Newsletter
January 15, 2017 – February 14, 2017
Ballarin
2015 Langhe Rosso ‘Cino’ (Ballarin)
Sale Price $10.99 – $112.10 case of twelve
Einaudi
2015 Dogliani (Einaudi)
Sale Price $17.99 – $183.50 case of twelve
Dogliani is a village devoted to Dolcetto, which is why its name stands alone as a super cru for the grape. The 2015 Einaudi is a deliciously rich Dogliani with layer upon layer of ripe fruit to go with its fascinating aromas of raw beef and dried rose petal. Pair this with lamb chops and a gratin of root vegetables for a wonderful winter meal.
Pira
2015 Dolcetto d’Alba (Luigi Pira)
Sale Price $13.99 – $142.70 case of twelve
Marengo
2015 Dolcetto d’Alba (Mario Marengo)
Sale Price $14.99 – $152.90 case of twelve
Azelia
2015 Dolcetto d’Alba ‘Bricco dell’Oriolo’ (Azelia)
Sale Price $15.99 – $163.10 case of twelve
Roagna
2015 Dolcetto d’Alba (Roagna)
Sale Price $17.99 – $183.50 case of twelve
Listed prices are honored through February 14th, 2017. We will not honor mistyped prices. Vol. 41, No. 2
Our love of the Loire extends into the tiny appellation of Cour-Cheverny and the rare white grape variety known as Romorantin. It is uncertain how the little acreage left of this grape ended up in the eastern Loire, but wine made from old vine Romorantin is well worth saving. François Cazin has the patience to wait until late in the harvest season when the grapes’ acidity aligns with the sugar. The 2014 has a honey and mineral aroma and a beeswax texture along with zesty peach and apricot fruit. Try this with a broiled haddock and a butter and chive sauce. 
Has Anjou Chenin Blanc ever been trendy? Probably several times. The rich and incredibly long lived sweet wines from the Loire tributary, the Layon, can rival the best Sauternes, though they are little discussed these days. Savennières has been around forever and makes stellar, rare dry whites. Recent trips to the Loire have shown us that some of the best values in minerally, dry Chenin Blanc come from producers who have scaled back their sweet wine production. Richou’s Chauvigné is as delicious as many Savennières without the price or the wait. The 2015 has lively stone fruit aroma along with a zesty, almost severe minerality. This is a great match with seared salmon on a bed of lentils.
If you know of a better value in pure Burgundian Pinot Noir, please let us know. Domaine Parize in Givry makes a lusciously plummy old-vine bottling that drinks well right out of the chute. This is the kind of red that we adore with a roast chicken along with an enormous potato gratin.
The ‘new’ vintage of Chinon ‘Picasses’ from Olga Raffault is, as always, a few years older than the current release of other Chinon producers. Their old-fashioned way with Cabernet Franc is to age it in barrel and bottle until its fruit and tannins merge into a harmonious whole. The 2012 is still dark with fruit and suffused with good, grippingly dry flavor, but has a rich roundness. This wine is a perfect match with pulled pork and braised cabbage.
In an attempt to do away with confusing and contradictory appellations the French wine authorities decided to retire Bourgogne Grand Ordinaire and Bourgogne Ordinaire and create the catchall Coteaux Bourguignons. In effect this allows growers all over Burgundy to make an affordable blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir. Maison Roche de Bellene makes one that surpasses their own pure Pinot Noir. The 2013 is a smooth, mature red with fine berry aromas and a ripe, round middle palate. At a modest 12.5%, it is an easy match with a simple fish dish or a robust chowder.
2015 Pinot Bianco (Colterenzio) 
Analysis of the Sagrantino grape variety has revealed that it has more tannin and flesh than virtually any other red grape. A young, pure Sagrantino can be a ferociously bitter, dry red. But with age a rich elegance emerges. Perticaia makes a beautiful Montefalco Sagrantino, but we also appreciate their Montefalco Riserva, a blend of Sangiovese and Sagarantino. This mature red is packed with dark cherry fruit and spicy tannins. Have this with a spicy lamb stew with white beans.
Over the last couple of years we have seen an uptick in sales of sparkling red and rosé wines. We are on board with this trend because we find the wines to be light, refreshing, and delicious. The Bugey-Cerdon region is best known for its fizzy demi-sec ruby-colored wine. The folks at Lingot-Martin make a wine like that, but this one is a drier style of wine. This sparkling Gamay is delightful on its own, but could also be enjoyed with a meal of saucisson sec and alpine cheeses and then extended to go with a fresh fruit dessert.
Inspired by Italian Robiola, Melinda Mae is a soft-ripened bloomy-rind cheese made with pasteurized cow’s milk by Mystic Cheese Company in Connecticut. This cheese has a luscious pudgy texture when young which becomes runny when fully ripe. Mild mannered with notes of cultured cream and mushrooms.
2015 Saumur Blanc ‘Epinats’ (Cave de Saumur) 
2015 Minervois (Les Chemins de Félines)