​Bodegas Menade Verdejo  ($15.99)
Rueda, Spain

From the producer:
"At Menade we use no chemical treatments opting instead for a natural approach consisting for example of plant-based infusions (nettles, cinnamon…) or whey, which are kinder on the soil, plants and naturally occurring yeasts

In a similar way, the insect population that teams in our soils far from being our enemies are trusted allies that help us ward off pests. When a problem arises therefore – let us take the example of ladybirds and red spiders – we attract the latter by spraying the problem area diluted vanilla, and once they have feasted and done their job we re-spray with a diluted vinegar infusion which persuades them home to chill out in their ‘hotels’: a series of pollination gardens consisting of a profusion of aromatic plants where both insects and lizards co-exist in harmony.
 
All these measures play an important part in our wines, for not only do they taste good but they make you feel good and they are both allergen and histamine free.

100% Verdejo
Aromas of fresh herbs, fennel, anis and aromatic plants like lavender and thyme. Hints of citrus (green orange peel), lemon pie, grapefruit and chamomile flowers.
Harmonious on the palate, with a rich mouth filling texture. The long lingering flavours of grapefruit, lemon peel and mandarin are enhanced by a well balanced acidity."

From me:
This wine hits all of the notes I look for: excellent farming practices, natural yeast, indigenous grape variety, and beautiful flavor. I often sell this to Sauvignon Blanc drinkers who appreciate the citrus tones.

Famille Lieubeau "La Fruitiere" Folle Blanche  ($15.99)
Loire Valley, France

From the producer:
"With our team, and in harmony with nature, we care for the vines all year long, as the different seasons require. The desire to achieve the very best quality of fruit dictates our work, which includes short pruning, tilling, cover planting, trellising, leaf removal and sorting at harvest.

Our organic certification (AB) and sustainable farming certification (Terra Vitis) illustrate our commitment to biodiversity. Our daily actions are guided by observation. The weather station and vineyard mapping solution, which we have developed ourselves, give us a finer understanding of the terroirs and vintages, and allow us to adapt our winegrowing methods to each plot.

As a tribute to Joseph Gregoire, the first Lieubeau, who was left abandoned as an orphan in the porch of the hospital in Nantes in 1816, our emblem is a child wearing a hat, a symbol of family history and nature. The Folle Blanche variety is historic to the Nantes region. Planted near the Atlantic, it produces a lemony, saline and mineral wine that is ideal with oysters."

From me:
This wine comes from the mouth of the Loire River, just near the Atlantic coast. Its salty minerality and fresh citrus notes evoke the ocean breeze that blows through the vines. Unusual, fresh, and delicious!

Atance Bobal  ($13.99)
Valencia, Spain

From the producer:
"Atance is a venture from Bodegas Mustiguillo as they step outside of their small Vino de Pago of El Terrerazo and into the broader DO of Valencia. The commitment to quality remains the same as Bodegas Mustiguillo, offering remarkable value. In the late 1990’s, Toni Sarrion began a one man crusade to save the indigenous variety Bobal and coax it from obscurity and rusticity to the forefront of truly world class wines. Ever evolving and pushing the quality level forward, Toni and Bodegas Mustiguillo have been widely recognized as one of Spain’s best wineries, including Wine & Spirits Top 100 Wineries of 2012.

100% Bobal 
Organic viticulture and hand picked grapes from bush vines in Requena, specifically the Casa Segura estate vineyards with well drained, sandy soils. Vinification in stainless steel tanks and elevage in French oak foudre. 

PRESS | 91+ WA 'The 2020 ATANCE, pure Bobal from vines planted in 1975, fermented in 10,000-liter stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts at controlled temperature for a week and had a short maceration. The wine matured in 8,000-liter French oak vats for three months. This feels really harmonious, serious, nuanced and elegant, with subtle aromas and great balance and length.' - Luis Gutierrez"

From me: 
I'm always interested in the revival of forgotten grapes. This Bobal is delicate, lighter in body, with elegant notes of red fruits. A great option for Pinot Noir drinkers.

