Newsletter
November 17, 2022 – December 14, 2022
Happy Days
Thankful Thanksgiving, Happy Hanukkah, merry days ahead.
Let us feast and be grateful. Thanks for all the support.
Kimmeridgien
2020 Bourgogne Chardonnay ‘Kimmeridgien’ (Jean-Marc Brocard)
Sale Price $14.99 – $152.90 case of twelve
Brocard is our go-to producer for well-priced Chablis, and now we have their Bourgogne Chardonnay for an even better value. The grapes come from vineyards just south of Chablis, in an area which shares Chablis’ famed Kimmeridgian soil. This densely layered limestone and clay marl contains ancient marine fossils which are said to contribute unmatched minerality. While not as bracingly crisp and steely as Chablis, this has fantastic texture and lovely flavors of golden apple and citrus with a pleasing, dry finish.
La Barbera
2021 Barbera d’Alba (G.D. Vajra)
Sale Price $19.99 – $203.90 case of twelce
We can’t get enough of G.D. Vajra’s consistently delicious Barberas. Year after year, their Barbera d’Alba provides a velvety concentration of dark berry fruit laced with spices and herbs. It’s no surprise, then, that some of the Vajra family’s oldest, organically grown Barbera vines go into this wine. The 2021 is seductively plush yet tangy, and can hold up to being drunk over a few days without losing its charisma.
Burgenland
2019 Burgenland ‘zb*’ (Gesellmann)
Sale Price $17.99 – $183.50 case of twelve
By now, many are familiar with and have even fallen for the zesty charm of Austria’s most famous white grape, Grüner Veltliner. However, the reds of Austria are just as pleasurable if not as well-known, translating to modest prices that have yet to catch up to their caliber. A fine example is this organic blend from Burgenland, a major red wine region south of Vienna. Equal parts Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch with a dash of Pinot Noir, this juicy, succulent red is brimming with sour cherries and black plums, and will deftly complement a wide range of foods.
Finger Lakes Dry…
2019 Seneca Lake Dry Riesling ‘Classique’ (Forge Cellars)
Sale Price $14.99 – $152.90 case of twelve
It is well-known that the Finger Lakes produces superb dry Rieslings. Less well-known is the diversity of terroir and soil types the region offers. Louis Barruol (of Château de Saint Cosme in Gigondas) and Rick Rainey founded Forge Cellars to explore the potential of the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. While they bottle a number of exceptional single-vineyard wines, Classique is their “estate blend” which uses fruit from most of their organic vineyards to present a well-rounded impression of Seneca Lake Riesling. On the nose, beautiful aromas of jasmine, white peach, and honey abound. The generous, round body evokes fleshy stone fruit, but it quickly regains focus for a zesty, citrus-laden finish.
Cheverny
2020 Cheverny Blanc (Domaine Sauger)
Sale Price $14.99 – $152.90 case of twelve
A little bored with Sauvignon Blanc? Try this blend with Chardonnay from France’s Loire Valley appellation of Cheverny. It’s mostly Sauvignon Blanc (80%) which provides the familiar aromas of gooseberries and flint, but its body has added creaminess and texture thanks to the Chardonnay. It’s a refreshing and versatile white that shines both on its own and with food.
Brachetto
2020 Brachetto d’Acqui ‘Braida’ (Giacomo Bologna)
Sale Price $17.99 – $183.50 case of twelve
Brachetto d’Acqui is a DOCG for sweet red wines (either semi-sparkling or sparkling) made from Brachetto grapes in Italy’s Piedmont. Giacomo Bologna’s Braida is a frizzante version with pristine floral aromas and tons of juicy strawberry and raspberry fruit. The gentle bubbles, low alcohol, and crisp acidity keep it refreshing and not-too-sweet. Serve after dinner with a fresh fruit tart or the whole range of Thanksgiving pies.
Listed prices are honored through December 14th, 2022. We will not honor mistyped prices. Vol. 46, No. 12
Costa Toscana
2020 Costa Toscana ‘A Quo’ (Montepeloso)
Sale Price $19.99 – $203.90 case of twelve
We’re no Sangiovese purists. If a blend with international grape varieties is done well, sign us up. Montepeloso’s entry level blend of Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Marselan, and Alicante Bouschet is a biodynamic, unfiltered Tuscan red we’d gladly have a case of on hand. It’s generous but balanced between rich berry fruit and earthy, savory notes. A fabulous value for a wine this complete.
Vino Nobile
2019 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (Poderi Sanguineto 1 e II)
Sale Price $44.99 – $458.90 case of twelve
Sanguineto is one of our favorite Tuscan producers and this may be the best wine we have yet carried from them. The combination of warm days and very cool nights in September 2019 led to optimal ripeness resulting in great phenolics and ripe tannins. This dark, rich Sangiovese drinks smoothly now with plum and cherry fruit, but will age well for another decade.
Cru Bourgueil
2016 Bourgueil ‘Brunetières’ (Lamé Delisle Boucard)
Sale Price $19.99 – $203.90 case of twelve
While looking at last years’ November newsletter we saw that we featured the 2017 Prestige from our favorite Bourgueil producer. This cuvée has long been a favorite Loire Valley red and remains an absolutely absurd value and it’s still available for $13.99. In the meantime, the folks at L-D-B released a 2016 single Cru wine from the Brunetières vineyard. It turns out that their Prestige is a blend that includes grapes from this and two other terrific vineyards. This 2016 is a tip-top Cabernet Franc that, with its intense stoniness, drinks like the grapes were chiseled from a quarry. At 6 plus years of age it drinks incredibly well and will age for many more years.
