Newsletter
July 15, 2019 – August 14, 2019
Falanghina
2018 Irpinia Falanghina (Terredora di Paolo)
Sale Price $14.99 – $152.90 case of twelve
In Campania, the Italian province that encompasses Naples, they value the freshest of ingredients, perhaps even more so than the rest of Italy. Be it fish, mozzarella, tomatoes, or basil, the materia prima is all important. This is how we feel about Falanghina. The 2018 Terradora di Paolo is a fresh, direct, and exciting Falanghina that is perfect for a simple fish dish and a fava bean salad.
Alte Reben Silvaner
2017 Silvaner (Dr. Heyden)
Sale Price $9.99 – $101.90 case of twelve
Classic Gascogne
2018 Côtes de Gascogne ‘Classic’ (Domaine Tariquet)
Sale Price $9.99 – $101.90 case of twelve
Rosso Misto
2016 Vino Rosso (Paolo Scavino)
Sale Price $11.99 – $122.30 case of twelve
Tempranillo
2016 Ribera del Duero ‘Roble’ (Creta)
Sale Price $13.99 – $142.70 case of twelve
Corbières
2017 Corbières ‘Valensol’ (Domaine La Bouysse)
Sale Price $14.99 – $152.90 case of twelve
Listed prices are honored through August 14th, 2019. We will not honor mistyped prices. Vol. 43, No. 8
2018 Pays d’Oc Rosé (Terre des Olivettes)
The Château Mourgues du Grès is a former Ursuline convent where the Mourgues (nuns) toiled amongst the Grès (pebbles) in the rocky vineyard. This area outside Nimes is one of the sunniest places in France, and the Galets Rosés is a thoroughly dependable, darker than average rosé. This cuvée relies more on the Syrah grape, and so it yields a peppery wine more akin to a light red. Terrific with grilled lamb skewers. 
At the southwestern edge of the Loire Valley J. Mourat makes a variety of wines in the little-seen Fiefs Vendéens appellation. Their entry level Collection series offers this deep, full-flavored, dry rosé made from Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Negrette, and Gamay. Have this lovely summer refresher with a teriyaki salmon and some braised cabbage.
Dupuy de Lôme may sound like a geological feature, but the Domaine is named after Stanislas Charles Henry Dupuy de Lôme, a maritime engineer who designed and built steel clad cruisers and the first operational submarine, which went on to become the inspiration for Jules Verne’s Nautilus in Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea. His daughter first bought the Bandol property, and today it is a modern winery planted within sight of the sea in Bandol. The current generation farms organically and makes one of our favorite French rosés. The 2018 is an earthy, peachy delight with fine weight and dimension. This is a rosé meant for food, and a hearty Provençal fish stew immediately comes to mind. But it would also be a decadent delight with lobster. Magnums also available.
2016 Cidre ‘Nerios’ (Johanna Cecillon) 
Johanna Cecillon. Her orchards are planted with dozens of different ancient heirloom varieties. The Poiré is subtle yet persistent, with dry pear fruit laced with minerals. The Cidre is made from bittersweet apples and carries a ripe, full body and spicy tannins. Have these fantastic natural cidres with ripe cheeses or a roasted fish with a splash of Cidre.
We missed Frank Heyden’s visit to Boston this year, but this Riesling speaks for him. All his wines pack a lot of unexpected flavor and body, but this so-called ‘dry style’ Kabinett is a screamer. The nose is pure Riesling, with apples and pears, while the palate has weight and the flavor of peach nectar, plus a mostly dry, beautifully long finish. Great for hot, spicy, sweet, and salty Thai-inspired foods.
The height of summer is the best time to enjoy Portugal’s refreshing Vinho Verdes. These two versions reflect a new trend of more concentrated, less spritzy Vinho Verdes. The Muralhas de Monção is a pure varietal Alvarinho with lovely flavors of apples, almond, and ginger. Have this with a bucket of mussels and steamers.
Our perennial summer favorite returns. Not only is the buffalo-milk version of mozzarella from Southern Italy at its best in the summer months due to the seasonal quality of the milk, it is the perfect match for ripe farmer’s market tomatoes and the abundance of basil you probably have growing on your porch. Add a baguette and a drizzle of olive oil for a simple yet luscious meal.
American triple creams are coming into their own, and those from the northeast may even have the edge over their French counterparts given that they don’t have to undergo a long journey where they risk becoming overripe and unpleasantly bitter. Four Fat Fowl Creamery in Stephentown, NY (just past Pittsfield, MA) use their own rich Jersey cow milk with added Jersey cream to make this award-winning, buttery delight. The paste is all silky cream, while the bloomy rind adds a touch of earthy complexity. Superb with a sparkling wine, berries, and a drizzle of honey. 
The bright, citric tanginess of goat cheese is a natural complement to the sweetness and tartness of berries. Seal Cove Farm in Lamoine, ME includes plenty of Maine blueberries in this variation of their classic chèvre. The texture is light and fluffy, and the high quality of the goat milk from their own herd brings a clean, creamy flavor that sings in harmony with the ripe fruit. Perfect simply spread on a baguette. 
Our best value Touraine Sauvignon is back. The 2018 vintage was kind to “Le Grand St-Vincent.” It is abundant and concentrated, with rich fruit and its usual dry finish. Great for salads and chèvre.
