​Argillae Orvieto ($15.99)
Umbria, Italy
From the producer:
​"Orvieto is Umbria’s and one of Italy’s most famous white wines and Argillae wishes to pay homage to its regional tradition creating a fresh dry wine, with intense aromas of flowers, citrus and tropical fruits. Broad to the nose and persistent on the palate, this wine surprises with its elegance, its perfect balance between flower and fruit scents and its extraordinary freshness. 

Grechetto, Procanico, Malvasia, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Argillae Orvieto pairs beautifully with a delicate and refined cuisine. Try with grilled and baked fish, cous cous salads and pasta dishes."

From me:
This Orvieto is, for lack of a better way of saying it, a savory wine. The fruit is very subtle, and is balanced out by a mild salinity. The mouthfeel is smooth with a little weight, though the minerality keeps it from being too heavy. This is an excellent pairing wine for seafood. I find this much more appealing for its complexity.

Gouguenheim Extra Brut Rose of Malbec ($12.99)
Mendoza, Argentina
From  the producer:
"Our 98 acres vineyard is located over 3.600 feet above sea level. In a region of desert climate, dry and sunny, with 320 days of sun exposure a year and big temperature amplitude (over 16°C). Alluvial and sandy soils. Drip irrigation with water from the melted snow of the Andes Mountains. All these exceptional conditions allow a perfect ripening of the grapes providing our wines with vivid colors, good acidity and a good maturity of the tannins.

Delicate with red fruit aromas, predominantly of cherries and strawberries. Very fresh in the mouth, soft tones with equilibrated acidity. Small and brilliant bubbles."

From me:
This is a very unusual find: 100% sparkling Malbec rose. I was intrigued by the concept, and when I tasted it, I fell just a little in love. It is a beautifully delicate pink color, with small bubbles and a refreshing crispness. Malbec lends itself well to this style of wine, as the flavor is fruit-forward and yet very dry. Just a lovely wine.

​Benoit Gautier "Argilex" Dry Vouvray ($13.99)
Loire Valley
From me:
People often assume that Vouvray will be semi-sweet or sweet, but this is not always the case. This is Vouvray Sec, which means that it is dry. The residual sugar is at about .4%, which isn't the driest of white wines, but isn't close to off-dry (1% RS). What you do get is a lot of juicy fruit in this wine: pear, apple, and quince. The acidity keeps the wine bright on the palate. This pairs well with seafood, especially oysters and sushi. It can also be enjoyed as an aperitif.
100% Chenin Blanc

Joseph Burrier Mâcon-Fuissé ($16.99)
Burgundy
From the producer:
"Located in the south of Burgundy,the large Mâcon Blanc Villages Appellation covers more than 300 acres on 41 villages. The village of Fuissé counts more
than 20 ha of Mâcon Villages that can claim the rare appellation of
Mâcon Fuissé. Fuissé is more known for its Pouilly Fuissé production. Joseph Burrier vinifies about 1,5 ha of Mâcon Fuissé grapes coming from the cirque
heights surrounding the village. Here, the altitude situation (350m) of the rocky, clayey and calcareous soils, demand to be patient before harvesting. These ‘Terroirs’ give mineral wines with a lot of character.
Average annual production: 10 000 bottles.

The Mâcon Fuissé evokes the white flowers and fruits. The wine is rich, structured and well balanced in the mouth with a citrus finish. The best moment to drink this wine is within 3 years after bottling."

From me:
It is unusual to see a Mâcon-Fuissé, so this wine is novel for that reason, but what is really special about it is the quality for the price. This is 100% Chardonnay from Burgundy, rich on the palate with nice oak and just enough acidity to give it structure. The farming practices are organic, and the winemaking is low-intervention. To get all of those attributes in a wine under $20 is rare, so this is a real find. For those of you who love a California Chard with oak, I urge you to try this instead.

La Griveliere ​Côtes du Rhône ($8.99)
Rhone Valley
From the importer:
"Côtes du Rhône is overpopulated with Thrush birds, or Grive in French, that
devour the grapes in the vineyards when ripe.

Tasting Notes: Well-balanced with aromas of red fruits and spices and subtle hints of vanilla and earth. Rich, full-bodied and round in the mouth. The finish is long with mild tannins. Perfectly suited for everyday meals like simple grilled white and red meats or non-complicated pasta dishes.

