Weingut Markus Huber, Vision Grüner Veltliner

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the producer’s website)

Varietal Grüner Veltliner

Location Niederösterreich, Austria

Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now

Tasting notes:

Delicate fresh green apple fruity aromas; displaying flavours of lemon; lime and peaches; solid fruit core; rich in finesse; with a beautiful length and mineral tones.

90 points: Falstaff

89 points: James Suckling

Food pairings!

• Classic Austrian Pairings
  • Wiener Schnitzel (veal or chicken)
  • Sausages (bratwurst, weisswurst) with mustard
  • Potato salad (vinegar-based, not creamy)
• Seafood & Fish
  • Grilled or poached white fish (cod, sole, halibut)
  • Shrimp or prawns with lemon and herbs
  • Smoked trout or salmon
• Vegetables & Vegetarian Dishes
  • Asparagus (one of Grüner’s signature pairings)
  • Green beans, artichokes, or fennel
  • Vegetable stir-fries with ginger and herbs
  • Herb-forward salads with citrus vinaigrette
• Asian & Spice-Friendly Pairings
  • Vietnamese or Thai dishes (light spice, herbs, lime)
  • Sushi and sashimi
  • Vegetable or shrimp spring rolls

From Them to You!

Weingut Markus Huber is a family-run winery in the Traisental Valley of Austria, with winegrowing roots stretching back more than 220 years and now in its 10th generation under Markus Huber. The estate focuses on producing premium, terroir-driven wines—especially Grüner Veltliner and Riesling—that are elegant, minerally, and expressive of the region’s limestone-rich soils. Huber has helped raise the profile of Traisental on both the Austrian and international stage with wines that show clarity, vibrant acidity, and varietal typicity. The winery emphasizes sustainable, organic viticulture and meticulous vineyard and cellar practices to reflect their unique site. The Vision Grüner Veltliner and other cuvées showcase this approach with bright fruit, spice, and a distinct mineral thread typical of the Traisental terroir.

WEINGUT VORSPANNHOF MAYR ZWEIGELT NIEDERÖSTERREICH, AUSTRIA

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the producer’s website)

Varietal Zweigelt

Location Niederosterreich, Austria

Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar through 2026

Tasting notes:

The Weingut Vorspannhof Mayr Zweigelt from Niederösterreich is a juicy, fruit-forward red with aromas of ripe red cherry, mulberry, and subtle spice. On the palate it is medium-bodied and smooth, showing bright red fruit, gentle peppery notes, and supple tannins. Fresh acidity keeps the wine lively and very food-friendly. Overall, it’s an approachable, elegant Austrian red meant for easy drinking.

Food pairings!

• Poultry & Light Meats
  • Roast chicken or turkey with herbs
  • Pork schnitzel or pork chops
  • Grilled sausages (bratwurst, herbed sausages)
• Casual & Savory Dishes
  • Pasta with tomato-based sauces
  • Pizza (especially mushroom, sausage, or Margherita)
  • Meatballs or light ragù
• Cheese & Charcuterie
  • Semi-soft cheeses (Gouda, Emmental, young cheddar)
  • Charcuterie boards with salami, prosciutto, pickles, and mustard
• Vegetarian-Friendly Options
  • Mushroom dishes (risotto, pasta, grilled mushrooms)
  • Roasted vegetables (beets, squash, carrots)
  • Eggplant parmigiana

From Them to You!

Weingut Vorspannhof Mayr is a historic family winery based in Dross in the Kremstal region of Niederösterreich, Austria, with roots stretching back over 500 years and three modern generations focused on quality winegrowing. The estate, now run by Silke Mayr and her team, cultivates about 14 hectares of vineyards in notable local sites and makes wines that express the typicity of grape varieties and vineyard sites with a respectful approach to nature and careful cellar work. Their portfolio includes classic Austrian varieties such as Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and Zweigelt, with the Zweigelt coming from single vineyards like Stratzinger Satzen and vinified to showcase lively red fruit and balance. Vorspannhof Mayr emphasizes traditional viticulture and personal connection to customers, and the winery has been a member of the Österreichische Traditionsweingüter association since 2020. The wines are approachable and food-friendly, reflecting both regional character and a steady commitment to quality.

