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April Wine Club Wines

April Gold Club Wines

Mont Gravet Cotes de Gascogne, Gascony, FR (2018)

A crisp, acidic, and approachable white made from the oft-misunderstood Colombard grape, one that was until relatively recently used for brandy production.  These grapes are grown in Gascony, France, which is found in the very southwest corner in France.  The grapes are aged in stainless steel, undergoing malolactic fermentation and aging on their lees, resulting in a rich, creamy texture.  This region benefits from having a combination of Oceanic and Mediterranean climates, providing ample sun for the production of this lovely white that shows floral and citrus notes on the nose followed by friendly ripe stone fruit on the palate.

Klinker Brick ‘Bricks & Roses”- Lodi, CA  (2018) (Sold Out)

Klinker Brick is one of the most recognized and well acclaimed producers in the Lodi region, named after the odd-colored ‘klinker bricks’ used in the production of the early 20th-century houses still present in Lodi.  This rose is a combination of Grenache, Carignane, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, utilizing both Rhone and ‘Old Vine’ varietals.  Unlike many substantial production wineries, the grapes used for “Bricks & Roses” are designated for just that, and are not surplus from red wine production.    This wine is made in a ‘Provence’ style, signifying no skin contact, no oak, and little tannin, making for a clean, acidic rose highlighted by notes of melon, grapefruit, cherry, and hints of minerality.  Drink this with clean, lean proteins or rich salads. 

Lunaria Coste di Moro, Montepulciano, IT (2016) (Sold Out)

Another entry in the rapidly-expanding world of biodynamic wine.  This red is made from 100% Montepulciano from its namesake Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOP.  The winemaking process, like some of our previous biodynamic selections, involves the grapes being rested on their indigenous yeasts following de-stemming and pressing.  This is followed by aging in oak, stainless steel, and in the bottle.  This wine is characterized by plush, fresh red fruits such as cherry and red plum accented by savory notes of hay, oregano, and tar, making a wonderful pairing for cured meats or rich tomato-based pastas. 

Loca Linda Malbec, Uco Valley, AR (2018)

Brighter red fruits like cherry and raspberry combined with soft tannins and approachable acidity give this Argentinian red its profile.  Produced by Loca Linda or “Crazy Beautiful” Wines, this fun, easy red is representative of its name, and will go well with a wide variety of savory dishes. 

April Platinum Club Wines

Onderra Reserva Rioja, Spain (2014)

Bodegas Ondarre is based in Viana and makes a very enjoyable range of Rioja wines. This cuvée of Tempranillo with 15% Mazuelo and Garnacha is a case in point, with plenty of perfume, succulent berry fruit and a gentle balsamic finish. A tight, drawing palate is tannic and high in acidity. Like the nose, this tastes saucy, earthy and tomatoey, while a steady finish confirms that this is traditional Rioja reserva.

Familia Deicas Tannat, Uruguay  (2015)

A winery under the umbrella of the legendary Paul Hobbs, Familia Deicas is bringing a storied vinicultural history to the generally underappreciated wine-growing regions of Uruguay.  This 100% Tannat is sourced from four estate vineyards in order to create an ideal representation of the country’s flagship varietal.  This wine pours an inky purple with a nose dominated by earth, herbs, and blue fruits.  You will probably find this wine more akin to some of the more structured reds of Languedoc and Rhone, as this wine’s tannins are apparent, but well integrated with bright acidity and fig notes to round out.

KWV Petit Verdot, South Africa (2017)

KWV is amongst South Africa’s most admired and consumed producers, and one of the very few that you will find producing a 100% Petit Verdot every year!  Generally forgotten among its other Bordeaux counterparts, Petit Verdot is generally used for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot for its hallmark inky purple color and immense structure.  KWV’s rendition is aged 8 months in oak and shows notes of dark red fruit, graphite, and spice on the nose.  The palate is surprisingly ripe, with luscious black cherry and plum notes but balanced out with formidable tannins and acid, making a perfect accompaniment for any red meat. 

Hess “Allomi” Cabernet Sauvignon- Napa Valley, CA (2016)

From amongst the most recognizable and respected producers in CA, Hess’s “Allomi” is sourced from the estate’s Allomi vineyard in Northern Napa Valley.  This has all of the prerequisite hallmarks of a Napa Cabernet, with Cabernet Sauvignon making up the bulk of the blend, with Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Merlot adding color and structure.  This sees 18 months in 27% American Oak.  On the nose, you will find black fruit, floral notes, and vanilla from the oak.  On the palate, this is a decadent wine, clocking in at 14.5% ABV with a palate dominated by ripe black fruits, bittersweet chocolate and velvety tannins.

Learn more about this months wines from Steve.