Wine of the Week: Château des Antonins Bordeaux Blanc 2023

With temperatures soaring last week, I started digging through the fridge looking for something crisp and refreshing. I came up with a 2023 Château des Antonins Bordeaux Blanc. We have to remember that Bordeaux isn't just about red wine.

Wait... Bordeaux makes white wine?

When most people hear Bordeaux, they immediately think of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

But Bordeaux also produces some outstanding white wines that deserve far more attention than they receive.

Most dry White Bordeaux wines are blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, combining the bright citrus and freshness of Sauvignon Blanc with the richer texture and roundness of Sémillon. The result is a wine that's balanced, elegant, and incredibly food-friendly.

If you've tried New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and found it a little too grassy, too herbal, to racy, or too intense, don't give up on Sauvignon Blanc altogether.

Instead, find a bottle of White Bordeaux.

In the Glass

The Château des Antonins Bordeaux Blanc 2023 is composed of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Sémillon, a classic Bordeaux Blanc blend.

The wine opens with fresh aromas of citrus and tropical fruit before leading into flavors of:

• Lemon zest
• Tropical fruit
• A hint of straw
• Beautiful minerality

Rather than being loud or aggressively citrus-driven, this wine is refined. The Sémillon softens Sauvignon Blanc's sharper edges, creating a wine that's refreshing without being overly racy.

On a hot summer afternoon, it absolutely hit the spot.

Food Pairings

This is one of those wines that seems to pair with just about everything.

I'd happily serve it with:

• Grilled shrimp
• Goat cheese
• Summer salads
• Grilled chicken with herbs
• Fresh seafood
• Lemon pasta
• Roasted vegetables
• Mild cheeses

It's also perfectly enjoyable all by itself while relaxing on the porch—which is exactly what I did. (We have a great front porch)

Final Thoughts

White Bordeaux may not receive the same attention as Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand but perhaps it should.

It offers freshness without overwhelming acidity, complexity without heaviness, and versatility that makes it one of summer's most underrated wines.

If you're looking to expand your wine horizons—or simply want something refreshing that isn't another glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc—pick up a bottle of White Bordeaux.

This bottle price was under $15. A steel!

Wine of the Week: Ronchi Di Cialla Schioppettino 2021

 

One of the things I love most about wine is that every bottle tells a story. Sometimes that story begins in the vineyard. Sometimes it begins during a conversation with a winemaker. And occasionally, it begins by simply standing in the right place.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing Francesca Mecchia of Vigna Petrussa in Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. We spent our conversation discussing one of the region's most treasured native grapes—Schioppettino. Her passion for this historic variety was contagious, and by the end of our interview, I promised myself I would find a bottle.

As it turns out, I didn't have to look very far.

Last Thursday, I was in New York City and scored reservations at Ci Siamo (thank you very much Zach). While we were waiting to be seated, I found myself standing right next to the wine cellar. I started scanning the bottles, the way you do, and there it was. A bottle of Ronchi Di Cialla Schioppettino 2021, just sitting there like it had been waiting for me.

There wasn't even a decision to make. I hadn't looked at the dinner menu yet. I had no idea what I was ordering. I simply knew that bottle was coming to the table.

Everything Francesca Described Was in the Glass

The first sip immediately reminded me of everything Francesca had explained during our conversation.

Schioppettino is unlike many Italian red wines. Instead of being big, heavy, and tannic, it is elegant and energetic. The wine opens with aromas of blackberries, raspberries, currant, before finishing with the grape's unmistakable signature cracked black pepper spice.

That peppery finish is one of Schioppettino's defining characteristics, and Ronchi di Cialla captured it beautifully.

Despite being a red wine, it felt surprisingly light on its feet, making it an excellent choice even during the warmer months of summer.

 Gnocco Fritto and the Caramelized Onion Torta

A Nearly Perfect Food Wine

Our meal turned into an unexpected lesson in just how versatile Schioppettino can be.

It paired beautifully with the warm goat gouda cheese-filled puff pastry appetizer Gnocco Fritto and the Caramelized Onion Torta (that they are known for) we shared. The bright acidity and peppery spice balanced the richness perfectly.

My daughter ordered ravioli, another excellent match, as the wine complemented the pasta without overpowering it.

