Responsible Indulgence June 2026

Pressed for Thought, Maria Chiancola,  

June 1, 2026. 

Summer is upon us, and we are excited about some fun new ways to think about food and wine this month.  For starters, June 17th Drinking with the Ecosystem! We will welcome Kate Masury, of Eating with the Ecosystem, and Chef Kevin O’Donnell, of Guisto in Newport, to the shop for a discussion of Responsible Indulgence!  We will pair Greenvale and other wines with Chef Kevin’s Scup Crudo!  The event is free, but we encourage you to make donations to Kate’s remarkable organization.  10% of our proceeds will be donated to Eating with the Ecosystem, so come in and Eat, Drink, & Think! 

We are also getting involved with Green Crab Week June 22-28th.  We will have a cooking demon and recipe ideas for how to make use of this New England abundant, affordable shellfish.  This is totally new to me, so I am excited to learn more with you. We will offer a pre-sale on Green Crabs, so you can have some fun making something new at home.  We hope to get you inspired by the project & by the green crabs—these are as versatile as any crab and they are readily available. Watch your email for details from Bella on this opportunity!

Perhaps it is emerging from what was a tough winter and even more challenging spring, but we are like a patch of early spring daisies in the sunshine—bright and eager for the warmth of sunshine, and deliciously new and bright experiences.  My thoughts on food & wine follow that same path.  I want new fresh ideas and fresh flavors, too. The wines for this month reflect that philosophy.  In the spirit of newness, I have welcomed my staff in selecting and writing about the wines that you enjoy in your monthly or quarterly boxes & bags.  They bring a fresh perspective,and I welcome it! 

Bella, Matt, & Sarah are involved in lots of ways, so please introduce yourselves and give them feedback! 

Enjoy the weather & the wines! 

Cheers, Maria 

WINE NOTES-JUNE 2026

24 Ferraris Ruche di Castagnole Monferrato 

The 2024 Ferraris Agricola Clasic Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato is a wonderfully expressive red that opens with lifted aromas of rose petals, violets, and fresh red cherries, immediately showcasing the distinctive floral character that makes Ruchè so intriguing. On the palate, vibrant raspberry, wild strawberry, and ripe cherry fruit are layered with hints of black pepper, dried herbs, and a touch of spice. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks preserves the wine’s freshness and aromatic purity, while subsequent aging in neutral oak adds subtle texture and complexity without overshadowing the varietal’s distinctive character. Medium-bodied and energetic, it offers bright acidity and supple tannins that keep it fresh and approachable. A lingering finish of red berries, floral notes, and gentle spice adds further charm, making it a versatile partner for charcuterie, grilled pork, mushroom dishes, or aged cheeses. 

22 M. Dean Sauvignon Blanc 

The 2022 M. Dean Sauvignon Blanc reflects the influence of California’s cooler-than-average growing season, delivering exceptional freshness, vibrant aromatics, and bright natural acidity. Aromas of grapefruit, lime zest, and white peach mingle with notes of fresh-cut grass and citrus blossom. On the palate, lively flavors of Meyer lemon, green apple, and passion fruit are complemented by subtle mineral nuances and a crisp, refreshing texture. The cooler conditions allowed for slower ripening and greater flavor development while preserving acidity, resulting in a Sauvignon Blanc that is energetic, balanced, and beautifully expressive. The clean, lingering finish makes it an ideal companion for fresh seafood, goat cheese, salads, and light summer fare. 

25 Escudo Real Vinho Verde Rosado 

The 2025 Escudo Real Vinho Verde Rosado is a bright, refreshing rosé that captures everything we love about summer sipping. The blend for this wine is 60% Touriga Nacional and 40% Espadeiro. Delicate aromas of fresh strawberry, watermelon, and raspberry lead into a lively palate bursting with juicy red berry fruit and citrus zest. Its naturally low alcohol, slight spritz, and vibrant acidity create a crisp, thirst-quenching character that keeps each sip feeling fresh. Light-bodied and easy-drinking, this is the kind of wine that shines on warm afternoons and long evenings outdoors—a true summer "porch pounder" that's equally at home with light appetizers, grilled seafood, or simply enjoyed on its own. 

21 Tres Palacios Carmenére 

The 2021 Tres Palacios Carménère from Chile’s Maipo Valley showcases the grape that has become the country’s signature red variety and a proud symbol of its modern wine identity. Aromas of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and plum are accented by notes of roasted pepper, dried herbs, and subtle baking spice. The palate is smooth and generous, offering layers of dark fruit, cocoa, and savory spice framed by soft tannins and balanced acidity. Carménère holds special cultural significance in Chile, where it was rediscovered after being thought lost to Europe’s phylloxera epidemic and has since become an emblem of the country’s unique viticultural heritage. Rich yet approachable, this wine delivers a distinctive expression of both the variety and the Maipo Valley’s renowned terroir. 

