Our Wines
Az. Agr. Giavi Prosecco Superiore DOCG “Rive di Ogliano” 2022
The Giavi Brut is a delicious Prosecco, but the Rive di Ogliano Brut Nature is a cut above. It's a polished, pedigreed bottle of bubbles and its low price is ridiculous.
Like nearly all Prosecco, it's made using the Charmat method, which is essentially when the juice undergoes its second fermentation in steel tank giving the wine its bubbles. Valdobbiadene and Conegliano are the names of the two main towns on either side of their esteemed namesake DOCG. Proseccos that are from this DOCG are already much higher up the quality ladder than the entry level Prosecco DOC.
Within the Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG, there are several "Rive," which refer to vineyards planted on slopes of the steep hills that require hand harvesting only due to their rugged terrain. Wines from these Rive represent another giant step up the quality spectrum. Giavi’s comes from the very highly regarded Monticella hill. The wine is Brut Nature, meaning no sugar is added during fermentation, making the palate crisp and zippy (it comes in with a mere 2.5g/l of residual sugar). Its aromas are fresh and fruity: snappy green apple, pears, stone fruit, with a hint of citrus blossoms. On the palate it's elegant and creamy, just the right amount of lift to keep the lively fruit firing as we taste it. The finish is clean and zesty, with perfect balance. There are Champagnes out there that aren't this good! The best prosecco we have ever tasted at Cellar Browser.
NV Domaine d’Orfeuilles Touraine Brut Rosé
Wow! This is sparkling wine from the same appellation as the Touraine Blanc is a revelation. This is going to be your pool sipper, that can dress up a special occasion as well. It's a pale cherry, and the bubbles are energized. The aromas are of melons, strawberry, and a hint of citrus. The palate is lively and balanced with the berry and melon fruit holding together, braced by the tangy citrus zip. There seems to be an extra dimension of complexity on the palate, something bold and brambly. And though it's less than half of the blend, the inclusion of Côt (or Malbec), is likely responsible for this extra dimension.
Domaine d'Orfeuilles was founded in 1947 by Paul Herivault in Vouvray. Their holdings include 20 hectares upon clay and clay/limestone soils with a high density of flint. Planted mostly to Chenin Blanc for their signature Vouvrays, the Herivaults tend a few red varieties as well. For their Touraine Brut Rosé, the grapes are Côt (40%), Cabernet Franc (40%), and Grolleau (20%). Now managed by Bernard Herivault, assisted by his son, Arnaud, the domaine has been farming organically since 2010, and is now certified. This fizz is made in the traditional Champagne style, fermented first in heat-controlled tank, then in the bottle. The bottles are disgorged 9-12 months later, and then released, ready to drink.
Ostro Pinot Nero Rosé Spumante
Who doesn't love a foamy glass of delicious sparkling rosé? This little party starter from Friuli is one for the fridge and the hopeful return of gatherings in the coming months. In the meantime, there is enough deliciousness here to throw a party for yourself before settling into your coziest spot to binge some Netflix.
Voirin-Jumel Champagne Tradition
Put down that yellow label bubbly and dive into something much more compelling for a few dollars less. Jean Voirin, who owned some vines and sold all his grapes in bulk, decided to begin bottling his own champagne at the end of World War II. The Jumel family started producing champagne around the same time—René Jumel had a transport business and his wife's family had some vines that they cultivated. As the champagne market grew, René began selling some of his trucks and buying vineyards around the Côte des Blancs, which his wife, Paulette Richomme, worked and oversaw. Between 1950 and 1970, all the grapes were sold in bulk. A blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir from the Côte des Blancs and Vallée de la Marne, this is the domaine's "entry level" champagne, perfect for any occasion. Its aromas and flavors of red fruits, hazelnuts and almonds are balanced by a pleasant liveliness. And way more interesting than some of the big house sparklers you pick up at the Warehouse Box Store.
Is the most complete and beautifully balanced wine we have made from our Merlot plantings. This wine is one part Provence (in color and acidity) and one part Castelli Romani (for its ripeness and length on the palate).
