WINE CLUB | CHEESE CLUB

This month, we’re honoring some those grapes, winemakers, and regions that don’t normally get their time to shine. A grape that you’ve probably only ever had in a blend finally gets some attention. A family of 5 women make some stellar wine (in plastic bottles, nonetheless). A city that’s been passed back and forth between two countries for hundreds of years. A little-known grape from a very-known region. We’re so excited for you to get to taste it all.

Here’s to the underdogs. And cheers to October!

- The Halfseas Team

ALL CLUB MEMBERS GET TO ENJOY THESE 3 BOTTLES:

2020 Vins el Cep Ot

Grape: Xarel-lo
Region: Penedès, Spain
Retail: $14
Pronunciation: “shah-rel-lo”

You’ve probably tasted this grape in sparkling Cava, blended with a couple others (Parellada and Macabeo, if you’re curious), but it’s usually a little shy about taking the limelight for itself. Well, Xarel-lo, this bottle is your time to shine. The family-run winery sits just a bit east of Barcelona and has been around since 1501. The winemakers are all about showcasing how exceptional Spanish wine can be, at a killer value.

Drinking & pairing ideas: This bright wine is a flattering October pairing partner and counterbalance to the stormy weather we’ve been having lately. Try it with some pan-roasted fish with butter, lemons, and capers.

2018 Nomen Malbec

Grape: Malbec
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington, USA
Retail: $18

The team behind Nomen is made up of the 5 O’Reilly women — a mom and her 4 daughters who have spent their lives in the vineyards and learned to grow grapes and make wine as kids. They have memories of waking up on many very early, very cold mornings to spend the day planting vines, until the afternoon temperatures hit almost 100 degree. So, this delicious wine comes with a lot of heart. Plus, the wine comes in these cool PET plastic bottles that produce 77% less greenhouse gas emissions than glass.

Drinking & pairing ideas: We’re digging the idea of this wine with a comforting soup like creamy mushroom or butternut squash, topped with a little fried sage and crushed black pepper. Or, if cooking isn’t quite the vibe, this is shamelessly good pizza-and-movie-night wine.

2019 Charles Helfenbein La Syrah

Grape: Syrah
Region: Rhône Valley, France
Retail: $19

You’ve probably had Syrah a hundred times, but you might not know what a character it is. Syrah has so many antioxidants that drinking it is basically one of the healthiest choices you can make (note: we have no medical training and we’re not authorized to give out medical advice, just delicious wine). Syrah is a bit of a diva — you’ll commonly hear wine growers say “Syrah likes a view” because it does so well when it’s planted towards the tops of hills. And just to keep people guessing, Syrah chooses to go by “Shiraz” in Australia. But above all, Syrah is delectable, and this one is no exception.

Drinking & pairing ideas: We call upon the simple pleasure of a perfectly-seared steak and roasted potatoes (or steak frites, yes we can!).

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

2015 Domaine Schlumberger Les Princes Abbés Pinot Gris

Grape: Pinot Gris
Region: Alsace, France
Retail: $15
Pronunciation: “pee-noh gree”

The region of Alsace is caught in the middle. It’s technically in France, but sits right on the border of Germany and has gone back and forth between the two countries for hundreds of years. It makes sense — Alsace is absolutely stunning and home to wines that make us want to move there and never come back, even if we have to learn two languages (it’s common to hear French and German there).

Drinking & pairing ideas: Pretend it’s Oktoberfest (sans beer though, so on second though…maybe scratch that) and pair this with sausage, spicy mustard, and sauerkraut on a toasted bun.

2019 Sottimano Mate

Grape: Brachetto
Region: Piedmont, Italy
Retail: $18
Pronunciation: “bra-ket-toh”

We’re so excited to get to share this unique bottle of Brachetto, a black-skinned grape from Piedmont that’s much better known for heavy hitters like Nebbiolo in Barolo and Barbaresco. But there’s a sneaky loveliness to Brachetto. It’s a bit quieter, a bit lighter, and dare we say — maybe even a bit more fun when it’s on its own? Either way, we’ll let you be the happy judge on this one.

Drinking & pairing ideas: This is seriously good friend for your favorite pasta dish, especially if that pasta was tossed with a bit of not-very-spicy chorizo, caramelized delicata squash, dried cherries, and parmesan. Serve with a slight chill (but a warm heart ;)).

2018 Delas Ventoux

Grapes: Grenache, Syrah
Region: Ventoux, France
Retail: $13
Pronunciation: “ven-too”

Rounding us out this month, we have this absolute stunner from a lesser-known region in Southern Rhône, right on the Provence border. But this works in our favor — it means there’s a ton of value and drool-worthy wine packed in this bottle. The majestic Mont Ventoux sits high above the town, and the Tour de France riders, hikers, and race car drivers who often make the journey get to take in the vineyard-speckled view from the top.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Ah, would an October club list be complete without a pairing for cozy beef stew? So here we go. Turn the stove on low (or the slow cooker / instant pot / whatever kitchen technology is part of your family) and put a pot of stew on to fill your home with good smells all day. Once you’re ready, pour a glass of this delight then sit back and settle in. Happy October.

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.