Aging: 6 months in a combination of cement tanks & large oak casks, followed by 18 months in bottle
80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Carignan, 5% Mourvedre"

From me:
This is easily one of the best values in the store, and an excellent choice if you are just starting out with French wines, or if you want and everyday table wine. It is a solid entry-level Côtes du Rhône that drinks above its price, and it's a nice red wine for all seasons.

​Montinore "Borealis" ($14.50)
Willamette Valley, Oregon
From the producer:
"Mouthwatering and multi-dimensional, this perennial crowd pleaser is a blend of our favorite cool-climate whites: Gewürztraminer, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Gris and Riesling. Intensely aromatic, with a nose of tropical flowers, ripe kiwi and melon, the silky soft palate is brimming with rose petals, pink grapefruit, mango and white nectarine then finishes on a high, clean note of bright key lime."

From me:
This is an elegant and unique blend of Gewurztraminer, Muller-Thurgau, Riesling, and Pinot Gris made by Montinore Estate in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. The estate is Demeter Certified Biodynamic and Stellar Certified Organic. The wine is unusual and beautiful, waking every part of the palate and finishing very smoothly. The Pinot Gris grounds the blend, keeping it from being too acidic or too sweet. While there is some residual sugar, it doesn't come across the palate as anything other than ripe fruitiness. I highly recommend this wine, especially if you are making the transition from sweeter to drier wines.

Treana Blanc ($24.99)
Monterey, California
From the producer:
"The 2014 Treana Blanc is a beautifully complex wine. Pale gold in color, enticing fruit aromas of pineapple, guava and Mandarin orange are accentuated by floral notes of honeysuckle and citrus blossom. An intriguing yet subtle hint of crushed seashells adds to the complexity of the nose. On the palate, the entry is plush with a seductive, silky texture that complements the harmonious blend of tropical, citrus and stone fruit flavors that are softened by creamy vanilla, clove and nutmeg. The acid profile is mouthwatering, impeccably balanced and well integrated, while a kiss of minerality and a long vibrant finish rounds out this unique white blend.
45% Viognier, 45% Marsanne, 10% Roussanne"

From me:
Treana is one of the labels produced by Hope Family Wines, a family-owned wine company from the Central Coast of California. All of their wines are made from sustainably grown grapes, following best farming practices to ensure the health of the vines, and only using chemical intervention when absolutely necessary. The Treana Blanc is a Rhone style blend of Viognier, Marsanne, and Rousanne. Fruit forward and full bodied, it is a stunner of a wine. It's well-balanced, is smooth on the palate, and has a deliciously long finish. If you've never had a white blend before, this one is a great introduction.

Pisco Porton ($43.99)
Ica, Peru
From the producer:
"Like all good things, pisco began as an act of rebellion. In 1641, the King of Spain—Philip IV—imposed heavy taxes on all wine produced in Peru. In response, his new world subjects dodged the onerous tax by distilling the year’s grape harvest. In hand-forged copper vats nearly four centuries ago, a new white spirit was born and christened pisco, a reference to the Port of Pisco from where this new spirit was exported and which means ‘bird’ in the indigenous Quechua language. To this day, Peruvians call it their native spirit.
​
Pisco can boast what only a handful of other spirits enjoy: a Denomination of Origin. This means, quite simply, that all pisco must be made in a specific region and under the strictest of guidelines. All piscos are made in distilleries along the south western coast of Peru and must be distilled from any of eight specific aromatic and non-aromatic grape varietals: Quebranta, Negra Corriente, Mollar, Italia, Muscat, Albilla, Torontel and Uvina.
​
In its distillation, pisco must be made in small batches, crafted in traditional copper pot stills and left unaged or unaltered, meaning that not even water is added to the finished product. Pisco is distilled to proof, a rarity in a world where spirit makers distill to high alcohol levels and then add water to dilute to their desired proof.

Appearance: Crystal clear with medium viscosity.
Nose: Fresh and clea. Floral and fruity with hints of grapaes, vanilla, herbs, and pepper.
Palate: Full-bodied, creamy texture that becomes smooth and sweet. Hints of rich flavors, including cinnamon, orange blossom, and citrus.
Finish: Long, luxurious, and smooth."

