Becker Herrenwingert Pinot Noir
$103.99
The Becker family owns more than 30 hectares and produces over 12,000 cases annually. Positioned on the very border with France in the town of Schweigen, the Beckers have witnessed that border shifting throughout history. Today, they have vineyards on both the French and German sides, at the edge of the Palatinate (Pfalz) forest—with 50 percent of their land situated on the French side in Alsace.
The soils in the area are composed of deep layers of shell limestone, with various topsoils, which in combination with the region’s mild climate, provide the ideal growing conditions for Spätburgunder. Hence, the logical focus is on the variety. As one of the pioneers, Fritz Becker Sr. was also one of the first winemakers in the region to mature his Spätburgunder in barriques.
Their most prestigious vineyard is Kammerberg, a steep single vineyard on deep marl and limestone near Wissembourg, recovered by Fritz Sr. in 1967. The old vines are mostly German clones and some French and grow on deep marl lime soils that produce powerful but also refined, mineral-driven Pinot Noirs (it is all about the dirt here!); St. Paul cultivated here in the 14th century by the Cistercians of Wissembourg, which had since become overgrown but the Beckers uprooted trees and bushes in early 2000 and planted Spätburgunder; and Sonnenberg, with poor limestone soils ideal for growing Riesling.
From KWM: We sourced these wines a year ago after reading the rave reviews from numerous publications, in Germany and beyond. The Pinot Noirs are prized and will give Burgundy fans a solid alternative.
Cabasse Margueritte Rouge CDR
$25.99
The winery and estate sit between the towns of Séguret and Sablet, a half-hour drive from iconic Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Under vine for over 600 years, the property has been lovingly cared for by the Baudry family since 2012. Approximately 15 sustainably-farmed hectares in the towns of Séguret, Sablet and Gigondas are planted with Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Counoise, Carignan, Clairette and other local white varieties. These are some of only 16 Southern Rhône communes which may use their name along with the Côtes-du-Rhône Villages appellation. The small plots are surrounded by hedges and trees that protect the vines from the cold Mistral which can blow violently from the north. The Mediterranean climate assures plenty of warmth and sunshine during the growing season, but the nearby sea and stiff evening breeze ensure a broad diurnal shift that retains acidity and freshness in the wines. The pebbled soils are a mix of clay, sand and, most importantly, limestone.
Emrich Schonleber Mineral Trocken
$54.99
This estate dates back to 1815 and today they farm 20 hectares of vineyards. Riesling currently accounts for 85% of the vines, supplemented by Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris) and Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc). Werner and Frank Schönleber have worked their way to the top of their profession. Germany's leading wine guides unanimously rate Weingut Emrich-Schönleber as a world-class winery. The Mineral is sourced from the younger vines of the Halenberg and Fruhlingsplatschen GG vinyards,and it offers an incredible value to Riesling lovers. Surprisingly saline whilst true to it's name, Mineral hews razor-blade like precision with hammer like slatey minerality buoyed by linear acidity (even in 2022). A wonderful showcase of all the terroirs of the Nahe.
A. Margaine Le Brut 375ml
$52.99
The Champagnes from father-daughter duo Arnaud & Mathilde Margaine are a KWM exclusive, and they are exceptional. With vineyards based in Montagne de Reims, they specialize in Chardonnay (90%) although they also have a small plot of Pinot Noir. This small estate (7 hectares) was started by Arnaud's father (Bernard) in the 1950s and is organically farmed. The vines average 35 years of age and the Chardonnay is produced from a clone unique to the area.
Quintarelli Primofiore
$159.99
"The late, great Maestro del Veneto, Giuseppe Quintarelli, succeeded in establishing his mythical and legendary estate during an amazing sixty-year career. All of the tradition, love, heart, and soul of crafting one of the world’s finest wines continue at the Quintarelli home and winery in the hills north of Verona," according to Kermit Lynch. Sourced from vines 30 years of age or older, Primafiore is a blend of Corvina, Corvinone, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with some Amarone providing additional depth and character. This wine will be complex and layered with impressive fruit and spice notes. Pair this rustic-styled red with Italian cuisine, of course.
Rottensteiner Gewurztraminer
$44.99
The Rottensteiner family is one of the oldest winemaking families in South Tyrol. Their viticultural history began around 400 years ago, in a place where vines grow on red stone – the porphyry rock typical of the area. It is from this red stone (Rot = red, Stein = rock) that the family takes its name, and from it the wines gain their distinctive mineral character. The Hans Rottensteiner Winery was founded in 1956 by Hans and is now run by his grandson Hannes, representing the third generation. Elegance and drinkability are the hallmarks of Rottensteiner wines. Alongside these come typicity and a true expression of both grape variety and terroir. That’s why most of the wines are single-varietal and focused on grape varieties that are traditional to the region.
Barone Valforte Pecorino Abruzzo DOC
$23.99
Made from the Pecorino grape - not from Pecorino Romano cheese - though they definitely pair well together. This Pecorino from Tenute Barone di Valforte is made from grapes grown in the vineyards within the Abruzzo Pecorino D.O.C.
A. Margaine Le Brut Champagne Magnum
$166.99
The Champagnes from father-daughter duo Arnaud & Mathilde Margaine are a KWM exclusive, and they are exceptional. With vineyards based in Montagne de Reims, they specialize in Chardonnay (90%) although they also have a small plot of Pinot Noir. This small estate (7 hectares) was started by Arnaud's father (Bernard) in the 1950s and is organically farmed. The vines average 35 years of age and the Chardonnay is produced from a clone unique to the area.
Tolo do Xisto Ribeira Sacra Mencia
$39.99
Famous for producing complex, floral wines made from Mencía, Ribeira Sacra is probably Galicia’s second-best-known wine region, behind Rias Baixas. Tolo do Xisto is a new project from the team at one of our favourite Spanish wineries, Coca i Fitó, with the Galician winemaker Andrea Obenza. The name Tolo do Xisto means "mad about slate". The winemaking process strives to transmit the mineral essence of the area through the different soils along the Sil River banks. A mineral, almost salty wine, is achieved which is aromatic, with good acidity. Penetrating smooth tannins, acidic red fruit, balsamic notes, and spices, but above all, it is very delicate with a long finish. This wine is light enough to enjoy with grilled fish like salmon or tuna. Terrific with white meats it is also one you'll enjoy on its own when you don't want something too heavy.