Responsible Indulgence May 2026
Pressed for Thought, Maria Chiancola May 1, 2026
The flowers are blooming, color abounds, fresh, local vegetables are adorning our tables, and I have a hankering for something fresh, light and, well, chewy. This adjective may seem at odds with a liquid that we rarely use our teeth for, but it is metaphoric, so give me a little poetic license, if you will. In the world of wine there is a lexicon of language. Often, that language can seem intimidating, but sometimes it helps us get right down to it. Chewy wines have a bright fruit and a textured feel in your mouth that give the perception that one could chew on it.
These wines have an intensity of flavor and a little more viscosity--not full-bodied necessarily, but certainly not particularly light either. (It is not summer yet, so let’s not rush the program!) It is like the air of Spring with the weight of imminent rain, the fertility of the earth and the warmth of the sun all swirling around in my glass. Go out and get some fresh radishes, ramps, and asparagus, forage for some mushrooms (maybe just at the farmer’s market!), make a springtime berigole with baby artichokes, clean off the grill and get a piece of halibut or a ribeye; these are the flavors of spring.
These flavors call for wines that have the intensity to stand up to them, hens the chewy wines we selected for the club for May. Matt really took the reins this month, and I loved his picks. Let us know what you are cooking. Post your favs on Instagram and tag us @newportwinenchz and remember to include #responsibleindulgence to enter in a month-long drawing to wine a bottle of my 2025 Tipsy Rose Rosé. You can post multiple times, each time your name will be entered to win, increasing your chances! I will draw the winner on Memorial Day weekend, May 24th!
Enjoy the rising temps, the spring rains, and the promise of May flowers!
Cheers,
Maria, Matt, Bella & Sarah
The NWCG Team
Responsible Indulgence
Value Wines
24 Milerama Unoaked Rioja
The 2024 Milerama Unoaked Tempranillo is all about fresh, easygoing charm—it opens with bright red cherry and ripe strawberry, layered with a little hint of wild herbs and a touch of earthiness to keep things interesting. On the palate, it’s lively and juicy, with vibrant red fruit and a zippy acidity that keeps everything feeling light and refreshing, and since there’s no oak, you really get that pure, unfiltered Tempranillo character front and center. It wraps up clean and crisp, making it a perfect go-to for casual sipping or pairing with anything from grilled veggies to a spread of tapas.
25 Comtesse Marion Chardonnay
The 2025 Comtesse Marion Chardonnay strikes a really nice balance between fresh and a little indulgent—it opens with bright notes of green apple, pear, and a pop of citrus, then eases into a smooth, lightly creamy texture that feels polished but not heavy. There’s a gentle touch of vanilla and toasted almond in the background adding just enough depth without stealing the spotlight from the fruit, while the crisp acidity keeps everything lifted and refreshing. It finishes long, clean, and super satisfying, making it just as easy to enjoy on its own as it is alongside seafood or anything with a creamy edge.
25 Milerama Rosato
The 2025 Milerama Rosato is pure good-times rosé—bright, playful, and ready for whatever the day brings. It jumps out of the glass with wild strawberry, a little tart watermelon candy, and a pop of citrus zest. It’s light, crisp, and super refreshing, with just enough fruit to keep things lively without tipping into sweetness. The finish is clean and thirst-quenching—the kind that disappears from your glass faster than you expect. Perfect for warm afternoons, easy hangs, and anything from light salads to seafood… or honestly, just sipping with friends and not overthinking it.
24 Colonias Las Libres Bonarda
One of Matt's favorites! The 2024 Colonias Las Libres Bonarda from Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina, pulls you in right away with juicy aromas of dark berries and ripe plum, plus a little hint of spice for good measure. Take a sip and it’s all about that smooth, juicy vibe—think blueberry and cherry with a soft, easygoing texture and just a touch of earthiness to keep it grounded. The acidity gives it a nice lift, so it feels fresh and lively rather than heavy. It wraps up with a lingering burst of fruit that makes you want another sip (and then another). Super versatile, too—equally happy next to grilled meats, a big plate of pasta, or hearty veggie dishes.
