WINE CLUB | CHEESE CLUB

Fall has a way of making us get a bit nostalgic as we head into these shorter, cozier days. This month, we’re celebrating wine roots with a handful of wines from Eastern Europe (and one orange wine from Oregon that playfully alludes to it).  

While this area of the world isn’t necessarily hugely known for wine today, it has a long, romantic history of winemaking going back to the very first wines ever made. The first wine is believed to have been accidentally made and intentionally enjoyed in Georgia - there’s evidence suggesting we’ve been drinking this stuff since 6,000 BC. 

It’s often said that wine has the power to banish care. We can only imagine what it must have been like for that first person to experience the warm reprieve from this strange, fermented, odd-smelling, cloudy liquid (it likely wasn’t, you know, exceptional wine). We like to think they called their friends and family together to try this magical elixir, and that life felt a little more joyful and colorful that night. Maybe there was even dancing (are we getting too carried away?)! Regardless, 8,000 years later, we’re still enamored. But luckily for all of us, the wine isn’t as…rustic. 

Here’s to honoring the past, and to continuing the beautiful companionship and levity that grapes have given humans for all these years. 

- The Halfseas Team

ALL CLUB MEMBERS GET TO ENJOY THESE 3 BOTTLES:

2020 Pikasi Pinela 

Grape: Pinela
Region: Vipava Valley, Slovenia
Retail: $17

There’s a notoriously strong wind that sweeps through the beautiful Vipava Valley. Its gusts can be strong enough (we’re talking 120 mph) to make the trees grow sideways and at times cause serious damage — you’ll see boulders lining the rooftops to make sure the panels don’t blow off. But the wind also dries off the grapes to skirt potential mold. Former ballroom dancer-turned-winemaker Matic Rodica turns it all into pure goodness for this delightful bottle.

Drinking & pairing ideas: This is a true September white wine. Light enough to enjoy on one of these unexpectedly warm evenings while you soak up the last bit of the day’s sunshine, but bright enough to stand up to a bit of heartiness. Try it with a white bean and sausage stew.

2016 Piližota Babić

Grape: Babić
Region: Dalmatia, Croatia
Retail: $19
Pronunciation: “bab-itch”

Next up we have Babić, a delicious, indigenous Croatian grape treated with love by humble winemaker Ivica Piližota. His vineyards sit in Central Dalmatia, where the grapes sun themselves on warm days, relax on cool nights, and enjoy a salty breeze whipped up by the sea. We’re frankly a little jealous.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Feeling high brow? Try it with pepper-crusted lamb and roasted potatoes. Not so much? We’d happily, happily drink this with a BBQ bacon cheeseburger (and fries, obviously).

2018 Evolucio Blaufränkisch

Grape: Blaufränkisch
Region: Weinland, Austria
Retail: $12
Pronunciation: “blauw-frahn-kish”

Weinland, Austria is snuggled up on the Hungarian border, and in 2018, it was colder and rainier than usual. While these aren’t always ideal grape-growing conditions, for these grapes, it meant a bit of magic. With less sun than usual, this wine is focused, velvety, packs lighter alcohol content, and (as is the case with most Blaufränkisch) continues its reign over the Kingdom of Undervalued Wines.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Anything cozy and autumn-y. We’re drooling for some lasagna with this gem.

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

2020 Cérvoles Colors

Grapes: Chardonnay, Macabeo, Petit Mansenq
Region: Catalonia, Spain
Retail: $14

Sitting between Barcelona and Zaragoza in Spain is the little-known wild child region of Lleida. Because this area is far from the ocean (and historically, trade), it’s never had a big presence on the world stage. The winemakers in Lleida embrace this and use the space to experiment with new grape varieties, interesting winemaking techniques, and other shenanigans. As soon as you open this bottle, you’ll see that it’s paid off.

Drinking & pairing ideas: This wine doesn’t ask for much. Just whatever strikes your fancy from your favorite seafood market, grilled with lemon and garlic next to some perfectly ripe veggies. Or if you need something more belly-warming, try it with chowder.

2020 David Hill 6000 BC Orange Wine

Grape: Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Riesling
Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Retail: $20

Orange wine is white wine that’s made in the style of red wine. When red grapes are pressed for red wine, their juice is typically clear. The juice then sits with the red skins and seeds to give the wine its color. When white grapes are pressed for white wine, the juice doesn’t typically hang with the grape skins or seeds, but for orange wine, it does to add a bit of color, flavor, and tannin.

The name of this wine is an homage to the earliest winemakers and their clay fermentation receptacles that were discovered in Georgia (the country), dating back 6,000 years.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Our hearts flutter at the thought of drinking this with a whole roasted chicken. If you’re in the mood for cooking something new, try this beloved chicken and bread salad recipe from Zuni Café in San Francisco (a perfect entry into fall).

2019 Skouras St. George

Grape: Agiorgitiko
Region: Nemea, Greece
Retail: $19
Pronunciation: “ah-your-YEE-ti-ko”

Although Agiorgitiko is hard to pronounce, it’s the most widely planted grape in Greece and has the intense nickname of “the blood of Hercules”. Legend has it that after Hercules slayed the fierce Nemean lion, he drank Agiorgitiko from Nemea. Hey, at least this means that you and Hercules have something in common — you’re both lion slayers! Kidding. You both enjoy Nemean Agiorgitiko.

Drinking & pairing ideas: This is perfect for a slow-cooker or braising kind of day. We’d go with slightly-spicy brisket or pulled pork tacos with some pickled onions. Or, of course, your favorite Greek takeout.

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.