I ordered a delicate olive oil poached orata, and admittedly, I was a little concerned. Would a red wine work?

While it wasn't the perfect pairing, it was surprisingly enjoyable. Because Schioppettino is lighter-bodied with fresh acidity rather than heavy tannins, it respected the fish more than many red wines would have.

That versatility is one of the grape's greatest strengths.

olive oil poached orata

ravioli

What to Pair with Schioppettino

One reason I enjoyed this wine so much is its flexibility at the table.

Try pairing Schioppettino with:

• Charcuterie and aged cheeses
• Mushroom dishes
• Onion tarts and savory pastries
• Ravioli or mushroom-filled pasta
• Roast chicken
• Herb-crusted pork tenderloin
• Duck breast
• Grilled sausages
• Wood-fired pizza

Worth Seeking Out

Restaurant wine lists often make wines seem expensive, but this bottle was surprisingly reasonable in New York City. It was $68 and personally, that is not bad.  I'd expect to find it retailing somewhere around $25–30, making it an excellent value for anyone looking to explore beyond the usual Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir.

If you're someone who enjoys discovering lesser-known grapes, Schioppettino deserves a place on your list. It's distinctive without being intimidating, elegant without being overly serious, and offers something just a little different from the wines most of us reach for.

My conversation with Francesca introduced me to Schioppettino. (You can find the conversation here)

Finding a bottle by chance in New York City allowed me to experience firsthand everything she described.

Sometimes that's exactly how wine works. You learn about a grape, you become curious, and then one day, when you least expect it, it finds you.

And when it does, don't hesitate.

Order the bottle.

Grape of the Month: Traminette

When people talk about aromatic white wines, the conversation often turns to Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, or Gewürztraminer. But there's another grape that deserves a spot in your glass, especially if you enjoy wines bursting with floral aromas and vibrant fruit flavors: Traminette.

As we move into the heart of summer, Traminette is my pick for July. It's aromatic, food-friendly and  refreshing and it is 30 years old.

While it may not have the name recognition of Chardonnay or Riesling, once you experience its intoxicating aromas and versatility at the table, you'll wonder why more people aren't talking about it.

A Grape with a Purpose

Unlike many wine grapes that trace their origins back centuries, Traminette is a relatively recent addition to the wine world.

Developed through a breeding program at Cornell University and released in 1996, Traminette was created by crossing Gewürztraminer with the French-American hybrid Joannes Seyve 23.416.

The goal was to create a grape that captured the captivating aromatics of Gewürztraminer while offering better cold hardiness and disease resistance for growers in the eastern United States.

The result was a grape perfectly suited for regions like New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, and Michigan.

Why Traminette Thrives in New York

New York presents unique challenges for grape growers. Cold winters, humidity, spring frost risks, and varying soil types can make vineyard management difficult.

Fortunately, Traminette was built for exactly those conditions.

The grape is:

• Winter hardy
• Resistant to many vineyard diseases
• Adaptable to various soil types
• Capable of producing high-quality fruit in cool climates

Whether grown in the Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley, or Lake Erie regions, Traminette consistently delivers expressive wines that showcase both fruit and floral character.

For New York growers, it's a grape that offers reliability without sacrificing quality.

What Does Traminette Taste Like?

If you've ever enjoyed Gewürztraminer, you'll notice some familiar characteristics.

Traminette is wonderfully aromatic, often filling the glass before you even take a sip.

Common aromas and flavors include:

• Rose petals
• Jasmine
• Honeysuckle
• Peach
• Apricot
• Pineapple
• Citrus zest
• Baking spice
• Orange blossom

On the palate, Traminette often displays bright acidity balanced by ripe fruit flavors. Depending on the producer, styles can range from dry to slightly off-dry.

The combination of floral aromatics and refreshing acidity makes Traminette a fantastic summer wine.

A Food Pairing Superstar

One of the things I love most about Traminette is its versatility at the table. I personally like it with Thai food but will pair with a variety of foods.

