presented by Nikole Elkins from Winebow
[New Zealand]
Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc 2025
Since 1990, the Scott family has been a pillar of the Marlborough wine region. Founder Allan Scott has worked every single grape harvest in the region since 1973. Today, the estate remains a true family-run operation, with Allan’s son Josh handling the winemaking duties and his daughters Sara and Victoria managing the viticulture and marketing. Together, they manage prime vineyard sites across Marlborough’s stony valley floors, crafting wines that beautifully reflect the distinct terroir of the area.
Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
Grapes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc – ABV: 12.5% – 13%
Tasting notes: An elegant, juicy style bursting with lime sorbet, zesty passionfruit, and crisp tropical fruit. It is sleek and refreshing with a clean, dry finish and a hint of fresh lemon basil.
Pairing: Best served chilled at 8–10°C. It serves as an excellent companion to fresh seafood, oysters, spicy Asian fare, or simply enjoyed on a sunny afternoon with good friends.
Producer: Allan Scott Family Winemakers
[Sardinia]
Argiolas Costamolino DOC Vermentino 2025
The Argiolas family estate was founded in 1938 by Antonio Argiolas in the rolling hills of Serdiana, Sardinia. For decades, the family has committed itself to preserving and championing indigenous Sardinian grape varieties. Today, the third generation proudly carries on this tradition, farming estate vineyards that sit on silty-loam and limestone soils. This specific Vermentino is sourced from hillside vineyards that catch the warm Mediterranean sun balanced by cooling sea breezes.
Appellation: Vermentino di Sardegna DOC, Italy
Grapes: 100% Vermentino – ABV: 13.9%
Tasting notes: Vibrant and highly textural, featuring aromas of pine, fresh mint, and stone fruit. It delivers a bright, lingering finish driven by crisp, lemony acidity and a touch of Mediterranean herbs.
Pairing: Serve chilled at 10–12°C. Explicitly crafted for the Mediterranean table, it acts as a perfect accent to rock lobster, grilled squid, spaghetti topped with savory bottarga, or a bowl of brothy clams.
Producer: Cantine Argiolas
[Sicily]
Nicosia Lenza di Munti Nerello Mascalese 2021
Cantine Nicosia has a rich winemaking history that dates back to 1898, when Francesco Nicosia first opened a wine shop on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna. Over a century later, the family manages an expansive collection of organic, high-altitude vineyards. The volcanic soils here are deeply rich in minerals, gifting the wines a striking signature character. By prioritizing eco-friendly and organic farming practices, the Nicosia estate ensures that their wines stand as pure, authentic expressions of Sicily’s native grapes.
Appellation: Sicilia DOC, Italy
Grapes: 100% Nerello Mascalese – ABV: 12.7%
Tasting notes: Bright and fragrant with inviting aromas of wild strawberries, red currant, and fresh field flowers. The palate is dry, light-to-medium-bodied, and beautifully balanced with mineral freshness and a delicate touch of spice.
Pairing: Best enjoyed at a cool cellar temperature of 14–16°C. It pairs exceptionally well with roasted poultry, tomato-based pasta dishes, seared tuna steaks, or medium-aged cheeses.
Producer: Cantine Nicosia
[Peloponnese]
Gaia Agiorgitiko 2023
Founded in 1994 by Yiannis Paraskevopoulos and Leon Karatsalos, Gaia Wines has been a pioneering force in the modern revolution of Greek winemaking. The winery operates two distinct estates, with this red wine originating from the Peloponnese region. The grapes are sourced entirely from select, mature, low-yielding vines in the hills of Koutsi within Nemea. Planted on steep limestone slopes without artificial irrigation, the vines are forced to dig deep root systems. This environment yields small clusters of thick-skinned berries that possess deep, concentrated flavors.
Appellation: Nemea PDO, Greece
Grapes: 100% Agiorgitiko – ABV: 14%
Tasting notes: Smooth and fruit-forward with complex aromas of pomegranate, prickly pear, and sweet spice. It has a velvety texture, incredibly soft tannins, and a long, fruit-driven finish.
Pairing: Incredibly versatile. It can be served at a normal cellar temperature with rich meat dishes, but its youthful, soft nature means it can also be lightly chilled (10–12°C) during warm summer months to pair with grilled vegetables or enjoyed on its own as an aperitif.
Producer: Gaia Wines
