February 2024: Mardi Gras with the Nola Wineaux
Calling all party people and wine enthusiasts as we explore the Eater's box of wines from our February club, curated by none other than The Nola Wineaux herself, Kenda Waugh! Imagine yourself amidst the spectacular floats, whimsical costumes, and infectious music of a New Orleans Mardi Gras parade. These wines are your ideal companions, ready to pair beautifully with any food you might grab along the route – or wherever your Mardi Gras celebrations take you!
As a native New Orleanian, Kenda knows a thing or two about celebrating Fat Tuesday in style. This specially crafted selection features a collection of easy-drinking, food-friendly wines, all produced with sustainable practices in mind. So, dive into the spirit of Mardi Gras with Kenda's curated box! We can't wait for you to experience these flavorful wines and celebrate in style. Cheers! Discover each bottle below:
Kiffe, Vin Rouge | Vallée du Rhône, France; red, grenache noir, syrah, carignan: “Kiffe is a French expression that represents contentment and pleasure, a fitting name for this delightful wine. From the label's design to the taste of the wine, Kiffe brings pure joy. Drinking this wine is akin to experiencing the excitement of the Krewe of Endymion parade. Despite the evening start time, people arrive early in the morning to secure a good viewing spot for the colorful, lit-up floats. The wine's festive label, featuring an adorable robot, reminds one of a parade float character. This medium-bodied red wine is a well-balanced blend of 79% grenache noir, 18% syrah, and 3% carignan, grown in stony soil by Vignerons d'Estezargues in southern Rhône. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented naturally with native yeast, followed by a 10-day maceration period. The wine is then left on its lees for 7 months in cement, culminating in a bottle of pure bliss. The flavors of spiced plums, savory strawberries, and herbs combine to create a harmonious taste that brings pure happiness.” - Kenda Waugh
Venturini Baldini, Montelocco Rose Lambrusco | Emilia-Romagna, Italy; sparkling, lambrusco salaminot: “Sipping on the perfect bottle of bubbles while enjoying the colorful Mardi Gras parade is high on my list of musts. Venturini Baldini, an esteemed winery that has been producing wine since 1976, calls their wine ‘the new generation of lambrusco wines.’ The winemakers' love and dedication to producing high-quality wines is evident in this sparkling lambrusco, which features ripe, juicy strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and nuts. I would enjoy these beautiful pink delicate bubbles while taking in the sights at the Krewe of Muses parade. They are an all-female krewe whose throw is a highly coveted hand-decorated high-heel shoe. The wine is fresh, lively, and savory on the palate and would be the perfect accompaniment to a shrimp po’ boy on French bread.” - Kenda Waugh
Fond Cyprès, Cyprès de Toi Rouge | BLanguedoc-Roussillon, France; red, syrah, grenache noir, carignan: Fond Cyprès is a small, family-owned winery located in Escales, France, in the Corbières AOC. The estate is run by Laetitia Ourliac and Rodolphe Gianesini, who are passionate about producing wines that express the unique terroir of their region. Corbières sunshine, syrah whispers, grenache sunbeams paint black cherry, plum and peppercorn intrigue. Crisp acidity keeps the party lively, leaving echoes of juicy fruit and sun-kissed earth on a lingering finish. Pair with classic French bistro salad, grilled peach and skewers and vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Volk Pinot Blanc Pet Nat, Sanctum | Podravje, Slovenia; sparkling, pinot blanc: “Whoever said ’never judge a book by its cover’ clearly never laid eyes on this wine label! I mean, come on, there's a wolf in sunglasses grilling a steak and jamming out to tunes with wine in hand — it's like a Mardi Gras party in a bottle! But wait, it gets even better. This 100% pinot blanc from Sanctum winery in Lower Styria, Slovenia is the real deal. They're all about tradition and letting the grapes and climate do their thing - no funny business. And boy, does it show. Hand-picked on steep, marl-rich slopes, these bubbles burst with toasty lemon, juicy pear, and a hint of coconut. Sip it on its own or pair with some juicy grilled meat.” - Kenda Waugh
Dürnberg, Falkenstein Zweigelt | Weinviertel, Austria; red, zweigelt: With roots dating back to the 12th century and regulated by the Falkenstein Mountain Court from the 13th to the 17th century, Dürnberg Winery embodies centuries of viticulture. Positioned at the crossroads of old and new wine culture, their wines showcase unmistakable aromas, deep spice, and cool characteristics, thanks to an exceptional terroir with lime-rich soils and a favorable microclimate. The result is wines with fine aromas, pronounced fruit, and vital acidity. Dürnberg sun-kissed zweigelt. Juicy berries, black cherry bursts, whispers of violet & peppercorn spice. Garrigue whispers, thyme and sage waltz with gentle tannins. Bright acidity keeps the party lively, echoes of juicy plum & sun-drenched earth linger on a velvet finish. Pair with rich forest mushroom soup, crisp crostini, and marinated beef strips with toasted sesame seeds.
