​Archer Roose Rosé Spritz 4-pack Cans ($12.99)
New York
From the producer:
"We love our Rosé from Provence. But summer time activities are about more than just the perfect pairing. Crisp and refreshing, our Spritz Rosé is a lighter alternative. With less calories and half the buzz, its perfect for all summer session activities.

These sparkling delights are made from organic grapes, only ninety calories, gluten-free and vegan with only 6% ABV.

FLAVOR NOTES // Strawberries

REGION // Made in New York

VARIETALS // Grenache, Syrah and Uni Blanc"

From me:
Drinking all day? Want to drink something lighter, but with great flavor? Don't want to open a whole bottle? This is for you! These are delicious, single-serving cans that you can take anywhere and enjoy any time. 

Sprezza Bianco Vero Spritz Italiano 4-pack Cans ($15.99)
Seattle, Washington
From the producer:
"Stylishly Italian in design, these stunning cans offer a convenient and refreshing libation whether poolside, beachside, boatside or just relaxing at home. Both are naturally gluten free, low in sugar, low in calories and properly carbonated. SPREZZA is the perfect aperitivo at your fingertips anytime, anywhere.

SPECIFICATIONS: 250 ml | 5.2% Alc. by Vol

INGREDIENTS: Mancino Vermouth Bianco, Scrappy’s Bitters, mineral water, carbonation

TASTING NOTES: Dry, bubbly, refreshing. Floral alpine palate of angelica, chamomile, elderflower, gentian and mint. Finishing on notes of bitter orange, ginger and pink grapefruit peel. Properly carbonated.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Drink chilled directly from the can, pour over ice in a wine glass with a citrus peel, or mix with spirits to build exceptional long drinks."

From me:
Vermouth has become more popular in the U.S. recently, both as a cocktail ingredient and as a base for a spritz. Here the work is done for you! Sprezza Bianco is lightly herbal and faintly both bitter and sweet. I think the balance in flavor is outstanding.

Beach Juice Dry Rosé ($6.99/375ml Can)
California
From the producer:
"Beach Juice Rosé is not another wine in a can - it's a lifestyle. Beach Juice Rosé is; The feeling you get when your toes sink into the sand at the edge of the water. The smell of the fresh, crisp breeze when you’re lounging poolside, the delicious taste of summer when the warm sun kisses your skin.

No matter what you have planned, the colorful, playful can and classically crisp taste offer the chance to create memories that last a life-time.
Experience Beach Juice Rosé and live the beach life wherever the adventure leads."

From me:
Yeah, their explanation of this wine is kind of vague, huh? Here's what you need to know: the quality is solid, the wine is tasty, it's made in California, and after tasting a handful of rosés in a can, this is the one I liked the best.

Maine Craft Distilling Blueshine Lemonade 4-pack Cans ($13.99)
Portland, Maine
From the producer:
"Our Blueshine Lemonade features Maine Craft Distilling’s BLUESHINE Wild Maine Blueberry Liquor and Maine Craft’s Home-Made Lemonade.

7% Alc. by Vol. - 12 fl oz / 355 mL"

From me:
This is a refreshing cocktail-in-a-can that combines the acidity of real lemonade and the light sweetness of blueberries. I think this is very well made, and not overly sweet, but you can always add a little seltzer to it for an even lighter drink.

Freefall White Sangria (TBD not on sale yet)
Hudson Valley, NY
From the producer:
"Made in the Hudson Valley, this sassy blend of Seyval Blanc and Vidal Blanc is made entirely from New York grapes. Infused with fruits and jacked with spirits, this is a sangria that will transport you to your favorite place.

30 PROOF
VEGAN
GLUTEN FREE"

From me:
I already carry the red sangria from Freefall, so I wanted to pour this sample bottle and see what you all think. It's a little sweet, VERY tropically fruity, and it just screams "summer." Just like with the red, this can be enjoyed on its own or in a long list of cocktails that Freefall has lovingly printed up for your convenience. Try some and let me know what you think!

​de Bernard Cuvee Prestige Millesimato Prosecco ($13.99)
Veneto
From the producer:
"Tasting notes: very clear, pale straw-yellow tending to green, with a fine and persistent fizz.