Seafood

• Grilled shrimp
• Crab cakes
• Scallops

Spicy Cuisine

• Thai curries
• Vietnamese dishes
• Indian cuisine
• Spicy shrimp tacos

Pork & Poultry

• Roast pork loin
• Apple-glazed pork chops
• Roast chicken
• Turkey with fruit chutney

Cheese Pairings

• Brie
• Camembert
• Havarti
• Goat cheese

Summer Favorites

• Peach salads
• Fruit and cheese boards
• Grilled vegetables
• Charcuterie platters

For a summer gathering, try pairing a chilled Traminette with grilled shrimp skewers and a peach salad. The wine's floral notes beautifully complement the sweetness of the fruit while its acidity refreshes the palate.

Beyond New York

Although New York has embraced Traminette, you'll find it growing throughout the eastern and Midwestern United States.

Notable plantings can be found in:

• Pennsylvania
• Virginia
• Ohio
• Indiana
• Michigan
• Missouri

Why You Should Try Traminette

In a world where many wine drinkers reach for the same familiar varieties, Traminette offers something different.

It combines:

• The floral elegance of Gewürztraminer
• The freshness of cool-climate wines
• Outstanding food-pairing versatility
• A unique American success story

Most importantly, it's delicious.

Whether you're sitting on the deck, relaxing by the pool, or enjoying dinner with friends, Traminette delivers an aromatic and refreshing experience that feels tailor-made for summer.

Wine of the Week: Avinyó Gran Reserva Cava La Ticota Selecció 2017

Some corks are pulled on an ordinary day. Others mark a moment you'll be talking about for the rest of your life. This week's bottle falls squarely into the second category. 

On June 17, 2026, our grandson made his grand entrance into the world — 8 lbs 10 oz, 21.5 inches of pure perfection, and (as two completely unbiased grandparents will tell you) absolutely the most handsome little guy ever to arrive on this planet. Looking just like his dad too! (parents won't let us post pics of their children...sorry)

We popped the cork on the Avinyó Gran Reserva Cava "La Ticota" Selecció 2017, and it did not disappoint.

In the Glass

This Cava is made from 100% Xarel.lo and aged for 72 months. From the moment the cork was eased from the bottle, a steady stream of fine bubbles rose through the glass, creating an elegant, persistent mousse.

The nose opened with fresh Macintosh apple aromas, while the palate delivered crisp orchard fruit flavors layered with complexity gained from extended aging. A subtle note of lime rind emerged on the finish, adding brightness and freshness to a wine that balanced maturity with vibrancy.

The wine felt refined without being overly serious, a perfect combination for a celebration centered around family, joy, and new beginnings.

What Makes a Gran Reserva Cava Special?

While many wine drinkers are familiar with Champagne, fewer understand the quality levels within Cava.

Cava is Spain's traditional-method sparkling wine, produced using the same secondary fermentation in bottle that creates Champagne's signature bubbles. The difference lies in the grapes, terroir, and aging requirements.

A standard Cava must age a minimum of nine months on the lees (spent yeast cells).

A Reserva requires at least 18 months of aging.

A Gran Reserva must spend a minimum of 30 months aging on its lees before release.

The 2017 Avinyó Gran Reserva had ample time to develop these characteristics aging for 72 months, resulting in a wine with elegance, depth, and remarkable balance.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Although we enjoyed this bottle as a celebratory toast, Gran Reserva Cava is exceptionally food-friendly.

Consider pairing it with:

• Complex dishes
• Roasted meat and chicken
• Oysters
• Thai dishes
• Aged cheeses
• Creamy dishes

Final Thoughts

One of the things I love most about wine is its ability to become part of our memories.

Years from now, I may not remember every tasting note from this bottle. But I'll remember sitting with Paul, raising a glass, and celebrating the arrival of our healthy grandson.

Patagonia – Where the End of the World Meets Extraordinary Wine

 

At the bottom of the world, where Andean winds scour the land and volcanic soils stretch toward the horizon, a handful of pioneering winemakers are crafting some of the most thrilling bottles in South America.

When most people hear the word Patagonia, they immediately think of the clothing brand or rugged mountains, glaciers, hiking trails, and breathtaking landscapes stretching across the southern reaches of South America. But for wine lovers, Patagonia offers something equally exciting: one of the world’s most fascinating and rapidly emerging wine regions.

Spanning southern Argentina and Chile, Patagonia sits at the edge of the known wine world. Often referred to as “the end of the world,” this remote region produces wines of remarkable freshness, elegance, and character thanks to its unique climate and geography.

