Good Monday Afternoon!
It was a week of fun, activities, wine, specials, live music, and friendship. It all started on August 2nd with Karen's Birthday at the bar, and it continued through yesterday as we wrapped up several nights of specials, music, and gatherings. We topped it all off last night with a Tapas dinner with Spanish wines. It's time to take a breath and focus on the coming days.
Thank you to all who came out and shared a bit of their time with us as we celebrated 9 years of serving you and the Denton community.
For those who were not able to join us, we still have several Steve's Wine Bar glasses and the glass toppers available at the $9 price. And we have our new T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts we brought in for the party. So, stop in and pick up a few gift items, or something for yourself.
You can visit our events page to learn more about these experiences and more. Make sure to reserve your seats for the nights you want to attend.
Check our website and social media to stay in touch with all our events.
One of the specials we had on Saturday was a tasting of a highly regarded wine. The Beaulieu Vineyards ‘Georges de Latour’ Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was a hit with those who tasted it, and we have about 2/3 of a bottle available for those who want to swing by and give it a try before it's gone.
You can read more about this wine on our Blog.
Don't forget to vote for Steve's for the Best of Denton County. Voting ends Tomorrow!
We look forward to seeing you soon!
From all of us here at Steve's Wine Bar, Cheers!
Denton Chamber of Commerce: Best Small Business of the Year.
Aug 12, 2025 at 1:36 PM
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It’s Steve’s Wine Bar's anniversary week! It’s amazing to think we are finishing 9 years of business! When we think back to May of 2016, when we agreed to purchase the wine bar, our goal was to open by July 1 that year. We ran into a few challenges that pushed our official open date to August 5th.
As we considered this opportunity that we had stepped into, we decided to sign a two-year lease just in case we found out that running a wine bar was not something we would like, or be good at. That way, we could walk away and find another project to work on.
At the end of the two years, in July 2019, we were looking to renew our lease for another 5 years. We asked the landlord for some support in updating the space, and we were told no. So we walked down Industrial and saw a space going up for lease, and we grabbed that.
And here we are. A new location from when we started. A wonderful staff that helps the business run with ease. So many people come through these doors who have worked with us, supported us, and helped make this a successful part of the Denton community. The list is way too long to note here, but we will acknowledge several people this week as we celebrate this anniversary.
Today, we officially celebrate the 9th anniversary. We will have specials on wine, live music in the afternoon and evening, and our new T-shirts will be delivered later today. We also have specials on our Steve’s Wine Bar glasses, normally $12 a stem, but this week, $9 a stem. Plus, our backyard glass covers normally go for $12 a 4-pack, and we have those available at $9 per 4-pack. Inventory is limited on everything, so don’t delay in stopping by this week.
Saturday, we will have a bigger party celebrating the 9th on the 9th, with more music, more specials, and other fun things for you to enjoy.
Between Tuesday and Saturday, we have music every night. So don’t miss out on the fun.
On Sunday, we will be closed all day as we are hosting a special 50th anniversary party for a special couple.
On Monday, August 11th, we have our third international dinner of the year. We hosted an Italian dinner in June, a French dinner in July, and now we swing through Spain with a Tapas dinner and Spanish wines.
Make sure you check our website and social media, and stay in touch with all our events.
One of the specials we have on Saturday is tasting a very special wine. We will be doing a two-ounce or larger pour of the Beaulieu Vineyards ‘Georges de Latour’ Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.
A few months ago, we decided to bring in one of the most expensive wines we have ever purchased, the Beaulieu Vineyards ‘Georges de Latour’ Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Rarely do we bring in such an expensive wine, and we have many quality Cabernets, some from Napa Valley, on our menu. We splurged on this wine, which was named the #2 pick from Wine Spectator in 2024. We wanted to offer something extra-special beyond what we normally have here at the wine bar. According to BV’s website, this wine “has been widely recognized as the benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford since its inaugural vintage in 1936. Our understanding of terroir comes from more than 100 years of creating rich, classic Napa Valley wines.” It is an investment piece, one worth cellaring, but it’s also poised to drink now. We will pour it by Coravin exclusively at our 9th anniversary celebration on August 9th for $9 an ounce (2-oz minimum), so you can say you have had one of the world’s greatest wines.
