Five Unique Wines from California, Italy and Southern France

Orin Swift Chardonnay Blend

Originating from cool-climate sites in Carneros and Sonoma, this Chardonnay-dominant blend by Orin Swift Cellars is an expressive and elegant white wine. Founder David Swift Phinney brings together five varietals, showcasing the finest characteristics of Chardonnay with support from lesser-known grapes.

The wine reveals aromas of poached pear, green apple, jasmine, and orange blossom. Aged for nine months on lees in 40% new French oak, it displays notes of honeysuckle, tangerine, and crème brûlée. Its lively acidity and creamy mouthfeel create a harmonious balance. Perfect with hard cheeses, roasted poultry, or creamy seafood dishes, this blend is both nuanced and bold—a signature of Orin Swift’s unconventional approach to winemaking.

Pasqua Valpolicella Superiore

This robust Italian red hails from the Pasqua family’s Montevegro vineyard in Verona, situated 350 metres above sea level. Hand-harvested Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone and Oseleta grapes are fermented and macerated for depth, then matured in French oak barrels for 18 months.

The result is a full-bodied red with intense aromas of blueberries, cherry, liquorice, and sweet spice. On the palate, it’s velvety yet structured, perfect for pairing with roasted meats, lamb or grilled sausages. With nearly a century of winemaking behind them, Pasqua brings tradition and modern technique together in this excellent Valpolicella Superiore.

Buccella Mica Cabernet

This opulent red blend from Napa is led by Cabernet Sauvignon with supporting roles from Merlot and Petit Verdot. Founded in 2002 by Alicia and Bill Deem, Buccella is known for its luxurious, small-lot wines. The Mica Cabernet is aged 18 months in oak to bring out dark fruit and earthy complexity.

Expect a burst of cassis, dark cherry, and chocolate aromas followed by a layered palate with silky tannins and hints of tobacco and baking spice. A wine for special occasions, it matches beautifully with beef tenderloin, venison or mushroom risotto. A quintessential expression of Napa elegance and intensity.

Sieur d’Arques Blanquette de Limoux

This sparkling wine from Languedoc is one of the oldest of its kind, tracing its roots back to 1531. Crafted from Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and the local Mauzac grape, it’s produced using the traditional method with a second fermentation in the bottle.

The wine is crisp and dry with fine bubbles, showcasing green apple, white peach and wildflower aromas. A touch of grassiness and a clean, mineral finish make it ideal for warm days. It’s a superb pairing for goat cheese tart, lemony seafood, or a light dessert like tarte tatin.

San Giovenale Habemus Red Label

San Giovenale’s flagship wine is crafted from 100% Cabernet Franc grown organically in the volcanic hills of northern Lazio. Winemaker Emanuele Pangrazi, inspired by his passion for terroir, collaborated with enologist Marco Casolanetti to establish a world-class estate.

Habemus Red Label entices with ripe cherry, plum and earthy aromas. On the palate, it’s smooth and elegant with notes of smoke, dried herbs and sweet red berries. Its finesse and freshness make it a perfect companion to Italian charcuterie, hard cheeses, and tomato-based pasta dishes. Decant to unlock its full aromatic depth.