December 2021 | 12 Bottle Club
Welcome to the December 12 Bottle Club from MYSA Natural Wine!
A note from our founder:
Happy Holidays Friends!
I had a blast putting together this month's wines and hope you love them! Speaking of blasts, make sure to let your bubbles rest, particularly Just Peachy, store it standing up and be VERY delicate when you open it! You'll see in my video that mine exploded on my (but I had no choice because I had to get these videos out ASAP!)
This group is so fun with lots of bubbles, the perfect reds for the holidays, some outstanding orange wines that are perfect to share and finally a Rioja unlike what you'd expect that's also perfect for making Glögg!
Enjoy and Happy New Year!
Holly Berrigan - Founder, MYSA Natural Wine
- Pirona - Aldo Marenco
- Bourgogne Rouge - Domaine de Grisy
- Rheinhessen Spätburgunder - Weingut Schmitt (some boxes)
- Pfalz Spätburgunder Trocken - Scheu (some boxes)
- Herrigoia Rioja Tinto DOC - Companon Arrieta
- Guancianera - Fabio Ferracane
- Rev - Old Westminster
- No Es Pituko Viognier - Viña Echeverria
- Verdejo 'Litrona' - Microbio
- Bianco - Petracavallo
- Latitude 50 Brut - Sektkellerei Ohlig
- Brut Nature Méthode Traditionelle Rosé - Clos Lentiscus
- Just Peachy - Old Westminster
- Wine Evaluation Sheet
Pirona - Aldo Marenco
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Langhe - Italy
Description:
100% hand-picked Barbera from Italy that spends time aging in oak barrels. Flavors of tasty ripe fruits with glimmers of dark chocolate. Garnet red in color. A delicious red to have alongside Italian-inspired dishes such as prosciutto. Ripe fruits with hints of licorice and dark chocolate.
Pairings: Pasta, Prosciutto, Grilled Chicken
Serving Temperature: 48°- 52°
About Aldo Marenco
The history of our vineyards is the history of our family, the Marencos, strongly rooted in Dogliani, a hamlet of the Langhe territory which has ever been bound to wine.
Our long peasant tradition of devotion to the ground has never stopped starting from my great-grandfather Francesco to grandfather Luigi, my parents Aldo and Bruna as well as myself Claudio. Since the ‘70’s wine has become the protagonist of our daily life, based on the widening of our vineyards and a substantial refinement of the winery techniques. We still cling to the peasant’s spirit, the respect for nature, the research for the best position of vineyards and the ongoing care of the vine-rows, without involving any kind of coercions or polluting treatments. Thanks to this innovative approach, already in 1991 we were among the first producers to be awarded with the Organic Competence Certification which is nowadays released by Bioagricert.
At present, our vineyard stretches out on 25 hectares of land whereof 12 are dedicated to the wine blends (Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Nascetta, Merlot) in the subarea “Madonna delle Grazie”, at an average height of 400-500 meters above the sea level.
From our vineyards we obtain tasteful, genuine, fragrant and delicious wines that deserve to be discovered. All of them bear a designation of origin and are labelled with the same names of their vineyards.
On the whole we produce 70-80.000 bottles per year. They are all carefully checked in the cellar and allocated to a selected market made of importers, restaurants, wine shops, wine bars, specialized shops and private consumers in Italy and around the world. - Aldo Marenco
Bourgogne Rouge - Domaine de Grisy
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Burgundy - France
Description:A lighter Pinot Noir from Burgundy with aromas of fresh red fruit, leather, and hints of earth. Low in tannin with medium acidity on the palate. A great addition to your next charcuterie board night! Raspberry, cranberry, strawberry, and hints of earthy leather.
Pairings: Cheese Plate, Charcuterie, Seafood
Serving Temperature: 48°- 52°
About Domaine de Grisy
Located in the town of Saint-Bris-le-Vineux, you'll find the 22-acre estate of Domaine de Grisy. For eighteen generations, winemaker Pascal Sorin and his family have been making wine. Their proudest of their delicious Pinot Noir grown near Chablis.
