Under the Table Wines

RED: 2023 LUBANZI SHIRAZ, SWARTLAND, SOUTH AFRICA

Charlie Brain & Walker Brown, two American men, studied abroad in South Africa in 2014 and fell in love with the country. In 2016, they decided to start a winery there that focuses on sustainability both environmentally and economically. They started Lubanzi, named after a wild dog that followed them for 100 miles on a wilderness trip during that study abroad, with the help of renowned winemakers (including some of SA faves). Their Shiraz is spicy with plenty of black fruit notes with the signature balance that we love about Lubanzi wines. Great with pulled pork, grilled burgers, or blue cheese.

WHITE: 2025 RADLEY & FINCH CHENIN BLANC, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

Wine importer Pascal Schildt paired up with winemaker Thinus Kruger (of Fram, if you know that Chardonnay from our shelves) to create a line of affordable, fun South African wines. Named after characters in To Kill a Mockingbird, Radley & Finch wines are intended to be shared with good people, so get your people together for this one. This wine is a textbook example of what to expect from South African Chenin Blanc: salty with stone fruit notes and light texture on the palate. It’s tasty with tomatoes, peach & cucumber salad, or grilled shrimp.

BUBBLY: NV JUVE Y CAMPS BRUT ROSÉ, CORPINNAT, SPAIN

The Juve family traces their winemaking roots back to the 18th century, but it wasn’t until the 1920s that they began producing wine under the name Juve y Camps. They converted to an entirely organic production in 2015, and, most recently, have joined the movement to separate wines from Corpinnat, Spain from the larger designation of Cava. This rosé of Pinot Noir has notes of toasty bread, red berries, and red apple. Pair with focaccia with tomatoes, pasta carbonara, or BLTs.

ROSÉ: 2025 BIRGIT WIEDERSTEIN ROZAE, GOTTLESBRUNN, AUSTRIA

Birgit Wiederstein makes some of the most exciting wines coming out of Austria right now. She farms biodynamically and makes her wines as old-school and natural as possible, not that you’d be able to tell from her super fun, eye-catching labels. This rosé is brand spanking new to Table Wine! It’s a blend of Merlot & Pinot Noir that’s quite juicy with notes of cranberry, raspberry, and lemon. Can’t wait to pair it with eggplant stir-fry, soft cheeses, or meaty pizza.

NATURAL: 2025 FABIEN JOUVES LES AGUDES, OCCITAINE, FRANCE

Fabien Jouves comes from an old farming family and became a winemaker in 2006. His winery sits atop some of the highest slopes in Cahors where Malbec is the main varietal (they call it Côt). He’s quite old school in his farming & winemaking techniques, but he’s quite modern in his branding and marketing. This wine is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillon, Colombard & Ugni Blanc. It’s minerally with a round mouthfeel and notes of lime and tart apple. Enjoy with your favorite cheeses & a baguette, grilled chicken, or pasta salad.

RED: 2024 LAURENT PERRACHON BEAUJOLAIS VILLAGES, BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE

The Perrachon family settled in Juliénas in 1601 and have been making wines at their estate since 1877. Today, the winery is run by 6th & 7th generation Perrachons, Martine & Laurent, and their sons Maxime & Adrien. They continue the work of their ancestors with plans to eliminate any use of chemical products, reduce intervention in the vineyards and continue to be ambassadors for Beaujolais Crus. This organic, sustainable Gamay is all we could ask for in a summer red: notes of raspberry, rose petal, and minerals with the slightest bit of tannic grip. Lovely with or without a chill, enjoy this wine with tomatoes, soft cheeses, or grilled sausages.

WHITE: 2024 DME LES PINS LA FOLIE BLANC DE NOIR, LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE

Dme Les Pins has been a family business for five generations, founded in the 1930s by Jules Esprit. Over the years, the estate has continued to grow in reputation, and they’re deeply committed to sustainability. We fell in love with this unique wine months ago, and we can’t wait for you to try white Cabernet Franc. The juice of Cab Franc is white, and the result is this fruity & floral wine with notes of yellow cherry and soft peach. Pair with fresh goat’s milk cheeses, summer salads, or zucchini pasta.

