Wine Wednesday | April 2nd, 2025

This week, we’ve got three bottles that will shake up your palate in the best way possible. From an ultra-rare blend out of Cádiz to a powerhouse Ribera del Duero, and a downright stunning Chablis, these wines aren’t here to play—it’s all about depth, balance, and serious drinking pleasure.

  • Alberto Orte 2020 – A beautifully complex red that co-ferments native Spanish grapes for a seamless balance of acidity, tannin, and texture. Think smooth, structured, and subtly spicy, with just enough freshness to keep things lively. Grill some lamb, roast some duck, or break out the Manchego—this one’s versatile.

  • Vizcarra Torralvo 2021 – This single-vineyard Ribera del Duero is juicy, bold, and built to impress. Expect layers of dark berries, spice, and minerality, all wrapped up in velvety tannins. It’s a perfect match for hearty meats and rich flavors.

  • Chateau de Beru Athénaïs 2022 – If you love Chablis (or just need a reminder of how good it can be), this bottle is the answer. Pure, bright, and mineral-driven with that signature citrus zip. Grab some oysters or buttery lobster and let it shine.

Three wines, three stories, and endless reasons to pour a glass. Which one’s calling your name? 🍷

Selected by Orr Reches

Producer: Alberto Orte
Year: 2020
Varietal: Blend of Tintilla, Vigiriega Negra and Blanca, Palomino Negro, and Melonera, among other varieties in smaller proportions.
Price: $75.00

Color: Red
Location: Vino de la Tierra de Cadiz

Tasting notes: On the palate, it strikes a great balance between acidity, tannins, and alcohol, thanks to the co-fermentation of local grape varieties. The texture is smooth yet structured, with well-integrated tannins giving it a silky feel. A touch of Vigiriega Blanca brings freshness, rounding out the rich, flavorful profile.
Nose: This wine opens with a lively mix of red and black fruits, layered with hints of spice and earth. Soft herbal and floral notes add extra depth.
Food pairing: It goes great with grilled meats like lamb chops, pork tenderloin, and skirt steak, as well as roasted chicken or duck with a berry sauce. For a vegetarian option, try it with mushroom risotto, roasted eggplant, or a hearty lentil stew. Aged cheeses like Manchego, Gouda, or Pecorino add a nice contrast to its smooth tannins, while Mediterranean dishes with olives, tomatoes, and grilled veggies bring out its bright, spicy character.

What makes this wine special?
I chose this wine for its unique balance of tradition and innovation. It showcases the essence of its terroir while embracing a fresh, complex, and refined style. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a wine that truly reflects the character of both the land and the vintage.

Selected by Jose Valverde

Producer: Vizcarra
Year: 2021
Varietal: 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo)
Price: $81.00

Color: Red
Location: Ribera del Duero, Spain

Tasting notes: Torralvo has juicy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors, with great clarity and a sweet note that builds over time. The finish turns spicier, with smooth tannins and a lingering mineral and floral kick.
Nose: The aroma is bold and aromatic, with a mix of ripe red berries, lavender, and spices like those found in Asian cuisine. It has a nice mineral quality, with floral and earthy notes that become more prominent as the wine breathes.
Food pairing: This wine pairs beautifully with grilled, braised, or roasted meats. Think grilled leg of lamb, braised short ribs, or a hearty rib roast – the richness of these dishes complements the depth and structure of the wine.

What makes this wine special?
I chose Torralvo for its unique single-vineyard origin and the expressive high-altitude terroir of Ribera del Duero. The gravity-fed winemaking keeps it fresh and elegant while showcasing its power. Crafted by the talented Juan Carlos Vizcarra and his daughter Celia, it’s a perfect choice for those seeking a wine with depth and aging potential.

Selected by Holly Berrigan

Producer: Chateau de Beru Athénaïs Bourgogne White
Year: 2022
Varietal: Chardonnay
Price: $42.95

Color: White
Location: Chablis, France
Additional tags: Organic

Tasting notes: Fresh acidity, and mineral finish.
Nose: Ripe citrus, green apple, subtle oak, fresh acidity, and mineral finish.
Food pairing: Fresh Oysters, Grilled Lobster with Garlic Butter, Lemon Soufflé.

What makes this wine special?
It’s one of the best chablis producers out there.

Meet the Experts

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/

Jose Valverde

Experience: WSET Advanced
Background: With over a decade in wine and hospitality, José has led beverage programs, managed inventory, and driven wine sales at prominent venues like Flora Bar and Barcelona Wine Bar. Known for exceeding sales targets, streamlining operations, and delivering top-tier guest experiences, he specializes in training staff and enhancing team knowledge. His background includes WSET and Spanish Wine Educator certifications, alongside project management training, equipping him to manage both client-facing service and backend operations in a global wine environment. Fluent in Spanish, he brings strong communication and organizational skills to every role.

Want to get in touch?
instagram.com/jjvalverde

Holly Berrigan

Experience: WSET 3 with distinction, Intro Somm in CMS
Background: Holly Berrigan is the founder of MYSA Natural Wine. As a serial entrepreneur and current sustainable agriculture student, she's built a platform focused on sustainable consumption through partnerships with organizations like 1% for the Planet and The Carbon Fund. She has a WSET Level 3 certification with Distinction, is a member of Slow Food USA and writer for the Porto Protocol, as well as a student in Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts Stockbridge.

Want to get in touch?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-berrigan/
https://www.instagram.com/hollyberrigan/

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