Bora Tier
Lunaria "Civitas" Pecorino Terre di Chieti is a remarkable white wine from the Abruzzo region in central Italy, made from the Pecorino grape, a variety known for its ancient roots and unique character. This wine comes from Lunaria, an organic winery that has made a name for itself by producing wines that reflect the region’s rich heritage and the natural beauty of its landscapes. The "Civitas" label represents a focus on sustainability and a deep respect for the land, with an emphasis on organic farming and biodynamic practices.
The Winemakers and Philosophy
Lunaria was founded in 2000 by a cooperative of passionate winemakers, committed to producing wines that reflect their values of organic viticulture and environmental stewardship. The winery is located in the Terre di Chieti, a subregion of Abruzzo known for its varied terroirs and beautiful landscapes. The winemakers at Lunaria aim to showcase the authenticity of local grape varieties like Pecorino and ensure that their farming practices leave a minimal environmental footprint. Lunaria is known for its hands-off approach in the cellar, relying on natural fermentation and minimal intervention to allow the grape’s true expression to shine through.
The Pecorino grape, though historically planted in the region, was nearly lost to time until its resurgence in the late 20th century. Known for its fresh acidity, bright citrus flavors, and distinctive minerality, Pecorino is a perfect fit for the cool, mountainous terroirs of Abruzzo. Lunaria’s "Civitas" is a wonderful expression of this grape, capturing its crispness and complexity with great finesse.
The Wine: Lunaria "Civitas" Pecorino
Lunaria "Civitas" Pecorino is an elegant and expressive white wine with vibrant aromas of lemon zest, green apple, and a subtle herbal note. The wine’s bright, crisp acidity is complemented by flavors of stone fruit, including peach and apricot, along with a lingering minerality that reflects the region’s unique soils. It has a clean, refreshing finish that makes it incredibly versatile and food-friendly, with a medium body that offers both richness and elegance.
Food Pairings
The Lunaria "Civitas" Pecorino is an excellent wine to pair with a wide range of dishes, particularly those that highlight fresh, vibrant flavors. Its bright acidity and fruit-forward profile make it an ideal match for seafood such as grilled shrimp, oysters, and fresh white fish. It also pairs beautifully with pasta dishes featuring pesto, seafood, or vegetables. For a more substantial pairing, try it with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables, where the wine’s minerality balances the richness of the dish.
Its versatility extends to cheese pairings, especially fresh goat cheese, pecorino, or soft cheeses, which complement the wine’s clean, crisp finish. The wine also pairs well with Mediterranean flavors, such as Greek salads, chickpea dishes, or fresh tomato salads.
With its organic origins, vibrant flavors, and wide food compatibility, Lunaria "Civitas" Pecorino is a wine that can elevate a variety of meals, making it a great choice for both casual gatherings and more formal dinners. It’s a perfect example of how traditional Italian craftsmanship meets modern sustainability, all in a glass. Château de Saint Cosme 'Micro-Cosme' Grenache - Pinot Noir is a remarkable red wine from the Southern Rhône Valley of France, crafted by the prestigious Château de Saint Cosme. Located in the heart of the Gigondas appellation, the estate is renowned for its commitment to quality and traditional winemaking. Founded in the 16th century, Saint Cosme is one of the oldest and most respected estates in the region, with a winemaking philosophy that blends history, terroir, and innovation.
The 'Micro-Cosme' label represents a modern, unique expression of the classic Southern Rhône blend, featuring Grenache and Pinot Noir, two grape varieties that are somewhat unusual for the region. The winemaker, Louis Barruol, is deeply committed to producing wines that reflect the authenticity of the land, practicing organic farming and employing low-intervention winemaking techniques. The result is a wine that showcases the distinctive terroir of the Southern Rhône while also offering a fresh, innovative twist with the inclusion of Pinot Noir, a cooler-climate grape.
The 'Micro-Cosme' Grenache - Pinot Noir is a medium-bodied red with an inviting bouquet of red fruit, spices, and delicate floral aromas. On the palate, it balances the ripe, juicy character of Grenache with the elegance and soft tannins of Pinot Noir. Flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and a hint of pepper create a harmonious, fresh, and lively wine with a smooth finish and a touch of minerality.
Food Pairings
This wine’s versatility makes it a perfect match for a wide range of dishes. Pair it with grilled meats such as lamb, duck, or pork, where the wine’s fruit-forward nature complements the rich flavors. It also works beautifully with roasted vegetables, herb-crusted chicken, or wild mushrooms. For cheese lovers, soft cheeses like Brie or Goat cheese are ideal, as their creamy textures harmonize with the wine’s acidity. Whether for a casual dinner or an elegant gathering, 'Micro-Cosme' is a wine that elevates any meal.