Rheinhessen Spätburgunder - Weingut Schmitt
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Rheinhessen - Germany
Description:
A juicy and medium-bodied Pinot Noir with tons of dark fruit, red currant, and hints of spicy notes. A pleasant and smooth finish on the palate. Fruit forward with dark cherry and cassis with hints of earth.
Pairings: Oily Fish, Cheese Boards, Pizza
Serving Instructions: 50°- 55°
About Weingut Schmitt
"If Rheinhessen is at the epicenter of a new wave in German winemaking—one full of young energy that emphasizes high-quality, natural methods—then husband and wife Daniel and Bianka Schmitt are at the epicenter of Rheinhessen.
Rheinhessen is the largest wine growing region in Germany, and has been largely associated with bulk production. However, in recent years, the region’s reputation has begun to shift as a new generation of younger, more innovative growers are reducing yields and honing in on the largely undervalued terroir of this region. Bianka and Daniel epitomize this new wave of German winemakers, working hard to produce wines of the highest quality with as little intervention as possible."
Pfalz Spätburgunder Trocken - Scheu
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Pfalz - Germany
Description:
Fruity and youthful Pinot Noir from southern Pfalz. Juicy with notes of dark and red fruit such as strawberries, blackberries, and cherries. A pleasant and smooth finish on the palate.
Pairings: Oily Fish, Cheese Boards, Pizza
Serving Instructions: 48°- 52°
About Scheu
We want to produce wines that are not only good, but also wines that are fun with the second sip. Wines that are independent and individual, unique items that reflect the typicality of the vineyard. In other words, wines that uniquely reflect the natural conditions such as soil, microclimate and vintage. There are many good wines. Our wines are more, they are honest and authentic. - Scheu
Herrigoia Rioja Tinto DOC - Companon Arrieta
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Rioja - Spain
Description:Natural Rioja wines are rare and we are very excited to include this one for you in your club this month! It's a perfect nod to what you expect Rioja to be while also having 15% white grapes that take it to a new level we love.
We'll also be using this Rioja to make Glögg for the holidays! Click here for our recipe.
Pairings: Chicken, Burger, Barbecue
Serving Temperature: 50°- 55°
About Companon Arrieta
El mozo wines is a small family project with more than 40 years of history located in lanciego (rioja alavesa). We have 9 hectares of vineyards spread over 18 small plots all in lanciego, we base our project in traditional, sustainable and organic viticulture and the winemaking as natural as possible. We work and we respect each and every one of the vineyards that our parents and our grandparents left us, all are little gems, that in some cases were planted more than 70 years ago. The special orography of lanciego, crossed by three streams with their respective ravine and replanos. These 18 combinations of the variants altitude, soil, variety and guidance. We try to offer to this global world these microwines of lanciego aka bodegas compañon arrieta
Guancianera - Fabio Ferracane
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Sicily - Italy
Description:Deep, and intensely ruby red in color. Very smooth and greatly balanced with red fruit. The winemaker describes it best by saying: "Guancianera is a gentle, harmonious and sincere wine, with a barely perceptible enjoyably sweet aftertaste.". Red fruit such as cherry and strawberry with smooth tannins.
Pairings: Pizza, White Fish, Pasta
Serving Temperature: 50°- 55°
About Fabio Ferracane 
I’m not new to wine. My father inherited 3 hectares of vineyard from my grandfather and in the 90s he gave most of the grapes to other wineries in the Marsala area. Wine production was limited to family consumption. My first memories in the cellar are from when I was 15 and helped my father in the production of those few bottles. After a couple of years I decided to study oenology and viticulture, gaining experience in a few wineries, some of which abroad.
At university I’ve been taught that wine is a biochemical process, but soon I realised that I saw wine in a different manner. The winemaker staying in his cellar – adjusting the wine, modifying it, assembling it, often tasting it and deciding whether or not to improve it – that’s just not me!
