A spark in the dark

As December brings its longest nights, we turn to the flickers of brightness that make this season feel magical. Our club theme this month celebrates those moments of light — both literal and symbolic — through energetic, life-filled wines that radiate warmth and possibility.

This month’s lineup glows with vitality: pét-nats that crackle with festive energy, mineral-driven whites that shine with sleek precision, bright reds that offer lift and freshness, and expressive orange wines that bring depth and warmth to winter’s chill. Together, they remind us that even in the darkest season, there’s brilliance to be found. Find your glow.

Happiest holidays to you and those you love most,
The Halfseas Team

Piccoli Matic Wines Pet-Nat

Region: Slovenia / Štajerska
Grape: Blaufränkisch (bottle-fermented pét-nat style).
Retail: $26

Producer: Matic Wines— small, low-intervention family producer known for natural and ancestral bottle-fermented sparkling wines and creative small lots. They use wild yeasts, minimal SO₂ and experiment with amphora, cement, neutral wood.

Farming + production: This bottle uses the ancestral (pétillant-naturel) method — bottled before primary fermentation finishes so the wine finishes in bottle and traps a natural spark.

Terroir influences: Typically grown on cooler slopes with mineral, sandy / loam soils in the region; wines show bright acidity, slatey and mineral edges and tension rather than heavy extraction.

What gives it the “spark”: The pét-nat (ancestral) method — natural secondary in-bottle CO₂ combined with blue-fruit tartness of Blaufränkisch (crisp acidity + light red-fruit lift) creates the “spark.”

Festive food pairings: Sparkling-friendly appetizers: smoked salmon blinis, beet and goat-cheese crostini, spicy pork dumplings, or anything salty and umami to contrast the lively acidity.

2024 Bodegas Krontiras Mikron Malbec

Region: Mendoza’s high-altitude Argentine vineyards
Grape: Malbec
Retail: $26

Producer: Bodegas Krontiras (branded Mikron in some markets) is a boutique producer making a light, unoaked Malbec intended to be fresher style

Terroir influences: High-altitude Mendoza gives intense daytime sun, cool nights (diurnal range) and concentrated fruit, while preservation of acidity keeps it lively.

What gives it the “spark”: The style’s balance of floral lift and bright freshness, but a lively drinking profile that feels celebratory and “sparkly” on the palate.

Festive food pairings: Grilled chimichurri skirt steak with roasted root-veg

2022 Duorum Altitude

Region: Douro Superior, Portugal
Grape: Touriga Nacional blend
Retail: $24

Producer: Duorum is a Douro producer focusing on estate and high-altitude sites. The Altitude cuvée is drawn from higher-elevation Douro plots that emphasize freshness and aromatic intensity.

Farming + production: The “Altitude” name signals fruit from higher vineyards, cooler ripening — more aromatic lift, brighter acidity, and floral black-fruit notes; schist soils of the Douro add minerality and structure.

What gives it the “spark”: Crisp acidity and floral aromatics produces a bright energy that reads as “spark”

Festive food pairings: Roasted lamb, herb-crusted pork loin

2024 Mokoroa Txakolí White (6-bottle club exclusive)

Region: Getaria, Basque Country (Getariako Txakolina DO)
Grape: Hondarrabi Zuri
Retail: $25

Producer: Mokoroa is a producer of Getariako Txakolina, making classically high-acidity, slightly effervescent Txakoli (with a touch of spritz).

Terroir influences: Coastal Atlantic climate brings cool, foggy mornings, mineral and salty edge from proximity to the sea, and high natural acidity. Rocky slate soils in some Getaria plots add chalky minerality.

What gives it the “spark”: The natural spritz and light effervescence are typical of Txakoli — plus bracing acidity and sea-spray minerality make this wine feel bright and fizzy, ideal for “spark” in a dark winter lineup.

Festive food pairings: Shellfish (oysters, steamed clams), or anchovy toasts

2023 Teutonic Wine Co. Willamette Valley Red Blend (6-bottle club exclusive)

Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Grapes: Gewürztraminer + Pinot Noir
Retail: $26

Producer info: Teutonic Wine Company in Portland is an urban winery run by Barnaby & Olga Tuttle and known for elegant, lower-alcohol, food-friendly Oregon wines and an aversion to heavy new oak. Farming for estate-designate wines is certified sustainable; Teutonic focuses on balancing freshness and terroir.

Terroir influences: Willamette Valley has a cool maritime-influenced climate, bringing us bright red-fruit, floral aromatics, salinity and mineral lift on lighter reds; soils vary (Jory, Willakenzie, volcanic / loess) but produce elegant tannins and peppered fruit

What gives it the “spark”: Lively acidity, fragrant aromatics and a lighter-bodied, energetic mouthfeel, the spark is in the wine’s verve.

Festive food pairings: charcuterie with pickles and juicy apples

2021 Lovo Blossom Rosso IGT Veneto (6-bottle club exclusive)

Region: Veneto
Grapes: 50/50 mix of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc
Retail: $28

Producer: The Lovo family, led by Salvatore & Silvia, live near Venice / Colli Euganei and are known for making approachable, slightly lower-alcohol, fruit-forward wines that reflect cooler Veneto sites. They practice organic, sustainable, and dry farming.

Terroir influences: Colli Euganei’s volcanic and clay soils lend brightness and aromatic lift while moderating ripeness. The result is lighter-bodied Cabernet expressions with floral/herbal notes and bright red fruit.

What gives it the “spark”: Bright red fruit, floral perfume and lower-alcohol, slightly chillable style. It feels lively and festive with easy drinkability.

Festive food pairings: mushroom and sage pasta

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.