Click below to read about this month’s club wines
Rimu River Estate Premium Selection Sauvignon Blanc
(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the producer’s website)
Varietal 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Location Marlborough, New Zealand
Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar through 2029
Tasting notes:
The Rimu River Estate Premium Selection Sauvignon Blanc delivers everything wine lovers expect from classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Aromas of passionfruit, grapefruit, lime zest, gooseberry, and fresh-cut herbs leap from the glass, accompanied by subtle notes of white nectarine and tropical fruit. On the palate, the wine is crisp, energetic, and refreshing, with vibrant citrus flavors balanced by juicy tropical fruit and a distinctive mineral streak. Bright acidity carries the wine through a clean, dry finish, making it both immediately appealing and wonderfully food-friendly. The result is a fresh, expressive Sauvignon Blanc that showcases the purity and intensity that have made Marlborough famous worldwide.
Food pairings!
This wine is a natural partner for fresh seafood and light, vibrant dishes. Pair it with oysters, shrimp, grilled prawns, ceviche, fish tacos, or pan-seared halibut. Its citrus-driven acidity also complements goat cheese, salads with citrus vinaigrettes, asparagus, fresh herbs, and vegetable-forward dishes. For a classic New Zealand pairing, serve it alongside green-lipped mussels or simply grilled white fish with lemon and herbs. The wine’s bright fruit and refreshing finish make it equally enjoyable as an aperitif on a warm afternoon.
From Them to You!
Rimu River Estate is a Marlborough producer focused on crafting wines that express the region’s renowned cool-climate character. The winery’s Premium Selection Sauvignon Blanc highlights the qualities that have made Marlborough the benchmark region for the variety: intense aromatics, vibrant acidity, and exceptional fruit purity. Drawing fruit from vineyards in Marlborough’s diverse growing areas, the winery emphasizes freshness, varietal expression, and approachable style, producing wines that showcase New Zealand’s unique combination of maritime influence, abundant sunshine, and long growing seasons.
Nipeas (Enipeas) Dry White – Brintziki Estate:
(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the producer’s website)
Varietal Roditis & Assyrtiko
Location Peloponnese, Greece
Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar through 2029
Tasting notes:
Nipeas is a bright, expressive Greek white that combines the freshness of Roditis with the structure and mineral tension of Assyrtiko. Aromas of white flowers, citrus blossom, lemon zest, pear, and stone fruit rise from the glass, accompanied by subtle herbal notes and hints of Mediterranean wildflowers. The palate is crisp and energetic, with vibrant acidity carrying flavors of citrus, green apple, and white peach across a mineral-driven frame. Aging on fine lees adds a touch of texture and roundness, while the finish remains clean, refreshing, and elegantly persistent. This is the kind of white wine that feels equally at home on a sunny patio or at a table full of Greek food.
Food pairings!
Nipeas is a wonderfully food-friendly wine that shines alongside Mediterranean cuisine. Pair it with grilled octopus, shrimp, calamari, fresh oysters, or simply grilled fish drizzled with olive oil and lemon. The wine’s bright acidity also complements Greek salads, feta cheese, tzatziki, stuffed grape leaves, and herb-roasted vegetables. The Assyrtiko component gives the wine enough structure to stand up to richer seafood dishes, while its freshness makes it an ideal companion for warm-weather dining and mezze spreads.
From Them to You!
Ktima Brintziki is one of Greece’s most innovative and environmentally conscious wineries. Founded near Ancient Olympia in the western Peloponnese, the family-owned estate farms organically and became the first carbon-neutral winery in Greece through the use of geothermal and solar energy. The estate focuses on both indigenous Greek varieties and the preservation of rare local grapes, combining sustainable farming with modern winemaking techniques. Today, Brintziki is recognized for producing authentic wines that showcase the distinctive terroir of the Peloponnese while honoring Greece’s ancient viticultural heritage.
Caii de la Letea Vol. 1 Aligoté
(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the producer’s website)
Varietal 100% Aligoté
Location Dobrogea, Romania
Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar through 2028
SILVER MEDAL BALKAN INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION
Tasting notes:
“Subtle notes of fresh earth, wildflowers, green apples, and citrus.Fresh, with aromas of apricots, and grapefruit, liven up by the high natural acidity of the Aligoté grapes.”
