Responsible Indulgence—July 2026
Pressed for Thought
The summer table is all about fresh vegetables and my continuing education on how to grill. It is not as easy as it looks. That said, easy or not, I love the char, so I must master it! (Yes, charcoal, of course, why would I make it any easier for myself?)
This past weekend, I made baby back ribs for the first time with a sticky Thai BBQ sauce that I read about in Wine Food. First, get a copy of this book if you care about food and wine pairings. It is one of the few books that I have found that take this intersection seriously. They offer a wide variety of cooking styles and menu choices, along with pairing suggestions and even specific producers—many of whom we carry at the shop. Second, get yourself the ingredients for this BBQ sauce—it is easy and phenomenal! Grilled baby backs with grilled vegetables, all served with crunchy garlic. I served it with a Glou Glou wine, as they suggested. It was a hit at our potluck dinner! The best part is the affordabilityfactor. You can cook a big feast for 8-10 people for not a lot of bucks and the leftovers were divine on some toasted baguette last night.
You might be asking what a Glou-Glou wine is, so let me explain. This is an expression the French use for wine that easy to throw back because it is fruity, fresh, with relatively lowtannins, but still bright acidity to cleanse the palate. (And, it has to be with this spicy, sticky BBQ sauce!) I went with the Vera de Estanas Bobal, from the Value 3 pack and it was the perfect pair for the heat and char!
I hope you enjoy the grill, the summer sunshine, and our July picks!
Cheers, Maria
Responsible Indulgence—July Wine Notes, by Matt Rose
Value Wines
21 Vera de Estenas Bobal
Vera de Estenas is located in the Utiel-Requena region of Spain and has been in operation since 1945. The estate works primarily with two varietals: Tardana, an indigenous, thick-skinned white grape found only in Utiel-Requena, and Bobal, its flagship red varietal, which you are about to explore. The vines used to craft this Bobal are between 50 and 100 years old and are bush-trained in river stone-laden vineyards.
Deep ruby in color, the 2021 Vera de Estenas Bobal opens with expressive aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, and blackberry, layered with subtle notes of Mediterranean herbs, violet, and sweet spice. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, offering juicy dark fruit flavors supported by fresh acidity and supple tannins. Hints of cocoa, earth, and mineral undertones add complexity, leading to a smooth, balanced finish with lingering notes of black fruit and spice. The wine is initially vinified in concrete for three months to preserve its vibrant fruit character before being transferred to used oak barrels for five to six months of aging prior to bottling.
24 Pianoro Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Produced in the hills of Abruzzo, Italy, Pianoro Trebbiano d'Abruzzo reflects the region's long tradition of crafting fresh, mineral-driven white wines from one of central Italy's most historic grape varieties. The winery focuses on preserving varietal purity through gentle handling in the cellar, utilizing temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel to retain freshness, aromatics, and vibrant fruit character, with no oak influence to mask the grape's natural expression.
Pale straw yellow in color, the 2024 Pianoro Trebbiano d'Abruzzo opens with inviting aromas of pear, white peach, citrus blossom, and green apple, accented by delicate floral notes and a subtle almond nuance. Light- to medium-bodied, the palate is crisp and refreshing, showcasing bright orchard fruit flavors, lively acidity, and a distinctive mineral streak that speaks to Abruzzo's hillside vineyards. Clean and balanced through the finish, lingering notes of citrus, stone fruit, and almond make this an approachable yet characterful expression of Trebbiano.
25 Fenouillet Ventoux Rosé
Domaine de Fenouillet is a family-owned estate located in the Ventoux appellation of France's Southern Rhône Valley. The Soard family has cultivated vineyards here for generations, farming organically since 2012 and focusing on wines that reflect the unique terroir at the foot of Mont Ventoux. The 2025 Ventoux Rosé is crafted primarily from Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah, with the grapes gently direct-pressed and fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel to preserve freshness, purity of fruit, and aromatic intensity.
Pale salmon-pink in color, the 2025 Fenouillet Ventoux Rosé opens with fragrant aromas of wild strawberry, watermelon, white peach, and citrus blossom, accented by delicate floral notes and hints of Provençal herbs. The palate is light- to medium-bodied, offering vibrant flavors of fresh red berries and stone fruit balanced by crisp acidity and a refreshing mineral streak. The direct-press winemaking technique enhances the wine's elegance and precision, resulting in a clean, dry finish with lingering notes of strawberry, grapefruit, and wet stone. Bright, expressive, and effortlessly drinkable, this rosé captures the freshness and character of the Ventoux region.