This organic rosé wine is the very best product that we have produced in this line since the debut in 2018. The lovely amber color of the 2018 wine has returned, along with some really pleasant and inviting floral tones on the nose. At first taste, a combination of citrus and mineral flavors appears, with notable peach and orange hints lingering till the end. Our rosato 2020 weighs in at 12.5% alcohol and wears it well. For anyone who likes the Spritz, Italy’s current national favorite after-work drink, this wine will also give you that sense of genuine Italian style, grace and beauty, all in a glass.
NV Domaine d’Orfeuilles Touraine Brut Rosé
Wow! This is sparkling wine from the same appellation as the Touraine Blanc is a revelation. This is going to be your pool sipper, that can dress up a special occasion as well. It's a pale cherry, and the bubbles are energized. The aromas are of melons, strawberry, and a hint of citrus. The palate is lively and balanced with the berry and melon fruit holding together, braced by the tangy citrus zip. There seems to be an extra dimension of complexity on the palate, something bold and brambly. And though it's less than half of the blend, the inclusion of Côt (or Malbec), is likely responsible for this extra dimension.
Domaine d'Orfeuilles was founded in 1947 by Paul Herivault in Vouvray. Their holdings include 20 hectares upon clay and clay/limestone soils with a high density of flint. Planted mostly to Chenin Blanc for their signature Vouvrays, the Herivaults tend a few red varieties as well. For their Touraine Brut Rosé, the grapes are Côt (40%), Cabernet Franc (40%), and Grolleau (20%). Now managed by Bernard Herivault, assisted by his son, Arnaud, the domaine has been farming organically since 2010, and is now certified. This fizz is made in the traditional Champagne style, fermented first in heat-controlled tank, then in the bottle. The bottles are disgorged 9-12 months later, and then released, ready to drink.
Ca’ Lojera Lugana Superiore 2018
We needed a white that brings some weight to the table. And this stunner from the shores of Lake Garda is awesome. Proprietors Ambra and Franco Tiraboschi make their white wines with one grape variety, Turbiana. That's what the locals call it. After recent DNA testing, it has been determined that it is essentially the same variety as Verdicchio. The 2018 Ca' Lojera Lugana Superiore is pure class, and considering the price, it's a super value. It's bright and fresh, with aromatic hints of citrus, honeysuckle, and melon. The aromas are precise and persistent. On the palate, it opens up with a medium bodied amalgam of fruit and floral notes, and a steady stream of lively acidity leading to quite a pleasant, harmonious finish.
Chateau Puy-Servain Terrement Blanc 2021
This is the white wine sister to the Puy-Servain red we have offered in the past. It sings with all seafood, but it can hold up to lots of butter and even a lean cut of protein. Château Puy-Servain lies in the Montravel appellation just east of Bordeaux. The majority of their Montravel vines are planted to white varieties Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Sémillon and Muscadelle.
For his Terrement blanc, winemaker Daniel Hecquet deftly blends Sauvignon Blanc and Gris. For the price, it's amazing! The Sauvignon Gris gives the blend a soft, plump middle which fits in seamlessly with the Sauvignon Blanc. Think of it like how Sémillon tempers dry white Bordeaux. It has aromas of stone and citrus fruit with floral and herbaceous notes. The palate is bright and crisp, leading to a rich, complex finish. I may have to open one as I type. So darn good!
Cantine Bonelli “Sogno” Val de Trebbia
This is a spritzy and delightful white wine to serve poolside or perhaps with a weekend brunch. You won’t even need to adulterate this beauty with OJ. Chill it well or sip it from your YETI mug on your floaty.
Lineo Belcanto is the collection of wines Cantine Bonelli named in honor of Puccini's librettist, Luigi Illica, who was born in Piancenza. The grapes for the Sogno (Puccini's La Boheme, "...Sogno chi'o vorrei sempre sognor") are grown on hillsides 18 miles southwest of Piancenza in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region. A blend of the region's native grapes, Ortrugo and Malvasia di Candia, this is a unique and delicious wine. It is low in alcohol and ever so slightly effervescent. The fizziness is achieved after a three-month long Charmat process; the same process used to make Prosecco. The Sogno is aromatic with notes of hawthorn and wisteria, but the finish is perceptively dry.
