Congrats! You did it! You survived the beginning of a new school year! From shopping for new shoes and notebooks to registering for classes, it’s been a whirlwind, so we put together this handy pack to celebrate. From bubbles to the perfect popcorn pairing (Holy Snail Chardonnay please!), a rosé and some fabulous weeknight reds, we’ve got you covered.
Finca Can Petit Single Estate NV Brut Cava – Catalonia, Spain $18.95
This is a blend of 55% Macabeo and 45% Parellada, coming from a single estate vineyard situated 6 km outside Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, the highest point of the region (250 meters above sea level). The soil, which is alluvial in origin, is formed by a lime-arcillous layer which provides a balanced base for the vines to grow in. The resulting wine has good structure and is well balanced, with just a touch of sweetness, which works well with the acidity and has a long, clean finish. Notes of citrus, green apple, pear and brioche are abundant.
Thierry Delaunay 2021 ‘Holy Snail’ Chardonnay – Loire Valley, France $23.95
If you know the Holy Snail Sauvignon Blanc, you will certainly enjoy this Chardonnay vinified by Thierry Delaunay. An elegant expression grown & produced in the Loire Valley in France, this white offers peach, grapefruit and mineral notes. Superbly balanced and concentrated with a beautiful texture and a fine, lingering finish. Perfect for anyone who enjoys a fresher and leaner style of Chardonnay.
Melea 2021 Rosé – Catalonia, Spain $18.95
Organic, Biodynamic and Vegan, this Tempranillo based rose is the ultimate well-made wine at a price to keep your wallet happy. Notes of bright strawberries and red currant with a smooth texture.
Heartland 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon – Langhorne Creek, Australia $21.95
Heartland is a second label from the famed Ben Glaetzer. Ben’s family has some of the longest recorded history of winemaking in the Barossa Valley in Australia! Barossa is known for its hot climate, but Ben put his knowledge of the area to good use and found Langhorne Creek. To the south it is a little cooler, yielding wines with pronounced brightness and elegance. It has bright dark fruit notes, underlined with a tantalizing eucalyptus note and firm, peppery tannins. Burgers – beef, portobello mushroom or otherwise are the perfect pair with this bottle.
Stefan Meyer 2018 Ein Liter Rhodt – Pfalz, Germany $31.95
Stefan Meyer was born to be a winemaker, just like his father and his grandfather, and even his great-grandfather. The family’s estate, located in Germany’s Pfalz, was founded in 1954, with Stefan taking the reins in 2011. As of 2021 all of their 16 hectares of vines are certified organic. This uncomplicated, everyday red is a blend of Frühburgunder (Pinot Noir Précoce), St. Laurent, Dornfelder and Cabernet Franc. You’ll find notes of sour cherries, blackberries and a hint of baking spice compliment soft tannins and juicy acidity. And it’s a 1L to boot!
Fattoria La Lecciaia 2016 Rosso Toscana – Tuscany, Italy $26.95
This is about 70% Sangiovese with local varieties making up the rest of the blend, grapes were hand harvested in late September/early October and vinified in steel tanks with controlled temperature for 15/20 days and aged for about 12 months in oak casks from Slavonia. This is the perfect pizza wine!
“Grilled plums, sour cherries, stewed tomatoes and herbs on the nose. It’s medium-to full-bodied with fine tannins and fresh acidity. Succulent, savory finish.”