The Caii de la Letea Vol. 1 Aligoté is a lively, refreshing white that showcases why Aligoté has become one of Romania’s signature white grapes. Bright lemon in color, it opens with expressive aromas of acacia blossom, elderflower, chamomile, green apple, white peach, and pear. On the palate, vibrant acidity carries flavors of citrus, green apple, and fresh orchard fruit, supported by subtle notes of dried hay, wet stone, and mineral freshness derived from the region’s limestone soils. Crisp, energetic, and beautifully balanced, the wine finishes clean and refreshing with a lingering floral and citrus character.
Food pairings!
This is an exceptionally versatile food wine that shines alongside seafood and lighter fare. Pair it with grilled white fish, shrimp, oysters, mussels, sushi, or fresh crab. Its bright acidity also makes it a natural companion to goat cheese, salads, herb-roasted chicken, and Mediterranean vegetable dishes. For a regional-inspired pairing, serve it with grilled fish and lemon, fresh cheeses, or simple mezze-style spreads. The wine’s crisp citrus character and mineral backbone make it an excellent aperitif as well.
From Them to You!
Aligoté is an emblematic grape variety in the Danube Delta, known also as “The Land of Aligoté”
THE winery: SARICA NICULITEL WINERY
P.D.O: SARICA NICULITEL, ROMANIA
Caii de la Letea -The Wild Horses of Letea Forest wines originate from Dobrogea’s oldest vineyard, nestled
near the hills of Sarica and Niculițel. Sarica Niculitel Winery is situated in one of Romania’s most ancient
wine regions, where archaeological findings reveal that viticulture and winemaking have been practiced
for over 3,000 years.
The tradition of vine cultivation has endured through the centuries, continuing to this day. While the
careful selection of grapes, their journey to the winery, and age-old winemaking traditions have been
preserved, modern techniques are masterfully applied by internationally acclaimed oenologists,
highlighting the distinct character of the Sarica Niculițel Region.
Letea Forest, located in the Danube Delta, is Romania’s oldest reserve and home to renowned Letea
horses, the largest colony of free-roaming wild horses in Europe. Caii de la Letea Wine is a tribute to the
untamed and wild horses. Abandoned, forgotten, and persecuted, the Wild Horses of Letea Forest endured,
standing as a symbol of freedom and resilience. Their story inspired the brand Caii de la Letea to craft
wines with a distinct character, reflecting the essence of Dobrogea—a land that, despite centuries of
occupation, has preserved its natural beauty and unique identity.
Although Dobrogea enjoys the sunniest days in the country, its proximity to the Danube creates unique
climatic conditions. The region benefits from strong winds that help cool the soil and vineyards after hot or
scorching days. This natural fluctuation between warm and cool temperatures plays a crucial role in
enhancing grape quality.
The vineyard’s soil is primarily composed of loess—a blend of fine particles, including limestone, sand, clay,
and silt—deposited by the wind over hundreds of thousands of years. Rich in minerals, its granular
structure ensures excellent water permeability, enabling vine roots to grow deep and access water
reserves even during dry years.
We like to think of this as “The Land of Aligoté,” though it also provides ideal conditions for other white
grapes varieties. Our south-facing plots are dedicated to red wines, where we seek greater body, depth of
color, and complexity—perfect for Fetească Neagră, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.
Marius by M. Chapoutier Syrah-Grenache
(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the producer’s website)
Varietal Grenache & Syrah
Location IGP Pays d’Oc, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar through 2030
Tasting notes:
The Marius Syrah-Grenache is a classic southern French red that delivers remarkable character and value. Deep ruby-purple in color, it opens with aromas of ripe red berries, black cherries, violets, and warm Mediterranean spices. The palate is generous and fruit-driven, offering flavors of blackberry, raspberry compote, plum, and cracked pepper layered with subtle floral notes and hints of garrigue herbs. Syrah contributes structure and spice, while Grenache provides roundness and juicy fruit. Silky tannins and a smooth texture make the wine immediately enjoyable, while a lingering finish of red fruit and spice keeps it lively and inviting.
Food pairings!
This is exactly the sort of versatile red wine that belongs on a busy dinner table. Pair it with grilled lamb, herb-roasted chicken, burgers, sausages, meatballs, or Mediterranean-inspired dishes featuring olives, rosemary, and thyme. The wine’s ripe fruit and soft tannins also make it an excellent companion to pizza, pasta with tomato-based sauces, ratatouille, and charcuterie boards. For a casual gathering, serve it slightly cool alongside grilled vegetables and hard cheeses. Its easygoing style and food-friendly nature make it a wonderful weeknight red.
