Archer Roose Rose 3L Box ($32.99)
Coteaux d'Aix en Provence, France From the producer: "SPLENDORY WITHOUT SNOBBERY. With great ambition and an adventurous spirit, Archer Roose brings you artisan-quality wine in quite sensible packaging. So you can tickle your finer fancies while pinching a pretty penny. Our delightful Provence Rosé was sourced from a sustainble winery in Coteaux d'Aix en Provence. This delectable blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, and 20% Syrah is the answer to your "Rosé all day" fantasies. Cheers to looking at the world through glasses of Rosé." From me: This wine is light, fresh, and delicious. It exemplifies the mildly fruity, dry style of Aix wines quite nicely and at a great price (each box holds the equivalent of 4 bottles). There's every other boxed wine, and then there's Archer Roose. Quality for the money, wine enough for the crowd, and easy to take anywhere. What more could you want?
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Aimé Roquesante Rosé ($9.99)
Côtes de Provence, France From the producer (quite loosely translated by me!): "Aimé Roquesante presents a pretty amber rose color and delicate notes of red fruits. In the mouth it reveals fruity and smooth flavors, authentic to the vineyards of Provence. It will awaken your palate as an aperitif, or as an accompaniment to white meat, grilled foods, or charcuterie." From me: From the beautiful traditional style of the curvy bottle, to the lovely salmon hue of the wine, to the balance of fruit and garrigue, this Rosé overdelivers for the price. It exemplifies the Provençal style, and is a versatile pairing wine for summer cuisines. Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah. Place in the Sun Sauvignon Blanc ($10.99) Stellenbosch, South Africa From the producer: "We grow our wines in the rich biodiversity of the Western Cape which benefits from the influence of two seas, ancient soils and a magnificent floral kingdom. The grapes we source are from regions certified under the Fair Label Organisation (FLO) Standards which forms part of Fairtrade wine farm requirements. Our vision is to empower farm workers to uplift their communities, making for happy people and wines that reflect this joyful character. Colour: Bright with a lively green tint. Aroma: Upfront passion fruit and tropical notes. Palate: Crisp, well-balanced with ripe tropical flavours and hint of pineapple. Serve with green salads, fish and pasta dishes made without cream." From me: South African wines are, on the whole, wildly underappreciated. This Sauvignon Blanc is a great alternative to ones from New Zealand, especially if you want a lighter wine that has a little less acidity. Tropical fruit notes, rather than grapefruit, are dominant, and it has a clean finish. MAN Chenin Blanc ($10.99) Paarl, South Africa From the producer: "The Agter-Paarl area is the ideal region for growing Chenin Blanc and our farmers have the largest collection of old vine Chenin Blanc in the country. To do justice to the excellent bush vine (un-trellised) grapes, we only use free-run juice – we don't press the grape skins – and we leave the Chenin Blanc on its lees for three to four months before bottling for a richer, fuller mouthfeel. We call this our 'sweet and sour' wine - the acidity and sweetness are perfectly balanced. We've been told many times that this is a wine you taste and immediately love - and who are we to disagree? Ideal growing conditions, very special vines and of course our attention to detail in the winemaking create a mouth-watering Chenin Blanc with intense tropical fruit flavours offset by a vibrant acidity. A versatile option for almost any dish - especially spicy Thai curries, Mediterranean tapas and rich seafood dishes. Great on its own too!" From me: Another gem from South Africa, this wine comes from a little farther north than Place in the Sun. Because of the lees aging, it has a little bit of body, but the acidity keeps it fresh and light. I've noticed that Chenin Blancs from South Africa are less fruit-driven than ones from northern France, and have a nice balance of tartness. This is a well-made and delicious wine that represents excellent value for money. Maison Nicolas Malbec ($8.99)
