Winter White Wines: Cozy Up with These Elegant Selections

As the winter chill sets in, it's a common misconception that the season solely belongs to red wines. The the colder months to be an opportune time to explore the rich tapestry of white wines that offer warmth, depth, and complexity. This winter, let's delve into a selection of whites that defy expectations with their robust profiles and intricate flavors. From the almond and grapefruit notes of the Burgess Cygnus Pinot Gris to the subtle cinnamon hints in the Carneros Chardonnay, these wines are poised to transform your winter evenings into a sophisticated and cozy experience.

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Burgess Cygnus Pinot Gris 2021 (SRP: $90.00)

The 2021 Cygnus Pinot Gris from St. Andrews Vineyard in Napa Valley is a testament to the art of winemaking. Fermented in amphora with grape skins, this wine boasts a unique complexity. With notes of almond skin, white grapefruit, and crushed gravel, it offers a balanced texture that's both austere and engaging, making it a perfect companion for winter nights.

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Stony Hill Spring Mountain Chardonnay 2020 (SRP: $140)

From America’s renowned white wine estate, the Stony Hill Spring Mountain Chardonnay 2020 is a vintage to remember. Sourced from Wente Chardonnay plantings, this wine exudes rich fruit notes of green and golden apple, lemon zest, pine tips, and a hint of Medjool dates. Its crystalline and balanced nature, coupled with a hint of salinity, makes it an ideal winter white.

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2021 Carneros Chardonnay (SRP: $85.00)

The Carneros Chardonnay, primarily fermented in French oak, is a harmonious blend of elegance and intensity. Originating from the Donum Ranch, it opens with classic aromas of lemon, apple, and lime, complemented by a subtle hint of cinnamon. This wine's crispness and intriguing flavor profile make it a delightful choice for winter evenings.

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La Crema 2022 Monterey Chardonnay (SRP: $20)

La Crema's 2022 Monterey Chardonnay is a celebration of coastal influence and refined taste. With aromas of grilled pineapple, Asian pear, and tangerine, followed by flavors of white peach and Key lime, it's a wine that balances fruitiness with a touch of barrel spice. Its river stone minerality and balanced acidity make it an excellent match for seafood dishes or a simple cheese platter.

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Charles Krug 2022 Napa Valley Chardonnay (SRP: $26)

The Charles Krug 2022 Napa Valley Chardonnay is an embodiment of elegance and complexity. Aged sur-lie in French oak barrels, it offers aromas of honeydew and wild plum, with flavors of lime and lemon enhancing its vibrant acidity. The wine's lushness and notes of toasted brioche and lemon curd make it a sophisticated choice for winter wine enthusiasts.

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Each of these winter white wines offers a unique experience, perfect for savoring during the colder months. Whether you're enjoying a quiet evening at home or hosting a winter gathering, these selections are sure to elevate your wine experience.

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January's Toast to Winter Warmth: Top Wine Picks to Start the Year

As we embrace the crisp chill of January, it's the perfect time to explore a world of wines that bring warmth and richness to our palates. This month, we've curated a selection of wines that not only complement the season's mood but also promise to elevate your dining experiences and cozy evenings. From the deep, robust reds that pair perfectly with hearty winter meals, to the crisp, refreshing whites that offer a contrast to the cold, our January favorites are a testament to the diversity and delight that the world of wine has to offer.

Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious novice, our handpicked selection is designed to intrigue and inspire. Each bottle tells a story of its origin, crafted with care and expertise to bring out the best in every grape. So, let's raise a glass to the new year and savor the rich tapestry of flavors that these exceptional wines bring to our tables.