You can read more about this wine on our Blog.
Don't forget to vote for Steve's for the Best of Denton County. Voting ends on August 13.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
From all of us here at Steve's Wine Bar, Cheers!
Denton Chamber of Commerce: Best Small Business of the Year.
A few months ago, we decided to bring in one of the most expensive wines we have ever purchased, the Beaulieu Vineyards ‘Georges de Latour’ Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Rarely do we bring in such a wine because we have many Cabernets on our menu already, and several of them are from Napa Valley. We splurged on this wine, which was named the #2 pick for Wine Spectator from 2024, because we wanted to offer something extra-special. According to BV’s website, this wine “has been widely recognized as the benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford since its inaugural vintage in 1936. Our understanding of terroir comes from more than 100 years of creating rich, classic Napa Valley wines.” It is an investment piece, one worth cellaring, but it’s also poised to drink now. In fact, we will be pouring it by Coravin exclusively at our 9th anniversary celebration on August 9th for $9 an ounce (2 oz. mininum), so you can say you have had one of the world’s greatest wines.
If you are curious at how it tastes, just peruse winemaker Trevor Durling’s extensive notes: “This is a truly remarkable vintage of our iconic flagship wine. The bouquet is intense with fragrant notes of wild sage, blackcurrant, cedar, and fresh mint. The palate is expansive and full-bodied with a sumptuous mouthfeel, showcasing layers of ripe blackberry, redcurrant, and red rose petal alongside earthier tones of graphite, licorice root, gravely stone, and dark chocolate. Subtle baking spices from the French oak barrel aging provide sandalwood, clove, and Ceylon cinnamon notes, while the signature ‘Rutherford Dust’ tannins are silky, polished, and fine-grained, finishing long with a cocoa powder texture. Slightly reserved upon release but incredibly drinkable, elegant, and pleasing, the tannins provide approachability with beautiful harmony and balance.”
We are excited to showcase this wine to you on Saturday, but we also sell it by the bottle if you end up falling in love with it!
Aug 4, 2025 at 9:21 AM
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While it is not exactly an Aperol Spritz, this ready-to-drink cocktail from Spritz Del Conte is simply fun without the work. Inspired by Italy’s way of life, a term called ‘La Dolce Vita,’ (and of course an iconic movie), this cocktail seeks to captivate you to a world of indulgence and life’s small pleasures. From the Spritz Del Conte website: “Every sip will transport you to Italy, where time moves a little slower and aperitivos are a way of life. Friends meet over small plates and appetizers and toast with vibrant orange drinks called Spritzes.” Best served over ice, this thirst-quenching beverage is crafted with sparkling white wine infused with aromatic herbs and natural bitter orange flavors. It’s a drink that would make even Federico Fellini proud, and it can be best enjoyed with crepes at brunch – or admittedly any time!
Mary Taylor has one of the most fantastic jobs in the world. As a négociante, she works with small wine producers, getting their bottles into the hands of people who most likely would never try them. She wants to “serve as your guide through the rural backroads and winding country lanes of the European wine route,” finding the best wines for you to consume. She is a dedicated viticulture ambassador, shining a light on underrated wine regions and little-known varieties. She is also savvy entrepreneur, having entered the business as a cheese monger and later, a wine auction editor. Taylor brings forth this delightful Bordeaux Blanc from winemaker Jean Marc Barthez, who also serves as the president of a cooperative in the ancient village of Monségur. Mostly Sauvignon Blanc with just 5% Sémillon, which brings an extra dash of kapow, the first thing you might notice about this light-bodied wine is its mouth-watering acidity. A cornucopia of fruit electrifies the palate, starting with lemon and lime, then grapefruit, and finally evolving to melon and white peach. Scallops at Supreme Crab Cajun Seafood would be a nice match for this crisp white.