Schloss Saarstein Pinot Blanc Mosel 2022, Germany

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the producer’s website)

Varietal Pinot Blanc

Location Mosel, Germany

Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar through 2027

Tasting notes:

A crisp, dry white wine known for its lively acidity, minerality, and notes of citrus (lemon, lime), orchard fruits (apple, pear), and white flowers, offering a refreshing, light-to-medium body with slate minerality and a clean finish

Food pairings!

• Fish & Seafood
  • Poached or pan-seared white fish (sole, cod, halibut)
  • Trout or char (especially almond-crusted or lightly smoked)
  • Shrimp or prawns with lemon and herbs
  • Mussels in a light white wine or herb broth
• Poultry & Light Meats
  • Roast chicken with thyme or parsley
  • Turkey schnitzel or chicken schnitzel
  • Pork tenderloin with apple or mustard sauce
• Vegetables & Vegetarian Dishes
  • Asparagus (a standout pairing for Pinot Blanc)
  • Spring vegetables like peas, fennel, and green beans
  • Mushroom tart or quiche
  • Vegetable risotto with herbs or lemon zest
• Cheese & Appetizers
  • Fresh goat cheese or quark
  • Brie, Camembert, or young alpine cheeses
  • Cheese soufflé or savory pastries

From Them to You!

Weingut Schloss Saarstein is a well-established winery in Serrig on the Saar River in Germany’s Mosel wine region, known for producing elegant, terroir-driven white wines from steep slate-soiled vineyards surrounding an actual castle estate. The modern chapter of the winery began when the Ebert family acquired it in 1956, and today Christian Ebert manages about 11 hectares of primarily Riesling alongside smaller plantings of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Auxerrois, emphasizing site expression and traditional techniques. Schloss Saarstein was an early founding member of the historic “Großer Ring” auction association and has been consistently recognized for quality, often ranking among Germany’s notable wineries with classic Saar style—bright acidity, fine fruit, and slate minerality in its wines. The vineyards’ south/south-west exposures and cool Saar microclimate shape the wines’ balance and finesse, and the estate produces both everyday and premium bottlings that reflect the cool-climate character of the Saar. While Riesling dominates the portfolio, their Pinot Blanc offerings like the 2022 show that the winery also applies its terroir-focused philosophy to other varietals with freshness and clarity.

Villa Wolf Pinot Noir PFALZ GERMANY

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the producer’s website)

Varietal Pinot Noir

Location Pfalz, Germany

Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar through 2028

Tasting notes:

Villa Wolf Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) from the Pfalz typically shows a bright, fruit-forward profile with aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, often accented by subtle floral and spice notes. On the palate it is light to medium-bodied, with fresh acidity, soft tannins, and flavors of red berries and a touch of earth or gentle oak. The texture is smooth and elegant rather than powerful. Overall, it’s a clean, approachable Pinot Noir that emphasizes freshness, balance, and easy drinkability.

Food pairings!

• Poultry & Light Meats
  • Roast chicken with herbs (thyme, rosemary)
  • Duck breast with cherry or cranberry sauce
  • Turkey with mushroom or light gravy
  • Pork tenderloin or schnitzel
• Fish That Work with Red Wine
  • Salmon (grilled, roasted, or cedar-plank)
  • Tuna (seared, rare)
• Earthy & Savory Dishes
  • Mushroom risotto or mushroom pasta
  • Pasta with light tomato or wine-based sauces
  • Ratatouille or roasted vegetables
• Cheese & Charcuterie
  • Brie or Camembert
  • Gruyère or Emmental
  • Charcuterie boards with prosciutto, salami, and pâté
• Vegetarian-Friendly Pairings
  • Grilled eggplant or zucchini
  • Stuffed mushrooms
  • Roasted beets or squash

From Them to You!

Weingut Villa Wolf is a historic winery in Wachenheim in the Pfalz region of Germany, with roots dating back to 1756 and long standing ties to traditional Palatinate viticulture. After a period of decline, the estate was revitalized when renowned Mosel winemaker Ernst Loosen took over in 1996, bringing renewed focus to producing high-quality dry wines that reflect the region’s warm climate and stony soils. Today Villa Wolf produces a range of varietals typical of the Pfalz — including Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Dornfelder — with an emphasis on pure fruit expression and terroir authenticity. The winery combines sustainable vineyard practices with traditional, minimalist winemaking to preserve freshness and varietal character. Under the current team, Villa Wolf consistently aims to craft approachable, balanced wines that showcase both fruit purity and regional style.