If you’re looking to discover wines beyond the familiar bottles of Napa, Bordeaux, or Tuscany, Patagonia deserves a place on your radar. Once you have a taste of the Chardonnay or Pinot Noir you will be shocked, a smile will erupt on your face and you will be seeking out these beautiful wines

What Makes Patagonia So Special?

Patagonia covers a vast area across both Argentina and Chile, extending from the Andes Mountains to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The region is known for dramatic scenery that includes towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, glaciers, windswept plains, and some of the most untouched landscapes on Earth.

For winemakers, these extreme conditions create a unique environment unlike anywhere else.

One of Patagonia’s defining characteristics is its isolation. The vineyards are far removed from major cities and industrial development, allowing producers to focus on sustainable and environmentally conscious farming practices.

Many vineyards are planted in areas that were once considered too cold or too remote for viticulture. Today, those same conditions are producing wines that are gaining international recognition.

The Climate: Cool, Dry, and Windy

Patagonia’s climate is the secret behind its distinctive wines.

The region experiences:

• Cool temperatures

• Intense sunlight

• Very low rainfall

• Strong winds

• Significant day-to-night temperature shifts

The dry climate helps reduce disease pressure in the vineyard, allowing growers to use fewer chemical treatments. Meanwhile, the cool nights preserve the grapes’ acidity and freshness.

Perhaps the most famous element of Patagonian viticulture is the wind. Constant breezes flowing off the Andes Mountains help keep vineyards healthy while naturally limiting vine vigor. The result is smaller berries with concentrated flavors and excellent balance.

The long growing season allows grapes to ripen slowly, developing complexity without excessive sugar levels. This often leads to wines with vibrant acidity, moderate alcohol, and exceptional food-friendliness.

Patagonia’s Signature Grapes

Pinot Noir

If Patagonia has a calling card, it may be Pinot Noir.

The cool climate and long growing season allow Pinot Noir to develop beautiful aromatics and bright fruit flavors while maintaining freshness.

Expect notes of:

• Cherry

• Raspberry

• Cranberry

• Rose petals

• Earthy undertones

Many wine lovers compare Patagonia’s Pinot Noir to examples from Oregon’s Willamette Valley or New Zealand’s Central Otago.

Malbec

Argentina is synonymous with Malbec, and Patagonia offers a different expression of the grape than you’ll find in Mendoza.

Patagonian Malbec tends to be:

• More elegant

• Lower in alcohol

• Brighter in acidity

• More focused on red fruit than jammy black fruit

These wines often showcase cherry, plum, violet, and mineral notes with silky tannins.

Merlot

Merlot thrives in Patagonia’s cool climate, producing wines with freshness, structure, and refined fruit flavors.

Look for:

• Black cherry

• Plum

• Herbal notes

• Soft spice

Chardonnay

Patagonia’s cool temperatures are ideal for Chardonnay.

Styles range from crisp and mineral-driven to richer barrel-aged versions, often featuring:

• Green apple

• Pear

• Citrus

• White flowers

• Flinty minerality

Sauvignon Blanc

Particularly on the Chilean side of Patagonia, Sauvignon Blanc develops intense aromatics and mouthwatering acidity.

These wines often burst with:

• Lime

• Grapefruit

• Fresh herbs

• Tropical fruit

• Saline minerality

The Chilean Side of Patagonia

While Argentina receives most of the attention, Chilean Patagonia is becoming one of South America’s most exciting frontier wine regions.

Located farther south than most traditional Chilean vineyards, producers are experimenting with cool-climate varieties that thrive under extreme growing conditions.

The combination of Pacific Ocean influences, glacial water sources, and volcanic soils creates wines with remarkable freshness and precision.

As climate change continues to impact traditional wine regions, many winemakers see southern Chile as an area with tremendous future potential.

Wine Tourism in Patagonia

For adventurous wine lovers, Patagonia offers one of the most unforgettable wine travel experiences on the planet.

Unlike crowded wine destinations, Patagonia combines world-class wines with jaw-dropping natural beauty.

Imagine spending your morning tasting Pinot Noir and your afternoon hiking through landscapes that look straight out of a National Geographic documentary.

Visit Patagonia’s Wine Regions

Neuquén Province (Argentina)

Home to some of Patagonia’s most recognized wineries, Neuquén offers modern tasting rooms, vineyard tours, and luxury accommodations.