Indisputably, wine melds art and science together. The Katz family encapsulates this idea perfectly: son Jesse crafts the wines, and patriarch Andy creates gorgeous images for the labels. According to Jesse, “Like my father’s ability to tell amazing stories through his photography, my greatest joy is bringing together the intricacies of space, place, and time – in essence, the terroir – that make an exceptional bottle of wine.” Jesse has been propelled into the spotlight, being included on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list; he has also been named a Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker and a Wine Spectator “Rising Star.” And this Chenin Blanc is indeed exceptional, with a beautiful label depicting a closeup of a young Chenin Blanc grape leaf in its full glory. On the palate, the grape’s naturally high acidity is balanced by generous fruits. Honeysuckle and jasmine aromas interplay with layers of green apple, pear, quince, peach, and apricot, finishing off with a tang of minerality. Savor this wine with a platter of sweet and sour pork from Mr. Chopsticks.
Grapes for Honoro Vera wines are sourced from high-altitude regions that best showcase the character of native varieties, like Tempranillo in Rioja, Verdejo in Rueda, and Monastrell (Mourvèdre) in Jumilla. This particular wine has gone one step further: in addition to the use of high-quality grapes, the vineyards are certified organic. Rainfall is scarce in Jumilla, with annual totals falling around 12 inches. This makes the vines work even harder as they must develop deep, extensive root systems that seek out groundwater. As a result, the berries are smaller with thicker skins, concentrating flavors and resistance to disease. Violet aromas pervade the Honoro Vera Monastrell, and ripe plum and blackberry transform to savory notes like balsamic and black pepper. Order the Famous Meditex Plate from the SmokeTerranean food truck, which has your choice of smoked meat, yellow rice, and harissa, and you will love how the pepper and spice from the Honoro Vera intertwine with the food.
Quinta Vale de Fornos is one of the oldest and most prestigious producers in the wine region of Tejo, which is short drive from Lisbon. Juxtaposed with the modernity of the capital, the Vale de Fornos manor house is preserved in its original 18th century design. The winery has period marble presses and an impressive collection of centuries-old oak barrels. History and tradition are very much alive at Vale de Fornos, and the Tejo DOC touts the fact that Christopher Columbus passed through these lands and Napoleon's troops were once housed here. Portuguese nobility is also part of the story: the estate was a wedding gift given by D. Antónia Ferreira for her daughter to the 3rd Count of Azambuja, and it was later acquired in 1972 by the current owners, the Duarte Monteiro family. This Vinho Tinto is a blend 40% Touriga Nacional, 20% Syrah, 20% Castelão, and 20% Alicante Bouschet. Traditional foot treading was used during fermentation, and yes, that process is still used in some parts of the country, especially for Port. Redcurrant, raspberry, cherry, mint, and cocoa emerge when tasted. With a turkey burger from Rodeo Goat, this wine will give you a kick.
Rooted in both religion and aristocracy, the Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona estate dates back to the 17th century, when it was built by Fabivs de' Vecchis, Bishop of Montalcino and Abbot of Sant’Antimo Abbey. After the bishop passed away, the property was auctioned off and ultimately purchased by Count Alberto Piccolomini d’Aragona and his wife Elda Ciacci. Eventually, the Countess bequeathed the estate to longtime farmer Giuseppe Bianchini who lovingly took care of its vines. Nowadays, his children run the Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona line. The evolution of Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona, from bishop to nobility to everyman, is an inspiration – as is this wine! A true Super Tuscan, this blend of mostly Sangiovese along with Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon has a violet nose and cherry, plum, spice, earth, and leather traits. Cherish it with some gnocchi from Picone.
