December Case of the Month: Christmas in the Alps!

It's time for fireside fondue and an après-ski drink! We have Champagne dupes, aromatic and mineral-driven whites, and gently spiced, fruit-forward reds. This month's case represents exquisite wines from France, Italy, and Switzerland.

Case of the Month Highlights

Elena Walch 2023 Pinot Grigio

This Pinot Grigio from Alto Adige has been ranked #33 on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2024 and is also featured in our Alpine case of the month for December! It offers complex notes of peppery wet stones, tart green pear, and mountain herbs, making it approachable and stimulating. This wine is perfect for pairing with a winter seafood tower or a cheese plate.

Elena Walch is an architect who married into a winemaking family in Alto Adige, Italy's northernmost wine region, located high in the Alps. She quickly established a reputation in the area and is well-regarded for her varietal wines and blends. We carry several of her wines, so be sure to see why she is a favorite at the Bottle Shop!

Léon Beyer Riesling & Pinot Noir

Alsace is a wine region in northeastern France with historical ties to Germany. Its distinct identity is shaped by a warm, dry climate and the protective Vosges Mountains, which allow southwest-facing vineyards to receive ample sunlight for grape ripening. While aromatic wines like Riesling are often seen as overly sweet in the U.S., Alsace wines are typically fermented dry, offering rich flavors and bright acidity that complement many dishes. The Beyer Family has been part of this winemaking tradition since the 1580s, blending heritage with sustainable practices for future generations.

Our December case of the month features several wines from Alsace, including these two from Léon Beyer: a Riesling with lime peel and elderflower aromas, complemented by subtle tropical fruit notes and a mineral backbone with citrusy acidity and a Pinot Noir with bright red fruit flavors, supported by distinct Alpine herbs that enhance its delicate structure. These wines would make a wonderful pairing for a winter meal.

Celebrate 50 Years of Tignanello: The 2021 Super Tuscan is Here!

We have an exciting new arrival at the Bottle Shop! This historic Tuscan blend from Antinori celebrates its 50th vintage with the 2021 bottling, considered one of the best vintages to date.

This bottling showcases Sangiovese's world-class elegance. The Cabernet Sauvignon varieties contribute earthy, herbaceous notes and warmly spiced undertones from aging in small oak barrels. The tannins are robust and reminiscent of rich tobacco.

It can be cellared for a special occasion in the future or enjoyed this holiday season with those who appreciate the finer things in life. It would also make a remarkable gift!

In Tuscany, as in many Old World wine-producing regions, there are strict regulations regarding the types of grapes that can be used in wines from the area. Sangiovese is the dominant grape in wines from Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Blending with other grape varieties is either restricted or prohibited if a vintner wants to label their wine with a regional DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita). Otherwise, even high-quality wines may fall into the lower IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) category, which typically reduces market value.

In the 1970s, a few Tuscan producers began using their finest Sangiovese grapes to create blends with Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. These wines were initially reserved for estate use but were eventually released to the market under IGT status, generating significant attention. They became known as "Super Tuscans," and their popularity has grown ever since.

Antinori is a 600-year-old estate in the Chianti Classico region. It is renowned for its elegant, red-fruited, high-toned, and complex Sangiovese, which is cultivated at a higher altitude than in Chianti. The grapes for this wine are grown in Tignanello, which is regarded as one of the best vineyards in the world.

Come pick up a bottle at the Shop, or explore other wines from the Wine Spectator's Top 100 list for 2024!

November Case of the Month

The November Case of the Month includes 12 wines perfect for Thanksgiving! 

This selection includes some tasty white wines with a nice oaky flavor and zesty acidity, making them a great match for all those rich holiday dishes. You'll also find a fun rosé, a unique orange wine for something different, and a sparkling bubbly to bring some fizz to your celebration. 

On the red wine side, expect fresh, fruity options with a hint of warm, spicy oak, complementing the sweet and savory flavors of classic Thanksgiving meals. 

The wines in this case are a fantastic pick for any holiday gathering you've got planned!

Shiba Wichern 2022 Havlin Auxerrois

Rarely does a wine make us stop in our tracks like this Auxerrois from winemaker Akiko Shiba. It is pretty, textural, quaffable and complex, reminding us of all Thanksgiving flavors!

Auxerrois, an Alsatian white grape related to Pinot Blanc, seldom gets the spotlight to showcase its subtle, Chardonnay-like qualities. It is naturally low in acidity and features earthy, ripe orchard fruits with notes of honey and candied citrus.