Halter Ranch 2021 El Pecado - $60

Indulge in the sinfully delightful Halter Ranch 2021 El Pecado, a dessert wine that embodies the art of temptation. This unique blend of 78% Tannat and 22% Grenache hails from Paso Robles, California, and is named "El Pecado," Spanish for "the sin," alluding to its luxurious indulgence. The wine's exceptional flavor profile is a result of an innovative process: organic hand-roasted coffee beans and cocoa nibs are infused during its 16-month aging in French oak barrels. The Grenache grapes, dried on wooden racks to concentrate their sugars, blend seamlessly with the Tannat, creating a rich, complex character. On the nose, El Pecado offers a symphony of berry compote, hazelnut, molasses, mocha, and roasted coffee. The palate is greeted with a sweet, soft, and rich entry, bursting with red fruits and balanced by natural residual sugar for an intense mouthfeel. The finish is both soft and structured, making El Pecado a standout dessert wine. Pair it with coffee, chocolate delights, a savory cheese souffle, or even seared bacon-wrapped Irish scallops with a maple glaze for an unforgettable culinary experience.

2019 Carneros Estate Pinot Noir – $100.00

Step into the world of premium winemaking with the 2019 Carneros Estate Pinot Noir, a flagship wine that has been the cornerstone of Donum’s collection since its inception in 2001. This vintage is a celebration of the vineyard's legacy, presenting a deep ruby hue that captivates the eye. The bouquet is a complex and inviting tapestry of aromas, featuring blackberry, boysenberry, dried cranberry, and the distinctive sassafras note that is a hallmark of the Donum Vineyard. On the palate, this Pinot Noir unfolds with layers of wild blueberry and blackberry, intertwined with subtle notes of caramel and a whisper of sea salt. The finish is as luxurious as it is enduring, leaving a rich trail of baking spice that lingers, inviting you to savor each sip. This wine is not just a drink; it's an experience, embodying the artistry and passion of Donum’s winemaking.

Charles Krug 2022 Napa Valley Chardonnay - $26

Indulge in the Charles Krug 2022 Napa Valley Chardonnay, a harmonious blend of sophistication and sensory delight. This medium-bodied wine, with 50% of it fermented and aged sur-lie in French oak barrels (14% new), offers a symphony of aromas from honeydew to wild plum. On the palate, it reveals a vibrant acidity with flavors of lime and lemon, enhancing its lively character. The wine's substantial body and weight create a lush mouthfeel, while its complexity unfolds with notes of toasted brioche, lemon curd, and nectarine. This Chardonnay is a testament to the elegance and depth that Napa Valley wines are celebrated for.

Donnafugata 2020 Ben Ryé - Passito di Pantelleria DOC - $50

Embark on a sensory journey with the Donnafugata 2020 Ben Ryé, a renowned Passito di Pantelleria from the windswept Pantelleria Island in South Eastern Sicily. Made from 100% Zibbibo (Moscato di Alessandria), Ben Ryé, meaning "Son of the Wind" in Arabic, is a tribute to the island's persistent winds that dance around the grape clusters, infusing them with a myriad of fragrances. The wine's golden color with bright amber hues is as captivating as its story. The bouquet is intensely aromatic, featuring apricot, candied orange peel, and hints of Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, it unfolds with fruity notes of aromatic herbs and sweet honey nuances, striking an extraordinary balance between freshness and sweetness. This Passito di Pantelleria is a world-renowned dessert wine, perfect for savoring alone or pairing with caramelized duck, foie gras, blue cheeses, pastries, and gourmet chocolates like gianduja. Ben Ryé is not just a wine; it's a meditation on the essence of Pantelleria.

2022 J. Lohr Fog's Reach Pinot Noir - $35

Discover the enchanting character of the 2022 J. Lohr Fog’s Reach Pinot Noir, a wine that beautifully encapsulates the essence of the Arroyo Seco region. This exquisite Pinot Noir greets you with an aromatic bouquet of bing cherry, strawberry compote, and a hint of dried sage, inviting you into a world of refined flavors. On the palate, it presents a cascade of bright red cherry flavors, harmoniously blending into a peppery spice that lingers on the finish. Its elegant structure and depth make it an ideal companion for hearty dishes, such as a rich shepherd’s pie or a savory mushroom risotto. Embrace the coziness of a Winter evening with a glass of this exquisite Pinot Noir, a perfect pairing for both the palate and the season.

