a simply seared chicken breast with lemon and capers.

There may be no better summer red wine than Beaujolais - with its joyful red fruit, and supple drinkability, there aren't many more delicious reds when given a chill. The Penlois opens on the nose with pure red cherry along with just a touch of baking spice and vanilla while the palate leads with the same delicious, direct fruit along with just a touch of earth.

A great wine to enjoy on its own with a little chill (about twenty minutes in the fridge), the Beaujolais-Villages will be excellent beside grilled pork sausage like sauerkraut, an authentic paella with rabbit and escargot, or roasted beets or mushrooms.

A fabulous example of how classy great orange wine can be, the Macération opens with muted but pure notes of orange peel, black tea, and citrus flower, while the palate is bright and fresh with plenty of grapefruit and orange, but with superb, soft tannins.

Orange will always be a fun category to pair with, and this is wine is no different. Try it beside a roast chicken with plenty of spices, glazed carrots with dukkah, or a creamy honeynut squash "baba ghanouj."