This Week’s Tasting Line-Up

Date: September 2, 2026-September 6, 2026

The Wines:

SEPTEMBER EXPLORER’S CLUB

Four Wines • Four Regions • Tasting Notes

1. WEINGUT BRAND “THE ELECTRIC CHARDONNAY ACID TEST”

Pfalz, Germany
Grapes: Chardonnay • Riesling
Best Enjoyed: Now–2030

IN THE GLASS
Bright, lean and intensely energetic. Crunchy green apple, lemon, lime and Meyer lemon meet pear, stone fruit and a chalky mineral edge. A small amount of Riesling adds aromatic lift and another jolt of acidity.

PAIR IT WITH
Oysters • Crudo • Ceviche • Sushi • Fried seafood • Schnitzel • Roast chicken • Goat cheese

THE STORY
Brothers Daniel and Jonas Brand farm organically in Bockenheim in the cooler northern Pfalz. Limestone-rich soils, spontaneous fermentation and a light cellar touch help produce wines that are fresh, low-intervention and strongly tied to place.

2. MARINO ABATE “ARIDDU” GRILLO

Sicilia DOC, Sicily, Italy
Grape: 100% Grillo
Best Enjoyed: Now–2030

IN THE GLASS
A sunny, coastal white with yellow peach, white melon, citrus and orange blossom, followed by sage, herbs, white pepper and spice. Dry and fresh, with lively acidity and a distinctly savory, salty finish.

PAIR IT WITH
Grilled fish • Shrimp • Calamari • Seafood pasta • Risotto • White meats • Goat cheese

THE STORY
Marino Abate is a family winery in Marsala, western Sicily, focused on organic viticulture, sustainability and native grapes. Ariddu is a distinctly Sicilian expression of Grillo, emphasizing freshness, Mediterranean herbs and savory minerality.

3. TERRE GAIE “BRANDO” CABERNET FRANC

Veneto IGT, Italy
Grape: 100% Cabernet Franc
Best Enjoyed: Now–2030

IN THE GLASS
A softer, fruit-driven expression of Cabernet Franc, with plum, blackberry and vanilla. Dry, rich and harmonious, with smooth, velvety tannins, subtle oak and a persistent, balanced finish.

PAIR IT WITH
Roast pork • Sausages • Burgers • Duck • Lamb • Mushroom dishes • Pasta with ragù • Pecorino

THE STORY
Terre Gaie is based in Vo’ in the Euganean Hills of Veneto. Established in 2004 on family-owned land, the winery works with both indigenous and international varieties and emphasizes approachable wines that reflect the distinctive Colli Euganei landscape.

4. FORBES CREEK VINTAGE SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Red Hills Lake County, California
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Best Enjoyed: Now–2031

IN THE GLASS
Classic, approachable California Cabernet built around ripe blackberry and plum, with cedar, cocoa and subtle oak. Dry and structured, with firm but approachable tannins and generous dark fruit through the lingering finish.

PAIR IT WITH
Grilled steak • Roast beef • Burgers • BBQ • Short ribs • Lamb chops • Portobello mushrooms • Aged cheddar

THE STORY
Forbes Creek produces varietally recognizable California wines with an accessible style. This Cabernet is associated with Red Hills Lake County, an elevated area north of Napa known for volcanic soils, abundant sunshine and significant day-to-night temperature swings.