Franc Kačičnik, Skinzy' | Štajerska, Slovenia; white, blaufrankisch: Carter Mollenhauer, a dynamic husband-and-wife winemaking duo, passionately craft exceptional Chilean wines in the Maule Valley. Edgard Carter's viticultural expertise and Karine Mollenhauer's finesse result in limited selections authentically capturing the Itata Valley's terroir. Their hands-on, sustainable approach reflects deep respect for the land, promising an authentic, sensorial journey through Chilean winemaking. Upon opening, a quick dissipation of reduction reveals wild plum, boysenberry, and scrubby herb notes. Sticky tannins create a tight structure with a granitic grip. Juicy cherries, strawberries, and blackberry aromas lead to a vibrant palate with earthy minerality, peppery spice, and grippy tannins. The lingering finish offers flavors of juicy fruit and dusty earth, making it perfect for adventurous palates and pairing it with grilled meats or hearty stews.
Carter Mollenhauer, Aurora Cinsault Itata Red | Itata Valley, Chile; red, cinsault: Carter Mollenhauer, a dynamic husband-and-wife winemaking duo, passionately craft exceptional Chilean wines in the Maule Valley. Edgard Carter's viticultural expertise and Karine Mollenhauer's finesse result in limited selections authentically capturing the Itata Valley's terroir. Their hands-on, sustainable approach reflects deep respect for the land, promising an authentic, sensorial journey through Chilean winemaking. Upon opening, a quick dissipation of reduction reveals wild plum, boysenberry, and scrubby herb notes. Sticky tannins create a tight structure with a granitic grip. Juicy cherries, strawberries, and blackberry aromas lead to a vibrant palate with earthy minerality, peppery spice, and grippy tannins. The lingering finish offers flavors of juicy fruit and dusty earth, making it perfect for adventurous palates and pairing it with grilled meats or hearty stews.
Voštinić – Klasnić, Ikons | Moslavina, Croatia; white, škrlet, graševina: Tomislav Bolfan, a visionary winemaker, embraces strict organic farming and native yeast fermentations. His unconventional approach captures škrlet's unique character, prioritizing authenticity and terroir essence over conventional labels. This Croatian natural white winecdelights with juicy tropical and stone fruit flavors, delicate floral and citrus notes, light acidity, easy-drinking tannins, and a medium-length, refreshing finish. Ideal with grilled seafood or vibrant salads.
Want to stock up on more bottles from past Eater Wine Club months? Shop by the bottle.
January 2024: New Year with Eater Wine Club's Lower Alcohol Lineup
Explore the Eater's box of wines from our January club, as described by the Eater team. This selection is special as we are just starting the year. So, your Eater family wants to make sure you get the best of these quaffable and crisp light-bodied wines.
Whether you're kicking off the year with resolutions, enjoying the joy of the season, or just embracing a fresh start, our wine collection is all about matching the easygoing and optimistic vibes of January. No matter how big or small your celebration, we're all about making every moment special. So, here's to 2024 and all the new experiences in tow; and, of course, the pleasure of sipping on some fantastic wines. Cheers! Discover each bottle below:
Vignobles Arbeau, Rince Cochon | Languedoc-Roussillon, France; red, negrette: Corinne and Jean-Baptiste Arbeau, the passionate duo behind Vignobles Arbeau, nestled in the sun-drenched hills of Languedoc craft playfully earthy VDF reds like Rince Cochon. This deep garnet negrette has a complex nose of vegetal, tart, and fruity elements.The palate starts dry and sharp with cherry, pineapple, and floral undertones, while the finish is even more dry with persistent funkiness and a rustic gamey character. Perfect for a romantic evening, it pairs well with grilled lamb, roasted duck, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses, and even a dark chocolate tart for dessert, offering a unique flavorful profile that makes the dining experience extra special.
Chateau de la Moriniere, Vieilles Vignes Muscadet | Chateau de la Moriniere, Vieilles Vignes Muscadet Loire Valley, France; white, muscadet: Muriel Lacroix and Pascal Pringarbe own Chateau de la Moriniere, situated atop a hill with breathtaking views of the Beuvron Valley. Specializing in high-quality wines crafted using traditional methods, their estate offers a range of services, providing an authentic and immersive Loire Valley experience. Vieilles Vignes' crisp acidity and rich texture offer a fresh, floral nose revealing citrus, apple, and white flower notes, while the crisp palate features citrus, apple, and minerality, leading to a long, lingering finish. This versatile wine complements seafood such as oysters and shrimp, as well as light salads, grilled chicken, or vegetable dishes.