Le Mistral Tier Love Letter 2021: A Beautiful Expression of Lebanese Winemaking
The Love Letter 2021 is a standout wine that showcases the beauty and authenticity of Lebanese winemaking. Another rare one from the Mersel lineup, we were only able to secure one case for the club. Produced by Laila Maghathe, a passionate new producer from the Mersel portfolio, this wine represents a heartfelt tribute to her Lebanese roots.
Grown in the Bechouat region of Lebanon's Bekaa Valley at an altitude of 1,260 meters, this light, still red wine is crafted from 100% Merlot grapes. The soil is rich in limestone, providing a unique terroir that contributes to the wine’s distinctive character. With an alcohol content of 13% and no added sugar, this wine is a true reflection of natural winemaking practices.
Laila’s approach to winemaking is rooted in her belief in organic farming and natural fermentation. The Love Letter 2021 undergoes semi-carbonic maceration in stainless steel for 10 days with indigenous yeasts, allowing the Merlot to express itself naturally. It is then aged for 13 months in stainless steel, without any added sulfites, fining, or filtration. This results in a wine that is pure, vibrant, and alive, with no added additives to alter its essence.
With a grape yield of just 20 hectoliters per hectare, Laila’s commitment to quality is evident in every bottle. Love Letteris not just a wine but an experience—one that invites you to savor the essence of Lebanon’s landscape and Laila’s passion for natural winemaking.
If you’re looking for a wine that is expressive, fresh, and full of character, Love Letter 2021 is a perfect choice. Embrace the flavors of Lebanon in every sip of this remarkable wine.
Les Foulards Rouges Octobre Rouge 2024 This has quickly become an industry favorite among our staff and the sales reps.
Les Foulards Rouges Octobre Rouge is a natural primeur wine from the picturesque Albères foothills in Roussillon, France. This 2024 release is a vibrant blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Cinsault, crafted by the talented Jean-François Nicq. Known for his delicate, terroir-driven wines, Nicq brings to life a wine that perfectly balances the sunny intensity of Roussillon with the light, drinkable charm of Beaujolais-style wines.
What makes Octobre Rouge stand out is its commitment to organic farming and natural winemaking techniques. Hand-harvested grapes are fermented using carbonic maceration with indigenous yeasts, allowing the wine to retain its purity and essence. The wine is bottled without fining, filtration, or added sulphur, ensuring a clean, expressive profile that showcases the unique terroir of the region.
Tasting this wine is like taking a refreshing stroll through a fruit orchard. The palate bursts with juicy red berries, including sour cherry, wild strawberry, and crushed redcurrants, while subtle floral notes add a layer of complexity. A delicate, silky texture is complemented by a slight wild edge from the carbonic maceration, with a peppery lift that adds intrigue. Light-bodied and fresh, it’s best served slightly chilled, making it a perfect choice for seasonal transitions and casual apéros.
Octobre Rouge is incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairings. Its freshness and acidity make it an excellent match for roast chicken, charcuterie, grilled seafood, ratatouille, or young cheeses. At 12.5% alcohol, it’s a wine you can enjoy now or cellar for a short time for added depth. Whether you’re sipping it on a warm day or pairing it with your next meal, Les Foulards Rouges Octobre Rouge is a wine that invites you to savor the essence of Roussillon.
VDF “Cuvée 50 : 50” 2020: A Perfect Blend of Grolleau and Cab Franc
The VDF “Cuvée 50 : 50” 2020 is a beautiful representation of the craftsmanship and passion of winemakers Toby and Julie Bainbridge, who run a small, family-owned estate in Chavagnes-Les-Eaux, Anjou. This unique blend of 50% Grolleau and 50% Cabernet Franc showcases the best of the region’s terroir and the couple's commitment to organic, sustainable practices.
The grapes for Cuvée 50 : 50 are grown on soils rich in calcium, iron, and sandy, black schist bedrock—ideal for producing wines with complexity and freshness. The couple's vineyards are certified organic, with 6.5 hectares of vines that thrive in drought-resistant soil. The wine is hand-harvested, co-fermented, and de-stemmed before undergoing a short maceration period of just 8-10 days in fiberglass. This minimalist approach allows the wines to remain fresh, vibrant, and true to their natural roots.
Toby and Julie’s story is as heartfelt as their wines. Toby, an ex-pat from the UK, and Julie, who met him working on a harvest crew in Protection, Kansas, have made a life for themselves in Anjou since 2007. After working with renowned winemakers Didier Chaffardon and René Mosse, they set out on their own, focusing on fresh, drinkable wines that express the unique character of their terroir. Their work ethic, humility, and patience are evident in every bottle they produce.
In addition to their winemaking, the Bainbridges have embraced a bit of farm life with new sheep on the estate, which help manage the herbs between the vines. This farm-to-glass approach emphasizes their connection to the land and dedication to sustainability.
VDF “Cuvée 50 : 50” 2020 is a wine that celebrates balance—both in the vineyard and the bottle. It’s perfect for those who appreciate fresh, natural wines with a clear sense of place.
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