Río Negro Valley (Argentina)

The oldest wine-growing area in Patagonia, Río Negro is known for historic vineyards and elegant Pinot Noir.

Chilean Patagonia

Wine tourism is still developing, making it ideal for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Beyond Wine: Why You’ll Fall in Love with Patagonia

Patagonia isn’t just a wine destination.

Visitors can:

• Explore glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park

• Visit the famous Perito Moreno Glacier

• Hike in Torres del Paine National Park

• Cruise through fjords and ice fields

• Spot penguins, guanacos, condors, and whales

• Experience some of the clearest night skies in the world

For travelers who love both wine and nature, few places offer a more complete experience.

Why Patagonia Should Be on Every Wine Lover’s Bucket List

Patagonia represents the spirit of discovery that makes wine so fascinating.

Its remote location, extreme climate, and pioneering winemakers are producing wines that challenge expectations and showcase a completely different side of South American viticulture.

Whether you’re sipping an elegant Pinot Noir from Río Negro, a vibrant Sauvignon Blanc from southern Chile, or planning a future trip to this breathtaking corner of the world, Patagonia reminds us that some of wine’s greatest treasures are found far from the beaten path.

Wine of the Week: Vale do Homem Loureiro 2022 Vinho Verde DOC

When most people hear the words Vinho Verde, they often think of an inexpensive, slightly fizzy white wine that appears at summer picnics and backyard barbecues. While that's not entirely wrong, Vinho Verde is so much more than that. This week's Wine of the Week, the Vale do Homem Loureiro 2022 Vinho Verde DOC, is a perfect example of why this region deserves a closer look.

On a recent hot evening, I pulled this bottle from the refrigerator looking for something crisp, refreshing, and easy to enjoy. What I found was a wine bursting with personality, vibrant acidity, and a hint of spritz, making it incredibly refreshing.

In the Glass

The nose opens with aromas of citrus blossom, green apple, pear, and fresh lime zest. As the wine opens, subtle floral notes emerge, characteristic of the Loureiro grape.

On the palate, the wine is light-bodied and lively, showing flavors of lemon, green apple, pear, and a touch of white peach. A subtle mineral note runs through the wine, adding complexity and balance. One of the hallmarks of many Vinho Verde wines is a slight natural effervescence, and this wine delivers a gentle spritz that enhances its refreshing character without overpowering the fruit.

The finish is crisp, clean, and mouthwatering, making it nearly impossible to stop at one glass. And we didn’t, we had two bottles. No judging.

Understanding Vinho Verde

Vinho Verde is not a grape variety. It is a wine region located in the northwestern corner of Portugal, known for its lush green landscapes, Atlantic influence, and cool climate.

The name "Vinho Verde" literally translates to "green wine," but it refers to the wines’ youthful style rather than their color. The region produces white, rosé, and red wines, though white wines are by far the most widely recognized internationally.

The region is divided into nine sub-regions, each with its own unique growing conditions. This wine comes from the Cávado Sub-Region, located between the Cávado and Homem rivers. The area's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean contributes cooling breezes that help preserve acidity and freshness in the grapes.

Decoding the Label

Portuguese wine labels can sometimes feel intimidating, but once you

understand them, they tell you a great deal about what's inside the bottle.

Vale do Homem – The producer.

Vinho Verde DOC – Indicates the wine comes from the protected Vinho Verde Denomination of Origin.

Sub-Região do Cávado – Identifies the specific sub-region within Vinho Verde where the grapes were grown.

Loureiro – The grape variety used to make the wine.

Unlike many New World wines that prominently display the grape on the front label, Portuguese wines often emphasize the region first. Learning to identify names like Loureiro, Alvarinho, Arinto, and Trajadura can open the door to discovering some of Portugal's exciting wines.

The Grapes of Vinho Verde

One of the fascinating aspects of Vinho Verde is the wide variety of indigenous Portuguese grapes grown throughout the region. Some of the most common white varieties include:

• Loureiro – Aromatic with floral, citrus, and stone fruit notes.

• Alvarinho – aromatic white grape known for its crisp acidity, bright citrus and stone fruit flavors. Called Albariño from neighboring Spain.

• Arinto – Known for vibrant acidity and citrus character.

