Jun 2021, Issue 9
Beyond The Sea
June is here, and it's time to usher in the summer season. Beach vibes, cookouts, sun-filled days and farmer's markets... our favorite time of the year, hands down. Whether it's a bottle of bubbles at the beach, a chilled red with some just-picked grilled veggies, or a tart and textural orange wine to match the sunset, we have the perfect bottle to fit your summer plans. Click the grid for June's Bottle Shop Picks!!
-Jeremy
What's New at Helen's
• Helen's by the Glass! - Join us at Appleton Farms every Friday from 4-8pm for wines by the glass, beer and wood-fired pizza, all served al fresco. Starting June 11th!
• Cedar Rock CSA - Are you a member of Cedar Rock CSA? If so, you can pick up wine and beer orders with your regular CSA pickup! Just place your orders through Helen's website by noon on Wednesdays, and choose Cedar Rock as the pickup location when you checkout! Starting June 9th!
• Delivery Schedule - We will be offering free local delivery on Wednesdays and Fridays for the month of June! Just order by noon for same day delivery - $50 minimum for free delivery.
• New Shop Hours - Beginning this week, Helen's will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 12-6pm!
• Natural Wine Bar at Home! - Having a dinner party or gathering at your house?? Want a natural wine bar delivered and set up for you? Shoot us an email for more info!
Kobal
We begin this month in Haloze, a small appelation in Styria, Slovenia. Steeped in tradition, Haloze has been regarded as a prime wine-growing region since ancient Roman times. Bojan Kobal is a mastermind winemaker, showcasing not only the rich history of the region, but also the future of where Slovenian wine is going. Focusing on mostly white wine, Bojan also makes some incredibly playful and gorgeous pet nats, and we're so excited to be featuring two of his sparlkers this month. Both of these wines are perfect to toast the beginning of summer. Drink these on the beach, and soak up the sun.
Why We Love It
The white version of Bajta is made from 100% Yellow Muscat. Lively, juicy and mouthwatering. A little hazy with notes of lemons, limes and flowers. A distinct yeastiness and a creamy texture. Sunshine in a bottle!
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The rosé style of Bajta is made from 100% Blaufrankisch, sometimes called the Pinot Noir of the East. A similar yeastiness and creamy texture to her Muscat sister, due mainly to the use of wild yeasts in the ending bottle fermentation. Notes of strawberries and raspberries, bright and beautiful.
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Bodega Marañones
Our next stop is the Sierra de Gredos near Madrid, Spain. The conditions here are extreme in every sense, with a harsh climate and rocky, steep slopes. Despite that, the Sierra de Gredos are home to some young and innovative winemakers. Fernando Garcia of Comando G fame is at the helm of Bodega Marañones, consisting of four different vineyard sites. Great care is paid to the various microclimates and soil conditions as well as to the winemaking process itself. Many of his grapes are even pressed by foot! All of his wines are bursting with purity, finesse and are truly a joy to taste.
Why We Love It
Picarana is made from 100% Albillo Real, a rare grape that exists mostly in the Sierra de Gredos. A juicy and early grape, Albillo makes wines that are rich and textural. Super aromatic with notes of tree fruit and citrus.
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Claus Preisinger
Our journey this month wraps up in Burgenland, Austria, the eastern-most region of the country. Claus Preisinger has always known what he was destined for, attending a viticultural HIGH SCHOOL before working abroad in a few California vineyards. He released his first namesake wines in 2002, and converted to full biodynamics in 2006. His commitment to the environment really shines through in all of his wines, with little intervention and use of ambient yeasts that give them a real sense of place. Claus is a free spirit who strives for beauty in simplicity.
Why We Love It
Puszta Libre! is a blend of Zweigelt and St. Laurent, both native Austrian grapes. It's light and smooth with notes of red berries and crushed violets. A PERFECT summertime red.
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Liquid History
My name is Vermouth, and I'm a true jet setter. I can be found in nearly every place that makes wine, although my origins are largely based in Europe. I am a wine at heart, although I'm always fortified with botanicals and herbs. I can be sweet or dry, red or white, light or rich. In essence, there is a version of me that's perfect for every situation: as part of your favorite cocktail, as an aperitif, or an after-dinner sipper. I am a far cry from that old bottle of vermouth in the back of your parents' liquor cabinet, so forget whatever you think you know about me, and get ready for a real treat!
Helen's favorite for the summer is the PARTIDA CREUS MUZ from Catalonia, Spain, served over ice. Muz is a blend of nearly-forgotten native red grape varietals, fortified with Alpine herbs and citrus. Guaranteed to make you smile!