Amaro dell'Etna  ($34.99)
Sicily, Italy

From the producer:
"Our Amaro dell’Etna has its roots on the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily where more than twenty-six herbs and aromatic plants grow. Its special recipe embodies the volcanic nature of Sicilian soil and even after over one hundred years still conveys an authentic and traditional taste.

From its origins in 1901 to the present day our digestif has been enjoyed by lovers of good liqueurs and has been appreciated for its delicious spiced taste. Its authentic character is the result of the careful selection of unique ingredients based on a particular mixture of herbs and aromatic plants.

It excels as an after-dinner digestif or can be served as an aperitif with ice, soda and a slice of orange."

From me:
This is a bold and rich style of Amaro that is versatile; aside from the suggestions above, I like to use it in a Manhattan instead of sweet vermouth.

H. Blin Champagne Brut Tradition ($43.99)
Champagne, France

From the producer:

"Champagne H. BLIN is a union of vintner (Vincelles Cooperative) founded in 1947 by Henri BLIN and 28 other growers.

Located in Vincelles in Marne Valley (25 minutes west of Epernay and Reims), Champagne H. BLIN is known for its cuvees with a strong identity, crafted to express their unique character. These wines are based around the historic local grape variety, Pinot Meunier.

Our 110 hectares of vines, planted around Vincelles, are predominantly Pinot Meunier (70%), but we also grow Chardonnay (16%) and Pinot Noir (14%).

The Blend : 70% Meunier – 20% Chardonnay – 10% Pinot Noir

Ageing : 24 months minimum

Visual : A golden colour. Fine bubbles.

On the nose : Aromas of peach and apricot.

On the palate: : Rich and generous, the stone fruit aromas persist with freshness and balance."

Poderi Vaiot Arneis "Franco" ($17.99)
Piedmont, Italy

From the producer:

"Typical Piedmontese white wine, highly structured and pronounced.

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.

Our vineyards are proof of the environmental commitment that my brother Walter and I have at heart: here the grapes grow luxuriantly, among healthy rows surrounded by the wild herbs of the Roero.

Savory, Tansy, Chicory … many plants that grow on our lands, witnesses to the health and well-being of the soil.

All the treatments carried out in the vineyard are followed with the utmost care and attention. Most of the work is done manually in order to preserve the natural biodiversity of these lands."

Casale del Giglio Petit Verdot ($24.99)
Lazio, Italy

From the producer:
"As a child and young teenager the fields and lanes of the family estate, Casale del Giglio, were nothing more to Antonio Santarelli than a place where he could spend carefree weekends and indulge his budding passion for motorbike riding; but all that changed when he joined his father Dino in the family business. By then, a shrewd twenty-five year old, he knew instinctively that their unconventional land in the Agro Pontino valley, some 50 kms south of Rome, offered a unique opportunity to attempt something no one had ever attempted before.
 
The total lack of any vine growing tradition in the area meant that Antonio and his father could give free rein to their pioneering ideas. Some of the most famous ampelographers and university researchers of the day were convinced by these ideas and were inspired to join them in a research project which was launched in 1985 with the planting of close to 60 different experimental vines in Casale del Giglio’s soil.

100% very ripe Petit Verdot grapes.
During vinification both the ‘submerged cap’ technique and that of ‘punching down’ are adopted; the first is aimed principally at extracting the grape’s softer tannins, the second, its strong colour. Submerged cap fermentation extends over 15 days at a temperature which ranges from 26-28°C. This is followed by ‘délestage’ (rack and return) to further soften the tannins and stabilize the colour. After the new wine has been racked, a part of it undergoes malolactic fermentation in stainless steel, another part in wood. Once blended, the new wine spends from 8-12 months ‘in barrique’ and a further 6 in the bottle before leaving the winery.

This deep crimson wine displays an intense, lingering aroma of red berry fruit, cherry, myrtle and juniper. Elegant and full-bodied, with rich velvety tannins, the wine presents a spicy, white peppery finish."

