Under the Table Wines

• RED: 2024 MILENRAMA RIOJA JOVEN, RIOJA, SPAIN

  • Ruth de Andrés is a rising star in the wine world, and we’re excited to see where she takes us from here. She has a background in chemistry & enology from three countries and now makes her own wines in both Rioja and Ribera del Duero with her sister Ana. They created Milenrama (“yarrow” in Spanish) to focus on affordable, everyday wines from Rioja: exactly our kinds of wines. This red is 100% Tempranillo aged in stainless steel, so you get all this vibrant, juicy fruit. With a hint of spice, this crushable red will be great with paella, BBQ ribs, or burgers.

• WHITE: 2024 MILENRAMA RIOJA BLANCO, RIOJA, SPAIN

  • [See red note for a bit about the producer.] For those of you keeping score at home, this wine is probably a new grape for you. Tempranillo Blanco is quite rare (we’ve only ever had one other). The wine has notes of white flowers, lemon, and white peach. It’s tasty with big summer salads, cucumber sandwiches, or grilled chicken.

• BUBBLY: FRITZ MÜLLER MULLER-THURGAU SEKT, RHEINHESSEN, GERMANY

  • Fritz Müller began in 2009 as the brainchild of Guido Walter and Jürgen Hofmann. Guido is a globetrotting philosopher and thoughtful wine merchant. Jürgen is a hands-on enologist who guides the grapes from the vineyard to the bottle. They created the line to be Germany’s answer to Prosecco: fun bubbles that you don’t have to think too hard to enjoy. We loved these wines years ago and are so happy they’re available once again. This sparkling Muller-Thurgau has notes of ripe pear, apple, white peach, and white flowers. It’s the perfect brunch wine or pre-dinner drink with light snacks.

• ROSÉ: 2025 LA VALENTINA CERASUOLO D’ABRUZZO ROSÉ, ABRUZZO, ITALY

  • In a region known for inexpensive, bulk wine, La Valentina sets itself apart by organically & sustainably farming local varietals, including Montepulciano and Pecorino. They’re at the forefront of making Abruzzo a region known for high quality rather than large quantity. You’re the very first Table Wine people to try their rosé because it’s brand new to us this year. Rosés in this region are often thought of as light reds, so get ready for a fun, unique Montepulciano with more body than you might expect. With notes of strawberry and pomegranate and gentle minerality, this wine is made for fatty tuna sushi, spinach & strawberry salad, or spicy charcuterie.

• NATURAL: 2025 SEEHOF ROSÉ, RHEINHESSEN, GERMANY

  • This part of Germany was once thought of as the “armpit” of their winemaking because it was home to very cheap, sweet, insipid wine. Following in the footsteps of his famous winemaking brother-in-law, Seehof owner Florian Fauth is one of many winemakers fixing the area’s reputation. Florian wants the limestone-rich soil of his vineyards to shine in his wines, whether that’s in an off-dry Riesling or a zippy rosé of Pinot Noir like this month’s pick. The strong minerality comes through along with notes of lime and tart raspberry. Pair with ceviche, chevre, or weisswurst.

• RED: 2024 PASAELI HOUSE RED, AEGEAN, TURKIYE

  Seyit Karagözoğlu started Pasaeli in 2000 after a decade as a wine importer in Turkey. He focuses primarily on indigenous varietals, many of which are new to us, and sustainability. His house red is a blend of two of those varietals, Karasakız and Çalkarası, and Cabernet Sauvignon. We fell in love with its juicy notes of raspberry and red plum and its hint of spice, all of which make for a lovely spring red. Think of it a bit like Garnacha. Great with kebabs on the grill, lamb chops, or vadouvan chicken.

• WHITE: 2024 BARDOS VERDEJO, RUEDA, SPAIN

  The Bardos Project is an initiative carried out in collaboration with Fademur, the Federation of Associations of Rural Women, to support different female entrepreneurship projects in rural areas that help combat depopulation. Each year, they fund a new initiative that promotes innovation, job creation, and the recovery of traditional elements. Their Verdejo is surprisingly weighty with an enticing balance of mineral, citrus fruit, and herbal notes. Pair with green curry salmon, creamy ramp pasta, or zucchini & red onion scramble.

