Newsletter

October 18, 2021 – November 16, 2021

Grapes of the Loire (not named Sauvignon Blanc)

The Loire Valley is one of our favorite places. It’s a region of terrific wines, family domaines, and fair pricing. Sorry, no Sauvignon Blanc; this is the month for Melon de Bourgogne, Chenin, Gamay, Cabernet Franc, and Romorantin.

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Domaine La Louvetrie Muscadet Sèvre et Maine

Muscadet
2019 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine (Domaine La Louvetrie)
Sale Price $14.99 – $152.90 case of twelve case of twelve
Jo Landron is a charming ambassador for the Melon de Bourgogne grape. His wines are crisp, minerally, and organic. This 2019 is a great white to serve with briny bivalves.

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Le Telquel
2020 Vin de France Rouge ‘Le Telquel’ (Pierre-Olivier Bonhomme)
Sale Price $19.99 – $203.90 case of twelve
Pierre-Olivier Bonhomme Vin de France Rouge Le TelquelThe 2020 Le Telquel is a tail wagging delight. This is made mostly from Gamay grown in Touraine with a splash of Cabernet Franc. This is a ripe, generous red that is perfect for stuffed peppers and runny cheeses.

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Les Epinats
2020 Saumur Blanc ‘Les Epinats’ (Cave de Saumur)
Sale Price $11.99 – $122.30 case of twelve
Cave de Saumur Saumur Blanc Les EpinatsThe multi-level underground Cave de Saumur is a fantastic cooperative winery. We usually sell their dry white Les Pouches, but in 2020 the Les Epinats lieu-dit grabbed us. This is a decidedly full-bodied version of Chenin Blanc. With its ripe pear fruit and a smooth finish, this will pair well with herb roasted haddock.

L’Enjouée
Famille Ogereau LEnjouée Vin de France Rouge 2019 Vin de France Rouge ‘L’Enjouée’ (Famille Ogereau)
Sale Price $17.99 – $183.50 case of twelve
The Ogereau family makes this playful red from their vineyards in Anjou. In previous vintages it was 100% Cabernet Franc, but in 2019 they added in some Grolleau, Gamay, and Pineau d’Aunis to add peppery complexity. Have this with seared salmon and lentils.

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Lamé Delisle Boucard Bourgueil Cuvée PrestigeCab Franc Prestige
2017 Bourgueil ‘Cuvée Prestige’ (Lamé Delisle Boucard)
Sale Price $13.99 – $142.70 case of twelve
The multi-family winery of Lamé Delisle Boucard has again delivered a terrific Bourgueil. The 2017 is a dark, structured, and old-fashioned Loire Valley Cabernet Franc that really perks up with food. Serve this with a pork roast and roasted butternut squash.

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François Cazin Cour-ChevernyRomo
2019 Cour-Cheverny (François Cazin)
Sale Price $19.99 – $203.90 case of twelve
Cour-Cheverny is an appellation devoted to just one grape: the rare, exotic Romorantin. François Cazin’s 2019 is a monster of a wine. Its big fruit and crisp acidity make for a thrilling experience. Try this with noodles in a spicy shellfish broth.

Listed prices are honored through November 16th, 2021. We will not honor mistyped prices. Vol. 45, No. 11

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Chapoutier Down Under
2017 Victoria Shiraz ‘Mathilda’ (Tournon)
Sale Price $11.99 – $122.30 case of twelve
Tournon Victoria Shiraz MathildaMichel Chapoutier is no stranger to Syrah. As negóciants and winemakers, the Chapoutier clan is firmly established in the northern Rhône, where the family wine business traces back to 1897. Looking to grow and explore other terroirs where Rhône varieties thrive, Michel founded Domaine Tournon in Victoria, Australia in 2007. Unsurprisingly, given their French roots, Tournon’s Shiraz brings an Old World sensibility to the generous New World fruit. This is a balanced Shiraz with brambly fruit, firm tannins, and a savory finish. Try with lamb shawarma.

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Albariño
Benito Santos Rías Baixas Igrexario de Saiar2020 Rías Baixas ‘Igrexario de Saiar’ (Benito Santos)
Sale Price $16.99 – $173.30 case of twelve
Benito Santos continues to provide us with our favorite Galician Albariño. The 2020 is very expressive with its seashell aromas and quince fruit. This is a top-of-the-list fruity yet dry wine to serve with flash-seared scallops and spicy greens.

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Marqués de Valparaíso Ribera del Duero Roble

Tempranillo Del Duero
2018 Ribera del Duero ‘Roble’ (Marqués de Valparaíso)
Sale Price $13.99 – $142.70 case of twelve
The explosive growth in Ribera del Duero has led to many reds priced at stratospheric levels, with the occasional value. Here’s an exceptional value. The 2018 Roble from Marqués de Valparaíso is a deep, dark, full-bodied red with plummy fruit and an earthy finish. Have this with spicy tacos, rice, and beans.

Juke Box Hero
2020 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ‘Dollar Bills Only’ (Patricia Green Cellars)
Sale Price $17.99 – $183.50 case of twelve
Patricia Green Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Dollar Bills OnlyKnown for their site-specific bottlings of Pinot Noir, Patricia Green Cellars refuses to make a vineyard-designated wine if the quality of the grapes from that site fails to meet usual standards. However, if the grapes still hold promise (especially if they hail from a revered vineyard like Freedom Hill) they’ll make another wine altogether. Thus we have their Dollar Bills Only: a light, silky, rose-petaled Pinot Noir which, considering its pedigree, is a steal at this price. It’s perfect with sweet potato fries and a portobello mushroom burger. 

