06 Bodegas Sin-Ley Garnacha "G3"
Bodegas Sin-Ley gives Garnacha its' due: this well-known producing house in Spain has three different wines using 100% Garnacha from three different regions in Spain. Each of the wine names is labeled with the letter G - hence G1, G2, and the selection for this month’s club, G3. The source for the fruit is a unique and highly prized area on near the coast and the city of Barcelona. Terra Alta is exactly what it is named - "high land" and the bulk of the regions vines sit above 1000 feet, growing in rather parched looking mountain soil and subject to hot summers and cold winters. The landscape is very dramatic, and Picasso loved to visit the area; many of his lesser seen landscape paintings were painted using the Terra Alta as inspiration. As a result of the poor soil and harsh weather conditions, the vines work hard to get nutrients, and therefore the flavors are focused and intense: plush, dark blackberry notes are highlighted by higher-toned raspberry, with an emerging finish of mocha and light spice on the finish. The longer the wine stays open, the more these final notes come through.

Pairing suggestions:
A wine this dark and big needs a great steak, and in this case, try topping the steak with blue-veined cheese, such as the incredible Spanish Valdeon wrapped in sycamore leaves, available at the Calf and Kid Cheese Shop in the Melrose Market.

09 Dom des Escaravailles Cotes-du-Rhone "Les Sablieres"
Grenache is a theme here, and leads the way at 70% in the Escaravailles "Les Sabileres" blend, which is rounded out with Syrah and Carignan. Sourced from vineyards surrounding the small town of Rasteau, the wine bears the signature flavors from that area, which always seems to produce notes of fig or raisin in the red wines. Older vines provide plenty of complexity here: fig-accented rich black cherry leads boldly to a finish with light tannins and a sophisticated graphite note. This needs some time to breathe and the results are perfect for cold winter nights, as this wine unmistakably evokes passionate responses from the palate. Also a great wine to have with steak, stew, cassoulet, and the like.

09 Chateau de Jau Sauvignon Blanc "Jaja du Jau"
A younger, artistic-minded winemaking family heads the project of Chateau de Jau, and you can see from the label they aim to be simple but stylish. The wine is stylish too, and shows off what the south of France can do with Sauvignon Blanc, a grape that is usually grown farther north. Bright yet soft notes of apple lead to humble tropical flavors, and the wine has presence without being weighty with the fruit. The finish is delightfully clean, and makes this a perfect match with fish, pasta, and grilled sausages.