Marc’s Muscadet
2015 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine (Domaine de la Pépière)
Sale Price $11.99 – $122.30 case of twelve
We have nearly run out of super-latives for the wines of Marc Ollivier at his Domaine de la Pépière. His Muscadets have been incredible values for years, and the consistency has been impressive. The beat goes on with the wonderfully textured, minerally, dry 2015.

Tuscan Flowers
2014 Vernaccia di San Gimignano ‘Fiore’ (Montenidoli)
Sale Price $19.99 – $203.90 case of twelve
The whites of Montenidoli are different from most Vernaccia di San Gimignano in that they have greater richness on the palate and persistence in the finish. Their Fiore takes it a bit further with aromas of lilac and a taste of almonds. The 2014 is big on the palate, but finely balanced throughout, making it a fine match with a seafood risotto.

Affordable Organic White Burgundy
2014 Mâcon-Cruzille ‘La Croix’ (Domaine Guillot-Broux)
Sale Price $17.99 – $183.50 case of twelve
As long as you stay away from the Côte de Beaune you can find a lot of affordable delicious white Burgundy. Chablis in the north and Mâcon in the south are worthy considerations. Because the Mâcon region is dominated by cooperatives, the prices for wines from family wineries remains low. The 2014 Mâcon-Cruzille ‘La Croix’ from Guillot-Broux is an organically grown Chardonnay with an energetic balance of fruit, spice, and earth. A great white to pair with a spring salad of chèvre on wilted spinach.

Bolder Bianco
2015 Grechetto (Perticaia)
Sale Price $11.99 – $122.30 case of twelve
No longer is inexpensive Italian white wine always clear-colored and light on the palate. Witness this Grechetto from Umbria, with its golden color, deep apricot fruit, and spicy finish. Completely dry from nose to finish, this will pair well with full-flavored fish and asparagus.

Pigato – The Rare Spotted Vermentino
2015 Riviera Ligure di Ponente ‘Majé’ (Bruna)
Sale Price $17.99 – $183.50 case of twelve
Producers in Liguria had to adjust their history when it was scientifically proven that the grape they called Pigato is in fact the same grape as Vermentino, albeit one with spots. The Brunas appear undaunted, and continue to label their white wines Pigato. And they are truly delicious. Their 2015 is a deep, rich, herbal white with peachy fruit and a long, lively finish. Liguria is the land of seafood and pesto, and this wine will be a great match for any variation.

The Double Gate of Burgberg
2014 Grüner Veltliner ‘Burgberg’ (Lagler)
Sale Price $15.99 – $163.10 case of twelve
The Laglers describe the Burgberg vineyard as a double gate because it leads to two more vineyards above the Danube and their home village of Spitz in the superb wine-growing area of the Wachau. Burgberg itself is an impressive geological site and you can feel it in the rocky minerality of the wine. The 2014 has a richly aromatic nose of crunchy orchard fruits plus the striking stoniness. This is a terrific value for a top quality Wachau Grüner Veltliner.

And Two Spanish Rosados
2015 Bierzo Rosado (Armas de Guerra)
Sale Price $9.99 – $101.90 case of twelve
Year after year, this has been one of our most tasty and affordable dry pinks, Spanish or otherwise. It’s made by the oldest winery in the Bierzo region from 50-year-old organically farmed Mencia vines. The result is a fresh mouthful of strawberries and spice that will make your seafood paella sing.

2015 Rioja Rosé (Muga)
Sale Price $13.99 – $142.70 case of twelve
Here’s another terrific earthy, dry Rosé from Muga of Rioja. Using the Garnacha for body and the white Viura for zestiness, this
barrel-fermented rosé has fine structure and a completely dry profile. Perfect with an appetizer plate of Jamon and Manchego.

La Belle Étoile
2015 Gard Rouge (Château de Manissy)
Sale Price $9.99 – $101.90 of twelve
Manissy, a producer of Tavel on the western side of the Rhone, also owns a small plot of old vines in the province of Gard. Production is organic; the grapes are 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache. While it hardly seems worth it to export the small quantity of wine at this price to the U.S. we are glad they do. It is spicy, deep, dark and delicious.

Mysterious Vin Santo
2008 Vin Santo del Chianti (Casa alle Vacche)
Sale Price $17.99 per 375ml– $183.50 case of twelve
Vin Santo del Chianti takes years to produce. First the Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes are dried; then they are pressed and sealed in barrels filled four-fifths full. The wine slowly ferments, yielding a nutty, sweet flavor. The 2008 from Casa alle Vacche, just now hitting the market, is an exquisite dessert wine and a rare value for this expensive, labor-intensive wine. Have this with a strawberry and rhubarb compote, or go the traditional route and serve with biscotti.

Specialty Foods

Melinda Mae $19.99 per lb.
(Regular price $21.99)
We’re delighted that this mild-mannered bloomy rind cow’s milk cheese is now available in a larger format (as opposed to pre-packaged). It’s more versatile, easier to sample, and, also noteworthy, it comes with special cheese paper featuring the Mystic Cheese Company logo: a narwhal spearing a piece of cheese. This novelty is available at the cheese counter upon request and while supplies last.

Grafton Truffle Cheddar $12.99 per lb.
(Regular price $13.99)
A really great price for a truffle cheese of any kind! Straightforward and great quality raw cow’s milk cheddar from Grafton Village balanced with earthy truffle flavors. This is excellent both for cooking and on a cheese plate!

Pawlet $18.99 per lb.
(Regular price $23.99)
This raw cow’s milk Italian-style toma does not have the commanding bite that other raw milk cheeses tend to have, thus it’s a good introduction to raw milk cheeses. Semi-firm, with a fissure-laden paste, made with whole fresh milk, antibiotic and hormone free, and with microbial (vegetarian) rennet. From Consider Bardwell farm in West Pawlet, Vermont.

Point Reyes Bay Blue $19.99 per lb.
(Regular price $20.99)
A true favorite here, probably in our top ten list, and always one of our first recommendations for blue cheese enthusiasts! It’s pretty strong, a little sweet, with a lovely fudgy texture and natural rind. Made with pasteurized cow’s milk. From Point Reyes Farmstead in California.