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Muga Blanco
2020 Rioja Blanco (Muga)
Sale Price $13.99 – $142.70 case of twelve
Muga Rioja BlancoMuga might be Rioja’s most reliable producer. Whenever we’re offered a deal on their wines we never hesitate to stock up. This month we have the 2020 Rioja Blanco, a full-bodied white made from Viura, Garnacha Blanca, and Malvasía de Rioja. Fermentation in oak and an additional 3 months of aging in barrel help develop the rich yet supple texture. Subtle spice from the oak complements the ripe pear and stone fruit flavors, which roll into the long, dry, lively finish. This wine calls for a hearty seafood paella.

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Ercole Piemonte RosatoFall is for Rosato
2020 Piemonte Rosato (Ercole)
Sale Price $11.99 per Liter – $122.30 case of twelve
Even with a crisp chill in the air, we’re still craving rosé. With its strawberry and watermelon rind flavors, this dry blend of Barbera (65%) and Dolcetto from a co-op in Piedmont is a juicy antidote to shorter days and cooler nights. The Ercole comes in a liter bottle and clocks in at a modest 12% alcohol. It’s lovely with crab cakes but even better with friends and snacks.


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Teroldego
2019 Vigneti delle Dolomiti (Foradori)
Sale Price $29.99 – $305.90 case of twelve
Foradori Vigneti delle DolomitiThe folks at Foradori have never rested in their interpretation of the Teroldego grape. For a time, it had dark fruit and serious structure, acting as if it needed age to reach its full potential. Now, they make a gorgeous, bright wine that absolutely charms right away. Both styles are excellent, but we prefer this 2019 for its transparent color, vibrant fruit, and seamless finish. Perfect for a gratin of root vegetables with mountain cheeses.

Occhipinti
2020 Terre Siciliane Rosso ‘SP68’ (Occhipinti)
Sale Price $29.99 – $305.90 case of twelve
Occhipinti Terre Siciliane Rosso SP68Given her early start, Arianna Occhipinti may eventually work more harvests than anyone ever has in Sicily. Tracking her progress is a delight as the wines are constantly improving and delicious. We have just enough of the 2020 SP68 Nero d’Avola/Frappato blend to promote. This spicy, earthy red is wonderfully balanced and food friendly. Have this with a spicy eggplant and pasta dish.


Specialty Foods

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  Smoking Goose Charcuterie

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Salame Toscano $24.99 per lb
(Regular Price $29.99)

Dodge City Salame $24.99 per lb
(Regular Price $29.99)

Smoking Goose has been one of our favorite charcuterie producers for some time and we are happy to offer two new salamis from their incredible catalog. Smoking Goose works closely with local family farmers with humane and healthy practices to produce delicious cured meats with incredible farm traceability and transparency.

Smoking Goose Charcuterie Dodge City Salame
The Salame Toscano is modeled after traditional central Italian styles with garlic, red wine, and nutmeg. Named for the Indianapolis neighborhood where Smoking Goose originated, the Dodge City Salame is a refreshingly bright-flavored, coarsely ground salami with fennel pollen and pink peppercorns. The zesty flavor will make it a perfect addition to your fall charcuterie board.


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Vacherin Fribourgeois
(raw cow’s milk)
$19.99 per lb
(Regular Price $24.99)

Vacherin Fribourgeois AOC is a semi-firm alpine cheese from Fribourg, Switzerland. It has a pleasant creamy flavor with slight notes of hay and a subtly brothy finish. Vacherin Fribourgeois is becoming increasingly difficult to find as most of the region has switched to production of Gruyère, Vacherin’s better-known cousin. This versatile melting cheese can be used for raclette in addition to fondue.

Old Stompy Gouda (pasteurized cow’s milk)
$15.99 per lb   (Regular Price $19.99)

Old Stompy Stompetoren Gouda pasteurized cows milk cheeseThe days are getting shorter, the winds are turning cooler, and beautifully aged cheeses are making their way back to the table. We are featuring a new favorite here at the Wine Cask. Affectionately referred to as ‘Old Stompy,’ Stompetoren Grand Cru is a Gouda from northern Holland. Perfect for the fall season, the deep orange color is reminiscent of the turning leaves. Even after being aged 16 to 18 months, this Gouda remains pleasantly sweet and moist with a generous sprinkling of crunchy crystals and a rich yet unpretentious flavor.

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Wines of the Month — October 18, 2021 through November 16, 2021

Marqués de Cáceres Rueda

2020 Rueda (Marqués de Cáceres)
Sale Price $8.99 – $97.09 case of twelve
Marqués de Cáceres’ Rueda is 100% Verdejo grown in northern Spain. Their 2020 is a crisp, aromatic white that is perfect for fish and rice dishes.

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Fonte do Ouro Dão

2018 Dão (Fonte do Ouro)
Sale Price $9.99 – $107.89 case of twelve
Dão is one of the finest wine regions of Portugal. Fonte do Ouro is a full-flavored, earthy blend of Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, and Jaen. Try this with a spicy pork stew and red beans.

Chateau Grand Billard Bordeaux Rouge2019 Bordeaux Rouge (Château Grand Billard)
Sale Price $8.99 – $97.09 case of twelve
This 2019 red Bordeaux is packed with plummy fruit and spicy tannins. Perfect for a seared sirloin topped with Roquefort.

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Domaine Bousquet Malbec

2020 Malbec (Domaine Bousquet)
Sale Price $8.99 – $97.09 case of twelve
Bousquet cultivates organic grapes grown at high altitude in Argentina’s Mendoza region. This explains the freshness and balance in their 2020 Malbec. Try this with a mushroom risotto.

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