24 Fattoria di Piazzano “Ventoso” Toscana Sangiovese
The 2024 Fattoria di Piazzano “Ventoso” Toscana Sangiovese greets you with a burst of ripe cherry and red plum, laced with a little sprinkle of Mediterranean herbs—fresh, inviting, and very “pour me another glass.” On the palate, it’s lively and medium-bodied, with bright red fruit carried along by zippy acidity and smooth, easygoing tannins. There’s just enough earthy, slightly spicy nuance to keep things interesting without taking away from that juicy, energetic core. It finishes clean and super drinkable, the kind of wine that feels right at home with a big bowl of rustic pasta—or honestly, just on its own when you want something unfussy and delicious.
25 Coeur du Mont
Great bang for the buck! The 2025 Coeur du Mont Sauvignon Blanc is bright, crisp, and immediately refreshing, with lively notes of citrus, green apple, and a hint of tropical passion fruit. The acidity keeps everything lifted and energetic, while subtle herbal touches add a bit of complexity without getting in the way of the wine’s clean, zesty fruit.
It finishes fresh and satisfying, making it an easy match for light seafood, salads, or just sipping on a sunny afternoon. In other words, this is about as close as it gets to a perfect porch pounder.
Select Wines
24 Dupre “Glou Glou” Gamay
Bright, easygoing, and unapologetically juicy, the 2024 Dupre “Glou Glou” Gamay is purely gluggable. Fresh red berries—think raspberry and tart cherry—lead the way, backed by a hint of cranberry snap and a light floral lift. There’s a subtle chill-friendly crunch to it, with soft tannins and lively acidity keeping everything energetic and refreshing. A touch of earth and spice peeks through on the finish, but this is really all about vibrant fruit and effortless charm—pop it open with a slight chill and it disappears quickly. It’s a natural with casual, flavor-forward food: charcuterie, roast chicken, burgers, or a simple margherita pizza all play nicely, and it’s especially good with picnic fare or anything a little salty or herb-driven.
24 Turning Tide Sauvignon Blanc
Oysters anyone?! The 2024 Turning Tide Sauvignon Blanc from California's Central Coast is bright and refreshing, opening with lively aromas of lime zest, grapefruit, and a hint of gooseberry, with a light herbal edge. On the palate, it’s crisp and clean, showing citrus, green apple, and lots of tropical fruit, all carried by zippy acidity and a subtle mineral note. The finish is fresh and lightly savory, leaving you ready for another sip.It pairs beautifully with oysters, shrimp, or ceviche, as well as goat cheese, fresh salads, and herb-forward dishes like grilled chicken or spring vegetables. This will taste amazing on a summer sail through Newport Harbour!
25 La Manarine Rosé
A Newport Wine Cellar favorite from Rosenthal Imports. The 2025 La Manarine rosé (while typically labeled from the Rhône, stylistically very close to Provence rosé) drinks exactly how you want a southern French rosé to feel—easy, fresh, and quietly expressive. It opens with aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, and a hint of pink grapefruit, with a soft floral note. On the palate, it’s light and juicy, with crisp acidity carrying red berry fruit and a subtle saline, almost mineral edge that keeps it refreshing and clean. The finish is smooth, dry, and effortless, making it incredibly drinkable. For food, it’s perfect to pair it with simple, summery dishes—grilled fish, shrimp, or chicken with herbs, as well as salads, Mediterranean plates, or even a casual charcuterie spread.
24 Apollo's Praise Picardie Cabernet Franc
I believe this is our first red wine from the Finger Lakes! The 2024 Apollo’s Praise “Picardie” Cabernet Franc by wine maker Kelby James Russell, opens with an expressive bouquet of black raspberry and red currant, layered with fresh herbal notes—rosemary and tomato leaf—alongside subtle hints of leather and cracked pepper. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and vibrant, with crisp acidity supporting a core of bright red fruit. Underlying mineral tones and nuanced accents of tea leaf, olive, and cedar add complexity and structure.The tannins are refined and lightly dusty, providing gentle grip without overpowering the wine’s freshness. The finish is dry and persistent, marked by lingering red fruit, savory herbs, and a faint touch of licorice.