Cahors From the distributor: "Nicolas Malbec is a magnificent deep red color wine with just a hint of violet. The nose is intense and deliciously fruity. This is ripe and fleshy with boysenberry and dark cacao notes. Its long finish hints at tobacco and flint. Toasty and stays very solid. A great match for poultry, a good, juicy pork cutlet, red meats, duck and mature cheeses." From me: Although popularly associated with Argentinian wine making, Malbec was one of the original six grapes allowed in the Bordeaux blend. In 1956 a bad frost killed off most of the Malbec in that area, and although it affected Cahors as well, vines were replanted there. It does well in the southwestern French climate, and produces a slightly lighter and more subtle wine than those made in Argentina. This is a great go-to and versatile red at a very affordable price. Château Briot Bordeaux ($12.99) Bordeaux From the producer: "Imagine a country lane passing through woods that are perfect for hunting and mushroom picking, a lake with a couple of fishermen, and of course vines covering the gentle slopes to complete this idyllic countryside scenery. This is Château Briot, a peaceful haven at the heart of Entre-Deux-Mers, carefully preserved by our family since 1980. Ageing : Ageing in oak barrels and stainless steels vats Average annual production : 300 000 bottles Colour : Dark garnet Nose : Pleasant red berry aromas, with a hint of fresh walnut and toasted vanilla Mouth : Fresh, well-rounded and fruit driven, with an elegant, soft tannic structure. Good length Food pairings : Delicatessen, tapas, red meat, white meat, cheeses" From me: This is a wonderful entry-level Bordeaux at a great price. If you've never had Bordeaux, it will give you a good idea of the general style. If you are an experienced Bordeaux-drinker, it can be an everyday alternative to more expensive wines from the smaller appellations. Côté Mas Crémant de Limoux ($17.99) Languedoc From the distributor: "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. 60% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin Blanc, 10% Pinot Noir, 10% Mauzac Grapes undergo fermentation in stainless steel vats to create the base wine. After primary fermentation, “Liqueur de Tirage”, a blend of sugar and yeast, is added to the juice a few hours before bottling. A second fermentation then takes place in the bottle, which lasts about 3 weeks. The bottles are then gradually turned upside down in order to gather the lees in the neck of the bottle. After one year of ageing “sur pointe”, the bottles are chilled (to freeze the lees) and opened. The lees are expelled and the “Liqueur de Dosage” is added. The bottle is then sealed and released after twelve months of ageing. Color Pale yellow with delicate and persistent bubbles. Bouquet An intense and refined nose of honey, acacia and crystallized lemon. Taste A harmonious palate of citrus fruits. A great balance of sugar and acidity with a long finish." From me: Made in the "methode traditionnelle" from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, this wine is a very affordable alternative to Champagne. The Chenin Blanc gives it a slightly fresher flavor with a bit more acidity, but the bubbles are small and plentiful. This is my bubbly of choice. Tablelands Sauvignon Blanc ($12.50)
Martinborough, New Zealand From the producer: "The East Coast appellation Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of grapes grown in Martinborough and Hawkes Bay. The combination of the rich yet zingy Martinborough fruit and more refined Hawkes Bay fruit leads to a wine that has amazing drinkability with the richness of stone fruit, highlights of peach and lime and underlying minerality." From me: I prefer Sauvignon Blanc that has less grapefruit on the palate, so this is one of my New Zealand go-to wines. It's almost a little savory, and the underlying citrus is just enough to give it some tang. The acid is nicely balanced, and the minerality keeps the body light and refreshing. Marlborough is the better-known production area, but I think Martinborough makes a more elegant wine. Robert Oatley Signature Series Shiraz ($14.99) McLaren Vale, Australia From the producer: "REGION NOTES: McLAREN VALE SOUTH AUSTRALIA We’ve been a fan of McLaren Vale Shiraz for many years now, yet have been keen to progress the traditional style, to wines with brighter fruit, less obvious alcohol and minimal reliance on oak. We’ve made a very accessible, well-loved style that’s a proven hit with fans of the variety. WINEMAKING NOTES We selected premium parcels of Shiraz from around the Blewitt Springs – Willunga area of southern McLaren Vale, where the hills run down to the