Chianti Classico
2019 Chianti Classico (Lecci e Brocchi)
Sale Price $24.99 – $254.90 case of twelve
The quality of Chianti Classico has never been higher. Estates like Lecci e Brocchi have harnessed a series of warm and dry vintages to create deep, full-flavored Sangiovese. This 2019 is aromatically delightful with bay leaf and cherries. The palate is textured with plummy fruit and ripe tannins. After being open for an hour or two it mellows into an elegant red with layers of flavor. Great with a grilled rib eye.

Blaufränkisch
2021 Blaufränkisch ‘Heideboden’ (Paul Achs)
Sale Price $24.99 – $254.90 case of twelve
Paul Achs returned home to Austria’s Burgenland after spending time in California and transformed his family’s estate from white wine production into red. After experimenting and succeeding with international varieties, he focused back on Blaufränkisch, the local red. Along the way the winery became organic, then biodynamic, and helped form a group of growers with similar practices called Respekt. We were fortunate to try some of Achs’ latest releases and this wine charmed us. The 2021 Heideboden Blaufränkisch is packed with ripe berry fruit, earthy minerals, and a lively lingering finish. It’s not heavy, but it has a fine balance for a seared rare salmon paired with lentils and spinach.

Rkatsiteli
2021 Rkatsiteli (Marnaveli)
Sale Price $11.99 – $122.30 case of twelve
Meanwhile back in Georgia, we have again mined the Marnaveli winery for another terrific wine. Their Saperavi is a gorgeously fruity red, and now we have their fresh and lively white Rkatsiteli. This has a full complement of orchard fruits but remains crisp and dry. Try this with a chicken stew with herbs and sautéed buttery cabbage.

Old Piney
2019 Saint Émilion Grand Cru (Château Piney)
Sale Price $23.99 – $244.70 case of twelve
Bordeaux still has some pockets of high-quality value wines. The Union de Producteurs de Saint-Émilion is a great source. At the top of their portfolio is the Grand Cru Château Piney, whose 2019 is superb. This Merlot-dominant red blend is silky smooth with dark fruits and ripe, spicy tannins. Wonderful with lamb and blue-veined cheeses.

Grüner
2020 Grüner Veltliner ‘Ried Weitgasse’ (Mantlerhof)
Sale Price $17.99 – $183.50 case of twelve
Our introduction to Mantlerhof was a Liter bottle that was an easy-going great value. Little did we know there was another level of quality at a still affordable price. Their Kremstal winery is just a stone’s throw from the famed Wachau, and their Ried Weitgasse has the hallmarks of Wachau Grüner Veltliner’s intense minerality and spicy fruit, without the higher price. And they are also organic and biodynamic. This is a lean and long dry white that is a great match with haddock drizzled with butter and herbs.

 

 

Hermit – $29.99 per lb   
Parish Hill Creamery – Putney, VT
This rustic tomme-style cheese from Parish Hill beautifully highlights the complex and spicy qualities of raw milk. The rich flavors of damp grass and fresh cream are evocative of springtime on the farm, and are a beautiful expression of New England terroir.

West-West Blue – $29.99 per lb   
Parish Hill Creamery – Putney, VT
Like all cheeses from Parish Hill, West-West Blue is made from the farm’s single herd of grass-fed cows and biologically unique cultures developed on-site. This creates a one-of-a-kind cheese with a mildly sweet blue mold that won’t be found in any other aging room.

Ameribella – $29.99 per lb   
Jacobs and Brichford – Connersville, IN
Ameribella is a raw milk, washed rind cheese inspired by cheeses of northern Italy (such as Taleggio) and features a striking golden-colored buttery paste. The incredible color and zesty, complex flavor are the result of the native grasses and wildflowers on which their single herd of cows grazes.

Cayuga Blue – $29.99 per lb   
Lively Run Dairy – Interlaken, NY
Cayuga Blue is a true celebration of goat’s milk and the flavors of the farm. The paste has barnyard flavors tempered by a sharp blue mold and a pleasantly sweet, creamy finish. The range of strong flavors are kept in balance making this a great cheese for those looking to expand their comfort zone.