Stadt Krems Gruner Veltliner $18.00Wine from the Kremstal hills of Austria. Amazing minerality with a body that is light, crisp, and dry. Lovely flavors of lemon, citrus and green apple. If you don't know this grape or have only had ones with little character, try this one for a game changer, this is a big favorite of the staff and one of the only wines that can pair with salad!
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 6 bottles)
In the northwest area of Piemonte lies the DOC Colline Novaresi, from where this wine hails. 100% Nebbiolo and 100% stainless steel fermentation. Bright red fruits, watermelon rind, grapefruit with a rustic quality indicative of Nebbiolo. Still a bit of structure that makes this wine a certified winner for the summer. (behind by 32 bottles)
What do we know about Portuguese wine? Not enough apparently! This rose is an excuse to better acquaint yourself with this country. Very feminine aromas of strawberry and pink mulberry. Bubblegum on the palate with the slightest bit of tannin to give this rose structure. Can we say patio pounder??!? (behind by 1 bottles)
So pretty. Brings a clear nose of Gimblett Gravels terroir beneath lush soft blue and black fruit with lovely violet and lavender notes. Palate is clean, balanced and very approachable. Just a hint of the Northern Rhone's meatiness but mostly bright fruit and enough acidity to hold it in check. Maybe the best NZ Syrah out there??
From 130+ yr old vines, and on original rootstock comes this remarkable Carignan. All native yeasts, no SO2 used during production means pure bright flavors of tart cherry, blueberry and unmistakeable juicy tang from carbonic maceration. Why spend $34 on wine.com?
From vineyards with a view of the bay comes this well balanced, lively and delicious Pinot Noir. A easy drinking, medium-bodied wine showing off some rare and black pepper spiced Hungarian oak to balance the raspberry aromas and flavors.
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.
