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Fiasco Wine + Spirits’ 10 Wines to Drink Now

If you’ve ever walked into a wine or liquor store unsure of what to pick, that won’t be an issue at Imbibe 75 Place to Watch, Fiasco Wine + Spirits. Co-owners Ivy Mix, Conor McKee, and Piper Kristensen carefully curate the selection, only choosing bottles that they have personally enjoyed. And in a lot of cases, they’re bottles by producers who share their ethics of supporting diversity and sustainability. Here, every pick is a good one.

But if you can’t make it the Brooklyn shop, McKee and Mix shared 10 bottles they’re crazy about right now. “Everything has the right occasion and these are all things we’re really digging at the moment,” says McKee.

$20 Everyday Vino

L’Archetipo Litrotto Bianco 2020, Puglia, Italy This orange wine—a steal at Fiasco Wine + Spirits for $22/1L—is mostly made of Verdeca, a rare white wine grape variety. Native rarities Falanghina, Marchione, and Fiano grapes round out the wine. “It’s a real people pleaser and ticks all the right boxes whether you’re on the more funky natural end of the spectrum or just dipping your toes into what orange wine is,” says McKee. “A few months on the lees adds a nice weight and texture. But that Puglian sun and coast provide some really expressive golden fruit and salinity.” $22/1L

Somlói Vándor Fehér Nyerspezsgő Pet Nat 2020, Somló, Hungary Winemaker Kis Tamás is producing wine in Somló, Hungary’s smallest appellation. And this Nyespezsgő, a traditional Hungarian sparkler, is the newest offering in his lineup. According to McKee, it “has got a really creamy mousse to it, lots of finesse with a fun balance of fruit and baking spice and a little salinity.” At 700ml, it’s the perfect size to serve as a starter. $23/700ml

Domaine de Thalie Bourgogne Aligoté Les Cosmics 2020, Burgundy, France McKee’s favorite part about this wine is its bottle. In an effort to end single-use bottles and reduce the wine industry’s CO2 emissions, Imbibe 75 Organization to Watch Good Goods employs a rinse-and-repeat recycling system. Consumers return empty bottles, which are then collected, sterilized, and delivered back to the winemakers. As for the wine? McKee says it possesses “a nice silky texture with a fun balance of stone fruit, mineral character, and just a touch of funk on the nose.” $25/750ml

“A little crunchy and brambly, but still soft and incredibly easy to drink.” — Conor McKee

Bosman Family Vineyards Twyfeling Cinsault 2019, Western Cape, South Africa The Bosman family is all about responsible winemaking. In 2008, they gave their full-time employees 26% ownership of the business and vineyards. And they also provide them with amenities such as onsite daycare. Not only are they good people but McKee says their wine is fantastic. “Another light red (I have a type, what can I say?) that shows great depth and vibrancy of fruit,” he says. “A little crunchy and brambly, but still soft and incredibly easy to drink.” $26/750ml

Helmut Dolde Linsenhofer Spatburgunder 2018, Wurttemburg, Germany “I’m not one for huge reds, even in the depths of winter,” says McKee. However, he does recommend enjoying this Spatburgunder (aka Pinot Noir) next to a cozy fireplace. “This feels truly Burgundian and perhaps because the vines are rooted in the same as the Côte d’Or,” he says. “The wine is super elegant, with dark supple red fruit and beautiful balance.” $29/750ml

$30 Event Bottles

“It’s got a stunning, rich appliness to it with a little lees-y cheesy vibe as well.” —Ivy Mix

Domaine Lesuffleur La Folletiere Apple Cider 2017, Normandy, France Mix recommends busting out a charcuterie board alongside this cider for an elevated Super Bowl Sunday. “I love this cider from Benoit Lesuffleur,” she says. Created from 12 different heritage apple varieties, “it’s got a stunning, rich appliness to it with a little lees-y cheesy vibe as well.” $30, 750ml

Claire Hill Wine Del Barba Vineyard Mourvedre 2020, Contra Costa, California The Del Barba Vineyard vines have been around since the 1880s. Their deep roots reach down to nearby watershed and help it through droughts. You can taste this in the wine. “Lots of deep dark fruit, a velvety texture, and delightful herbaceousness,” says McKee. He calls it his ideal steak wine. “Something like a grilled skirt steak with a fresh and vibrant salsa verde to play into the lofty herbal notes in the wine.” $36/750ml

Ca’n Verdura Ca Ses Rosetes Giró Ros 2019, Mallorca, Spain Self-described viticultor Tomeu Llabrés is fighting to preserve Mallorca’s indigenous grape varieties. Because the Spanish island is a popular vacation spot, old vineyards are being replaced by luxury homes and hotels. Llabrés is working with local farmers and vintners to preserve its natural resources and save the land from developers. This white wine comes from giró ros vines, one of the indigenous Mallorcan white varieties. “This was a particularly challenging vintage with low yields, but the resulting fruit was beautifully concentrated,” says McKee. “Rich in texture and nuance, this is a bit cerebral for a wine from a vacation destination. But perhaps that’s just perfect.” $39/750ml

Pearl Morissette Irreverence Blanc 2018, Niagara, Canada Mix recommends this wintry orange wine by talented winemaker François Morissette be shared with your parents. The light skin contact blend of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Chardonnay makes for a rich and textured sipper. “François’ time in Burgundy really shows here in the restraint and pure elegance,” says Mix. “The typical, slightly tropical aromatics come through though and provide some levity and fun here.” $39/750ml

Splurge

Sadie Family Skerpioen 2019, Swartland, S.A. When it comes to terroir, winemaker Eben Sadie strives to find the best spots around the Swartland in South Africa that highlight its cooler maritime climates. And you can taste it in this Chenin Blanc. “Mineral, salty, beautiful texture. And acidity that feels like a slap across the face in a good, kinda sexy Moonstruck way,” says McKee. “A great wine to break dry January with. This is a little wild with fennel, wool, pears, and a little pine on the nose. The palate is racy!” $86/750ml

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