Wine Novice Subscription
This month's Wine Novice box takes you on a journey through three classic wine regions, each offering a unique expression of terroir, grape variety, and winemaking tradition.
From the elegant limestone slopes of southern Burgundy to the historic vineyards of Rioja and the cool-climate vineyards of Central Otago, these wines have been carefully selected to help you discover how climate, soils, and winemaking shape the wines in your glass.
From the elegant limestone slopes of southern Burgundy to the historic vineyards of Rioja and the cool-climate vineyards of Central Otago, these wines have been carefully selected to help you discover how climate, soils, and winemaking shape the wines in your glass.
Domaine de la Garenne Mâcon-Azé 2018
|
Origin: Mâcon-Azé, Mâconnais, Burgundy, France
Variety: "Chardonnay" (shar-dun-nay) About the wine: Domaine de la Garenne is a family-owned estate where sustainable vineyard practices and careful vineyard management allow the fruit to express the unique limestone-rich soils that have made Burgundy famous. The region enjoys a slightly warmer climate than northern Burgundy, allowing Chardonnay to ripen fully while retaining its natural freshness. Limestone and clay soils contribute elegance, minerality and bright acidity, while careful fermentation and maturation, typically in stainless steel with limited oak influence, preserve the wine's vibrant fruit character. SERVED BEST AT: Chilled (7 – 12 °C)
IDEAL PAIRINGS: Lobster, grilled fish, roast chicken, creamy pasta dishes and soft cheeses (Brie) WINE PROFILE: Ripe apple, pear and citrus, delicate floral notes, mineral finish, balanced and elegant. Recommended if you like: Dry, full-bodied white wines |
Urbina Rioja Crianza
|
Origin: Rioja Alta, La Rioja, Spain
Variety: "Tempranillo" (temp-rah-nee-oh) About the wine: Bodegas Urbina is a family-owned winery with generations of experience crafting traditional Rioja wines. The winery focuses on expressing the elegance of Tempranillo through extended ageing in both oak barrels and bottle. Rioja enjoys a unique combination of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences. Warm sunny days ripen the grapes while cooler nights preserve freshness and acidity. Limestone and clay soils naturally limit vine vigour, producing concentrated fruit with excellent ageing potential. As a Crianza, this wine spends one year ageing in American & French oak, then seven years in the bottle before release. This ageing develops greater complexity while maintaining vibrant fruit. SERVED BEST AT: Slightly Cool (12 – 15 °C)
IDEAL PAIRINGS: Roast lamb, grilled steak/burgers, tapas, charcuterie and aged cheeses. WINE PROFILE: Ripe cherry, raspberry, plum, vanilla, cedar, sweet spice and leather with smooth tannins balanced by refreshing acidity. Recommended if you like: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Pinot Noir |
Twelfth Night Late Harvest Gewürztraminer
|
Origin: Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand
Variety: "Gewürztraminer" (ga-vurtz-tr-me-ner) About the wine: From the world's southernmost commercial wine region, known primarily for Pinot Noir, its cool climate produces beautifully aromatic white wines with exceptional purity and balance.The late-harvest style is achieved by allowing the grapes to remain on the vine longer than usual, concentrating sugars, flavours and aromas. Cool autumn nights help preserve vibrant acidity, ensuring the finished wine remains fresh despite its natural sweetness. A small amount of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) may further concentrate flavours, contributing richness and complexity while maintaining elegance. The winemaking involves the use of only stainless steel tanks to preserve the nature of the fruit's character. SERVED BEST AT: Ice Cold (3 – 7 °C)
IDEAL PAIRINGS: Blue Cheese, Spicy Asian dishes, Fruit Tarts, Curried Meats/Vegetables WINE PROFILE: Intense rose petals, lychee, ripe peach, honey and ginger. Rich and luscious yet refreshing. Recommended if you like: Moscato, Riesling, Sauternes, Orvieto |
Every box is a new adventure. Keep an eye on your inbox for next month's featured regions, tasting events, and exclusive member offers.