The aroma is intense, persistent and fruity, exceptionally refined, with dominant notes of ripe golden apples and banana.

This medium sweet, fresh wine is pleasantly light and low in alcohol. It is also very soft and balanced with a long fruity finish.
Serving recommendations: best served at a temperature of 5-7°C, pouring immediately after removing the cork.

Recommended with: excellent as an aperitif. Goes well with fruits and delicate salty foods."

From me:
This is a bit unusual in that the producer is actually a Grappa specialist who also only makes Prosecco and no other wine. Though it has a little residual sugar, it still drinks fairly dry, and wow, does it go down easily! It's a nice example of a slightly more elegant Prosecco.

Terre del Fohn Müller Thurgau ($12.99)
Trentino
From the producer:
"Named after the grape variety form which it comes and which was bred by the Swiss researcher Doctor Hermann Müller in 1882. This is a white-grape variety which comes from the crossing of Riesling with Madeleine Royal. It is adaptable to the cold climate of mountain areas and ripens early. For these reasons cultivation is widespread in Trentino, where it has found an ideal habitat on the slopes at an altitude of 500-700 metres a.s.l. where the microclimate conveys special organoleptic qualities to a 'high-flying' wine.

TASTING NOTES
Colour: pale yellow with greenish tints. 
Bouquet: fruity and floral with notes of sage, slightly aromatic. 
Palate: dry and pleasantly acidulous.

FOOD MATCHING
Elegant starters, fish, first-courses with vegetable and seafood. It is exceptional as aperitif.
Well structured."

From me:
As most of you know, I like to introduce you to lesser-known wines, and this varietal is certainly one of them. This is a mineral, light, bright wine that has undertones of green fruit. It's tart, but has low acidity, so it's not cheek-puckering. If you like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, I suspect you will like this wine.

Goretti Grechetto ($17.99)
Umbria
From the producer:
"Goretti cellars have always been at the forefront of environmental protection.
Every business choice is inspired by obtaining the best quality of the grapes without undergoing excessive stress neither the vine plant nor the soil.

The cellars do not produce certified organic products but have always paid attention to the environmental impact that the winemaking production of companies can have, knowing that to make the difference of the products is the protection of their territories from which the vines are born and grow.
Environmental sustainability is therefore intended for Goretti wineries as the best way to transfer to a new generation a company and a territory that is not impoverished and excessively exploited but still rich in natural and human resources.

On 9th July 2013 the Goretti wineries received the Cifo prize “excellent footprints: sustainable agronomic techniques for a valuable viticulture”, dedicated to good environmental practices in the vineyard and in the cellar.

As evidence of the continuous search for innovation in respect of the environment, the cellars continue to invest in renewable energy through a photovoltaic system and operating in the local market with 100% electric means.

COLOUR 
light straw-yellow with faint greenish reflections

BOUQUET 
deep and elegant with fruit notes, in particular,
on the nose, are notes of pineapple, banana, yellow peach, Scotch broom flowers and almonds

TASTE 
fresh and full flavoured. Well-balanced with lingering
personality

HOW TO SERVE, SERVE WITH 
as an aperitif, excellent with many dishes, fish and white meat."

From me:
This is another new wine made from an indigenous Italian varietal. It is fresh with a little body and a distinctly fruity character. The acidity and minerality keep it lifted on the palate and the finish lingers. Sauv Blanc drinkers will especially appreciate this style of wine.

Cantina Frentana Cococciola ($14.99)
Abruzzo
From the producer:
"Many arms and many minds have allowed Cantina Frentana to be what it is. What we now know as Banca dei vigneti (Vineyards bank) was created from many years of shared knowledge: it’s an extraordinary resource thanks to which the cellar directly manages part of the vineyards, using organic techniques, in view of converting the whole production to organic cultivation with the passing of time. It’s a concrete commitment in defence of the greatest heritage of a cooperative company: those precious vineyards at risk of being abandoned because of the lack of generational turnover within farming families. Preserving the territory and the landscape, offering an occupational perspective to young people who want to stay in the countryside, but have little land at their disposal: Banca dei vigneti supports all of these activities.