• BUBBLY: NV CRUZAT BRUT, MENDOZA, ARGENTINA

  Cruzat was founded in 2004 specifically to make sparkling wine in Argentina that was worth celebrating. They looked to Champagne for inspiration in terms of varietals and styles, and we’re so happy that they did. This sparkler is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (just like they do in Champagne). It has a broad mouthfeel but bright acidity and notes of Bosc pear and white flowers. Pop the cork with Cubanos, fish fry, or shrimp cocktail.

• ROSÉ: 2025 OSTATU ROSADO, RIOJA, SPAIN

  The Sáenz de Samaniego family has been farming in this region of Spain since the 16th century–for so many generations that their family name and the village’s name are the same. They started bottling serious wines in 1970 and modernized their organic winery in 2002. The winery is run by a sister and three brothers, and it’s still very much a family business. Every time someone asks me who to visit in Rioja, Ostatu is always my first answer. This vintage of their Rosado is lights out! It’s a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha & Viura that reminds us of watermelon seltzer with texturing minerals and a bright red cherry note. Serve with sheep’s milk cheese, charcuterie, or poke bowls.

• NATURAL: 2024 MULLER-RUPRECHT PET NAT ROSÉ, PFALZ, GERMANY

  Sabine and Philipp Wöhrwag are winemakers dedicated to being a part of their community. They want people to come to the winery, sit around the table, and share in the beauty of their wine. We’re big fans of their vibrant wines, and one taste of this pink(ish) Pet Nat made us think immediately of our natural club folks. This sparkling Dornfelder has the ripe berry notes the grape is known for along with a hint of natural funk. Such a fun wine to pair with pizza, cured meats, or Cobb salad.

• RED: 2020 ARIOS AGUAFUERTE VINHAO, VINHO VERDE, PORTUGAL

  • The importer Boutique Wine Collection seeks out family-owned, estate-driven producer partners whose passions and ethos are both celebrating and preserving indigenous varieties. In collaboration with a Portuguese winery, they created the Arios label to showcase great wines from Vinho Verde. Vinhao is one of the few wine grapes that has red flesh, so expect an extra vibrant glass of red when you crack it open. It’s bursting with black fruit notes balanced by a hint of spice and pleasing tannins. We recommend pairing it with fancy burgers, roasted root vegetables, or turkey kebabs.

• WHITE: 2024 ARIOS AGUAFUERTE LOUREIRO, VINHO VERDE, PORTUGAL

  • [See red note for a bit about the producer.] Loureiro was traditionally blended with other whites to make Vinho Verde, but it’s recently being seen on its own because of its unique flavor profile and body. This crisp white has surprising weight to it and notes of citrus fruit and flowers. Serve with poke bowls, fried shrimp, or fish sandwiches.

• BUBBLY: KLOSTERNEUBERG GRUNER VELTLINER BRUT, NIEDEROSTERREICH, AUSTRIA

  • Klosterneuburg is one of the world’s oldest wine estates, tracing its lineage back to 1133. They’re one of Austria’s largest and most renowned wineries, making a number of different sustainable wines across various styles. When we tasted their sparkling Gruner, we knew we had to pass it along to you fine folks. The wine has the trademark green fruit and spice notes of Gruner with a delicate fizz. What a great pair for Thai noodles, spring veggie salad, or fried calamari.

• ROSÉ: 2024 CALABRETTA ROSATO, SICILY, ITALY

  • Since the winery’s founding in 1900, the Calabretta family has farmed and produced wines from Etna’s ancient indigenous varieties—including Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio—in the mountain’s unique noble vineyards. They never used chemical pesticides or herbicides, they harvest by hand, and they only allow native yeast fermentation, so their wines are as clean and natural as you get. This rosé of Nerello Mascalese is creamy and spicy with notes of red delicious apple and red cherry. It’s a great rosé for fickle weather—as good with Easter ham/lamb or Passover brisket as it is with soft cheeses on a picnic.