24 Zillamina Monastrell
Zillamina is produced in southeastern Spain, where Monastrell (also known as Mourvèdre in France) has been cultivated for centuries and thrives in the region's hot, arid climate and limestone-rich soils. The winery focuses on expressing the varietal's character through sustainable vineyard practices and minimal-intervention winemaking. The 2024 Zillamina Monastrell is sourced from low-yielding vines, with fermentation taking place in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and purity of fruit, while a brief period of aging allows the wine's structure and flavors to harmonize before bottling.
Deep ruby-purple in color, the 2024 Zillamina Monastrell opens with inviting aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and ripe plum, layered with notes of violet, Mediterranean herbs, and a touch of black pepper. Medium- to full-bodied, the palate delivers concentrated dark fruit flavors balanced by fresh acidity and velvety tannins. Subtle hints of cocoa, earth, and spice add complexity, leading to a smooth, approachable finish with lingering notes of black fruit and savory herbs. Rich yet balanced, this wine showcases the warmth, intensity, and distinctive character that have made Monastrell one of Spain's most celebrated indigenous red varieties.
22 Woop Woop Shiraz
Woop Woop Wines was established to showcase the approachable, fruit-forward style that has made Australian wines popular around the world. Sourced from select vineyards across South Australia, the winery focuses on crafting expressive wines that highlight varietal character while maintaining balance and drinkability. The 2022 Woop Woop Shiraz is fermented in stainless steel with regular pump-overs to enhance color, flavor, and tannin extraction. A portion of the wine is then matured in oak, adding subtle spice and texture while preserving the vibrant fruit profile that defines Australian Shiraz.
Deep garnet in color, the 2022 Woop Woop Shiraz opens with generous aromas of blackberry, plum, and black cherry, layered with notes of cracked pepper, licorice, and baking spice. The palate is full-bodied and rich, offering concentrated dark fruit flavors supported by velvety tannins and balanced acidity. Hints of mocha, vanilla, and smoky oak add complexity and depth, leading to a smooth, lingering finish with notes of ripe berry fruit and spice. Bold yet approachable, this Shiraz captures the warmth and generosity of South Australia's winemaking tradition.
24 Chateau Jouclary Chardonnay
Château Jouclary is a historic estate located in the Cabardès region of southern France, an area renowned for its cool-climate vineyards and long winemaking tradition dating back centuries. Benefiting from the influence of both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the estate produces wines that emphasize freshness, balance, and varietal expression. The 2024 Château Jouclary Chardonnay is fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks to preserve its aromatic purity and vibrant fruit character. Extended aging on the fine lees enhances texture and complexity, creating a wine that is both expressive and refined. Of their nearly 150 acres of vines, only 15 acres are planted to Chardonnay.
Pale gold in color, the 2024 Château Jouclary Chardonnay opens with aromas of ripe pear, golden apple, and citrus blossom, complemented by notes of white peach and a touch of fresh brioche. The palate is medium-bodied and elegant, offering layers of orchard fruit, lemon zest, and subtle mineral notes balanced by bright acidity. Lees aging contributes a gentle creaminess and depth without overshadowing the wine's freshness. The finish is clean and persistent, with lingering notes of citrus, stone fruit, and a delicate hint of almond, showcasing the vibrant character of Cabardès Chardonnay.
Select Wines
23 Giapoza Cabernet Sauvignon
Giapoza is a California Cabernet Sauvignon produced by the Pozzan family, whose winemaking roots span generations in California. Winemaker Michael Pozzan draws on long-standing relationships with growers in Napa and Sonoma to source quality fruit that highlights the richness and approachability of the region’s Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2023 Giapoza Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted to emphasize varietal expression, with fermentation designed to extract deep color, ripe fruit character, and structure, followed by oak aging that adds complexity while maintaining balance.
Deep ruby in color, the 2023 Giapoza Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and cassis, layered with notes of cedar, vanilla, and baking spice. The palate is full-bodied and generous, offering ripe dark fruit flavors supported by smooth tannins and a balanced acidity. Hints of cocoa, toasted oak, and subtle earthiness add depth, leading to a polished finish with lingering notes of black fruit and spice. Rich yet approachable, this Cabernet showcases the bold, fruit-driven style that defines many California expressions of the varietal.
24 Pullus Halozan White Blend
A litre! Pullus Haložan is produced by Ptujska Klet, one of Slovenia’s oldest and most historic wine cellars, with cellars dating back to 1239 in the town of Ptuj. The winery has long been dedicated to showcasing the cool-climate character of the Štajerska region, where steep hillside vineyards and diverse soils create ideal conditions for fresh, aromatic white wines. Haložan is a traditional Slovenian field blend made from Welschriesling, Riesling, Chardonnay, Furmint, and Pinot Blanc. Each variety is harvested and vinified separately before blending, with cool stainless-steel fermentation and lees aging to preserve freshness while adding texture and complexity.