Production and wine making:
A careful combination of the autochthonous Cococciola vine varieties, coming from selected vineyards on Frentana hills, allow us to obtain a slightly fizzy and scented wine. The winemaking is made by performing a controlled fermentation on early harvested grapes to better enhance the freshness and liveliness of this wine.

Features of the wine:
It is a rare autochthonous grape variety of the Frentana area in Abruzzo. Cococciola is cultivated using the Abruzzo pergola technique. The winemaking requires a soft pressing, fermentation and ageing on stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature. The color is pale straw yellow, with scents of white flowers, citrus and light spicy notes; on the palate it has a vibrant acidity and freshness, fruity notes with a delicate almond final aroma. It is a quaffable wine. To be served at 9-11°, highly recommended as aperitif wine and to start a lunch; it goes well with delicate fish dishes and fried vegetables."

From me:
As you might know, I love giving attention to indigenous (autochthonous) grapes, and this one is a standout. Try it if you like Pinot Grigio or if you like the Soave that I sell. It's a bit savory, but so drinkable!

Querciavalle Chianti Classico Riserva ($24.99)
Tuscany
From the producer:
"Since the year of the wine estate establishment in 1954, the Riserva Querciavalle has always been considered as one of the most representative wine of the Losi family’s production. Appreciated also by the most demanding customers for its excellent quality, this wine represents the real authentic expression of Chianti Classico appellation. 

Wine making: Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature lower than 27° for about 15-20 days, which is the average suitable time for extraction from the skin of colour, polyphenols, tannins and other typical features of Chianti Classico. After alcoholic fermentation, the wine is placed in cement-vitrified tanks for the second fermentation, until the malic acid gets totally exhausted. Only at this moment, the wine will be ready for ageing in wood Aging: 24-30 months in 53 hl Slavonian oak casks Refining: an additional rest in bottles for 3-6 months before merchandising further enhances Chianti Classico aromas and flavours. 
Bottles produced: 15,000 

Colour: brilliant deep ruby red, tending to garnet with aging
​Bouquet: intense, fine and charming, recalling ripen fruit, berries and vanilla;
Flavour: warm and harmonious; elegant noble tannins, dry, complex and with long-lasting finish
​Serving Suggestions: T-bone steak, lamb, wild boar and wild game"

From me:
The first time I tasted this wine, I didn't have strong feelings about it. Chianti is not my favorite, so I struggle a little with choosing which to sell in the shop. The second time I tried it, I was lucky enough to be dining with Francesco and Valeria Losi (daughter of the winemaking family and head of international sales). Over several courses we tried all of the brand's wines, and when I had the Chianti Riserva paired with food (specifically pork osso bucco), it was a revelation. It's no secret that a great pairing will bring out the best of the food and the wine, but this Chianti really demands to be enjoyed with a meal. You can appreciate it on its own, but a hearty, fatty, rich dish will really let it shine.

​Von Kisel Grüner Veltliner ($13.50)
Röschitz, Austria
From the producer:

TBD
​
From me:
Grüner Veltliner mostly comes from Austria, and is a great alternative to either Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. This one is very dry with green apple on the nose and stony lemon on the palate, undercut by white floral notes. It is a zesty and refreshing wine that is perfect as an aperitif. This wine was formerly branded as Von Donabaum, so this is the new vintage of the same wine, with new packaging.

Vignoble Francois Boyer Costières de Nîmes Rosé ($13.99)
Rhône Valley, France
From the producer:
"The origins of this estate can be traced back to the 13th Century, when the Cistercian monks of the Franquevaux Abbey discovered this ideal terroir in the French countryside and proceeded to clear the forest for planting vines and olive trees.

Francois Boyer and his sister Fanny represent the 4th generation of their family to run the winery and the vineyards, continuing the family tradition of making high quality wines and growing of the legacy of this great estate.

In 2009, François began converting the 51 Ha vineyard to organic farming. They are a certified organic estate dedicated to preserving the beauty and health of this unique terroir. They also use vegan winemaking practices and minimal sulfur in producing the wines.

60% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 10% Cinsault

Clear pale pink in color with a fine nose of peach, raspberries, red currants and pomelo. Lively and full on the palate with aromas of fresh red berries.
Refreshing and expressive with a clean finish."

