November 2024: "Festive Vibes"
This month’s theme: "Festive Air"
Guess who our November Club Sommelier is? It's Gerri-Lynn Becker!
At the age of 8, the wine bug bit Gerri-Lynn. It wasn’t the taste, or the sight of rolling vineyards, it was the simple aroma of fermenting grapes from her Italian neighbors’ garage. For 20 years, wineries, wine bars, tasting rooms and wine clubs have relied on Gerri-Lynn’s expertise to help build member-centric wine programs. From curating wines, building customer service centers and creating loyalty programs, to coordinating wine-themed events and wine country excursions, Gerri-Lynn has a wealth of experience and a keen sense of smell. And her favorite wine, always happens to be the one that is open.
As the CEO of Gold Medal Wine Group and the visionary behind beloved wine clubs such as, Wine of the Month Club, and California Wine Club, she's got a knack for knowing exactly what people want to sip on. Trust us, she knows her wines!
Laurence et Rémi Dufaitre , Premices | Beaujolais-Villages, France; red, gamay: “Laurence and Rémi Dufaitre are a husband-and-wife team breathing new life into the Beaujolais region. They're passionate about producing wines that are both traditional and innovative. Their commitment to sustainable farming practices and low-intervention winemaking ensures that their wines are pure expressions of the terroir. What sets them apart is their youthful energy and modern approach to winemaking, resulting in wines that are both elegant and approachable. ”Bursting with juicy red fruit flavors like ripe raspberries and cherries, it's a splash of summer in your glass. The berry and cherry flavors make this an easy pick for Thanksgiving, especially your Great Grandmother’s cranberry stuffing recipe! You'll also pick up hints of floral notes, adding a touch of elegance. This Beaujolais is incredibly easy-drinking with soft tannins and a refreshing acidity. This also works quite well with grilled salmon, or a charcuterie board with soft (but not stinky) cheeses.” – Gerri-Lynn Becker” — Molly Austad
Gaspard, Chenin Blanc | Loire Valley, France; white, chenin blanc: “Gaspard, a true winemaking visionary from the heart of the Loire Valley, is crafting wines that are as unique as the region itself. With a deep-rooted passion for sustainable viticulture and a keen eye for detail, Gaspard is pushing the boundaries of traditional winemaking. His wines are a testament to the diversity of the Loire Valley, showcasing the region’s incredible range of grape varieties and terroir. “Gaspard's Chenin Blanc is a bright and refreshing white wine that's perfect for the changing seasons. It's bright and zesty with lemon-lime flavors and a hint of tropical fruit. It's the perfect pick-me-up, especially on those chilly fall days. You can pair this beauty with just about anything. Think roasted chicken, grilled fish and steamed shellfish. No matter what you're craving, this Chenin Blanc is the perfect pour.”— Gerri-Lynn Becker
Les Vignerons D`Estezargues, Grandes Vignes Rouge | Occitania, France; red, cinsault grenache: When you think of wine, you might picture a lone winemaker tending to their vines. But sometimes, great things can happen when a community comes together. That’s the story of Les Vignerons d’Estézargues, a cooperative of passionate winemakers in the heart of the Languedoc region of France.What sets this cooperative apart is their dedication to preserving traditional winemaking techniques while embracing modern innovation. By pooling their resources and expertise, they’re able to produce wines that are both authentic and exceptional.