Penedès is most often associated with the sparkling wine Cava, which undergoes as strict of a fermentation as does Champagne. And while Parés Baltà does make Cava, they also craft whites and reds through their use of organic and biodynamic agriculture. The vines on the estate were first planted in 1790, making Parés Baltà one of the most established wineries in Catalunya. Grandfather Joan Cusiné Hill first tended to the grapes when he was 7; his son, the wonderfully named Joan Cusiné Cusiné later oversaw the estate, and now the current generation of winemakers, Joan and Josep and their wives, María Elena and Marta, lead the team at Parés Baltà, on a quest to make the best wines using the most pristine of processes. Marta was even recognized as the Best Winemaker of 2024 by Master of Wine Tim Atkin. The blend for the Mas Petit is 57% Garnacha and 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, and it shows off a predominance of cherry and plum alongside some vanilla, licorice, spice, and earthy notes. If you can find it, a bowl of sopa de albóndigas (Spanish meatballs) would be delicious with the Mas Petit.
Namesake Mauro Molino went to oenology school in the 1970s in Alba, a subregion of Piemonte, and spent five years garnering winemaking experience in Emilia Romagna. After his father passed away, Molino returned home to his family’s farm in La Morra and made the decision to craft his own wines. Thus, Mauro Molino was founded in 1982 when Molino released his first vintage, a Barolo. Molino’s children Matteo and Martino joined the family business in the early 2000’s, cementing Mauro Molino as a brand that would stand the test of time. With a focus on aromatics and elegance, their wines express the unique terroir of Piemonte. The ‘Leradici’ a term that means ‘the roots,’ is a special wine as it is dedicated to Molino’s father, Giuseppe. This Barbera conveys violet on the nose as well as a mixture of primary and secondary traits like blackberry, dark plum, crushed stones, and spice. Grab a slice of pepperoni and sausage pizza from Jonuzi’s, and the ‘Leradici’ will become your favorite!
One of the oldest farming families in Lodi, the Mettlers are involved in each phase of wine production, from vine to sales. Eight generations ago, the Mettler family was living in Alsace growing grapes, so a passion for winemaking is practically in their DNA. They still cultivate some of the original plots in Lodi, which date back to the late 1800s. They are progressive in their farming techniques, undergoing the ‘Lodi Rules’ process to become certified sustainable. This means they engage in integrated pest management, cover crops, composting, and disease prevention practices. Furthermore, in 2010, they became certified organic through the California Certified Organic Farmers organization. In their words, the Mettlers “hold a fundamental belief in giving back to the land, to maintain its bounty and nourish the soil to last for many generations to come.” The result is in the glass. From Zin vines that are at least 50 years old, the ‘Epicenter’ boasts notes of wild blueberry, blackberry, plum, vanilla, sage, black pepper, and cedar. Most cuisines would taste even better with this satisfying and luxurious wine, but the logical choice is BBQ.
Aug 1, 2025 at 5:09 AM
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We often get asked about what Cabernets we have on our racks from Napa. The most famous region in the United States for wine, representing 25,000 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon under vine, Napa Valley indisputably crafts quintessential quality Cabs. Our number one seller has been Cakebread Napa Cabernet, and it is every bit as good as you believe it will be. We also offer Wine Spectator’s #2 Wine in the World for 2024, the BV Georges de LeTour Private Reserve Cabernet, which we will be pouring by the ounce at our 9th anniversary celebration on Saturday, August 9. Our bottle pricing is for this wine is very competitive, but feel free to try an ounce or two for $9/oz. at our anniversary if you are curious why this wine is held in such high regard. We also have a few other Napa Cabs that equally as fun, if not as well-known, including the Hendry Napa Cab, which comes from a single vineyard and has been aged 23 months in 90% new French oak barrels. The Foley Johnson Cabernet is Napa’s own rendition of Bordeaux, with small touches of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. One of my personal favorites is Groth, and we have their 40th anniversary Cab from Oakville, which is an homage to co-founder Judy Groth. We also tout the Truchard Estate Cabernet, which is additionally on our by-the-glass menu. The Truchards are native Texans who moved to cool-climate Carneros, one of the most-respected families in Napa. Oh, and we have one bottle left of the Quattro Theory Napa Cabernet, which we highlighted at a tasting event with the brand ambassador earlier this year. It’s classic, elegant, and food-friendly. If you have an upcoming celebration or feel like opening a Napa Cab just because, please come to Steve’s and let us help you – believe me, we have a lot of excellent choices!
