Modest August: Wines that overdeliver

This month, we’re celebrating wines that punch way above their weight class. These bottles might not have flashy labels or famous names, but they bring serious character, quality, and charm.

Perfect for end-of-summer hangs, impromptu dinner parties, or just sipping something surprisingly great, these wines are humble on the surface but impressive where it counts. We hope you love them as much as we do.

The Halfseas Team

NV Caii de la Letea 'Volumul 1' Sparkling Aligoté

Region: Sarica-Niculitel, Romania. Located in a remote area of the Danube Delta.
Producer: Viticola Sarica Niculitel. Founded in the 2010s with a mission to reinvigorate Dobrogea’s ancient wine heritage.
Grape: 100% Aligoté, thriving here more than in its native Burgundy
Personality: Bright, mineral-driven, with green apple, wildflowers, citrus, and a whisper of apricot — like sunshine in a glass.
Overdelivers: Rare Eastern European take on a French classic with uniquely crisp terroir clarity.
Retail: $24
Cheap eats pairing: potato chips

Plani Arche Troncafuga Bianche Trebbiano

Region: Umbria, Italy. An artisan family-run winery near Assisi.
Producer: Plani Arche, certifiably organic and steeped in local tradition.
Grape: 100% Trebbiano from organic vineyards
Personality: Rustic yet bright. Fruit-forward with earthy undertones and a hearty, persistent finish.
Overdelivers: Elevates humble Trebbiano into a soulful, artisanal sipper with honest structure.
Retail: $22
Cheap eats pairing: Garlic breadsticks

Volcans d’Auvergne Magma Pinot Noir

Region: Auvergne, France. The vineyards rest on rare volcanic soils from one of the world’s few volcanic appellations.
Producer: Maison Desprat St-Verny, a fifth-generation Auvergne estate.
Grape: 100% Pinot Noir grown in basalt and clay-limestone soils at higher elevation
Personality: Light, fruity, and breezy—red berries, pomegranate, beetroot, fresh minerality, and silk-like tannins.
Overdelivers: Quietly elegant terroir-driven Pinot from volcanic roots—unexpected purity and finesse from Auvergne.
Retail: $26
Cheap eats pairing: Smashburger

2023 La Linda Torrontés (6-bottle club exclusive)

Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Producer: Luigi Bosca, a prestigious Mendoza estate with 120+ years of history, producing high-altitude varietals in Cafayate.
Grape: 100% Torrontés — Argentina’s aromatic white star
Personality: Fragrant and lush. Tropical florals with precision and zip, exotically fresh.
Overdelivers: High-altitude freshness and soaring aromatics from a legendary producer, at a friendly price
Retail: $22
Cheap eats pairing: Spicy Doritos

2023 Domaine Dupeuble Beaujolais Rosé (6-bottle club exclusive)

Region: Beaujolais, France
Producer: Domaine Dupeuble Père & Fils, a historic Beaujolais estate dating to 1512, practicing environmentally mindful farming (HVE-certified).
Grape: Gamay, direct-pressed and aged stainless steel with full malolactic fermentation.
Personality: Smooth, rounded, and fruity. Floral with ripe red berries and refreshing acidity.
Overdelivers: Delivers Beaujolais charm in a lively rosé. Classic style with fuller flavor and texture.
Retail: $24
Cheap eats pairing: Sushi rolls from the grocery case

2023 Pago Casa Gran ‘Casa Benasal’ Tinto (6-bottle club exclusive)

Region: Valencia, Spain
Producer: Pago Casa Gran, a historic organic estate in Valencia’s Les Alcusses vineyard at 500m elevation, with roots stretching back to ancient Iberia.
Grapes: Blend of Garnacha Tintorera, Syrah, Monastrell
Personality: Inky and juicy. Black cherry, violet, pepper, cocoa, velvety tannins, with refreshing Mediterranean lift.
Overdelivers: Surprisingly refined and fresh red blend from warm Valencia
Retail: $20
Cheap eats pairing: Pepperoni pizza

Looking for past lineups? We got you.

REMINDERS

• As always, our food suggestions are just starting points. Wine is nostalgic and we’re big fans of making what you like, drinking what you like, and not giving a damn if they “go” together.

• Email us at info@halfseaswine.com to buy more single bottles or a 12-bottle case with special pricing.

• Wine pairs best with friends. Tell your friends.