From Them to You!
M. Chapoutier is one of France’s most respected wine estates, with roots dating back to 1808. Under the leadership of Michel Chapoutier, the winery became a global benchmark for Rhône wines and a pioneer in biodynamic viticulture. While the estate is best known for its prestigious Rhône Valley bottlings, the Marius range was created to offer approachable, terroir-driven wines inspired by the flavors of southern France. Named after Marius, a character embodying the warmth and conviviality of the Mediterranean lifestyle, these wines are crafted to be enjoyed with friends, family, and good food while maintaining the quality standards for which Chapoutier is renowned.
Cabriz Colheita Selecionada Branco
(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the producer’s website)
Varietal Encruzado, Malvasia Fina, Bical
Location Dão DOC, Portugal
Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar through 2029
Tasting notes:
The Cabriz Colheita Selecionada Branco is a vibrant and elegant expression of Portugal’s Dão region. Aromas of citrus blossom, white peach, pear, and lemon zest emerge from the glass, complemented by subtle floral notes and hints of wet stone. On the palate, the wine is fresh and lively, with flavors of ripe orchard fruit, citrus, and melon balanced by crisp acidity and a distinct mineral backbone. The texture is smooth and refined, offering more depth than many similarly priced white wines, while the finish remains clean, refreshing, and persistent. It is a beautifully balanced wine that showcases the finesse and versatility of Dão’s indigenous white varieties.
Food pairings!
This wine is exceptionally food-friendly and shines alongside seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. Pair it with grilled sea bass, shrimp, scallops, clams, or salt cod, a classic Portuguese pairing. Its bright acidity and mineral character also complement goat cheese, fresh salads, roasted vegetables, and herb-roasted chicken. For a simple but memorable pairing, serve it with grilled fish drizzled with olive oil and lemon. The wine’s freshness and subtle richness allow it to move effortlessly from appetizers through the main course.
From Them to You!
Cabriz is the flagship brand of Global Wines, one of Portugal’s most influential wine companies and a leading ambassador for the Dão region. Established in the heart of Dão, Cabriz has built its reputation by producing wines that combine traditional Portuguese grape varieties with modern winemaking techniques. The winery works closely with growers throughout the region, sourcing fruit from vineyards planted on Dão’s famous granite soils. Over the years, Cabriz has become one of Portugal’s most recognized wine labels internationally, known for delivering outstanding value while remaining true to the character and heritage of the Dão appellation. Their Colheita Selecionada range highlights carefully selected vineyard parcels and showcases the elegance, freshness, and authenticity that have made Dão one of Portugal’s premier wine regions.
Património Lisboa Vinho Tinto
(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the producer’s website)
Varietal Syrah, Alicante Bousche
Location Lisboa, Portugal
Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar through 2029
Tasting notes:
The Património Lisboa Tinto is a vibrant, easy-drinking Portuguese red that overdelivers for its price point. Deep ruby in color, it opens with aromas of ripe red berries, black cherries, and plum, accented by subtle hints of spice and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and smooth, with juicy fruit flavors supported by balanced acidity and soft tannins. Syrah contributes notes of blackberry and pepper, while Alicante Bouschet adds color, richness, and a touch of earthy depth. The finish is fresh and harmonious, making this a wonderfully versatile red for everyday enjoyment.
Food pairings!
This is the kind of red wine that belongs in the center of a busy dinner table. Pair it with grilled pork, roasted chicken, burgers, meatballs, or Portuguese-style grilled sausages. Its bright fruit and supple tannins also make it an excellent companion to pizza, tomato-based pasta dishes, charcuterie boards, and semi-aged cheeses. For a traditional Portuguese pairing, serve it alongside grilled meats, roasted potatoes, and hearty bean dishes. Slightly chilled, it is equally enjoyable during warm-weather gatherings and backyard barbecues.
From Them to You!
Património is produced by Caves Bonifácio, a historic Portuguese winery located in the Lisboa region. Founded in the early twentieth century, the winery has built a reputation for producing approachable wines that highlight the character of Portugal’s indigenous terroirs while remaining accessible to everyday wine drinkers. The Património range celebrates Portuguese winemaking heritage (“património” translates to “heritage”) through wines that emphasize regional character, value, and food-friendliness. Drawing fruit from the limestone-rich vineyards of Lisboa, these wines showcase the balance of Atlantic freshness and Mediterranean ripeness that has made the region increasingly recognized by wine lovers around the world.