Jul 21, 2025 at 8:24 AM
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The July 31st edition of Wine Spectator is devoted to the perfect summer accompaniment, white wine. According to their cited statistics, “white wines now account for 43% of global wine consumption,” which is a 10% increase in the past 20 years. While arguably more nuanced and elegant than red wine, whites shine with many dishes, including red meat (you would want to pair it with a heftier white like Chardonnay or Viognier, but I say drink what you like!). We at Steve’s Wine Bar certainly have you covered with the most iconic white grapes, like Pinot Grigio (we even have a classic version and one with skin contact in our rosé flight right now), Chardonnay (we run the gamut from Chablis to buttery California Chard), Riesling (I am excited we just brought in a bone-dry powerhouse from Alsace), and, of course, Sauvignon Blanc (we have it all – New Zealand, France, and California). We also have several of the varieties featured in Wine Spectator’s article “10 Exciting White Grapes to Know.” One of my favorite grapes, Aligoté is the second most planted white in Burgundy; you must check out the Louis Chenu, a juicy rendition. Chenin Blanc has been a staple in the bar as we have carried the Les Lys Vouvray for a long time, which is full of almond and stone fruit, finishing with the lightest kiss of honey. The opening wine to June’s wine club was the Cormòns Malvasia, a restrained, mineral-forward white grown in Friuli as well as Croatia. Finally, another white to watch is Vermentino, known as Rolle in France. We offer a California version, the Monte Volpe, which conveys electric acidity plus lime, apple, and pear. While reds far outweigh whites on our bottle menu, we have plenty of whites that will make you smile. You can also try our flight of 4 whites which changes monthly.
Jul 7, 2025 at 6:10 PM
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Good Monday afternoon!
We hope your 4th of July weekend was fantastic, and if you went out of town, your travels have been smooth and easy.
We had a great tasting event with Jeff Faber from Opolo last week. We continue to promote their products online, including their 3-wine tasting kits for those interested in doing their own tasting at home. Please visit our Specials page to order some of these tasting kits, three-packs, or just a few bottles to pick up and take home.
We wrap up the Drops of God tonight with the final two episodes. For those who have been joining us, we will be in the main room, popcorn popping, and wine (and beer) ready to drink.
We will kick off an evening Jazz Jam Session at 6 PM after Paul's Happy Hour performance.
Even though it's Summer, Tuesday is still Teacher Tuesday with Happy Hour Prices for teachers all day long.
Thursday is Half-Price Bottle Night. Each month, we select 10 different wines to feature at Half-Price to enjoy here at the bar.
Friday, the Blues Crew is back. Even though the online reservations are sold out, we still have room for walk-ins that night.
Saturday afternoon, the Irish Pub Experience is back at 3 PM with our group of musicians playing classic Irish music for you to enjoy.
Then, that evening at 7:30, we have a very special jazz piano experience with the Dave Meder Trio! There are still reserved seats available for you to grab in advance of the performance.
Check out our Events Page for all the fun activities we have scheduled for the month ahead.
Just to remind everyone, due to circumstances out of our control, we have been asked to cancel the Di Abruzzo dinner that was scheduled for tonight.
Next Monday, the 14th, we have the Bastille Day dinner. Suzanne Johnson has created a 7-course meal, and we will have select wines to pair with the dinner, all for only $70. Please reserve in advance so we know how much food to make for the group.
The Best of Denton Voting is happening again. If you have not yet voted, we are nominated in several categories in the Bars and Nightlife section, as well as Shopping. We would love your vote!
Under Bars and Nightlife, you will see us in Best Bar, Best Happy Hour, Best Music Venue, and Best Wine List.
In the Shopping category, you will find us listed in the Best Wine Shop.
Thanks for all your support!
Have a great week!
From all of us here at Steve's Wine Bar, Cheers!
Denton Chamber of Commerce: Best Small Business of the Year.