From me:
This wine is more complex than many of the Provençal wines that have a similar blend of grapes and light pink hue, and it has a really elegant mouthfeel with a crisp finish. Light, but with a solid flavor profile that makes this less of a porch-pounder and more of a "sipper with a light meal." But I'm not going to tell you how to live your life. Just enjoy this wine!  

Poderi Vaiot "Franco" Arneis ($17.99)
Piedmont, Italy
From the producer:
"In 2001 after years of learning the family secrets from their father, Franco, Daniele and Walter Casetta began forging their own path in the wine world using their father’s vision as a guide. By studying, experimenting and combining passion with innovation, they have found a unique and distinctive style.

The vineyards and hills of the Roero where Poderi Vaiot is located stretch out as far as the eye can see, alternating with picturesque ravines, castles and old villages. This historic region of Piedmont straddles the provinces of Cuneo, Asti and Torino, and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014. 

The history of this area is inextricably linked to the important role played in its past by its namesake, the House of Roero, a noble family renowned as early as the XII century for its enterprise and power. The twenty-four small towns and villages which compose the region have remained almost unchanged and continue to live side-by-side, just as they did under the Roero family centuries ago.

Safeguarding this historic land and environment is important to Poderi Vaiot, where winegrowing traditions have always sought to establish equilibrium between man and nature. Treatments in the vineyard are limited as much as possible and carried out with the utmost care and attention. Most of the work is done by hand to preserve the land’s natural biodiversity. Many wild herbs grow in Poderi Vaiot’s estate vineyards. They are beneficial to the ecosystem and to health, and the intention is to protect them, rediscovering their uses and properties.

Fresh and delicate with fragrant chamomile and white peach on the nose. The palate follows through with flavors of lemon curd and pear balanced by vibrant acidity.

Grapes: 100% Arneis
Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation with ambient yeasts in stainless steel tanks
Aging: 6 months on the lees in stainless steel and 2 months in bottle
Production: 30,000 bottles per year

Appearance: deep straw yellow with green hues.
Nose: fresh, delicate and tempting with a well-balanced fragrance of chamomile and white flesh fruit, an indelible remembrance of this kind of grape.
Palate: smooth and pronounced, slightly sharp for a fresh and lingering wine.
Gastronomic matching: it is excellent with the typical Piedmontese starters, cooked with white meat too. However, it also accompanies fish and first dishes, prepared with vegetable sauces, very well."

From me:
Arneis is the Italian white that i never knew I needed until I tasted it. This is the second indigenous grape that I'm introducing to the store this summer, and I hope that you love it as much as I do. It's both elegant and refreshing, fruity and floral.

Tenute Rubino Negroamaro Rosato ($11.99)
Brindisi, Puglia, Italy
From the producer:
"Our heritage is made of the historical local varieties from Salento: Negroamaro, Primitivo and Susumaniello among black grapes, Malvasia between white ones (beside other international and ltalian varieties such as Chardonnay and Vermentino). Tenute Rubino has always cultivated its lands with respect towards the environmental sustainability. Nowadays Tenute Rubino is a company which deals with careful customers, aware of the values expressed by our brand in the production of quality wines from Salento. A single range of wines with many different approaches.

ALCOHOL LEVEL 12,5%
VINEYARDS LOCATION Brindisi
ALTITUDE OF VINEYARDS At sea level
AGEING 5-6 months in steel tanks
COLOUR Clear, intense and brilliant pink.
BOUQUET Pink and red flowers and fruits, roses to violets, cherries and blueberries.
TASTE Fresh, sapid, soft and pleasant.
CHARACTERISTICS Its attractive colour is validated by a soft, fresh taste and rounded off by a long and persistent finish.
FOOD MATCHES Focaccia and pink sauce canapés, friselle, pizza margherita, tomato-based first courses. It goes very well with stuffed squid, stewed octopus, roast veal and white meats."

From me:
I am a huge fan of this winery. Many of you have enjoyed their Oltreme Susumaniello, which is made from another indigenous grape. I admire their commitment to working with native varietals, so I'm thrilled to have this wine in the shop for the season. Negroamaro produces a rosato that is refreshing and drinkable, but that stands up to more substantial dishes. This might become your new favorite!

