Rhum from Martinique
Rhum J.M
Sale Price $29.99 per Liter
Hailing from Macouba, Martinique, Rhum J.M produces a line of Agricole Rhums from estate-grown sugarcane. Based at the foot of the volcano Mt. Pelée, the proximity of the distillery to the sugarcane fields allows for the freshest sugarcane to be crushed for the finest rhum production. We like their basic white rhum for its fresh grassiness and tropical fruit. Perfect for summer daiquiris and mojitos. We also enjoy the J.M Shrubb ($34.99 for 700ml), which is their rhum-based orange liqueur. Infused with local vanilla and cinnamon, it will boost a classic margarita. And we might as well mention we carry the Sirop J.M ($11.99 for 500ml) for your simple syrup needs, should you find yourself needing a simpler solution for simple syrup.

The King of El-Bling
2023 Mosel Elbling Trocken (Weingut Fürst)
Sale Price $17.99 per Liter – $183.50 case of twelve
Jancis Robinson calls Elbling a grape of “great productivity and great antiquity.” Introduced by the Romans and for centuries Germany’s most planted grape variety, it now barely hangs on in a forgotten corner of the Mosel. Weingut Fürst is one of the few remaining producers to bottle a varietal Elbling. Their winery in the village of Metzdorf is along the Sauer River which forms a border between Germany and Luxembourg. This grape, which was all the rage in the Middle Ages, is still a delight when yields are kept modest and it’s drunk young for its fresh pear-like fruit. Try this refreshing quaffer with sushi.

Castellare di Castellina
2022 Chianti Classico (Castellare)
Sale Price $24.99 – $254.90 case of twelve
With 33 hectares planted to vines, the vineyards at Castellare di Castellina just have the edge over olive groves. The entire Tuscan estate is farmed organically, which supports a healthy habitat for the native bird species that grace the property and the labels, with a different bird featured each year (the mascot for 2022 is the adorable Saltimpalo). Castellare is dogmatic about only using native grapes even though international varieties like Cabernet and Merlot are allowed in small amounts. Made with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, this is a gorgeous Chianti Classico, with supple red cherry fruit, spice, and a warm earthiness reminiscent of sun-baked soil. The intensity of the 2022 is matched by fine tannins and a lengthy dry finish.

Rock, Paper, Scissors
Vin de France Rouge ‘Shi Fu Mi’ (Anne Collard)
Sale Price $14.99 – $152.90 case of twelve
During this most recent heatwave, we have discovered a new favorite chillable red. The Shi Fu Mi is named after the Japanese term for 'rock, paper, scissors' and refers to the terroir, grape, and the human element in winemaking. It's Anne Collard's biodynamic blend of 90% Grenache (along with 8% Syrah and 2% Mourvèdre) from village-level Côtes du Rhône fruit. But because she wanted to play outside the strict rules of the Côtes du Rhône appellation, she was willing to have it relegated to a ‘Vin de France’ title. Regardless of its demotion and modest price, we find this juicy but structured red to be much more complex than a typical VdF. There is charming red plum and raspberry fruit and even a hint of cinnamon atop a ground cover of aromatic herbs. It’s the perfect refreshing red to bring to a BBQ or to elevate an easy meal of charcuterie and cheese.

Jesus Wept
2022 Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Rosso (Mastroberardino)
Sale Price $19.99 – $203.90 case of twelve
As Mount Etna erupts—and the wines continue to erupt in both popularity and price—we are looking towards Italy’s other volcanic wines for enjoyment and value. The dramatically named Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Rosso is made from Piedirosso grown in the volcanic soils below Vesuvius’ peak. Mastroberardino is credited with preserving and resurrecting (pun intended) many of Campania’s native grape varieties, the ancient Piedirosso among them. The 2022 has expressive cherry fruit laced with balsamic and minerals. With its lively tannins and juicy acidity it’s a natural choice for pizza.

No Halfway Vouvray
2022 Vouvray ‘Le Peu de la Moriette’ (Domaine Pichot)
Sale Price $14.99 – $152.90 case of twelve
Like Riesling grown on slate, Chenin Blanc planted in the chalky soils of Vouvray takes on a dramatic minerally flavor. Domaine Pichot keeps yields low and ferments this Vouvray in wooden barrels to enhance its aroma. This wine is off dry with a touch of residual sugar to add complexity to the minerality. A great match with charcuterie and salads.

Greco
2021 Greco di Tufo (Ciro Picariello)
Sale Price $21.99 – $224.30 case of twelve
Eponymous Campanian producer Ciro Picariello only owns 12 hectares, most of which is planted to Fiano, so when he wanted to start producing Greco di Tufo he began renting an organic vineyard with soils rich in volcanic minerals, in which the Greco grape thrives. He continues to rent and farm the vineyard himself and makes his Greco di Tufo with the same care as his highly-acclaimed Fiano di Avellino. The 2021 is a rich and textured dry white with ripe orchard fruit, orange peel, and salted almond notes. Crisp acidity keeps Greco’s richness in check. We recently tasted the 2017 and it proved the wine has aging potential, developing more pronounced herbal and honey notes. Excellent with spaghetti ai frutti di mare.

Vinsobres
2020 Vinsobres (Château de Rouanne)
Sale Price $24.99 – $254.90 case of twelve
If this label looks familiar, it is because the historic Château de Rouanne estate is actually owned by Saint Cosme’s Barruol family as of 2019. Louis Barruol had purchased organic fruit from the Southern Rhône estate for years, so he was well aware of its quality. While Vinsobres lies to the north of Saint Cosme’s home village of Gigondas, the two enjoy similar ideal growing conditions thanks to cooling nightly winds caused by cold air descending from the Alps. The grapes (50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre) are grown on a single slope adjacent to the estate with iron-rich soils. This translates into a dense and powerful red packed with dark fruit, black olive, and licorice. We recommend a decant for this full-bodied and tannic red; with a little air and time the wine softens and reveals more generous fruit. A fine match for a pot roast.