From me:
This is the first Pisco I ever had, and it's by far my favorite. I enjoy sipping it neat, but it's wonderful in a cocktail. It's made in the same way that Grappa is, but I find Pisco much smoother, with a little bit of earthiness. The most famous way to drink it is in a Pisco Sour, but I love it in Next Door Kitchen's "Scarlet Glow." If you don't like Tequila, but want a spirit that is more robust than vodka, I highly recommend Pisco.

​Vera Vinho Verde ($10.99)
Minho, Portugal
From the distibutor:
"A joint effort by wine impresarios Rui Abecassis and Bruce Schneider, Vera Vinho Verde is one of our most exciting acquisitions in recent years. The wine is made at Casa do Valle by Luis Duarte, one of Portugal’s preeminent vignerons. Boasting zippy freshness over a base of minerality, this is surely the most “serious” Vinho Verde that we have encountered and one that will serve as a perfect thirst quencher through summer and beyond.
-60% Arinto, 30% Azal and 10% Loureiro
-From select blocks of Casa do Valle’s main estate vineyard
-The vines are between 10 and 15 years old
-The average elevation is 300 meters
-Soil is granitic sandy loam

Clean, lively flavors of lime, ripe pink and yellow grapefruit. Slight effervescence."

From me:
The first time I had Vinho Verde, I thought to myself, "what is happening in my mouth?" Its hint of effervescence and bright acidity just gives it a great "zing." This is perfect hot weather wine with enough mineral lift to make it truly thirst-quenching.

Colimoro Pinot Grigio ($13.50)
Alto Adige, Italy
From the producer:
"Winemaking:
Hand-harvested the first week of September during
the early morning hours. The grapes are gently
pressed and undergo a cold-soak in stainless steel
tanks. Fermentation takes place at low temperatures
over 10-15 days. Partial malolactic occurs. The wine
was fined with bentonite and lightly filtered before
bottling.
Aging:
2-3 weeks on a small amount of lees in stainless steel
tanks followed by 3 months in bottle

Tasting Notes:
Intense and clearly defined flavors of stone fruit such as pear and white peach. Ripe melon aromas are present. All are accented by elegant floral aromas of jasmine and honeysuckle. Full-bodied, with great balance, length, and Golden Delicious apple flavors on the finish.
Pour this wine for all occasions within 2-3 years of the vintage. Best with light fare such as salads, seafood, and creamy pasta dishes. Serve well-chilled."

From me:
This is the wine I sell instead of Santa Margherita; it's very similar in style, but I think this is better quality, and at half the price, it's a great buy. I like my Pinot Grigio to have a little more heft and character, which this does. Partial malolactic fermentation gives it body and richness, while the acidity keeps it fresh on the palate. This is great for sipping, but its robustness makes it versatile for pairing with light to medium fare.

Saveurs du Temps Rosé ($11.99)
Costières de Nîmes, France
From the producer:
"Intense nose of red fruit, raspberries, and blackberries. Ample and generous on the palate. Pairs well with white and grilled meats.
Grapes: 75% Grenache, 25% Syrah
Soil: colluvium clay and limestone
Age of Vines: 20 Years Old
Altitude: 80 m above sea level
Fermentation: cold maceration in stainless steel
Aging: in stainless steel
Production: 300,000 bottles per year"

From me:
This wine really appealed to me, in part because Costières de Nîmes wines are, in general, very good values for the quality, and because it's got a little more character than some of the other southern French rosés. The fruit from the Grenache is very strong, but the Syrah balances it out with some structure and dryness. This is a lovely wine to drink on its own, but it can stand up to a heartier meal as well. I daresay this is a year-round rosé.

​Vivanco White Rioja ($11.99)
Rioja, Spain
From the producer:
"Vivanco Viura-Tempranillo Blanco-Maturana Blanca. The first wine in Rioja, and in the whole world, to be made with this unique blend. Using traditional Viura as a basis and main variety (50%), the wine includes, for the first time, two minority grapes which are exclusive to Rioja: Tempranillo Blanco and Maturana Blanca. The three varieties come from estate-owned vineyards grown by the Vivanco family in different terroirs across Rioja.

GRAPE VARIETIES

50% VIURA: The main white grape variety grown in Rioja, it produces fruity wines with floral aromas and remarkable acidity, ideal for making both young and aged whites. Our Viura vineyards are located in Briones, Rioja Alta.

35% TEMPRANILLO BLANCO: This grape variety comes from a natural genetic mutation found in a single cane of a red Tempranillo vine, discovered in an old vineyard in Murillo de Río Leza (La Rioja) in 1988. It has a fruity, intense aroma of bananas, citrus fruit and tropical fruit with floral notes. It does not exist anywhere else in the world.