BUBBLY: NV VARA NEW MEXICO BRUT, ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

Decades ago, the younger generation of the Gruets, a beloved Champagne family, came to the United States to find vineyards for making excellent sparkling wine. They landed in New Mexico and single-handedly put it on the map as a place to make serious bubbles. Fast forward many years, Laurent Gruet sold that winery and struck out with some other winemaking friends to get back to the basics of hand-picking grapes in vineyards with people he cares about. A blend of Chenin Blanc, Listan Prieto, and Pinot Meunier, these creamy bubbles taste like tangerines and tart peaches. What a fun & unexpected 4th of July bottle! Or serve alongside fish with peach salsa or sushi.

ROSÉ: 2025 BLOODROOT REMY SAVES THE SEA ROSÉ, MENDOCINO, CALIFORNIA

Spearheaded by Noah and Kelly Dorrance of Reeve Wines, BloodRoot is a collaboration between venerated winemakers with great vineyard sourcing who have come together to make value-minded wines that overdeliver with their quality. The wines are sourced from multiple benchmark vineyards throughout California and reflect the soul of each place, made at a quality and price level that make them absolute no-brainers to drink. This is our first time carrying their rosé, and you’re the only people getting any this year (not even we’re getting some). This rosé of organic Carignan has notes of ripe raspberry, nectarine, orange, and sea spray. Enjoy with oysters, grilled branzino, or tacos. 

NATURAL: 2023 ENDERLE & MOLL WEISS & GRAU, BADEN, GERMANY

Florian Moll and Sven Enderle first began making wines together in Germany in the mid-2000s and quickly gained notoriety in the natural wine world for their elegant Pinot Noir. Sadly, the difficulties of running a small winery in a region with a rapidly changing climate, along with a desire to see his kids grow up, has led Florian to hang up his winemaking hat. And so, although we’ve given you a couple German wines recently, we’re giving you one more as a way to support this winery one last time. This wine is 35% Pinot Blanc (Weissburgunder), 35% Pinot Gris (Grauburgunder), and 30% Muller-Thurgau that’s fermented on the skins for 5 days before aging on the lees for 10 months in neutral oak. It has a lovely weight to it with notes of yellow cherry, spice, and peach skin. Serve with grilled trout, roasted chicken, or tomatoes.

RED: 2024 MILENRAMA RIOJA JOVEN, RIOJA, SPAIN

• Ruth de Andrés is a rising star in the wine world, and we’re excited to see where she takes us from here. She has a background in chemistry & enology from three countries and now makes her own wines in both Rioja and Ribera del Duero with her sister Ana. They created Milenrama (“yarrow” in Spanish) to focus on affordable, everyday wines from Rioja: exactly our kinds of wines. This red is 100% Tempranillo aged in stainless steel, so you get all this vibrant, juicy fruit. With a hint of spice, this crushable red will be great with paella, BBQ ribs, or burgers.

WHITE: 2024 MILENRAMA RIOJA BLANCO, RIOJA, SPAIN

• [See red note for a bit about the producer.] For those of you keeping score at home, this wine is probably a new grape for you. Tempranillo Blanco is quite rare (we’ve only ever had one other). The wine has notes of white flowers, lemon, and white peach. It’s tasty with big summer salads, cucumber sandwiches, or grilled chicken.

BUBBLY: FRITZ MÜLLER MULLER-THURGAU SEKT, RHEINHESSEN, GERMANY

• Fritz Müller began in 2009 as the brainchild of Guido Walter and Jürgen Hofmann. Guido is a globetrotting philosopher and thoughtful wine merchant. Jürgen is a hands-on enologist who guides the grapes from the vineyard to the bottle. They created the line to be Germany’s answer to Prosecco: fun bubbles that you don’t have to think too hard to enjoy. We loved these wines years ago and are so happy they’re available once again. This sparkling Muller-Thurgau has notes of ripe pear, apple, white peach, and white flowers. It’s the perfect brunch wine or pre-dinner drink with light snacks.

ROSÉ: 2025 LA VALENTINA CERASUOLO D’ABRUZZO ROSÉ, ABRUZZO, ITALY

• In a region known for inexpensive, bulk wine, La Valentina sets itself apart by organically & sustainably farming local varietals, including Montepulciano and Pecorino. They’re at the forefront of making Abruzzo a region known for high quality rather than large quantity. You’re the very first Table Wine people to try their rosé because it’s brand new to us this year. Rosés in this region are often thought of as light reds, so get ready for a fun, unique Montepulciano with more body than you might expect. With notes of strawberry and pomegranate and gentle minerality, this wine is made for fatty tuna sushi, spinach & strawberry salad, or spicy charcuterie.