These delicate flavors are enhanced by allowing skin contact with the must before fermentation and aging the wine for over a year in large Acacia vessels, imparting a more subtle, floral, warm-spice flavor than oak. Shiba has gained recognition as a talented winemaker in the Willamette Valley and Germany, where she first studied wine. In this bottle, sourced from Havlin vineyard fruit, she aimed to give the usually light and gentle Auxerrois added intensity and structure, allowing it to express itself boldly while remaining well-balanced and fresh.

Lang & Reed 2021 Cabernet Franc

In 1993, Land & Reed was founded in Napa Valley by two sommeliers from Kansas City who were intrigued by the potential of Cabernet Franc in the region. Cabernet Franc, a parent varietal of the more renowned Cabernet Sauvignon, has always played an important role as a blending grape in Bordeaux and has also been celebrated in single-varietal expressions from the Loire Valley in France. In Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc can enhance the brighter, more floral, and aromatic qualities of Cabernet Sauvignon. Conversely, in the Loire, this varietal is known for its vegetal and herbaceous flavors, resulting in a medium-bodied red wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes.

In this particular expression of Cabernet Franc, ripe red fruit and floral notes lead into a tart berry acidity and plush tannins, creating the perfect complement for savory meals throughout the autumn season!

Robert Perroud “L'Enfer des Balloquets” 2022 Brouilly, Beaujolais, FR

The November Case of the Month wouldn't be complete without a Beaujolais! Gamays are the perfect November wine! With their spiced-purple-fruit profile and juicy vibrancy, they make a lively pairing for poultry, mushrooms, and herbal side dishes while complimenting cheese and the earthy-sweet flavors of sweet potato and pumpkin.

This Gamay comes from Brouilly, a Cru of Beaujolais-in France that is south of Burgundy and is exclusively known for making wines from Gamay Noir, which are meant to be drunk somewhat young and embody the freshness of recent harvests.

The name "L'Enfer" refers to the steep, rocky soils of the vineyard site for this fruit–a site which is "hell" to harvest! In this region, the best Gamays are grown on steep, rocky slopes to keep yields down and concentrate the fruit's vibrant flavors. This wine from has spiced cherry and juicy red plum notes with sophisticated earthiness and tannins.

Domaine Castéra 2021 Jurançon Sec

Due to their rich fruit textures and vibrant acidity, the Manseng varietals can be compared to the more familiar French white grape, Chenin Blanc. Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng are two distinct but related varietals grown in the Jurançon region of Southwestern France. Like Chenin Blanc, these Jurançon varietals can be crafted into either sweet or dry ("sec") wines.

This wine is made from early-harvested estate fruit, which is grown using biodynamic practices to address disease pressure, a primary concern in the rain shadow of the Pyrenees Mountains. The viticulturists and enologists do not add sulfur during pressing, allowing for slight oxidation. This process imparts a character reminiscent of slightly bruised fruit and praline, balancing the wine's high acidity and salty minerality. The wine is then aged in a combination of stainless steel, neutral oak, and sandstone vessels, highlighting the diverse textures on the palate.

Johan 2021 Pinot Gris “Drueskall”

The name "Drueskall" translates to "grape skin" in Norwegian, paying homage to the heritage of Johan's Founder, Dag Johan Sundby, and the intention and technique behind this wine. Drueskall is a skin-fermented white wine, known as "orange" wine, made using white or gris grapes in a style similar to red wines.

Typically, when producing white wine, the juice, or "must," is gently pressed and separated from the grape solids, and only the juice is fermented. In contrast, with this wine—and red wines in general—the fruit is crushed (or "macerated") and fermented together with the must and solids. The grape skins, seeds, and sometimes stems contribute tannins and pigments, which enhance the wine's structure and generally promote better aging potential.

The 2021 Drueskall features some stem inclusion and has spent considerable time fermenting on its skins before aging in a wooden vessel. This process gives it a fuller structure reminiscent of red wine while maintaining the characteristics of a white wine varietal. The aging in oak also allows for some oxidation, intensifying the fruit flavors and resulting in a delightful profile of dried fruits and spices—ideal for Thanksgiving dinner!

October Case of the Month

Our October Case of the Month is a celebration of Italian wines.

This handpicked selection showcases the diversity of Italy's winemaking, featuring a range of reds, whites, and sparkling wines from various regions. Each wine is not just food-friendly, but also boasts unique textures, complex flavors, and earthy undertones, making them approachable yet distinctive. This collection offers a captivating journey through Italy's terroirs and winemaking traditions.

