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Sage Advice
Questionable wit & wisdom from the bottom of the bottle

June/July Sage Selection Bag

8/4/2023

1 Comment

 
​Tres Palacios Rosé
Chile

A vibrant Rosé of Cabernet Franc that is bursting with flavor. The Palacios family and winemaker Camilo Rahmer bring a zippy value from Maipo with their excellent Rosé. The Viña Tres Palacios winery and vineyards are located in the Cholqui sector of the Maipo Valley, 16 km (10 miles) from the city of Melipilla. Tres Palacios is the only winery in the Cholqui Valley and all of the wines are estate produced.


Domaine Migot Côtes de Toul Rosé NEW
France

The Mosel River begins in Alsace but spends most of its time running north through the Lorraine, the ignored little-brother of Alsace. This is the homeland of rosé, here called “Vin Gris.” For those looking for wines of finesse and delicacy, this is a thrilling region and there is no one better than the young Camille Migot: all hand-harvested, certified organic, all wild-yeast fermentations, NO chaptalization. SERIOUS. The Vin Gris is the calling card of the region, layered rosé that carries the nervous energy of the north.
Pinot Noir/Gamay


Escudo Real Vinho Verde
Portugal

A blend of 35% Loureiro (whose inviting, aromatic character dominates the blend), 35% Arinto, and 30% Trajadura. This is a textbook example of the style that has brought Vinho Verde to prominence: a kiss of residual sugar to balance out the crisp, Atlantic acidity, all enveloped in a comforting embrace of creamy petillance. 


Seehof Weissburgunder Trocken NEW
Germany

Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc)


Radley & Finch Alley Pack Chenin Blanc
South Africa

A good example of why Chenin has for a long time been the workhorse and favorite in South Africa but is now starting to be recognized all over for its versatility and brilliantly defined fruit flavors. Balancing white cereal and stone fruit with yellow citrus and hints of lifted spice. A firm favorite with fish and seafood on the grill and also a fine partner for fresh produce and pastas.


Lovely Lilly Pinot Noir NEW
Germany

This wine is a great introduction to German Pinot Noir. Its soft fruitiness makes it approachable, and the skillful winemaking reveals the grape's complexity. Perfect for summer BBQs, particularly with a little chill on it.
1 Comment

April/May Sage Selection Bag

5/26/2023

3 Comments

 
​April 2022


Botromagno Rosé di Lulu
Italy

A very distinctive terroir, consisting of sandy soils of extremely low fertility; the vines must suffer to survive here, and they yield clusters that are few but extraordinarily rich. Rosé di Lulu, a deep pink in appearance, is firmly structured and with an unmistakable personality, one of the iconic wines of Puglia, the region that was first to achieve international success for this difficult to make wine style.
100% Nero di Troia
Appearance: A luminous, light pink.
Bouquet: Complex and full fruited, with nuances of liqueur cherries and mulberries.
Palate: Rich, alluring, multi-layered.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Salami, medium-aged cheeses, lamb stews.


Grape Abduction Company Rosé NEW
Slovenia

Grape: Žametna Črnina

Darker pink color bursting with notes of ripe wild berries, wild strawberries, and a hint of violet. On the palate, the wine is round, fruity, with a refreshing acidity after the mid-palate that carries the red fruit aromas to a long and smooth finish. Enjoy on any hot day (or not), on any occasion, by itself or with light fare.


Casa Bollen Sauvignon Blanc
Chile

Fresh, light, dry, and lively—this wine is as delicious and refreshing as it is elegant! Born of the gravely, mineral-rich soil of the Leyda Valley, this wine is everything we love about Chilean Sauvignon Blanc. Expressive with light tropical fruits of pink grapefruit, pineapple, and a hint of lime, this wine has a light body with a lengthy, mouth-watering finish. Perfect for warm evenings with friends or sunny days in the park, it’s a friendly wine that goes along well with a variety of foods and festivities!


Aslina Chardonnay NEW
South Africa

A deep, robust Chardonnay with notes of honey on the nose. The partial wooding gives this wine a unique edge while highlighting the stunning tropical fruit and limy character. On the palate, this Chardonnay offers a lingering finish and a mild buttery flavor, with undertones of vanilla and honeybush tea.


Ca'Viola Dolcetto d'Alba
Italy

The color is a very intense ruby-purple red. The nose expresses a complex floral and fruity bouquet, with notes of fresh hay, violets, currants and black cherry in the foreground. The mouth entry is firm and denotes excellent body, which is never at the expense of drinkability. Long and harmonious on the finish reminiscent of fruit.

