The name ‘Baglio Oro’ translates to ‘glimmer of gold,’ but the term ‘bagli’ also refers to a walled country estate in Sicily. This reference dates back to the 17th century when Spanish rulers in Sicily began planting wheat crops, which were later ravaged by bandits. Therefore, fortressed walls were built to surround these farms, keeping out intruders. Apparently, today there are numerous abandoned bagli throughout the island, but some have been reinvented as guest houses for tourism. This is the story of Baglio Oro, a four-generation farming family who reinvigorated their bagli in 2008 for premium winemaking. Focusing on mostly indigenous grapes like the Frappato, Baglio Oro has invested in modernizing their facilities and showcasing great viticulture. Frappato is a light-to-medium red reminiscent of Beaujolais but with a spicy undertone. This rendition conjures violet and candied fruit aromas, strawberry, raspberry, and black cherry, and would be wonderful for the holidays. Shared with a charcuterie board of delicate meats and cheese from Barley and Board, this wine will glimmer.
Water is part of the very identity of the Bandini House of Wines. The name of this Malbec translates to ‘two streams’ or ‘two channels,’ referring to the impact of the surrounding rivers that originate from the melting Andes’ snow. The history of water abundance and scarcity is significant in the region, starting in 1900 when an immense flood devastated a portion of the city’s dam. Another flood in 1934 ravaged the area. It wasn’t until 1950 that civil engineering developments occurred, lining the channels to maximize water resources and conservation. In 2017, when Federico Bandini fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning a vineyard by purchasing 185 acres in Luján de Cuyo, he discovered the relationship that water has long played with his land, and he vowed to make water conservation the cornerstone of his wines. This Malbec, a medium-bodied take on the variety, has been aged on concrete and stainless steel, resulting in fruits like plum, cherry, prune, and fig to emerge. The terroir is evident with some minerality and earthy traits at the finish. A companion dish of chicken fajitas from El Matador will please your palate.
Imbibing wine crafted from a Marquis is not an everyday occasion, but the ‘Turlò’ will allow you to live out your fantasy! Marquise Nerina Corsini married Marquis Enrico Incisa della Rocchetta, former producer of the famous Sassicaia Super Tuscan wine, and they passed on their Castello di Titignano estate to their son Marquis Giovanni Incisa della Rocchetta and his wife Marquise Tara, in 2015. The castle-like structure, originally built in medieval times by the Montmartre family, now offers wine tourism in a modernized setting. Surrounded by rolling Umbrian hills and on the southern bank of Lake Corbara, Castello di Titignano is also an ideal location for many grape varieties, culminating in this ‘Super Umbrian.’ Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot meld together in the ‘Turlò,’ creating a symphony of strawberry, blackcurrant, blackberry, bay leaf, and black pepper. A dish of creamy risotto covered in parmesan would be a satisfying accompaniment to the Turlò.’
Winemaker Molly Lippitt was raised in Sonoma Valley where she developed a fascination with wine when she was very young. Her father, operations manager for Sebastiani Vineyards, encouraged her curiosity, letting her marvel at the shiny fermentation tanks she would see when visiting him. After graduating with a degree in Biology, she began apprenticing at Sebastiani. Subsequently, she received mentorship from some viticultural greats, like Heidi Barrett, Philippe Melka, Mike Hirby, and Julien Fayard before stepping up as head winemaker at Nine North Wine Company. Lippitt chose the name ‘Chasing Lions’ as an homage to her grandfather. She tells the story that she would follow him around as he tended to his ranch: “Over the years he taught me a lot about farming but more importantly about life. Then one day in my late teens, he told me it was time to get of the ranch and ‘go chase lions.’” This Cab, a study in what this grape does so well, conveys cherry, plum, boysenberry, milk chocolate and a slight oaky smokiness. Treat yourself to a glass alongside a brisket loaded baked potato from the Chubz Spudz food truck, and chase some lions of your own!
