Off The Beaten Path Sampler - The Reds

Xinomavro - Thymiopoulos "Young Vines" Xinomavro (Naoussa, Greece)
Apostolos Thymiopoulos crafts this vibrant expression of Greece’s premier red grape from organically farmed vineyards in the high-altitude hills of Naoussa. The nose opens with signature aromas of sun-dried tomato, wild strawberry, black olive tapenade, and dried oregano. On the palate, it delivers energetic red currant and sour cherry flavors anchored by a stony mineral spine and lively natural acidity. Fine-grained, persistent tannins lend authentic varietal structure without feeling heavy, carrying through to a bright, savory finish that showcases pure Greek mountain terroir.

Boggione - Fattoria Bonsalto "Primo Marzo" Toscana Rosso (Tuscany, Italy)
We're going waaaay off the "Beaten Path" for this one, but it's so good we had to include it.  Crafted entirely from 100% Boggione—an exceptionally rare, ancient Tuscan grape variety revived by Fattoria Bonsalto—this light-to-medium-bodied red offers a truly unique Italian tasting experience. The bouquet presents inviting notes of fresh red cherry, wild raspberry, violet petals, and subtle forest floor. On the entry, crisp acidity drives the juicy red fruit across the palate, accompanied by fine-grained tannins and a touch of savory dried herb complexity. It finishes clean, dry, and invigorating with lingering mineral notes that celebrate Tuscany’s rich biodiversity.

Touriga Nacional - Marcolino Sebo "Quinta da Pinheira" Touriga Nacional (Alentejo, Portugal)
Poured from Portugal’s sunny Alentejo region, this monovarietal showcase highlights the elegance and aromatic grandeur of Touriga Nacional. It displays a vivid violet hue and opens with expressive aromas of crushed violets, wild blueberry, cassis, and subtle baking spice. The palate is velvety and generous, delivering dark berry depth supported by seamless, polished tannins and a refreshing thread of acidity. Six months of French oak aging adds gentle structure without masking the wine’s fragrant floral purity, leading into a long, smooth finish.

Mourvedre - Ver Sacrum Monastrell (Uco Valley, Argentina)
Winemaker Eduardo Soler sources this 100% Monastrell (Mourvèdre) from a high-altitude single vineyard in Los Chacayes, deep within the Uco Valley. Fermented with whole clusters, it reveals vibrant aromas of ripe black cherry, cracked black pepper, dried bay leaf, and damp clay soil. Unlike heavier expressions of the variety, the palate stays remarkably nimble and focused, offering energetic dark berry fruit framed by lean, grippy tannins and a mouthwatering herbal lift. It delivers incredible precision, rustic charm, and a long, savory mineral finish.

Gamay - Division Wine Co. "Les Petits Fers" Gamay Noir (Willamette Valley, Oregon)
Portland-based Division Winemaking Co. showcases their passion for cool-climate Gamay Noir in this energetic Willamette Valley bottling. Bright aromatics of crushed red cherry, pomegranate, wild strawberry, and white pepper burst from the glass alongside delicate floral notes. The palate is lightweight and electric, driving crunchy red berry flavors over a bed of fine-grained tannins and stony mineral acidity. It captures the joyful, expressive nature of Gamay while grounding it in distinct Pacific Northwest terroir, finishing snappy, dry, and pure.

Pinotage - David & Nadia Pinotage (Swartland, South Africa)
David and Nadia Sadie are leading lights of the modern South African wine movement, crafting this site-expressive Pinotage from old, dry-farmed bush vines in the Swartland. Fermented spontaneously with partial whole clusters, it completely redefines the variety with Burgundian elegance and freshness. Aromas of red currant, dark cherry, rooibos tea, and crushed granite set the stage for a linear, medium-bodied palate. Precise acidity and fine-boned tannins keep the fruit lifted, finishing with a crisp, mineral-driven persistence.