Under the Table Wines

RED: 2020 TRIZANNE TSW SYRAH, SWARTLAND, SOUTH AFRICA

After getting her degree in winemaking, Trizanne Barnard went to work for one of South Africa’s most venerated wineries, Klein Constantia. She set out on her own in 2008 with an interest in two subregions of the Western Cape. Since then, her wines have become beloved for their elegance and balance. When I visited South Africa in January, I was most excited to taste more of her wines and am now looking forward to getting you her Syrah. The TSW label (Trizanne Signature Wines) keeps the focus on affordable, single-varietal wines. She goes for a lighter style Syrah that's elegant with lots of black fruit notes. We love its flexibility for pairing with food, such as grilled lamb chops, Indian curry, or chicken burgers.

WHITE: 2022 BLACKWATER UNDERDOG CHENIN BLANC, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

Blackwater Wines is focused on sourcing fruit from the best possible vineyards across the Western Cape and showing off the complexity that this region has to offer. Owner Francois Haasbroek uses minimal intervention in his winemaking, which allows the quality of the grapes to shine through. This wine recently came back to us after years away, and we can't wait for you to try it. Chenin Blanc is the most widely grown grape in South Africa, and this dry, crisp one will show you why. It's a bit salty, like so many whites along the coast, with notes of white peach and tart orange. It's a subtle wine, so serve with light fare like baked arctic char with citrus pesto, baked cod sandwich, tempura vegetables.

BUBBLY: NV AZIMUT CAVA ROSAT, PENEDES, SPAIN

Azimut is the second label of the Cava producers Suriol, which has been making wine for 400 years in northeastern Spain. For this project, they named it after the Arabic word for direction to chart their course on promoting agriculture that gives back to the land. They purchase the fruit for their Azimut wines from their neighbors, thus encouraging their fellow farmers to pursue viticulture without chemical interventions or soil exhaustion. This wine is organic, natural, and totally bone dry. It's light and crisp with lovely acidity and raspberry notes. Pop the cork when a friend stops by, you've had a hard day, or you just want to brighten the mood, no food needed.

ROSÉ: 2023 STOLPMAN I LOVE YOU BUNCHES, SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Over 20 years ago, Tom Stolpman found a rare limestone outcropping unobstructed from the Pacific Ocean wind, and he founded his eponymous winery there. They're committed to conscious farming, dry farming, and sustainable employment and make wines with as little intervention as possible. Their rosé comes from carbonically fermented Grenache, and it tastes watermelon bubble-yum (in a not-sweet kind of way). It's tingly and bright with subtle minerality, and it would love to be paired with burrata & pasta, grilled shrimp, or cioppino.

NATURAL: 2022 ENVINATE ALBAHRA, ALMANSA, SPAIN

Envínate (translates as "wine yourself") is the brainchild of four friends, winemakers Roberto Santana, Alfonso Torrente, Laura Ramos, and José Martínez, who met studying enology in college. They make in an old-school style, including crushing the grapes by foot, and what comes through is the fruit and minerality of their region. The Albahra is a blend of Garnacha Tintorera & Moravia Agria that we have loved for a long time. We think more of you should know about this wonderful wine, so here it is! Expect notes of blackberry and dark flowers with pleasing tannins. Pair with chicken shawarma, cumin-rubbed lamb, or salty cheeses.

Happy Women’s History Month! We’ve chosen women-made wines for each club this month to promote more women in wine.

RED: 2020 CHRISTINA ZWEIGELT, CARNUNTUM, AUSTRIA

Christina Netzl has known she wanted make wine since she was five years old. Her family has lived in the same village since 1965, so it seems only right that this is where Christina started her eponymous winery. After falling in love with natural wines in London, she converted the vineyards to organic and makes low-intervention wines from her beloved grapes. Her Zweigelt is a perfect red for the transition from winter to spring with its medium body and earthiness. Notes of blueberry and spice are also in play. You could serve it with a chill, if you're so inclined. Pair with barbecue chicken, halibut poached in tomato sauce, or mushroom stew.

WHITE: 2021 CHRISTINA GRUNER VELTLINER, CARNUNTUM, AUSTRIA

[See red note for a bit about the winery.] Gruner Veltliner is the most widely planted grape in Austria, and we've long been a fan of this wine. We wanted you all to enjoy pure spring in a bottle with this unfiltered beauty! Serve with pork tenderloin with peaches, shrimp tacos, or white bean and anchovy salad.