From their website: “Ironstone Vineyards is a premier Calaveras County destination. Our wines reflect the diversity of offerings from the Lodi and Sierra Foothills Appellations of Northern California. Through emphasizing the practice of Sustainable Viticulture, Ironstone Vineyards conserves water use, builds healthy soil, and maintains our surrounding wildlife habitat.” And not only do they offer wines, but they have artifacts on display from the Gold Rush, like a 44-pound specimen of crystalline gold, a jewelry shoppe on premise, multiple wedding sites, and an amphitheater for concerts! But back to this wine, the Ironstone Cabernet Franc is rounded out by a touch of Merlot and Syrah and has spent 5 months in new French oak. Grown exclusively in Lodi, this Cab Franc is balanced with bright red fruits like cherry, raspberry, and redcurrant alongside fresh herbs, light spice, and vanilla. It should be tasted alongside any number of grilled meats or roasted pork tenderloin.
Klinker Brick has won so many medals and awards that they have an entire page devoted to their various accolades. While known primarily for Old Vine Zinfandel (and yes, we have their Old Ghost in our bottle room!), owners Steve and Lori Felten alongside winemaker Joseph Smith also craft Albariño, Grenache and Grenache Blanc, Barbera, Cab, Dolcetto, Carignane, and Syrah. In their own words, Klinker Brick represents over six generations of grape farming tradition and family run business. The 2020 ‘Farráh’ Syrah, named after the Felten’s daughter and current VP of Marketing and Sales, won Double Gold at the 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Sourced from 37-year-old vines, this Syrah has been aged for 15 months in French oak, 40% of which is from new oak. An amalgamation of various flavor profiles, from plum, black cherry, and blackberry to rosemary, chocolate, spice, and tobacco, this wine will ignite your senses. If you have the patience to make Osso Buco, slow-braised veal shanks, which are an ideal pairing for this wine, then you deserve to have a few glasses of the ‘Farráh’ Syrah as you cook.
How often does a wine just tell us what it is? According to the brand, “The name speaks for itself. Effortlessly bold, it captivates the senses with an inherent confidence that draws you in. Slightly mysterious, yet unexpectedly approachable, this robust red blend reveals new layers of depth and personality with each lingering sip.” Well, maybe these descriptions don’t disclose everything, but we can mention that this is a blend of Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, and some other grapes they won’t reveal in their secret recipe. But this is a wine where seduction is everything, and nuance is not needed. Umm, very dark in the glass, with deep violet hues, the concentration of full-bodied flavor and ever-present tannins are paramount to enjoying the ‘VDR.’ With notes of lavender, blackberry, plum, mocha, vanilla, black pepper, and sweet oak, the finish will linger on your taste buds. Why not indulge in a rich chocolate soufflé to amplify the hedonism of the ‘VDR’?
Aldo Biale was only 14 when he began to sell bootleg jugs of his family’s homemade Zinfandel to help with finances. Using the code name ‘Black Chicken,’ Napa neighbors would call the party line system (for the young people, that’s a crowdsourced telephone) to request some of the delicious Zin—along with eggs and produce, of course, to make it seem like a balanced meal. Aldo worked for over 30 years for the Napa Public Works Department to supplement his ranching income, all the while making small batches of handcrafted Zin. In 1991, son Bob announced the idea to start a wine label so that more than just locals could share in Aldo’s love for Zinfandel. And the ‘Black Chicken’ took off (ha!). The caliber of this Napa Zin is astonishing, from being awarded 94 points from Wine Enthusiast and 93 points from Wine Spectator for this vintage to winning the Sommelier’s Choice Awards Gold Medal for multiple years. Seemingly never-ending notes of blackberry preserves, raspberry, pomegranate, black cherry, plum, violet, cocoa, baking spices, and dried herbs amble their way around the palate. If you have the self-control to not drink a bottle this very minute, this wine can be cellared somewhere between 5-7 years. But why not indulge in some ‘Black Chicken’ now? The food pairings are numerous…enjoy with roast lamb, meat stew, hearty pasta, or BBQ…or if craving dessert, a slice of berry-covered cheesecake will make you fly!
* If selected, Platinum members can only take one Big Dog bottle home as part of their membership for the month (of course members can purchase additional bottles of this or any other wine with their club discount!).