An Adventure in Wine: Travel the World Through Your Glass
For the true wine lover, each bottle is a passport to distant terroirs. With a single glass, you're transported—no security lines or jet lag required. The ritual begins: that gentle pop of the cork, the whisper of wine meeting crystal, the first swirl that releases a symphony of aromas. Suddenly, you're there.
You haven't stood on the volcanic slopes of Madeira, that jewel rising from the Atlantic, but with one sip, the marriage of sea spray and sun-baked earth dances across your palate. The island's story unfolds in layers of complexity that only centuries of tradition could create.
Perhaps you've never felt the dramatic temperature shifts of Germany's Mosel Valley, where steep slate hillsides capture every precious ray of sunshine. Yet when you experience that precise balance of crystalline acidity and noble sweetness in a fine Riesling—notes of white peach and lime blossom giving way to that mysterious whisper of petrol—you understand viscerally what the continental climate has wrought.
We've curated a collection designed to raise eyebrows and expand horizons. Each bottle in this case is what we reverently call a "reference point wine"—not merely good, but definitive. These are the benchmarks against which others are measured, the purest expressions of their respective terroirs and traditions.
Today, we invite you to stretch your wings. To venture beyond the familiar. To discover new coordinates on your personal wine map. After all, the most profound joy in wine appreciation isn't in confirming what you already know—it's in that electric moment of discovery, when something unexpected transforms your understanding of what wine can be.
Join us for an Adventure in Wine. Your passport awaits.
If you’re ready to try all the wines in this article, you can buy the case here.
1. 2020 Luciano Arduini Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore
A smooth and flavorful red wine with rich cherry and plum flavors. The “Ripasso” method adds complexity with subtle notes of dried fruit and spice. It has balanced acidity and soft tannins, making it easy to enjoy. This wine pairs perfectly with roasted meats, hearty pasta, or aged cheeses.
2. 2020 Nativ Blu Onice Irpinia Aglianico
A full-bodied, elegant red from the Irpinia region, showcasing the Aglianico grape. This wine offers deep flavors of dark fruit, tobacco, and a touch of spice, with firm tannins and a smooth finish. Its bold structure and complex profile make it a perfect match for grilled meats and rich Italian dishes.
3. 2020 Talosa Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG
Most wine lovers are already familiar with Brunello di Montalcino. For some reason, Vino Nobile from Montepulciano, one of the most visited towns in all of Italy and located only thirty minutes away from Montalcino, is often overlooked for it’s better known big brother. Vino Nobile often represents better value and quality in Tuscan Sangiovese.
4. 2020 M by Martellotto Grenache Santa Barbara County
Not all red wines have to be oaked and heavy. This is an excellent representation of a cooler climate Rhone varietal that just sings, especially when served with a 20 minute chill on it. Very food friendly and versatile, this is a wine you’ll dive into.
5. 2018 Cantariña Viña de Los Pinos Mencia Bierzo Spain
Want to try something totally different? Mencia is a unique grape from NW Spain that is like biting into a tart cherry with a mix of earth tones.
6. 2017 Bodegas LAN Rioja Reserva Culmen
Rioja typically ages their famed Tempranillo in American oak. This is another reference point wine from the region that also incorporates French oak. This is the top wine from one of the leading producers in the most famous region in Spain.
7. 2016 Sangenis i Vaque Coranya Priorat DOCa
A rich and complex red from the Priorat DOCa region, made from a blend of indigenous Spanish varieties. This wine offers intense flavors of dark berries, licorice, and earthy minerality, with well-integrated oak and a velvety texture. Its bold structure and balanced acidity make it an excellent pairing for roasted meats and hearty dishes.
8. 2021 Los Vascos Le Dix Red Blend Colchagua Valley
This Bordeaux blend from Chile is a head turner. You could pay four times as much as this wine if this wine was actually from Bordeaux, and not get as much pleasure as in Le Dix. Let this one aerate for one hour and enjoy the ride as it unfurls in the glass.
9. 2021 Guerrieri Guerriero Nero IGT Marche Rosso
A powerful and captivating red from the heart of Italy's Marche region, Guerriero Nero is crafted from Montepulciano and Sangiovese, two of Italy’s most celebrated indigenous varietals. This wine offers a perfect balance of bold dark fruit, spices, and earthiness, all wrapped in a smooth, velvety texture. Rich, yet approachable, with flavors of ripe blackberry, plum, and a hint of leather, it embodies the essence of its terroir with deep complexity. A great choice for those seeking a wine with a strong character, depth, and a distinctly Italian flair. Enjoy this captivating red with hearty dishes or on its own for a true taste of the Marche region.
10. 2021 Chateau Petit-Figeac Saint Emilion Grand Cru
Figeac is one of the top five producers of Merlot and Cabernet Franc blends not only in the Right Bank of Bordeaux but also in the world. This is their second wine at a much more affordable price and it’s an excellent choice for the savvy buyer.
11. 2022 Alexandre Burgaud Beaujolais-Lantignie Villages
A vibrant and refreshing red from the Beaujolais-Lantignie village, this wine features bright red fruit flavors like cherry and raspberry, with subtle floral and earthy notes. Light-bodied with smooth tannins and a crisp finish, it’s perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes, from charcuterie to grilled poultry.
12. 2021 Federici 'Collezione Oro' Roma Rosso Lazio DOC
A smooth and flavorful red wine from Lazio. It offers bright cherry and raspberry flavors, with a hint of spice and earth. The wine is well-balanced, with soft tannins and good acidity, making it a great match for many dishes. A great example of Italian winemaking, with a fresh and easy-drinking style.
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