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Experience the Taste of Italian Heritage: Consorzio dell'Asti Wines

As a New York wine enthusiast, you're no stranger to the world of diverse wine cultures. But have you had the chance to explore the rich, bubbly flavours of Italian wines from the Piedmont region? The Consorzio dell’Asti, the custodian of Asti Spumante DOCG and Moscato d'Asti DOCG, offers a taste of Italy's cherished viticultural heritage right here in the Big Apple.

Asti Spumante DOCG and Moscato d'Asti DOCG are not just any wines; they are the culmination of a tradition that goes back over a century. Born from the Moscato Bianco grapes grown in the fertile regions of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, these wines are a sensory journey that echoes the landscapes they come from. The autochthonous Piedmont varietal's unique aroma blend transforms into a fragrant bouquet of botanical essences, striking the perfect balance between intensity and refinement.

New Yorkers with a keen palate for history will be captivated by Asti's origins. The Asti Spumante we enjoy today traces its roots to 1865 when Carlo Gancia, after studying vinification techniques in Champagne, France, introduced the "Classic Method" to Moscato Bianco grapes. This innovation led to the creation of Italy's first spumante. The legacy continued with the introduction of the "Martinotti Method" in 1898 by Federico Martinotti, making the production of Moscato d’Asti more accessible to winemakers.

The hard work and dedication of the Consorzio’s members have led them to gain numerous recognitions. In 1967, Asti was awarded the DOC designation, which was the highest accolade an Italian wine could have at the time. In 1993, it was later conferred the DOCG designation (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin). Subsequently, the UNESCO recognized the vineyard landscapes of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato as World Heritage sites, thus protecting and preserving the land for future generations.

As part of their 90th-anniversary celebration, Consorzio dell'Asti has undergone a rebranding to reach younger generations while preserving its unique heritage and core values. So, whether you are an ardent oenophile or a casual wine drinker, take a sip of these effervescent Italian wines, and embark on an enchanting journey of heritage, tradition, and exceptional taste right here in New York.

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Luxury Sips for Summer: Best Rosé Wines to Try in Hamptons and Mykonos for National Rosé Day 2023

As we usher in the season of sun-kissed landscapes and languid beach days, it's time to commemorate a beloved tradition – National Rosé Day. This special day celebrates the exquisite variety and refreshing appeal of rosé wines. Whether you're lounging in a sophisticated beach club in the Hamptons or watching the sunset from a hilltop villa in Mykonos, the occasion calls for a glass of the finest rosé wine. To help you elevate your celebration, we've curated a list of the best rosé wines to enjoy in 2023, perfect for the discerning palate of luxury travelers and wine connoisseurs. Let's dive into this vibrant and enchanting world of rosé, finding the perfect pour that will elevate your summer in these exclusive destinations.

Donnafugata Rosa Dolce & Gabbana

Introducing the Rosa rosé wine, a brilliant blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nocera grapes from the prestigious vineyards of Contessa Entellina estate and neighboring territories in Sicily. This creation by Dolce & Gabbana and Donnafugata is a fusion of fashion and winemaking, exuding an enchanting pink color and a remarkable character. The Rosa rosé features a fragrant bouquet of jasmine and rose petals, complemented by delicate fruity notes of peach and white-fleshed fruits. Its packaging, inspired by the iconic Sicilian cart, captures Sicily's rich culture and tradition. This versatile wine, perfect with appetizers, raw fish, vegetarian dishes, and delicate meats, offers an elevated dining experience that makes it a great choice for National Rosé Day celebrations.

Rosa Regale Sparkling Rosé 2022 (Brachetto d'Acqui DOCG)

From the picturesque Piedmont region in northern Italy comes the 2022 Rosa Regale Sparkling Rosé (Brachetto d'Acqui DOCG). Retailing at $19.99, this delightful rosé is an affordable luxury. This sweet and effervescent wine, crafted from the Brachetto grape, exudes a delicate pink hue. The aroma teases the senses with notes of grapefruit and orange blossom. On the palate, it delights with a harmonious balance of sweetness and fresh acidity, accented by hints of melon. The complex finish of Rosa Regale Sparkling Rosé pairs wonderfully with pastries, cheeses, and charcuterie, making it an exceptional choice for your National Rosé Day celebrations.

Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Rosé 2021

Hailing from the esteemed Robert Mondavi Winery, the Napa Valley Rosé 2021, priced at $30.00, is a unique blend of Pinot Noir and Bordeaux grapes. This rosé captivates with its lively aromas of fresh strawberries, pink grapefruit, and mango, punctuated by a touch of minerality. The palate bursts with the vibrant flavor of red berries, lending the wine a refreshing quality. Sourced from the Napa side of Carneros, this rosé carries a discernible freshness that contributes to its overall appeal, making it an exceptional choice for National Rosé Day.

BOXT Wine

Profile Nine's divine blush Rosé of Pinot Noir provides a robust offering for discerning rosé lovers. A gold award winner at the 2023 SF Chronicle Wine Competition and silver medalist at the 2023 Texas and Houston Rodeo International Wine Competitions, this eco-friendly fine wine offers a dry, crisp, and fresh taste with no sugar per serving. With delicate hints of citrus, strawberries, and florals, this 100% cluster-pressed Pinot Noir-based rosé appeals to both rosé and red wine enthusiasts. Notably, Profile Nine's wine practices sustainable sourcing and handcrafting at their Napa winery, focusing on consistent taste rather than varietal. This product presents in a gorgeous, refillable wooden BOXT that contains four bottles' worth of fine wine, reducing carbon emissions by 50%. As a member of the BOXT Wine Club, you'll receive this beautiful reusable BOXT with your first wine shipment and all subsequent refillable shipments in an eco-friendly tote. Ensuring purity through lab testing, Profile Nine caters to vegan and keto preferences, making their Rosé of Pinot Noir a guilt-free indulgence for National Rosé Day.

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Wines You Can't Miss Out On This Month

Each month we scour the world for some new wines that we can’t wait to share with you. From Long Island to New Zealand, no wine is off-limit. Perfect for a night in, or a collector’s piece for your top shelf, here are our favorite wines for March.

Donnafugata Rosa Dolce & Gabbana

Donnafugata Rosa Dolce & Gabbana (12.34% ABV, $48) is a rosé from Contessa Entellina estate and neighboring territories; Eastern Sicily - North side of Etna; South Western Sicily. Bright pink in color, it has an elegant bouquet of jasmine and rose petals, with delicate fruity notes of peach and white-fleshed fruits. Of pleasant fragrance, minerality and finesse, it surprises with remarkable persistence.

San Felice Campogiovanni

Campogiovanni’s vineyards are sited onthe South quadrant of the Montalcino hill, where weather conditions and a particular combination of soils favour  optimal  ripening of the Sangiovese grosso grape. Campogiovanni  Brunello is absolutely classic in style, ageing three years in Slavonian oak casks and in 500-litre tonneaux, then another  12 months in the bottle. It is recognised for its finesse and for its longevity.

Riserva Ducale Tan

Well balanced on the palate, with velvety tannins, firm acidity, and lingering finish of rosemary, this Tuscan gem pairs well with Italian favorites such a prosciutto, antipasti, or simple grilled meats and roasted vegetables.

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Wines You Can't Miss Out On This Month

Each month we scour the world for some new wines that we can’t wait to share with you. From Long Island to New Zealand, no wine is off-limit. Perfect for a night in, or a collector’s piece for your top shelf, here are our favorite wines for September.

2019 Grand Brut Rosé

The 2019 sparkling wine is a cuveé of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay fruit. Delicate, fine beads rise-up through your glass as the wine is poured. Fragrant aromas of hibiscus flower, red- sour cherry and a touch of watermelon rim are complemented with fresh brioche bread and mandarin citrus notes. On the palate, mandarin and kumquat, citrus fruit, a touch of wet stone minerality and light cherry flavors are balanced with Sonoma-Cutrer’s signature acidity. This sparkler is a perfect pairing with goat cheese, fruit tarts or fresh oysters with salmon caviar.