It was thanks to my oenology studies that I realised that true wine is not chemistry but territory.
I am a winemaker: the one that works in the vineyard, raising and arranging it. I select the best grapes because, thanks to my studies, I’m very familiar with the chemistry of fermentation and when I taste the grapes I know when will be the best time for harvesting.
And then I take the grapes to the cellar and vinify them, as naturally as possible. I produce wine that is the maximum expression of the territory in which I live. - Fabio Ferracane
Rev - Old Westminster
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Maryland - USA
Description:
A unique red blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, and Petit Verdot. Deep ruby in color with elegant aromas of cedar, smoke, herbs, and blackberry. Aged in oak barrels for up to 36 months. Drink now or store in cellar for up to 5 years! Medium-bodied with fruity and smoky notes.
Pairings: Stew, Soft Cheese, Pork
Serving Temperature: 50°- 55°
About Old Westminster
"The Baker family, established in 1985, didn’t always know they would spend their lives making wine together.
Jay & Virginia, founders of the family, always dreamed of working with their children and preserving their farm. In 2008, all three of their children – Drew, Lisa and Ashli – were away at college, and they found themselves empty nesters. It was time to either put their land to work, or move on.
Upon discovering that grapevines have an affinity for rocky soil, elevation, abundant sunshine and a steady year-round breeze – all characteristics of their land – the family explored the idea of planting a vineyard and starting a winery together.
Today, Jay & Virginia support their children in the family’s wine business. And, as you can imagine, they’re enjoying the view. Not just of the flourishing vineyard, but also of the energy and determination they see in Drew, Lisa and Ashli building this great thing together. They love their children’s synergy and their ambition to put Maryland wine on the world map.
Drew is Old Westminster’s vigneron. At age 22 he planted the first 7,600 grape vines on the family farm. Each year he travels the world studying his craft and honing his skills. Drew is an entrepreneur and a leader; he pours his energy into growing great American wines on the family’s Maryland farm. The second in line is Lisa (27), Old Westminster’s talented winemaker. Lisa, a chemist by education, has been crafting some of the best wines in Maryland since she was 23 years old; wines that are not only a pleasure to drink, but also reflect the region’s unique geologies and climate. Her experience making wine stretches from the hills of northern Maryland to Sonoma, California. She loves exercising her passion for science through the art of crafting delicious wines. Then to tie it all together, there’s Ashli, the youngest. She’s Old Westminster’s “people person”. She’s passionate about building an exceptional, wine-centered experience at the Tasting Room by sharing the stories of our wines, connecting visitors with their local farmers and making sure everyone leaves with a smile.
Drew, Lisa, and Ashli are young, smart and eager to jettison every negative stereotype ever leveled against Maryland wine, and replace them with wines of renown, forging a new reputation for wine in the Old Line State."
No Es Pituko Viognier - Viña Echeverria
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Cuircó Valley - Chile
Description:Straw yellow in color with a bit of cloudiness. Aromas of tropical fruit and peach with a touch of butter due to malolactic fermentation. Zippy and fresh with bright acidity. Green apple, citrus, and hints of salt.
Pairings: Grilled Fish, White Pasta, Octopus
Serving Temperature: 45°- 50°
About Viña Echeverria
Originally established to produce bulk wines, in 1990, the winery was converted to produce quality wines for export. In the following years, Echeverria was one of the few boutique wineries to emerge from Chile, and the first family winery from Chile to sell wine to Harrods in London.
Eventually, the family started purchasing grapes, to compliment and build complexity to their wines. ""We realized that to succeed and be different, we needed to be open,"" says Roberto Echeverria, the Technical Director Chief Winemaker, who's first solo vintage appeared on the market in 2001. With sustainable practices in the vineyard, Echevarria produces a wine for most every palate, while embracing a philosophy that's based on consistency. - T Edwards
Verdejo 'Litrona' - Microbio
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Catalunya - Spain
Description:150 year old organically grown grapes make up this fresh Verdejo! Hand harvested and fermented in clay amphora to keep it young and lively! Drink this with caution, it's sips way too easy and the bottle will be finished before you know it! ;) Soft fruity notes with tropical vibes!