Cotswolds Dry Gin ($42.99)
England

From the producer:
"Our award-winning Cotswolds Dry Gin is a delectable blend of nine carefully-considered botanicals, including local lavender from the Cotswolds and freshly peeled pink grapefruit and lime zest. Due to the unusually high volume of botanicals we use, our gin causes a beautiful pearlescent cloud to appear when ice or tonic is added. A juniper-led gin with fresh citrusy notes and a hint of lavender."

Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin ($37.99)
Spain

From the producer:
"Each bottle of Gin Mare is made at our distillery, a thirteenth century chapel located in an ancient fishing village between the Costa Brava and the Costa Dorada.

A wholehearted Mediterranean gin.

Every bottle of Gin Mare is unique. The acidity levels of our star ingredient, the arbequina olive, change every year. This means each and every distillation is a unique culinary work of art."

Botanicals: arbequina olive, rosemary, thyme, basil, juniper, orange, coriander, lemon, green cardamom

Wandering Bartender "Ghosted" White Negroni ($4.99)
New York

From the producer:
"Handcrafted cocktails--bottled. We combine our own bitters, syrups, and infusions with quality spirits to create original cocktails. Brooklyn-bred, industry-proven. We are bartenders, waiters, managers--and now owners--with decades of experience serving New York City. Every cocktail is handcrafted at our lab in Brooklyn.

Ghosted White Negroni: Our Bianco Amaro and Bianco Vermouth are crafted in house and paired beautifully with a crisp London dry gin."

123 Organic "Tres" Tequila Anejo ($68.99)
Mexico

From the producer:
"123 Organic Tequila represent Founder and Tequilero David Ravandi’s devotion to creating agave spirits that express terroir, complexity, and delicate floral aromas. From the moment the agave matures at the USDA and EU certified organic estates, 123 Organic Tequila rely on local master artisans and Ravandi’s acute attention to detail during every stage of production.

Ravandi’s pursuit of quality and commitment to sustainability extends to the packaging of 123 Organic Tequila Blanco (Uno), Reposado (Dos), Añejo (Tres), Extra Añejo (Diablito), all of which are bottled in hand- blown recycled glass and labeled with soy ink-printed, recycled paper labels depicting the spirits’ Mexican heritage.

On a morning when three brilliant roosters (tototl) greet the dawn with hopeful songs of renewal, mature agave plants at the hacienda are ready to be hand harvested and Organic Blanco tequila awakens from an eighteen-month slumber in white oak barrels to be reborn as Añejo (Tres) Tequila. Just as the rooster has long been a symbol of virility and power in Mexican folklore, the complex aromatic bouquet and deep golden hue of Añejo (Tres) Tequila are signs of its superior quality and lengthy aging."

Craneo Mezcal ($61.99)
Mexico

From the producer:
"INSPIRED BY THE CELEBRATION OF LIFE, Cráneo Organic Mezcal is a single estate artisanal mezcal handcrafted by local maestro mezcaleros and agave aficionado David Ravandi in the heartland of Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca. Honoring century old Mexican traditions, the sacred skull depicted on our label was inspired by the Aztec Goddess Mictecacihuatl 'Meek-teka-see-wahdl', the guardian of the bones, which symbolizes strength and influence. In turn, our artisanal mezcal derives its strength and character from agave espadin.

Classically structured on the nose with sweet barbecue smoke and hints of citrus, Cráneo is light and silky in body with flavors of orange and grapefruit peel, green banana, and spun sugar that punctuate a modestly-sweet smokiness. Cráneo Organic Mezcal begins with hand selecting 100% organic agave grown at 5,600 ft. Harvested when fully matured, charred pit oven roasted piñas are then crushed by a massive stone tahona to extract their sweet juice. Once natural fermentation occurs, small batches of Cráneo Organic Mezcal are distilled twice in copper pot stills capturing bold, complex flavors of agave, rich fermentation notes and smoke.