*Open at least 30 minutes prior to serving*


Charles & Charles "Daisy" Cabernet Sauvignon 
Washington

75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah
Varietals fermented with native yeast. Wines were combined into older barrels for 9 months. Blackberries, violets, cassis, tobacco, and forest floor dominate this full-bodied majority Cabernet Sauvignon wine, with a purity and balance between decadence and structure.


3 Comments

February/March Sage Selection Bag

4/7/2023

2 Comments

 

Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan "La Vie" Rosé NEW
Germany

Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

A selection of vineyards and three red varieties are chosen for this aromatic and vibrant rosé. The grapes are chilled immediately after harvest to avoid oxidation and ripeness. This wine initially drinks very fruit-forward before mellowing to an almost savory finish. A robust rosé for the colder months and a beautiful dark pink hue for Valentine's Day.


Vaiven Blanc de Noir 
Spain

100% Tempranillo
This is a memorable new take on Tempranillo, the nobel grape of Spain. What started as a whim in a spare tank and has turned into one of our most popular wines.

Bright yellow color with pearly iridescence at first sight. Red berry and passion fruit notes. Medium bodied and balanced, with a refreshing acidity.
This is a great wine for people who usually drink reds and want to get into whites, and its fuller body is nice this time of year. Biodynamic agriculture.


Les Garrigues Côtes du Rhône
France

60% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault

Named after the beautifully aromatic underbrush and scrub found all over the South of France, Les Garrigues is a delicious Cotes-du-Rhone bottled exclusively for Skurnik Wines. It is produced by a single, small domaine in the Cotes-du-Rhone appellation, and bottled according to our preferences. A blend of predominantly Grenache, Les Garrigues is always balanced, with juicy ripe fruit—never over-ripe, over-done, or overly alcoholic (a trait that sometimes mars wines entry level wines from this appellation). This is an honestly made, textured Côtes du Rhône that is wallet friendly. Fermented and aged in 50% cement, 50% stainless steel



JoMa Halligalli NEW
Austria

100% Zweigelt
Natural wine with little intervention--unfined and unfiltered, so appropriate for vegans. Fruit-forward and supple, this is an unusual, but very approachable example of the variety. 


Ixsir Altitudes Red NEW
Lebanon

35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Caladoc, 22% Syrah, 17% Tempranillo 

The name IXSIR derives from “Iksir”, the original Arabic word for “Elixir”, a word common to many languages, defining the purest form of all substances, a secret potion that grants eternal youth and love. The vision behind IXSIR is to reveal the best terroirs of Lebanon, some forgotten long since. Cultivated with respect to sustainable agriculture, IXSIR’s vineyards are spread in the mountains of Lebanon on clay-calcareous and limestone soil, from Batroun to Jezzine, benefiting from the unique microclimates Lebanon has to offer.
IXSIR’s vineyards culminate at an altitude of 1,800m, making them one of the highest in the Northern Hemisphere.

Fresh aroma of black and red fruits with a touch of oak. Smooth, delicate character that blends overtones of blackcurrant and blackberry. 
Open/decant 1 hour before serving.

​Saveurs du Temps Cabernet Cabernet Sauvignon
ItalyFrance

100% Cabernet Sauvignon
   Close to the Mediterranean sea and the Roman city of Nîmes, the vines are situated on a very healthy terroir thanks to dry, warm weather and a soil covered with rolled pebbles.  The 2,700 hectares of sustainably-farmed vineyard extend in a complete circle around the city of Nimes, the unique vineyards supply a diversity of exposures and microclimates. All of the principal Mediterranean grapes are grown and vinified in their state-of-the-art cellars, along with international favorites like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  The Saveurs du Temps range is a selection of their best parcels to get fresh, fruity and smooth wines whilst keeping a strong identity.

Bold red cherries and red licorice on the nose. Flavors of black pepper and chocolate with subtle notes of baking spice and grippy tannins.
**Open 30 minutes before enjoying**
​
2 Comments

Sage Selection Bag December 2022

2/3/2023

2 Comments

 
Côté Mas Crémant de Limoux  (Regular Bag)
France

60% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin Blanc, 10% Pinot Noir, 10% Mauzac

After primary fermentation, the “Liqueur de Tirage,” a blend of sugar and yeast, is added to the juice a few hours before bottling.