15% MATURANA BLANCA: It is the oldest grape variety to have a written record in Rioja, being mentioned in a text dating to 1622. Maturana Blanca wines are a greenish yellow, with fruity aromas of apples, bananas and citrus fruit underscored by grassy notes. It does not exist anywhere else in the world.
 
Tempranillo blanco and Maturana Blanca, an indigenous, minority white grapes that are exclusive to the DOCa Rioja. Bodegas Vivanco is a pioneer in the use of this grapes varieties, which gives this white wine a unique personality.

VINEYARDS
Estate-owned vineyards in Briones, Rioja Alta (Viura, Tempranillo blanco and Maturana blanca) with a marked Atlantic influence, and Tudelilla, Eastern Rioja, in a vineyard at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level in the Sierra Carbonera (Tempranillo blanco and Maturana blanca).

HARVEST
The Tempranillo blanco and Maturana blanca during the second week in September and Viura, at the end of the month. Picked by hand and taken in small crates. All the grapes are placed in a cold room for 24 hours before being processed on the sorting table.

VINIFICATION
Each grape variety is vinified separately. After a brief cold maceration of the whole grape clusters (between 10-12 hours), the free-run must is fermented in small stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures (12-15 °C) to retain its full varietal expression. The wines remain in contact with their lees in stainless steel tanks for 4 months to preserve the varietal aromas against oxidation and give them greater harmony and unctuousness in mouth.

THE BOTTLE
Our bottle is inspired in an original eighteenth-century bottle that is on exhibit at the Vivanco Museum of the Culture of Wine.

TASTING NOTES
Pale-yellow with green hues; clean and bright. To the nose it proves expressive, intense and complex, with aromas of citrus fruit, green apples and white peaches, underscored by elegant floral hints. Very fresh and well-balanced in the mouth, enticing one to drink and enjoy.

SERVING AND PAIRING
Serving temperature: 6-10 °C. Ideal for wine by the glass, as a standalone appetiser or with all types of tapas. It is a good choice to enjoy with mild rice dishes, all types of salads, white meats, cold creams, fish and shellfish."

From me:
If you've never had white Rioja, this is absolutely the one to try. From the shape of the bottle, to the labeling, to the wine itself, this is a gorgeous product. The unique blend of grapes lends a complexity that you will not find in other Riojas; you are truly getting an authentic taste of Spain with this wine.

Côté Mas Aurore Rosé ($15.99)
Languedoc, France
From the distributor:
VINEYARD
Clay and Limestone
Average yield:70 hl/ha

GRAPE VARIETIES
Grenache 50%, Cinsault 30%, Syrah 20%

PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES
The grapes were destemmed and each variety was vinified separately.
Gentle pressing occurred with a pneumatic press; only the free-run juice is
used for our Rosé. The fermentation occurred at 17°C in temperaturecontrolled
stainless steel for 3 weeks.
The wine was aged on its lees with regular stirring for 40 days in new coated
cement vats. During the ageing process we look at maintaining a maximum
fruit expression and concentration thanks to regular pumping-over.

DESCRIPTION
Pale salmon color. Complex nose with cherry and strawberry notes evolving
towards soft candied fruit. The palate is rich and smooth with ripe red fruits
and a well-balanced acidity.

ANALYSIS
Alc.: 12.5%

SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Best served with light dishes, salads or on its own as an aperitif. This wine
can be kept 2 to 3 years.

ABOUT DOMAINES PAUL MAS
Jean-Claude Mas has blazed the trail for premium winemaking in the
Languedoc region of the South of France. Since taking the helm of the
centuries-old Domaines Paul Mas in 2000, his driving mission has been to
use only premium quality grapes to craft superior wines with a modern, New
World flair. Above all else, this innovative, fourth-generation vintner strives
to make wines with authenticity and refinement, the end result of which is a
family of magnificently charming wines that burst with personality and
express their unique terroir."

From me:
This is another winner from Paul Mas--their wines consistently punch above their weight. The Aurore Rosé is a delicious, thirst-quenching, light and juicy wine that's perfect for a hot summer day. At $15.99 for a 1 L bottle, it's also a great deal!