Pairings: Fish, Poultry, Soft Cheese
Serving Instructions: 45°- 50°
About Microbio 
Welcome to the República Independiente del Verdejo under President Ismael Gozalo. Many know him for his work at Ossian, one of the more respectable houses in Rueda, where he was the winegrower and maker since founding it in 2004. Ismael’s family owns some of the oldest (between 100-200 years old) ungrafted pre-phylloxera vines, most of which in the town of Nieva, province of Segovia between 800-900 meters of altitud. Characterized by it’s sandy soils, these head trained vines have never seen any chemicals over the different generations that have cared for them. Though outside of the D.O. for never budging to the region’s modern and manipulative techniques, to this day Ossian remains one of the few organic producers in Rueda. Today, under the Pago de Carraovejas umbrella, Ossian continues to make some of the more interesting wines of the region but Ismael took his talent elsewhere, bringing his family’s most prized vineyards with him.
Bianco - Petracavallo
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Puglia - Italy
Description:Crafted from the Minutolo grape, a white varietal that was close to extinction due to its low productivity. Since 2000, with the help of producers and winemakers, this varietal has been recovered. You don't want to miss out on trying this unique white. Full of bright acidity with exciting minerality. An explosion of fruit and freshness with florals and herbs.
Pairings: White Meat, Pasta, Oily Fish
Serving Temperature: 45°- 50°
About Petracavallo
Enthusiasm and experience. It all started as a joke, almost a bet between Vito and his father.
Vito is a young winemaker in love with the vineyard, the land and the desire to produce a wine as artisanal as possible, like the one his grandfather had him taste as a child. Then there’s his father, Peppino, a winemaker with years of experience behind him.
To them producing a natural and handcrafted wine means this: to produce a wine that is the expression of the terroir in which it develops, treating the earth and the vineyard with the utmost respect, following the grape in the various stages of its transformation from a raw material to a drink bottled and ready to be consumed, with its own story to savor and enjoy.
Petracavallo’s wines are made from grapes grown in vineyards with ancient methods, not treated with pesticides, hand harvested, using spontaneous fermentation, no filtering, no fining, and no enzymes with only a small amount of sulfur added at bottling. - Minum Selections
Latitude 50 Brut - Sektkellerei Ohlig
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Rudesheim - Germany
Müller-Thurgau, Silvaner, and Pinot Blanc are all sourced from different vineyards and harvested at different times to ensure higher acids and lower sugar. A fresh and youthful sparkling wine that's perfect to bring to any party! Bright, bubbly, and perfect alongside oysters!
Pairings: Oysters, White Meat, Tapas
Serving Instructions: 42°- 48°
About Sektkellerei Ohlig
Since 1919, founded by Anton Ohlig in Rudesheim am Rhein, and joined later with the Kloss family, that his traditions and passion for high quality sparkling wine made in the traditional method have been carried on for four generations. As a friend and neighbor of Carl Ehrhard, they do not own vineyards but produce their sekt from grapes or wine purchased from their neighbors like Weingut Carl Ehrhard, Weingut Walter Rapp, Weingut Mohr and Weingut Schlossmuhlenhof – all of which are family-run and practice environmentally friendly farming but who don’t have the means to produce sekt themselves.
Their wines are stored for at least nine months in bottle, on the lees, in their century old cellar where riddling and final disgorgement occurs. With their intent on quality, the winegrowers they work with trust their selections that the sekt will be made into a premium cuvee. It is Sektkelleri Ohlig’s longstanding belief that a cuvee is more balanced than the individual parts it is made of; the special sensory experiences owed to their skilled cellar master and their continued precision in due to the most advanced technology possible to develop top quality cuvees. The name ‘Latitude 50’ refers literally to the latitude at which the vines are grown at, geographically the northernmost possible wine growing area. The label simplifies this for consumers and delivers continued enjoyment for any day whether or not it is a celebration. - Savio Soares
Brut Nature Méthode Traditionelle Rosé - Clos Lentiscus
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Penedes - Spain
Description:Lively and powerful with pleasant bubbles. Super fresh with Mediterranean notes of ripe fruit. Paired great alongside seafood, appetizers, lean fish, or even as an aperitif. Bubbly and vibrant, filled with fruit.
