New Wines, Who Dis?

Written By Ian Adams

2026 is off to a wet hot start, with new wines pouring in like winter storms. I hope you’re thirsty!

Here is a roundup of new releases you’ll find in our portfolio this season:

Vinicola de Nulles

Tarragona, Spain

Vinicola de Nulles is a village cooperative of growers representing approximately 75 families, whose 200(ish) hectares of vineyards are ALL certified organic. Since 1917, the village of Nulles has worked together to craft individually expressive, high quality Catalan wines and Cava.

This week, we are introducing two new still wines from the village of Nulles. Parabolic Blanco (macabeu & xarel-lo) and Parabolic Tinto (tempranillo & merlot) are lively, soulful daily drinkers, named in reference to the unique geometric architecture of the winery.

Many of you will be relieved to know that Nulles Cava Brut Nature is back in stock now as well. The drought is over!


(<~~~ Jonathan approves!)

Domaine de l’Ecu

Muscadet, France

At Domaine de l’Ecu, vibes are more than just, well, vibes. In the cellar, sacred choral harmonies, babbling underground springs, and ancient crystals resonate with unique frequencies influencing the development of the wines maturing in artisanal amphorae, as well as the nature and temperament of any visitors to this underground temple of vibration and energy… if you’re open to it.

New releases from Vignoble de l’Ecu include Chat de Soif an indulgent cuvee of melon b, made exclusively for Merchants of Thirst featuring our cat lounging in an oyster and juggling its shimmering pearl like Bowie in The Labyrinth. Dance, magic, dance.

We are also excited to introduce l’Ecu’s 2023 Sole (100% chenin blanc), 2022 Gloria (100% vermentino), and 2020 Ange (100% pinot noir), in addition to the return of cult favorites Orthogneiss, Granite, Mephisto, and Matris.

“How you turn my world, you precious thing.”

Caveau Quinard

Bugey, France

The Quinard family has been farming this 14 hectare mountainside domaine since 1840. Five generations and nearly 200 years later, they are as committed as ever to organic, authentic, expressions of Bugey terroir.

With two new releases to start the year, we are thrilled to present this honest couplet representing the 2023 vintage. Quinard’s Roussette du Bugey (aka Altesse) is aromatically complex showing honey and pear blossom with a wet stone mineral finish, while their Mondeuse is deeply purple, softly tannic, floral, and round—c’est comme pur jus!

Tessier Winery

Berkeley, California

What can we say about Kristie’s Tessier Winery that hasn’t already been said? By now she and Tessier should be household names, and yet she never ceases to innovate and inspire.

New wines for this season include:
↬ a method champenoise 2023 Sparkling Riesling from the Wirz Vineyard in Cienega Valley;
↬ a deliciously crunchy 2024 Cabernet Franc from El Dorado’s Barsotti Vineyard;
↬ a brand new Soul Love blend for 2025 with Sauvignon Blanc, Cinsault, and Mourvedre;
↬ an evolved 2024 Day Dreaming blend of pinot, gamay, and grenache from the Zabala Vineyard in Arroyo Seco;
↬ a lush 2025 Cinsault from Sprauge Family Vineyard in Clements Hills;
↬ and finally, an aromatic and approachable 2024 Arroyo Seco Pinot Noir from Zabala Vineyard.

WOW! Believe it or not, there’s still more to come from Tessier in 2026… Stay Tuned!

Ashkahn Wines

Santa Barbara, California

New to the Merchants of Thirst family, but already well known and loved on the scene, is Ashkahn Wines, and we could not be more THRILLED!

For those of you who aren’t yet initiated to the cult of Ashkahn, these are clean natural wines evoking the essence of California’s Central Coast filtered through the soul and imagination of an artist. Click on the beautiful labels below to see for yourself.

To kick things off, we are offering three wines from the 2024 harvest at Presqu’ille Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley:
⁜ ‘Lou’ Chardonnay,
⁜ ‘Rose Water’ Rosé, and
⁜ ‘777’ Pinot Noir

Let’s get together and write love letters on original Ashkahn greeting cards over a bottle or two… or three.

Winter 2026 Portfolio
Ian Adams
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