January COM: Travel the New World

We're collecting stamps on our passports as we travel through the New World! This month’s collection features a diverse selection of wines, including 1 sparkling, 5 whites, and 6 reds. Some are more traditional, while others are experimental and innovative. They showcase a blend of Old World influences with new terroirs and cultures to explore. We are very excited about this incredible variety! Cheers!

Case of the Month Hightlights

Kumusha Wines

In 2017, Tinashe launched Kumusha Wines, with "Kumusha" being the Zimbabwean Shona word for "your home," "your roots," or "your origin." Through Kumusha Wines, Tinashe brings his down-to-earth Zimbabwean sensibilities to his minimal-intervention wines, allowing the land of South Africa to truly shine. The Cabernet Sauvignon showcases gamey, earthy smoke and high-toned red berries, while the Sauvignon Blanc highlights the distinct minerality of fruit grown on wind-swept hillsides, offering plenty of citrusy and herbaceous aromas that invite you back for more.

With our January Case of the Month, join us as we travel through the New World and explore the unique stories and terroirs of South Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. Over the past few decades, Old World traditions have influenced these regions and their people, leading to the emergence of new customs. As a result, the world of wine has become increasingly diverse. Join us as we discover some of these wines and their stories!

Domaine Bousquet 2019 Gaia Red Blend Tupungato

The “Tupungato” label on this bottle refers to the mountain where the grapes were grown at 4,000 feet above sea level.

This Argentinian red blend is crafted from 100% organic fruit. Its plush, peppery body and savory earthiness pay homage to Old World blending techniques while highlighting the boldness and fruitiness characteristic of New World wines. With leather, moss, and dark fruit flavors, this Malbec-dominant blend pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted meats, mushrooms, Chinese cuisine, and root vegetables.

Be sure to pick up a bottle in our January case of the month!

Broc 2022 “Love” Red

Broc Cellars, owned by winemaker Chris Brockway, produces minimal-intervention California wines in Berkeley—a non-traditional setting for innovative wines. The “Love” Red is a perfect example of this approach, showcasing the future of creativity in New World winemaking.

This blend features varietals typically found in the South of France but employs winemaking techniques that render it vibrant, lively, and distinctly Californian. Expect flavors of tart, dried red fruits and earthy blackberry, which contribute to the wine's intentional and food-friendly structure. It pairs beautifully with savory charcuterie, fresh crudités, and a variety of romantic winter dinners!

Consider stocking up for Valentine’s Day, or visit our January Bottle Shop Case of the Month to pick it up. The Broc “Love” wine checks all the boxes for a fantastic, lighter-bodied winter red!

Kumeu River 2023 Village Chardonnay

This village, Chardonnay, hails from the North Island of New Zealand and is renowned for its complexity and restraint, all at an attractive price point. Vinified in Auckland, this wine is crafted from grapes from various vineyards across the island, with 80% of the fruit coming from Hawkes Bay. The limestone soils of this region contribute a crisp mineral quality to the wine.

The flavor profile is lean and complex, featuring creamy citrus notes alongside subtle, earthy nectarine undertones. The oak influence is light, as only 30% of the wine was aged in previously used oak barrels, while the remainder was fermented in stainless steel. This makes the Chardonnay ideal for those who enjoy a textural white wine not dominated by oak's warmth.

Fresh and complex, this Chardonnay pairs beautifully with seafood, pasta, or as an aperitif. Check it out in the Bottle Shop's January case of the month!