NATURAL: 2025 SEEHOF ROSÉ, RHEINHESSEN, GERMANY

• This part of Germany was once thought of as the “armpit” of their winemaking because it was home to very cheap, sweet, insipid wine. Following in the footsteps of his famous winemaking brother-in-law, Seehof owner Florian Fauth is one of many winemakers fixing the area’s reputation. Florian wants the limestone-rich soil of his vineyards to shine in his wines, whether that’s in an off-dry Riesling or a zippy rosé of Pinot Noir like this month’s pick. The strong minerality comes through along with notes of lime and tart raspberry. Pair with ceviche, chevre, or weisswurst.

RED: 2024 PASAELI HOUSE RED, AEGEAN, TURKIYE

Seyit Karagözoğlu started Pasaeli in 2000 after a decade as a wine importer in Turkey. He focuses primarily on indigenous varietals, many of which are new to us, and sustainability. His house red is a blend of two of those varietals, Karasakız and Çalkarası, and Cabernet Sauvignon. We fell in love with its juicy notes of raspberry and red plum and its hint of spice, all of which make for a lovely spring red. Think of it a bit like Garnacha. Great with kebabs on the grill, lamb chops, or vadouvan chicken.

WHITE: 2024 BARDOS VERDEJO, RUEDA, SPAIN

The Bardos Project is an initiative carried out in collaboration with Fademur, the Federation of Associations of Rural Women, to support different female entrepreneurship projects in rural areas that help combat depopulation. Each year, they fund a new initiative that promotes innovation, job creation, and the recovery of traditional elements. Their Verdejo is surprisingly weighty with an enticing balance of mineral, citrus fruit, and herbal notes. Pair with green curry salmon, creamy ramp pasta, or zucchini & red onion scramble.

BUBBLY: NV CRUZAT BRUT, MENDOZA, ARGENTINA

Cruzat was founded in 2004 specifically to make sparkling wine in Argentina that was worth celebrating. They looked to Champagne for inspiration in terms of varietals and styles, and we’re so happy that they did. This sparkler is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (just like they do in Champagne). It has a broad mouthfeel but bright acidity and notes of Bosc pear and white flowers. Pop the cork with Cubanos, fish fry, or shrimp cocktail.

ROSÉ: 2025 OSTATU ROSADO, RIOJA, SPAIN

The Sáenz de Samaniego family has been farming in this region of Spain since the 16th century–for so many generations that their family name and the village’s name are the same. They started bottling serious wines in 1970 and modernized their organic winery in 2002. The winery is run by a sister and three brothers, and it’s still very much a family business. Every time someone asks me who to visit in Rioja, Ostatu is always my first answer. This vintage of their Rosado is lights out! It’s a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha & Viura that reminds us of watermelon seltzer with texturing minerals and a bright red cherry note. Serve with sheep’s milk cheese, charcuterie, or poke bowls.

NATURAL: 2024 MULLER-RUPRECHT PET NAT ROSÉ, PFALZ, GERMANY

Sabine and Philipp Wöhrwag are winemakers dedicated to being a part of their community. They want people to come to the winery, sit around the table, and share in the beauty of their wine. We’re big fans of their vibrant wines, and one taste of this pink(ish) Pet Nat made us think immediately of our natural club folks. This sparkling Dornfelder has the ripe berry notes the grape is known for along with a hint of natural funk. Such a fun wine to pair with pizza, cured meats, or Cobb salad.

RED: 2020 ARIOS AGUAFUERTE VINHAO, VINHO VERDE, PORTUGAL

• The importer Boutique Wine Collection seeks out family-owned, estate-driven producer partners whose passions and ethos are both celebrating and preserving indigenous varieties. In collaboration with a Portuguese winery, they created the Arios label to showcase great wines from Vinho Verde. Vinhao is one of the few wine grapes that has red flesh, so expect an extra vibrant glass of red when you crack it open. It’s bursting with black fruit notes balanced by a hint of spice and pleasing tannins. We recommend pairing it with fancy burgers, roasted root vegetables, or turkey kebabs.