After one year of ageing, the lees are expelled and the “Liqueur de Dosage” is added and aged an additional twelve months

An intense and refined nose of honey, acacia and crystallized lemon lead way to a harmonious palate of citrus fruits and balanced acidity. An excellent aperitif that pairs well with all styles of cuisine.


Emile Paris Champagne (Holiday Bag) 
France

50% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, 20% Chardonnay

Nose: red fruits and toast flavors.
Mouth: Floral tastes first, then spicy, and final with citrus and almonds.
Fine and elegant cuvee made in the perfect respect of Champagne’s traditions. It gives to this Champagne authenticity and style.


Château Guilhem Chardonnay 2020
France

Completely de-stemmed grapes macerate at low temperature, to keep the maximum flavor. Aging 4 months on the lees. No oak aging.

 Golden, light yellow color. Aromas of white flowers and tropical fruits. Flavors of ripe white fruits. A fresh aftertaste, resulting in a blend of toasted brioche


Anthill Farms North Coast Pinot Noir (Holiday Bag) NEW
California

100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Makeup 45% 2019 ~ 25% 2020 ~ 30% 2021
Native Yeast fermentation. Aged in 25% new French oak

Moderately saturated ruby color leads into aromas of red cherry, black plum, apple skin and cinnamon. Lithe and textured, and a pure pleasure to drink.
Refined tannins and acids keep this gulpable blend balanced and inviting. Utterly delicious.


Cepas de Familia Malbec 2019 NEW
Argentina

100% Malbec aged 3 months in stainless steel

This wine has a good balance, with strong fruity aromas highlighting notes of plum and spice. Medium bodied with round, so tannins and a long, velvety finish. It pairs well with grilled red meat, stews and pastas.


Charles & Charles Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (Regular Bag) NEW
Washington

The Cabernet Sauvignon was de-stemmed and then fermented with native yeast, followed by the wine being on its skins for 35 days (fermentation being about half that time). We had access to some beautiful Goose Mountain Syrah that we thought would add complexity and spice. We fermented the Syrah with native yeast and whole cluster and blended it together with the Cabernet Sauvignon right before we blended and moved all the wine to old barrels. In the barrels, we were looking to soften and concentrate, not to add toast and vanilla thus the choice of used neutral barrels. The resulting wine has intense black currant, espresso, black olive, and dusty herbs with broad shouldered structure.


L.A. Cetto Petite Sirah 2018
Mexico

100% Petite Sirah
Appearance: Plum red of great intensity, clean, bright and with a violet rim.
Aroma: Freshly cut red fruits and an herbal touch of aromatic intensity; when the temperature rises, aromas of chocolate and vanilla appear.
Taste: Very pleasant to the palate, intense, fruity, complex and balanced.

Matches very well with Mexican gastronomy, red meats, and medium cheeses.


En Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2019 NEW
Argentina

90% Cabernet Franc 10% Malbec
Vinification: Wild yeast, with 28 days of maceration. 5 different harvest times (5 weeks between the first and the last one).
Aging : 15 months in 100-year-old foudre.

 Soft, rich, elegant, with dark fruit tones.
2 Comments

Sage Selection Bag 11.22

12/7/2022

0 Comments

 
​Dignitat Brut Cava (Regular Bag)
Spain

Organic sparkling wine from the Penedès.
Xarel·lo 34%, Macabeo 33%, Parellada 33%
Straw yellow color with green tones. Fine persistent bubbles. Bright appearance. Soft aging aroma with signs of flower and citrus. Vivacious in mouth compensated with elegance and equilibrium. Fresh, with low acidity, pleasant, balanced and a fine bubbling structure.
Drink as an aperitif or with appetizers.


Perrachon Cremant de Bourgogne (Holiday Bag) NEW
France

Traditional method sparkling 100% Chardonnay from Burgundy.
Bold, fresh nose, subtle palate with flowery notes, slightly lemony.
Drink as an aperitif or with appetizers.


Domaine Campu Vecchiu Rosé (Regular Bag)
France

Rosé from Corsica: 40% Sciaccarellu 30% Niellucciu 30% Grenache
Rich and round with a touch of acidity that brings freshness to the finish. To be enjoyed well chilled with white  meat or grilled fish.