Viña Maitia Aupa Pipeño ($12.99)
Maule, Chile
From the distributor:
"Frenchman David Marcel is the producer and winemaker of Aupa with his Chilean wife Loreto. Marcel comes from the French Basque Country and has been involved with wine in Chile for a long time. He was one of the first winemakers in Chile to succeed in the production of quality, craft Pipeño starting with the 2013 vintage. The combination of the traditional production method and the traditional grape varieties lead to a very unique, herbal, and quaffable wine that is an incredible value. Aupa!

Pipeño is the traditional method of winemaking in Chile, which dates back to the late 16th century. The Aupa Pipeño from Viña Maitia is an old school blend of 80% País (aka Mission/Listan Negro/Criolla Grande) and 20% Carignan from a 10 hectare, 120-year-old, dry farmed vineyard in the Maule Valley of Chile. This valley benefits from a Mediterranean-like climate where high temperatures in the summer are cooled by the breeze from the Humboldt Current in the Pacific Ocean. Pipeño is a very rustic wine, especially when produced with País, a sacramental grape which was the first grape planted in the Americas, brought here by the Spanish. The País grapes are removed from the clusters manually by being hit over a zaranda, a metal grid that acts as destemmer and press, to a traditional concrete vat, where a natural yeast fermentation takes place. The Carignan is fermented with whole clusters, and then the blend is aged briefly in concrete before bottling into flint glass at a 12.9% ABV with small amounts of sulfur."

From me:
You must try this wine. Period. It's not like anything you've had before, and it's a perfect summer red. It's great on its own, or pair with barbecued meats and veggies, hearty salads, or gazpacho. You can drink it at room temperature, but it's best with a little chill on it.

​YANKEE DISTILLERS BOURBON WHISKEY (750ml: $59.99/375ml: $34.99)
From the producer:
"Made from corn, rye, malted barley and smoked malt. Unmalted grain is 100% New York State origin. Sweet, simple corn and rich oak on the nose. On the palate, sweet corn gives way to peppery, spicy rye. Soft vanilla and faint smoke in the finish."

From me:
I love Bourbon, but I haven't found too many from New York that are worth the money. This one is. Yankee works "grain-to-glass," with a lot of care to make a high-quality product. Their Bourbon is smooth, but it possesses a nice bite of rye, making it versatile for sipping or crafting delicious cocktails.


YANKEE DISTILLERS RYE WHISKEY (750ml: $59.99/375ml: $34.99)
From the producer:
"Made from rye, wheat, and malted wheat. Unmalted grain is 100% New York State origin. Pepper on the nose, with faint honey underneath.  On the palate, spicy, peppery rye dances down through spicy cinnamon. Long, syrupy, sweet honey in the finish."

From me:
I also love Rye, and this is one of my favorites from New York. Round and elegant, it is a delight to drink neat. If you are going to mix it, though, it is outstanding as the base for a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned.

ELEVEN LAKES VODKA (750ml: $34.99/375ml: $19.99)
From the producer:
"Made from Finger Lakes wheat and malted wheat. Unmalted grain is 100% New York State origin. Soft grain on the nose. Flavorless.  Sweet, creamy mouthfeel.  Faint pepper in the finish."

From me:
This vodka is smooth and creamy! If I'm going to sip a vodka neat, this is the one I choose. It also makes a fantastic dry Martini. 

YANKEE DISTILLERS COLONIAL WHITE RUM (750ml: $26.99/375ml $15.99)
From the producer:
"Made from a blend of Caribbean and domestic molasses. Vanilla and butterscotch on the nose. Bright tropical notes shine through the rich, earthy flavor of the sugar cane. Long, creamy, butterscotch finish."

From me:
I don't drink rum very often, but what struck me about this one was how sippable it is. I wasn't expecting that from white rum, and I think it points to the quality of ingredients and distilling. It's a delicious spirit.

YANKEE DISTILLERS COLONIAL AMBER RUM (750ml: $34.99/375ml: $19.99)
From the producer:
"Made from a blend of Caribbean and domestic molasses. Aged in used Yankee Whiskey Barrels. Vanilla and butterscotch on the nose. Vanilla, caramel, and peppery spice dance on the palate. Creamy vanilla and spicy oak in the finish."

From me:
I do expect to be able to sip an amber rum, and I was not disappointed in this one. The age gives it some elegance and deepens the flavors. This rum is versatile: sip neat, blend with summer cocktails, add to hot cider or mulled wine!