WHITE: 2024 ARIOS AGUAFUERTE LOUREIRO, VINHO VERDE, PORTUGAL

• [See red note for a bit about the producer.] Loureiro was traditionally blended with other whites to make Vinho Verde, but it’s recently being seen on its own because of its unique flavor profile and body. This crisp white has surprising weight to it and notes of citrus fruit and flowers. Serve with poke bowls, fried shrimp, or fish sandwiches.

BUBBLY: KLOSTERNEUBERG GRUNER VELTLINER BRUT, NIEDEROSTERREICH, AUSTRIA

• Klosterneuburg is one of the world’s oldest wine estates, tracing its lineage back to 1133. They’re one of Austria’s largest and most renowned wineries, making a number of different sustainable wines across various styles. When we tasted their sparkling Gruner, we knew we had to pass it along to you fine folks. The wine has the trademark green fruit and spice notes of Gruner with a delicate fizz. What a great pair for Thai noodles, spring veggie salad, or fried calamari.

ROSÉ: 2024 CALABRETTA ROSATO, SICILY, ITALY

• Since the winery’s founding in 1900, the Calabretta family has farmed and produced wines from Etna’s ancient indigenous varieties—including Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio—in the mountain’s unique noble vineyards. They never used chemical pesticides or herbicides, they harvest by hand, and they only allow native yeast fermentation, so their wines are as clean and natural as you get. This rosé of Nerello Mascalese is creamy and spicy with notes of red delicious apple and red cherry. It’s a great rosé for fickle weather—as good with Easter ham/lamb or Passover brisket as it is with soft cheeses on a picnic.

NATURAL: 2022 INTELLEGO KEDUNGU, SWARTLAND, SOUTH AFRICA

• Jurgen Gouws founded his winery in 2009 and named it Intellego (meaning “understand” in Latin) to reflect his quest to grasp the full potential of the Swartland. Originally from the Eastern Cape, Jurgen’s now a full-on Swartland local and one of the region’s shining stars. We’ve had the pleasure of hanging out with him and a bunch of his winemaker buddies in South Africa and of hosting him here in the wine garden. Kedungu is a blend of Syrah, Cinsault & Mourvedre with pleasing tannins and notes of red plum, raspberry, blackberry. Enjoy with grilled sausages, lamb chops, or sharp cheeses.

RED: 2023 TAVIGNANO CERVIDONI ROSSO PICENO, LE MARCHE, ITALY

• Beginning in the 1990s, owner Stefano Aymerich di Laconi and his late wife Beatrice Lucangeli devoted their winery to the main white grape of the region, Verdicchio. In 2014, Ondine de la Feld, Stefano’s niece, joined the company and has since taken over as CEO. Ondine is deeply committed to organic farming and sustainability, and we’re so happy to support her efforts. Rosso Piceno is the DOC name given to reds from this region that are a blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese. This wine is juicy but firm with a pleasing full body and notes of black cherry and rose petals. Pair with pasta marinara, beef or mushroom stew, or grilled sausages.

WHITE: 2024 TAVIGNANO VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI CLASSICO SUPERIORE, LE MARCHE, ITALY

• [See red note for a bit about the producer.] Verdicchio is the flagship wine for this region, and one sip will hopefully show you why. It’s weighty & hefty with salty minerality and notes of crisp green fruit. Such a satisfying pairing with fried shrimp, roasted chicken salad, or sheep’s milk cheeses.

BUBBLY: NV SOMMARIVA PROSECCO SUPERIORE BRUT, VENETO, ITALY

• Several generations of the Sommariva family grew international varietals in the high plains of the Veneto and sold them off to other wineries. In the 1970s, Caterino and Urbana Sommariva decided to grow the grapes that would go on to make Prosecco famous and started their own winery. Their daughter Cinzia eventually fell in love with winemaking herself and now helps run this sustainable family estate. 100% Glera, this Prosecco is far more serious than most wines from the region. The wine has notes of pear, orange blossom, and bitter almond with beautifully delicate bubbles. Great with omelettes or savory souffles, mild cheeses, or fritto misto.

