March Madness is about brackets, buzzer beaters, and the thrill of the unexpected. This month, we are channeling that same energy into the glass. March Madness: The Underdogs celebrates regions, grapes, and producers that often live outside the spotlight but consistently outperform expectations. These are not the predictable blue bloods of the wine world. They are the high altitude sites, the coastal corners, the overlooked cooperatives, and the rebellious projects quietly crafting serious bottles. Each wine in this lineup proves that pedigree is not everything and that character, grit, and place can steal the show. Thanks for being a part of The Flock and for helping us root for the underdogs.
Wine #1: Antxiola Txakoli Blanco 2024
- Varietal: 100% Hondarrabi Zuri
- Region: Getariako Txakolina DO, Basque Country, Spain
- Taste: Lime zest, green apple, sea spray, fresh herbs
- Elevage: Stainless steel with slight natural spritz retained
- Serve: Chilled
- Pairings: Oysters, grilled shrimp, ceviche, salty snacks
Antxiola is produced by the Zudugarai family in Getaria, a small coastal appellation in Spain’s Basque Country. Vineyards are planted on steep hillsides overlooking the Bay of Biscay, where constant Atlantic winds preserve acidity and limit disease pressure. The region historically produced simple local wine, but estates like Antxiola helped define modern, quality-driven Txakoli through careful vineyard management and precise stainless-steel winemaking. The result highlights salinity, freshness, and coastal character.
Wine #2: Reveur Alsace Blanc Pierres Sauvages 2023
- Varietal: 50% Pinot Blanc, 25% Pinot Gris, 25% Pinot Noir
- Region: Alsace AOC, France
- Taste: Pear, white peach, citrus oil, crushed stone
- Elevage: Native fermentation in neutral vessels
- Serve: Chilled
- Pairings: Roast chicken, pork tenderloin, soft cheeses
Vignoble du Rêveur was founded by Mathieu Deiss, son of the renowned Alsace producer Jean Michel Deiss. The estate farms organically and biodynamically, focusing on soil health and low intervention in the cellar. The Pierres Sauvages cuvée reflects Alsace’s tradition of field blends and mixed plantings, fermented with native yeast and aged in neutral vessels to preserve mineral expression. The wine emphasizes texture and site over varietal dominance.
Wine #3: Colterenzio Pinot Nero 2024
- Varietal: 100% Pinot Nero (aka Pinot Noir)
- Region: Alto Adige DOC, Italy
- Taste: Wild strawberry, red cherry, cranberry, alpine herbs
- Elevage: Stainless steel with partial neutral oak aging
- Serve: Slightly below room temperature
- Pairings: Mushroom dishes, roast chicken, charcuterie
Colterenzio was founded in 1960 and remains one of Alto Adige’s most respected cooperatives. Located in northern Italy near the Austrian border, the region benefits from dramatic elevation shifts, cool alpine nights, and significant diurnal temperature variation. Growers work small parcels on steep slopes, and fruit selection standards are strict. The winery emphasizes precision, clean fermentation, and balance, resulting in Pinot Nero that highlights purity and freshness.
Wine #4: Field Recordings About Time Merlot 2023
- Varietal: 100% Merlot
- Region: California
- Taste: Plum, blackberry, cocoa powder, baking spice
- Elevage: Oak aging
- Serve: Cellar Temperature
- Pairings: Burgers, meatloaf, grilled vegetables
Field Recordings is the project of winemaker Andrew Jones, who spent years sourcing fruit for other producers before launching his own label. The brand focuses on vineyard-driven wines from lesser-known California sites, often highlighting undervalued varieties. Jones prioritizes balance and drinkability, avoiding excessive extraction or heavy oak. About Time Merlot reflects that philosophy, showcasing varietal character and approachability without excess weight.
Wine #5: Breca Garnacha 2021
- Varietal: 100% Garnacha
- Region: Calatayud DO, Spain
- Taste: Black raspberry, kirsch, licorice, warm spice
- Elevage: Aged in French oak
- Serve: Slightly below room temperature
- Pairings: Grilled lamb, barbecue, aged Manchego
Breca sources fruit from old vine Garnacha planted in the rocky, slate-heavy soils of Calatayud in Aragón. Many of the bush vines are over 60 years old and sit at elevations approaching 3,000 feet. The dry continental climate produces small yields and concentrated fruit. Careful oak aging adds structure while maintaining the grape’s natural vibrancy. The wine reflects both vine age and high elevation intensity.
Wine #6: No Girls Double Lucky #8 2021
- Varietal: Grenache, Syrah, Tempranillo
- Region: Walla Walla Valley AVA, Washington
- Taste: Black cherry, cassis, smoked herbs, graphite, espresso
- Elevage: Aged in French oak
- Serve: Cellar Temperature, decant recommended
- Pairings: Ribeye, braised short ribs, hard cheeses
No Girls is a collaboration between Christophe Baron of Cayuse Vineyards and winemaker Elizabeth Bourcier. The estate farms biodynamically in the Walla Walla Valley, where rocky, cobblestone soils create naturally low vigor vines and concentrated fruit. Farming practices emphasize soil vitality and minimal chemical intervention. Double Lucky 8 blends Rhône and Spanish varieties to express both power and structure, shaped by site and disciplined winemaking.