24 Herrigoia Rioja 

The 2024 Herrigoia Rioja is a vibrant and expressive take on Rioja, crafted from an intriguing blend of 90% Tempranillo with 5% each of Malvasía and Viura—two traditional white varieties that add lift, freshness, and aromatic complexity to the wine. Fermented together through carbonic maceration in open-top concrete tanks, the wine bursts with bright notes of wild strawberry, red cherry, raspberry, and accented by subtle hints of spice and herbs. Aging for three months in concrete eggs preserves its purity of fruit while lending a supple texture and seamless balance. Light to medium-bodied with juicy acidity and silky tannins, this is a fresh, lively Rioja that emphasizes fruit, finesse, and drinkability over traditional oak influence. An obvious food pairing is a delicious home crafted paella, but it would also be fantastic with charcuterie, or a mushroom based pasta dish. 

25 Dos Minas Torrontes 

The 2025 Dos Minas Torrontés from Argentina’s Cafayate Valley is a bright, aromatic white that beautifully showcases the country’s signature native white grape. Torrontés has become one of Argentina’s most distinctive varieties, prized for its intensely floral character and vibrant freshness, and this wine is a wonderful example of why it has earned international acclaim. Fragrant aromas of jasmine, orange blossom, peach, and citrus leap from the glass, leading to a crisp palate layered with ripe stone fruit, tropical notes, and lively acidity. Produced by a female winemaking team, the wine’s name—Dos Minas, Argentine Spanish for “two girls”—celebrates both its creators and the spirit of modern Argentine wine. Fresh, expressive, and endlessly approachable, it is a natural match for spicy cuisine, seafood, and sunny afternoons. 

Select Wines 

24 Comtesse Marion Cabernet Sauvignon 

The 2024 Comtesse Marion Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich yet approachable expression from fabulous southern France, sourced from vines more than 25 years old rooted in the volcanic soils of the Languedoc-Roussillon. Aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and dark cherry are complemented by notes of mocha, dried herbs, and a touch of spice. The mature vines contribute concentration and depth, while the volcanic soils lend a subtle mineral edge that adds complexity to the wine’s generous fruit profile. Medium- to full-bodied, with smooth tannins and balanced acidity, it delivers layers of dark fruit and savory nuance through a long, satisfying finish. This is a versatile Cabernet that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, hearty stews, and aged cheeses. 

24 Altamonte Pinot Grigio 

This wine surprised all of us at NWCG! The 2025 Altamonte Pinot Grigio from Alto Adige DOC is a bright, elegant white that reflects the cool alpine influences and pristine growing conditions of one of Italy’s premier white wine growing regions. Aromas of green apple, pear, white peach, elderflower and white citrus blossom lead into a crisp, refreshing palate layered with notes of lemon zest, ripe orchard fruit, and a subtle mineral character. The high-altitude vineyards of Alto Adige help preserve the wine’s vibrant acidity and remarkable freshness, resulting in a Pinot Grigio that is both lively and beautifully balanced. Clean, focused, and easy to enjoy; it pairs effortlessly with seafood, light pasta dishes, fresh salads, and soft cheeses. 

25 Vé Mediterranée Rosé 

The 2025 Vé Méditerranée Rosé is a fresh, easygoing expression of southern France, drawn from the sun-drenched vineyards of the Mediterranean coastline under the IGP Méditerranée designation. Vé is a bit different from the average Mediterranean rosé because of its blend of 80% Caladoc (a graft of Grenache and Malbec) and 20% Merlot. Though not the traditional GSM blend, this wine truly captures the light, fruit-driven spirit that has made Provence-adjacent rosés so popular. The nose is bright and inviting, offering aromas of wild strawberry, watermelon, and citrus peel, with a hint of soft floral lift. On the palate, it is crisp and refreshing, delivering juicy red berry fruit, a touch of stone fruit, and a clean, dry finish carried by vibrant acidity. Lively, uncomplicated, and highly drinkable, this is an ideal rosé for warm weather, aperitifs, and relaxed outdoor dining. 

24 Fontaleoni Chianti Colli Senesi 

The 2024 Fontaleoni Chianti Colli Senesi is a classic, vibrant expression of Tuscany, built around a traditional blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo. Sangiovese drives the character of the wine with its bright red cherry fruit, lively acidity, and savory notes of dried herbs, tomato leaf, and subtle earth, giving the wine its structure and energetic backbone. Canaiolo plays a supporting role, softening the edges of Sangiovese while adding a touch of plush red berry fruit, gentle spice, and a rounder, more approachable texture. In the glass, it opens with aromas of sour cherry, red plum, violet, and Mediterranean herbs, leading into a medium-bodied palate that is fresh, food-friendly, and beautifully balanced. Juicy, rustic-leaning, and authentically Tuscan, it will go perfectly with a fresh grilled pizza, grilled vegetables and a variety of Italian cheese. 