Vina Robles 2019 Petite Sirah

The Vina Robles 2019 Petite Sirah ($32) is here to match your style. Petite Sirah is a classic variety grown in California for more than a century, and is well-suited to the limiting soils found in the estate vineyards in Paso Robles. The wine displays complexity, structure, richness, and balance with luxurious aromas of Boysenberry and vanilla and tasting notes of juicy dark fruits, vanilla and a lively yet creamy finish.

Wander + Ivy

Quality meets convenience with Wander + Ivy! Handpicked from the world’s greatest wine regions, Wander + Ivy’s elegant 6.3 oz. bottles are the perfect portion for sampling Red Blend from Valencia, Spain, Rosé from the South of France, California Chardonnay, Italian White Wine, and California Cabernet Sauvignon. Developed by Wander + Ivy in 2017 to showcase world-class wine in convenient and affordable sizes. Dana developed the brand so she could have the freedom to enjoy a great glass of wine anytime without the guilt of knowing most of the bottle would likely go to waste. Today, Wander + Ivy is turning heads in the wine space and reinventing single-serve wine.  

Otronia 45 Rugientes Pinot Noir 2018

Otronia 45 Rugientes Pinot Noir 2018 (SRP: $40): "Otronia” has been born. Alejandro Bulgheroni’s innovative winery in the most extreme Patagonia, Argentina, is giving origin to a new region of precision viticulture, which challenges the limits of what is possible.

Hamel Family Wines 2020 Sauvignon Blanc

“A pale, clear yellow in the glass, the elegantly restrained nose reveals aromas of lemon, grapefruit and pear over notes of apple blossom, sage and mineral shimmers of crushed stone. Brimming with freshness, the palate is tightly coiled around a core of bright citrus and early season white stone fruit notes.” 

This focused and taut white was fermented and aged in a mix of stainless steel and Austrian and French oak casks and puncheons, It spent five months in stainless steel, oak and concrete eggs  producing a round structure with a refreshing and saline finish. The wine is accessible and most enjoyable in its youth and is recommended to be opened over the next three years - and especially at this weekend’s cookout. 

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Wines You Can't Miss Out On This Month

Each month we scour the world for some new wines that we can’t wait to share with you. From Long Island to New Zealand, no wine is off-limit. Perfect for a night in, or a collector’s piece for your top shelf, here are our favorite wines for August.

Luretta Boccadirosa

Together with a selected number of Malvasia di Candia Aromatica, Boccadirosa by Luretta is a sustainable wine that brings the unicity of a gem-terroir to all the senses.  

Herbs from the Mediterranean combine, in this wine, to vivacious aromas of elderberry, dried lemon peel, acacia and marzipan, resulting in a complex, rounded, and full-bodied white that is ideal to be sipped during summer as well as colder seasons. 

Unánime Chardonnay (SRP: $24.99)

From Mascota Vineyards, Unánime Chardonnay (SRP: $24.99) shows aromas of spiced-apple, peach, ripe-mango and nutmeg. It is full-bodied with crisp acidity and a creamy, dense texture which helps it pair deliciously with hearty Crab Cakes topped with a Remoulade Sauce or a fresh Chicken Pecan Salad.

The Beach by Whispering Angel 2021

The energetic ‘little sister’ to Whispering Angel, The Beach is perfectly balanced with subtle, fruity notes and exceptional length. Clad in a lighter glass bottle, this new wine launched this Spring with a coastline-cleanup initiative aimed at preserving the world's beaches.

Mezzacorona Ventessa Pinot Grigio Rosé

Healthy. Sustainable. Hand-picked.

Pinot grigio is a grape variety which has found its ideal home in Trentino, a land which allows it to express its full potential. This unique alpine context in the wine growing world brings out Pinot Grigio’s different styles thanks to the pedo-climatic environments in which it is cultivated, characterized by soils, exposure and altitudes, characteristics which make Trentino an immense, natural, and environmental mosaic!