• NATURAL: 2022 INTELLEGO KEDUNGU, SWARTLAND, SOUTH AFRICA

  • Jurgen Gouws founded his winery in 2009 and named it Intellego (meaning “understand” in Latin) to reflect his quest to grasp the full potential of the Swartland. Originally from the Eastern Cape, Jurgen’s now a full-on Swartland local and one of the region’s shining stars. We’ve had the pleasure of hanging out with him and a bunch of his winemaker buddies in South Africa and of hosting him here in the wine garden. Kedungu is a blend of Syrah, Cinsault & Mourvedre with pleasing tannins and notes of red plum, raspberry, blackberry. Enjoy with grilled sausages, lamb chops, or sharp cheeses.

• RED: 2023 TAVIGNANO CERVIDONI ROSSO PICENO, LE MARCHE, ITALY

  • Beginning in the 1990s, owner Stefano Aymerich di Laconi and his late wife Beatrice Lucangeli devoted their winery to the main white grape of the region, Verdicchio. In 2014, Ondine de la Feld, Stefano’s niece, joined the company and has since taken over as CEO. Ondine is deeply committed to organic farming and sustainability, and we’re so happy to support her efforts. Rosso Piceno is the DOC name given to reds from this region that are a blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese. This wine is juicy but firm with a pleasing full body and notes of black cherry and rose petals. Pair with pasta marinara, beef or mushroom stew, or grilled sausages.

• WHITE: 2024 TAVIGNANO VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI CLASSICO SUPERIORE, LE MARCHE, ITALY

  • [See red note for a bit about the producer.] Verdicchio is the flagship wine for this region, and one sip will hopefully show you why. It’s weighty & hefty with salty minerality and notes of crisp green fruit. Such a satisfying pairing with fried shrimp, roasted chicken salad, or sheep’s milk cheeses.

• BUBBLY: NV SOMMARIVA PROSECCO SUPERIORE BRUT, VENETO, ITALY

  • Several generations of the Sommariva family grew international varietals in the high plains of the Veneto and sold them off to other wineries. In the 1970s, Caterino and Urbana Sommariva decided to grow the grapes that would go on to make Prosecco famous and started their own winery. Their daughter Cinzia eventually fell in love with winemaking herself and now helps run this sustainable family estate. 100% Glera, this Prosecco is far more serious than most wines from the region. The wine has notes of pear, orange blossom, and bitter almond with beautifully delicate bubbles. Great with omelettes or savory souffles, mild cheeses, or fritto misto.

• ROSÉ: 2024 APOLLO’S PRAISE ROSÉ, FINGER LAKES, NEW YORK

  • Owners Kelby Russell and Julia Hoyle’s story began at Fox Run Winery on Seneca Lake. Kelby, born and raised in the Finger Lakes, was returning to his roots, and Julia had just finished her studies in the region. They both worked their way from the tasting room into production, eventually as head winemakers and de facto ambassadors of Finger Lakes wines. Their rosé is 100% Cabernet Franc that’s full and round with notes of herbs, red cherry, and roasted peppers. Enjoy with sausage & peppers, herby roasted salmon, or spring veggie pasta.

• NATURAL: 2024 BOW & ARROW SAUVIGNON BLANC, WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON

  • Owner/winemaker Scott Frank got his hands on some excellent grapes in 2010 and started making wine under his own label with an emphasis on Loire varietals and styles. With the help of his renowned sommelier wife, Dana Frank, they’re making a name for themselves in the hip urban wine scene of Portland, Oregon. Get ready for a surprising Sauv Blanc with notes of pink grapefruit, white peach, and citrus oil with a salty finish. We prebought just enough for this club (and a few bottles for ourselves). Serve with miso chicken with grapefruit, salmon rice bowls, or seared scallops.

• RED: 2020 XANADU CABERNET SAUVIGNON, MARGARET RIVER, AUSTRALIA

  • Xanadu takes its name from a mythological paradise, which isn’t far off from their stunning land and winery in the Margaret River. Started in 1977, the winery is deeply committed to sustainability in their vineyards and throughout the winemaking process. Cabernet Sauvignon is the calling card varietal for this region, and one sip of this wine will show you why. There’s a balance of dark fruit and spice here with a long finish that reminds us why Cab is so beloved. Pair with steak au poivre, grilled lamb chops, or olives & salty cheese. 