Domaine les Evigneaux Rasteau 2016 ($22.99)
Southern Rhône Valley, France
From the producer:
"Origin:
Benoit and Frederic Lavau have always been fans of Rasteau which became a cru in 2010, and they have been making it for many years. Because of their special fondness for these vineyards whose outstanding exposure they recognize and which they consider to be 'atypical,' they decided to acquire 10 ha in the appellation in 2014. their 12 plots are located in Rasteau’s most emblematic terroirs. these are ideal vineyards for their plans to create a wine capable of delivering all the complexity and power of this extraordinary AOC.

Terroirs:
The Syrah vines are planted in the gravel and clay soil of the Quaternary terraces of Bellerive. Located in the south of the appellation, these are sunny and early ripening, providing the vines with perfect growing conditions. The Grenaches are planted to the north in cooler soil, accentuating the variance between day and night time temperatures and thereby enhancing the colour and aromatic intensity of the varietal. the pebble and gravel soil mixed with complex clay allows constant, even drainage and water supply.

'The nose is complex and of great depth, a mixture of blackcurrant, raspberry and vanilla extract. The palate is meaty and develops its intensity and power across the entire length of the wine. The tannins are robust and well integrated, promising a spectacular result after 3 to 5 years’ cellar ageing (if you can wait that long!).'"

Blend: Grenache 50% Syrah 30% Carignan 10% Mourvèdre 5% Cinsault 5%

Ageing: 12 months in new 228L barrels"

From me:
I've never met a Southern Rhône wine that I didn't like, and if pressed I admit that the region is, globally, my favorite. Rasteau is an appellation with which I was unfamiliar, so I was eager to try this wine. The blend of grapes is typical to the larger region, but the soil and exposure lend unique traits. This Rasteau shows some boldness of flavor, but its complexity makes it compelling. It's a wine to contemplate for a bit as you taste it. You can certainly enjoy it now, but do consider buying a bottle to lay down for a couple of years.

​Domaine la Rocalière Classic Tavel ($19.99)
Rhône Valley, France
From the producer:
"Tavel, Lirac. The only two South Rhône wines located on the right bank.

Welcome to our home, in this tiny square where we have not yet found limits: the size of these terroirs, their richness, their beauty, the immense pleasure that we find there to design our wines and our desire to do the best. 

Welcome to Domaine la Rocalière, a family house of about 40 hectares established since 1995 in the heart of the Tavellois vineyards.

We cultivate season after season our commitment to organic farming, our commitment to our vineyards, the love of a job well done and passion for wine.

Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre:  The grapes have been vinified separately with great care, they each bring their typicality: Grenache brings bold and fruity; Cinsault finesse and length; Syrah and Mourvèdre finally, besides a beautiful color and flavors of red berries give slowly developing a long life to the wine.


In summer, our Tavel is enjoyed fresh as an aperitif. It goes well with white meats and fresh cheeses and particularly highlights the Provençal specialties (Brandade, tapenade, etc.), Provençal and Asian cuisine."

From me: 
The first thing you will notice is that this wine is very dark. There is a misunderstanding that dark roses are sweeter, but in fact it has nothing to do with sugar content, and everything to do with the kinds of grapes in the wine, and the length of skin contact during maceration. This wine is robust enough to pair with a variety of foods, but has enough character to savor it on its own. 

Awestruck "Lovestruck" Coconut Rosé Cider ($14.99)
Sidney, New York
From the producer:
"We are fanatical about crafting transcendent, awe-inspiring liquid. That's why we put it right on our labels. Each and every apple in our blends specifically loves you, and they’ve all come together to help improve your day.

We are a group of young people who believe in good work, good times and good cider. We are devoted to crafting complex, delicious hard ciders by blending fresh-pressed New York State apples with natural herbs, spices and ingenuity. At Awestruck we strive for innovation and creativity in crafting our ciders."

From me:
I don't usually like sweeter ciders, but this one had me at the first sip. Awestruck is great at making seemingly weird flavor combinations really work. In this case, there is a floral note (hibiscus) that offsets the sweetness of the cider, and the coconut is just strong enough to be really summery and delicious, but not too overpowering. I'm really impressed with this!