Pale straw in color, the 2024 Pullus Haložan White opens with bright aromas of green apple, pear, apricot, and white flowers, accented by hints of citrus and a subtle mineral note. The palate is light-bodied and refreshing, showing crisp acidity, juicy orchard fruit, and a delicate floral character balanced by a gentle roundness from lees aging. Clean, youthful, and vibrant, the wine finishes with lingering notes of lemon, stone fruit, and fresh herbs. A classic expression of Štajerska, Haložan captures the region’s tradition of creating approachable, lively whites meant for everyday enjoyment.
25 Gavoty La Cigale Rosé
Domaine Gavoty is a historic family estate located in Provence’s Côtes de Provence appellation, with winemaking roots dating back to the early 1800s. The estate is known for championing traditional Provençal varieties and expressing the character of its limestone-rich vineyards. The 2025 La Cigale Rosé is crafted primarily from Grenache, and Cinsault, with small amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre added for complexity; the grapes are gently pressed to preserve delicate aromas before a cool stainless-steel fermentation. The wine is aged on fine lees, adding texture and depth while maintaining the freshness and elegance that define Provençal rosé.
Pale salmon in color, the 2025 Gavoty La Cigale opens with bright aromas of white peach, wild strawberry, citrus blossom, and hints of Provençal herbs. The palate is crisp and refined, showing flavors of ripe melon, red berries, and lemon zest balanced by lively acidity and a subtle mineral character. The gentle lees aging brings a soft roundness to the texture, while the fresh fruit profile remains vibrant and precise. The finish is dry, refreshing, and lingering, with notes of citrus, stone fruit, and a touch of salinity that reflect the Mediterranean influence of Provence.
21 Anthony Road Lemberger
The 2021 Anthony Road Lemberger showcases the Finger Lakes’ ability to craft distinctive cool-climate red wines. Made from Lemberger (also known as Blaufränkisch), a Central European variety known for bright acidity, dark fruit, and peppery spice, this wine offers aromas and flavors of blueberry, ripe plum, pomegranate, and subtle spice, balanced by the lively freshness that defines the region.
The Finger Lakes AVA of New York is shaped by its deep glacial lakes, which moderate temperatures and create a longer growing season suited to varieties that thrive in cooler climates. The combination of mineral-rich soils, elevation, and lake influence allows grapes to retain natural acidity while developing complex fruit character.
Located on the western shore of Seneca Lake, Anthony Road Wine Company was founded in 1990 by Ann and John Martini along with Donna and Derek Wilber. The winery has become a respected Finger Lakes producer, with a focus on sustainable vineyard practices, research, and education. Their vineyards include the Martini Family Vineyard, where Lemberger is grown to highlight the unique expression of the region.
The 2021 Anthony Road Lemberger reflects the balance of fruit, acidity, and earthy complexity that defines Finger Lakes red wines. It is an example of how this cool-climate appellation continues to gain recognition for producing elegant, food-friendly wines with a strong sense of place.
23 Buxy Cotes de Chalonnaise
The 2023 Buxy Côtes de Chalonnaise Rouge showcases the elegance and freshness of Pinot Noir from southern Burgundy. This red wine displays classic varietal characteristics of bright red cherry, raspberry, and subtle earthy notes, with hints of spice and a refined, silky texture. Its lively acidity and balanced structure reflect the cool continental climate of Burgundy, allowing the fruit to develop complexity while maintaining freshness.
The Côtes de Chalonnaise appellation is located between the Côte de Beaune and the Mâconnais regions of Burgundy, France. Known for producing expressive yet approachable Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the region offers excellent value while still reflecting the traditional Burgundian style. The vineyards are planted on rolling slopes with limestone and clay soils, which help shape wines with vibrant acidity, minerality, and a distinctive sense of place.
Founded in 1931, Buxy is one of the leading producers in the Côtes de Chalonnaise. The winery began as a cooperative and works closely with local growers throughout the region to highlight the character of individual vineyards. By combining traditional Burgundian techniques with modern winemaking practices, Buxy has helped bring greater recognition to the wines of this often-underrated appellation.
The 2023 Buxy Côtes de Chalonnaise Rouge is a charming example of Burgundy’s ability to produce wines that are both nuanced and approachable. With its balance of fresh fruit, earthy complexity, and graceful structure, it offers an inviting introduction to the character of Pinot Noir from the Côtes de Chalonnaise.
