Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and the next three tastings we’ll have will be focused on regional pairings for the table. Today is the first of three, and we’ll be featuring an international selection of beautiful wine to adorn your evenings.

Domaine de la Fontainerie 2011 Vouvray Brut $27.85

For two decades, Catherine Dhoye Deruet has been working the Vouvray estate that in 2012 celebrated its 300th year in her family. Her cellars are carved into the limestone cliffs in the Vallée Coquette, and the estate vineyard is planted in clay and limestone soils over a bedrock of porous limestone chalk. A minimalist approach is taken with the vineyards and winemaking. Yields are carefully controlled to ensure quality and the musts are never chapitalized. This excellent value for brut sparkling Chenin Blanc is classically styled. It is mineral-driven and generous and expresses the attributes of exceptional terroir in a great vintage. Gorgeous.

San Fereolo 2013 Langhe Bianco “Coste del Riavolo” $32.85

The lone white of the estate is from a steeply-sloped, north-facing parcel just below the winery, elevation of 500 meters. It is 70% Riesling and 30% Gewurztraminer, which is co-fermented in a large wood vat after a 5-day maceration. After 24 to 30 months in a mix of large barrels, it spends a year in bottle. The resulting wine is rich in material and texture, with a freshness and acidity that speaks to both the dominant Riesling character and the mineral soil.

Domaine de la Consonniere 2016 Lirac Rosé $10.85

Sébastien Cuscusa took over 5 ha. of vineyards from his grandfather Armand Ferulla in March 2009. The domain was known as “Domaine de la Cabane,” but only a tiny part of the production was bottled at the domain.
It was Sébastien’s, great-great-grandfather, François Ferulla, who bought the first vineyards in 1890. The vineyards owned by Sébastien are situated at the three Lieux-dits Les Saintes Vierges, Pignan and Font du Loup.
Since the start Sébastien Cuscusa has increased his holdings with 2,5 ha of Chateauneuf du Pape and 5 ha of Lirac.
Sébastien Cuscusa made his first vintages in rented cellar (like other new starters) at Maison Brotte. In 2016 a new cellar are built. His rosé is made of 50% Grenache, 25% Cinsault and 25% Syrah. Direct press.

Johanneshof Reinisch 2012 St. Laurent $23.87

Here in the Thermenregion south of Vienna lies Johanneshof Reinisch. Vineyards are planted with 65 % red and 35 % white vines. There is an active link between tradition and modernity, with vineyards growing on excellent soil, the most advanced technology of our time, and the experience of generations that have always had high ambitions for the present and the future. There is a particular focus at Johanneshof Reinisch on the Burgundy varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and St. Laurent. In the area of Gumpoldskirchen, the indigenous grape varieties Rotgipfler and Zierfandler are cultivated. The Reinisch family is producing wine for the fourth generation.

Kopke Lagrima White Port $20.85

The wine should be stored in a fresh, dry and dark place, without temperature variations, and the bottle must remain up-right. As a natural product, the Port Wine is subject to create deposit when aging. Once opened, it should be consumed within 2 to 4 months. The periods here suggested are merely for guidance, not implying the deterioration of the wine but only a slow evolution that can lead to the loss of its original sensorial characteristics. Served fresh, simple or with dried fruits, it is the perfect aperitif. The well-balanced sweetness grants the ideal character to serve with foie-gras courses and fresh desserts, like fruits and ice-creams. Enjoy with a bavaroise of vanilla with plum sauce or with an apricot ice-cream. The multiplicity of possible harmonies is superb, having the consumer the pleasure to go in search of new flavors.