BUBBLY: 2022 UNICO ZELO SEA FOAM PET NAT, RIVERLAND, AUSTRALIA

Owners Laura and Brendan Carter started Unico Zelo in 2012 as a way to explore Italian varietals and also forge a new path for Australian wines. They go for a hands off, natural approach to their winemaking as well as lower ABV and higher acid than many of their country's counterparts. We've been in love with their wines for years, as you probably know if you shop or drink with us. This delicate Pet Nat is a blend of Fiano and Vermentino and has notes of crisp pear, salt, and white nectarine. Enjoy alongside your favorite sushi takeout, fish fry, or pasta with oil-based sauce.

ROSÉ: 2022 BELASCO DE BEQUADANO LLAMA ROSA, MENDOZA, ARGENTINA

Like many of us, founder Juan Ignacio Belasco fell in love with Malbec from Argentina and wanted to know as much as he could. Juan Ignacio left his homeland of Spain to find a perfect parcel of land in Luyan de Cuyo and settled on these 200+ acres of old vine Malbec. He has since hired head winemaker Belen Muñoz who's been making wine in Argentina for more than a decade. Her rosé is structured with abundant red fruit notes. Pair with grilled fish, hearty green and grain salads, or goat cheese.

NATURAL: 2022 UNICO ZELO JADE & JASPER, RIVERLAND, AUSTRALIA

[See bubbly note for a bit about the winery.] We wanted a clean, classic white to show you the full spectrum of what natural wine can be, so we picked one of our all-time faves. This wine is 100% Fiano, and it's light but textured with notes of white peach, lemon, and minerals. A perfect match for scallops with beurre blanc, a light green salad, or soy-glazed tofu.

RED: 2020 LA PLAYA RSVA CARMENERE, COLCHAGUA VALLEY, CHILE

Founded in 1980, La Playa focuses on varietally correct wines that are grown sustainably on their estate. Overall, green practices are at the forefront of their winemaking, including donating 1% of their sales to protect coastal water resources. Their Carmenere is a great introduction (or reminder) about this lesser known Chilean varietal. It's a child grape of Cab Franc, just like Merlot and Cab Sauv, and it has similar peppery spice notes and firm structure. This cold weather red is excellent with stuffed peppers, meatloaf, or any grilled red meat.

WHITE: 2022 TABALI GRAN RSVA VIOGNIER, LIMARI VALLEY, CHILE

Founded in 1993, Tabali were pioneers in Limari, which is one of the northernmost regions in Chile. Limari is close to the Atacama desert, but it’s cooled by morning fog and afternoon breezes from the nearby coast. That climate gives Tabali the ability to make such fresh and perfumed whites. This wine is wonderfully aromatic with citrus and floral notes. The dry, fruit-driven palate is round and full-flavored. Citrus fruit, apricot, and pear are balanced by gentle acidity, leading to an elegant wine. Use the fruitiness to complement curries or Indian dishes or play up the roundness with butter-poached scallops or pasta in a butter lemon sauce.

BUBBLY: NV LE MONDE SPARKLING RIBOLLA GIALLA, FRUILI, ITALY

Le Monde was founded in 1970 by the Pistioni family and taken over by the Maccan family in 2008. The family had the desire to lift the quality of wine in the region to its highest potential. Alex Maccan, then 31 and passionate about wine, was energized and enthusiastic to take on the task. Their wines stand out in this region for the international appeal, and this sparkler is no exception. It's made like Prosecco using the Charmat method from one of the key white varietals in Friuli, Ribolla Gialla. It's a delicate but interesting wine with notes of mineral water, tart pear, and green apple. Best served before a meal or with light snacks.

ROSÉ: 2022 LIEU DIT ROSÉ OF CABERNET FRANC, SANTA BARBARA CO., CALIFORNIA

After countless bottles shared together and many trips to France, longtime friends Eric Railsback and Justin Willett decided to found Lieu Dit in 2011 and focus solely on the varieties indigenous to the Loire Valley, now grown in Santa Barbara County. The varied micro-climates and marine based soils of Santa Barbara County are ideally suited to this set of grapes. Their rosé is always a highlight of the year, and we're happy to be able to offer you this pink beauty in the middle of winter. The tingly acidity will wake up your palate as notes of minerals, rose petal, and herbs slide in. It's a great accompaniment to your next grain bowl, grilled shrimp, or pesto pasta.