Domaine des Corbillieres Touraine 2022
Our spring pack is all about wines for a warming trend. And the 2022 Touraine Blanc is ideal for the first patio days of the year. It is a fresh, zippy white balancing citrus fruit flavors with cut grass and minty herbs. Not at all pungent like a new world Sauvignon Blanc, it's more elegant and refined but with plenty of charged minerality.
Domaine des Corbillières' Touraine Blanc is a Sauvignon Blanc that, vintage to vintage, outperforms its humble appellation and is more aptly comparable to wines from neighboring Sancerre. The secret lies in the quality of the grapes, and in that endeavor, the Barbou family are masterful. Meticulous and conscientious farmers, the Barbous take a sustainable approach, using no chemical fertilizers. The grapes are grown on soils of sand over clay. Much of their vineyard acreage contains very old vines, and the Touraine Blanc is made with grapes whose vines average 25 years in age.
Domaine de la Rouletiere Jean-Marc Gilet 2020 Vouvray Sec "Cuvee Silex"
Dry Chenin Blanc is a thing of beauty. This one is made with 100% Chenin Blanc that comes from clay soils littered with small pieces of silex. It is aged in stainless steel tanks and older barrels (+ 10 years old). This medium to full-bodied wine has notes of apple, fresh almonds, peach, and citrus fruit. Imagine all the pairings with spicy foods and savory summer grilling without any perceptible sweetness. This wine is my go-to for sausages (especially the jalapeno and cheese kind). Also goes well with broiled fish and goat cheese.
Domaine Musset-Roullier Anjou Blanc Le Moulin de Chateaupanne 2019
This wine is 100% Chenin Blanc. Waxy fruit (star fruit, dried pineapple), flinty, and full of that lovely rockiness that only comes from the Loire Valley, this is a cerebral white wine. Dream pairing for grilled chicken (particularly with some French herbs) and shellfish cooked over a fire. Or you could just throw some olive oil, herbs, and salt on pasta and go to town.
Mas des Bressades “Tradition” Blanc
This is our white wine for red wine drinkers. There is so much texture and richness in this gorgeous blend that I would argue it might be better with a lot of summer foods than a red wine. This goes for grilled or BBQ chicken – gyros – salmon – and cheese enchiladas. This wine drinks like it cost $40. Decant this and drink about 30 minutes out of the fridge.
The 2021 Mas des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Blanc, Costières de Nîmes is a blend of Roussanne (50%), Marsanne (30%), Grenache Blanc (10%) and Viognier, and the result is a fresh, lively, somewhat fleshy wine that is perfectly balanced on both nose and palate. The aromas are of apple blossoms, orange peel and hints of exotic white and yellow fruit. The palate entry is soft and plush, with the fruit lifted by the bright acidity, exposing subtle notes of spice and flinty minerals. The finish is complex and lengthy, with all components firing together, and nothing out of place. Seriously, it walks like a white Châteauneuf des Papes and it talks like it too!
Roccafiore Grechetto ‘Fiordaliso’
100% Grechetto di Todi and one of the most refreshing white wine styles from Italy. Cantina Roccafiore farms in the rolling hills of the Umbrian countryside near the town of Todi.The wine is dry, with a pleasing freshness, supported by minerality and persistence. The bouquet is of white flowers, with attractive notes of pink grapefruit and green apple.’
Quinta de Santiago Vinho Verde Alvarinho 2020
It starts with destemmed Alvarinho grapes, sourced from vines in Portugal’s Vinho Verde region. They’re lightly pressed and cold fermented before aging in stainless steel tank.
Alvarinho is just scrumptious, no matter in which Iberian nation it is grown. Quinta de Santiago’s 2020 is fresh and energetic. Aromas of peach, citrus, and mineral rise from the glass leading to a clean, polished mid-palate with a mineral backbone. The finish is dry and crisp. Its fleshy mid-palate and complex bouquet make it a great choice to pair with shellfish and/or chicken cutlets. But definitely give it a go if you are an oyster person.
