Last Week's Tasting Notes

Archer Roose Sauvignon Blanc 3L Box ($33.99)
Alternative to: Lugging around 4 bottles of wine
From the producer:
"Our crisp, unoaked Sauvignon Blanc tastes of summer nights. It’s a young wine from an old place – the volcanic heart of Chile’s historic Maule Valley. With a tropical nose and bright finish, this wine pairs beautifully with your favorite fresh produce, and a side of lively conversation."
From me:
I love this brand. The winery uses sustainable farming methods and fair labor practices, and the company supports a charity that helps rural entrepreneurs in South America and Africa. Aside from that, the wine is great. The Sauvignon Blanc is as crisp and bright as you'd want it to be, with a nice balance of fruit and acidity. It's perfect for summer days and nights, and there's enough to share with lots of friends! Check out Archer Roose's other products, too: a juicy, meaty Carménère and a bold and slightly spicy Cabernet.


Villa Pozzi Grillo ($7.99)
Alternative to: Pinot Grigio
From the Producer:
"Grillo is a classic Sicilian varietal and a symbol of the wine history of the island. In the past, Grillo had been used mainly as a blending grape, but as quality improved, it has progressed to a stand-alone varietal wine. Today, it is one of most recognized white wines in Sicily. With a straw yellow color, Villa Pozzi Grillo exhibits aromas of exotic and white flowers, while on the palate, it is fresh and fruity with notes of mango and pineapple. It is a medium bodied, well-balanced wine with delicate acidity and a persistent finish."  
From me:
Let's admit it: we all get into wine ruts. Pinot Grigio in the summer is one of the deepest, too. There's nothing wrong with Pinot Grigio, but beside the fact that there's a whole world of wine out there, there are a lot more whites to try from Italy, and Sicilian wines are where it's at! The Villa Pozzi line is sustainably farmed, well made, easy drinking, and very wallet-friendly. The Grillo is a tasty, medium-bodied white that is aromatic and fruity. It has a nice acidity, but it's a little fuller on the palate than Pinot Grigio. I like it with food or with a glass. 


​Secco Italian Bubbles Chardonnay Brut ($11.99)
Alternative to: Champagne or traditional Prosecco
From the producer:
"Grower-driven, vintage-dated, pure and fresh, Secco Italian Bubbles defines the 'dolce vita.' Growing up in Rome, Italy, Ginevra and Olivia Casa always had an infatuation for Prosecco. In 2010, after the change in laws pertaining to Prosecco production, the Casa sisters jumped on the opportunity to champion both the noble varietals and the growers of Chardonnay and created a new category of sparkling wine called Secco Italian Bubbles. Enter Charles Smith, Washington state’s rock star winemaker and fellow lover of Prosecco. 'Who can resist a big fat glass of cold Italian bubbles?' said Smith. And as Ginevra Casa advises, 'Drink Secco to celebrate everyday life!'
Classy and vibrant, with floral, melon and focused mineral notes. Bright on the palate like freshly-baked, warm scones. Very lively!"
From me:
Champagne is pricey! Sometimes you want something more budget-friendly for everyday drinking, and Prosecco is a great option. The main difference is that the secondary fermentation of Prosecco occurs in bulk, in stainless steel tanks, rather than in the bottle. This keeps the cost of production down, and it results in a wine that is best enjoyed young. The fresh, big bubbles also create a nicer effect in cocktails such as mimosas or Bellinis. Prosecco is traditionally made with a grape called Glera, so Secco Italian Bubbles is not a true Prosecco--it is merely made in that style. By using Chardonnay, the winemaker creates something with a little more robustness and body, whose flavor subtly nods to the brioche notes of a nice Champagne.