Rock Solid Sancerre
2018 Sancerre (Paul Cherrier)
Sale Price $27.99 – $285.50 case of twelve
Sancerre is an admittedly easy wine to sell. After all, it’s Sauvignon Blanc. But we strive to have a reasonably priced, really good go-to Sancerre and then a few producers with better vineyard sites that yield richer wines. In the last couple of vintages Paul Cherrier has managed to be both, while also being organic and biodynamic.His entry-level Sancerre comes from a limestone-heavy vineyard near the village of Verdigny which in 2018 delivered a full-bodied, richly fruited, totally dry Sancerre with length and depth. A superb white for crab cakes and an aged goat cheese.

Vendômois
2018 Coteaux du Vendômois ‘V.V.’ (Patrice Colin)
Sale Price $17.99 – $183.50 case of twelve
The Coteaux du Vendômois is among the northernmost of the Loire Valley appellations, mostly known for light, distinct reds and rosés made from Pineau d’Aunis. However, the region also makes a small amount of white wine from Chenin Blanc. Typically these can’t compete with other Loire Chenin Blancs, such as those from the more well known and well regarded appellations of Anjou, Saumur, or Vouvray. But in the hands of Patrice Colin, organic 60- to 90-year-old vines produce a rich and dry white with character. The candied apple fruit is backed by honey and spice, and the cool, flinty finish assures that this is Loire Valley Chenin at a great value.

Vidiano – It’s about Thyme
2018 Dafnios Vidiano (Domaine Douloufakis)
Sale Price $13.99 – $142.70 case of twelve
The last 20 years in wine has been a veritable archeological dig. We are so fortunate to be able to taste wines made from grapes that were close to extinction, but now are able to produce a commercially viable crop. How about Assyrtiko from Santorini? Or Vidiano from Crete? Given some care and attention these grapes are now producing wonderfully original wines. The 2018 Vidiano from Douloufakis is a striking, chiseled beauty with a round, mouth-filling palate, earthy intensity, and the haunting flavor of wild thyme. Try this with a salad made with the new Feta from our cheese department and some of our new shipment of Halloumi, the grilling cheese from Cyprus.

3-star Roannaise
2017 Côte Roannaise ‘Les Blondins’ (Michel Troisgros & Stéphane Sérol)
Sale Price $19.99 – $203.90 case of twelve
Though technically part of the Loire Valley, the wines of Côte Roannaise have more in common with those of Beaujolais, less than 50 miles to the east, than with other Loire appellations. Wines here are made exclusively from Gamay that is grown on a similar granite soil, and tend to be lighter bodied, vibrant, and low in tannin. Domaine Serol is one of the top producers, and Les Blondins is the product of a decades-long collaboration with the Troisgros family, owners of a Michelin 3-star restaurant in Roanne. It’s refreshingly drinkable but not lacking in complexity, with pure red fruit supported by damp earth and a mineral undercurrent. Soft tannins round out the persistent finish. Excellent for roast chicken and rosemary smashed potatoes.

The Young Girardin
2017 Bourgogne Rouge (Justin Girardin)
Sale Price $19.99 – $203.90 case of twelve
Who knew that our recommended value Pinot Noir for two consecutive months would be from Burgundy? Young Justin Girardin continues the family tradition in the Côte de Beaune village of Santenay. His Bourgogne rouge comes from a flat parcel outside the Gravières vineyard, but the vines are fifty years old and deliver this sappy, rich wine. This 2017 has a beautiful balance of raspberry fruit, ripe tannin, and earthy dryness. This will match well with grilled salmon and lentils.

Right Bank Fronsac
2015 Fronsac (Château Arnauton)
Sale Price $17.99 – $183.50 case of twelve
The village and appellation of Fronsac lies on the Dordogne River to the west of Pomerol. This is Merlot country, and in 2015 the right bank of Bordeaux produced some of the best wines of the vintage. Château Arnauton’s 2015 is a dark, full-bodied red with loads of plummy fruit and an ample, long finish. Great with a roast leg of lamb.

A Great Year for Paul
2016 Côtes du Rhône ‘Paul’ (Domaine Saladin)
Sale Price $21.99 – $224.30 case of twelve
Domaine Saladin has been in the hands of sisters Marie-Laurence and Elisabeth since 1993, but the family winemaking tradition dates back significantly further, to the purchase of a vineyard in 1422. The 18 hectares which the estate now owns have always been cultivated organically, and the sisters’ approach to winemaking is decidedly low-intervention and respectful of the rich family history. Paul is an homage to their uncle, who planted the estate’s oldest vineyard, from which the fruit for this cuvée is sourced. 90% Grenache and 10% Clairette, this lithe and expressive Côtes du Rhône, with its plump raspberry fruit and gentle spice, would be a perfect match for grilled vegetables.

Argentine Tannat
2018 Tannat ‘Amauta’ (El Porvenir de Cafayate)
Sale Price $12.99 – $132.50 case of twelve
Last month we featured the aromatic and savory white Torrontes from El Porvenir. This month we have their lovely red Tannat. This grape’s claim to fame is its tannins, but in the high-altitude vineyards of Salta the tannins are literally buried beneath the fruit. Here jammy blackberry fruit steals the show, but it remains juicy and crisp. Have this with your preferred burger and a spicy salsa.

Where’s Mencia?
2017 Bierzo (Merayo)
Sale Price $13.99 – $142.70 case of twelve
When one Bierzo producer was asked his impression of the local Mencia grape, they said it was “somewhere between the Northern Rhone and Burgundy” – meaning it resembled both Syrah and Pinot Noir. This remark aptly captures the 2017 from Merayo. It’s dark and peppery like Syrah, but has the fine fruit quality of Pinot Noir. It’s also a great value. For a spicy pork stew with a side of garlic laced greens.