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Importer Spotlight: De Maison Selections

Founded by André Tamers in 1996, De Maison Selections is an importing company that specializes in high-quality, boutique wines Spain and France. They focus on seeking out unique producers from under-the-radar appellations. This focus results in a portfolio that is filled with wines of amazing value and diversity. The current majority of their portfolio, and the majority of wines we carry from De Maison, is geared toward Spain. Below we will highlight a few of the Spanish wines we carry from this great importer.

The Penedès region of Northeastern Spain is home to some of the great sparkling wines of the world. Located just north of Barcelona, the region has a variety of microclimates and soils types that are conducive to growing Macabeu, Parellada, and Xerel-lo grapes. Although the vineyards date back to the 16^th century, the Nadal family has owned the Avinyo estate for just over 50 years, and it continues to be a family run winery. They take a natural and delicate approach to winemaking, allowing the quality of the fruit they grow to speak for itself. Comprised predominantly of Macabeu with smaller amounts of Parellada and Xerel-lo, their vintage Cava is made from 100% free-run juice. It is aged for 22 months on the lees before being disgorged. Made in the “Methode de Champenoise”, a dosage of 6 grams of sugar per liter is added to allow for re-fermentation in bottle. The finished wine has a sophisticated feel to it, with a tight bead of very fine bubbles. Notes of pear, citrus, and bread dough are present on the nose. The palate follows with gentle spice, ripe pear, and hints of white nectarine.

Doniene Gorrondona is a small winery located in the coastal town of Bakio, in Spain’s Basque Country. Founded in 1996 by four friends in an effort to revive the region’s winemaking tradition, Doniene Gorrondona has quickly become one of the leading producers in the Bizkaiako Txakolina appellation.  Their fifteen hectares of vineyards are planted in clay and slate soils on the steep, south facing slopes of the Bakio Valley. The old vines are trained over pergolas to allow for air circulation, helping to prevent mildew, which can become a problem in the regions moist climate. They take a natural approach to winemaking, farming their vineyards organically and fermenting all their wines with indigenous yeasts. The 2014 Txakoli is a blend of the region’s native grapes, primarily Hondarribi Zuri, with a small amount of Hondarribi Beltza and Mune Mahatsa. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve the vivid, fresh fruit character. It features notes of citrus, dried herbs, and sleight salinity. Mouthwatering acidity keeps the wine bright, refreshing, and food-friendly.

Garciarevalo is a family owned winery in Matapozuelos, in the Rueda DO of Spain, that specializes in Verdejo with additional plantings of Viura. They have 40 hectares planted on sandy soils, including parcels of pre-phylloxera Verdejo more than 130 years old. These soils are an anomaly in Rueda, and they allow for excellent drainage and dramatic diurnal variation. Long winters with late frosts combine with hot and dry summers to create grapes with the perfect balance of sugar and acidity. Their Casamaro Verdejo has a small amount of Viura blended in, and is made from 100% free-run juice. It features notes of apricots, grapefruit, white flowers, and quince on the nose and palate. This vibrant wine pairs well with raw shellfish and fresh goat milk cheeses.

Stop by and let our friendly and knowledgeable staff help you find some great wines from De Maison Selections.