Bordeaux Blanc PETIT FREYLON ‘CUVEE MARGUERITE’

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the producer’s website)

Varietal Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon

Location Bordeaux, France

Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now

Tasting notes:

Bordeaux Blanc Petit Freylon “Cuvée Marguerite” is a fresh, aromatic white showing bright citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit alongside white peach and green apple. On the palate it is crisp and lively, with refreshing acidity and subtle herbal or floral hints typical of Sauvignon Blanc. A touch of Sémillon adds softness and roundness to the mid-palate. The finish is clean, dry, and refreshing, emphasizing clarity and easy drinkability rather than richness.

Food pairings!

• Seafood & Fish
  • Grilled or poached white fish (cod, sole, halibut) with lemon
  • Shrimp or prawns with garlic and herbs
  • Mussels in white wine broth
  • Seared scallops with citrus or beurre blanc
• Poultry & Light Proteins
  • Roast chicken with thyme or tarragon
  • Chicken piccata or chicken with lemon-caper sauce
  • Turkey breast with light gravy or herbs
• Salads & Vegetables
  • Goat cheese salad with citrus vinaigrette
  • Asparagus, green beans, or fennel
  • Spring vegetable risotto
  • Zucchini or summer squash preparations
• Cheese & Appetizers
  • Fresh goat cheese or chèvre
  • Brie or Camembert
  • Ricotta with herbs and lemon zest
  • Seafood pâtés or rillettes

From Them to You!

Château Petit-Freylon is a traditional winery located in Saint-Genis-du-Bois in Bordeaux’s Entre-Deux-Mers region, farming about 30 hectares of vineyards on clay-limestone soils. The estate was long owned by the Lagrange family until 2011, when La Société PESA acquired and modernized the property with new cellar equipment and winemaking technologies, helping improve quality across its range. Petit-Freylon produces a variety of Bordeaux wines — from red Bordeaux Supérieur blends to dry white Bordeaux Blancs like Cuvée Marguerite — often at attractive price points. The team focuses on environmental stewardship, earning High Environmental Value (HVE) Level 3 and ISO 14001 certifications for sustainable vineyard management. Their wines consistently earn positive community and critic ratings for fresh, approachable fruit and solid everyday quality.

Chateau Auguste Bordeaux, France

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the producer’s website)

Varietal Primarily Merlot, with some Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc

Location Right Bank Bordeaux, France

Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar through 2027

Tasting notes:

Ripe dark fruit aromas such as black cherry, plum, and blackberry, with subtle notes of cocoa, cedar, and gentle spice. On the palate it is medium-bodied and smooth, offering juicy fruit, soft tannins, and balanced acidity. There are hints of earth and dried herbs that add complexity without heaviness. Overall, it’s an approachable, well-balanced Bordeaux that emphasizes fruit and elegance over power.

Food pairings!

• Meat & Poultry
  • Roast chicken or turkey with herbs
  • Pork tenderloin or pork chops (especially with mushroom or plum sauce)
  • Braised beef or meatloaf
  • Duck breast with cherry or blackberry reduction
• Savory Comfort Dishes
  • Pasta with meat sauce or ragù
  • Lasagna
  • Shepherd’s pie
  • Beef stew (not overly spicy)
• Cheese & Charcuterie
  • Aged Gouda, Comté, or Cheddar
  • Manchego
  • Charcuterie with salami, pâté, and olives
• Vegetarian Options
  • Mushroom risotto or mushroom pasta
  • Roasted root vegetables
  • Eggplant parmigiana

From Them to You!

Château Auguste is a family-owned Bordeaux estate located in the Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux, France, known for producing approachable, fruit-driven wines rooted in traditional Bordeaux viticulture. The property emphasizes organic farming and minimal intervention, focusing on expressing the character of its vineyard sites and the Merlot-led blend. It has built a reputation for consistent quality at good value, often highlighting ripe fruit, supple tannins, and balanced acidity. The winemaking blends Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, reflecting a Right Bank Bordeaux style that favors roundness and early drinkability. Château Auguste’s wines are designed to be accessible both young and with short-term cellaring, pairing well with a range of classic foods.