Grand Fossil, Sauvignon Blanc

Loire Valley, France

 The King of the Loire Valley is Sancerre, a crisp, mineral-driven style of Sauvignon Blanc. As older vines are preferred (25yr avg) for Sancerre, the young vines are used to create a “declassified Sancerre”. This style is widely popular in France for its similarity to Sancerre without the high prices the region is known for.

 Look for white flowers, grapefruit, lime, green apple, and hints of passionfruit before a clean and lively finish. Great on its own, but will pair beautifully with goat cheese, fresh seafood and lemon/herb sauces.

The Horologist, Sauvignon Blanc

Marlborough, New Zealand

 Inspired by French astronomer Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille’s southern constellation “Horologium” as a tribute to French winemakers who have travelled to New Zealand to work with the local Sauvignon Blanc.

The wine received 90 points from Wine Enthusiast: “Lime blossom, pink grapefruit, and honeysuckle aromas are set to a green herbal backdrop. Piercing acidity makes the hint of sweetness almost unnoticeable. Those citrus and floral notes flow to the finish.”

Match this wine with feta, chevre, asparagus, or herb-forward starters.

Bodega Toro Centenario, Malbec

Mendoza, Argentina

Founded in 1896 by Swiss-Italian immigrants Bautista Gargantini and Juan Giol, the winery crafted one of Argentina’s most iconic brands, Cabeza de Toro. Today it is the most popular wine in Argentina and holds a whopping 20% of the total wine market.

For the American market they have produced a line a varietal wines, and this Malbec, from younger vines in Mendoza’s Central Valley, is the closest to Cabeza de Toro that we can get stateside.

Expect an expressive fresh fruit character, with cherries, strawberries, and plum jam, with a medium body and a smooth, fruit-forward finish. The bright fruits here will pair well with grilled meats, charcuterie, or hearty pasta dishes.

Maison Ginestet, Malbec “Fleur Des Templiers”, Pays d’Herault

Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Maison Ginestet is a respected Bordeuax house that has expanded into varietal wines around France. Historically, Malbec was one of the original grapes of Bordeaux before a root louse decimated European vineyards at the turn of the 18 /19 centuries.

While little Malbec grows in Bordeaux today, old vines can be found in Cahors, to the southeast of Bordeaux, and further south into Languedoc-Roussillon. Here, sandy soils and extreme sun exposure bring out the best in this grape.

Look for ripe black fruits with subtle spice on a rich, full-bodied wine that will match hearty red meats, rack of lamb, charcuterie, or mushroom based dishes.