The September Collection: THE 500 METER CLUB

Portugal, Morocco & the Surprising Power of Elevation

Hello Wine Club Members,

I'm especially excited about this month's collection because we were able to get our hands on something that isn't easy to find.

The Alain Graillot Syrocco from Morocco comes through a very small allocation, and we were lucky enough to secure six bottles from our distributor. As soon as I found out we could get them, I knew I wanted to build this month's collection around this wine.

As I started putting the other bottles together, I noticed an interesting connection between Syrocco and the Fonte Souto wines from Portugal. They're from two very different places, but all three come from warm, sunny regions with vineyards sitting at elevations around 500 meters.

That elevation makes a difference. The cooler nights help the grapes hold onto their freshness, so you get wines with plenty of ripe fruit and flavor without them becoming too heavy.

And that's how we ended up with this month's theme: The 500 Meter Club.

-IanYour Bougie Wine Guide-

INSIDE THE COLLECTION

Quinta da Fonte Souto Branco 2023

ALTO ALENTEJO | PORTUGAL

Arinto + Verdelho

This is the kind of white I love sharing with someone who thinks warm regions only make big, heavy wines. It's bright and easy to enjoy, with citrus, stone fruit, a little floral character, and a clean mineral finish. The cooler mountain conditions around Portalegre help keep everything fresh.

PERFECT WITH: Grilled fish, shellfish, fresh cheeses, herb roasted chicken, and vegetable dishes.

Quinta da Fonte Souto Tinto 2020

ALTO ALENTEJO | PORTUGAL

Alicante Bouschet, Alfrocheiro, Syrah + Touriga Nacional

This is the deeper, more structured side of the collection. You'll find dark fruit, violet, leather, spice, and a savory quality that keeps unfolding as the wine opens up. It has plenty of richness, but there's enough freshness to keep it from ever feeling too heavy.

PERFECT WITH: Braised beef, lamb, grilled mushrooms, pork, and aged cheeses.

Alain Graillot Syrocco 2023

ZENATA | MOROCCO

100% organically farmed Syrah

This may be the bottle that starts the most conversations.

Alain Graillot discovered the potential of this Moroccan site while cycling through the region, and that story immediately pulled me in. The wine has dark fruit, pepper, herbs, and savory spice, but it still feels lively and balanced thanks to the elevation and Atlantic influence.

And then there's the simple fact that you just don't come across Moroccan Syrah every day.

PERFECT WITH: Grilled lamb, tagine, roasted eggplant, spiced meats, and smoky vegetables.

WHY I CHOSE IT: Syrocco gives us the chance to experience Syrah from a place most of us probably don't associate with the grape. When I found out we could secure the final six bottles available to us, that pretty much sealed the deal.

IAN'S NOTES

Why I Chose The 500 Meter Club

One of my favorite things about wine is finding a connection that isn't obvious at first.

Portugal and Morocco may sound like two completely different stops on a wine map, but these bottles are dealing with a similar challenge. How do you grow grapes in a warm, sunny climate and still make wines that feel fresh?

In this case, elevation is a big part of the answer.

Cooler nights help the grapes hold onto their acidity and give the wines some lift. You still get ripe fruit and plenty of flavor, but you also get the balance that makes you want to go back for another glass.

That's what I hope you notice as you taste through this month's collection.

Don't worry about finding the "right" tasting note. Pay attention to how each wine balances richness with freshness, and then let me know which bottle surprised you the most.

JOIN ME FOR A TASTE

Your September Collection will be ready for pickup beginning Saturday, September 5.

When you come by, stay for a few minutes and taste with me. I'd love to tell you more about why I chose these bottles, and I'm especially interested to hear what you think of the Syrocco.

INTERESTED IN THE BOUGIE COLLECTION?

The Bougie Collection is for members who want to explore wines they might not have picked up on their own.

Each month, I'll share bottles with a great story, an interesting sense of place, or sometimes just a wine I tasted and thought, you need to try this.

If you've been curious about Bougie, come talk to me the next time you're in the shop. I'd love to help you discover your next favorite bottle.

---