WINEAUX CLUB: EXPLORER, JULY 2024
Wineaux’s wine club selections for July 2024, from Kawarau Central Otago, New Zealand and the region of Douro Valley in Portugal.
Dearest Wineauxs,
We’re delighted to share our sommelier selected wines for July, we just know you’re going to love them down to the last drop. Crack open the Luis Seabra, Xisto Ilimitado Branco from Douro Valley in Portugal. Fruity and bright, it’s a perfect-for-summer white. Experience the silky smooth pinot noir Smith & Sheth CRU. Let the aromas of fruit and spice whisk you away to the exquisite region of Kawarau Central Otago, New Zealand.
Cheers!
The Wineaux Club
Below you will find our selection’s histories and regions, expert flavor notes, as well as some mouth-watering pairing recommendations.
Wineaux Club’s July Selections, The Explorer
Luis Seabra, Xisto Ilimitado Branco — 2022
2022 Luis Seabra, Xisto Ilimitado Branco from Douro Valley, Portugal — Available at Wineaux
For nearly two decades, Luis Seabra has been at the center of a cultural shift in Portuguese winemaking, leading a movement of young, independent winemakers making history by reclaiming historical vineyards, grape varieties, and techniques.
Seabra is dedicated to proving that fresh, elegant, terroir-driven still wines can be made in the Douro Valley. His fundamental understanding of soil coupled with his philosophy of minimal intervention in the vineyard and winery have launched him into the international eye as a leader of the New Portugal.
STYLE: White
VINTAGE: 2022
VARIETAL: 60% Rabigato, 15% Gouveio, 15% Códega, 10% Viosinho
AROMAS: Stone and orchard fruit notes with flinty wet stone and white pepper
MOUTH FEEL: Bright and mineral driven with great balance between power and lift
OVERALL: Lemon, green apple, Bosc pear flavors comingle with a touch of floral tone and slate minerality
PAIRINGS: Roast poultry, white fish and seafood, especially spicier preparations
Smith & Sheth CRU — 2019
2019 Smith & Sheth CRU from Kawarau Central Otago, New Zealand — Available at Wineaux
As contemporary négociants Steve Smith MW and Brian Sheth seek out the exceptional. Hand selecting the best grapes from the finest vineyards. Establishing steadfast relationships with the land, growers and makers who form the DNA of our CRU. The French call it "terroir" – a sense of place. In New Zealand they have their own defining word - Tūrangawaewae, meaning "our place to stand in the world".
This word describes the special connection of a people and the land they live, love and work in. These wines reflect the magic and alchemy of this relationship and the true beauty of these places. It is our privilege to share the pleasure, culture and craft of wine with you.
STYLE: Red
VINTAGE: 2019
VARIETAL: Pinot Noir
AROMAS: Bright aromatics of blackberry, plum, black cherry, aniseed, licorice, cloves and violets
MOUTH FEEL: Silky entry of ripe plum and blackberry with a savory, chocolaty backbone
OVERALL: Deep plum with purple hues, fine grained tannin and a mineral acidity lead to a long and balanced finish
PAIRINGS: Braised lamb shoulder, beef tartare, roasted bone-in venison