Dedicated to the preservation of ancient Oaxaca methods of artisanal distillation while sustaining the highest quality of production, founder David Ravandi combines the experience and respect of those who have produced the finest mezcal for generations with his own vision and passion."

Few American Whiskey ($45.99)
Illinois

From the producer:
"We start by hand-selecting a diverse and strong backcone of our award winning bourbon and rye whiskey. We then incorporate unexpected notes from a rich yet balanced malt whiskey that has been imbued with cherrywood smoke.

Approahable entry with graham cracker/honey on top and a savory rye spice below. Some tart cherry in the middle. A wisp of smoke rounds out the texture. Subtle white pepper and honey finish."

Dignitat Brut Cava ($13.99)
Catalonia, Spain
Organic Farming

"Grapes: Xarel·lo 34%, Macabeo 33%, Parellada 33%
Aging: 10 months

Tasting notes
Straw yellow colour with green tones. Fine persistent bubbles. Bright appearance. Soft aging aroma with signs of flower and citrics. Vivacious in mouth compensated with elegance and equilibrium. Fresh, with low acidity, pleasant, balanced and a fine bubbling structure.

Pairing
A perfect drink to enjoy desserts, sweets or some appetizers on a sunny day."

JB Neufeld Sauvignon Blanc ($19.99)
Yakima Valley, Washington
Sustainable Winemaking

"I made this wine for my wife. Brooke loves a nice crisp Sauvingon Blanc on a warm summer evening. She also moved from an island in the Puget Sound to the desert of Yakima to be with me. So, I asked Nikki McClure (an amazing PNW artist) to create a label that was reminiscent of the beaches Brooke grew up on.

100% Sauvignon Blanc

100% Schmidt Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. This vineyard is certified sustainable

Tasting Notes: lime, grass, green apple. Clean with juicy acidity."

Poderi Arcangelo Rosé ($15.99)
Tuscany, Italy
Organic Farming

​"Sangiovese 60% and 40% Canaiolo

Striking pink color which sometimes reaches purple hues. Bouquet of fresh fruits and red flowers. Vivacity, freshness and flavour make this wine easy
to drink at every opportunity."

Undurraga Carmenere ($14.99)
Chile
Sustainable Winemaking

​
28 Mile Gin ($39.99)
Highwood, Illinois
Organic Farming

Category: London style dry gin
Ingredients: 100% French Wheat GNS,
Botanicals are Juniper, Coriander, Sweet orange, Lemon, Cassia, Licorice root and Cardamon
Proof: 90
Distillation: Copper pot still
Aging: None
Filtration: Non-chill filtered
Farming: Certified Organic

This is a delightful gin, creamy in texture with fresh acidity. Flavors of Juniper with complex aromas of Christmas tree and fennel end in a
lingering, clean finish."

Bladnoch Vinaya Lowland Single Malt ($62.99)
Scotland

"Matured in a unique combination of 1st fill Bourbon and 1st fill Sherry casks for notes of fresh apple, sweet floral grass and hints of chocolate."

Heimat Nectarine Liqueur ($26.99)
New York
Local Ingredients

"Nectarine was never really on our radar until one year one of our partner farmers convinced us to try it. His father was the very first in the Hudson Valley to plant nectarines in the 1960s and the farm's nectarines have been highly sought after ever since. They are truly one of a kind and as soon as we tried them, given the amazing aroma and juicy profile, we knew it would make a very special liqueur. Fruity and bright on the palate with a lush body, almost hints of apricot, and a soft, lingering finish that will have you smacking your lips for more. 

Try it with: Gin, Bourbon, Vodka"

​Surrau Vermentino di Gallura "Limizzani" 2020 ($16.99)
Sardinia, Italy

From the producer:
"Gallura, a land of granite rocks and mistral winds on the northern end of the island of Sardinia, is home to some of the finest Vermentino made.  Limizzani is the name of a mystical site from the ancient Mediterranean civilizations that inhabited the region thousands of years ago.  From grapes sourced across all the estate vineyards, Limizzani is a fresh and pure Vermentino that embodies the essence of Gallura." 