24 Thevenet Saint Veran
The 2024 Saint-Véran from Domaine Thevenet & Fils showcases the classic elegance of southern Burgundy’s Mâconnais region. Made from 100% Chardonnay, this wine reflects the limestone-rich soils and warm, rolling vineyards surrounding the villages of Pierreclos and neighboring communes.
On the nose, expect fresh citrus, ripe pear, white flowers, and subtle almond notes. The palate balances generous Chardonnay fruit with bright acidity and a mineral finish, offering a style that is approachable in youth but retains the structure and freshness typical of well-made Saint-Véran.
Domaine Thevenet & Fils is a family domaine rooted in Pierreclos, in the heart of the Mâconnais. Jean-Claude Thevenet took over the estate in 1971, expanding the family vineyards from a small holding into a respected domaine known for honest, terroir-driven wines. The family has also maintained a long tradition of vine cultivation, supplying quality vines to other Burgundy and Champagne growers. Today, the domaine continues under the next generation, with a focus on purity, balance, and expressing the character of each vineyard site.
The Saint-Véran appellation, created in 1971, surrounds the more famous Pouilly-Fuissé region and produces exclusively white wines from Chardonnay. Its Jurassic limestone and clay soils help create wines with a combination of ripe fruit, texture, and refreshing minerality.
Collector Wines
24 Billard et Fils Saint Romaine
The 2024 Saint-Romain Rouge from Domaine Billard Père & Fils is a refined expression of Pinot Noir from the Côte de Beaune, showcasing the elegance and freshness that define this cooler, high-altitude Burgundy appellation. Grown on clay soils, the wine offers a balance of bright red fruit, delicate structure, and earthy minerality.
The wine opens with aromas of red cherry, redcurrant, wild strawberry, and subtle floral notes, with hints of spice and earth adding complexity. On the palate, it is light to medium-bodied, with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a graceful mineral finish. The style favors finesse over power, making it an excellent example of the aromatic, lifted character often found in Saint-Romain Pinot Noir.
Domaine Billard Père & Fils is a family domaine based in La Rochepot in the Côte de Beaune, with roots dating back to 1930 when Louis Billard established the estate. The domaine was later expanded by Michel Billard, and today it is led by Jérôme Billard, who shifted the estate toward estate bottling and a more terroir-focused approach. The domaine farms with a strong emphasis on sustainable and organic practices, including hand harvesting, lower yields, and indigenous yeast fermentation to preserve vineyard character.
The Saint-Romain appellation, located in the Côte de Beaune near Meursault and Auxey-Duresses, is one of Burgundy’s higher-elevation village appellations. Its limestone-rich soils and cooler exposures produce wines known for freshness, aromatic detail, and mineral-driven structure. While Saint-Romain is often associated with Chardonnay, its Pinot Noir plantings can offer beautifully fragrant, elegant reds with a distinct Burgundian sense of place.
23 Chetif Quart Givry Blanc 1er Cru “Les Paradis”
The 2023 Givry Blanc 1er Cru “Le Paradis” from Domaine du Chétif Quart is a precise and expressive Chardonnay from the Côte Chalonnaise, highlighting the elegance and mineral character that define top white wines from Givry. Produced from the Premier Cru climat “Le Paradis,” this wine reflects the region’s limestone-rich soils and higher-elevation vineyards, bringing together ripe fruit, freshness, and a distinctive Burgundian sense of place.
The nose shows layers of white peach, pear, citrus, acacia blossom, and subtle almond notes. On the palate, it offers a balance of richness and energy, with a textured mid-palate supported by bright acidity, chalky minerality, and a long, saline finish. The wine’s purity and tension are hallmarks of Chétif Quart’s restrained, terroir-focused approach.
Domaine du Chétif Quart is a small family domaine founded in 1978 by Pierre d’Heilly and Martine Huberdeau. Located just south of Givry, the estate has been organically farmed since its beginning and focuses on low-intervention winemaking that emphasizes vineyard expression. The domaine’s vineyards sit at higher elevations, and the wines are known for spontaneous fermentations, finesse, and a strong mineral identity rather than heavy oak influence.
The Givry appellation, located in Burgundy’s Côte Chalonnaise, has historically been known for both red and white wines, with Pinot Noir traditionally dominating production and Chardonnay gaining increasing recognition. The area’s clay-limestone soils and continental climate create wines that combine fruit generosity with freshness and structure. Givry Premier Cru vineyards, such as “Le Paradis,” represent some of the appellation’s finest sites, producing wines with greater depth, complexity, and aging potential.