Cesanese

Cherries, raspberries, and spices!

Vintage:

• 2021

ABV:

• 13.5%

Funky Scale:

Classic

Style:

Food Wine

Region: Lazio, Italy

Nestled in the historic town of Piglio within the Lazio wine region, Abbia Nòva's vineyards are imbued with centuries of rich history. From hosting Bernard of Clairvaux as he embarked on his monastic journey to serving as summer retreats for Roman emperors Nerva and Trajan, the land exudes a sense of profound heritage. For over four hundred years, Cesanese d’Affile has reigned supreme in Piglio, though Abbia Nòva also champions the revival of other ancient varietals like Passerina and Nostrano. Cousins Daniele and Pierluca Proietti, hailing from humble farming backgrounds, infuse their winemaking with a deeply personal and natural agricultural ethos, blending local traditions with cultural influences garnered from years of experimentation with natural methods.

Monica

Red berries, blackberry, citrus, jasmine and clove.

Vintage:

• 2022

ABV:

• 13.5%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Style:

Food

Region: Sardinia, Italy

"Sergio Loi is a 4th generation traditional Sardinian producer, whose family winery from the early 900s has always practiced no chemical farming and minimum intervention in the cellar. The Cardedu [car-DAY-do] vineyards are located on the island’s sparsely populated Southeast, where soils are crumbling granite near the coast, and schist in ragged-dry cliffs around Jerzu. - Portovino"

Grenache

Trucha a la Navarra, Carnitas, Petit Basque with Roasted Vegetables

Vintage:

• 2020

ABV:

• 12.7%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Style:

Food Wine

Region: Navarra, Spain

Driven by a profound appreciation for the approachable allure of Spanish wines, Rooted Selections embarked on a quest to craft a custom cuvée, seeking a partner deeply rooted in familial tradition and environmental stewardship. Their journey led them to Bodegas Beramendi, a family-owned winery nestled in the Navarra region of Northern Spain, where sustainable farming practices flourish. Here, amidst the rolling vineyards, Bodegas Beramendi nurtures a diverse array of grape varieties, from the indigenous Garnacha, Tempranillo, Graciano, and Garnacha Blanca to the international favorites like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot.

Cabernet Franc, Malbec

 Blackcurrant, plum, cedar, and spice.

Vintage:

• 2023

ABV:

• 13%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Style:

Food Wine

Region: Cahors, France

Fabien Jouves hails from a lineage deeply rooted in grape farming in Cahors, spanning six generations. Situated in Causses, renowned for its limestone plateaus, his domaine graces the highest slopes of the Cahors appellation. Nestled atop the Quercy hills, his family's 22 hectares stand at over 1,100 feet, benefiting from cool nighttime temperatures that impart freshness to the wines. Expanding beyond his family's holdings, Fabien acquired two additional parcels, amassing over 30 hectares in total.

Transitioning from a prospective medical career, Fabien assumed the role of vigneron in 2006, spurred by his family's struggle to sustain the domaine. Opting to preserve his familial legacy, he enrolled at the esteemed École du Vin de Bordeaux.

Syrah

Juicy dark berries, black pepper, a hint of violet, with smooth tannins and a subtle earthiness.

Vintage:

• 2023

ABV:

• 13.5%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Style:

Region: Roussillon, France

De Mena, meaning "By Nature" in Catalan, is a passion project of Sébastien Agelet, located in the small, time-forgotten village of Paziols, nestled in the Pyrenees Mountains. Once part of the Principality of Catalonia, Paziols still holds a medieval charm. Sébastien, a visionary vigneron, transitioned his family’s old vines to organic farming, pulling them away from the co-op to create wines that reflect nature’s purity and authenticity. De Mena’s wines are naturally crafted with minimal intervention, showcasing the terroir and embracing a philosophy rooted in passion. Sébastien’s wines are known for being thought-provoking, purposeful, and utterly delicious, with an emphasis on organic, traditional winemaking methods.

Zinfandel, Carignan, Petit Sirah

Lime, green strawberry and minerality, with a bone-dry finish. It is texturally very light as a result of a gentle touch.

Vintage:

• 2022

ABV:

• 12.4%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Style:

Glou Glou, Hype Juice

Region: California, USA

At Las Jaras, our aim is crafting wines brimming with vitality and harmony. We strive for a delicate yet vibrant character, ensuring each sip is a culinary delight and accessible to all. By embracing minimal intervention, we honor the distinct terroir of our vineyards, allowing their natural essence to shine through in every glass. If you're new to wines made in this fashion, prepare for a revelatory experience. Our lighter offerings enhance everyday moments. Celebrate your best friend's engagement with the elegant bubbles of our Sparkling Wine. Tuck our Rosé into your backpack for a sunset picnic in the park. Pair the chilled Glou Glou with a Margherita pizza to elevate your takeout experience. Medium-bodied reds elevate hearty meals and spark contemplation.

Orange, grapefruit, cranberry, white flowers and pepper.

Vintage:

• 2023

ABV:

• 12.5%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Style:

Food Wine

Region: Languedoc, France

Olivier Cohen, a dynamic winemaker hailing from the Hérault region in the Languedoc near Montpellier, is the visionary behind Les Vignes d’Olivier. His repertoire boasts an exquisite rosé and an array of captivating red wines.

Initially immersed in the wine-selling scene, Olivier's journey took a pivotal turn while working at renowned natural wine bars like La Part des Anges in Nice and Vinivore nearby. It was here that his ardor for natural winemaking ignited, propelling him towards his own viticultural pursuit.

Seeking mentorship and hands-on experience, Olivier ventured to Corsica to collaborate with the esteemed Antoine Arena.

Welschriesling, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc

Aromas of green pineapple, grapefruit, and honey, with citrus, tropical fruit, and a mineral finish.

Vintage:

• 2022

ABV:

• 12%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Classic

Style:

Region: Transdanubian, Hungary

Florian Zaruba and his partner Janka helm the multifaceted operations of the Kristinus property on the southwestern shores of Lake Balaton, Hungary. In addition to the winery, the estate encompasses a farm, fine dining restaurant, hotel, and cinema. This burgeoning winemaking region, situated on the largest lake in central Europe, saw the establishment of the estate in 2005. With a current size of 55 hectares, the estate's expansion offers the opportunity to provide wines of exceptional value. Since 2018, Kristinus has embraced biodynamic farming practices under its winemaking stewardship.

Xarel-lo

Fragrant citrus, fennel, herbal touches, apricot

Vintage:

• 2020

ABV:

• 12.2%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Funky

Style:

Region: Penedès, Spain

Vinyes Singulars, established in 1405, is a historic winery in Penedès, Spain, now led by 23rd-generation winemaker Ignasi Segui. With vines aged 50-60 years, they cultivate twelve grape varieties, alongside olives, wheat, and nuts, using organic and biodynamic methods. Ignasi blends tradition with innovation, producing around 25 unique wines annually. The winery emphasizes field blends, utilizing chestnut barrels, amphorae, and stainless steel, with no sulfur additions throughout winemaking.