ocean. Fermented on skins in a combination of open and closed fermenters and matured in French oak for 12-14 months. Enjoy now to 2023 TASTING NOTE Soft, fleshy-textured Shiraz displaying blueberries and spice, supple tannins and stylish French oak influence." From me: McLaren Vale, in South Australia, has a climate like the Mediterranean, which makes it perfect for growing grapes. Shiraz from the area tends to be ripe, bold, with spice, chocolate and dark berry notes. This wine is an excellent example of the style. Vandenberg "The Melee" ($15.99) Limestone Coast, Australia From the producer: "If there’s anything the Vandenberg family knows to be true, it’s that just as a smooth sea never made a sailor, a gentle terrain has never made a winemaker. In 1857, an intrepid young Dutchman took to the high seas as a merchant sailor in search of fortune, adventure and a better life. 10,000 miles and 88 days later, a terrible nor’westerly gale parted the 800-tonne Dutch vessel, from her anchor and dashed her against the rocks of South Australia’s Limestone Coast. Of the 23 strong crew, only nine made it ashore with their lives. Among them was Ari Vandenberg, a man of uncommon courage and tenacity. Soaked and chilled to the bone by the frigid Southern Ocean, Ari looked out at the wreck that had almost claimed his life and vowed he would tame this wild land and make his mark upon it. Four generations of grape growers and over 150 years later, Richie Vandenberg continues Ari’s legacy on the Limestone Coast, nurturing grapes from the soil to the bottle. Renowned as one of the toughest players in the Australian Football League, Richie’s grit and determination helped him captain the Hawthorn Football Club from 2005 until 2007. The Melee: Parcels of Shiraz and Cabernet are harvested separately and expertly blended. Aromas of mint, blackcurrants and dark plums jump out of the glass. Soft tannins, brooding black fruits, savoury spice and hints of the red earth this fruit was nurtured in, meld for a lingering finish and voluptuous mouth feel." From me: This blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Shiraz is big, bold, robust, and smooth. It features the best of both grapes, harmonizing well and creating a deeply fruity, nicely spiced, velvety wine. Gianni Gagliardo Fallegro Langhe Favorita ($16.99)
Piedmont, Italy From the producer: "Our family cultivates our own vineyards in the villages of La Morra, Barolo, Monforte, Serralunga and Monticello d'Alba, using the natural methods of integrated agriculture. We vinify and refine respecting the traditions, looking for finesse and elegance. Fallegro was born in 1974 and it’s one of the first wines made from Favorita grapes. It’s the Piemonte version of Vermentino grapes, the only one grown far from the sea in a continental climate which gives lot of character and makes it fresh and fragrant. Ideal as an aperitif and easily served with food." From me: A nearly forgotten grape, most Favorita grows on the left bank of the Tanaro River in northwestern Italy, but some, like in this wine, comes from the right bank. The wine is fruit-forward and smooth, with a medium body. It is very drinkable, though it will pair well with food, and in particular with hard cheeses. Gagliardo is the premier producer of Favorita. Shinn Estate Vineyards Red Blend ($15.99) Long Island--North Fork, New York From the producer: "Our winemaker strives not only to make the best wine but to make it at the best value. This red blend exemplifies a delicious everyday drinking wine that shows bright fruit and acidity with flavors and aromas of red cherries, licorice and spice making this red wine smooth, soft, and elegant." From me: I spent time last spring tasting wine on Long Island, and although I found most to be quite nice, the pricing was prohibitive. I was thrilled to find Shinn Red Blend because it's a good wine at a good price. It's almost impossible to find a Long Island red for under $20 that is also actually drinkable, so this is a bit of a gem. Shinn also practices sustainable, organic, and biodynamic farming. 