I view sparkling wine as an essential pantry item. Quality sea salt, fresh spices, and good olive oil can turn a quotidian dish into something a bit more gourmand, and the same is true for a cold glass of Sommariva’s convivial Prosecco. Its lively bead and soft, stone-fruit notes add an epicurean sheen to any meal, and it certainly costs less than a fancy bottle of olive oil these days.

It says something about Kuentz-Bas that the domaine excels in grand cru Rieslings and Muscats but is just as devoted to their regional cuvées. For the 2024 vintage, Jean-Baptiste and Laure Adam blend mostly Sylvaner and Pinot Blanc along with a little Muscat, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer in 100-year-old foudres, majestic and neutral vessels that amplify the wine’s complexity. Pair it with grilled brats, crab cakes, or some potato samosas on the patio.

Corte Gardoni’s Custoza is among the most charming and versatile white wines in our portfolio. At the heart of this refreshing and generous blend is Garganega, arguably the quintessential white grape planted in the regions surrounding Verona. Boasting beautifully balanced notes of orchard fruit, citrus, and minerality, Greoto gives us endless pairing possibilities from aperitivo snacks to fish tacos.

I’ll never forget the first time I drove between Tavel and the Pont du Gard. A steady, late-winter rain fell on this largely untrodden corner of the Rhône Valley. Outside were rows upon rows of gnarled old vines, which were at one point demarcated by a humble sign: Les Vignerons d’Estézargues.
      The modesty of the sign—and the region as a whole—belie the fact that Estézargues, the co-op that produces this custom Côtes du Rhône Villages for us, is an extraordinary operation. For starters, they benefit from fabulous terroirs that are defined by the same polished riverbed stones known as galets roulés that you find in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, just half an hour away. Second, the older age of Estézargues’ vines allow their roots to dig deep and access precious water reserves even into the hot summer months, preserving a freshness and elegance that is essential to their wines. Finally, for most of its sixty-year history, Les Vignerons d’Estézargues have pursued progressive farming and winemaking, working closely with its partner growers to emphasize organic viticulture before ushering the pristine fruit through low-intervention practices in the cellar.
      Their wealth of old Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault, destined for humble regional bottlings like our Côtes du Rhône Villages, is what makes the Gard such an exceptional and undervalued wine region. The resulting country red is filled with soul in every sense of the word. Brambly, rustic, savory, and joyous, this is as perfect a house red from the Rhône as you’ll find.

Happening upon a humble trattoria in Italy and being poured a profoundly delicious carafe of house red is among the Holy Grails of wine experiences. This occurs much more often in the imagination than it does in reality. Statistically, it is just slightly more common than coming across the next Bob Dylan at open mic night.
       That would not be the case, though, if more Italian joints served Tenuta La Pergola’s Monferrato Rosso. This Piemontese red, blended specially our clients and varying every year, is a mix of Barbera, Dolcetto, Croatina, and Freisa in the 2024 vintage. Take one whiff of this fragrant beauty and you’re in a wild patch of sun-ripened berries. On the palate, it has some earth and spice, too, along with a friendly tannin and fine acidity. Enjoy this versatile wine on its own or alongside a pizza, simple pasta, and anything off the grill.