From Wine Enthusiast Magazine:
"This savory, enticing white will transport you to the seaside thanks to aromas that recall Mediterranean brush, white spring wildflowers, a sea breeze and a warm, sandy beach. On the delicious palate, tangy acidity accompanies ripe white peach, lemon drop candy and saline."

L'Ecole Chenin Blanc 2019 ($19.99)
Yakima Valley, Washington

From the producer:
"L’Ecole N° 41 has produced this old vine, crisp and aromatic Vouvray-style Chenin Blanc since 1987.

Tasting Notes
This complex Chenin Blanc shows expressive citrus and stone fruit aromatics, with blood orange, Meyer lemon and white peach notes, offset by crisp pear and quince aromas. In the mouth, tropical flavors of gooseberry, kiwi, guava, and starfruit permeate through a vibrant finish."

Elizabeth Rose Pinot Noir 2020 ($24.99)
Napa Valley, California

From the producer:
"VINEYARD NOTES
Elizabeth Rose Pinot Noir is planted in our largest vineyard, Block House.
This 292-acre vineyard is positioned on the valley floor and experiences
a cooling effect from the San Pablo Bay breeze that is advantageous to the
growth and development of Pinot Noir. This wine is a blend of the Dijon and
Wente clones. Nearly 20% of Block House is dedicated to the production
of Pinot Noir.

WINEMAKER NOTES
A beautiful translucent ruby color, with lovely aromas of ripe cherry,
vanilla and rose petal along with rich earthy undertones. Beautifully
balanced on the palate with layers of red fruit; cherry, raspberry and
strawberry on the front and mid-palate then rounded out with savory
notes of forest floor, white truffle and spiced tea. Medium bodied
with a silky, smooth mouthfeel and nice acidity leads to a long round
finish making it the perfect pairing with your next meal or to simply
sip and enjoy!" ​

Leopold Brothers Summer Gin ($33.99)
Colorado

From the Producer:
"Inspired by the warm and lively feel of summertime, Todd Leopold conceived this citrus-forward and bright gin to be enjoyed throughout the season.

This gin draws on the warm climates from which its exceptional ingredients are harvested by hand: Spanish Blood Oranges for a rich sweetness, French Immortal Flowers and Juniper Berries for a cool and clean flavor, and Australian Lemon Myrtle for a fresh, citrus finish. Each ingredient is distilled individually to honor its distinctive flavors.

Released in small quantities during the summer, Leopold's Summer Gin complements its seasonal namesake in spirited form."

Calle 23 Tequila Criollo ($115.99)
Mexico

From thewhiskyexhange.com:
"A limited-edition Tequila from the pioneering Sophie Decobecq (biochemist and founder of Calle 23), which celebrates the birth of her son Abel. It is made solely from a type of blue agave known as criollos, which is smaller than the plants traditionally used and has a distinctive aroma. This innovative and unique spirit, of which only very small quantities are available, is a must-try for anyone who loves Tequila.

Calle 23 Criollo is presented in a hand-blown bottle and features a label rich in Mexican imagery. On the top left Mayahuel, the goddess of agave, is wearing a necklace bearing the letter A for Sophie's son Abel."

From me:
Grassy, bright, exquisite.

El Buho Mezcal Espadin 375ml ($21.99)
Mexico

From the producer:
​"While learning to cook traditional farm-to-table cuisine in 2007, NY-based Michelin star chef and mezcal connoisseur TJ Steele found the source provider for an excellent Espadin mezcal at the Don Isaac Distillery, owned and operated by the 5th generation Jimenez Mendez family.

The Jimenez Mendez family has made mezcal in copper pot stills for five generations and are currently teaching the sixth. Patriarch Octavio Jimenez Monterroza presides over each batch made by his children Jose Isaac, Beatriz and Octavio as the family works as a collective unit.

The flagship mezcal of El Buho’s line, the espadin has a light roast and smoke to its nose. Medium in body with pronounced notes of caramel, red apple and coffee, this espadin is perfect for cocktails or enjoyed on its own."