• WHITE: 2023 XANADU SAUVIGNON BLANC SEMILLON, MARGARET RIVER, AUSTRALIA

  • [See red note for a bit about the producer.] Though Australian Sauv Blanc isn’t as well known as its neighbor New Zealand’s wines, it’s still a zesty, friendly white. About a quarter of the wine is Semillon, which gives it a bit more weight and roundness. Notes of lime and jalapeno are screaming out for fish tacos or ceviche while the grassiness would shine with a salade chèvre chaud.

• BUBBLY: MIGUEL TORRES ESTELADO SPARKLING ROSÉ, MAULE VALLEY, CHILE

  • Miguel Torres came to Chile from Spain in 1979 to make a name for himself in wine. The family now owns one of the country’s premiere wineries, which also happens to be deeply focused on sustainability. In 2007, with the cooperation of the Chilean government, they created the first sparkling rosé in the country made from the Pais grape. This project aims to improve conditions for farmers in the Maule Valley. As if that isn’t enough reason to love the wine, it’s red fruit, citrus, and spice will have you toasting yourself on Feb 14 (or whenever you decide to drink it). Enjoy with baked trout, orange shrimp, or soft cheeses.

• ROSÉ: 2024 MONTE RIO ROSE OF ZINFANDEL, LODI, CALIFORNIA

  • Sommelier Patrick Cappiello started working in the wine industry in 2002 and made the transition to winemaker in 2018. His years in restaurants help him craft wines that are food-friendly, and we love them because they’re organic & just plain fun. Patrick doesn’t want anyone to confuse his bone-dry, oak-aged rosé of Zinfandel with that other pink Zin. It has plenty of red fruit notes with lovely acidity. Such a great partner to charcuterie, quiche, or red sauce pasta.

• NATURAL: 2023 PARTIDA CREUS BN BLANCO NATURAL, CATALONIA, SPAIN

  • Owners Antonella Gerosa & Massimo Marchiori left their native Italy in the mid-1990s and first came to Barcelona for work outside of wine. By 2001, however, the couple began to purchase and recuperate parcels around Bonastre in order to form their project Bodega Partida Creus, focused on “capturing authenticity” and maintaining “purity of the land while respecting local traditions and not interfering in the grape’s natural growth.” This stunning white is primarily Macabeo that greets you with tropical aromas of pineapple and coconut. Notes of lemon, sea air, and almonds kick in that remind us of fino sherry. Serve with salty cheeses, olives, tinned fish, or other Spanish tapas. We recommend drinking this wine soon because it tastes so darn great right now.

RED: 2023 EVOLUCIO BLAUFRANKISCH, BURGENLAND, AUSTRIA

• Love Over Money is a project between importer Boutique Wine Collection and various European wineries to help get lesser known varietals into people’s glasses. They say, “Love Over Money is to experiment with wines that often are perceived as alternative or different, while being assured that what is inside the bottle can be trusted.” In short, it’s exactly our kind of wine. Evolucio is their Hungarian/Austrian label. Their Blaufranksich has notes of blackberry, red & black cherry, and earth. It’s lovely with lentil soup, grilled ham & cheese, or chicken paprikash.

WHITE: 2022 EVOLUCIO FURMINT, TOKAY, HUNGARY

• [See red note for a bit about the producer.] Furmint is usually ripened to make the sweet dessert wines that made Tokay famous. This dry version still has the stone and citrus fruit notes associated with that grape but also plenty of minerals and lipsmacking acidity. Pair with grilled fish with fruit salsa, warm goat cheese tartines, or grain bowls.

BUBBLY: 2022 KRASNO SPARKLING REBULA, BRDA, SLOVENIA

• The Klet Brda winery started in 1957, though there’s history of wine in the region since 300 BCE. They created their Krasno label to focus on food-friendly wines, primarily for restaurants. Krasno is a village within the region, high atop steep hills, known for the best vineyards in the area. In Slovenia and northern Italy, the grape Ribolla Gialla is relatively common, and here they’ve made a sparkling version of the grape (known locally as Rebula). Notes of white flowers and overripe apples with a hint of earth in the background make these creamy bubbles so interesting. Pop open with mild cheeses, pot stickers, or stuffed mushrooms.

