As the year winds down and the holidays fill our calendars (and glasses), we can’t help but pause to reflect on what an incredible year it’s been—thanks to you. Your enthusiasm for discovering new wines and sharing this journey with us makes this club feel like family, and we’re just so stinkin’ grateful for you.

To get you into the festive spirit, we’ve put together a fun lineup of holiday wines this month. Whether you’re looking to thrill your party guests with something unexpected or unwind by the fire with a well-deserved glass, we’ve found some true gems for you. All you need to do is sip, savor, and enjoy the season.

Wishing you a holiday season full of warmth, good company, and great wine.

The Halfseas Team

ALL CLUB MEMBERS GET TO ENJOY THESE 3 BOTTLES:

Lini 910 Labrusca Rosé

Grape: 50% Salamino, 50% Sorbara
Region: Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Retail: $25

Labrusca is the ancient Roman name for the family of Lambrusco grape varieties, believed by many to be among the earliest grapes used to produce wine. Founded in 1910, Lini 910 is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated winery, producer of Emilia's leading wines including the first-ever Lambrusco included in Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of Italy. Thanks to his longstanding relationships with growers and deft hand, winemaker Fabio Lini has set the benchmark for artisanal Lambrusco.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Any festive holiday moment.

2022 Lelievre Auxerrois

Grape: Auxerrois
Region: Côtes de Toul, France
Retail: $27

Once flourishing, Lorraine vineyards have been destroyed by 3 consecutive French-German wars: 1870, 1914 and 1939. In the early 1950's, a handful of talented winegrowers and winemakers, whose families have always lived in the area, decided to revive the appellation and replanted vines that could thrive in this very continental weather. 45 years later, vines are blossoming and the Cotes de Toul appellation is back on the map!

Planted on 1.2 hectares of clay-limestone and silt soils, on a "cuesta" topography similar to some areas in Burgundy, auxerrois grapes are harvested and sorted out manually by the same team every year. The juice from direct press goes into fermentation under temperature control and is raised on fine lies in stainless steel tanks for 3 to 4 months..

While its delicate nose reveals notes of apple, pear, white peach and mirabelle, its mouth unveils round and harmonious zesty aromas.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Shrimp cocktail

2020 Lucchetti Lacrima di Morro d’Alba

Grape: Lacrima
Region: Le Marche, Italy
Retail: $22

This family owned estate began production in the 1980’s and works primarily with the indigenous Lacrima grape. A deep, aromatic red with structured blackberry, pomegranate, and herbal notes. Very floral and concentrated with perfumed notes of roses and violets. Fermented in stainless steel. Lacrima’s origins trace back centuries, predominantly to the Marche region, particularly around Morro d’Alba. Its name, meaning “tear” in Italian, derives from the unique teardrop-like juice droplets that emerge from its ripe berries.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Chicken parmesan

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

2022 Cara Sur Criollas Tintas Pergolas

Grapes: Canela, Cereza, Moscatel Tinto
Region: Valle de Calingasta, Argentina
Retail: $25

The grapes used in this wine come from the ancient pergolas, typically found in the houses in the Calingasta Valley. It is a special spot in every garden where families gather under its shade to socialise. Every vintage time, families in their village bring the grapes from their houses and they use them as part of this wine. They are a nod to traditional peasant wines.

The wine is a multi-grape blend with varieties such as Cereza, Canela and Moscatel Tinto, fruit-driven and light in body. Fermented with natural yeasts and matured on its lees for eight months. It has almost imperceptible tannins, with a soft and round texture, juicy with flavors and aromas of red berries. Cereza, the name of one variety, means “cherry” in the Spanish language which is a good clue to the style.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Appetizers, charcuterie

​2022 Paşaeli House Red

Grapes: 60% Karasakız, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon,10% Çalkarası
Region: Marmara, Turkey
Retail: $24

Each variety is sourced from a unique terroir and fermented with native yeast. Our elegant blend unites the diverse terroirs of the Aegean region, expressing all its diversity. This is a fresh, fruit-forward ode to the bistros of Istanbul and beyond.

The 2021 Pasaeli House Red hails from Turkey’s ancient wine region, the Aegean, where winemaking dates back to biblical time. The estate, founded by Seyit Karagözoğlu in 2000, focuses on indigenous Turkish grapes and Bordeaux varieties. The wine is a delightful fusion of fruit-forward freshness and subtle depth, with a real sense of place. It’s a true example of Turkey’s growing wine culture, offering great value and an exciting taste of the Aegean.

Fun Fact: Turkey’s wine history is ancient, and with over 600 indigenous grape varieties, it’s no wonder that new boutique wineries like Pasaeli are gaining attention. Wines like this one are helping to put Turkish wine on the global map—one sip at a time!

Drinking & pairing ideas: It’s a versatile wine that complements everything from grilled meats to savory pastries.

2022 Les Donats Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux Rouge

Grapes: Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Bordeaux, France
Retail: $25

Merlot takes the lead in this charming, everyday Bordeaux, planted in large percentages because of the high proportion of clay-limestone soils within Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. In the glass, this everyday Bordeaux embodies the best of the “bistro wine” category with an altogether refreshing vibe.

Côtes de Bordeaux is the umbrella appellation, and individually, they are known by their regional names with “Côtes de Bordeaux” appended to each. Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, one of the five appellations in Bordeaux, take their names from “côte”—French for hill or slope—for good reason: the hillside vineyards, with altitudes up to 127 meters, are the highest in the greater Bordeaux area, which results in fresh wines with high acidity.

The largest of the Côtes, and situated on the Gironde Estuary facing the Médoc area, Blaye occupies 6500 hectares across 41 communes. In the east, the soils are predominantly clay-limestone and to the north, sandy and gravel soils dominate, where the Sauvignon Blanc grape thrives. While the climate is largely temperate, maritime influence creates humid conditions.

Drinking & pairing ideas: A hearty stew

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.

• Wine pairs best with friends. Tell your friends.