Jul 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM
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España Verde, or Green Spain, is the lush portion in the north of the country that is teeming with forests, pastures, verdant landscapes, and vegetation…believe it or not, it is often compared to Ireland and Scotland due to its craggy cliffs and foggy rolling hills. Just off the coast of the Atlantic, this is the one area of Spain with abundant rainfall; much of the rest of Spain experiences hot, dry summers and, in some cases, is semi-arid. Rías Baixas, the heart of where Albariño is made, is a cool-weather region due to its proximity to the coast; despite getting around 60 inches of rain annually (about three times the average rainfall in the rest of the country), there is abundant sunshine, allowing grapes to fully ripen. Albariño, a variety that nearly went extinct in the 20th century, is the signature grape of Rías Baixas. La Val has generous fruits like green apple, pear, pineapple, nectarine, and a touch of sea salt. Of course, it will go well with any type of sea food, but a more unconventional pairing will be the salty, tangy feta fries from Gyro 360.
The Bookwalter name is synonymous with excellent Washington wines. With nine generations of family farming, Jerry Bookwalter pivoted to grape-growing in the 1970s and 80s, and son John, who grew up in vineyards, worked at E&J Gallo and Coors before returning to eastern Washington to reinvent the J. Bookwalter brand in the late 1990s. With name play in mind, each wine focuses on a realm of literature, like ‘Readers’ but also ‘Conflict,’ ‘Protagonist,’ and ‘Suspense.’ The family’s philanthropical priority is reading and literacy, allocating a portion of their revenue to numerous local literacy and children’s charities and giving their time to community groups. With orange blossom and citrus aromatics, ‘Readers’ captivates with Meyer lemon, golden apple, white peach, a tinge of vanilla, and white tea. Plot twist: this bright white avoided malolactic fermentation, meaning it is not intentionally buttery or creamy like some Chards can be. The shrimp tacos from La Fondita will be a perfect resolution to this J. Bookwalter Chardonnay.
Croatia is home to Zinfandel, called Crljenak Kaštelanski, along with its descendent variety, Plavac Mali. It was iconic American winemaker Mike Grgich of Chateau Montelena fame who learned that the wine he grew up drinking on the Dalmatian Coast was indeed Plavac Mali, and he could sense its similarity to Zinfandel. He encouraged researchers at UC Davis to perform a genetic analysis on the two grapes, thereby uncovering the family link (Plavac Mali’s other parent is Dobričić , an indigenous Croatian grape). Grown extensively in Dalmatia, Plavac Mali is usually a bold, juicy, spicy grape; the ‘Bilo Idro,’ on the other hand, is light and approachable, a red that could certainly be chilled. When imbibing, you may perceive red cherry, redcurrant, blueberry, white pepper, and a subtle earthiness. Bilo Idro, by the way, is the name of Zlatan Otok’s gorgeous marina-side restaurant and wine bar, located in the little fishing village on the island of Hvar. The winemaker mentions a plethora of foods would work with this wine – burgers, pizza, chicken – but I suggest the unconventional route by going with pork egg rolls like you can get from The Pickled Carrot food truck.
There are four levels of prestige when it comes to Beaujolais wines: Nouveau, which are known for fresh and fruity characteristics; Beaujolais; Beaujolais-Villages; and Cru Beaujolais, like this offering from Domaine de Roche-Guillon. Even the 10 Crus are informally ranked based on reputation, with Moulin à Vent being associated with age-worthy reds. Grown on blue granite soils, which impart a mineral undertone, the wine in your glass is a series of contradictions. While fruit-forward, this Beaujolais is also powerfully structured and complex. Comprised of 50% whole cluster and 50% destemmed grapes, this wine was fermented and matured in both stainless steel and neutral oak. Lavender, redcurrant, cherry, blackcurrant, strawberry, and subtle spice linger on the palate. While this wine can be cellared, it can certainly be enjoyed now. Savor it alongside some smoked turkey from Juicy Pig Barbecue.