ROSÉ: 2024 APOLLO’S PRAISE ROSÉ, FINGER LAKES, NEW YORK

• Owners Kelby Russell and Julia Hoyle’s story began at Fox Run Winery on Seneca Lake. Kelby, born and raised in the Finger Lakes, was returning to his roots, and Julia had just finished her studies in the region. They both worked their way from the tasting room into production, eventually as head winemakers and de facto ambassadors of Finger Lakes wines. Their rosé is 100% Cabernet Franc that’s full and round with notes of herbs, red cherry, and roasted peppers. Enjoy with sausage & peppers, herby roasted salmon, or spring veggie pasta.

NATURAL: 2024 BOW & ARROW SAUVIGNON BLANC, WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON

• Owner/winemaker Scott Frank got his hands on some excellent grapes in 2010 and started making wine under his own label with an emphasis on Loire varietals and styles. With the help of his renowned sommelier wife, Dana Frank, they’re making a name for themselves in the hip urban wine scene of Portland, Oregon. Get ready for a surprising Sauv Blanc with notes of pink grapefruit, white peach, and citrus oil with a salty finish. We prebought just enough for this club (and a few bottles for ourselves). Serve with miso chicken with grapefruit, salmon rice bowls, or seared scallops.

RED: 2020 XANADU CABERNET SAUVIGNON, MARGARET RIVER, AUSTRALIA

• Xanadu takes its name from a mythological paradise, which isn’t far off from their stunning land and winery in the Margaret River. Started in 1977, the winery is deeply committed to sustainability in their vineyards and throughout the winemaking process. Cabernet Sauvignon is the calling card varietal for this region, and one sip of this wine will show you why. There’s a balance of dark fruit and spice here with a long finish that reminds us why Cab is so beloved. Pair with steak au poivre, grilled lamb chops, or olives & salty cheese. 

WHITE: 2023 XANADU SAUVIGNON BLANC SEMILLON, MARGARET RIVER, AUSTRALIA

• [See red note for a bit about the producer.] Though Australian Sauv Blanc isn’t as well known as its neighbor New Zealand’s wines, it’s still a zesty, friendly white. About a quarter of the wine is Semillon, which gives it a bit more weight and roundness. Notes of lime and jalapeno are screaming out for fish tacos or ceviche while the grassiness would shine with a salade chèvre chaud.

BUBBLY: MIGUEL TORRES ESTELADO SPARKLING ROSÉ, MAULE VALLEY, CHILE

• Miguel Torres came to Chile from Spain in 1979 to make a name for himself in wine. The family now owns one of the country’s premiere wineries, which also happens to be deeply focused on sustainability. In 2007, with the cooperation of the Chilean government, they created the first sparkling rosé in the country made from the Pais grape. This project aims to improve conditions for farmers in the Maule Valley. As if that isn’t enough reason to love the wine, it’s red fruit, citrus, and spice will have you toasting yourself on Feb 14 (or whenever you decide to drink it). Enjoy with baked trout, orange shrimp, or soft cheeses.

ROSÉ: 2024 MONTE RIO ROSE OF ZINFANDEL, LODI, CALIFORNIA

• Sommelier Patrick Cappiello started working in the wine industry in 2002 and made the transition to winemaker in 2018. His years in restaurants help him craft wines that are food-friendly, and we love them because they’re organic & just plain fun. Patrick doesn’t want anyone to confuse his bone-dry, oak-aged rosé of Zinfandel with that other pink Zin. It has plenty of red fruit notes with lovely acidity. Such a great partner to charcuterie, quiche, or red sauce pasta.

NATURAL: 2023 PARTIDA CREUS BN BLANCO NATURAL, CATALONIA, SPAIN

• Owners Antonella Gerosa & Massimo Marchiori left their native Italy in the mid-1990s and first came to Barcelona for work outside of wine. By 2001, however, the couple began to purchase and recuperate parcels around Bonastre in order to form their project Bodega Partida Creus, focused on “capturing authenticity” and maintaining “purity of the land while respecting local traditions and not interfering in the grape’s natural growth.” This stunning white is primarily Macabeo that greets you with tropical aromas of pineapple and coconut. Notes of lemon, sea air, and almonds kick in that remind us of fino sherry. Serve with salty cheeses, olives, tinned fish, or other Spanish tapas. We recommend drinking this wine soon because it tastes so darn great right now.