• Trajadura – Adds softness and fruitiness to blends.

• Avesso – Fuller-bodied with tropical fruit notes.

This bottling highlights Loureiro, its fragrant aromatics and refreshing acidity. It is one of the signature varieties of the Lima and Cávado areas and shines particularly well when bottled on its own.

Food Pairings

The bright acidity and slight effervescence make this wine incredibly food-friendly.

Perfect pairings include:

• Fresh oysters

• Steamed clams

• Shrimp cocktail

• Grilled scallops

• Sushi and sashimi

• Fish tacos

• Summer salads

• Goat cheese

• Grilled vegetables

• Lemon herb chicken

Its refreshing character also makes it a wonderful aperitif on a warm afternoon, enjoyed simply with good company, by the pool, ocean, on the boat, just anywhere.

Wine of the Week: Domaine Cep d'Or 2023 Auxerrois Coteaux de Stadtbredimus

 

As I prepare for my upcoming trip to Luxembourg, I decided it was time to start exploring some of the country's wines. I opened a bottle of Domaine Cep d'Or 2023 Auxerrois Coteaux de Stadtbredimus, and all I can say is wow.

This was my first experience with the Auxerrois grape, and it certainly won't be my last. The wine immediately grabbed my attention with its freshness, bright fruit character, and wonderful balance. It's exactly the kind of wine that makes you stop, look at the label, and wonder why you've never been drinking it all along.

Meet the Auxerrois Grape

Auxerrois is a white grape variety that is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors like Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. Auxerrois (also known as Auxerrois Blanc) is a white grape variety that is something of an unsung hero in the wine world. It is most closely associated with the Moselle Valley — both in Luxembourg and Alsace — and is believed to be a natural crossing of Pinot Blanc and Gouais Blanc.

In Luxembourg, Auxerrois is considered a true specialty of the Moselle, where the cool climate and mineral-rich soils allow it to express a particularly fine, aromatic character. The grape tends to produce wines with moderate to good acidity, soft fruit profiles centered on apple and pear, and a gentle floral or spice note depending on how it's handled. At its best, it carries that signature Moselle minerality — a chalky, stony quality that gives the wine structure and a long, clean finish.

Tasting Notes

The 2023 Domaine Cep d'Or Auxerrois opens with inviting aromas of fresh apple, ripe pear, and just a hint of citrus.

On the palate, the wine delivers exactly what the nose promises. Crisp orchard fruit flavors dominate, with notes of green apple and juicy pear leading the way. A touch of citrus adds brightness, while lively acidity keeps everything fresh and energetic.

What really impressed me was the underlying minerality. There's a subtle stony character that provides structure and complexity without overwhelming the fruit.

The finish is clean, refreshing, and leaves you immediately wanting another sip.

Food Pairing Suggestions

The bright acidity and fresh fruit profile make this a versatile food wine.

I would happily pair it with:

• Fresh seafood
• Grilled white fish
• Chicken piccata
• Summer salads
• Goat cheese
• Asparagus dishes
• Pork schnitzel
• Mild cheeses

It would also make a fantastic aperitif wine on a warm afternoon.

About Domaine Cep d'Or

Located in the village of Stadtbredimus along Luxembourg's Moselle River, Domaine Cep d'Or is a family-owned estate with roots dating back to 1762 when the Vesque family settled in the region. Today, the winery farms approximately 18 hectares of vineyards on the steep limestone and marl slopes that overlook the Moselle.

The unique terroir around Stadtbredimus consists of calcareous marl, limestone, and clay-rich soils that contribute freshness, aromatic intensity, and minerality to the wines. The estate focuses on quality-driven viticulture, practicing sustainable farming and reducing yields to maximize grape quality rather than quantity.

Cep d'Or produces many of Luxembourg's traditional varieties, including Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, and Auxerrois. The winery has earned recognition for its still wines and Crémants while continuing a family winemaking tradition that spans more than 250 years.

Final Thoughts

One of my favorite things about wine is that there is always something new to discover.

This bottle reminded me exactly why I love exploring lesser-known wine regions and grapes. Luxembourg may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of wine, but if this Auxerrois is any indication, it deserves a place on every wine lover's radar.

I can't wait to get to Luxembourg and continue my exploration of its wines firsthand. That will have to wait until the fall.