After several bottles over the last week, I can confidently say that the 2021 Due Santi Rosso is the best wine we have ever made. I tasted it on its own and against bottles that are twice its price, and each time I was more impressed. The nose is classic Due Santi with red and black fruits encased with forest herbs and hints of graphite and coffee. As it opens (several hours of decanting) it begins to reveal this lengthy impression of Dutch Cocoa and medium-roasted coffee. It reminds me of tiramisu but without the guilt and the mess. This is as complex and refined as any wine I have tasted from Lazio since the 1994 Colle Picchioni Vigna del Vassallo (another story indeed). What a testament to the team at UD Rome. Bravo!
A near 50/50 Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot - The 2021 Rosso is the result of a near-perfect growing season. Our vines have matured, and our viticulture is world-class. The resulting fruit is ripe with intense black fruit flavors encapsulated by perfect acidity and subtle herbs that dance across the palate. This is a serious wine with potential for 15+ years of aging. Yet, it opens quickly and offers a lengthy and silky dose of that “yes this is what I want in a red wine”. We are quite proud of Claudia, our winemaker, and the team at Due Santi.We dedicate this vintage to our leader in Rome, the giant one, Dr Peter Hatlie. For without his tieless pushing this dream would never have been realized. Cheers to Peter and to all of us who love Due Santi. Enjoy this with all things from the grill.
This is a complex and rich wine with a lot of backbone to balance out the deep plum, cedar, and hint of vanilla. While our Rosso pairs quite well with pizza, it really shines when served with grilled red meat. The Due Santi is lovely now, but would benefit with a little time in your cellar. Only 200 cases for the American market.
Aurelio Settimo Dolcetto d’Alba D.O.C. 2020
The wines from the Settimo estate are made by Aurelio’s daughter Tiziana. Apart from her Nebbiolo vines, she grows nearly one hectare of Dolcetto. Tiziana’s approach is traditional and authentic, there are no new barrels here! The wine sees a short, 7-day fermentation on the skins and goes through frequent punching down and pumping over of the must. It goes through malolactic fermentation in concrete tank.
This strikingly ruby hued red shows cherries, strawberries, currants and a hint of almond. On the palate it’s fresh and juicy. It’s the perfect all-purpose spaghetti red.
Ca’ Lojera Cabernet Sauvignon Monte della Guardia 2018
Ambra and Franco Tiraboschi are well-known for their fantastic white Lugana wines, but they also have some hillside vines in the Monte della Guardia area where they grow Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. This 100% Cabernet is the grape au naturel. It’s all steel tank-fermented, just pure Cabernet Sauvignon as it was meant to be. Distinctly Old World, this displays the elegant side of Cabernet, with a zippy palate and herbal notes. This is cab for turkey, but will crush it with a burger as well.
Château d’Or et de Gueules Les Cimels Rouge 2021
I have been working with this winery since early 21st century and it is only getting better and better. One of my favorite wines in the world for the money. The 2021 Les Cimels incorporates 30% of that old vine Carignan (now over 80 years old), and it makes a world of difference. Aromas of an herbal nature, forest floor, lush undergrowth, mushroomy, black olive tapenade, black tea and cracked pepper waft from the glass. The wine’s fruitiness is not of a plummy nature, it’s more on the savory side, more in line with the olivey notes in the bouquet. The palate is medium-full with great balance and lithe tannins. It is a Rhone wine, so there is juicy purple and black fruit at its core, but its complexity makes it a standout.
It must be the Carignan. Back in 1998, Diane de Puymorin purchased Chateau d’Or et de Gueules, or “Red and Gold” in the Occitan dialect. She was strongly advised to rip up her Carignan vineyard in favor of re-planting it with more “noble” varieties such as Grenache and Syrah. Diane disagreed with her advisors, pointing out that the Carignan vines at the time were over 60 years old! She insisted on keeping them because they would help add complexity to her blends.
Château d’Or et de Gueules Trassegum 2020
Now we get into Beast Mode! This is a meaty and delicious wine from the same brilliant family as the Les Cimels. In a continuation on a theme, the Mourvèdre vines at d’Or et de Gueules are also over 80 years old! For their elevated Trassegum cuvée, it’s 50% Syrah and equal parts of the old-vine Mourvèdre and Carignan.