Alexander Koppitsch, Rét | Burgenland, Austria; red, Rotburger, zweigelt, St. Laurent, blaufrankisch: Alex and Maria Koppitsch prioritize sustainability, employing biodynamicsnsince 2011, ancestral equipment, and eco-friendly practices such as light bottles and recycled packaging. Beyond their eco friendly practices, the Koppitsch family of winemakers aim to craft wines that bring joy and pleasure. Rét echoes its grassland roots with red fruit and exotic spice notes, transitioning to a palate of juicy red berries and subtle spiciness. This lively Austrian red pairs well with grilled sausages, heart vegetable stew, herb-infused chicken, or a classic margherita pizza. Perfect to pair with creamy cheeses like Camembert or Brie. The absence of SO2 enhances its purity, appealing to lovers of natural, unadulterated wines.
Brutes Cider, Alright Alright Alright | Stockholm, Sweden; sparkling cider, Swedish apples, pears, and plums: Meet Brutes, a labor of love from a tight-knit group of friends who share a deep passion for natural wine. They've turned apples and pears from overlooked orchards into a unique cider-wine blend, drawing inspiration from the techniques of "orange" wine. The aim? A genuine expression of terroir that's lively, dynamic, and a true testament to the art of natural winemaking. The nose boasts a sweet stone fruit perfume, while the palate offers a juicy plum character with bright and soft acidity. Ideal with fresh seafood ceviche, it highlights fruitiness or pairs well with creamy goat cheese, cutting through richness. Alternatively, savor it solo as a refreshing aperitif.
Laurence et Remi Dufaitre, Beaujolais Villages Nouveau | Beaujolais-Villages, France; red, gamay: With a commitment to classic carbonic winemaking, Remi meticulously sorts whole bunches, introduces carbon dioxide for grape protection, and minimizes juice in the tank. Remi's artistry lies in maintaining consistency, and making sulfur additions based on stability before bottling. Beaujolais Nouveau Red is bursting with red fruit flavors — think loads of cherries! It's light, juicy, and totally crushable. Right in the middle, you get this awesome mushroom and earthy finish, with a touch of minerals for that extra kick. Perfect for celebrating good times, it pairs well with classic French dishes like coq au vin or ratatouille. And if you're feeling it, its juicy and earthy notes will jazz up your grilled chicken or mushroom risotto.
2Naturkinder, Fledermaus Weiss | Franken, Germany; white, Müller Thurgau, silvaner: Melanie and Michael, driven by a passion for pure and life-filled wines, seek to create a new standard for their region. Inspired by the purism of wines they discovered as consumers, their winemaking journey is dedicated to expressing the unique character of the land, vintage, people, and grape varieties. This light and cloudy orange wine, boasts refreshing notes of gooseberry, peach, and lime. With a unique aromatic profile reminiscent of a celery-lime and sea salt margarita, it pairs exceptionally well with a variety of foods, making it a perfect choice for any gatherings.
Gernot & Heike Heinrich, Pinot Noir Burgenland Red | Burgenland, Austria; red, pinot noir: Meet Gernot and Heike Heinrich, visionary winemakers dedicated to cultivating diverse soils around Lake Neusiedl. They champion native varieties, expressing their commitment to winemaking through native yeast fermentation, extended skin contact for whites, lighter macerations for reds, and aging in used barrels. This medium carmine-garnet wine boasts an aromatic bouquet of subtle smoke, spice, raspberry-cherry confit, noble wood, and exquisite milk caramel. The palate reveals sweet, dark berry fruit, a silky texture, fine tannins, and a twist of orange in the finish. This wine complements grilled lamb chops, creamy mushroom risotto, and seared duck breast.
Michael Gindl, Flora | Niederösterreich, Austria; white, gelber muskateller, riesling, scheurebe/sämling: Committed to minimal intervention, Michaelgently presses grapes, enabling spontaneous fermentation without selected yeast or temperature control. His cellar features acacia and oak barrels from his own forests, enriching each vintage. Michael envisions a future with a stronger focus on wooden barrels, aligned with his philosophy of minimal intervention for authentic wine expression. This vibrant Austrian white wine bursts with crisp orchard fruit flavors, complemented by yeasty brioche aromas and creamy notes, creating a complex bouquet. With a perfect balance of salinity and bright acidity, it showcases a tight, fresh character, culminating in a solid finish with lingering citrusy and fruity notes. Pair this lively white wine with grilled sea bass or enjoy it with a creamy goat cheese salad.
Want to stock up on more bottles from past Eater Wine Club months? Shop by the bottle.