“A taste of the French Riviera. It's dripping with juicy berries and a touch of floral notes – think raspberries fresh from the patch, sweet strawberries and a single wildflower tucked behind your ear. It's got this perfect balance, not too sweet, not too tannic, just right. Pair it with roast duck, savory braised meats of any kind and roasted root vegetables. Still craving barbecue? Try a sweet and spicy tangy sauce with this wine. Trust me, it'll elevate your meal to the next level.” – Gerri-Lynn Becker
Chemins de Bassac, Roussanne | Languedoc, France; white, roussanne: “Imagine trading the bustling city life for a tranquil vineyard in the heart of the Languedoc. That’s exactly what Bruno and Thama Triguero did when they took over Chemins de Bassac. These former architects from Brazil brought a fresh perspective to this historic estate, infusing it with a vibrant energy and a commitment to organic and biodynamic practices. With every sip, you'll taste the fruits of their labor and the love they pour into each bottle. Whether you're cozying up by the fire or entertaining guests, this Roussanne is sure to impress! It's got these amazing flavors of peach and apricot, like a summery dream. But don't be fooled, it's not too sweet. It's got this crisp acidity that keeps things balanced, and a long, satisfying finish that'll leave you wanting more. Perfect for chilling by the fire with some pasta and cheese, or impressing your date night crew with a charcuterie board. It's also a total crowd-pleaser for dinner parties, whether you're serving up roasted chicken or a seafood feast.”— Gerri-Lynn Becker
Rimbert, For Me Formidable | Saint Chinian, France; red, merlot: “Jean-Marie Rimbert is a winemaker who's not afraid to buck the trend. A true champion of the often-overlooked Carignan grape, he's revitalized this variety and shown the world its potential. With a hands-off approach to winemaking, Rimbert lets the natural character of the grape and the terroir shine through. His wines are a testament to his passion and commitment to producing authentic, terroir-driven wines that are both delicious and thought-provoking. A bold and beautiful Merlot from the Saint-Chinian region. It's got these dark, juicy flavors of blackberry and plum, and a spicy kick that adds some complexity. The tannins are pretty firm, giving it a serious structure. It's the kind of wine that's perfect for a cold winter night. The wine's rich fruit flavors complement with a juicy steak, a hearty beef stew, or even some spicy BBQ.”— Gerri-Lynn Becker
Koppitsch, Dio | Burgenland, Austria; white, chardonnay: I “Alexander and Maria Koppitsch aren't just winemakers; they're guardians of a centuries-old tradition. With a deep-rooted commitment to biodynamic farming, they're redefining Austrian wine, one bottle at a time. They're deeply connected to their land, the beautiful Neusiedlersee region. Their wines are a love letter to this place, capturing its unique character in every sip. Every bottle tells a story – a story of tradition, innovation, and a whole lot of heart.
A Chardonnay that's out of this world, a true masterpiece. Juicy apple and pear flavors, with a citrusy twist and a mineral undertone. It's the perfect balance of rich and refreshing. The finish is long and complex, with a touch of oak that adds depth. Pair it with grilled seafood or a creamy risotto, or if you're feeling fancy, a big bowl of buttery popcorn! It's a versatile wine that's perfect for any occasion.” – Gerri-Lynn Becker
Tire Pé, Vin Vite | Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France; red, merlot: “Tire Pé’s name is inspired by a local legend about some mischievous animals, which just goes to show that this chateau has a bit of personality. Located in the beautiful Gironde-sur-Dropt region, Tire Pé is all about sustainable winemaking. The Barrault family, the folks behind the magic, pour their hearts into crafting wines that truly represent their vineyards. Their wines are elegant, expressive, and full of character. They're like the cool, sophisticated friend you want to hang out with. This Bordeaux Merlot is a total crowd-pleaser and easy favorite. It's packed with juicy cherry and plum flavors, and it's got a smooth, velvety texture that's easy to drink. It's the perfect wine for a chill night in. Pair it with a hearty beef stew, or a juicy burger.” – Gerri-Lynn Becker
Marc Pesnot, Coeur de Raisin | Loire Valley, France; white, melon de bourgogne: “Marc Pesnot is a real wine geek, obsessed with showcasing the unique character of the Loire Valley. He’s a stickler for detail, tending to his vineyards with love and care. His gentle, traditional winemaking techniques let the grapes shine, creating wines that are both elegant and expressive. He’s fascinated by the different soil types in his vineyards, and he vinifies each one separately to highlight its unique qualities. It's like he’s unlocking the secrets of the earth, one bottle at a time. His wines are a true reflection of the Loire Valley’s incredible diversity, taking you on a geological journey with every sip. A melon of a wine – unique and delicious! This white wine is a bit of a hidden gem, with flavors of ripe melon, peach, and a hint of citrus. It's got a refreshing acidity that balances the sweetness, making it a perfect weeknight or pre party sipper. Pair it with grilled seafood or a light salad, or spice things up with some Asian cuisine or a charcuterie board.” – Gerri-Lynn Becker
October 2024: "From Water to Wine"
Fana's journey to becoming a wine expert is a total inspiration. She started out thinking she'd be a lawyer, but her love for good food and bringing people together led her to the world of wine. She's worked at some amazing NYC restaurants, taught online classes, and even started her own wine education platform.
As the New York Brand Activation Manager for S.Pellegrino, Acqua Panna, and Perrier, Fana's all about the power of connection and the magic that happens around a table. She's passionate about sharing her knowledge and helping you discover new wines you'll love.