Château Barbebelle Rosé (Holiday Bag)
France

This very Provençal rosé wine distinguishes itself by a good length on the palate, a strong fruity and floral, freshness and everything in sharpness.
Grenache 50 % Syrah 25 % Cinsault 25 %
Nose: Expressive, floral notes, rose, honeysuckle. Mouth: Nice length, raspberry, redcurrant, white fruits. 
Enoy as an aperitif, with salads, or with poultry.


Tsiakkas Xynisteri NEW
Cyprus

Our vines continue to be planted ungrafted, propagated from the cuttings of exceptional old vines coming from our own vineyards. Although the vineyards look less uniform and yields aren’t as efficient as they could be, this traditional practice offers a more sincere reflection of terroir and promotes healthier diversity among the plantation.
Aromas:   Nectarine, lime, grapefruit, honey
Pairing:   Green vegetables, poultry, seafood
This is a great wine for Sauvignon Blanc drinkers!


Albastrele Blanc de Cabernet
Moldova

Our Blanc de Cabernet, a white wine made from gently pressed red Cabernet Sauvignon, is a pale gold with green hints. The nose and palate display lively passionfruit, ripe peach and apricot aromas and flavors, with delicate citrus and sweet spice notes. We enjoy this wine chilled, served as an aperitif  and with a variety of dishes, such as roast chicken, grilled fish, and creamy risottos. 


Domaine du Clos du Fief Beaujolais-Villages
France

Traditional semi-carbonic winemaking of
whole berries with temperature control. Charming bright red color, with red berries aroma, tannic and structured, honest in the mouth, ending with a mineral note. It can be called a Beaujolais-Villages fit for ageing. To drink within 3 years. This is a character-rich, expressive Gamay from just outside of Beaujolais’ band of “cru” villages. Certainly one of the finest values for serious quality anywhere; floral, aromatic and full of intensely layered red fruits. Pinot Noir lovers should love this.


Beaumirail Vacqueyras NEW
France

From the southern Rhône Valley, this is a robust and full-bodied wine.
63% Grenache 24% Syrah 13% Mourvedre and Cinsault
Maturation in steel tank
A magnificent red color with deep purple accents. Notes of blackberries, blackcurrant and black cherries. Delicate and integrated tannins. Its aromatic finale starts with spicy noted of nutmeg and clove, then develops a subtle perfume of violets.
Pair with stews, meats, and slightly spicy dishes.
0 Comments

Sage Selection Bag 10.22

11/3/2022

0 Comments

 
October 2022:

Bodega DiamAndes Rosado
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.

Domaine de Stricou Incipio Carignan Blanc NEW
Languedoc, France

Incipio displays notes of verbena and jasmine on the nose followed by perfectly ripe white peach notes.
On the palate the wine is rich yet fresh and vibrant with nice salinity, ocean spray and a
touch of mint.
 

Farina Lugana NEW 
Verona, Italy

Straw yellow with greenish shades. Elegant and fresh, it reminds of wild flowers, mini mum flowers and linden, which evolve in apricot and white flesh fruits, delicate, smooth, sapid and very harmonic. Ideal with fish, white meats and soft cheeses. An excellent aperitif.

Salcheto Chianti "Biskero" NEW
Tuscany, Italy

An easy drinking, everyday wine composed of Sangiovese (85%),
Canaiolo, Mammolo and Merlot. Part of this wine is matured in 300-liter American oak “tonneaux." Vintage 2021 has been characterized, once again, by intense climatic phenomenon such as frost and drought. Its wines are proposing a robust and intense experience.
Pair with fatty or cheesy dishes.

Undurraga Carmenere
Rapel Valley, Chile

This wine shows an attractive bright violet color. In its aroma ripe plums and confit figs mingle with a touch of mocha and tobacco. It is a fresh, tasty and juicy wine, full of soft and sweet tannins. It is a modern wine with perfect balance between fruit and wood, which brings complexity and elegance. Great choice to accompany spicy pasta and meat, soft cheeses and stews. Ideal with gratin eggplants.

Mad Fish Cabernet Sauvignon
Western Australia

The color is a rich deep ruby and leads you to an enticing nose brimming with succulent dark berry fruits supported by hints of raspberry, mocha, savory spice and rosemary. The palate offers great vibrancy and depth of flavor – black and blue berries, redcurrants, plum compote and roasted chestnuts mingle with alluring coffee and cocoa and a minty earthiness. Supple tannins allow this wide array of flavors to enliven and excite the mid palate and then linger on the finish.
0 Comments

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