Pizza, grilled sausages, roasted vegetables, casual pasta dishes, picnic fare

Mixed red and dark fruit, black cherry, soft spice, light florals, gentle earth, supple finish

Varietal:

Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault, Merlot, Grenache, Gamay, Muscat

Vintage:

• 2021

ABV:

• 12.5%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Region: Auvergne, France

After a lifetime of experiences, Patrick Bouju settled in the Auvergne, releasing his first commercial vintage in 2002 and leaving his engineering job in 2008 to pursue winemaking full time.

Patrick's journey with wine began while he was a chemistry student in Clermont-Ferrand, where he discovered his aversion to classical wine due to his body's intolerance to sulfur. Inspired by low-intervention winemakers he met while in the military in Chalon-sur-Saône in 1994 and 1995, Patrick went on to study viticulture in Beaune.

After completing his studies, Patrick moved to the village of Glaine-Montaigut in the Auvergne, where he gradually started cultivating a small number of vines.

Grilled lamb, chorizo, roast eggplant, lentil stew, aged Manchego

Blackberry, plum, black cherry, dried herbs, cocoa, earthy minerality, firm tannins, fresh acidity

Varietal:

Bobal

Vintage:

• 2024

ABV:

• 12.5%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Region: Valencia, Spain

Utiel-Requena, situated in southeastern Spain, is not typically associated with classically structured wines of balance and nuance. This is largely due to the prevailing "quantity-over-quality" mentality that has historically affected Southern Spain, particularly with regards to the Bobal grape. With a staggering 90,000 hectares under vine, Bobal ranks as the third most planted grape variety in Spain. Historically, it was seen as suitable only for producing simple, acidic red and rosé wines destined for local cooperatives. However, in recent years, a select group of quality-minded growers has emerged, employing artisanal farming and vinification techniques to produce highly individual wines with true complexity.

Grilled sausages, roast chicken, lentil stew, sauerkraut dishes, mushroom soups, picnic foods

Red berries, sour cherry, cranberry, light spice, herbal notes, tangy acidity, subtle earth

Varietal:

Blauer Koelner, Blaufränkisch, Kraljevina, Welschriesling

Vintage:

• 2024

ABV:

• 10%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Region: Doljenska, Slovenia

Stepping into Slovenian wine country, you'll find the Zajc family, whose winemaking roots run deep, reaching back to the 19th century! Nestled in the Dolenjska region, famed for its light-bodied reds and crisp whites, they've become masters of a truly special wine - Cviček.

This isn't your average red or white. Cviček is Slovenia's national pride, a unique blend of red and white grapes safeguarded by law, much like Italy's prized Chianti. But unlike its bolder cousin, Cviček is a delightful, easy-drinking wine. Each sip is a burst of sunshine, overflowing with fresh berries and a touch of low-alcohol magic. It's a testament to the Zajc family's dedication to tradition and their passion for crafting wines that are as delicious as they are unique. So, if you're looking for something differ

Grilled Spanish Chorizo, Bulgogi Beef with Kimchi Pancakes, Dark Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Blackberry, plum, raspberry, and white pepper.

Varietal:

Mencía, Brancellao, Caiño, Marenzao

Vintage:

• 2024

ABV:

• 13%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Region: Galicia, Spain

Pedro Rodríguez, the driving force behind Adegas Guímaro, embodies a deep-rooted passion for winemaking in the rugged Ribeira Sacra region. Continuing a family legacy, they cultivate their steep, terraced vineyards using age-old methods passed down from previous generations. Embracing their rebellious spirit, reflected in the name "Guímaro," meaning rebel in Gallego, they champion nearly-forgotten local grapes like Caiño and Brancellao. Beyond preserving history, their focus is on adapting to climate change, crafting wines that are not only delicious but also echo the distinct character of Ribeira Sacra. In the cellar, they adhere to traditional techniques, employing wild yeasts, foot treading, and minimal intervention.

