May Wine Club

Bora Tier Heinrich 'Naked Orange': A Bold Expression from Burgenland

Discover the vibrant character of Heinrich 'Naked Orange', a natural orange wine crafted by Gernot and Heike Heinrich in Austria's esteemed Burgenland region. Renowned for their biodynamic and organic practices, the Heinrichs produce wines that authentically reflect their terroir.

Winemaking Philosophy

The Heinrichs' commitment to minimal intervention is evident in 'Naked Orange'. This wine is a blend of 35% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Blanc (Weißburgunder), 20% Pinot Gris (Grauer Burgunder), 10% Roter Traminer, and 5% Muscat Ottonel. Grapes are fermented naturally and undergo up to two weeks of skin contact. Aged for 18 months in clay amphorae and large oak casks on lees, it is bottled unfiltered with minimal sulfur, ensuring purity and expression of the fruit.

'Naked Orange' presents a luminous amber hue. The nose is aromatic, with notes of dried apricot, orange peel, and tropical fruits, complemented by floral hints of chamomile and jasmine. On the palate, flavors of candied citrus, ripe peach, and a touch of ginger are balanced by refreshing acidity and a slight tannic grip from the extended skin contact.

Food Pairing

This wine pairs beautifully with grilled seafood, roasted root vegetables, and hearty salads. Its complexity also complements aged cheeses and charcuterie boards featuring cured meats and pickled vegetables

Discover Margins 'Neutral Oak Hotel' White 2024

Introducing the 2024 'Neutral Oak Hotel' White from Margins, a natural wine project founded by Megan Bell in the Santa Cruz Mountains, California. Megan, a UC Davis graduate, established Margins in 2016 with a vision to produce low-intervention wines that highlight underrepresented vineyards and varietals across Northern and Central California.

This white blend is a harmonious mix of 65% Chenin Blanc, 23% Muscat Blanc, and 12% Vermentino, sourced from organically farmed vineyards in Clarksburg and San Benito County . The grapes were destemmed and fermented separately using native yeasts, aged in neutral oak barrels for 3.5–4.5 months, with the Chenin Blanc undergoing fermentation in a concrete egg. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered, with minimal sulfur dioxide added just before bottling

Tasting Notes: The 'Neutral Oak Hotel' White 2024 offers a refreshing profile with notes of crisp green apple, citrus zest, and a subtle herbaceous undertone, balanced by a creamy texture and lively acidity.

Food Pairing: This versatile white pairs beautifully with grilled seafood, fresh salads, spicy Asian cuisine, and creamy pasta dishes, making it an excellent choice for various dining occasions. Le Mistral Tier

Unveiling the Essence of Catalonia: Bodega Clandestina 'Sense Papers' Blanc

Nestled in the heart of Catalonia's Penedès region, Bodega Clandestina is the brainchild of winemaker Ferran Lacruz. Since 2018, Ferran has been crafting natural wines that honor the land's rich heritage while embracing innovative, minimal-intervention techniques. Operating on an 8-hectare estate in the village of Sant Martí Sarroca, his approach is rooted in organic and biodynamic practices, ensuring each bottle reflects the authentic character of the region.

The 'Sense Papers' Blanc is a testament to Ferran's dedication. Made from 100% Xarel·lo, a native Catalan grape, this wine undergoes a meticulous process: hand-harvested at three distinct times, fermented with indigenous yeasts, and aged in a combination of demijohns and a 500-liter oak barrel for four months. The result is a natural, vegan-friendly wine with no added sulfites, fining, or filtering.

Tasting Notes: Expect a vibrant profile with notes of green apple, lemon zest, and a subtle minerality, complemented by a refreshing salinity that speaks to its Mediterranean origins.

Food Pairing: Ideal with grilled seafood, fresh salads, or a cheese platter, this wine's crisp acidity and complex flavors make it a versatile companion to a variety of dishes.

A Splash of Fun: Gentle Folk Rainbow Juice

If you're looking to add a bit of color—and joy—to your wine glass, Gentle Folk’s Rainbow Juice is just the bottle to do it. Made in the picturesque Adelaide Hills of South Australia, this playful, light-bodied red is a celebration of creativity, minimal intervention winemaking, and sheer drinkability.

At the helm is Gareth Belton, the mind (and hands) behind Gentle Folk Wines. A marine biologist-turned-winemaker, Gareth brings a deep respect for nature to his work, farming organically and working gently in the cellar. His wines are known for their purity, character, and charm—and Rainbow Juice is perhaps the most free-spirited of them all.

So, what’s in it? That changes slightly from year to year, but it’s typically a field blend of Pinot Noir, Syrah, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and other estate-grown varieties, co-fermented into a vibrant, chillable red bursting with personality.

Tasting notes? Think wild strawberries, tangy red currants, a splash of citrus zest, and a whisper of herbaceousness. It’s zippy, fresh, and low in alcohol—perfect for warm weather sipping or casual get-togethers.

When it comes to pairing, Rainbow Juice thrives with picnic fare, spicy Asian dishes, or even a loaded veggie pizza. Chill it down slightly and enjoy it as you would a rosé.

Gentle Folk Rainbow Juice isn’t just a wine—it’s an experience. Easy to love, hard to forget, and a great reminder that wine can be both serious and seriously fun. Discover the Bold Character of Fres.co Primitivo

Fres.co Primitivo, a bold and expressive red from the heart of Sonoma County. Though Primitivo is more commonly associated with southern Italy, this New World expression offers a unique West Coast twist while staying true to the grape’s rich, fruit-forward nature.

Crafted by winemaker Alex Fresco, a Sonoma native with deep Italian roots, this wine reflects a balance of tradition and innovation. Alex’s approach focuses on minimal intervention, allowing the grape to speak for itself while capturing the vibrancy of Sonoma’s sun-drenched vineyards.

In the glass, Fres.co Primitivo (Zinfandel) bursts with ripe blackberry, dark cherry, and fig, layered with warm baking spices and a hint of mocha. On the palate, it’s full-bodied and silky, with soft tannins and a smooth, lingering finish. This wine showcases the ripeness of California fruit while maintaining a rustic edge that fans of old-world wines will appreciate.

Pairing suggestions? This Primitivo sings alongside hearty dishes—think grilled lamb, wood-fired pizza, or a rich mushroom risotto. For a simple but perfect pairing, try it with aged Gouda and charcuterie.

Whether you’re opening a bottle for a quiet night in or bringing it to the table for a festive meal, Fres.co Primitivo is a wine that delivers warmth, depth, and conversation. Cheers to discovering something new in the familiar hills of Sonoma!

Artwork from Ash_Tatz