Pairings: Appetizers, Seafood, Lean Fish
Serving Instructions: 42°-48°
About Clos Lentiscus 
Manel Arinyó (aka the bubble man) is making some of the most exciting sparkling wines—not just in Spain but in the world.
If you were to blindly taste Clos Lentiscus, it is a real probability that you’d think you were tasting grower Champagne. Pepe Raventós from Raventós i Blanc is a strong advocate that the Penedès terroir produces sparkling wines of profound mineral expression that can compete with the best in the world; Manel’s Clos Lentiscus cuvées greatly support Pepe’s case.
In 2001, Manel and his brother Joan returned to their family’s 14th century estate Can Ramon after the death of their father. Conventionally farming the land, their father sold the fruit instead of commercially selling wine. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Can Ramon had a successful history of selling wine to France and the American colonies (factors such as the Spanish Civil War, phylloxera and industrialization ultimately lead to its decline). Clos Lentiscus was created to recover the brilliance the estate once enjoyed and to continue the work of past generations.
Just Peachy - Old Westminster
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Maryland - USA
Description:A coral-colored and slightly effervescent wine made from 65% Albarino, 19% Pinot Gris, 7% barrel fermented peaches, 7% wild cider, 2% Chambourcin! Fresh aromas of peaches, floral, nectarines, and arugula. Super tasty till the last sip! Fruity notes of lemon, plum, and apricot.
Pairings: Pulled Pork Sandwich, Cheeseboard, BBQ
Serving Instructions: 45°- 50°
About Old Westminster
"The Baker family, established in 1985, didn’t always know they would spend their lives making wine together.
Jay & Virginia, founders of the family, always dreamed of working with their children and preserving their farm. In 2008, all three of their children – Drew, Lisa and Ashli – were away at college, and they found themselves empty nesters. It was time to either put their land to work, or move on.
Upon discovering that grapevines have an affinity for rocky soil, elevation, abundant sunshine and a steady year-round breeze – all characteristics of their land – the family explored the idea of planting a vineyard and starting a winery together.
Today, Jay & Virginia support their children in the family’s wine business. And, as you can imagine, they’re enjoying the view. Not just of the flourishing vineyard, but also of the energy and determination they see in Drew, Lisa and Ashli building this great thing together. They love their children’s synergy and their ambition to put Maryland wine on the world map.
Drew is Old Westminster’s vigneron. At age 22 he planted the first 7,600 grape vines on the family farm. Each year he travels the world studying his craft and honing his skills. Drew is an entrepreneur and a leader; he pours his energy into growing great American wines on the family’s Maryland farm. The second in line is Lisa (27), Old Westminster’s talented winemaker. Lisa, a chemist by education, has been crafting some of the best wines in Maryland since she was 23 years old; wines that are not only a pleasure to drink, but also reflect the region’s unique geologies and climate. Her experience making wine stretches from the hills of northern Maryland to Sonoma, California. She loves exercising her passion for science through the art of crafting delicious wines. Then to tie it all together, there’s Ashli, the youngest. She’s Old Westminster’s “people person”. She’s passionate about building an exceptional, wine-centered experience at the Tasting Room by sharing the stories of our wines, connecting visitors with their local farmers and making sure everyone leaves with a smile.
Drew, Lisa, and Ashli are young, smart and eager to jettison every negative stereotype ever leveled against Maryland wine, and replace them with wines of renown, forging a new reputation for wine in the Old Line State."
Wine Evaluation Sheet
Want to have some fun evaluating and taking note on your wine? Check out our natural wine tasting sheets we made special for the club!