Vouvray Brut
NV Vouvray ‘Cuvée Zero’ (Domaine des Aubuisières)
Sale Price $24.99 – $269.90 case of twelve
Bernard Fouquet continues to make exceptional Vouvray that are also incredible values. This month we have his totally dry, zesty, sparkling Chenin Blanc. This has deep minerally dryness and gorgeously persistent flavor. A great bubbly to begin or end the feast.
Rebholz
2019 Weisser Burgunder Trocken (Rebholz)
Sale Price $24.99 – $254.90 case of twelve
Riesling will always be the major grape in Germany, but we have found a lot to enjoy from German Pinot Blanc. In the Pfalz, Hansjörg Rebholz makes super tasty, incredibly subtle Weisser Burgunder. This 2019 is an oh-so-perfect dry white to go with all manner of foods. It will even go well with turkey. Enough said.
Haut-Médoc
2015 Haut-Médoc (Château Aney)
Sale Price $24.99 – $254.90 case of twelve
Château Aney is a throwback to an earlier era in Bordeaux when Cabernet Sauvignon dominated blends in the Haut-Médoc. Their 2015 has an unusually high 65% Cabernet, which gives it a full range of earthy aromas and a deep, long finish. It drinks beautifully now with the fruit and tannins merging for lovely structure!
Madame de M…
2020 Roussette de Savoie (Domaine Vendange)
Sale Price $24.99 – $254.90 case of twelve
Roussette de Savoie, also called Altesse, is considered the best native white grape of the region. This bottling, mysteriously labelled Madame de M…, shows lovely alpine blossom aromas and crunchy honey-kissed orchard fruit. Grab it and fondue away.
Options for the N0n-Drinker
N/A/Zero Riesling
Alcohol Free Riesling ‘Eins Zwei Zero’ (Leitz)
Sale Price $17.99 – $183.50 case of twelve
Leitz’s non-alcoholic Riesling is one of the most flavorful dry versions out there. It is made entirely from estate fruit and leads the way in its category.
N/A/Zero SB
Alcohol Free Sauvignon Blanc (Giesen)
Sale Price $14.99 – $152.90 case of twelve
This new option from New Zealand has the fine aromatics of Sauvignon Blanc and a cool, dry finish.
N/A/Zero Sparkler
Alcohol Free Sparkling Wine (Veuve du Vernay)
Sale Price $9.99 – $107.90 case of twelve
Try this French fizz for a toast or blended with orange juice or peach nectar for a virgin mimosa or bellini.
Phony Negroni
Non Alcoholic Cocktail ‘Phony Negroni’ (St. Agrestis)
Sale Price $4.99 – per 200ml
Straight out of Brooklyn, St. Agrestis has fashioned a pleasantly bitter single-serving Phony Negroni. Cheers.
Specialty Foods
Caseificio Persia (per-SEE-a) is a small family-run cheesemaker from Cuneo, located in central Piedmont. Focusing exclusively on raw cow’s milk production, Persia is dedicated to making delicious, high-quality cheeses in the traditional styles of this famous cheese producing region. This is their first introduction to the US market, and we are delighted to be able to feature an assortment of their cheeses this holiday season. Supply is limited so act fast!
Tumalin –
$19.99 per lb
A semi-soft tomme style with notes of fresh grass and sour cream. A true2classic of the region.
Il Nobile – $19.99 per lb
Il Nobile is bright and tangy with a springy texture and combines approachable flavor with subtle complexity for all levels of cheese eaters!
Sabauda – $19.99 per lb
A semi-firm, tangy cheese aged with balsamic vinegar. The lightly fruity aroma and rich paste make for a balanced flavor seldom seen in balsamic-washed cheeses.
Fior di Tiglio – $19.99 per lb
This unique cheese is formed with a dimple in the top that is filled with wildflower honey during aging. It is lightly sweet with a subtle grassy and barnyard flavor on the finish.
Trufalot – $24.99 per lb
Trufalot is a semi-firm “Sola” style cheese blended with local black truffles. A delicate and measured approach to black truffle that is as refreshing as it is satisfying.
New, New, Nouveau
Dupeuble, Dufaitre, and Chermette have arrived
The 2022 Beaujolais Nouveau has arrived! These three producers have proven to produce beguiling fresh Gamay year in and year out.
Wines of the Month — November 17, 2022 through December 14, 2022
2021 Picpoul de Pinet (Saint-Peyre)
Sale Price $9.99 – $107.89 case of twelve
Our old favorite Languedoc white is back. The 2021 Saint-Peyre is rich and dry with peachy fruit.
2020 Mendocino Pinot Noir (Castle Rock)
Sale Price $9.99 – $107.89 case of twelve
The Mendocino Pinot Noir from Castle Rock is full-flavored with blackberry fruit and a bright, solid, dry finish.
2021 Pinot Grigio (Gorgo)
Sale Price $9.99 – $107.89 case of twelve
The Gorgo Grigio always delivers a wonderful dry organic white at a great price.
2020 Vin de Pays Grenache (André Brunel)
Sale Price $9.99 – $107.89 case of twelve
Brunel’s country Grenache delivers again with bright cherry fruit and an earthy dry finish.