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 Wines from Spain have often appealed to me, whether they be old world reds from Rioja and Ribera del Duero regions, or aromatic whites made with the Albarino grape. I have also enjoyed many Garnacha wines and recently came across an incredible wine from the iconic producer Bodegas Borsao called Viña Borgia. Located in northeastern Spain, the Campo de Barja D.O. is famous for producing world class red wines since Roman times using the Garnacha grape (62% of all planted vines). Continental climate with the Atlantic Ocean influence of cool breezes combined with the warm Mediterranean sun leads to wines with good acidity, vibrant color, and soft tannins. The average age of the vineyards is 30-50 years old with low yields creating intensely flavored grapes. Bodegas Borsao winery is certified organic and vegan and was founded in 2001 as a merger of three cooperatives made up of hundreds of family farmers. They make both expensive wines and affordable table wines, with Viña Borgia falling under the incredibly affordable style! Fresh aromas of red currant, plum, blueberry, and cassis combine with earthy notes and subtle anise aromas. These aromas carry over to the palate where the fruit and acidity combine perfectly to produce a fresh and vibrant wine that is complex with a surprisingly persistent, long finish that leads to you wanting your next sip of wine, preferably with your next bite of food. This is relatively easy to achieve if the wine is $30-$50, but is incredibly difficult to achieve when the wine is $15 ($10 on sale!!!). Pair this gem with paella, salads, pasta, chicken, pork, and cheeses such as the Casa Lusa Zimbro sheep’s milk cheese from Portugal that you can get in Surdyk’s Cheese shop. “Salud!” 

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 I always try to base my staff picks on recent wines that have captured my attention. Sometimes they interest me due to unique geographic origins, unique grape varieties, or excellent value. In almost all cases they share families who are passionate stewards of the land they call home, champion sustainable farming and respect for the past, are committed to never-ending innovation, and involve multiple generations of their family in harnessing all these elements to produce truly spectacular wines. I can say that Alexander Valley Vineyards in Sonoma, California epitomizes this passion since their first vintage 50 years ago, and the wine that recently reminded me of it is their Alexander Valley Vineyards Merlot. The Wetzel family purchased the estate in 1962 and began a process of renovation, farming, and constant learning to create the winery we know today. Their passion for sustainability comes from the fact that they live on the property with their children (currently the 4th generation of Wetzels). The other intangible is their location within Alexander Valley and the proximity to the ocean which creates 40-50 degree drops in temperature from day to night. This provides the grapes with even ripening, high acidity, intense flavors, and leads to wines of elegance and balance. While known for producing stellar Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, it is their Merlot that captured my attention. The wine is made from 100% Merlot grapes cave aged in barrels of French and American oak for 15 months. The rich nose shows dark fruits like cassis and blackberry, plum, licorice, vanilla, and spicy oak. The nose is reflected in the rich, full-bodied, well-structured wine that also shows velvety chocolate notes. Power and elegance in the same glass is a difficult thing to do, but the Wetzel family’s passion for detail allows them to achieve such award-winning wines year after year. Pair with grilled meats such as lamb, duck, steak, and try with Surdyk’s Cheese Shop Beef Stroganoff when it’s available! I am sure that you will love this wine and be proud to share it with family, friends and neighbors! Cheers!  

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 Azienda Agricola Tiberio is located in central Italy, 23 miles inland from the Adriatic seaside city of Pescara near the hillside town of Cugnoli. At 1150 feet, it has a unique microclimate that enjoys moderating sea breezes coming from the Adriatic and cool and fresh mountain air coming from the Majella and Gran Sasso Mountains. The vineyards are dry farmed and follow biodynamic farming techniques to encourage the grapes to be an accurate reflection of the land, soil, and climate. Long, spontaneous fermentations using natural yeasts, aging in stainless steel vats, and no fining or filtration to enhance the mouthfeel and structure of the wine. I normally enjoy wines that have some barrel aging to provide a sense of weight and structure, but the age of the vines helps produce a low yield of intensely flavored grapes that provide enough tannins so that barrel aging is not needed. Beautiful aromas of red and blue fruits, subtle floral notes intermingle with hints of tobacco and earth, with a streak of stony mineral notes. All of these carry over to the elegant palate, with fresh lush fruit flavors of plum and cherry, with bright acidity and mineral notes helping to focus the wine and lead to a long, precise finish. Silky yet substantial tannins make this wine a wonderful companion to a wide variety of foods. Pasta with Bolognese meat sauce, grilled meats, portobello mushrooms, fennel sausage, and lamb kebabs. Enjoy this beautiful wine for as long as it lasts, as this wine is not imported in huge quantities.  Salute!