Chapoutier Down Under
2017 Victoria Shiraz ‘Mathilda’ (Tournon)
Sale Price $11.99 – $122.30 case of twelve
Michel 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.
Albariño
2020 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.
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
Known 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.
Muga Blanco
2020 Rioja Blanco (Muga)
Sale Price $13.99 – $142.70 case of twelve
Muga 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.
Fall 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.
Teroldego
2019 Vigneti delle Dolomiti (Foradori)
Sale Price $29.99 – $305.90 case of twelve
The 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
Given 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
Smoking Goose Charcuterie
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.
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.
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)
The 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.