​Vignoble Couillaud Rosé 2020 ($12.99)
Loire Valley, France

This light and fruity 100% Gamay rosé shows how an extra year in the bottle really softens and rounds out the wine. It's great on its own or paired with lighter dishes such as salads or charcuterie.

Bodega DiamAndes Rosado 2021 ($13.99)
Uco Valley, Argentina

You don't see many 100% Malbec rosés in the market, so this is a novel wine. It has strawberry and mild citrus notes and quite a bit of structure on the palate; this is a rosé to pair with food, rather than to be enjoyed merely as an aperitif. It has enough character to stand up to BBQ, red meats, or fattier vegetarian dishes. Vegan-friendly wine.

Chateau Sainte-Marie Bordeaux Blanc 2020 ($15.99)
Bordeaux, France

This white wine is a typical Bordeaux blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, the latter of which softens the acidity and mellows the wine, as does stirring of the lees. White flowers and pink grapefruit come through on the palate, which is round and satisfying. Lovely on its own or paired with meaty fish, pork, or Caesar salad. Vegan-friendly wine.


Neleman Organic Vineyards "Nucli Blanc" & "Nucli Rainbow" 2020 ($16.99)
Valencia, Spain

These whites are both unusual and delicious. The Blanc is a blend of 70% Macabeo and 30% Sauvignon Blanc. It's light and fresh with a lemon and herbaceous quality balanced out with subtle salinity. Great alone or with salads, fish, or chicken.

The Rainbow is 60% Verdil and 40% Viognier. It has a little more body than the Blanc and a round mouthfeel. On the palate the citrus undertone gives way to stoniness and a hint of smoke. Just a brilliantly bonkers wine!

Both are vegan-friendly.


Chateau Ramafort Cru Bourgeois Médoc 2016 ($27.99)
Bordeaux, France

This is a left bank wine that's 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot. I don't carry a lot of Bordeaux, and even when the price increased last year, I kept this one. It has all of the robust fruit you would expect with a very satisfying earthiness to keep it balanced. I absolutely love this wine, and 2016 is an excellent vintage.

​Cuma Torrontés ($13.99)
Calchaquí Valley, Argentina
From the producer:
"Sourced entirely from estate vineyards high in Argentina’s northwest Andes. This extreme elevation lends itself perfectly to organic viticulture. Hot days, cool nights, lack of rainfall and a dry shallow soil allow for minimal human interference to the natural growth cycle of the vines.

Vinification: All organic practices are carried over from vineyard to winery where the wines are carefully handled throughout the entire vinification process. Cuma is produced to be drunk young, therefore little oak is used in the winery; instead the wines are aged at cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks in an effort to showcase their natural complexity and deep fruit flavors.

The Cuma Torrontés shows a bright green/yellow color, the wine has aromas of rose petals and hints of jasmine and orange skin. On the palate, the wine exhibits fresh and floral fruit with a refreshing, bracing acidity. The palate flavors include fresh peaches and a floral taste that is typical with this grape."

From me:
Torrontés is a wine that flies below most people's radar. When we think of Argentina, Malbec is the grape that comes to mine. Torrontés is the most widely planted white grape there, though, and the wines made from it are aromatic and most appealing when enjoyed young. Cuma comes from some of the highest elevations, and as such, the acidity keeps the fruit in check. This wine shows both fruit and floral notes.

Bodegas La Caña Albariño ($16.99)
Rías Baixas, Spain
From the producer:
"Jorge Ordóñez is the United States’ most important pioneer for the Albariño grape and D.O. Rias Baixas, as he was the first person to introduce this grape and region to the U.S. in 1991. Told he would never sell more than 100 cases of Albariño in New York City, he persevered, and now owns a winery in the Valley of Salnés, the best appellation of D.O. Rias Baixas.