Case of the Month Highlights

2021 La Fortuna "Fortunello" Rosso Toscano

In 1907, the Zannoni family started as sharecroppers at Tenuta La Fortuna, a farm in the hills of Montalcino, located about 40 km southeast of Siena in Tuscany. In 1965, they bought the farm and planted Sangiovese vines.

This was around the time when the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG was established, and the Zannoni family played a key role in its development. This region is known for its mature Sangiovese wines that are smooth, bold, and more refined than the blends of Chianti.

While La Fortuna is primarily known for producing Brunello, they still make about 15,000 bottles of declassified Sangiovese, labeled "Fortunello," every year. You can enjoy the wine's rich red fruit and herbal qualities for a great price of $19 at the Bottle Shop, or check it out in our October case of the month!

2022 Deltetto Roero Arneis "Daivej" 

This versatile Piedmont white wine from Deltetto is made from the Arneis grape and is named to honor the region's ancestry – "dai vej" means "the old ones" in Piedmontese. Roero, located north of Alba on the left bank of the Tanaro River, is best known for producing Arneis.

This wine offers supple apple blossom and earthy-honey notes balanced with bright limestone minerality from the region's alluvial soils. 

Carra 2020 Valpolicella Ripasso

The Biscardo family has been associated with their export business since 1987. Through their company, Biscardo Selections, they aim to showcase what Italy offers. Their portfolio includes wines from sustainable, biodynamic, organic, and family-run estates.

They provide wholesale and produce wine in Veneto, such as the Ripasso Valpolicella, a tribute to patriarch Pompilio Biscardo. "Ripasso" refers to a winemaking method in which a fermented Valpolicella wine undergoes a second fermentation process on the dried skins of Corvina and Rondinella grapes, used initially to make Amarone wine. This process gives the wine a warm, dried fruit character, transforming it from its previously fresh, fruity state and resulting in more plush and luxurious tannins.

This Ripasso would pair excellently with an Autumnal stew!

Lo Triolet 2022 Gamay

When we think of Gamay Noir, we typically think of the juicy and rustic wines from the Beaujolais region of France. However, this wine is quite different and is produced high up in the Italian Alps, to the east of Beaujolais in Valle d'Aoste.

The grapes are destemmed, and the wine is aged for 8 months in temperature-controlled stainless steel. This wine offers a wonderful and pure expression of the Gamay berry, with tons of lively red fruits and anise framed by warm, herbal tannins that reflect the Alpine landscape of the Valle d'Aoste.

This medium-bodied and fresh Gamay makes it perfect for an October fondue night or a savory roast.

La Capranera 2021 Fiano

The Fiano grapes used to make this wine were harvested from vineyards in Campania's Cilento National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site composed of sloping hillsides and crystal blue rivers that lead to the jagged Tyrrhenian coastline.

This landscape has been home to human settlements and civilization for around 250,000 years. Here, humanity continues to interact with nature, and this crisp and playful Fiano is a wonderful expression of this relationship.

This white wine is sustainably made with indigenous fruit. It tastes like tart apple candies and sea air and would pair beautifully with seafood and veggies.

The black goat on the label pays homage to the grazing mountain goats of the region, who have watched over centuries of humanity and served as a reminder to enjoy the bounty of the landscape in front of us and to keep climbing, no matter how rugged the terrain.

Pieropan 2023 Soave Classico

"Soave" is a wine region in Veneto (northeastern Italy) known for fresh, vibrant, and low-acid white wines made primarily from the Garganega grape.

The Pieropan family has made their home in the 15th Century Pullici Palace for the last 250 years. They have been producing their iconic Soave Classico here since the early 20th Century, with Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave grapes grown on their estate.

This dry white wine is bright with stone fruit, melon, and floral notes, with enough green-fruit acid to not overwhelm. Its slender green bottle and classic yellow label conjure generations of aperitivo hours in sundrenched courtyards with Castelvetrano olives, marinated veggies, and cheeses and at only 12% ABV, there's still room for a bottle of Amarone with dinner!

Cantele 2022 Primitivo

Looking for a great wine to pair with pizza? Check out the Cantele Primitivo from Puglia, Southern Italy!

Primitivo has a long history in Puglia, dating back to the late 19th Century. It's the same grape that arrived in California and became known as Zinfandel.

