Exciting New Arrivals: A Look at Our Latest Wine Selections
We’re thrilled to introduce some exceptional new wines to our stores! These selections showcase unique terroirs, remarkable craftsmanship, and a range of styles to suit every palate. Let’s take a closer look at each bottle, exploring their origins, tasting notes, and the rich histories behind their wineries.
1. Backsberg Gravel Road Chenin Blanc
- Region: Western Cape, South Africa
- Grape Varietal: Chenin Blanc
The Chenin Blanc grape is exceptionally versatile. It pairs well with salads, vegetables, fish and chicken. Hints of sweetness and a slightly fuller body ensure this wine complements both spicy and creamier dishes. The Backsberg Gravel Road has vibrant aromas of tropical fruits, honeysuckle, and citrus zest. The palate is fresh and lively with flavors of pear, green apple, and a subtle minerality, leading to a crisp, refreshing finish.
Backsberg is one of South Africa’s most historic and environmentally conscious wineries. As the first carbon-neutral winery in the country, it blends tradition with sustainability, producing wines that reflect their unique terroir. Founded in 1902 by Charles Louis Back, a refugee from Lithuania, Backsberg is now a five generation owned winery. The name of this wine stems from Sydney Back’s commute in his antique Volkswagon along gravel roads to tend to the vines.
2. Chateau de Saint Cosme Micro-Cosme Blanc
- Region: Rhone Valley, France
- Grape Varietals: Sauvignon and Viognier
This aromatic white blend combines the crisp acidity of Sauvignon Blanc with the rich, floral notes of Viognier. These grapes typically are grown in different regions; however, Expect layers of citrus, white peach, and hints of honeysuckle, balanced by a round, elegant texture with some minerality.
With a winemaking legacy dating back to 1490, Château de Saint Cosme is one of the Rhône Valley’s most esteemed estates in the Gigondas appellation. Known for their dedication to expressing the region’s distinct character, they craft wines that beautifully reflect both history and innovation. Louis Barruol took over from his father in 1992 making a dramatic shift to quality and converting to biodynamics in 2010.
3. Dei Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
- Region: Tuscany, Italy
- Grape Varietals: Sangiovese
It has a beautiful bouquet of ripe cherries, plums and violets. The palate is structured yet elegant, with flavors of dark fruit, tobacco, and a touch of earthiness, leading to a long, velvety finish. The wine represents the perfect combination of structure and elegance with balance by its fine acidity.
This wine was the first to be awarded DOCG status in Italy. The winery began in 1964, with their first signed bottle of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano being released in 1985 during an exceptional harvest season. The focus is on tradition and quality, they craft wines that highlight the region’s prestigious winemaking heritage and the unique characteristics of the Prugnolo Gentile grape.
4. Bodega Lanzaga Rioja "Lanzaga"
- Region: Rioja
- Grape Varietals: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano
Lanzaga is Bodega Lanzaga’s flagship wine. The grapes are selected from multiple vineyards surrounding the village of Lanciego de Álava in Rioja. Expressive and complex on the nose with flowers, berries, cured meat, spices and minerals. Fresh and elegant on the palate with refined tannins. The wine doesn’t feature Rioja’s typical labelling system of Crianza, Reserva, or Gran Reserva.
Founder Telmo Rodríguez grew up in the Roja region working at his family’s wine estate and nearby wineries before creating Bodega Lanazaga in 1998. The winery opened in 2009. Telmo incorporates traditional and historical processes from the 18th century using only head-trained, old-vine, and organically farmed vineyard in the immediate area.
5. Boomtown Merlot
- Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
- Grape Varietals: Merlot, with small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot
This rich and approachable Merlot offers aromas of black cherry, cocoa, and baking spices. The palate is smooth and fruit-forward, with layers of plum, vanilla, and a hint of espresso, finishing with soft tannins. A medium-bodied, approachable wine!
Dusted Valley was started by two brothers-in-law from Wisconsin. They left their corporate positions in 2003 to pursue their dream of owning a winery. The brothers embrace their agricultural heritage and also utilize oak from Wisconsin to age many of their wines.
What Do You Think?
Every bottle of wine tells a story, and can be best shared with family and friends. We hope you enjoy this diverse dive in family wine estates, ranging from 20 years old to 500+ years old. Cheers to expanding your palates with this collection of wines new to Tasteful Times!