WINE CLUB | CHEESE CLUB

Each year I’m humbled at the pace from Halloween to New Year’s Eve. It reminds me of the old Star Trek shows I watched with my dad as a kid and Captain Kirk would launch the USS Enterprise into warp speed. Somehow, in a blink, we go from trick-or-treating to Auld Lang Syne in one fell swoop.

We couldn’t be more grateful for you. This new, altered normal we’re living in is still taking a lot of adjustment, and we’re in awe of the warmth that surrounds this community. Thank you for being part of our wine club. Thank you for trusting us to be your guides on your monthly tasting journey and for indulging our choices, even when they might cause you to raise your eyebrows. And thank you for spreading so much happiness every time we get to see you. Here’s to everything good that wine brings.

Happiest holidays to you and your loved ones.

Jen, Natalie, and the Halfseas Team

ALL CLUB MEMBERS GET TO ENJOY THESE 3 BOTTLES:

2019 ColleStefano Verdicchio di Matelica

Grape: Verdicchio
Region: La Marche, Italy
Retail: $17
Pronunciation: “vair-DEE-kee-oh”

First in our lineup is this memorable white from the Marche region in Italy, which sits a bit inland from the Adriatic and is tucked up in the hills. After studying agriculture, winemaker Fabio Marchionni headed to Germany to learn how to farm organically, with as little environmental intervention as possible. From there, he spent some time bartending and bumping around as post-grads do, before heading back home to take over the family farm. We’re so glad he did.

Drinking & pairing ideas: We could get behind a glass of this fresh wonder with a whimsical seafood dish like shrimp cocktail or salad niçoise, or after the main show with a spread of crumbly almondy cookies with a hint of rosemary, lemon bars finished with a bit of ginger zest, and apricot thumbprints with a touch of cardamom. Our sweet tooth is clearly a bit hot as we write this.

2019 Domaine de l’Amauve La Vigne de Louis Vaucluse

Grapes: Syrah, Grenache
Region: Rhône Valley, France
Retail: $15

This total knockout comes to us from the village of Séguret, that’s charmingly built into the side of a steep limestone cliff in the Southern Rhône. The winemaker, Christian Voeux, ran esteemed cellars for a couple decades before deciding to take over his family’s property and make wines of his own. A trail of fans ensued, including us.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Pork tenderloin, we’re looking at you. And our mouth is watering.

2019 Chateau Fontaine de Penot Rouge

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Region: Bordeaux, France
Retail: $14
Pronunciation: “bore-doh”

The Tarride family crafts this red stunner in their third-generation winery in Bordeaux, a region that has records of winemaking going back to 379 CE. Since then, Bordeaux wines have captured the hearts of the powerful (think: Roman poets, Napoleon, Thomas Jefferson) and everyone else around the world. It’s been ruled by the French (of course) and the British, drained by the Dutch, devastated by some very pesky phylloxera louse, and almost depleted by the Nazis. But Bordeaux still thrives, and it’s incredibly special that we get to drink this bottle and celebrate our collective resilience — especially after the last year and a half.

Drinking & pairing ideas: This one’s made for red meat — pepper-crusted short ribs or steak frites come to a drooly mind — and sitting at a cozy table with people you love.

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

Domaine d'Orfeuille Brut Rosé

Grapes: Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Grolleau
Region: Loire Valley, France
Retail: $20

This bottle of sparkling bliss comes to us from father-son duo Bernard and Arnaud Hérivault and their winery that sits in an outbuilding of a medieval castle. The lush region of Touraine in the Loire Valley was once the go-to getaway spot for French kings, and it was so beautiful that they started a trend among nobility of building vacation homes all around the area. If it’s not already on your travel wish list, we’d highly recommend adding it.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Oh, you can really drink this anytime. While you clean the house and prep dinner, the first glass when friends walk in the door, while you graze over a salty cheese plate, paired with a newspaper-covered table for a Dungeness crab dinner, with a fruit pie for dessert. The world is your oyster (and yes, great idea — this would be phenomenal with oysters).

2020 Jasnières Pascal Janvier

Grape: Chenin Blanc
Region: Loire Valley, France
Retail: $23
Pronunciation: “jahn-yair”

We’re sticking around the Loire Valley for this one. The winemaker Pascal didn’t want to be a winemaker. His parents owned a vineyard, but the contemplative and quiet Pascal wanted to be a butcher instead and headed off to school to learn butchery. But in his thirties, he got the winemaking bug and completely about-faced, although his thoughtful approach didn’t change. He’s now mastered the craft, and we get to enjoy the fruits of all his work in this delightful bottle.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Chilled with Thai or Vietnamese takeout, when you’re sick of cooking.

2015 De Vescovi Ulzbach Teroldego Rotaliano

Grape: Teroldego
Region: Trentino, Italy
Retail: $21

Trentino Alto-Aldige is nestled in the Alps in Northern Italy, along the Swiss and Austrian borders. Both languages are constantly inter-mixed (hence, a German name on an Italian wine), and the entire magical area looks like it belongs in a snow globe. If you’re keeping a travel wishlist, add this one to it, too.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Mushroomy beef brisket, rack of lamb, or some aged cheese while you pretend you’re having a meal in a very, very old castle.

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.