Tapas, margherita pizza, grilled vegetables, burgers, charcuterie, picnic fare

Red cherry, wild strawberry, plum skin, cracked pepper, dried herbs, hint of citrus lift, soft tannin

Varietal:

Tempranillo, Monastrell, Garnacha Tinta, Chardonnay, Verdejo, Viura, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling

Vintage:

• 2024

ABV:

• 12.5%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Region: La Mancha, Spain

We make wines with love, using our local traditions wedded to the latest technology. Our wines express the purity and beauty of our country. They are 100 percent honest. Made in Central Spain by a family with a deep history in viticulture, our wines are easy to drink yet filled with complex flavors. In a variety of styles, we bring them to you from the largest NOP-certified Organic vineyard in Europe. - Francisco Parra.

French Tartiflette, Bulgogi, Pizza

Blackberry, pomegranate, smoked cherry, mushroom and oak.

Varietal:

Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault

Vintage:

• 2024

ABV:

• 12.5%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Region: Rhône, France

"Clovis Wines is the result of a partnership between T Edward and select top-tier small producers in France. Clovis CDR is crafted by Remi Pouizin, a biodynamic vintner based in Visan, the northernmost region of the Southern Rhône. This blend combines grapes from Pouizin's estate with those of three other organic producers, all situated within a 10km radius of the winery. These vineyard parcels span elevations between 200 and 350 meters." - T Edward

Grilled prawns, goat cheese salad, herbed couscous, sushi, roasted vegetables

Tropical fruit, citrus zest, flint, fresh herbs, spice, saline minerality, light tannic grip, bright acid

Varietal:

Sauvignon Blanc

Vintage:

• 2024

ABV:

• 13%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Funky

Region: Stajerska, Slovenia

Nestled in Ritoznoj, Štajerska, Dorcha embodies Izidor (Dorcha) Vehovar's innovative spirit as the third generation in his family's winemaking legacy. Embracing a fresh perspective, he charts a new, more approachable course. Eschewing conventional norms, Izidor follows the local tradition of crafting pure, vibrant wines. Inspired by insights from his neighbor Nick Gee of Heaps Good Wine Co., he infuses his family's tradition with modern flair, creating captivating wines naturally. Izidor, a dedicated yet unassuming winemaker, roams the wooded mountains of Pohorje, communing with nature and gathering local mushrooms, a specialty of NE Slovenia. In his cellar, he meticulously tends to his salumi and cured meats, a testament to his passion for artisanal craftsmanship. - Vinum

Grilled Shrimp With Lemon Butter, Caprese Salad, Sushi Night With Pickled Ginger

Citrus zest, orchard fruits, soft floral, touch of salinity.

Varietal:

Macabeu, Parellada, with a little Vinyater and Garnatxa Blanca

Vintage:

• 2023

ABV:

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Region: Penedès, Spain

Massimo Marchiori and Antonella Gerosa, an Italian couple hailing from Piedmont, have embarked on a remarkable winemaking journey in Massís de Bonastre, nestled in the Baix Penedés region. Their mission? To revive neglected old vines and lesser-known grape varietals, transforming them into treasures of extreme quality and concentration. Embracing organic farming practices, they cultivate their plots with care, yielding grapes of exceptional character. In the cellar, they practice the art of minimal intervention winemaking, allowing native yeasts to guide fermentation and refraining from adding any additives, fining, or filtration, eschewing even the addition of SO2.

Charcuterie, tomato salad, grilled vegetables, picnic fare, soft cheeses

Red currant, cranberry, citrus zest, light herbal notes, soft texture, bright acidity

Varietal:

Grolleau

Vintage:

• 2024

ABV:

• 8.5%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Region: Loire, France

Vignobles Berthier is run by brothers Clément Berthier and Florian Berthier, fifth generation growers working in the heart of the central Loire. Their vineyards span Sancerre and Coteaux du Giennois, with additional fruit sourced from trusted friends in nearby appellations.

While Sauvignon Blanc makes up most of their plantings, the Berthier philosophy is not about varietal expression but about place. They focus on late harvesting and long lees aging to let soil and site take the lead over grape character. The vineyards have been farmed organically since 2013, with certification achieved in 2022, reduced tillage, and a strong emphasis on soil health.