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec. Bott-Geyl Points Cardinaux Métiss ($15.99) Alsace, France From the producer: "It is wishful thinking to suppose that you can significantly improve the intrinsic quality of the juice or of the wines during the vinification, or later: one can only try to retain the potential of the grapes. To go further in the search for the expression of aromas, fruit and terroir, we have adopted, in addition to organic culture, the principles of biodynamic agriculture. Formerly called Pinot d'Alsace. The fruit is elegant and complex, on the palate, it is broad and fresh. The broadness of this wine matches strong dishes. Designation: Alsace Contrôlée A blend of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Auxerrois, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir vinified as white wine Ageing potential: 5 to 8 years" From me: This is an unusual and elegant wine that possesses a touch of honey on the nose, while the palate suggests tropical fruit. The smooth, fuller body and complexity of this white really delights me. It's a beautiful wine that is unexpected and satisfying. Do check out the producer's website, as they have been very thorough in explaining their farming and winemaking processes. Viñátigo Gual ($25.99) Tenerife, Spain From the producer: "The Canary Islands is the only region in the world entirely exempt from the terrible phylloxera plague. As a result, all of the vineyards are ungrafted, allowing for a complete interaction between plant and soil, which in part, explains the marked minerality of the Canarian wines. Grape Variety: 100 % Gual Production: Fermentation in stainless steel at 16ºC, and aged on its fine lees in the same tank. Service and food pairing: Serve at 9ºC; combines with fish in sauce, white meats. Appearance: Straw-like yellow, clear and brilliant. Aroma: High aromatic intensity, smoky, jasmine, melon and tropical pineapple. Taste: Intense, extraordinarily buttery and persistent." From me: This is another geeky wine that I immediately fell in love with. While it certainly has the body of a wine aged on the lees, I'm not struck as much with its butteriness (totally a word) as with its salinity. It has a beautiful briney, green, floral character that is completely different from anything I've tasted. I think this would be brilliant with oysters and other seafood. Domaine Saint Préfert Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2014 ($43.99) Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France From the importer: "Isabel Ferrando’s reputation for outstanding wines has grown every vintage since her first release in 2003. She purchased Domaine Saint-Préfert from the Serre family, who was one of the first to estate-bottle in the appellation in the 1930’s; at that point, the domaine was 13.2 hectares, all in the Les Serres lieux-dit, south of the village of Châteauneuf. In 2004, she purchased more land and started making the 100% Grenache cuvée Colombis, primarily from the lieux-dit of Colombis, with sandy soil; she bottles this wine as Domaine Isabel Ferrando. Ferrando has always farmed organically. She has very old vines in her holdings: the Grenache vines average more than 70 years old, and she still has some of the original Mourvèdre that was planted in the 1920’s. Throughout each parcel, all thirteen varieties are co-planted, something that Henri Bonneau told her is, “the beginning of the complexity [of her wines.]” There is not a secret formula here to making great wines. Ferrando has a young team and she is open to new ideas; she relies on tradition without being trapped by it. Starting in the 2009 vintage, Isabel started working with whole-cluster fermentations (without added yeasts,) finding that it increased freshness in the wines and lowered alcohol, giving the wines vibrance. Aging happens in a mix of concrete and 600L used barrels for up to 18 months. We are truly excited to be working with Ferrando. From the youngest vines (30 years and younger) in the Serres lieux-dit, 85% Grenache, 5% Cinsault, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre. 100% whole-cluster fermentation." From me: I was very hesitant to bring a Châteauneuf to stock because while they are notoriously wonderful, they are also notoriously expensive. It took me a while to find one that is good value for the money, and that will be as delicious to drink immediately as it will be after several years in your wine rack. This is that wine. It is wonderfully expressive, with red fruit and herbal undertones balanced by a bit of spice, it is smooth and lasting on the palate. It is a slightly more delicate example of the style, but only insomuch that it doesn't overwhelm the palate with any extremes. In my opinion, this wine is worth every penny. |
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