Named for the straw-like canas (reeds or canes) that line the shores of the Atlantic inlets that carve into the granite coast of Galicia, the winery’s philosophy is to produce a traditional, authentic, and serious Albariño, in the style of the artisan wines that Ordóñez discovered when he first arrived in the appellation in 1991.

When Jorge first travelled to Rías Baixas, the D.O. did not officially exist. What he found was a rich culture of family viticulture and winemaking. Most families had small plots of Albariño planted on pergolas built with posts taken from the mother rock – granite. Most of this Albariño was fermented and aged on the lees in large chestnut foudres.

Viticulture:
Traditional dry farmed viticulture. Practicing organic pergola trained vines, cultivated completely by hand.

Hand-harvested and stored in small baskets. The grapes are sorted at the winery and pressed after a 12-hour cold soak, which helps prevent oxidation of the must and allows us to reduce the amount of SO2 used in winemaking. Destemmed and whole cluster pressing in a pneumatic press. Fermented 35% in 500L & 600L puncheons and demi-muids (second use through 12 vintages old), 65% in stainless steel. Sur lie ageing for eight months with bi-weekly battonage in both barrel and tank. The resulting profile of the wine is dominated by a saline, maritime, seaweedy quality that is balanced by rich flavors of ripe citrus. The saltiness is the result of the vineyards’ proximity to the ocean.

La Caña is a wine that Jorge Ordóñez and his winemaking team craft to demonstrate the potential that Albariño shows as a high quality, serious varietal. As Jorge was the first person to export this variety, he has a tremendous passion and appreciation for Albariño, and he decries the use of Albariño to make simplistic, mass-produced, and commerical wines.. La Caña demonstrates the complexity, intensity, and longevity Albariño can achieve when sourced from old vineyards and using serious winemaking practices."

From me:
If you haven't tried Albariño, this is the one to have first, as it's the most traditional in style. The salinity mentioned above is, in my experience, not so pronounced, but it gives a gentle balance to the fruit that comes through on the palate. This is an elegant, mellow wine that is a great alternative to unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

​Keush "Origins" Brut Sparkling ($23.99)
Khachik, Armenia
From the producer:
"Grapes sourced from Vayots Dzor province in Armenia. The vineyards are un-grafted, 60- 100 years old. Located between 1500- 1800m above sea level.

These are some of the highest elevation vineyards in the northern hemisphere, and at 1800 m, the highest elevation vineyards in the world that produce méthode traditionnelle.

Origins represents the perfect storm of limestone soil and volcanic rock growing idyllic crisp white grapes, ripened by sunlight from high elevation vineyards. A product born from a 6,000 – year- old viticulture history, Origins embodies the bold Armenian soul and its wine loving spirit.

Varieties
Voskehat 60% and Khatouni 40%

Ageing
Minimum 22 months on the lees

Voskehat, meaning ‘queen- berry’ thrives in high-altitude, rocky soils. It is known for its vine longevity, easily living up to 100 years. Voskehat is terroir-driven and a native to the Armenian land. It is known to produce elegance and acidity in wines. 

Khatouni, is a rare variety that grows well in the Vayots Dzor of Armenia. This variety is highly productive in the region’s terroir and is used to craft wines with a crisp, bright finish."

From me:
I have been eager to bring an Armenian wine into the shop, as that area of the world is where grapes were first cultivated to make wine. I tried this sparkler last week, and absolutely fell for it. It drinks super dry, but has an appealing mouthfeel and a beautiful crispness. I can't wait for you to try it!

Scarbolo "Cabernet" ($19.99)
Friuli, Italy
From the producer:
"Gino, a hardworking member of a tenant-farming family, was also responsible for the production of the wine of the estate on which the Scarbolo family lived. Over the seasons he learnt all about the strict rules of nature and gained full understanding of the magic behind winemaking.
Great enthusiasm and passion, in the fifties, Gino moved to Lauzacco with his family, where he had purchased his own fields and had decided to grow grapes among other crops. Indeed, he started producing wines which he sold locally in bulk, and started setting the foundations of the company as we know it today.

