July's Case of the Month brings you delicious wines with some stellar surprises that surely will not disappoint.
From a sparkling to a fabulous Spanish Tempranillo and a whole lotta summer sippers to enjoy in between, you won't want to pass on this month's selection, averaging only 16$ s bottle!
Read on and enjoy!
Sparkling
(France) JJ Denois Brut Rosé
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir
Notes: This beautifully colored sparkling presents fresh, candied notes of raspberry and strawberry. It's light, creamy and perfectly balanced as it is dry, crisp and delicious. From frittatas to fruit tarts and anything fried, this quaffable bubbly is true bliss in a glass.
Rosé
(France) 2021 Domaine de la Jousseliniere Rosé
Grapes: 100% Gamay
Notes: Easy drinking people pleaser with a delicate pinkish salmon hue, this rosé from the Loire Valley shows cherry notes and zingy minerality. With a hint of saline on the finish, this pairs well with any shellfish or a summer strawberry and spinach salad topped with a mild chèvre.
(Oregon) 2021 Little Wing Rosé
Grapes: Blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre
Notes: A pleasant surprise from the Willamette Valley, this rosé shows citrusy notes with a hint of cranberry without the tartness and a delightful finish with hints of butter. It would go well with a nice charcuterie plate with strong cheeses.
Whites
(Greece) 2020 Stamnkai
Grapes: 100% Assyrtiko
Notes: This wine is a bright addition to your summer drinking list. With mellow green apple and honeydew undertones, the malolactic softness balances the crisp acidity. This Greek delight would pair nicely with grilled asparagus or a fantastic Mezza plate.
(France) 2020 Chateau Laulerie Bergerac
Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc with a touch of Semillon
Notes: Juicy and luscious, with a soft texture that manages to surprise midpalate with a slight grapefruit hint that gives it a lovely lift. This approachable Sauvignon Blanc shows excellent balance and quality for the price.
(Spain) 2020 Balnea Verdejo
Grapes: 100% Verdejo
Notes: A beautiful floral nose gently floats into the essence of stone fruits with a hint of a yellow gummy bear, which suggests a touch of sweetness, but it is balanced perfectly with acidity to make this an easy drinker. Think shellfish or grilled vegetables with cured meats.
(Oregon) Illahe Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
Grapes: 100% Pinot Gris
Notes: Lush and lovely, this Gris perfectly balances tones of honey, slate and unripe peach while maintaining balance with a hint of petrol. Soft on the palate, it lingers with a hint of pear, asking for more. Pairing with spicy foods would be a fine idea, as would grilled portobello mushrooms with a balsamic drizzle and a touch of blue cheese. Yum!
Reds
(Slovenia) 2021, Full Circle Frankinja Gamay
Grapes: 85% Frankinja, 15% Gamay
Notes: Frankinja is native to Slovenia. This organic blend enjoys a wild fermentation in stainless steel and is very expressive of the region's terroir. The results are delicious, with pronounced fruitiness balanced with pleasant acidity and a hint of black pepper. It is ready for you to enjoy with all your meats, from street tacos to a smash burger!
(Oregon) 2017 Matzinger Davies Eola-Amity Pinot Noir
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir
Notes: It can be hard to find a Willamette Valley Pinot worth noting for under 30$, but this one should not be ignored. Expect notes of cola, earthy forest floor with a suggestive hint of leather nicely balanced by bright bing cherry. Hearty meats on the grill would be a great compliment to this impressive Pinot at a great price.
(Spain) 2009 Lopez de Heredia Vina Bosconia
Grapes: Tempranillo Blend
Notes: This is an opportunity to sample a stunning Spanish favorite. Spicy dark fruit and oaky undertones lead you to a silky smooth persistent finish. Organic and biodynamically farmed, it is a perfect treat to accompany all your summer BBQ favorites!
(Italy) 2018 Fidora ‘Monte Tabor’ Valpolicella
Grapes: Corvina, Rondinella, Corvignone
Notes: Inviting herbaceous nose with plenty of black currant and plumb. Summer is the time for the lighter pasta fare, and this gem will perfectly pair!
(Portugal) 2020 Filipa Pato ‘Dinamica’ Vinho Tinto
Grapes: 100% Baga
Notes: Well balanced bright high acids and all the red fruits on the nose. It is dry, bold, and a little off the beaten path but an extremely well-made natural wine. You won't want to miss the blueberry on the finish!