NATURAL: NV CANTINA MARILINA FEDELIE ROSATO PET NAT, SICILY, ITALY

Marilina Paternó helped her father, Angelo, turn his dreams of a Sicilian winery into reality in the early 2000s. She’s been with him every step of the way and now oversees operations across their organic vineyards. They focus on natural wines (meaning low intervention) and produce delightful, pure wines like this rosé Pet Nat. It's made from the Sicilian varietal Nero d'Avola and delivers ripe red fruit notes with a savory finish. It's a fun wine for a Valentine's Day dinner of your favorite sushi takeout. Otherwise, pair with spicy charcuterie and cheese.

RED: 2021 PAVETTE CABERNET SAUVIGNON, LODI, CALIFORNIA

We typically pick off-the-beaten path grapes or places, so what are we doing with a California Cab? Well, we also love to find great wines for you, regardless of how obscure they might be, and this Cab just made us so darn happy that we had to share it. Pavette was created by Valkyrie Selections as a way to make affordable, varietally correct wine in the US. Acidity balances tannins in the wine while notes of black cherry and oil-cured olives pop out of the glass. This is a wine for something savory & hearty, like chili or brisket.

WHITE: 2022 RED TAIL RIDGE SANS OAK, FINGER LAKES, NEW YORK

After decades working in mass wine production and other industries, Bob Schnelle and Nancy Irelan moved to the Finger Lakes to create Red Tail Ridge Winery. They want to show off the cool climate terroir of this region, and we're consistently in love with their wines. They're LEED certified and give back 10% of their sales to hunger relief efforts, so we can all feel good about supporting them. Their Sans Oak Chardonnay exemplifies the fruity, fresh side of Chard: apple, pear, orange zest. Enjoy with a grilled cheddar & apple sandwich, baked cod, or orange-glazed pork tenderloin.

BUBBLY: CASAL DE VENTOZELA VE-VE PSEUDONIMO, VINHO VERDE, PORTUGAL

Ventozela traces its history back to 1874, when it was owned by a venerated noble family. A century later, Jose Ferrera Cortinhas resurrected the estate following the April 25 revolution in 1974 and remains the president of the winery. They started off selling their grapes but then bottled their first wine in 2008. We picked this Pet Nat of Loureiro & Trajadura because it's soft, fruity, and gingery spicy. Perfect for Sunday brunch, stir-fried tofu with ginger, or soft cheeses.

ROSÉ: 2022 ICONIC SECRET IDENTITY, SONOMA, CALIFORNIA

Birk O'Halloran founded Iconic in 2011 to simply make wines he wanted to drink. Birk’s winemaking is a patchwork of philosophies borrowed from the winemakers he's worked with over the years, including both Californian and European mentors. A proud producer of “Dogma Free” wines, Birk’s commitment is always to a delicious finished product over any single, strict winemaking philosophy. His rosé is a blend of red (Zinfandel & Syrah) and white (Chenin Blanc) grapes, which gives it loads of red fruit with zippy acidity. A nice match for barbecue chicken, green curry, or basil lime shrimp.

NATURAL: 2018 DERENDA MALVASIA, KRAS, SLOVENIA

Twenty years ago, Darko Derenda was in need of a change. He had recently retired from an international electronics company and wanted a simpler life out of the city. He drove his family towards the sun, literally, to the heart of Kras, where they settled in a stone house that became their eponymous winery. He crafts old school wine with tremendous care, and we're so excited to share his skin-contact Malvasia with you. It's a complex & interesting wine that really opens up over time (consider not serving it fridge cold). Savory notes of white mushroom play nicely with fruity notes of bruised peach. Keep the food simple with this one: roasted salmon or chicken or your favorite sheep's milk cheese.

RED: 2020 DME GIOULIS SOFOS RED, KORINTHOS, GREECE

After studying enology in Bordeaux, George Gioulis planted his first vineyard in 1993, which was one of the first organic vineyards in all of Greece. The Gioulis family is deeply dedicated to their home of Klimenti within Corinth and to making organic wines primarily made from indigenous varietals. For their red, they blend the Greek grape Agioritiko (AYE-yor-YEE-tee-ko) with Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine has notes of earth and dried & fresh fruit all with a soft mouthfeel. Consider decanting for a half hour to let the tannins become velvety. Serve with lamb chops, filet mignon, pork souvlaki with tzatziki, or a pungent blue cheese.