In 1982, Valter, who had grown up learning the dedication and passion for winegrowing from his dad, decided to study viticulture and oenology to continue the family business with a further qualitative leap: he planted his first vineyard inspired by the French school, which was characterized by narrow plant density and low yields, and began selling the wine in bottles rather than in bulk. Vintage after vintage, the vineyards grew in number and the Scarbolo brand took up the current profile. The traces of the tractor wheels left behind since 60 years ago, are continued by Valter and Maria Grazia together with Lara and Mattia, who have injected fresh energy and creativity into the family enterprise leading it to a new chapter.

'Logic viticulture,' a philosophy Valter Scarbolo has always followed in his vineyard management. Balance is the key element for the wellbeing of any living thing, including the vines, and any extreme situation undermines their health. This idea lies at the core of 'logic viticulture' which translates into choosing vineyard managing procedures that diminish intervening in the life of the vine. However, as the weather is not always the friendliest of allies, protecting the grapes, especially in the crucial moments of their development, is a logical choice.

It is logical to respect the environment. It is logical to be aware of our responsibilities today and the legacy we leave behind tomorrow. It is logical to preserve the quality of the grapes and make wine that expresses the territory it comes from.

The Cabernet variety was introduced into Friuli Venezia Giulia several decades ago and found a comfortable new home. It adapted very well, probably because it found itself on the same latitude of its original French region, but of course, as every land is different Cabernet from our region is unique in its own way.

Cabernet Franc 70%, Cabernet Sauvignon 30%

Aged in oak barrels for 10 months, then bottle aged for an additional four
months before release.

Aroma
Intense with notes of black pepper and raspberries.

Taste
Robust, full bodied with rich, jammy tannins. A perfect wine to pair with roasts, fatty meat, aged cheeses and savory pasta dishes."

From me:
This is the third wine I carry from Scarbolo, and that should tell you how highly I regard their products. I tasted this the other day, and was smitten. It drinks somewhere between a light Bordeaux and a Chinon, with a distinct black pepper balance to the raspberry tones. This is a delicious and unexpected wine from the north of Italy.

​Saracina Vineyards Malbec ($29.99)
Mendocino County, California
From the producer:

"Vineyards and Harvest Planted in 1999 and farmed organically from the outset, Skid Row Vineyard is the westernmost block on the Saracina Ranch, marked by black clay and gravelly soils at the base of the foothills. The plant material is the original Bordeaux clone 4. It is significant not for what it produces, but for what it doesn’t. It is the lowest yielding commercial Malbec clone available, and on our property typical yields are one and a half tons per acre. It produces concentrated fruit without the need to pick at ultra-high sugars.

The vineyard was named “Skid Row” for the tracks carved into the surrounding hillsides in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by donkeys dragging logs down to the vineyard site, where they were collected to fire the furnaces for hop barns in the course of making beer.

The harvest of 2016 was a winemaker’s dream, following replenishing, drought-ending rains and a long and even growing season.

Winemaking and Cooperage:
The grapes were harvested by hand, destemmed and gently fed into the fermenter with 50% whole berries. Native yeast fermentation began in earnest eight days later and was managed with two aerative pumpovers per day until dryness. The wine was drained directly into Taransaud barrels, 15% of which were new. Native malolactic fermentation was complete by early January. The wine rested on light lees for 19 months and was bottled on May 23, 2018.

Winemaker Alex MacGregor’s Comments:
ltra-deep garnet in color, this lovely California rendition of Malbec reveals black plum and blueberry fruits with a cedar note in the background. The palate is polished, with round tannins and great depth of flavor. Pair this wine year-round with a grilled peppery soy balsamic marinated steak and grilled portabella mushrooms."
​
From me:
This wine is outstanding. Most people think of Argentina when they think of Malbec, though the grape is originally French. Mendocino is a slightly cooler climate than its more famous California counterparts, but the low yield of this clone produces a rich flavor without high alcohol. This comes in at 13.5%, but the palate is bold and satisfying. I highly recommend this for people who love Malbecs and Cabs.