October 21, 2020
Happy BOO-zy Halloween!

Though this year’s Halloween looks a little different from those of years’ passed — that’s no reason to completely give up on the holiday and on enjoying a fun adult beverage.

From a severed hand to some sparkling skulls & roses, we carry some spooky labels that are sure to make it a boozy-tiful Halloween!

WINES OF ANARCHY
Did your candy plans get cancelled this year? Stay in and rock out with some punk rock sparklers from Azienda Agricola Cirelli. Nature sets the rules and dictates the rhythm of every activity at Francesco Cirelli’s organic farm in Abruzzo. The animals’ interaction with the land offers natural grazing and fertilization of the vines, which means there is no need to use harmful chemical substances. A nod to Guzzista Motorcycles and Sons of Anarchy, the Wines of Anarchy project is made with biodyncically farmed grapes purchased from Francesco’s friend and neighbor. The highly gulpable fizzy Trebbiano and juicy rosé of Montepulciano are fun and vibrant dry sparkling wines, with lively, energetic bubbles.
Cirelli NV ‘Wines of Anarchy’ Frizzante, Abruzzo
Cirelli NV ‘Wines of Anarchy’ Frizzante Rose, Abruzzo

HADEN FIG
They say at Halloween, a witch’s companions are the cat and the owl. Follow the night bird right to the wine aisle this Halloween. Haden Fig is Erin and Jordan Nuccio’s realization of a dream to produce exceptional wines from the Willamette valley. They secure the best fruit possible from organic, biodynamic and sustainably farmed vineyards. During her work at the Portland Audubon Society as a volunteer veterinarian, Jordan was enamored with the Northern Saw-Whet owl. A natural predator for vineyard pests and an essential part of a healthy symbiotic vineyard and ecosystem, the Saw-Whet owl was chosen for the label as a symbol of their commitment to sustainable agriculture.
Haden Fig 2016 ‘Juliette’ Chardonnay, Willamette Valley [AG 94pts]
Haden Fig 2018 Pinot Gris Rose, Willamette Valley
Haden Fig 2018 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley
Haden Fig 2014 Pinot Noir, Le Puits Sec Vineyard, Eola-Amity Hills

MICROBIO
The tree is alive! Coined by some as “El Mago de las Verdejos” (Wizard of the Verdejos), winemaker Ismael Gozalo practices his sorcery in a medieval underground cellar located in his native town of Nieva. Barrels, fudres, anforas, demijohns, stainless steel…young, old, skin contact, sparkling, biological and oxidative aging…you name it, he’s got it. This 100% Verdejo has a beautiful nose that bursts with notes of white peach, orange peel and grapefruit. There is wonderful vibrancy and salinity on the palate, complemented by notes of stone fruit.
MicroBio Wines 2017 ‘Microbio’ Verdejo, Spain (Rueda) [WA 93+pts 2018 Vintage]

OWEN ROE
With a name like Sinister Hand, you know there’s got to be a haunting backstory. Back in the 17th century, two revolutionary Irish families, the O’Neills and O’Reillys, were battling over a particularly sought after plot of land. Legend has it that they turned to a rowing competition to settle their dispute; the first to touch the land would secure rule. When the O’Neill’s boat stared to fall behind, a member of the crew grabbed his own sword, cut off his hand and threw it ashore, winning his family the prize! Owen Roe’s Sinister Hand Rhone-inspired blend erupts with perfumed aromas of bright raspberry and herbal tea while the Mourvèdre brings a savory note to the nose. The palate is plush and textural with the perfect amount of tannins, acidity, and an upbeat, fruity finish that brings it all together.
Owen Roe 2019 ‘Sinister Hand’ Red Rhone Blend, Columbia Valley

DEL MONO
This ‘see no evil’ monkey wine is the brainchild of winemaker Matias Michelini. Located in the Uco Valley of Tupungato, Mendoza, Matias strives to make experimental wines expressive of the region’s cool climate and high altitude terroir. His wines are extremely low production, drawn from multiple inspirations, regions, and styles. Equal parts Malbec and Syrah, Del Mono is crafted from village fruit sourced from sustainable, local growers in Tupungato and aged in concrete eggs. Brambly blackberry, dark raspberry and spice on the nose with a rich, broad and almost chocolaty palate; this wine is a stunning bargain.
Del Mono 2019 Tinto (Malbec/Syrah), Tupungato

GINQUILA
We guarantee you’ve never tried anything like this. Are you brave enough to test it out? Skeptic Ginquila, made locally in Melrose Park, Illinois, is a specially infused cold vacuum distilled gin that is finished in tequila barrels. Ginquila is inspired by the cocktail called Cantarito, which is a paloma style cocktail served in a clay pot. Fusing this concept with the vibrant flavors of South America, Skeptic distillery infused a gin base with fresh tropical fruit and spices including papaya, grapefruit, orange, lime, cinnamon, thyme, and chipotle and arbol peppers. But why stop there? Just to make sure this spirit is like nothing you’ve ever seen, they finished it in tequila barrels for a few months.
Skeptic Ginquila (80 proof)