June 2023
WINE OF THE MONTH
Every month we give a little spotlight time to a hidden treasure, a wine we think you should meet (and hopefully fall in love with). To encourage the introduction, we offer the wine at 25% OFF the bottle price for the given month.
Tenuta Montecchiesi 2018 Preziosaterra Toscana Rosso
Tuscany, Italy // Reg $23.99 | 25% OFF = $17.99
Blend of 55% Sangiovese, 45% Syrah. 6 months in French oak, then 6 months in the bottle before release. Ripe fruit with dried plums, cherries & spice on the nose. Soft & round with medium body. Great with meats off the grill.
Photo: Montecchiesi estate Sangiovese & the village of Cortona in eastern Tuscany (border to Umbria)
JENS’ TOP PICKS
Every month Portalis owner Jens Strecker picks 5-10 wines that he thinks are outstanding …for any reason he chooses. Here are his picks (not in a specific order) made with summer weather in mind.
Domaine Gueneau 2022 Sancerre Rosé
Loire Valley, France // Reg $29.99 | Mixed Case $23.99
100% Pinot Noir. Floral on the nose, red pear, raspberries, note of crunchy canteloupe. Flavors of red fruits (raspberries, strawberries). Long, dry, minerally finish.
Photo: winemaker Elisa Gueneau with her father Alain
Château du Grand Caumont 2020 Cuvée Aurana Rouge
Languedoc-Roussillon, France // Reg $17.99 | Mixed Case $14.39
Raspberries, red fruits. A little fuller-bodied. Herbal notes, smooth (not tannic) with some good spice on the finish. Beautiful wine. Great for grilled sausages.
Compton Family 2019 Pinot Blanc
Willamette Valley, Oregon // Reg $20.99 | Mixed Case $16.79
“Crisp pear, Meyer lemon, and a hint of thyme in the light, enlivening scent. Silky smooth with concentrated flavors of pear, lemon, and a hint of honeysuckle as the wine opens. Spices and herbs show in a long, fresh finish. A crisp aperitif for summer sipping, or pair with grilled halibut, new potatoes, and thick slices of home grown heirloom tomatoes.” —winemaker’s notes
Photo: Tabitha Compton who owns the winery together with her husband, Matt
Elqui 2016 Malbec
Elqui Valley, Chile // Reg $31.99 | Mixed Case $25.59
“Jammy blackberry and blueberry aromas come with notes of cardamom and Middle Eastern spices. On the palate, herb-infused black fruit flavors and unusually floral for a Malbec. Finishes with nice balance, length and bright acidity.” —winemaker’s notes. Again, we’re making suggestions for richer cuts of meat off the grill. Great to sip and enjoy as well.
Photo: Steffan Jorgensen & Pamela Nunez, owners/winemakers/husband+wife team
Bartholomew 2022 Rosé of Primitivo
Horse Heaven Hills, Washington // Reg $19.99 | Mixed Case $15.99
100% Primitivo. Red berries, strawberries. Water over stone. Melon. Lighter. Refreshing. Delicious. Fun.
The Miscreant Project 2020 GobSmack'd
Columbia Valley, Washington // Reg $22.99 | Mixed Case $18.39
Nice summer Rhône blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre. Medium-bodied with lots of red & black fruit flavors. Touch of earth. Easy-drinking all the way. Great price for WA State.
Photo: Chris Loeliger & Keith Whisenhunt, winemaker & assistant winemaker, also father & son
Vignerons de Saumur 2020 Blanc Les Epinats
Loire Valley, France // Reg $17.99 | Mixed Case $14.39
Stay tuned for tasting notes…
Luca Ferraris 2020 Barbera d'Asti del Martin Cà Mongròss
Piedmont, Italy // Reg $17.99 | Mixed Case $14.39
100% Barbera. 9 months French oak; 3 months in the bottle, unfiltered. Violets, herbs, spices on the nose. Intense flavors of ripe black raspberries, macerated cherries, spices notes and a balanced acidity. Medium-bodied. This is your summer burger wine!
Photo: owner/winemaker Luca Ferraris with his kids
Mason Cellars 2021 Sauvignon Blanc
Napa Valley, California // Reg $21.99 | Mixed Case $17.59
Citrus & white peach on the nose. Flavors of nectarine, pink grapefruit. Creamy texture. Fine acidity. Great wine.
Bodegas Muga 2018 Reserva
Rioja, Spain // Reg $38.99 | Mixed Case $31.19
100% Tempranillo. Reserva = aged a minimum of 3 years before release with at least one year in oak casks.
Blueberries, blue fruit, cedar box on the nose. Blue & blackberries on the palate. Plums. Elegant, complex. Long, fruity finish. Want a finer wine for dinner off the grill? Made for lamb chops, steak. Grilled mushrooms would be lovely, too.