24 The Apple Doesn't Fall Far from the Tree by Matias Riccitelli 

The 2024 The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree Malbec by Matías Riccitelli from Mendoza is a bold yet polished expression of Argentina’s signature grape, showing both generosity and finesse. It opens with deep, inviting aromas of ripe blackberry, plum, and black cherry, layered with hints of violet, cocoa, and a touch of sweet baking spice. On the palate, it is rich and plush without feeling heavy, delivering concentrated dark fruit balanced by fresh acidity and fine, well-integrated tannins. Subtle notes of mocha, vanilla, and a hint of crushed stone add depth and a sense of place, reflecting Mendoza’s high-altitude vineyards. Juicy, modern, and impeccably drinkable; it finishes long with lingering dark berry fruit and a soft, velvety texture. Enjoy this bottle with smoked meats, grilled lamb, or lentil stews. 

NV Victorine de Chastenay Crémant de Bourgogne 

The Non-Vintage Victorine de Chastenay Crémant de Bourgogne is a lively sparkling wine that highlights both finesse and red-fruited charm. Made in the traditional champagne method, it opens with delicate aromas of wild strawberry, red cherry, and raspberry, lifted by subtle notes of brioche and citrus zest from its time on the lees. On the palate, it is crisp and energetic, offering bright red berry fruit wrapped in a fine, persistent mousse. The 100% Pinot Noir cuvée gives it a touch more body and structure than many sparkling wines, while still maintaining freshness and elegance. Dry, refreshing, and quietly complex, it finishes clean with lingering notes of red fruit and a gentle toasty nuance, making it a versatile aperitif or food-friendly sparkling for a wide range of occasions. Bubbly goes with everything, so have fun with it! 

Collector Wines 

22 Abiouness Amrita 

The 2022 Abiouness Wines Amrita Malvasia Bianca from Napa Valley opens with a distinctly aromatic, almost perfumed personality that immediately sets the tone for the glass. It leans into the grape’s natural floral intensity—orange blossom, jasmine, and honeysuckle—layered over ripe stone fruit notes like white peach, apricot, and soft melon. There’s often a gentle citrus lift running through it as well, giving the wine a sense of brightness that keeps all that floral sweetness from feeling heavy. 

On the palate, it tends to sit in that soft, slightly lush register that Malvasia Bianca is known for, showing a rounded texture with a touch of richness. On the nose there'sjuicy orchard fruit, a hint of tropical character, and a subtle honeyed tone. The Napa Valley expression here usually adds a bit more ripeness and generosity compared to cooler coastal versions, while still keeping things lifted and aromatic. 

The finish is smooth and lingering, fading on floral notes, soft citrus peel, and gentle stone fruit. Overall, it comes across as an expressive, perfumed white wine, easygoing but aromatic, with enough natural acidity to keep it fresh and food-friendly, especially alongside lightly spiced dishes, roasted poultry, or anything with a touch of sweetness or herbs. 

22 Abiouness California Sangiovese 

The 2022 Abiouness Wines California Sangiovese is bright and expressive and slightly jammy, opening with red cherry, raspberry, and dried strawberry layered with subtle notes of violet and baking spice. There’s a savory edge to it, tomato leaf, herbs, and a touch of earth—that gives it a distinctly rustic varietal, slightly Old World-leaning character even with California ripeness. 

On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with lively acidity and a fine, lightly grippy structure. The red fruit stays front and center, supported by hints of spice and a gentle savory undertone that keeps it from feeling overly polished or sweet-fruited. The texture is smooth but energetic, making it feel more refreshing than weighty. 

The finish is clean and focused, trailing off with tart cherry, dried herbs, and a faint earthy note. Overall, it’s a food-friendly, vibrant Sangiovese that balances bright fruit with just enough rusticity to keep things interesting. 

22 Abiouness Stanley Ranch Pinot Noir 

The 2022 Abiouness Wines Stanley Ranch Pinot Noir is polished and fruit-driven, opening with ripe cherry, strawberry, and raspberry layered with rose petal and gentle baking spice. There’s a subtle earthy undertone that builds with air, adding depth and a quiet savory edge beneath the bright red fruit. Part of the fruit comes from Pommard clone, which shows in the wine’s darker cherry tones, fine structure, and slightly more savory, textural complexity. 

On the palate, it’s medium-bodied and smooth with supple tannins and a seamless, elegant flow. The fruit is juicy and expressive, balanced by light spice and soft oak that frames rather than dominates. It feels both lifted and composed, with enough structure to give it shape while staying very approachable. 

The finish is clean and persistent, trailing red berries, gentle spices, and a touch of earth. Only 55 cases were produced, adding to its sense of small-lot focus and precision.