The Etruscans lived in central Italy during the Bronze and Iron Ages. While they left very few written records, remaining a civilization we still know very little about, we do have proof that they were greatly influenced by wine. They drank it in religious ceremonies, believing wine to have mystical properties and that it could bring the dead back to life. Warriors also imbibed before battles because they believed it was a source of power. Etruscans were innovators, being the first to blend different grapes together; they also were pioneers in aging wine in barrels. Their contributions date back to the 6th century BC, making cementing Abruzzo’s importance for wine in Italy. Apparently even Hannibal, who crossed the Alps in the 2nd century BC, rewarded his troops with Abruzzo wine after the long trek. Needless to say, Abruzzo is well-known for viticulture and viniculture. And the star grape there is Montepulciano, the easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing variety that works with many different Italian cuisines. Della Scala’s version is abundant in both fruit and savory traits: cherry, cranberry, plum, and blackberry transform to tobacco and black pepper on the finish. The Garfield Lasagna from Picone would be a delicious accompaniment.
Forbes has called Susana Balbo the best winemaker in Argentina. Her parents were viticulturalists before her, and they balked when she wanted to become a nuclear physicist instead of joining the family business. To please them, she pivoted and decided to obtain a degree in enology in 1981, the first woman to do so in the entire country. Wildly successful, now her own children help her run the business. And although she is nearly 70, she is not ready to pass the baton on to them yet, staying very active in multiple wine brands, including the BenMarco line. BenMarco was created to spotlight the pure expression of each grape variety featured in the bottle. Minimal intervention is prioritized along with sustainable farming. This 100% Cabernet Franc is sourced from Paraje Altamira, a region of Mendoza’s Uco Valley known for chalky, calcareous soils and altitudes of nearly 4,000 feet. The result in the glass is a flavor bomb of fruit and savory notes: strawberry and plum evolve to vegetal bell pepper, dried grass, and balsamic, finishing with a punch of spice. A fun pairing would be Green Zatar’s Bakhtiari Kebabs, which stack chicken, steak, mushrooms, peppers, and onions in one bite.
In the land of countless indigenous grapes, Aglianico (pronounced without the -g) is Italy’s answer to big, bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz (although you will see these grapes grown for SuperTuscans!). It is from a province many don’t necessarily think of when planning getaways to Italy: Basilicata, which is sandwiched between Puglia, Calabria, and Campania (where the variety also thrives) on the Ionian Sea. The vines are sourced from the slopes of the extinct Vulture volcano, which last erupted about 40,000 years ago. This region one of Italy’s least populated areas and is rife with pristine natural beauty and soils that contain a wealth of minerals, which impart complexity to the grapes grown here. When first taking a sip of the ‘Sacravite,’ you might notice the floral aromas, high acidity and present tannins first, but its structure is well-balanced by fruity traits of red cherry, blackberry, plum, plus more savory notes of spice and earth. Aglianico begs for mouth-filling pasta, so if you can grab a reservation from Osteria Il Muro, enjoy this wine with a platter of Tagliatelle with a meaty ragu.
Jax is a small-lot brand using grapes in Napa and Somona that was founded by brother and sister team Trent and Kimberly Jackson who fell in love with the art of viticulture after seeing their father produce wine for fun, just for their friends and family. They branched off to create the ‘Y3’ line to showcase balanced, “true to varietal” wines crafted by icon winemaker Kirk Venge, most notably from Calistoga’s Venge Vineyards. In a nod to their family heritage, the Jacksons did a throwback to their grandparents’ ranch, called Yarrayne, by using a cattle brand with the ‘Y3’ symbol on it as their logo. This North Coast Cabernet is unfined and unfiltered, which is not the most usual of practices. Some winemakers believe that in getting a crystal-clear wine, flavor is compromised, so this wine is opaque in the glass; extended aging of 18 months in oak gives it a robust undertone. On the palate, there are layers of primary, secondary, and tertiary notes, including blackberry, blackcurrant, black cherry, cocoa nib, forest floor, spice, and cedar. The next time you see the award-winning Insurgent food truck parked out back, please order whatever meat-focused daily special they have in order to create a perfect pairing.
