White

 

F.X. Barc 2013 Montlouis 'Clair de Lune’—The Complices de Loire wines are brand new to the Colorado market and F.X. Barc, the winemaker and proprietor will be here in May to launch his wines.  After many years of working at Domaine Charles Joguet, a top producer of Chinon, Francois Xavier started his own boutique negociant business in 2010 using his relationships to secure contracts with the finest grapes in the best appellations: St. Nicolas de Bourgeuil, Bourgeuil, Chinon, Saumur, Montlouis and Touraine. Montlouis is located just across the river from Vouvray in the Loire Valley and like Vouvray Chenin Blanc is the only variety allowed, not that they need or want to grow anything else, why would they when they are able to produce the most beautiful Chenin Blancs in the world? The harvest for this rare little dry white wine was done 100% by hand and there was some gentle oak usage but the flavors here are all Loire Chenin; pears, peaches, lemon oil and limestone. Very graceful on the palate with a flinty, bone dry finish. $25.98

 

Ingrid Groiss 2013 Gemischter-Satz—Passionate, emotional, and determined are three words that Ingrid chooses to describe herself when it comes to wine making. While going to school and pursuing other interests, she realized where her heart truly lie, and decided to carry on the family tradition of making fine wine. While not certified organic or biodynamic, she finds great importance in sustainable cultivation and preserving the natural environment through conscious land use. Gemischter-Satz translates to "mixed set", and is a designation used in Austria to indicate a field blend of many different grape varietals. Here we see 17 different grapes(Chardonnay, Müller Thurgau, Welschriesling, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Grauburgunder, Pinot Blanc, Malvasier, Neuburger, Zierfandler, Rotgipfler, Sämling, Roter Veltliner, Grauer Vöslauer, Hietl Rote, Weiße Vöslauer, and Silberweiße) whose vines average 50 years of age, producing a deep and complex wine. On the nose look for complex, ripe aromas of quince, yellow plum, citrus, tree fruit, and mineral. Find the same pure and lively fruit on the palate with a touch of apricot and a long and bright finish. $31.98

 

Venica & Venica 2014 Malvasia 'Petris'—Located in Fruili, Italy, this estate has been family owned since 1930. The vineyards are a patchwork in the surrounding hills, surrounded by forest and co-planted amidst fruit trees to create a organic, integrated, and sustainable take on agriculture.  This wine is 100% Malvasia Istriana, and the earliest record of this vine in the Istrian peninsula dates back to 1300.  The grapes are macerated at cool temperatures for 24 hours before pressing and fermentation, and 50% of the wine is fermented in large oak casks to add depth and complexity.  Fresh cut fruit and flowers dominate the aromatics and palate, with an added spice, orange jam, and a savory, earthy character on the finish.  Malvasia is an awesome but little known grape with a long history of making great wine! $47.98

 

 

Red

 

Ogier 2012 Syrah d'Ogier—Stephane Ogier is one of the finest producers in France right now, making wines from the Northern Rhône, and more specifically, Côte Rôtie. While this wine is not exactly Côte Rôtie, it is made with the same care and in the same facility as the top wines of this Domaine. Stephane is a young man who spends all day in the vineyards, and for those who have not visited the area we are talking about slopes that can exceed a 60% gradient. The Ogier red wines are based on the Syrah Grape, and offer amazing depth, polish, and balance. Syrah from the Northern Rhône is one of my favorite wines to suggest to customers who like Pinot Noir. These wines share a similar finesse to the wines of Burgundy and pair beautifully with grilled meats. $31.98

 

Descendientes de Palacios 2012 "Petalos" Bierzo—The Palacios family is famous throughout Rioja and Priorat for their full throttle reds.  This more unusual bottling comes from Bierzo, in the far Northwest and is from the indigenous mencia grape.  The Petalos is not unlike a Cabernet Franc, with black cherry and plum fruit, flowers and hint of fresh herbs. The estate is biodynamic and everything must be done by hand in these steep stony vineyards. $37.98

 

Domaine Parent 2012 Bourgogne Rouge—Domaine Parent, located in Pommard, in the heart of Côte d’Or, is today run by Anne Parent and her sister Catherine Fages-Parent, representing the 12th generation, and perpetuating a family tradition dating back to the 17th century. This regional wine is definitely a step up in quality from most.  The grapes are harvested by hand from flatter vineyards in the villages of Pommard and Volnay.  A strict sorting and examination of the fruit happens before turning it into wine to eliminate any over ripe or substandard grapes.  The idea is to treat this modest wine as if it were a great one.  "My father always considered that you have to look after your Bourgogne Pinot Noir as you do your Corton Grand Cru. It's essential to have the good quality on this first level, because it is the image. Yes," said Anne. A translucent ruby in the glass, look for the signature aromatics of red burgundy of tart cherry, strawberry, and rhubarb.  Beneath this find traces of the depth the region is known for- earth, mineral, wet leaves.  Fresh on the palate, the acidity provides a nice backbone to the wine.  I would suggest opening as soon as you sit down at the table to give the wine some time to breathe.  Enjoy it with later courses. $46.98