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Wines You Can't Miss Out On This Month

Each month we scour the world for some new wines that we can’t wait to share with you. From Long Island to New Zealand, no wine is off-limit. Perfect for a night in, or a collector’s piece for your top shelf, here are our favorite wines for July.

PARTY Prosecco Rosé

Vera Wang is proud to announce the expansion of PARTY, her premium Italian prosecco – made for celebrating life's moments, big and small – with the launch of PARTY Prosecco Rosé, just in time for summer!

Vera Wang has turned her creativity and passion for design toward how — and what — we celebrate. Vera Wang PARTY embodies the Bright, FUN, and Fashion-Forward side of the globally renowned Designer and Style Icon. The Prosecco Rosé is light and crisp, making the perfect warm-weather sip. The second bottling comes in the brand's signature chic, sleek matte silver bottle with "PARTY" in a pink hue and a matching ombre.

"I am excited to introduce PARTY's newest wine just in time for summer. The Prosecco Rosé is extremely versatile and pairs well with all of your favorite seasonal cuisines – barbecue, seafood, al fresco brunch – and entertaining occasions," says Vera Wang. "Prosecco isn't just for special occasions. Whether you are celebrating by yourself as a party of one, or with friends, PARTY is about toasting the every day."

Unánime Pinot Noir

From Mascota Vineyards, the Unánime Pinot Noir (SPR: $24.99) is a subtle, delicate pinot noir with sliced-strawberry and lemon aromas, following through to a medium body, fine tannins and a delicious finish which will be your summer wine and perfect transition wine well into the fall.

Robert Mondavi Winery Estates Red Blend Oakville 2019

A true reflection of place, this wine boasts rich, complex flavors and is made up of grapes from To Kalon Vineyard, the special sight that Robert Mondavi chose for the winery in 1966. This red blend is made up of 49% Cabernet Franc, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and aged for 21 months in French oak barrels (100% new). Aromas of blackberry, cherry, toasted almond, bay leaf and mocha, lead to a palate of luscious ripe cherry and cassis with savory notes of dried herbs. This well-balanced body with a slight weight is characterized by classic fine To Kalon tannins.

Medlock Ames 2019 Secret Ingredient Malbec

The Medlock Ames 2019 Secret Ingredient Malbec (SRP: $70) has a nose filled with Christmas spice and floral perfume - but don't let these holiday mentions stray you from a summer sip, as it is ideal for anything off the barbecue. The intense palate bursts with flavors of dark roasted coffee, violets, black plum, and pastry crust. The mouthfeel is vibrant and lush with a rich tannin structure that peaks and then softly resolves on the finish.

2019 Les Pierres Chardonnay

2019 Les Pierres Chardonnay – exemplifying Sonoma-Cutrer’s Grand Cru approach to winemaking, the wine is barrel-fermented on the lees in one-year-old oak for five months. Individual block components are then blended to create the cuveìe and placed in three-year-old oak for additional aging. Bottled in February 2021 the wine was bottle-aged for an additional six months before releasing. (SRP: $46)

Trapiche Medalla Malbec 2019

Intense purple with violet tones. Concentrated aromas of red berries, plums, cherries and raisins, highlighted by notes of toast, coconut and vanilla from aging in new French oak barrels. In the mouth the wine reveals its best attributes with a sweet entry, soft and intense tannins that give creaminess, volume and meatiness. The flavors of ripe fruit stand perfectly amalgamated with spicy and smoky wood, leaving a pleasant and persistent finish.

2019 Post & Beam Cabernet Sauvignon

2019 Post & Beam Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley (SRP: $50) will fill you with the unmistakable pure expression of Napa Valley Cabernet, yet the price will not give you any guilt for enjoying it on your couch on a Tuesday night. Layered with soft red fruit flavors, leather, cassis and elegant botanical accents on the mid-palate and lovely notes of toasted espresso beans on the finish, you might choose to pretend every day is National Wine Day just so you can relive this bottle over and over again.

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