This medium-bodied red wine has aromas of tart red and candied black cherries, herbal qualities and warmly spiced tannins. It's a versatile wine that pairs well with food or can be enjoyed on its own.

September Case of the Month

This month's Case of the Month was inspired by the wines of Iberia.

Iberia wines are known for their rich and diverse flavors, influenced by the Iberian Peninsula's unique terroir and winemaking traditions. This month, we've curated 12 exquisite wines, from whites to reds to a lovely sparkling rosé. You will definitely want to stop by and pick up this excellent September Iberia-inspired Case of the Month!

Case of the Month Highlights

Filipa Pato and William Wouters "3b" Sparkling Rosé

The name of this Portuguese extra brut, "3B," refers to the two grapes used—Baga and Bical—and the region it comes from, Bairrada. Filipa and her husband, William, exclusively use grapes native to the area, native yeasts and biodynamic practices.

They combine these ingredients and techniques, learned from working in wine harvests around the world, to create what they call wines "without makeup." Baga is a grape indigenous to this part of Portugal. Its thick skins can make it challenging to work with, leading to overly astringent red wines. However, Baga can shine in sparkling wines!

This "3B" is a champagne-style sparkling wine with little to no sugar added during bottling. 84% of the fruit used in this wine is Baga, and the thick skins give the wine a stunning, almost fuchsia color. It has a bright fruit palate, but the finish is dry and toasty with creamy bubbles. It's a vibrant and sophisticated representation of this region.

Ameztoi Getariako Txakolina

Ameztoi is a family in the Basque region known for producing traditional Txakolina. This wine is a low-alcohol, high-acid, lightly sparkling white wine made from the indigenous grape Hondarrabi Zuri (Hondarrabi Beltza is also permitted, but Ameztoi only uses Zuri). The family's winery in Getaria overlooks the Bay of Biscay, offering a stunning view of the town of San Sebastian from the surrounding cliffs. This crisp and refreshing wine is best enjoyed on hot days, with its flavors reminiscent of the salty sea air and rich history of the Basque region. It's often compared to a Basque Vinho Verde. Pair it with cheese or shellfish, or savor it as an aperitif on a warm day.

Ameztoi, a family in the Basque region, is known for producing traditional Txakolina, a low-alcohol, high-acid, lightly sparkling white wine made from the indigenous grape Hondarrabi Zuri. The wine offers a taste of the region's history and is perfect for hot days. Pair it with cheese or shellfish, or enjoy it as an aperitif.

La Cartuja Priorat, 2021

The term "Llicorella" on this label refers to the Catalan term for the soil type in the Priorat region. Llicorella soil is not typical soil; it is composed of large pieces of slate mixed with smaller pieces of mica quartz, making it very rocky.

The reddish-black slate pieces are a mix of clay and volcanic ash, compressed and eroded over many years. Contrary to what one might expect, poor-quality but well-draining soil is highly valued for growing grapes used in winemaking, similar to the Rocks District in Eastern Oregon.

The Llicorella soils of Priorat are known for growing renowned Garnacha, among other indigenous grapes, to produce complex and mineral-driven red wines. "La Cartuja" is a single-vineyard Priorat made from 70% Garnacha and 30% Mazuelo (Cariñena). It offers high-mineral, low-acid, and blue fruit notes and pairs well with beef, mushrooms, or Chinese food.

Pago Casa Gran 2021 Malvasia

This Spanish white wine embodies "terroir" down to the Iberian script on the label, which is an homage to the ancient Iberian settlement site near the winery southwest of Valencia.

Located at the base of a mountain in the historic "Les Alcusses" valley, vineyard sites of indigenous Malvasia grapes experience a massive range of temperatures under the strong Spanish sun. These conditions allow the fruit to ripen while retaining complexity, lending themselves to tropical citrus and earthy notes in this fresh but compelling wine.

Pago Casa Gran has been 100% organic since 2006 and uses some biodynamic practices. This wine is made using native yeasts.

New Wine Arrivals Plus a Case of the Month Feature

Introducing our latest additions to the shop, including a playful and juicy Slovenian sparkling wine, a creamy Italian white, and a distinctively savory Bandol rosé (also in our August Case of the Month).

Each of these wines offers a unique and delightful experience, perfect for toasting the last days of summer and beyond. Let's explore the delightful characteristics of these new arrivals and the stories behind their origins.