WHITE: 2022 MYLONAS MALAGOUZIA, ATTIKI, GREECE

Brothers Stamatis and Antonios Mylonas oversee this third-generation, self-described "micro-winery." Their family founded the winery in 1917, and they grow beautiful old bushvines that yield wines of true concentration, character, finesse, and pedigree. Some of you might recognize their Malagouzia from the shelf, but it's too delicious not to share with everyone. The wine is layered with notes of kumquat, white flowers, and minerals. Enjoy with pork wontons, grilled chicken, or pasta with feta & peppers.

BUBBLY: NV LEON BOESCH CREMANT D'ALSACE BRUT ZERO, ALSACE, FRANCE

The vineyards of Dme Leon Boesch exist beside Le Grand and Le Petit Ballon mountains in Alsace, which supposedly act as a natural barrier from any storms or inclement weather that may cause harm to the vines. Colette, Gerard, Marie and Matthieu Boesch, the proprietors, take great care & joy in taking care of this land. This organic, biodynamic sparkler is a blend of Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc that's as dry as you can get. It's nutty with tart green pear notes. Ring in 2024 with this bottle alongside brie and pears, gougères, or Thai noodles.

ROSÉ: 2022 FOUQUETTE COTES DE PROVENCE ROSÉE D'AURORE, PROVENCE, FRANCE

Leaving their old careers behind, Isabelle and Jean-Pierre Daziano decided to follow their shared passion for wine. In 2007, they took over the 35-acre vineyard and farm of Isabelle’s family and slowly transformed it into a certified organic vineyard. Their rosé is classic Provence style: crisp and clean with minerality and bright fruit in lovely balance. You can pair this beauty with a variety of snacks for "girl dinner," with Christmas ham, or with New Year's Day brunch.

NATURAL: 2022 CA N'ESTRUC BI GARNATXA I MUSCAT, CATALUNYA, SPAIN

Anna Martí Pitart's family has been making wine at their estate since 1574, so we feel extra good about the history behind this talented winemaker. Since 2013, Anna has been making her own biodynamic wines under the Ca N’Estruc BI (‘ALIVE’) label working with grapes from selected plots on the family estate. Her goal is not to break with family tradition but rather to focus on ancient, low intervention methods and smaller production quantities. Her red is 70% Grenache and 30% Muscat, not a common blend by any stretch, and had notes of hibiscus, red plum, and wet earth. This super fresh red pairs nicely with herb-crusted pork tenderloin, panang curry, or ramen.

RED: 2022 FONTALEONI CHIANTI COLLI SENESI, TUSCANY, ITALY

Fontaleoni was established in 1959 when Giovanni Troiani left his sharecropping life in Le Marche to try his luck in Tuscany. The gently rolling hills around the pretty, medieval village of San Gimignano convinced the Troiani family to buy a small farm. By the 1980s, they were producing lovely Chiantis, and we're excited to share one of the lesser known Chianti regions with you, Colli Senesi. This organic Sangiovese strikes a pleasing balance of savory and fruity, from mushrooms & earth to red cherry. It works nicely with your Thanksgiving dinner or a mushroom pizza or pasta the night before.

WHITE: 2022 FONTALEONI VERNACCIA DI SAN GIMIGNANO, TUSCANY, ITALY

[See red note for a bit about the winery.] There's not a lot of white wine in this part of Italy, so Vernaccia might be new to you. We're wild about its zesty green fruit flavors and its weightier body. Another surefire pick for Thanksgiving or with seafood risotto or roasted cod.

BUBBLY: 2021 AT ROCA ROSAT RSVA BRUT NATURE, PENEDES, SPAIN

Agustí Torello Roca and his father and aunt, Agustí Torello Sibill and Lali Torello Sibill, founded AT Roca in 2013 with a focus on vineyards and wines with a sense of place. We highly recommend reading more about their story and the movement in Spain to break up the massive Cava appellation for smaller subregions that really show off where the wine comes from. Their organic Rosat is a blend of Macabeo & Garnacha. This bone dry sparkler has a creamy mouthfeel with cutting acidity & nice structure. Pop it open as you're cooking (or guesting) on Thanksgiving or enjoy with tuna tartare or your favorite Chinese takeout.