It’s a full-bodied red with aromas of dark purple and black fruit at its core, with an amalgam of complex notes such as black olives, earthy minerals, and the signature forest floor. The palate is rich and full-bodied, yet fresh and balanced. The black fruit holds court, front and center, and is carried across the finish line by harmonious structure and nuance. Bring out that lamb for Easter or whatever meat you got. This wine can stand up to it all.
Bergerac is not far from Bordeaux – actually, it’s about an hour and a half east of Saint-Émilion. Since it’s located further away from the ocean, one typically finds the same grapes/blends that are used in making the wines on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. 60% Merlot and the rest equal parts Cab Franc and Cab Sauvignon make up this medium-bodied, bistro quaffer.
There’s no oak involved here, so what you get is pure, juicy red and purple fruit. There is a lively feel to the wine, as its freshness keeps the fruity flavors alive through to the finish. The handy screwcap enclosure makes it easy to tote around to parties and small gatherings. This is perhaps the most outstanding cab value we have every sold. Dynamite!
Domaine Christelle Betton Crozes-Hermitage Rouge ‘Espiègle’ 2018
The best red wine we have offered to date (outside of our beloved Due Santi Rosso, of course). This is 100% Syrah and absolutely dynamite. This is a muscular and glorious specimen and pairs perfectly with grilled meat. In fact, while we usually steer clear of too much BBQ sauce with French wine, this bottle dares one to pour it on thick.
Domaine des Aspras Côtes de Provence Rouge “Les Trois Frères”
The big soft, rich wine from our offering this time. The Les Trois Frères Rouge is a well-balanced red that displays rich berry nuances, which you would expect from this region, with a distinctive structure that speaks of Aspras' terroir. An equal blend of Grenache and Syrah, these grape varieties are grown on parcels of iron-rich red earth soils. It exhibits generous blackberry and tangy black currant notes that give way to sweet spices on the finish. It has an appealing medium-bodied weight to it with no detectable traces of oak.
Michael Latz has His Three Sons, Raphaël, Alexandre and Sébastien - Les Trois Frères. The three brothers represent the third generation of Latz' who have participated in the viticultural endeavors at Domaine des Aspras. Michael's parents settled in Correns, France in 1961 after fleeing Nazi Germany by way of the Belgian Congo. After the death of his father in 1971, Michael, an agricultural engineer by training, returned home to help his mother run the domaine. He was a natural, and soon after they began to sell their own wine rather than selling off their grapes. Michael's interest in organic farming became a driving force. He became mayor of Correns in 1991 and by 1995 he persuaded the entire village to switch to organic production. He calls himself a "humanist winemaker" and believes strongly that teaching children about food production, consumption and waste is vital for the planet's future. This wine sings with Pizza, Pasta or Duck with Lentils
Domaine Verret Coteaux de Bourguignons Gamay 2020
The food friendliest red of our bunch and also one of the most treasured wine grapes in the world that only seems to be reaching the height of its fame. Domaine Verret has been in the same family for over 250 years! Bruno Verret holds the reins of the estate, overseeing the 60+ hectares in total of the domaine's property. Verret grows Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, though he also has Sauvignon Blanc (for his Saint-Bris) and Gamay vines. The latter, specifically for his Coteaux Bourguignons. Bruno's 2020 Coteaux Bourguignons is an aromatic delight. Blackberries and cherry fruit intertwine with spices and berry thicket make for a finely tuned, complex introduction. On the palate, it is light and delicate, with the fruit and spices pronounced through to the finish. Its vibrant mouthfeel contributing to the lengthy finish. 2020 was a great Burgundy vintage, and technically, the Coteaux de Bourguignons is Burgundy, so make hay when the sun shines. No other Burgundies are coming to your door at this price.
Ferraton Père & Fils Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu 2019
The Ferraton family took a giant leap forward when in 1998 they teamed up with their friend Michel Chapoutier. Chapoutier helped them convert to organic farming and biodynamic practices.