Kobal “Bajta” ‘23 Petillant Natural of Blaufränkisch 

This Slovenian sparkling wine is playful and juicy–ready for whatever you have planned this month to soak up the last days of Summer! A "pet nat" is a wine that is finished before fermentation, which traps CO2 and makes for an electric-sparkling wine! Blaufränkisch is a rich and fruit-forward grape native to neighboring Austria, and it is related to Gamay, which is more commonly known for its earthy, fruit-forward qualities. This "Blau" makes for a brambly sip (think raspberries & blackberries!), rounded out with notes of warming spices, like star anise, and a brioche-like-finish from fermenting in the bottle. Come grab a bottle today!

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Ermes Pavese “Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle” ‘22

This 100% Prié Blanc from Valle d'Aosta can make it to both aperitif-hour and dinner! Fruit for this wine is sourced from Europe's highest vineyard site, in the Italian Alps near the French/Swiss border. Prié Blanc is the oldest documented variety of grape grown in Valle d'Aosta, conveying a lovely minerality. This wine sees some time on fine lees, which gives an otherwise simple wine a great deal of savory structure, and partial malolactic conversion retains a great deal of palate-cleansing acid. In contrast, its creamy structure plays well with food. So good, and sure to please every white wine drinker!

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August Case of the Month Feature

August is the best time of year to visit the South of France, so we're celebrating its region's warm climates, rocky hillsides, and maritime influence with our August case of the month!

While no trip to Provençe would be complete without plenty of "pink wine," Bandol would certainly be stop number one. Bandol is a region east of Marseille, in Provençe, renowned for world-class rosés.

Here, the hillside slopes away from the Mediterranean Sea, providing a barrage of warm southern sun and cool sea air on its terraced vineyards, which were first planted in 600 B.C.E. by the Ancient Greeks.

While Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan, Syrah and "Rolle" (otherwise known as Vermentino) all do well in this region, the grape Mourvedre lends itself to distinctively savory wines.

Domaine Le Galantin 2023 Bandol Rosé

This 2023 rosé from Domaine le Galantin has bright, salty fruit notes (think August melons), balanced by a savory, herbaceous finish that begs for an al fresco happy hour!

Grab this one and 11 other wonderful varieties from the South of France in this month's case of wine!

August Case of the Month featuring wines from the South of France.

Special Release - Portland Bottle Shop Pinot Noir

We've got some big news to share...the Portland Bottle Shop Pinot Noir is here! We celebrated the shop's 13th anniversary in June, and to celebrate, we are popping our very own Pinot Noir! In collaboration with Roots Wine Company, this exquisite wine, with its distinct flavor and aroma, is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional small-producer wines.

This limited batch of Pinot Noir is not just a summer delight but a versatile wine that can be enjoyed in any season. With its medium-bodied flavor profile and delicious red fruit notes, it's the perfect companion for any occasion.

Stop by the shop to enjoy a glass or grab a bottle to take home. The Portland Bottle Shop Pinot Noir would make a lovely hostess or birthday gift and is perfect for sipping with friends and family.

If you are planning to enjoy the bottle at home, we recommend giving it some time to breathe before indulging in its delightful flavors. This Pinot Noir is truly something special, and we hope you all get the chance to experience it. Here's to good wine and great company! Cheers!

June Case of the Month

Our June Case of the Month is here to kick off summer with a bang! One of our favorite things about summer is all the backyard celebrations. This month's case features 12 wines that are perfect for just that. It includes lots of bubbles, rosés, some whites and chillable reds - all food-friendly and easy to drink!

One of the standout wines in this month's case is Three Wine's 'Faux Pas.' Hailing from Contra Costa County, California, this unique chillable red blend features 56% Carignane, 20% Zinfandel, 17% Petite Surah and 7% Mataro. It's a juicy, crushable delight, perfect for patio weather or for dreaming of sunny days. Taste this one ahead of time, as it is currently our special pour to enjoy by the glass at the shop.

Also included in this month's case:

• 2020 Judith Beck Zweigelt Red Wine

• 2023 Van Duzer Pinot Noir Rosé

• 2023 Bonny Doon Vineyard Pink Wine of the Earth Rosé

• 2023 Valeriole Vé Rosé

• 2023 Evesham Wood Blanc du Puits Sec

• 2023 Timothy Malone Wines Viognier

• J.L Denois Brut Rosé

• Dalla Terra Vino Blanco Sparkling White Wine

• Cantina Di Carpi Sparkling Rosé

• +&+ Cava Sparkling Wine

• Broadbent Vinho Verde White Wine