🍷 Wine Wednesday

Selected by Orr Reches

Producer: Celler Piñol "L'Avi Arrufí Blanc"
Year: 2022
Varietal: 100% Garnacha Blanca
Price: $48.00

Color: White
Location: Terra Alta, Catalonia, Spain

Tasting notes: This wine is fresh and vibrant, with bright citrus and orchard fruit flavors. There’s a hint of bitterness, like pear skin, balanced by Meyer lemon zest and a smoky mineral note that gives it depth. The finish is long and layered, with a touch of florals that linger.

Nose: The aroma is crisp and inviting, with citrus, ripe pear, and subtle floral notes. There’s also a bit of ginger and a light quinine-like bitterness that adds complexity.

Food pairing: L’Avi Arrufí Blanc pairs well with rich yet delicate dishes. Try it with risotto, roasted salmon, or white meats like chicken or pork. Its bright acidity and minerality cut through creamy textures and balance out fatty flavors.

What makes this wine special?
I chose this wine because it’s a fantastic example of Garnacha Blanca from its birthplace, Terra Alta. Made from 60-year-old vines, it has both freshness and depth, striking a perfect balance between vibrant fruit and mineral complexity. Plus, with only 300 cases produced, it’s a special bottle that truly showcases the talent of winemaker Cristina Borrull and the dedication of the Piñol family.

Discount Code: Use code PD5 for 5% off! Through 4/30

Selected by Orr Reches

Producer: Alberto Orte "Sierra de la Demanda Tinto"
Year: 2015
Varietal: 75% Garnacha, 20% Tempranillo, 5% Viura
Price: $45.00

Color: Red
Location: Sierra de la Demanda, Rioja, Spain

Tasting notes: This wine is fresh yet deep, with ripe black and blue fruit flavors. There’s a hint of spice and floral notes that add complexity, while the texture is smooth but structured. It finishes with great energy, a touch of tobacco, and a long, spicy persistence.

Nose: The aroma is rich and expressive, full of ripe blackberries, blueberries, and fresh flowers. There’s also a subtle hint of pepper and pipe tobacco that gives it an earthy, intriguing edge.

Food pairing: Sierra de la Demanda pairs well with a variety of dishes. It’s great with roasted chicken, duck, or game birds, and it also complements stews like beef bourguignon. If you prefer seafood, try it with salmon or another fatty fish—it’s a surprisingly good match.

What makes this wine special?
I picked this wine because it’s a true expression of Rioja’s high-altitude, old-vine vineyards. The north-facing slopes and long ripening period give it incredible depth, minerality, and elegance. Plus, Alberto Orte’s dedication to traditional winemaking methods ensures a wine that’s both distinctive and full of character.

Discount Code: Use code PD5 for 5% off! Through 4/30

Selected by Orr Reches

Producer: Gaintza "Aitako" 
Year: 2022
Varietal: 90% Hondarrabi Zuri, 10% Chardonnay.
Price: $42.00

Color: White
Location: Getariako Txakolina, Spain
Additional tags: Sustainably farmed

Tasting notes: This Txakoli is bright and crisp, with flavors of lemon, quince, and green apple. It has a weighty texture balanced by lively acidity, and the finish is bone dry with a strong mineral edge.

Nose: The aromas are fresh and vibrant, featuring citrus peel, white flowers, and a hint of the sea breeze from its coastal vineyards. There’s also a subtle minerality that adds depth.

Food pairing: Aitako pairs beautifully with seafood, especially fried dishes like calamari or smelts. It’s also great with anchovies, olives, or anything with bold umami flavors.

What makes this wine special?
I picked this wine because it’s a more serious, complex take on Txakolina. Coming from 100-year-old vines and aged on the lees, it offers depth while still keeping that signature freshness. Plus, it’s a great reflection of the Basque coast’s unique terroir.

Discount Code: Use code PD5 for 5% off! Through 4/30

Meet the Expert

Orr Reches

Experience: WSET Diploma

Background: Orr Reches, WSET Diploma, was born and raised in Israel and moved to New York in 2006. While working as a Sommelier and Wine Director at Michelin-starred restaurants such as A Voce, Veritas, and Corton, Orr earned the prestigious WSET Diploma in Wine and Spirits. In 2015, he joined Olé & Obrigado, and since 2017, he has served as the Managing Director of Olé & Obrigado Direct, overseeing the company's direct distribution in NY, NJ, and PA.

Want to get in touch?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/orr-reches-wset-diploma-312a221b/
https://www.instagram.com/orr.wine/

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