Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rose
We can't close the door on summer without giving a special shoutout to one of my perennial favorite roses, Chateau Pradeaux. The seaside village of Bandol is recognized for producing Provence's top wines, and Chateau Pradeaux is one of the appellation's cornerstone estates. Their tangerine-hued rose is built on a frame of old-vine Mourvedre accented with Cinsault. While rich and structured, age-worthy even, it remains elegant and guaranteed to provide plenty of drinking pleasure with end of summer vegetables.

Bodega Chacra 'Sin Azufre' Pinot Noir
For my pick this month, I wanted to stay in the southern-hemisphere. I have been blown away by the Patagonian producer Bodega Chacra lately and there is no better introduction than ‘Sin Azufre’. This no-sulfur Pinot Noir encapsulates the special desert-meets-Andes terroir it comes from. It comes from 60-year-old, biodynamically farmed vines, then the fruit hand harvested and fermented whole-cluster with native yeasts in concrete and amphora. There are no additives, no compromise. The resulting wine is vivid and high-toned. Look forward to bright red berries, lifted florals, supple tannins, and crystalline minerality. A transparent reflection of Patagonia’s alpine soils… raw and filled with tension. I can't believe it's not Burgundy!

The ‘Mother Rock’ series of wines is all about showcasing the nuance and greatness of the Swartland through the very minimalist touch of Johan Meyer, AKA Stompie. Cinsault is the grape that in many ways embodies the ‘new’ Swartland, one that is highlighted in its best light with a gentle touch. These grapes were hand-picked and fermented whole cluster with native yeast to produce a bright red with ripe tannins, generous red fruit, and a touch of charming rusticity.

Vino pH "PHD' Methode Ancestrale
Vino pH was founded by the dynamic French & South African Dream Team, Pauline Roux (p) & Hanneke Krüger (H), two young, passionate women winemakers driven by curiosity and energy for life. They both see wine in the same way: a product of science but also of the soul.

Their talent is on full display with this pet-nat. A blend of Grenache Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Bukettraube (a cross between Silvaner and Schiava a.k.a. Trollinger), this subtle sparkler is lively and crisp, with floral aromas and notes of apricots, tropical fruits, and lemons.