WINE CLUB | CHEESE CLUB

This month, join us for a little Spanish getaway, with killer wines from one of our favorite countries. Spain has been producing wine forever, and we mean FOREVER. Historians are pretty sure grapes have been growing there since 4000 or 3000 BC, and there are artifacts of wine trade going back to 1100 BC. Then they did business with the Romans, though not necessarily to rave reception — Pliny the Elder left a scathing review, writing that one Spanish wine was only good for getting drunk. Well, despite all that, we think Pliny would be pretty tickled about our lineup this month. We hope you enjoy too.

The Halfseas Team

ALL CLUB MEMBERS GET TO ENJOY THESE 3 BOTTLES:

2021 Armas de Guerra Tinto

Grape: Mencía
Region: El Bierzo, Spain
Retail: $21
Pronunciation: “men-SEE-yah”

The Armas de Guerra (which translates to “Arms of War”) winery is one of the oldest wineries in Bierzo. Back in the late 19th century, they supplied the Spanish military with wine. The Navy in particular loved their hearty wines because they traveled well and could withstand long, rocky journeys at sea without losing their punch. Lucky sailors.

Drinking + pairing ideas: Grilled lamb chops marinated in rosemary and garlic, with a veggie galette drizzled with olive oil and topped with some flaky salt.

2021 Alta Alella Garnatxa GX

Grape: Garnatxa Negra (Grenache Noir)
Region: Catalunya, Spain
Retail: $18
Pronunciation: “gar-NAH-cha”

The Garnatxa grape, also known as Grenache, has a rich and storied history that spans centuries and wine regions. It’s believed to have originated in the region of Aragon in northern Spain, where it was first cultivated by the ancient Romans. This popular, adaptable little grape was so delicious that everyone wanted a piece of the action, and it spread across Europe like wildfire. Garnatxa now one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world, and it’s a key component in many famous blends (GSM from the Rhône, anyone?).

Drinking + pairing ideas: Skewer up some big cubes of halloumi cheese to grill, top them off with a fruit salsa, and serve garlic bread on the side.

2020 Uva de Vida Biográfico

Grapes: Tempranillo, Graciano
Region: Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Retail: $25
Pronunciation: “tem-prah-NEE-yo, grahs-SYAH-no”

Uva de Vida means “grape of life” (yes, we’re also thinking about “football is life” from Ted Lasso), and these winemakers mean it. They’re all about biodynamic practices, which means they focus on the vineyard as a holistic ecosystem where the plants, animals, and natural elements all play a role. They follow the lunar calendar, and use the positions of the moon and stars as a guide for planting, pruning, and harvesting the grapes. They create special composts and teas to nourish the soil, kind of like a superfood for the grapes. Biodynamic farmers often also have beehives, chickens, and sheep roaming around the vineyards to pollinate the flowers, eat pests, and fertilize the soil. A little woo woo? Maybe. Very delicious? Absolutely.

Drinking + pairing ideas: Grilled chicken wrapped in pita with lots of fresh veggies, garlicky yogurt sauce, feta, and something spicy. Rice on the side would be so good.

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

2021 La Val Albariño

Grape: Albariño
Region: Galicia, Rias Baixas
Retail: $18
Pronunciation: “ahl-bah-REEN-nyoh”

Roberto Regal is our steadfast winemaker here. He was born and raised in the heart of Rías Baixas, where this wine is made, and he grew up surrounded by vineyards. At his family's vineyard, he learned the art and science of cultivating grapes and crafting exceptional wines. He then went and formally studied oenology to refine his skills and deepen his understanding of winemaking techniques. So yes, he definitely knows his stuff, and wow, does it show in this lovely, fresh bottle.

Drinking + pairing ideas: This would be a dream with chilled oysters on the half shell, grilled shrimp skewers with a squeeze of lemon, or lemony ceviche. Serve the wine chilled, alongside a summer salad with crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a tangy vinaigrette.

2021 Handwork Garnacha

Grape: Garnacha
Region: La Mancha, Spain
Retail: $18
Pronunciation: “gar-NAH-cha”

Rosa Martinez is the skilled winemaker behind this bottle. She believes in the artistry of "handwork," where every step of the winemaking process is meticulously done by hand. This bottle is an homage to all the people making wine with loads of thoughtfulness, sweat, and passion. We hope you can taste the love in there.

Drinking + pairing ideas: We’d go full classic Spanish here with sautéed chorizo and roasted pepper tapas, with some fresh herbs and crusty bread to soak up all the saucy goodness.

2017 Granito del Cadalso

Grapes: Garnacha
Region: Madrid, Spain
Retail: $21
Pronunciation: “gar-NAH-cha”

Last up we have this dark beauty from a small, family-run winery in the Cadalso de los Vidrios neighborhood in Madrid. Juan Manuel González grew up in the vineyards, and spent lots of time observing in the cellars until he could finally give it a go himself. He’s now one of the most respected winemakers in the area, and crafted this bottle with precision and delight.

Drinking + pairing ideas: Backyard burgers with all the toppings.

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.