The Côtes-du-Rhône Villages distinction is a mark of high quality, as there are 22 specific villages whose names are qualified to be counted in this subset of wines. The grapes are destemmed, pressed and vinified in concrete vats. Maturation also takes place in vats. The wine has a dark fruit profile, with aromas of blackberries and black currants. The palate is lush and savory, with just enough brightness to maintain balance. The dark purple fruit will linger long after the finish. This is much bigger than you might imagine. The 15% alcohol is real (real tasty)
Masseria Furfante Nero Di Troia
I used to live and work in Puglia. And Nero di Troia was my wine of choice to drink with most all meals. And especially with the famous grilled meats of Pugllia’s renowned braccerie (their version of a BBQ joint where you pick your protein and they expertly grill it over hot olive wood fires). In fact, this wine is a second label produced by Rivera, a family-owned winery in northern Puglia, near the city of Andria and the remarkable Schwabian castle called Castel del Monte. While the Rivera family has only been bottling since the 1950’s, they’ve been practicing viticulture in the region since the 18th century, their estate has existed since at least the 12th. This is one of the coolest labels we have ever seen and the wine is just dynamite. It will transport you to the great Castel del Monte and make you feel like it’s all yours.
Societa Agricola Villa Varda Friuli Grave Refosco 2018
This is a big wine. It is from a cool place, near a rushing river. Yet, it is a mouthful of delicious and potent fruit. Notes of blackberry, cranberry, and cherry. Serve this wooly monster with a thick ribeye and lots of buttered potatoes.
You know we like to keep Italy represented. This is like an HGH Chianti. Rich and wonderful. Duke Cosimo III de' Medici - You know we're going back “a ways” if we're bringing up the Medici's - In 1716 the duke issued a declaration that wines from Carmignano and Chianti were allowed to be commercialized and shipped by sea. The areas were mapped out, effectively creating Italy's first Denomination of Controlled Origins. Cabernet Sauvignon was already growing in Carmignano at that time. Legend has it that Cabernet Sauvignon vine clippings were a wedding gift from France, upon the marriage of Catherine de' Medici and future French King, Henry II. Cabernet Sauvignon thrived in the hills near the Medici villa a few kilometers west of Firenze, and it became part of what made Carmignano what it is today.
Le Farnete's 2020 Carmignano is a super effort. Its aromas are expressive, revealing ripe, red fruit, herbs, with hints of earth and spice. The palate is zesty and fresh, the bright red fruit meeting darker notes in the rounded mid-palate, leading to the lively, balanced finish. It's a super next-level red that will obviously suit many Tuscan plates, though it can be enjoyed with smoky grilled meats, stews and a host of other fine foods.
Torre Zambra Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, “Colle Maggio” 2020
Situated in the rolling hills of Abruzzo along Italy’s Adriatic coast, Torre Zambra calls the commune of Villamagna home. The brand makes several different bottlings, and Colle Maggio represents the entry-level for their more serious line. Rhône-like in character, its aromas are of plums, dark berries, oak spice, earth, and forest floor. It’s versatile enough to enjoy on its own or paired with heartier fare. I like this wine with filled pasta and chicken broth.
Tour de l’Isle’s Robert Rocchi works with a handful of growers with some prized vineyards in the southern Rhône Valley. He makes the final blending decisions with these respective growers at their estates. The fruit for Robert’s Luberon is sourced from a vineyard in the village of Ménerbes, in the heart of Luberon. It has been certified organic since the 2016 vintage.
This one’s for those of us who love a layered, perfumy bouquet of dark berry fruits, cherries, and spice. It’s mostly Syrah and Grenache, with a little Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Carignan blended in for added complexity. It’s a great cocktail wine; that fruitiness persists through the finish. Grilled chops will pair here also, especially the fattier the better.
This is a cerebral red from the Southwest of France. I have now tasted it on multiple occasions, and I am certain that it’s one of the best values we have offered here at The Browser’s Club. This is a wine that changes with almost every sip through the first 2 hours of being opened. I am sure it would continue to change with more air, but no bottle has ever made it more than two hours at my dinner table.
The 2020 On L'Appelle Braucol, which translates to "We Call It Braucol", is medium bodied with distinctive fruit flavors of blackberry, Morello cherries and fig. The aromatic notes include peony and violet with some spice. It wouldn't be described it as rugged, as the mouthfeel is supple, but it does have an earthy quality.
Braucol is the common name for the little-known Fer Servadou grape. We suggest this wine with grilled meats that are not heavy on smokiness.