ROSÉ: 2024 SEQUUM LA TRACE ROSÉ, NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

• Sequum is a soil science term that describes the relationship of a vertical sequence of soil layers. Sequum Wines are each made to showcase owner/winemaker Paul Skinner’s deep understanding of the relationship of soil and climate to grape growing. His full-bodied rosé is a blend of Grenache, Syrah & Cinsault with notes of tangy raspberry, red cherry, and minerals. We’d expect nothing less from the wonderful soils of the Napa Valley. Drink with a salmon rice bowl, grilled pork tenderloin, or paella.

NATURAL: 2023 PHEASANT’S TEARS SAPERAVI, KAKHETI, GEORGIA

• John Wurdeman, an American artist, musician, restaurateur, and winemaker, is considered by many for igniting global interest in the wines and winemaking traditions of Georgia. John and his business partner, Gela Patalishvili, opened Pheasant’s Tears in 2007, focusing on tracking down and reviving near-extinct native grape varieties from all around Georgia where winemaking first began 8,000 years ago. Saperavi is the primary red grape, and John ages it in qvevri. The resulting wine has lots of ripe dark fruit notes with an earthy undertone. We recommend pairing it with goulash, lasagna, or stewed meat.

RED: 2022 GOTA PRUNUS DAO TINTO, DAO, PORTUGAL

Gota started in 2008 as a way to export wines from various unsung regions of Portugal to the wider world. Winemaker Natalia Jessa focuses on Dao and a couple other regions as part of the Gota project, and her Prunus wines caught our eye a while back. This sustainable blend of Jaen, Tinta Roriz, Alfrocheiro Preto & Touriga Nacional has a prominent red cherry note along with light tannins and spiciness. This region is renowned for its cherry, so it’s only fitting that the red has that same fruitiness. Pair with duck in cherry sauce, grilled pork tenderloin, or goat’s milk cheeses.

WHITE: 2021 GOTA PRUNUS DAO BRANCO, DAO, PORTUGAL

[See red note for a bit about the producer.] This sustainable white is a blend of Bical, Cerceal Branco, Encruzado & Malvasia Fina. We were immediately taken by its silky mouthfeel and notes of almond, lemon, and white peach. We timed this pick for a month when the majority of wine club gets white because we love this wine so much. Serve with sole almondine, creamy pasta, or shrimp risotto.

BUBBLY: 2021 ANTECH M BRUT RESERVE BRUT, BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX, FRANCE

The Antech family has been making wine in the south of France since 1860 and started practicing organics in 2020. Limoux is the true home of sparkling wine (no matter what tall tale of Dom Perignon you may have heard), so we hope you enjoy a little piece of history in your glass this month. Made from the local varietal Mauzac, the wine has notes of green & yellow apple, yellow raspberry, and ginger. We picked this wine with New Year’s Eve in mind, so maybe it’s time for blinis and caviar (or fried chicken) to celebrate the end of the year.

ROSÉ: 2024 HAIDER WHAT’S NEXT?, BURGENLAND, AUSTRIA

Eva & Berthold Haider farm several hectares of land in the Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park. All farming and winemaking is done in accordance with strict Demeter biodynamic practices, including goats, sheep, and cows roaming the vineyards. We didn’t pick the wine because of its fun package, but the label sure doesn’t hurt. This rosé of Blaufrankisch and Zweigelt is fresh and fruity with notes of red cherry and strawberries & cream. It’ll be darn tasty with latkes & lox, pork loin, or chili.

NATURAL: 2024 CLOS DES MOURRES POMPETTE BLANC, RHONE VALLEY, FRANCE

Ingrid & Jean-Philippe Bouchet bought a small parcel of vineyards in 2009 and started their family winery. They’ve since added a bit more land, but it’s still truly a mom-and-pop operation. They follow biodynamic practices, including planting by the lunar calendar. Their white is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette & Bourboulenc that really caught our eye recently. It has this lovely creamy mouthfeel with notes of ginger, dried flowers, and minerals. A great choice for roasted branzino, gooey cheeses, or pork chops.