WINE CLUB | CHEESE CLUB

ALL CLUB MEMBERS GET TO ENJOY THESE 3 BOTTLES:

2020 Jean-Marc Brocard Kimmeridgian
Grape: Chardonnay
Region: Burgundy, France
Retail: $24
Pronunciation: "shabb-LEE"

This wine comes from the hills surrounding the area of Chablis. Don't confuse it with its Californian ilk. This chardonnay is a lean, crisp, powerhouse of a bottle that doesn’t see any time in oak. Basically, if you love Chardonnay, you'll love it and if you don't think you like Chardonnay, you'll love it too. As an ode to this part of the world that was once deep underwater, Kimmeridgian refers to the soil where these vines grow — a special mix of ancient limestone and clay containing the fossils of prehistoric sea creatures.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Soak up the last few weeks of summer with some fresh oysters, lots of lemon, and this bottle of wine, chilled.

2022 Clos Fornelli Rosé

Grape: Sciaccarellu
Region: Corsica, France
Retail: $19

In 2005, Madame Vanucci and her husband Fabrice Couloumère set out to make world-class wines from relatively unknown grape varietals. This rosé is made from an Italian grape called Sciaccarellu, and it just adores being grown in Corsica, the rugged and brambly French island. The vineyards are found on the eastern side of the island above the town of Aleria. Their winemaking philosophy is one of low yields and minimalism, allowing the wines to develop intense flavor and freshness.

Drinking & pairing ideas: A feast of grilled vegetables — we're thinking zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, tomatoes, and any other friends who would fit in well. Give 'em all a good drizzle with olive oil, salt, fresh herbs, a touch of lemon zest, and serve it with buttered bread.

2020 Château de Juliénas Cuvée Tradition

Grape: Gamay
Region: Beaujolais, France
Retail: $19
Pronunciation: "BO-juh-lay"

Dating back to the 16th century, this Château is one of the oldest in Beaujolais and has always produced wine from the estate. After being purchased in 1907 by Claude Condemine, the family worked to improve the vineyards and farming practices. These days, his great grandson Thierry and wife Aurélie manage the property. This wine comes from the commune of Juliénas, the northernmost of the 10 ‘cru’ of Beaujolais. Legend has it that the name derives from Julius Caesar, who supposedly named the region during his reign. Now that's a serious fan.

Drinking & pairing ideas: A charcuterie and cheese board that checks all the salty, meaty, creamy, pickle-y, spicy, sweet, crunchy, chewy notes that your heart desires. Put a little chill on it!

6-BOTTLE MEMBERS ALSO GET TO ENJOY THESE 3 BOTTLES:

2022 Monte Xanic Viña Kristel

Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
Retail: $21

Joining us from the Baja peninsula, this is some seriously cool wine from one of the first modern wineries in Mexico. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they brought vines and winemaking, beginning the oldest viticulture in the Americas. But winemaking in Mexico was then outlawed by Charles II as Spain’s wine exports to the new world had dropped. Eventually Mexico would become independent and regain its ability to make wine. In 1987, five friends began Monte Xanic and have helped Mexican wines take leaps and bounds in quality and awareness. They should feel proud of all that effort — they were the first Mexican winery to be represented on the illustrious wine list of The French Laundry. Bravo!

Drinking & pairing ideas: Cold ceviche with red onion, mango, and avocado. Don't forget the salty chips.

2022 Gönc Winery “Cuvée Anna”

Grapes: Žametna Črnina, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, Blaufränkisch
Region: Štajerska, Slovenia
Retail: $19

Peter Gönc is a 4th-generation winemaker. His great grandfather moved to Ptuj after WWII and began cleaning cellars at a winery called Ptujska Klet, the oldest winery in Slovenia. Eventually, he worked his way up to head winemaker and then CEO. Peter’s father also worked at that winery, and started planting his own vineyard for fun. Once Peter was ready, they joined forces and opened Gönc together. Named for his grandmother Anna, this provencal style rosé is partially made with Žametna Črnina, one of the oldest domesticated grape varieties in the world.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Grilled lemon herb chicken with a couscous salad.

2020 Kind Stranger “Alter”

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah
Region: Washington State, USA
Retail: $18

This bottle is coming to us from Andrew Latta, one of the most celebrated young winemakers in Washington state (and a fellow Seattleite). The Kind Stranger project is one of other-centeredness. The blend is sourced from parcels around the state, and proceeds from the sale of these wines go on to support Mary’s Place here locally and the International Rescue Committee on a broader scale. Drink wine that helps people in need? Now we're talking.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Perfect for one of your last BBQs of the season, this would be great with backyard burgers.

Looking for past lineups? We got you.

REMINDERS

• As always, our food suggestions are just starting points. Wine is nostalgic and we’re big fans of making what you like, drinking what you like, and not giving a damn if they “go” together.

• Email us at info@halfseaswine.com to buy more single bottles or a 12-bottle case with special pricing.

• Come see us at Halfseas, your charming little neighborhood wine shop tucked inside Brimmer & Heeltap. Open Wednesday through Sunday 12 - 9pm.

• Wine pairs best with friends. Tell your friends.