Regularly $103 but always discounted to $85 flat, for a savings of 17.5% this month!

Gnarly Vines April 2025
Wine of the Month Club Four Pack

2020 Menhir Salento Pietra Verdeca - Puglia, Italy (750ml) - $19
This 100% Verdeca, a rare indigenous varietal, comes from 30 year vines grown on rocky, craggy, limestone-rich soils just outside the beautiful, charming town of Otranto. Its ability to retain acidity and freshness makes it a good choice in hot conditions. Harvest is done by hand and fermentation takes place in temperature controlled stainless tank over 15 days after which it rests on its fine lees for at least three more months. Aromas of white flower, grapefruit and lemon zest lead to a light to medium bodied palate with bright flavors of citrus and passion fruit, and a crisp, mineral-driven finish. Pairs wonderfully with Apulian specialties like Orecchiette with cime di rape or steamed mussels with fennel, garlic lemon and wine.

2023 Lyrarakis Skin Contact Assyrtiko/Vidiano - Crete, Greece (750ml) - $26
Founded by brothers Monolis and Sotiris Lyrarakis in 1966, in a remote, rugged part of Crete surrounded by the Lassithi mountains, it is currently run by the next generation. Adapting to climate change, they have been moving to higher altitudes and converting to the lyre trellising system which improves air circulation and shade while naturally minimizing mildew or other fungal diseases. Focusing on indigenous varietals and ancient techniques, they produce this 50% Assyrtiko, 50%, Vidiano amber-hued blend that spends 12 days on its skins while it ferments at a moderately cool, 62.5°F. The result is a clean, precise orange wine with stone fruit aromas and flavors, citrus peel bitters, balanced acidity and silky dry tannins on the finish. Pairs perfectly with strong Greek cuisine like charred Xtapodi (octopus) or Kalitsounia, local friend pastries with spinach and feta.

NB: Each year, Lyrarakis evaluates both themselves and participating farmers for water, soil, pest and ecosystem management, air quality and community impact. Their yearly performance is publicly available through their Message-In-A-Bottle project. Sending out an S-O-S…..

2023 Bojo do Luar Duplo - Vinho Verde, Portugal (750ml) - $22
This 100% Espadeiro red from Lixa, in the Vinho Verde region of Portugal is a perfect representation of how unique and compelling wines from this region can be. 20-25 year old vines rooted in granitic soils grow beautifully ripe grapes that are harvested early in October. They undergo 10 weeks of maceration and spontaneous fermentation in Talha, a type of Portuguese amphorae, with ground chestnut flower flour added to the must which acts as a natural stabilizing agent and precludes the use of sulfites. The Talha are covered in cloth for controlled oxygenation during fermentation and then sealed to prevent further oxidation and preserve freshness. All of these practices bring notes of Matcha tea, cranberry, cherry, earthy minerality, silky tannins, balanced acidity and gentle yet dry tannins. Duplo pairs delightfully with Caldo Verde, seafood Paella or a hard and salty cheese platter.

2021 Juanvi Quercus - Aragon, Spain (750ml) - $36
Juanvi is the artisan winemaking project of Juan Vicente Alcañiz, a native of Rubielos De Mora. This cuvée is a blend of 70% Garnacha with 30% Miguel del Arco, an obscure indigenous varietal that bears some resemblance to Syrah. Farmed organically and harvested by hand at high elevation sites, the grapes are whole cluster fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel before a three week maceration and gentle punch-downs, to avoid crushing the berries. The wine ages for nine months, splitting time between French oak and concrete, prior to bottling without fining or filtration. The nose balances brambly red fruit with flowers, herbs, and spice. This full-bodied red delivers ripe, almost jammy red and black berries, with clove, fig and an earthy, leathery note. Its firm, dry tannins pair nicely with a Moroccan-spiced beef brisket or eggplant dumplings alla parmigiana.