Jul 3, 2025 at 5:17 AM
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Learn more online at the Opolo Tasting Party!
I love a Bordeaux, and we only have two bottles left of a very special right-bank Bordeaux, the Lassègue Saint Émilion Grand Cru. Steeped in the history of Bordeaux and its classification system, which originates back to 1855 in the Médoc, the right bank was largely omitted from the rankings. Thus, in 1955, 100 years later, Saint Émilion crafted its own classification, overseen by the French National Institute of Appellations (INAO). The goal is to reclassify wineries every 10 years, but there has been some conflict and controversy since the rankings began. Most famously, Château Cheval Blanc which maintained a premier spot from 1955 until the 2021 vintage, chose to withdraw from the Saint Émilion classification in 2022. And as a complete aside, yes, it is a Cheval Blanc that Miles is imbibing out of a plastic cup at the end of Sideways (he is drinking some %$*!-ing Merlot!). Read more here...
Next Tuesday, July 8th, we will kick off an evening Jazz Jam Session at 6 PM after Paul's Happy Hour performance.
Even though it's Summer, Tuesday is still Teacher Tuesday with Happy Hour Prices for teachers all day long.
Thursday is Half-Price Bottle Night. Each month we select 10 different wines to feature at Half-Price to enjoy here at the bar.
We will be open on the 4th of July with specially priced beer and wine for the day!
Saturday, the Cats are back for a 4th of July Weekend performance!
Check out our Events Page for all the fun activities we have scheduled for the month ahead.
Due to circumstances out of our control, we have been asked to cancel the Di Abruzzo dinner on the 7th. For those who have reservations, we have offered to move their reservation to the 14th's Bastille Day Dinner.
We will be doing our Monday Movie Night at Steve's in place of the dinner on the 7th. We will be watching the last two episodes of the Drops of God.
The Best of Denton Voting is happening again. If you have not yet voted, we are nominated in several categories in the Bars and Nightlife section, as well as Shopping. We would love your vote!
Under Bars and Nightlife, you will see us in Best Bar, Best Happy Hour, Best Music Venue, and Best Wine List.
In the Shopping category, you will find us listed in the Best Wine Shop.
Thanks for all your support!
Have a great holiday week!
From all of us here at Steve's Wine Bar, Cheers!
Denton Chamber of Commerce: Best Small Business of the Year.
Jul 1, 2025 at 8:02 AM
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I love a Bordeaux, and we only have two bottles left of a very special right-bank Bordeaux, the Lassègue Saint Émilion Grand Cru. Steeped into the history of Bordeaux and its classification system, which originates back to 1855 in the Médoc, the right bank was largely omitted from the rankings. Thus in 1955, 100 years later, Saint Émilion crafted their own classification, overseen by the French National Institute of Appellations (INAO). The goal is to reclassify wineries every 10 years, but there has been some conflict and controversy since the rankings began. Most famously, Château Cheval Blanc who maintained a premier spot from 1955 until the 2021 vintage, chose to withdraw from the Saint Émilion classification in 2022. And as a complete aside, yes, it is a Cheval Blanc that Miles is imbibing out of a plastic cup at the end of Sideways (he is drinking some %$*!-ing Merlot!).
Despite the drama, having a Saint Émilion Grand Cru on our wine list is a huge coup for us. And the Lassègue is delicious! It’s a mosaic of mostly Merlot, with some Cab Franc and a skosh of Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose offers a beguiling bouquet of ripe dark fruits, including blackberry and plum, interwoven with subtle notes of cedar, tobacco, and a hint of mocha. On the palate, the Lassègue conveys an exquisite fusion of flavors. The dark fruit core is complemented by layers of earthy undertones, graphite, and touches of dried herbs. The tannins have become well integrated with time, providing a structured framework for the wine's nuanced profile.
When you try the Lassègue, you are drinking history! And if you are interested in reading more, check out bordeaux.com/us/Our-Terroir/The-Libournais/Saint-Emilion-Grand-Cru.
Jun 30, 2025 at 8:30 AM
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