White

 

Kellerei Bolzano 2014 Müller Thurgau Eisacktaler—Last February, we hosted Klaus Sparer for an in store tasting of the wines of Cantina Bolzano, located in Alto Adige. It was fascinating to talk to him about the region, how the grapes are grown, where they are grown, local food, the cool alpine climate. The wines produced by this coop representing over 200 growers are of great quality and a great value. Müller Thurgau was developed in the Swiss Canton of Thurgau by Hermann Müller in 1882 as a crossing of Riesling and Madeleine Royale. The idea was to get the quality and aromatics of the former and the ease of growth and production of the latter. In the end, it's not quite Riesling, but a very tasty and food friendly wine. After harvest in mid September to October, the grapes are pressed and fermented in stainless steel. Aging also occurs in stainless to preserve the freshness and crispness of the wine. In the glass, look for a straw yellow color hints of green- the telltale sign of a cooler growing climate. Floral aromatics, with spice, tropical fruit, and citrus. These continue to the palate, with a dry, crisp medium body touched by minerality. All in, this is a great food friendly wine, a perfect accompaniment to vegetables and lighter fare. $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

 

Meritxell Pallejà 2012 'Nita' Priorat—Located in Catalonia in north eastern Spain, Priorat came to international attention the mid-1990's for their powerful red wines based on Grenache. The region is characterized by the unique terroir of black slate and quartz, know locally as llicorella. It is one of only two regions in Spain to qualify as DOCa, the highest level of wine region according to Spanish regulations. On the nose and palate, this wine is definitively Spanish. While Grenache of similar character is grown in other places, most notably the southern Rhone valley in France, Spanish examples always seem to have a place to them. Underneath the abundance of cherry, red fruit, spice, and fennel find the warm dusty baked earth present in so many Spanish Garnachas. On the palate find a continuance of the fruit, spice, and earth of the nose with a juicy food friendly acidity. $33.98

 

Flood Sta. Rita Hills 2013 Pinot Noir Black Label—After the Burgundy Festival in 2013, our owner, Master Sommelier Brett Zimmerman, spoke with Raj Parr about the idea of helping him produce a Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara.  Raj graciously helped to assemble a few barrels of Pinot Noir with the help of Sashi Moorman.  Similar in style the the  Sandhi wines, this ‘Black Label’ wine of Flood is a combination of four Sta. Rita Hills vineyard sources: Bent Rock, Rita’s Crown, Mount Carmel, and Wenzlau. The wine is fermented with 25% whole cluster for aromatics and elegance and then matured in 2-3 year old French Oak barrels for 12 months for added flavor and complexity.  Look for bright cherry, raspberry, and a touch of earth on the nose and a richer mouthfeel on the palate.  There were only 50 cases produced, so don’t miss this one! $45.98