ADVERTISING: Advertorial — November Explorer Club: A journey through three exceptional wines

As autumn settles in, our November Explorer Club selections promise to brighten these shorter days with three distinctive wines that showcase both Old World tradition and New World innovation. From a lesser-known Italian white grape to a French partnership born in wine school to a celebrated Walla Walla blend, this month's lineup offers something special. 

Illuminati Pecorino 2023: Italy's Hidden Treasure — Let's start with a fascinating white wine that shares its name with a famous Italian cheese. Pecorino, the grape, has a story as interesting as its flavors. Native to Italy's Marche and Abruzzo regions, this variety was nearly lost to history until its rediscovery in the 1980s. The name "pecorino" comes from the Italian word for sheep ("pecora"), as these animals would often snack on these early-ripening grapes during their seasonal migrations. 

Illuminati's 2023 interpretation of this grape is nothing short of magnificent. The wine greets you with an enchanting bouquet of citrus blossoms and crisp green apple, setting the stage for a complex and layered palate. As the wine opens up, it reveals delicate notes of white flowers, fresh almonds, and wild herbs, all woven together with bright citrus highlights. What makes this Pecorino particularly special is its remarkable balance between structure and softness — it offers both weight and freshness, with a pronounced mineral character that speaks to its terroir. 

The finish is impressively long, with a mouthwatering sapidity that makes it an ideal companion for food. While it pairs beautifully with its namesake Pecorino cheese, this versatile white also shines alongside seafood salads, delicate fried dishes like zucchini blossoms, and shell-on prawns. This is a white wine that proves Italy still has secrets worth discovering. 

2022 Mas des Étoiles: A Friendship Bottled in Cahors — Some of the best wines are born from great friendships, and Mas des Étoiles is a perfect example. The story begins in 1998 when Arnaud Bladinières and David Liorit met on their first day at the viticultural high school of Montagne in Saint-Émilion. After honing their craft across the world's great wine regions — from Bordeaux to Burgundy and as far as Australia — they reunited in 2007 to create something special in the heart of Cahors, France. 

Their 2022 red blend, an equal parts marriage of Merlot and Malbec, exemplifies their thoughtful approach to winemaking. The vineyard, situated on the second terrace of Pescadoires, benefits from a distinctive terroir of ancient alluvial soils, where gravel and silica intermingle with clay layers. The 30-year-old vines are farmed sustainably, with meticulous attention to detail — from manual thinning to mechanical leaf removal, all aimed at achieving optimal grape quality. 

The result is a wine that speaks of both place and friendship. The equal blend of Merlot and Malbec creates a harmonious balance, with the Merlot bringing supple fruit and silky texture while the Malbec adds structure and depth. The wine's careful maturation in stainless steel preserves the purity of fruit while developing complexity through extended lees contact. 

2022 Walla Walla Vintners Red Blend: Washington's Artisanal Excellence — Rounding out our November selection is a masterful blend from one of Walla Walla's most respected producers. This red blend showcases the complexity achievable in Washington State wines, leading with 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and supported by a symphony of complementary varieties: 28% Petit Verdot, 14% Merlot, 12% Malbec, and a touch of Cabernet Franc at 3%. 

The winemaking approach here demonstrates both precision and patience. Fermentation in small 1.5-ton bins and 2-ton tanks allows for intimate control over the process, while 22 months of aging in once-filled and neutral oak barrels provides ample time for the wine to develop without overwhelming it with oak influence. With only 420 cases produced, this blend represents a limited opportunity to experience the artisanal approach that has made Walla Walla Vintners a standard-bearer for Washington wine. 

This is a wine of considerable power, yet it maintains the balance and elegance that has become synonymous with the region's best offerings. This masterful blend brings together the structure and dark fruit of Cabernet Sauvignon, the inky depth and floral notes of Petit Verdot, the plush texture of Merlot, the juicy vibrancy of Malbec, and the aromatic complexity of Cabernet Franc. 

As the leaves turn and temperatures drop, these November selections couldn't arrive at a better time. Available starting Nov. 1, this thoughtfully curated trio captures the essence of autumn drinking. From the versatile Pecorino that pairs perfectly with fall's lighter fare, to the warming embrace of the Mas des Étoiles, to the rich complexity of the Walla Walla Vintners blend that begs to be savored alongside heartier seasonal dishes — each wine offers something unique for those cozy fall evenings. Stop by Base Camp Wine & Co. and snag your trio!

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Laura Olson is co-owner of Base Camp Wine & Co. (formerly The Dinner Party) along with her partner, Joe Petersen. You can also follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/#!/dinnerpartyshop or visit www.basecampwine.com.