Extra Gravy Thanksgiving 6 pack

Lambert de Seyssel Brut Petit Royal, Savoie, France

Kick off the festivities with this lovely and lively biodynamic sparkler    from the French Alpine village of Seyssel. Native grapes Molette and Altesse are the base for this Champagne-method wine. It is aged two years sur latte and charms with intoxicating notes of wildflowers, dried fruit, and honeysuckle. Lees aging lends a toasty/yeasty quality and adds richness & complexity throughout.

La Chasse des Princes Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2024, France

This is a blend of  mostly Grenache Blanc & Clairette, along with Roussane, Viognier, Marsanne, and Bourboulenc from younger ‘responsibly farmed’ vineyards surrounding Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Grapes are destemmed and fermented in stainless steel followed by another ten months aging in stainless. This wine is a glass of sunshine, from its golden hues to the tropical notes and hints of melon & juicy white plums. On the palate, citrus combines with crisp pear and finishes with a brisk, salty streak that leaves your mouth watering for more.

Cederberg Bukettraube 2024, Western Cape, South Africa

Cederberg refers to themselves as “wines with altitude” as they have the highest altitude vineyards, at 3200 ft, in Western Cape. The cool climate and remote location (Cederberg Wilderness Area is a UNESCO World Heritage site), along with fresh air and water from the mountains, lead to naturally healthy vines. Bukettraube, a cross between Sylvaner and Trollinger, is a rare cultivar with only 77 hectares left in the world. The grapes are hand-harvested & crushed, followed by eight+ hours skin contact. Fermentation is stopped with a bit of RS remaining, lending a delicate sweetness that is balanced by racy acidity and buoyant flavors of muscat, white flowers, and apricot.

Domaine du Crêt de Bine ‘Terroir du Martin’ Beaujolais 2022, France

The Subrin’s organically & biodynamically farm this family domain tucked on a high plateau in the southwest corner of the Beaujolais appellation, with the goal of making wines with the same intensity and complexity as those from the crus. The vineyards are planted on granitic sands (pink granite) and basaltic rocks; yields are limited and harvests can go late into the season. Terroir du Martin is Gamay from 25-25 year old vines fermented via carbonic maceration in stainless steel. This is a fruity, generous, and energetic red. Think crunchy red berries, a touch of black pepper, zippy finish. A classic for the Thanksgiving table.

Guillemain Reuilly Pinot Noir 2023, Loire, France

Guillemain is a four hectare property in the hands of one of a young Loire producer, Antoine de la Farge, of Chavet. Antoine acquired these four hectares sometime around 2020. The Chavet family has been growing vines in Menetou-Salon since the 17th century and now has additional organic and biodynamic holdings in Pouilly-Fumé, Reuilly, and Quincy. This medium-bodied Pinot swirls with rose petals and ripe red berries supported by background notes of damp earth, fresh herbs, and chalky-minerality.

Natalino del Prete Salento Primitivo ‘Nataly' 2022, Puglia, Italy

One of Italy’s first certified organic properties, Natalino del Prete & his daughter Mina make (according to the importer, Louis/Dressner) “unpretentious peasant wine meant for everyday consumption.” The vines at Del Prete have been in the family for generations; Natalino farms with zero fertilizers, minimal plowing, no irrigation, and no chemicals. This philosophy extends to the cellar where wines ferment and age in large concrete tanks and underground vats, no sulfur is added, and wines are bottled unfiltered/unfined. This Primitivo is from 40-70 year old vines. It is humble and rustic, with dark plummy fruit, baked earth and dried spices, and a touch of roasted meat. It’s full-bodied & satisfying.