Newsletter
July 19, 2021 – August 18, 2021
Vinnie is Finally Back
2020 Touraine ‘Le Grand St. Vincent’ (Les Vignerons des Coteaux Romanais)
Sale Price $11.99 – $122.30 case of twelve
We apologize for the delay in the annual arrival of one of our best value Sauvignon Blancs, but Le Grand St. Vincent from the Touraine is finally back. The 2020 is a very solid vintage from the cave-coopérative in St. Romain sur Cher in the heart of the Loire Valley. It’s aromatic, crisp, and dry. Perfect for a cool summer salad.
Whole Lotta Alphonse
2020 Sancerre ‘La Moussière’ (Alphonse Mellot)
Sale Price $29.99 – $305.90 case of twelve
This 2020 Sauvignon Blanc is produced by the 18th and 19th consecutive Alphonse Mellots at their property in Sancerre. They describe La Moussière as being the cornerstone of the property, and it is the limestone in their vineyard that provides the base. The viticulture is organic and biodynamic, while vinification is half in stainless steel and half in cask. The result is a Sancerre with a ripe, round body and a pleasing creaminess on the palate. Have this wine with a simple steamed lobster and grilled corn.
Burgaud Beaujolais Blanc
2019 Beaujolais Villages Blanc (Jean-Marc Burgaud)
Sale Price $15.99 – $163.10 case of twelve
For many years Jean-Marc Burgaud was a one-grape guy. His Gamay-based Beaujolais Rouges are always superb and affordable. But back in 2011 he must have become tired of going to the corner Wine Cask when he wanted a bottle of white wine, so he planted some Chardonnay. Today those vines are producing a zesty, dry, minerally white that is perfect for a sautéed sole with snap peas and new potatoes.
Pouilly Solutré
2020 Mâcon Solutré Pouilly (Domaine de la Chapelle)
Sale Price $24.99 – $254.90 case of twelve
While Domaine de la Chapelle makes several terrific Pouilly-Fuissés, this is our favorite wine from them. Year after year, their tiny parcel of Mâcon Solutré Pouilly delivers a deep, minerally, full-bodied Chardonnay that rivals their more expensive cuvées. While it sees no new oak, the 2020 is buttery and rich with golden pear fruit and a long, lush finish. Give this a go with grilled striped bass and a fruity salsa.
Silvaner
2019 Silvaner ‘Old Vines’ (Dr. Heyden)
Sale Price $11.99 – $122.30 case of twelve
There are just a few places where Silvaner really shines. In Germany’s Franconia region it is planted in Würzburg’s best vineyards. It’s also at home in France’s Alsace region (most notably at Domaine Weinbach) and in Italy’s Alto Adige (particularly in the Valle Isarco). But the absolute best value in Silvaner comes from Dr. Heyden in Germany’s Rheinhessen. Here it achieves good weight along with crisp, persistent apricot flavors and a fine streak of herbs and minerals. Great with a fish chowder showered with fresh herbs.
Vom Kalk
2019 Riesling Kabinett Trocken ‘Vom Kalk’ (Schneider)
Sale Price $13.99 – $142.70 case of twelve
Listed prices are honored through August 18th, 2021. We will not honor mistyped prices. Vol. 45, No. 8
2020 Coteaux Varois en Provence (Routas)
Sadly, these are a few of the last wines that Olivier Lemasson produced before his death. His innovative vision of Loire Valley wines will be missed, but hopefully his estate will regroup and continue. His wines, made from under-appreciated Loire Valley grapes, were clearly and passionately in the natural category. These two reds are low in ABV and do not contain added sulfites. 
The R20 is a zesty blend of 50% Grolleau along with Cabernet Franc, Côt, and Gamay. This is gorgeously fruity with a pleasingly funky, barnyardy finish. Poivre et Sel is a tribute to the peppery Pineau d’Aunis grape variety. Both of these wonderfully original wines should be served slightly chilled and don’t demand food, but would be best enjoyed outside. 
Located in Laconia on the southern tip of Greece’s Peloponnese, the Monemvasia Winery shares its name with the Monemvasia grape and also with the medieval town and its island, which is featured on the Monemvasia’s label. The organic winery has made it their mission to rescue obscure native grapes from extinction, two of which we are offering this month.
Both dry whites are unoaked, wildly aromatic, and beautifully textured. The Kydonitsa is full of white flowers, pineapple, and quince (fitting, as its name is a diminutive of ‘kydoni,’ the word for quince). The Monemvasia is also floral, but with a fleshier body and pear fruit. Follow the advice of their wonderful labels and enjoy with grilled fish and ‘‘butter-scented risotto with asparagus and crispy prosciutto.” 
Produced from two parcels abutting the boundary with Margaux, this 2019 Bordeaux Supérieur delivers far greater depth and complexity than its label would suggest. With one vineyard sitting below Ch. d’Issan and the other below Ch. Margaux, Cru Monplaisir produces a dark, fragrant blend of Merlot (75%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), and Cabernet Franc. With its ripe tannins and plummy fruit, it will be a fine match with grilled lamb.
Hailing from Indianapolis, Tulip Tree Creamery has been making delicious and award-winning cheeses since 2014. The critically acclaimed Trillium is a luscious and earthy triple cream that is as indulgent as it is complex. The sweet, buttery interior is perfectly balanced by the bloomy rind, which carries rich notes of mushrooms and spring grasses. 
Foxglove, Trillium’s washed-rind counterpart, packs a big, bold taste in a small package. The delightfully funky (and pungent!) exterior, combined with the rich double cream body, provides a beautiful bite for the slightly more adventurous cheese enthusiast.
Red Table Meat is nestled squarely in pork country, Minneapolis. Growing up in a rural farming community himself, Salumist Mike Phillips understands the value of working closely with local farmers to produce delicious and humanely raised cured meats. Their Salami François is named after Mike Phillips’ mentor, François Vecchio, and is a rich, Genoa-style salami that is low in salt but high in flavor. This soft and buttery salami is great for snacking and can be enjoyed either thinly sliced or rough-cut.
2016 Côtes de Bourg (Château de Rivereau) 
2019 Rueda (Naia) 