ROSÉ: 2022 GONZALES THE REVOLUTIONARY ROSÉ, COLUMBIA VALLEY, WASHINGTON

Cristina Gonzales is the granddaughter of migrant farm workers who came from Texas here to Wisconsin to pick cherries. Through her time in wineries in Oregon and California and her travels through Central and South America, Cristina learned not only how to make beautifully pure wines but also how to support the people who make the wine possible. She's one of very few Latinas in the US to own a winery (and an all-around awesome, interesting woman). Her rosé of Petit Verdot is hefty with good acidity and notes of red apple and raspberry. We picked it with Thanksgiving in mind, but it would also be great with black bean burgers or blackened salmon.

NATURAL: 2022 LES VINS PIROUETTES EROS DE DAVID, ALSACE, FRANCE

Les Vins Pirouttes is an open association of organic & biodynamic winemakers in Alsace who make wines under this label that show off the beauty of their region. The Eros de David is from David Koeberlé of Muller Koeberlé who has classical music playing throughout the winery during the entire vinification process. This wine is a blend of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Muscat that spend 10 days on the skins. There's just the slightest hint of chalky texture from that skin contact along with zesty notes of orange and tangerine. Pair with Thanksgiving dinner, orange chicken, or buttermilk biscuits & jam.

RED: 2022 PULLUS HALOZAN RED, ŠTAJERSKA, SLOVENIA

Ptujska Klet winery cellars have been used for storing and aging wine since 1239. Located under the historic town of Ptuj founded by the Romans, this cellar is one of the oldest in Europe. Above it sits the state-of-the-art modern winery Pullus, which is focused on vinifying fresh, cool climate wines that this region is famous for. The Halozan label is for liters of field blends that are approachable and easy-going. A blend of Zweigelt, Gamay & Blaufrankisch, this red is soft with notes of black cherry and orange peel with pleasing tannins. Enjoy with spicy chicken wings, smoked fish, or charcuterie.

WHITE: 2022 PULLUS HALOZAN WHITE, ŠTAJERSKA, SLOVENIA

[See red note for a bit about the winery.] This white is a blend of Welschriesling, Riesling, Furmint, Chardonnay & Pinot Blanc (maybe some of those are new to you? Celebrate new grapes!). There's a slight salinity to the wine along with notes of apple, chamomile, and lemon peel. Say hello to your next fish fry wine or enjoy with crab cakes, sushi, or most any chicken dish you want to make.

BUBBLY: NV BENGUELA COVE CUVEE 58 BRUT, WALKER BAY, SOUTH AFRICA

Owner Penny Streeter is a wildly accomplished entrepreneur and a tenacious person in all walks of life. At the age of 22, Penny lived in a homeless refuge with her two kids and with one more on the way after a terrible divorce. Decades later, she became one of the most successful businesswomen in South Arica and started her conservation and winery in Benguela Cove. For their sparkling, they blend Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, and the result is this tangy, grassy number with ripe apple & pear notes. Serve with French toast for brunch, chicken piccata for dinner, or creamy cheeses for a snack.

ROSÉ: 2022 THIBAUD BOURDIGNON ROSÉ DE LOIRE, LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE

Although born in Bordeaux, Thibaud found his footing in the wine world in the Loire Valley. He started his winery in 2009 and focused on farming organically to help the grapes be the star. Now, he's practicing biodynamic, and his wines are sought after in Paris and in the US. Rosés from his region of the Loire (Anjou) are often sweet, but Thibaud goes for a dry and super clean style in his rosé of Cab Franc and Grolleau. The wine is like walking on a rocky path in a summer garden while someone zests lemon over strawberries. For a wine this delicate, keep the pairing simple: a baguette and fresh cheese, poached shrimp, or a crisp salad.

2ND ROSÉ: 2022 LAMORESCA ROSATO, SICILY, ITALY

Filippo Rizzo and his wife Nancy met over a decade ago while Filippo owned and operated a small restaurant in Belgium. After spending several vintages with the natural wine rockstar Frank Cornelissen, Filippo and Nancy started their own tiny natural winery on the southern coast of Sicily. Filippo begins with a week long skin fermentation of Zibibbo (only 3-4% of the total wine). He then de-stems and crushes Nero d’Avola and Frappato (roughly 50/50 depending on the vintage) into the plastic tank with the Zibibbo Pied de Cuvée and macerates for a few hours before aging the rosato in concrete. Think of this one as almost a baby red wine with notes of wild raspberry, minerals, and red delicious apple. Enjoy with duck a l'orange, stewed peppers & onions, or spicy sausage.