Overall, this is a poised and energetic expression of Cabernet Franc—fresh, savory, and well-suited to the table.
23 Ferraris Barbera D'Asti
Crowd Pleaser Alert! The 2023 Ferraris Barbera d’Asti is one of those reds that feels both rustic and lively in the best way. It opens with juicy black plum and cherry, then quickly picks up savory notes which keeps the fruit from getting too plush. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with bright, mouthwatering acidity and a gentle grip of tannin, giving it a fresh, slightly edgy feel that makes it super food-friendly. The finish leans savory with a touch of spice and herbs, making each sip feel a little more interesting than the last. For food, this is a natural with anything tomato-based—pasta, pizza, or lasagna—but it really shines with grilled vegetables, roasted meats, or simple dishes with herbs where that acidity and savory edge can do their thing.
24 BIRA Bianco d'Uco
The 2024 BIRA Bianco D’Uco is one of those whites that feels both playful and a little bit thoughtful once you get to know it. It opens with lifted aromas of white flowers, rose, and ripe pear, backed by citrus and a soft, almost Muscat-like perfume. On the palate, it’s fresh and vibrant with bright acidity, but there’s also a gentle texture—thanks to a bit of skin contact—that gives it more personality than your average crisp white. Expect notes of peach, citrus, and a light herbal edge, finishing clean and slightly floral.
There’s a cool story behind it too: BIRA is a small Argentine project founded in 2017 with strong Italian roots, and this wine is made from Malvasía grown in a historic vineyard planted in 1964 in the Uco Valley. The grape itself has a lineage going back over 2,000 years to the Mediterranean, so you’re basically getting old-world heritage with a fresh, modern spin in the glass. It is the ONLY commercially produced Malvasia coming out of Argentina!
For food, this is super versatile—great with shrimp, grilled fish, or roast chicken, but also really fun with creamy cheeses or herb-heavy dishes where those floral and citrus notes can pop.
Collector Wines
21 PerSe “Inseparable”
The 2021 PerSe “Inseparable” Malbec is one of those wines that feels both polished and a little wild at the same time. It opens with lifted aromatics of crushed plum, black cherry, and violets, with a subtle lavender note that gives it a really pretty, floral edge. On the palate, it’s juicy and energetic, think fresh dark fruit, a tea-like texture, and bright acidity that keeps everything light on its feet, with fine, chalky tannins and a long, mineral-driven finish. It’s a high-altitude Malbec that is elegant, showing just how refined the grape can be.
PerSe is a small, terroir-driven project founded in 2012 by winemakers David Bonomi and Edy del Popolo, focused on expressing the extreme, high-elevation vineyards of Gualtallary in Argentina’s Uco Valley. The fruit for “Inseparable” comes from a unique site farmed alongside a monastery, planted in rocky, calcareous soils at around 1,500 meters, and made with minimal intervention to highlight purity and place.
For food, this is incredibly versatile—perfect with grilled steak or lamb if you want a classic pairing, but it’s just as good with roasted mushrooms, herb-heavy dishes, or even duck, where that freshness and floral lift can really shine.
22 Fayolle “Clos Les Corinets” Crozes-Hermitage
The 2022 Domaine Laurent Fayolle Crozes-Hermitage “Clos Les Corinets” is a classic Northern Rhône Syrah with a bit of extra polish and personality. It opens with a mix of black cherry and plum, then leans into savory territory—violets, cracked pepper, a touch of smoke, and that stony, graphite edge that gives it real depth. On the palate, it’smedium-bodied but layered, with juicy dark fruit, fresh acidity, and fine, slightly chalky tannins that keep everything structured without being heavy. The finish is long, and a little spicy, making it feel both elegant and quietly powerful.
Domaine Laurent Fayolle has been family-run since 1870, and this cuvée comes from a tiny monopole parcel of old vines (70+ years) planted on steep granite slopes just behind Hermitage itself—prime Syrah territory. The estate leans organic and minimalist, using native yeasts and low-intervention winemaking to let the site really show through.
For food, this is right at home with roasted lamb, steak, or duck, but it’s just as good with earthy dishes like mushrooms or lentils—anything that plays off that peppery, savory edge will make it shine.
