Natty: November 2025

Stirm

Wirz Vineyard

Zinfandel, Riesling

Cienega Valley, California

“We have two simple goals that direct every operation above all else: to present the narrative of the growing season in a delicious and transparent format, and to craft a wine with a strong foundation intended to age for decades.”

- Ryan Stirm, Winemaker

A direct quote from Ryan Stirm portrays ideals that we seek from all producers. California, being the largest wine producing state in America, has incredible diversity of land, people and environments. The San Andreas Fault runs through the Wirz Vineyard creating a vast diversity of microclimates even within the vineyard itself. Hence the decision to co-ferment with Riesling due to the fact that both Zinfandel and Riesling can thrive in this vineyard. The wine is also fermented in redwood before aging in typical used oak barrels.

This wine is still Zinfandel at heart with some levity. Sitting at 14.5% alcohol rather than 16% which can happen to Zinfandel. Round, plush and nuanced are all notes that can easily describe this wine. Meant to be enjoyed whenever you decide whether that be tonight or in five years.

Pairing: Burnt Ends

Fun fact: Ryan Stirm was an avid wrestler going in to college and when he was trying to lose weight he couldn’t stop thinking about wine. The rest is history.

Domaine Serol

Cabochard

Gamay

Côte Roannaise, France

Domaine Serol are biodynamic winemakers in the Côte Roannaise of the Loire Valley. Predominately red wine makers, they also make a delicious rose which is what we have featured this month. Focused on Gamay Saint-Romain, which is the autochthonous grape of the Côte Roannaise. A late ripening clone that offers a bit more spice than traditional Gamay.

This darker hued rose is, surprisingly, direct press meaning a very short amount of contact with the skins. All natively fermented and then aged in concrete for three months. It is also non vintage rose with a majority of the base wine being from 2024. Notes of stone fruits and florals are the trademark of this wine with lively acidity to carry the entire experience. This is a rose we will for sure be enjoying during the cold months to remind us of the warmer months to come.

Pairing: Cranberry Brie Arepa

Fun fact: Domaine Serol invented their own electric sleds to prevent back injuring heavy backpacks. Long live healthy backs!

El Montañista

Corte de Tintas

Criolla Chica, Criolla Grande, Cereza, Canela, Moscatel Tinto

Calingasta Valley, Argentina

Located at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, this winery benefits from the rain shadow the mountains offer. With cold winters and only warm summers, the direct sun exposure helps the grapes reach full phenolic maturity despite the colder region. The 1500 meters of elevation means a more intense direct sun and a dry climate that staves off disease.

Francis​co (Pancho) Bugallo and Nuria Añó Gargiulo are the couple behind the domaine. Doing most everything by hand including stomping the grapes. The skins are left in contact with the wine the whole fermentation taking place in concrete vessels. Despite the slightly lighter hue to the wine there is still a lot going on. Retained freshness and crunch is bolstered by a savory undertone that is carried through by lovely acidity.

This wine is from vineyards with 80 year old vines adding to the concentration and complexity and at the bottom of the mountain makes this vineyard a sight to be hold. We’re just happy the wine is delicious as well.

Pairing: Swiss Chard and Lamb Torte with Fennel-Pomegrante Relish

Fun fact: In 2021 Francisco and Nuria were approached with the vineyards at the base of the mountains. They accepted and the rest is history.