From the Blog
2024 Holiday Wine 6 Pack
Gathering Season is upon us!
It’s time to celebrate family and friends and cozy comfort foods in the chillier months. We toast to cherished memories, shared moments, and imagine future opportunities on the horizon in the new year.
For your drinking, sharing, & gifting pleasure, we present New Pi’s carefully selected Holiday Six Pack; a delectable sampling of crowd pleasing, food friendly wines from around the world. Six over achieving wines, all rated 90 points or more, for $90!
Pago del Vicario Blanco de Tempranillo ’23, Castile- la Mancha Spain
This “Blanc de Noir” of Spain’s darling red grape, Tempranillo is a vibrant mouthful of pear, apple, & citrus, with aromas of white flowers and almond. The free run juice from the red grapes is clear, and since there’s no skin contact, a white Tempranillo is the delightful result. Dried herbs and crisp flinty minerality in the finish. Excellent with Seafood Risotto or before dinner with a plate of sharp cheese, smoked Valencia almonds and olives. $17.99/ 95 points-Decanter
J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay ’22, Monterey California
This barrel aged Chard is lightly oaked-giving it a rich & creamy mouthfeel, without being heavy or buttery. Lemon chiffon cake, ripe orange, and baking spice are present through the long finish. Notes of apple skin and nectarine lend a touch of acidity that leave you eager for the next sip. Perfect with creamy cheeses & herb and lemon roasted poultry. $16.99/ 92 points- Wine Enthusiast
Quinta Sardonia Sardon Red Blend ’22, Castilla y Leon Spain
This full-bodied Tempranillo Garnacha blend is filled with blue fruit, grilled herbs, graphite, and cumin, giving it a savory finish framed with silky tannins. The forest fruits and lively acidity make it a welcome companion to hearty soups or stews (meaty or vegetarian) studded with root vegetables and earthy mushrooms. $18.99 /92 points James Suckling
Poggio del Concone Rosso Toscana ‘21, Tuscany Italy IGT
This savvy Super Tuscan gem is a blend of Merlot, Cab Sauv, & Sangiovese. The sweet violet floral & vanilla bean scented nose hints at the complex flavors of blackberry, currant, and licorice. A high-toned dry finish, with a dusting of warm baking spice, mocha, and firm structure. Of course it pairs with Sweet/savory tomato sauced pasta, but amazing with cured meats and strong cheeses. $14.99/ 90 points WE
Iconic Sidekick Cabernet Sauvignon ‘22, Lodi California
Iconic-the name of the winery and also the status of the grape! It’s hard to find a vinophile that doesn’t love (or at least appreciate a good Cab Sauv). California (especially Napa) is home to some of the most expensive & cultish Cabs, but great examples of this beloved heat loving red come from many AVA’s. Lodi is known for its HUGE Zins, but many different varietals do well there, including this bold Cab. Deep ruby in color, it is a textbook example: cigar box, toasted vanilla, black cassis, leather, and grippy tannins. That being said-it’s perfectly balanced, and ready to elevate your next medium rare ribeye, or a Smoky grilled Lamb burger. $17.99/ 92 points WE
Greg Norman Limestone Coast Shiraz ’21 South Australia
If the Holiday Season has a flavor-this is it. Mint, plum, clove, berry, bay leaf, and blueberry all mingle playfully in this full-bodied complex Shiraz. Its juicy and plush-with firm structure and polished white pepper tannin. Deep purple in the glass, weighty, chewy texture. The bold flavors allow this wine to stand up to equally assertive flavors-think Korean BBQ Short Ribs, Curries, cola glazed ham. $18.99/ 92 points WE
Cheers to you and yours!
-Miss Nik, Mistress of Wine & Cheese at the Iowa City Co-op
New Pioneer Food Co-op
New Pi is a food co-operative, owned by over 35,000 members, home-grown in Iowa. We welcome everyone to our store, regardless of membership, and focus on local and sustainable food solutions. New Pi has strong roots in Iowa City’s local food community, and continues to partner with local growers, food, and sustainability organizations to enrich Linn and Johnson County communities.