Terrapura Carmenere $12.00Lovely soft green pepper nose with mineral and an herbal touch blended with tobacco and flowers. Black fruits and dried figs on the nose combine with soft and juicy tannins and concentrated fresh fruit flavors. Fire up the BBQ and grill some steaks or Portobello mushrooms to eat alongside a glass. It would be great with Mexican food as well with its subtle spice notes.
My heavens! 50+ year old, organic Mencia vines from some of the highest vineyards in Bierzo. Subtle aromas of strawberry, pink grapefruit and white pepper play with clean river rock minerality touched by zesty key lime. Balance and finish are tied together with a vibrating acidity. Structured and executed like a world class ballerina doing flamenco. Sells out every year for good reason. Lighter than Provence, a different planet than White Zin. The only hard part is only opening one bottle at a time.
(Holding the #1 spot)
Sori Gramella refers to the one of the only single vineyard Moscatos, and Marco is the only producer to bottle this striking limestone amphitheater commercially. Once the 30 year old vines give up their bounty, and the grapes are harvested and pressed, they are kept in stainless steel at a low temperature to prevent fermentation until an order is received in order to provide the freshest wine possible. (behind by 11 bottles)
First lets say that this is Not ChocoVine. This wine is actually made with eighty five percent Merlot and than has natural chocolate cream added to the mix. This is the wine for anyone looking for sweet red or the chocolate lover at home. Great gift for the holidays. (behind by 13 bottles)
If you can't pronounce this grape don't worry! Neither can anyone else. Sweet berry and red fruits in this light, pretty wine from Hungary. Rich flavor with no bitter tannins. A great sweeter red that is a big seller here. Many folks feel its the only red wine for them! (behind by 4 bottles)
Wine geeks know of Gigondas and Vacqueras that show off Grenache like no other. Bordering both is Beaumes de Venise which is known for fortified Muscat. On a steep hillside (at 1500 ft!) twin sisters Sabine and Isabelle make this earthy, spicy blend of Grenache, Syrah and Counoise. A gorgeous wine.
This single vineyard, certified sustainable sav blanc shows lovely white flower, chili pepper, and gooseberry on the nose with some sandy mineralogy. Very nice weight and balance showing passion fruit, ripe apple flavors. Such a pleasant surprise is the roundness, the acid is lively and energetic but not abrasive.
Do you love Burgundy, but not the price tag attached to it? This spatburgunder from Baden gives you a stellar example of what pinot can be outside of France. Red fruits and floral notes accompanied by that earthy, forest floor, mushroom that Burgundy is known for. Beautifully balanced, definitely one that should have a place at your table.
Paying homage to Miquel Pons who has 77 harvests under his belt is this delicious Xarel·lo. Handpicked and aged in French barrels with generous lees treatment, this is Xarel-lo like none we ever had. Gorgeous earthy acidty wrapped in creamy texture and ample oak. If you are a Cali chard drinker, prepare to have your heart broken by this Spanish seductress!
